The Cemetery of Death was in complete disarray. The interplanar transportation matrix had been destroyed and was definitely incapable of interplanar transmission.
It seemed that the Gang of Five feared that the Elysians would follow them, so they destroyed the interplanar transportation matrix as soon as they arrived on the Profound Continent, just in case. Without an interplanetary transportation matrix, it would be extremely difficult to get from Elysium to Profound Continent. Perhaps even their worst enemies would give up pursuing them.
With no one to keep them in check, once they got rid of Han Shuo, the Gang of Five would be able to do whatever they wanted on the Profound Continent, and no one would be able to stop them. Destroying the interplanar transportation matrix was an excellent choice for the gang.
But it was a nightmare for Han Shuo. Without an interplanar transportation matrix, how would Han Shuo be able to bring his friends and women, who had not even reached the status of Lowgod, to Elysium?
Extraordinary strength was the minimum requirement for interplanar trekking. Not only would one face all sorts of dangers along the way, but one could also easily lose their way and get lost in the infinite universe. Even Han Shuo did not have the confidence to undertake interplanar trekking, let alone take a group of weak mortals with him.
Han Shuo was pained by the scene before him. With a grimace, he asked Andrina, "Do you happen to know how to build an interplanar transportation matrix?"
Andrina shook her head before gritting her teeth and coldly remarking, "That Dolores is such a horrible person. He was obviously trying to get you killed, and even if that failed, you still wouldn't be able to return to Elysium. Such a wicked person!"
"What's the point of saying that? Great. Without an interplanar transportation matrix, returning to Elysium will be almost impossible," Han Shuo said dejectedly.
Stratholme and the others were all in despair. They had become very excited after hearing Han Shuo's description of Elysium and were eager to go to that world. But after hearing these words, all their hopes and dreams were turned to disappointment and sorrow. They couldn't help but sigh with discouragement.
"Is there another way?" Ayermike asked quietly.
"Interplanar trekking is simply too dangerous. Even I'm not sure I'd survive it, let alone bring you with me. I think only Andrina has the confidence to do interplanar trekking. We are in big trouble!"
"Bryan, how about this, the two of us will leave the Profound Continent and try our luck at finding other material planes nearby. They might have an interplanetary transportation matrix that we could use to get back to Elysium. We can then make a trip to the Space Dominion and invite a god cultivating in the Edict of Space to refine an interplanar transportation matrix. Then we will find a way to return to the Profound Continent and bring them to Elysium. What do you think?" Andrina suggested after thinking for a moment. She believed that this was the only option.
"That's too difficult. It's not only risky and challenging, but it will also take a lot of time," Han Shuo knitted his eyebrows and replied.
"Then do you have a better idea?" Andrina asked.
Han Shuo shook his head, grimaced and said, "It seems that this is indeed the only way. Well, I will have to look for those in the Druidic Order. There was one who once came to the Profound Continent by interplanar trekking. They might know the way."
"Knowing that will definitely help," Andrina nodded, before lamenting, "It's a pity that there is no expert in the Edict of Space on this material plane. Otherwise, there might be a way to repair the interplanar transport matrix."
Han Shuo, who was on his way to the Druidic Order, stared blankly for a moment after hearing these words. His eyes suddenly lit up and he laughed out loud, "There might be a way!"
"What?" asked the puzzled Andrina.
Back then, when Han Shuo had fought the Pope of Light, he had taken a Holy Grail from him. McKinley, whose soul was trapped in the Holy Grail, was an expert in the Edict of Space. Since Han Shuo had been quite busy all the time, he had neglected and even forgotten McKinley. It was only after listening to Andrina's words that he remembered the Space Edict Cultivator.
From his space ring, Han Shuo took out the Holy Grail he had snatched from the Pope of Light and communicated with McKinley using his consciousness: "Good day, McKinley, how are you?"
"You rascal! It's been so long since you last looked for me!" McKinley immediately began to scold Han Shuo. He then asked, "Why did you finally think of me?"
Han Shuo listened to McKinley's grumbling before replying in a nervous manner, "Um, well, I need your help!"
If it wasn't for the fact that Han Shuo needed an expert who cultivate the Edict of Space, McKinley might still be far from Han Shuo's mind. Obviously, Han Shuo had not kept his promise to relieve McKinley's boredom from time to time.
"I knew it, you wouldn't have thought of me if you didn't need me! Hmph!" McKinley expressed his discontent. After a while he asked, "Speak, what's going on?"
Someone has destroyed the only interplanar transportation matrix in this material plane. As a cultivator of the Edict of Space, can you fix it?" Han Shuo replied hastily.
McKinley was obviously excited to hear this. He did not immediately answer Han Shuo's question, but asked urgently, "Why? Are you leaving the Profound Continent for Elysium? Haha, if you really want to go to Elysium, you must take me to the Space Dominion to meet a person. At that time, there might be a way to locate my divine body!"
