Original and most updated translations are from volare. Please don't read elsewhere and stop supporting theft.
TL: Zhao
Editing: Krisaia
When Li Yiming opened his eyes once more, he felt cracks on his skin, as if his true self had come out into the world for the first time.
"I'm finally complete…" Li Yiming sighed. The confusion he felt over the year was gone and the void in his heart has now been filled. He clenched his fist as he made ready to let out a long howl.
However, his expression changed upon noticing his surroundings. The entirety of the Shangbei domain was no longer like what it used to be — it was now simply a vast pool of thick, ink-like liquid that dripped into an endless lake. It was only a matter of time before the island he stood on would soon be submerged as well.
"This is… the true form of the gate?" Li Yiming raised his right arm. The golden marking near his wrist glinted and a sword suddenly appeared. Nine stars were sculpted on the hilt of the sword, and the carvings on the guard depicted a roaring lion's head which sent out a projectile, which was undoubtedly Bai Ze.
With the sword materializing itself, the surface of the tenebrous lake began rippling, producing waves that grew stronger by the second.
"So what if you're the gate to the Realm of Ghosts? I'll bring you salvation." Li Yiming's smile exuded confidence. He looked forward and put his sword on the backhand before dancing as he stared at the thick fog ahead.
He then saw an apparition of what looked like Aunt Wu, who looked like she was having a casual stroll. 'One, two… nine steps…'
When all nine steps were complete, the apparition vanished.
Li Yiming finally came to understand that Aunt Wu's technique was not about the sharpness of her blade, or the swiftness of her feet, but rather about the stillness of her heart. It now made sense to him why he had acquired an inconsistent talent for dancing after consuming such an infamous pill — it was not due to bad luck, but to the boid he had yet to fill in his own heart.