That was a magnificent arched polygonal gate, with the words "HEAVEN'S GATE" carved prominently on it, shimmering with a mysterious light under the sun.
"Angels! Angels with wings!"
Mikita pointed at the gate excitedly, her voice full of surprise.
On both sides of the gate stood dozens of massive stone pillars, solemn and majestic. An old woman with wings slowly walked out, holding a uniquely shaped camera in her hand, her gaze coldly sweeping over everyone.
"If you wish to pass, please first pay the fee to enter Heaven. It is 1 billion Ikk per person, as stipulated by law," the old woman said expressionlessly, her voice as cold as ice.
"1 billion Ikk… that's 100,000 beli, and for seven people, that's 700,000 beli!"
Nami quickly calculated, her brows tightly furrowed, her eyes filled with heartache. 700,000 beli was enough for her to buy many beautiful clothes and supplies!
"Um, excuse me about this fee, what if, hypothetically, I don't have any money?"
Nami's eyes darted around, and she asked tentatively, her tone a little cautious.
"You can still enter, because I am not a gate guard nor a soldier. I merely wanted to ask for your intentions," the old woman said slowly, a meaningful smile playing on her lips.
"Then let's go, onward!" Nami's eyes lit up when she heard it was free, and she immediately shouted to Yun Lie.
However, before everyone could cheer, two massive pincers suddenly shot up from beneath the ship, clamping the sides of Infinite Space with a 'crunch'.
"That is the Express Shrimp, a specialty of White Sea," the old woman said unhurriedly. A gigantic, bright red shrimp slowly rose, carried Infinite Space on its back, and dashed towards the gate.
The Express Shrimp was incredibly fast, like a red bolt of lightning, instantly passing through Heaven's Gate and entering a winding runway.
The scenery along the way receded rapidly, and clouds swirled around them. Everyone felt as if everything before their eyes was dreamlike.
After Yun Lie and his group disappeared from sight, the old woman immediately rummaged through her belongings, a look of anxiety on her face.
"It's over! Where's my Den Den Mushi? Where did it go?"
She muttered to herself, frantically searching her pockets, her aged voice filled with a hint of panic and unease.
........
Meanwhile, on Infinite Space.
"Huh? Yun Lie, where did you get so many Den Den Mushi?"
Karina looked at Yun Lie taking out several Den Den Mushi and asked in confusion.
Yun Lie did not conceal it. He had secretly stolen them from the old woman using his spatial power just now, and then directly explained the old woman's scheme.
"This old woman is truly hateful!"
"You can know a person's face but not their heart. It seems what the books say is true: reading ten thousand books is not as good as traveling ten thousand miles."
Nojiko and Mitsuri also said angrily.
"Well done, Yun Lie!"
Nami gave him a thumbs up and said.
A burst of joyful laughter immediately erupted on Infinite Space.
What they didn't know, in fact, was that he had stolen not only the Den Den Mushi, but also a small boat.
This way, it would certainly take the old woman a considerable amount of time to contact the outside world.
........
Between White Sea and White-White Sea, there is a vertical drop of three thousand meters.
Even riding the Express Shrimp, it would take a considerable amount of time on this winding cloud path to reach that mysterious White-White Sea.
Finally, everyone stepped onto White-White Sea. The sea of clouds before them was like a soft, shallow beach, so gentle that one's feet could sink into it.
In the distance, a small forest was faintly visible, with green vines weaving and intertwining through the sea of clouds, like ribbons casually scattered by an immortal, outlining a dreamlike landscape.
"Is this Sky Island? It truly is like paradise," Robin murmured, gazing at the wondrous sight before her.
She was well-read and naturally knew of Sky Island's existence, but how could the cold words in books compare to the shock of seeing and experiencing it firsthand at this moment?
Just as everyone was immersed in the beautiful scenery, Yun Lie suddenly roared, "Don't run away! My big lobster!"
Before his words fell, he had already leaped off the ship.
The Express Shrimp sensed something was wrong and fled quickly, but Yun Lie's figure was like lightning, appearing on its back in the blink of an eye.
After a chase and some 'education', the Express Shrimp was brought back by Yun Lie, already disoriented and seeing stars.
Yun Lie grinned, revealing a mouthful of white teeth, "Nojiko, we'll have it for dinner tonight!"
He examined the Express Shrimp that had carried Infinite Space, thinking, "With such strength, its meat must be tender and plump."
Nojiko circled the Express Shrimp, her eyes full of anticipation, "Alright! From my experience, the taste will definitely be amazing! Since it's decided, let's divide the work!"
"I'll get the side dishes," Nojiko said first.
"I'll go find firewood," Mikita responded immediately.
"I'll set up the grill," Nami stated neatly.
"I'll be responsible for brushing the sauce when we grill," Robin said elegantly.
Mitsuri spoke a little shyly, "Then I… I'll make herbal tea for everyone."
Little Kong and Xiao Mei excitedly 'squeaked' and darted towards the forest, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
........
Meanwhile, deep within God's Island.
On a golden throne sat a man with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and long earlobes. He wore a white headscar and exuded an aura of unapproachable majesty.
"Are they ants from the lower world?" He leaned lazily on the throne, his voice deep and cold.
"Someone!" With his command, a fat divine soldier in a white jumpsuit hurried in and knelt with a thud, "God, what are your orders?"
"Have any people from the lower world arrived?"
The fat divine soldier quickly replied, "No, Amazon Granny has not reported anyone from the lower world entering."
"Hmph, then they are trespassers." A cold glint flashed in the man's eyes. "Send Ohm to Angel Island to deal with these ignorant fellows."
This person was none other than God Eneru, and his words carried an undeniable authority.