Empires isn't a replacement for Skyblock. Drtshock just borrowed the Skyblock portal instead of making a new one, but once Skyblock is back up, Empires will have a new portal.
Nope. Skyblock is getting it's portal back, Skywars is being merged into one portal to make it symmetrical when the Empires lobby goes in between it and Survival. The creeper head podium thing is also going to be moved / removed. https://www.minetime.com/threads/server-placement-updates-empires-skyblock-skywars.15240/
I am waiting and watching.... its Saturday . Lol this is as bad as counting down till Christmas. No pressure .... . If I just rip the corner of the wrapping.... press my eye up to the box. Is sky-block back yet?