Chapter 317: Dragging a Star Back to Earth!

The profound mysteries of the universe are boundless, like a vast black curtain; stars sparkle with splendid light, gathering into a magnificent and glorious sight, filled with profundity and dreaminess.

This star field is somewhat special; countless star fragments and meteorites orbit it, each containing an inexplicable power.

Qinghuan, however, had no leisure to admire; her eyes were filled with solemnity and vigilance, as if each step she took were cautious, like walking on a cliff, where a slight mistake would mean the danger of being smashed to pieces.

If it were just a cliff, that would be fine; but if one fell into the Forbidden Zone, their soul would likely be annihilated, leaving no chance even for reincarnation.

Compared to Qinghuan's heaviness, Longling's avatar beside her seemed much more relaxed; after entering this region, the faint summons in her heart became noticeably clearer.

I always feel as if something here is attracting me.

As the two continued exploring, Qinghuan's complexion suddenly turned deathly pale, and even her breathing became unusually rapid.

At this moment, each step she took was extraordinarily difficult, as if she were stuck in a mire; the power within the Forbidden Zone continually pulled her body downward.

Qinghuan's body swayed like a weak willow in the wind, on the verge of collapsing; fortunately, Longling's avatar noticed her abnormality and quickly reached out to support her, asking, 'Are you alright?'

Qinghuan weakly shook her head, her petal-like cherry lips now devoid of color, 'The power inside the Forbidden Zone is consuming my cultivation.'

This is the terror of the Forbidden Zone: any cultivator who enters it will have their cultivation affected; those with profound cultivation can barely endure for a moment.

But Qinghuan, already injured, will suffer an even greater effect.

Longling's avatar could feel her temperature and cultivation dropping sharply; if this continued, Qinghuan would likely die on the spot!

He immediately swung a beam of spiritual light; green light enveloped Qinghuan's surroundings, wrapping her inside, and a continuous flow of vitality and blood surged from within.

Qinghuan felt like a small fish returned to the sea; she could finally breathe smoothly, and her complexion improved considerably.

'Much better now.'

She showed a grateful smile, then her expression froze slightly; after realizing, she stared fixedly at Longling's avatar with a hint of astonishment and shock.

Compared to her own distress, Qinghuan seemed as if she were strolling leisurely in her own backyard garden, her demeanor calm and content, unaffected at all.

Qinghuan's eyes flickered with disbelief as she probed, 'Do you feel any discomfort?'

Longling's avatar shook his head.

Qinghuan sensed that Longling's avatar's cultivation had not changed at all, remaining steady; only she herself was affected, and a huge ripple surged in her heart.

What's going on?!

The Forbidden Zone actually has no effect on Longling?!

Now under Longling's protection, a faint green light firmly shields Qinghuan inside, and the previous sensation of her soul being pulled apart has largely faded.

Qinghuan felt nothing but incredulous!

Know that this is the Forbidden Zone; even cultivators with the highest cultivation are affected, with no exceptions, and never has anyone heard of a being who can move freely within the Forbidden Zone in the universe.

Even with the highest cultivation, one can only resist it, not stroll about leisurely.

Qinghuan scrutinized Longling, utterly baffled: 'Why is your spiritual power cultivation unaffected by the Forbidden Zone?'

Longling's avatar shook his head, indicating he didn't know either, and half-jokingly explained, 'Maybe I've been gifted with extraordinary talent since childhood?'

Although he said that, he guessed it might be because he is of the Yao clan, since he truly could find no other reason.

Although these cultivators all use spiritual power, their method of cultivation is completely different from mine; the Yao clan is one factor, and perhaps their cultivation method also plays a role? That might be why they are unaffected by the 'Forbidden Zone' Qinghuan mentioned.

Ye Qin also wasn't certain.

But Qinghuan was somewhat dazed, having never heard of anyone possessing such talent!

If this news got out, many people's jaws would likely drop in astonishment.

