Chapter 199: Welcome Party

Ascending to the Middle Plane was a lot more straightforward than I thought. There was no need for formalities to a guardian of some sort just like that novel I used to read back in the day. And also, there were no intricate cultivation exhibitions/extravaganzas to perform just so a portal would open that would direct us to the Middle Plane.  It was akin to riding a train back in the day! Once you have a ticket or pass in this case, if your cultivation level is enough then you can basically board the train by scanning the ticket! As to how it works, White just had to open a gateway for us that would lead us straight to the  Middle Plane. It was that easy.

By now, I find it natural to talk to myself when it comes to situations like this. It makes me feel at ease and think more rationally. It might seem odd to people but for now, this is my calming mantra. Why am I talking to myself? Simple, because there is no one else that is more fitting right now as a conversation partner.

Well, honestly, if White wasn’t with us, then it would’ve been a lot more complicated but not as hard. Well, maybe just for me since I actually have the Space Element, as well as a lot of other elements that I wouldn’t probably use as much when it comes to the Middle Plane… or maybe I’ll use it, it just depends on what the situation calls for.

The portal was barely as tall as my height so I had to lean in a bit before entering. Upon glancing at Natalia, I could tell that something was troubling her a little bit. “Everything okay?” I asked as I was about to step into the portal that would lead to who knows where inside the Middle Plane.

Natalia nodded, fidgeting as if she was uncomfortable with what she’s about to say next. But then I sensed that she was probably just thinking twice about going into the portal. Even though White went first to prove that the portal was safe, I still doubt that it is. And as such, I totally get why Natalia was wavering, hesitating, probably trying to come up with valid reasons that would prevent her from going through the portal.

There was nothing else to do except one thing grab her by the hands and give her the reassurance that I would be there during the entire process. She smiled forcefully and wore a determined expression on her face. But judging from her sweaty palms and shaking knees, she’s as nervous as ever.

“It’s fine, Natalia. I’m really sorry for dragging you into this but you’re the only person strong enough and trustworthy enough for me. You might not remember it well but I don’t have very many friends back then. And if it seems like I’m forcing all these things on you, I’m really sorry.”

“N-no, it’s not that. And don’t apologize, Sect Master, you know that I agreed of my own volition. In no way did you force me at all.” Natalia said. “It’s just that… I know this is a dumb reason but… this is my first time going through a portal so I don’t know what to expect.”

I see.

After hearing her say that, I finally realized why she was hesitating. Natalia was someone who grew up with the strength to do everything and during those times, she became somewhat calculative and more perceptive of things. If something unexplainable were to happen to her, she might lose it just like how it is with other powerful people. In short, if you grow up expecting something to happen and you have the strength and commitment to make that expectation come true, it will be hard-wired into your brain to avoid unexplainable things. Natalia’s mind is instinctively telling her that, telling her not to enter the portal since it doesn’t look safe.

“Same here, this is my first time going through a portal. Remember Natalia, there’s always a first for everything. I mean, just remember the time when you first harnessed the Qi Energy, that was exhilarating, right? This is the same thing. White already paved the way for us, he even went first to further prove that the portal is harmless. Trust me on this one.” After giving her a smile that I think is cringeworthy, I slowly ventured into the portal, hand clamped against hers.

I could feel the pull of uncertainty and squeeze of false bravado in her hands but I ignored it. I then closed my eyes, and stepped through, just like how any sane person would if they see a portal in front of him…

… I mean, never mind. That was not a fitting description. A sane person wouldn’t just enter a portal no matter how safe it is!

But it’s too late now for useless conjectures!

One moment, I felt a strange sensation in my skin as if I was getting twice the goosebumps I’ve ever felt in my life. And then the next moment, I felt a chill running up and down a spine, warning me of certain danger and activating my adrenaline before I even knew it. It was a strange feeling that I just had to open my eyes and at that moment… hell looked back.

That’s right, if there was something to describe this place, it was hellish and by that, I mean this would be my next graveyard if I’m not careful.

“Um, Yongrui, Natalia… I’m sorry about this.” White called out as he was raising his hands, trying to appease the hell/death that peered right into his very soul.

I mean… when three monsters made out of a formless pile of meat with a huge gaping mouth and flailing small arms and eyes that didn’t seem to match appeared right in front of you, of course, you’ll feel all kinds of things in your bones.

“They look like trash bags,” I said to myself but calling them trash bags wouldn’t do their ugliness any justice. They’re basically a pile of meat, a pile of rotten meat!

“Those are Meatpiles, that’s what we call them. They move super fast and they easily devour a cultivator in the Heavenly Plain Realm. Their arms can extend by a considerable distance and they can grab you and make you a part of their formless body.”

“And why exactly did we teleport into their dens if they are that dangerous?” I asked as calmly as I could but deep inside, I was already panicking. They were as tall as a ten-story building, and probably faster than someone in the Heavenly Plain Realm which is, mind you, two realms higher than the Transcendence Realm!

“We got no choice but to make a run for it! I’ve never seen someone defeat a Meatpile before and am so not risking it right now!” White said and before saying anything further, he ran at his top speed.

“Natali, we have to go!” I called out. For some reason, Natalia still had her eyes shut.

“Ah, eh?!”

Suddenly, the Meatpiles started screaming an indistinct noise which was close to a gurgling sound. I’m going to put it out there but they sound as terrible they looked. Even Natalia looked like she’s going to throw up just after seeing them.

I mean, THEY ARE ACTUAL MEATPILES! So much for a welcome at the Middle Plane. Didn’t expect this crazy of a welcome party at all!

Now that I took a good look at it, the surroundings were as barren as the moon’s surface. It’s as if no life is currently living on the surface of the Middle Plane. It’s just a plain old wasteland as far as the eye could see.

“Yongrui, step sideways to the left.” Hui-ying suddenly interrupted me, warning me of an oncoming attack that was about to hit me.

“Oh, right. Thanks for the cover.”

A split second later, a formless, sticky, rotten goo of a tentacle slammed just where I was standing. It was the most disgusting tentacle I’ve ever seen in my life, pretty horrendous to the point that it was terrifying. After uselessly trying to shake the unforgettable image of the Meatpile from my head, I pressed on, keeping an eye on Natalia who was easily running straight while defending herself with her Ice Element. She truly is powerful. Even a weird and gross tentacle is nothing in front of her Ice.

“A little bit further and we’ll arrive at a settlement. Please hang on until then, Yongrui.” White called out. He was already a hundred or so meters away from us. It was obvious that he had no thoughts about going back to assist us. It is understandable, however, since he genuinely looked traumatized.

“Natalia, you doing all right?” I asked.

She nodded and forced a smile on her face. Of course, she’s not doing all right! What a stupid question, Yongrui!

Sigh~ so much for a warm welcome. You really outdid yourself in welcoming us, Middle Plane.

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