Under Xu Shu's leadership, naturally, the other soldiers had no objections. Likewise, they were filled with anticipation about entering the Eternal World. That was the true stage for the human race—their future. In the Nightmare World, death could strike at any moment. This realm was not a normal one; it would ultimately lead one to sink into oblivion, never able to escape for eternity.
The Eternal World was, understandably, a dream for these soldiers as well.
A vast number of soldiers filed through the Gate of Nightmare.
The energy consumed by the Gate while transporting these soldiers was astronomical. However, such expenditure was negligible compared to the total capacity of the Star Network—it could easily sustain it.
The teleportation was swift. Even with an army of hundreds of thousands, the transfer was completed in less than half an hour.
When the final soldier stepped through, Yi Tianxing turned and looked back at the Nightmare World. Countless dreamlike bubbles floated through the void, emitting fantastical colors. Layers of hazy mist spread around, giving the illusion of flowers blooming within the fog.
"The Nightmare World constantly breeds the Power of Nightmare. Unfortunately, this place is too mysterious and unpredictable—staying even a second longer could lead to unimaginable dangers. One moment you're an ant, the next you're a dragon."
Yi Tianxing shook his head slightly. This kind of place might suit cultivators seeking adventure, but not him. He was no longer unburdened. The Great Yi Dynasty, with its billions of human citizens, depended on him. Even if he didn't want to, he had to prioritize his own safety.
This realm was full of uncertainty.
There was no logic. No patterns.
"The gate leading out of the Nightmare World."
At that moment, a strange voice echoed from the void. Then, a pitch-black figure streaked across the air like a shooting star, hurtling toward the Gate of Nightmare without hesitation—clearly trying to break through it and escape from the Nightmare World.
Fast!
It was an extreme speed.
Its trajectory was nearly invisible to the naked eye. In the blink of an eye, it was already in front of the gate.
"You want to leave? Did you ask its owner—me?"
Yi Tianxing's expression changed. Without hesitation, he shut the Gate of Nightmare. The spatial tunnel within the gate closed instantly. The dark figure slammed into the sealed gate and passed right through it—but just like a phantom, it didn't escape the Nightmare World. The gate was shut. The passage to the Eternal World no longer existed. How could it pass through?
"You dare block me, boy? Then I'll catch you and force you to open it! Know this—you've angered me. I'll show you the meaning of fear and despair. You'll understand what it means to wish for death!"
The dark figure's voice was ice-cold.
Upon closer inspection, the figure was shrouded in black mist, giving off an eerie vibe. Its eyes flickered with ghostly light, chilling to the bone. One couldn't help but feel a creeping dread.
Clearly, it now harbored killing intent toward Yi Tianxing.
"We'll see who dies. I want to know what kind of creature you really are."
Yi Tianxing's gaze sharpened. His face turned frosty. He hadn't planned to stay in the Nightmare World long, but the sudden influx of soldiers must have attracted this strange being.
There was no doubt—this was a terrifying entity.
It radiated a lethal threat.
"Yin-Yang Chains, Suppress!!"
With a thought, black-and-white Yin-Yang Chains emerged like spirit serpents. They instantly appeared around the dark figure, ruthlessly binding and suppressing it. Nine chains in total locked down the surrounding void.
The power within them was immense.
These divine abilities, birthed from his Innate Yin-Yang Eyes, were all innate-level techniques. After years of refinement, each one could suppress even a Primordial Spirit realm expert. The laws of Yin and Yang within had grown increasingly potent.
Yin and Yang were among the highest natural laws of the universe.
The Yin-Yang Chains, acting as shackles, didn't just bind spirits—they evolved to suppress even true essence and divine souls. They could seal everything: true energy, divine soul, even dharma bodies and avatars.
Years of accumulation were now fully displayed, radiating a desperate power that seemed to lock down even the heavens.
"Powerful Yin-Yang Chains. But sadly, you can't seal me. You can't suppress me. I am Nightmare, a god of this world. In the Nightmare World, my kind are the supreme rulers—we are omnipotent!"
The black figure laughed softly. As the Yin-Yang Chains closed in, its body turned illusory. The chains passed through it harmlessly—as if it were nothing more than a mirage.
"You're a Nightmare."
Yi Tianxing's expression shifted.
He understood what that meant—a Nightmare was a devil of dreams, a terrifying Dream Fiend. In dreams, they were omnipotent, and they could manipulate dreams at will—even kill through dreams. One could die in reality exactly as they died in a dream.
Moreover, Nightmares were elusive. Dreams were illusions. Killing a Nightmare was nearly impossible unless one found its weakness. Most divine powers and spells could not truly harm them.
Especially within the Nightmare World, Nightmares were in their element—like fish in water, the favored sons of heaven.
Yi Tianxing had not expected to be targeted by such a being. It was a nightmare come to life.
"Now that you know who I am, open the gate and let me out."
The Nightmare sneered.
"Absolutely not."
Yi Tianxing refused flatly.
Some matters were negotiable—not this one. Letting a Nightmare into the Eternal World would be a global disaster. The carnage would be unimaginable, and the karmic backlash would fall largely on him. It would be suicidal.
"Then die!"
The Nightmare let out a chilling laugh. In a flash, it appeared before Yi Tianxing, a black claw reaching out with terrifying speed—clearly aiming to rip out his heart.
But Yi Tianxing's reflexes were equally swift. He sidestepped, dodging the fatal strike, but not entirely—his chest was raked, leaving a bloody gash.
"Kill!"
Yi Tianxing's cold voice rang out. At some point, a black ancient bell appeared in his hand. With a shake, a clear bell tone reverberated through the void.
DONG!!
The resounding chime spread like visible shockwaves. Where it passed, the mist dispersed. It slammed into the Nightmare.
The creature reeled back as if struck by lightning.
"What kind of bell is this?!"
The Nightmare cried out in alarm, looking battered.
This bell could harm it—an unbelievable feat.
"I'm ringing this bell for you."
Yi Tianxing replied coldly.
This was none other than the Soul-Shattering Bell. Nightmares were strange beings, but this bell was crafted to alert and awaken souls, and its power directly targeted the spiritual essence. As long as the Nightmare had consciousness and soul, it could be hurt by it.
However, this Nightmare was truly formidable.
Its body flickered between illusion and substance. Even the bell's sonic waves had only limited effect. It wasn't fatal. Still, it charged forward like a flash of lightning.
Yi Tianxing found it increasingly hard to cope. He was barely holding on, nearly decapitated or heart-gouged multiple times.
What was worse—the Nightmare could split into countless clones, filling the surroundings. The sight alone sent chills down his spine.
"If I don't fight you, you'll never get out."
Yi Tianxing seemed cornered.
In that moment, a pitch-black Gate of Nightmare appeared behind him. Without hesitation, he turned and darted toward it.
"Just what I've been waiting for."
The Nightmare grinned wickedly, letting out a piercing shriek.
Terror—boundless terror surged like a tidal wave, engulfing all of space. In that moment, it felt like every inch of the void was drowned in dread. The deepest fears in one's heart bubbled up uncontrollably, growing and spreading—warping the mind.
Nightmare – World of Fear!!
This was the Nightmare race's innate divine ability. Born from the fears and evil thoughts of all beings, they wielded the power to control and spread fear. In the face of fear, the Nightmare became invincible.
Even Yi Tianxing seemed stunned, his body freezing.
But at that moment, the Nightmare ignored him and lunged at the Gate of Nightmare. In its eyes, nothing existed but that portal. It had waited for this chance—and now it would seize its freedom.