'Could it be that Fellow Daoist Longling has an extraordinary background and possesses some extraordinary treasure?'

Qinghuan pondered in her heart, unable to determine the cause, but seeing that Longling did not wish to elaborate, she naturally did not press further, after all everyone has their own secrets, no exception.

Regardless, Longling's such a special existence also counts as resolving their urgent crisis; at least the two of them are temporarily safe for now.

Even Qinghuan did not let down her guard, after all the name 'Forbidden Zone' is not for show.

Longling's avatar casually brought up, 'You earlier seemed to have mentioned star beasts? What is the relation between this Forbidden Zone and star beasts? And what exactly are star beasts?'

Qinghuan looked speechlessly at Longling's avatar, as if she couldn't believe he would ask such a question: 'I somewhat doubt you're really a cultivator; how could you not know these things?'

Longling's avatar felt somewhat helpless; having originated from Earth and created his own cultivation method to reach today, he is naturally entirely different from cosmic cultivators—it would be strange if he knew.

'The place I was born is too remote, with blocked information; I am indeed quite ignorant.'

Qinghuan waved her hand, saying, 'Fellow Daoist, don't take offense; I didn't mean it that way.'

Seeing Longling's avatar smile silently, Qinghuan again spoke solemnly: 'The existence of the Forbidden Zone is a place dreaded by all cosmic cultivators; whoever enters it will see their cultivation steadily decline until death——'

Having said that, her tone paused slightly, her expression inevitably glanced at Longling's avatar: 'So far you are the sole exception; I have never heard of anyone unaffected by the Forbidden Zone. Unless one's cultivation is strong enough to reach a certain realm…… or one possesses a special extraordinary treasure capable of resisting the Forbidden Zone's power, but such treasures are equally rare.'

Humans certainly cannot, but that does not mean Yao beasts cannot; could it truly be related?

Longling's avatar silently added in his heart.

Qinghuan continued explaining: 'Star beasts are products naturally born of the universe; no one knows where they come from or how they are born, since no one has ever seen them. Such beings are extremely rare; ordinary people never encounter them in a lifetime.'

'Their lifespans range from tens of thousands to millions of years; their strength grows with age, requiring no cultivation to dominate the universe. Even a newborn star beast is immensely powerful, easily capable of destroying many stars, and its massive form makes it the most special life in the universe, without equal—hence the name star beast.'

'Know that animals and beastkind have no possibility of cultivation; only humans can cultivate, which is basic common sense. Although star beasts have a high life level, they can actually be understood as beastkind, since they are not of the same race as humans, yet they possess cultivation, making them very special.'

Upon hearing this, Longling's avatar was especially surprised: 'Beastkind cannot cultivate; does that mean no beastkind in the entire universe can cultivate? Not even those on any star?'

Qinghuan nodded, 'Yes, isn't that common sense? The law is such; how could beastkind enlighten their ignorance? They inherently lack the cultivation principle, so naturally they cannot cultivate.'

Longling's avatar recalled having discussed a similar topic when he first met Qinghuan, and asked again: 'Then do you know of the Yao clan?'

Qinghuan shook her head, 'I don't know; what is that?'

Longling's avatar shook his head, 'Please continue.'

Qinghuan said: 'Heaven has always been fair, granting star beasts long lifespans and formidable strength, but their numbers are few, and they usually slumber year-round, hardly ever waking.'

'Then what is the relation between star beasts and the Forbidden Zone?'

Regarding Longling's avatar's question, Qinghuan did not find it strange; her soft petal-like cherry lips uttered the news, which startled Longling's avatar.

'Because the Forbidden Zone is what evolved from star beasts; very few in the universe know of this.'

Others regard the existence of the Forbidden Zone like a flood and ferocious beast, desperately wishing to avoid it; how would they go investigate its formation and origin, yet Qinghuan, on the contrary, is extremely well informed.

