Chapter 748: Secrets Within the Hall of Heavenly Secrets

While elders like Lian Baiping and Xuanjizi, with their long beards, remained relatively composed, many other cultivators from the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion nearby were in a worse state. Their composure had long since broken, and some were even trembling slightly.

Ji Yuan could no longer spare a thought for the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion members below the platform. As black and white energies continually spilled from and reconverged around the gateway, his entire focus was directed inward, toward what lay within.

As the grand gates of the Heavenly Arcana Hall slowly opened, the interior was not only filled with pervasive black and white energies, but also bathed in a seven-colored glow that enveloped every pillar and wall. Yet, to Ji Yuan's spiritual eye, it manifested in an entirely different form.

To Ji Yuan's perception, every element within the hall appeared as a unique, dynamic information state. While the changes themselves were regular, their presentation was utterly chaotic. This was because the seven-colored light filling the hall originated from these overlapping changes, with the jumbled light signaling a complete entanglement of the underlying information.

It was akin to countless drawings layered on a single piece of white paper, overlapping so many times that only a dense, undifferentiated color remained, making it impossible to discern any individual drawing.

However, the inability to discern individual drawings was not an issue. Ji Yuan knew at least that these were indeed drawings, numerous of them. If he could precisely filter out even one complete image, he would be able to extract the corresponding information.

Ji Yuan stood motionless at the entrance for approximately the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea. Outside, the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators held their breath, daring not to make a sound, watching as the black and white energies flowed out, circled Ji Yuan, and then receded, their eyes also fixed on the seven-colored radiance within the Heavenly Arcana Hall.

After what felt like half a cup of tea, Ji Yuan finally stirred. He took a deliberate step and slowly entered the hall.

The moment Ji Yuan stepped inside, the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion members outside became instantly tense. Some exchanged uneasy glances, while others grew visibly agitated.

"Mr. Ji is inside!" "What do we do now?"

"Senior Brother Xuanjizi, shall we enter as well?"

"Enter? We'll be struck down by the Two Purifying Deities! They can wield the power of the grotto-heaven; one golden whip from them could lightly strip away a layer of your mystic light, or severely, take half your life!"

"But... the door is open..."

"Mr. Ji has already entered. Are we just going to stand here and watch?"

"Senior Brother, what do you think?" "Senior Brother!"

"Senior Brother Xuanjizi!"

Xuanjizi's brow furrowed deeply, his eyes fixed intently on the grand gate atop the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion's platform. It was only after Ji Yuan's figure had vanished beyond the doorway for over ten breaths that he gritted his teeth and made a decision.

"I'll go up first. If I'm unharmed, then you may all follow. Do not rush up together; ascend in pairs, side by side. Understood?"

"Understood!" "Alright, we'll do as Senior Brother instructs!"

"Indeed, Senior Brother, take care!"

"Senior Brother, be careful!"

If Ji Yuan had been present to witness the current state of these Heavenly Arcana Pavilion elders, he would undoubtedly have found these widely revered cultivators quite endearing; the scene was genuinely amusing. However, for the cultivators themselves, making that ascent at this moment was a genuine risk.

Xuanjizi tidied his robes, composed himself, and took a step forward, raising his foot to ascend the steps. However, he immediately paused, turning to look at Lian Baiping.

"Junior Brother Lian, should any misfortune befall me, you will assume the duties of acting director. All junior brothers, remember to assist each other!"

"Senior Brother, rest assured!"

A long-bearded elder blurted out quickly.

"Yes, Senior Brother, go in peace!"

That remark caused Xuanjizi's face to darken, and the other long-bearded elders nearby also turned to look at the speaker, who quickly waved his hands in dismissal.

"Senior Brother, rest assured. Although we cannot presume to divine the affairs of the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion, I, your junior brother, suddenly have a strong premonition that all will be well this time, especially since Mr. Ji is already inside the Heavenly Arcana Hall!"

"Hmm!"