"Ee... Yes, I am!" Han Shuo dared not tell McKinley that he had actually been to Elysium and back, lest he frustrate McKinley. Back then, McKinley had pleaded with Han Shuo to take him to the Space Dominion if Han Shuo were to travel to Elysium. Although Han Shuo had promised to do so, he had forgotten about McKinley's existence after arriving in Elysium, so he had not fulfilled the promise.
"You're really going to Elysium?" McKinley was incredibly excited, for it was only on Elysium that something could be done about his current predicament.
"Yes, I'm going there. Can you repair the interplanar transportation matrix?" Han Shuo asked rather impatiently.
"That depends on how badly it has been damaged. But even if it's shattered, as long as you can find me enough materials, I can still build a new one for you!" McKinley said confidently. "I am a Highgod of space. Back in the Space Dominion, I was a very productive person. Making an interplanar transportation matrix for a small, little material plane is a piece of cake!"
Han Shuo was thrilled to hear these words. He asked, "The remains of the matrix are just ahead. How do we proceed?"
"Place the Grail inside the Matrix. I can sense its condition from the remnants of the spatial edicts on the transportation matrix," McKinley replied.
Without hesitation, Han Shuo, clutching the Holy Grail, carefully placed it on the destroyed interplanar transport matrix.
"Bryan, who is the divine soul inside the Grail?" Andrina asked with a grave expression and said quietly, "This person has a powerful divine soul and should have reached the Late-stage of High Godhood. When did you meet such a terrifying person?"
Given Andrina's extraordinary strength, it was normal for her to sense McKinley's existence from the energy fluctuations caused when Han Shuo and McKinley communicated with their souls.
"He is a very unfortunate Space Edict Cultivator whose divine soul was separated from his divine body soon after he reached the Late-stage of the Highgod Realm. Not only did they imprison his soul in the Grail, but they even cast him out of Elysium into this material plane. I only got this Grail by accident," Han Shuo explained with a smile.
"How could someone with Late-stage Highgod power be turned into this? Who has he offended?" Andrina was astonished. Experts of Late-stage Highgod strength were all outstanding and well-known characters on Elysium.
"I remember he said he had offended one of the Lightkeepers, Gyál," Han Shuo replied after taking a second to remember.
"Gyál!" Andrina froze, her eyes fixed on the Holy Grail in shock. She explained to Han Shuo, "Bryan, Gyál is one of the most formidable experts in the Dominion of Light. The Lightkeepers are all incomparably powerful. If Gyál personally sealed him in the Grail, then this person can't be a minor figure. What is his name?"
"McKinley," Han Shuo replied.
"It's him!" Andrina received another shock. Under Han Shuo's puzzled looks, Andrina explained, "This person was a very famous character in the Space Dominion. He is incredibly powerful and queer in temperament. He was missing for tens of thousands of years. So Gyál imprisoned him here. No wonder."
"How is it that you know everything about Elysium so well?" Han Shuo asked, staring foolishly at Andrina.
"Um, I have been alive much longer than you. Of course I know more things than you. Besides, many people on Elysium know about these things. There's nothing strange about it!"
"Then why haven't I heard anything about it?" Han Shuo narrowed his eyes and asked, "How many more secrets are you keeping from me?"
"Little boy, how long have you been living on Elysium? I'd be surprised if you knew, hehe!" teased Andrina.
"I'm going to settle this with you sooner or later!" Han Shuo was annoyed.
Sister Fanny, Bryan is bullying me!" Andrina cried out in a weak voice.
Upon hearing these words, Fanny's angry eyes immediately glared at Han Shuo. "Bryan, why do you have to pick on a child? Andrina is so adorable and everyone likes her, but you always bully her!"
Andrina had gotten along quite well with Han Shuo's women during her time on the Profound Continent. This was especially true of Fanny, who was compassionate, kind and naive. Of the ladies, she was closest to Andrina. In the past three months, Fanny had even taken Andrina on a tour of the entire Profound Continent. Whenever she saw Han Shuo scolding Andrina, she would be the first to stand up for Andrina and give Han Shuo a good talking to.
A child? She must be more than a hundred times your age! Han Shuo forced a smile, glanced discreetly at Andrina and remained silent. He knew that as long as Fanny considered her a child, any explanation would be useless. How endearingly naive of her.
"Look!" Stratholme shouted, drawing the crowd's attention to the interplanar transportation matrix.
The Holy Grail containing McKinley's Soul suddenly produced an intense energy fluctuation. The space began to pulsate like ripples on water. Under the influence of some bizarre energy, the destroyed pieces of the interplanar transportation matrix began to magically reassemble and reconnect. Soon after, a small interplanar transportation matrix appeared in front of the group.
The group was stunned. They had not expected McKinley, who had been motionless, to be able to repair the interplanar transportation matrix so suddenly.