Wherever star beasts appear, a forbidden zone forms; these star beasts do not like to move, after years of slumber they drift constantly through the universe, and some star beasts never wake in their lifetime, sleeping until death. But even in death, their corpses do not dissipate.

Therefore, whether alive or dead, a mysterious power surges around them, continually absorbing surrounding meteorites; over time the star beast becomes encircled by meteorites and continually evolves, turning into one star after another, while the star beast actually lies sleeping at the core of those stars, thus causing the formation of the forbidden zone!

So, the forbidden zone appears to be a star, but is actually the star beast itself, merely because it has slept too long and continually absorbed meteorites, causing it to turn into a star.

Longling's avatar showed an expression of understanding, 'Ah, I see.'

Her beautiful eyes fell into the depths of the star river, seeing only large and small stars drifting about, not knowing which one would be the resting place of a star beast.

According to Qing Huan's description of the star beast, its size is enormous; presumably the star it inhabits must be likewise.

Could the attraction she feels be the star beast's call?

Moreover, Qing Huan actually knows the relationship between the forbidden zone and the star beast, being well versed in such secret matters; likely her background is not as simple as it seems.

Longling's avatar was so deep in thought that it didn't hear Qing Huan calling several times.

'What are you thinking about?'

Facing Qing Huan's inquiry, Longling's avatar did not hide anything, 'I'm thinking, now that we've come all this way, it would be great if we could see the star beast.'

Qing Huan's expression suddenly turned strange, wanting to speak but stopping, saying, 'Although your cultivation level and spiritual power are unaffected, you still need to be cautious, after all the forbidden zone is extremely dangerous.'

And if that star beast were dead it would be fine, but if it were alive its strength would surely be terrifying; once startled awake, a single breath could easily take our lives.

Seeing Qing Huan's worried face, as if truly fearing her impulsive actions, Longling's avatar soothed, 'Rest assured, I have discretion.'

Longling's avatar sized up Qing Huan, eyes showing a bit of confusion, 'By the way, the Heavenly Sect's signal tower is almost completed; why did you clash with them at this time?'

'It's just those people being unreasonable and unreasonable!'

Qing Huan's words flickered a bit, as if there were some hidden matter, but Longling's avatar, being tactful, did not press further; everyone has secrets, and his are not few.

From the information revealed by Qing Huan, he knew that signal towers have existed since ancient times, facilitating contact among cultivators and also serving as places to rest and replenish spiritual power.

After all, the universe is vast and boundless, there are always places where spiritual power and divine sense cannot reach; at such times the function of the signal tower becomes evident.

However, not long ago, an unknown entity appeared in the deepest reaches of the universe, after which the nearby star fields began to fluctuate inexplicably.

Various major sects sent people to investigate, yet they did not know what they found; but from then on they became especially eager to build signal towers.

Especially the Heavenly Sect, which did not hesitate to expend great manpower to build them even to the frontiers of the universe.

Qing Huan's words stirred ripples in Longling's avatar's heart, 'You built the signal tower for this thing? Do you know what it is?'

Qing Huan shook her head.

'Then I don't know either, but these sects are said to be enthusiastic about building signal towers because they want to connect to a special world, entering it through the signal tower to thereby raise their cultivation level.'

Longling's avatar's heart stirred; he hadn't expected to gather so much useful information this time.

These people actually build signal towers to construct a special passage into another world?!

No matter how you hear it, it feels a bit like some kind of online game on Earth, except now it is a large-scale cosmic holographic real-person version.

Longling's avatar also wanted to inquire about news of that illusory world, but Qing Huan only knows a little about it as well.

'The signal tower is not yet fully completed, this passage has not succeeded, and so far no one has entered the so-called illusory world, therefore I don't know much either.'

Longling's avatar also does not feel discouraged, after all once the signal tower is built and the passage established, eventually Earth will lie within the signal coverage, and he will sooner or later learn what that illusory world is really like.

Seeing Longling's avatar's brows slightly furrowed, Qing Huan curiously asked, 'You seem quite interested?'