Xuanjizi nodded, his internal magic already circulating. His eyes were fixed intently on the two vermilion gates of the Heavenly Arcana Hall, ready to instantly deploy protective divine abilities and swiftly retreat should any situation arise.

Xuanjizi's suspended foot slowly descended onto the step, and his entire tense body immediately relaxed.

"It's clear!"

"Senior Brother, do not relax yet; true success is only achieved when you reach the main gate!"

"Yes, yes, Junior Brother is absolutely right. Everyone, wait a moment; I'll go up and check first!"

Xuanjizi's spirits had lightened considerably. Under normal circumstances, these steps were not to be trod upon lightly, so his pace quickened. He swiftly ascended most of the stairs, but just as he was about to step onto the threshold, he slowed in fright, for the two deities on the gate had turned their heads to look at him.

At this critical moment, uncertain of what fortune lay ahead, Xuanjizi had a sudden flash of inspiration and called out towards the Heavenly Arcana Hall.

"Mr. Ji, this junior, Xuanjizi, has ascended. Sir?"

Ji Yuan was already deep inside the colossal Heavenly Arcana Hall, surveying his surroundings. Hearing Xuanjizi's call from outside, he turned back, glanced, and replied.

"Fellow Daoist, you jest. This is the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion's own domain; please, just enter."

Xuanjizi nodded, composed his breathing once more, and cautiously took the final step. The two deities on the gate simply observed him, showing no adverse reaction, allowing Xuanjizi to stand steadily before the entrance. When he turned to look down at the steps, all the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators were visibly thrilled.

Xuanjizi sent a spiritual message to his junior brothers.

"Just as we discussed, ascend slowly; no crowding, no clamor. And before you step onto the platform, it's best to call out towards the hall, informing Mr. Ji, just as I did."

After imparting these instructions, Xuanjizi eagerly stepped into the Heavenly Arcana Hall, a place he had not entered for over five hundred years since he began his cultivation in the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion.

Outside the Heavenly Arcana Hall, below the platform, all the cultivators from the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion discussed briefly among themselves, then proceeded to ascend in groups as instructed. Upon reaching the platform, they called out towards the Heavenly Arcana Hall.

"Mr. Ji, this junior, Chengyangzi, has ascended?"

"Mr. Ji, this junior, Lian Baiping, has ascended?"

Ji Yuan's brow furrowed. He turned to look outside once more, noting that Xuanjizi had already entered, yet the people outside continued to announce their arrival to him. Perhaps it was excessive politeness, or perhaps there was an underlying reason, possibly related to the two door gods. Regardless, Ji Yuan patiently responded to each announcement.

Before long, all the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators present, including Xuanjizi, had entered the hall. They all gazed, captivated, at the ever-shifting lights and colors within the Heavenly Arcana Hall. Ji Yuan even observed a long-bearded elder with tears streaming down his face.

"Fellow Daoist Xuanjizi, it appears that entering this Heavenly Arcana Hall is normally quite difficult for you all, isn't it?"

Given their expressions, Ji Yuan easily deduced this. Xuanjizi, not bothering to conceal the truth, nodded and admitted candidly.

"To answer you, Mr. Ji, it is indeed exceedingly difficult to enter the Heavenly Arcana Hall. Since the beginning of our Heavenly Arcana Pavilion's records, only a handful of individuals have ever stepped inside. Furthermore, those few either met a sudden death shortly after, or departed the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion, never to be heard from again..."

Ji Yuan couldn't help but look at Xuanjizi with surprise, then at the surrounding Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators, including Lian Baiping. Their excited demeanor didn't quite align with Xuanjizi's grim account.

"It's so dangerous, yet you still entered?"

Xuanjizi smiled, replying while gazing mesmerized at the light emanating from a pillar.

"Mr. Ji, have you not heard the saying, 'If one learns the Dao in the morning, one may die content in the evening'? To enter the Heavenly Arcana Hall and glimpse the true workings of heaven is the ultimate dream of every Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivator, and indeed, a profound manifestation of the path we pursue."

