Wang Xue and the others stood beneath the vortex. Wang Xue shared the information she knew with the other two. Wang Fei and Li Mingyue were also taken aback that fusing the keys into their bodies could lead to such a situation. However, the gate could not be opened.
"Now that the keys are here, do you know how to close the gate?"
Chen Tian turned to look at the little girl. The little girl looked at the three figures before her, pondered with doubt, and then her eyes widened in realization, "You... you wouldn't have fused the keys with yourselves, would you?"
A strange look appeared in her eyes, a look that everyone noticed. Wang Xue said, "Yes. We don't know why, but this was the only way to keep the keys safe. There was no other option. If we die, the keys will disappear, and that place will not appear."
"Chen Tian, who is this little girl?"
Shuzi, standing nearby, murmured to himself, afraid the little girl would hear. He felt an insurmountable pressure emanating from her, making it difficult to breathe.
Ge Zi felt the same and was also suspicious of the girl. He shook his head, "It's alright, she's not an enemy, she's one of us."
"So, what's the situation? What's the solution?"
At these words, the girl sighed. "If the keys were physical objects, closing the gate would be simple. But since they are fused with your bodies, the method of closing it carries risks."
"One wrong move and the gate might open. That's what I fear the most."
This...
Everyone was somewhat speechless. Such a thing was possible? It was quite problematic.
Li Mingyue and the other two exchanged glances, unaware of such consequences. They regretted choosing to fuse the keys into their bodies from the start.
"What is the method? Let's try it first. We can't just leave this vortex open; it's too disruptive."
Wang Fei spoke first, expressing his determination. No matter what, they had to close this gate and absolutely must not let it open.
Three beams of light emanated from the brow of the Cosmic Consciousness and entered the minds of the three individuals. Memories appeared in their minds, and then the girl spoke, "Do as I've taught you. There can be absolutely no mistakes, or the gate will open."
"Alright, we'll be careful."
She did not tell Chen Tian and the others what the method was. The risk involved was too great; it was pure gambling. If they succeeded, the world and all its beings would survive. If the gate opened, the universe would collapse, and nothing would remain.
This was the day that determined the existence of the universe. The three figures positioned themselves in a triangle around the vortex, taking a deep breath. They all knew there was no room for error; if they failed, they would be sinners.
Energy flowed from their palms, and the vortex reacted, its rotation accelerating. The energy in their hands was slightly out of control, wanting to fly into the vortex.
Fortunately, they managed to control the energy, avoiding the first mistake. Next was the second step: together, they had to inject the energy into the edge of the vortex. Since it was the edge and not the center, the energy wouldn't be absorbed, preventing the gate from appearing.
As the energy was infused, their complexions turned pale. Even in the second step, their internal energy was depleted. If they couldn't even get past the third step, how could they close the gate?
"Send your energy to them. Their energy is being consumed too quickly."
Chen Tian saw the situation and pushed his palm forward, channeling his full strength into Wang Xue. Ge Zi and Shuzi aimed at Wang Fei and Li Mingyue. As their energy entered their bodies, they felt revitalized.
"Thank you," Wang Xue said.
"You're welcome. Focus on closing the gate, we'll support you."
With the energy support, the third step could be executed. The first two steps had been flawless. This step was crucial and absolutely must not have any mistakes. They formed three energy vortexes with all their energy and essence, rotating in the center.
A beam of light shot down from the sky, striking the center. A massive object emerged from the center – it looked like a silver door frame.
They all nodded, understanding the final step. Their figures transformed into three beams of light, rushing towards the door frame.
"They're going to..."
"That's right. This method is to act as keys. But the consequence is that the gate will open. At the very least, they will all be sealed within the gate."
"The keys are no longer fused with them; this is the only way to become keys. Let's hope they succeed."
After the Cosmic Consciousness spoke, Chen Tian had nothing more to say, understanding the method immediately.
He could only hope things wouldn't take a turn for the worse.
The three beams of light collided with the door frame. The gate descended and hovered above the vortex. The vortex generated suction, attempting to draw the gate in. On the surface of the gate, three keyholes corresponded to the three beams of light.
Once the lights aligned, the bodies of the three individuals began to rotate. The gate emitted a sound and slowly began to fly into the vortex. The vortex was shrinking.
"No, I must get out! At least I must remain!"
A terrifying roar echoed from within the gate. As this sound rang out, the gate actually cracked open, and a beam of light shot out, striking the sealing array nearby.
When the gate completely vanished, the scene calmed down, but just as one disturbance ended, another began.
Beneath the sealing array, the ground trembled, and a black pillar of light shot straight into the sky. Guarding the pillar were seven or eight evil generals.
"Hahaha, our Emperor is finally free! Humans, surrender!"
"I shall descend once more, and this world will become our paradise."
A phantom stood before the pillar of light. Everyone present recognized this figure – it was the Evil Spirit Emperor himself.
"Chen Tian, what do we do? This guy broke through the seal ahead of time. He seems even more powerful."
He turned to the little girl and asked, "Isn't that side finished yet?"
"No, I can only stall for a few days. You can deal with the other threats during this time."
The phantom disappeared, and the pillar of light seemed to be suppressed; the seal was struggling to hold.
"Ge Zi, Shuzi, take them on. Deal with all the evil generals."
At the command, their figures shot towards the evil generals.
Soon, several beams of light flew from all directions of the world towards them. The final battle had begun.
Humans versus evil generals – this was the final battle, and no one knew how long it would last.
The evil generals knew they had to protect the pillar of light. No one could disturb their Emperor before he fully emerged. Seeing people approach, they each chose an opponent and began to fight.
As for Wang Fei and the others, the worst-case scenario had occurred: they had vanished along with the gate, likely sealed within it.
The risk had been present from the start. Above, the battlefield was divided into seven distinct areas.
Chen Tian was facing two ancient evil generals, the most powerful among all the evil generals.
As for the others, he considered that they would all win, though it might be slightly difficult.
"Long time no see."
"Indeed. The last time we met was during that battle. We only glimpsed each other."
Chen Tian and the evil generals chatted amicably.
The two evil generals before him were somewhat familiar. When he had led the army in battle before, it was Chen Tian who had mobilized the troops. It could be said that the evil generals controlled by the Evil Spirit Emperor were all mobilized by him.
During the period when he was expelled, he was not part of the clan and did not know the specifics.
He hadn't paid much attention then. Alas, it had led to a great disaster.