Longling's avatar gave a faint smile, 'Such a novel thing is actually the first time I've heard of it; if there is an opportunity, I would also like to go in and investigate someday.'

'If that's the case, then I will pay more attention for you in the future.'

With Qing Huan's words, Longling's avatar immediately put his mind at ease, after all he cannot often wander the universe, and having Qing Huan help investigate would also be much more convenient.

'Then thank you.'

Qing Huan waved her hand indifferently, 'Between us there's no need for thanks; if it weren't for you this time, I probably couldn't even stand here for a moment.'

If Qing Huan previously had any suspicions or doubts about Longling's avatar, they have now completely vanished.

To dare offend the Heavenly Sect and risk one's life to render aid, even not hesitating to place oneself in danger, such friends are exceedingly rare.

Seeing that he had basically obtained the information he needed, Longling's avatar instructed Qing Huan, 'Sit here and meditate to heal your wounds; I will go look for any other exits.'

Originally he thought he could return the same way, but fearing a clash with Heavenly Sect disciples that would cause trouble, seeking another route is the best choice.

Qing Huan nodded, 'Then you be careful yourself.'

Besides seeking an exit, Longling's avatar also had a most important purpose: to find the star beast; but if Qing Huan were by his side, there would always be inconvenient places, and if she noticed something amiss it would not be good.

Although the two are already sworn friends of life and death, Longling's avatar's secrets are truly too many; he does not wish to put himself at risk, so having Qing Huan remain unaware of everything is the best choice.

Moreover, Longling's avatar always feels that the mysterious summons he senses is inseparably linked to the star beast.

Releasing a few strands of primordial divine power, Longling's avatar cleared his mind of distractions, closed his eyes, followed the call from his heart, and his form turned into a green light shooting toward the starry sky.

He did not know how long he had traveled like that; when Longling's avatar opened his eyes, green light flickered in his pupils, and what came into view was an enormously huge star.

It was gray all over, yet emitted a brilliant divine radiance; around it floated small star fragments and meteorites, like stars surrounding the moon, making it appear all the more extraordinary.

The Milky Way flowed, and myriad stars twinkled.

The scene before him was truly shocking; even though Longling's avatar remained calm and composed, his tranquil eyes also stirred up not a few ripples.

This star is probably about the size of the moon, making himself seem incredibly tiny; Longling's avatar descended upon it, gazing in all directions as far as the eye could see, devoid of any life, and could even be called barren.

If he is not mistaken, this star should be the star beast's resting place; he could feel the strong gravity emanating from within the star.

Longling's avatar could not help muttering to himself, 'It really is strange; why would I have such a resonance with this star beast? Could it be because we both belong to the beast kind?'

According to Qing Huan's words, whether alive or dead, the star beast absorbs meteorites from the universe; over time its form continually enlarges, eventually evolving into the appearance of a star.

In other words, the star beast is essentially a huge star, while it itself lies sleeping at the star's core; therefore few have ever seen the star beast's form, and what people see is merely a star.

Surveying the star before him, Longling's avatar's eyes flashed with a faint glimmer, as if a spark of insight passed through his mind.

'Since the place where the star beast resides can form a forbidden zone, cosmic cultivators talk about it with dread and fear; if… the star beast were to slumber near Earth, would it not be able to create a deterrent? To awe the eight wilds?'

'Even if the Heavenly Sect later wanted to relocate Earth, they would still have to weigh it; for cosmic cultivators, the deterrent of the forbidden zone is so terrifying that moving Earth again would likely not be worth the cost.'

Those who enter the forbidden zone are all affected; could it be that the Heavenly Sect, despite facing such enormous risk, would still choose to relocate Earth?

Longling's avatar felt this was a good idea; the more he thought about it, the more feasible it seemed, the star beast as a gatekeeper could completely resolve the crisis currently facing Earth.

Drag a planet back to the Solar System, forever seal outside Earth!

(End of chapter)