"Most of the interplanar transportation matrix was destroyed. I could only use the intact parts. I have repaired the interplanar transportation matrix, but it is smaller now and can only transport two to three people at a time. However, with enough energy crystals, you could still get to Elysium safely," McKinley transmitted to Han Shuo from within the Holy Grail.
"Thank you!" Han Shuo said sincerely. Without McKinley's help, the group would have had to go through so many more twists and turns to reach Elysium.
"You're welcome. Remember, when you are on Elysium, bring my divine soul to the Space Dominion. Do me this favour and after I have located my divine body, I will repay you well," McKinley admonished Han Shuo.
"Don't worry, I will remember this time. After I take care of some things on Elysium, I'll go to the Space Dominion first and help you with that!" Han Shuo promised immediately. This time, he really meant it from the bottom of his heart.
Han Shuo had more than enough energy crystals in his space rings for interplanar transmissions. Since Han Shuo had a feud with the few in charge of the interplanar transport facility in the Darkness Dominion, to ensure everyone's safety, Han Shuo had Andrina, Fanny and Emily go first while he operated the shrunken interplanar transportation matrix.
The group disappeared before Han Shuo in batches of two or three after flashes of bright light.
After several rounds of transmissions, only Han Shuo and Ayermike remained on the Profound Continent. They were the last batch to enter the interplanar transportation matrix. With a bright flash of light, Han Shuo had finally returned to Elysium.
"Such intense elemental energy! Oh my, this place is so good for cultivation!"
"Oh, the gravity is so strong, I can't fly anymore."
"This is great! One day of cultivation here is equivalent to one year of cultivation on the Profound Continent! Such a magical place. No wonder there are gods everywhere!"
The mortals from the Profound Continent exclaimed in admiration and surprise as soon as they arrived on Elysium. They had immediately sensed how different this world was from the Profound Continent.
Andrina had been giggling and talking to Fanny, explaining the differences between Elysium and Profound Continent. Fanny had been Andrina's host on the Profound Continent, but she felt rather uncomfortable after arriving on this unfamiliar world called Elysium. Now it was Andrina's turn to be Fanny's host.
"What the hell, a whole bunch of mortals? We are so jinxed!" the divine guards on the platform began to gossip as they saw a group of people with meagre powers arrive on Elysium.
"This way, move!" one of the divine guards shouted. He said foul-mouthed, "Do you lot think Elysium is a tourist attraction? With the power you have now, you might as well kill yourselves instead of coming to Elysium. I really don't know what the hell is going on in your heads. Are you tired of living?"
Pow! Before the man could finish his speech, Andrina raised her small hand and pressed it against his chest. He was instantly sent flying into the distance.
"
Cut the crap. One more word and I will kill you!" Andrina said with glowing eyes. An immensely powerful aura emanated from her petite figure.
Andrina had been in a bad mood because she almost didn't get to return to Elysium. When she heard that noisy bunch of divine guards as soon as she returned, she snapped.
"How dare you!" The divine guards in the area immediately stepped forward. They surrounded Andrina and her group, pointing their divine weapons at them.
At that moment, Han Shuo stepped out of his group with a sneer on his face. He asked, "Where is Dolores? Releasing death row inmates without permission is punishable by death. Are you tired of living?"
The divine guards recognised Han Shuo and were aware of the argument between Han Shuo and Dolores. Their expressions changed slightly when Han Shuo suddenly appeared, as if they did not expect Han Shuo to return safely to Elysium.
"Lord Dolores is not here. We do not know where he is," one of the divine guards replied after a slight groan. He obviously disliked Han Shuo, but knowing that Han Shuo had some influence in the City of Shadows and good relations with the House of Sainte, the divine guard dared not be outright rude.
"Dolores is finished. You better fend for yourselves," Han Shuo advised with a smile. Not wanting to argue with them any further, Han Shuo nodded to Andrina and led the group to the office to apply for a divine tablet.
"Hello, Jeff. You didn't expect me to come back in one piece, did you? Hehe!" Han Shuo grabbed Jeff and immediately slapped him several times in the face, making him see stars.
"What, why are you hitting me?" After finally regaining his senses, Jeff began to scream loudly. But even after a round of yelling and screaming, Dolores still didn't show up. It seemed that he really was gone.
"Stop talking. Get each of them a divine tablet. I will deal with you later," Han Shuo instructed after tossing him a black crystal coin.
"No divine tablet for those below Basegods strength!" Jeff declared loudly as he held his head high.
Han Shuo's expression turned icy cold. He grabbed Jeff's collar, pulled their faces close together, stared into his eyes and asked, "Are you sure?"
A shiver ran down Jeff's spine and every hair on his body stood on end as he understood that Han Shuo was going to end his life right then and there. The expression on Jeff's face immediately turned humble and he hastily explained, "I don't want to make things difficult for you, but a divine tablet can't verify a person's identity if they don't have at least Basegod power. I'm just a lowly servant and a nonentity. Please spare me!"