Ji Yuan smiled and nodded. Such heartfelt dedication in the pursuit of the Dao was indeed rare and commendable among cultivators.

"Rest assured, you will all be safe today..."

As Ji Yuan spoke, he looked up at the immense wall directly ahead. The light upon this section was the most indistinct yet also the brightest, resembling flowing, iridescent powder.

"I, Ji, originally came to the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion simply to try my luck. It seems I may receive a pleasant surprise. Fellow Daoists, could you assist me in clarifying the information on these walls? It appears somewhat indistinct."

"Sir, you are precisely the one who can guide us in comprehending the Heavenly Arcana. We shall naturally assist with all our might!" "Exactly!"

No sooner had Xuanjizi finished speaking than he looked towards the various cultivators of the sect.

"All junior brothers, the time has come. Follow me in casting the spell, and respectfully summon the Heavenly Arcana Wheel!"

Numerous Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators moved to various points within the hall. It was then that Ji Yuan noticed trigram (Bagua) engravings on the floor. The cultivators positioned themselves in eight directions within these engravings, ultimately settling into cross-legged meditation.

One by one, the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators projected streams of magical light skyward, coalescing into a single point of illumination. Subsequently, the black and white energies within the Heavenly Arcana Hall converged, swirling around this light point to form the shape of the yin and yang fish.

"We respectfully summon the Heavenly Arcana Wheel!"

As the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators chanted in unison, a powerful fluctuation rippled from above the roof, and streams of light began to penetrate the tiles of the Heavenly Arcana Hall, entering the interior.

The next moment, a transparent, ethereal light seemed to descend directly through the ceiling of the Heavenly Arcana Hall, slowly settling above the area where the Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators were gathered. This light rotated gradually, eventually coalescing into a millstone-sized disc intricately inscribed with celestial stems, earthly branches, and other symbolic script.

The Azure Vine Sword on Ji Yuan's back trembled subtly, solidifying his inner realization: the Heavenly Arcana Wheel before him was a genuine immortal artifact. It was a powerful implement that had endured the test of time, embodying the Grand Dao in an invisible form. To some extent, it was not an overstatement to consider it equivalent to a True Immortal.

"As the Heavenly Arcana Wheel turns, so shall my Dao be revealed!"

The Heavenly Arcana Pavilion cultivators continuously channeled their magical energy towards the Heavenly Arcana Wheel. The wheel itself merely rotated slowly within the Heavenly Arcana Hall, then, trailing beams of light, drifted around the hall's pillars and various walls, finally coming to a stop before Ji Yuan.

Ji Yuan solemnly cupped his hands and bowed to the Heavenly Arcana Wheel. In his eyes, this was far more than just an immortal artifact; it was an ancient elder, possibly in existence for thousands, perhaps even tens of thousands, of years.

The next moment, the Heavenly Arcana Wheel ascended directly to the hall's high ceiling, continuously releasing black and white energies that merged into the walls and pillars. The seven-colored radiance slowly diminished, yet the glass-like translucency of the surfaces grew increasingly pronounced.

Frame by frame, sheet by sheet, fragment by fragment…

On the walls, pillars, floor, and even the dome, various patterns, some resembling carvings and others paintings, began to emerge. They varied in size, density, and depiction, featuring mountains, water, people, and beasts. Without exception, the information conveyed was remarkably rich.

Divine figures striking with golden hammers, birthing thunder... Armored legions arrayed on cloud banks across the sky... Palaces in the heavens, Yellow Springs in the netherworld...

Astonishingly, these already captivating scenes represented only a small fraction of the numerous depictions. Beyond them lay even more exaggerated and evocative illustrations.

Dragons soaring and battling across the nine heavens... A divine ox standing on one leg, thundering forth... A single feather gathering winds and clouds... The sun and moon baring fangs, birthing brilliant light... Various energies entwining, triggering cataclysmic shifts in heaven and earth...