Chapter 803

Yun Qing stood in the middle of the cultivation chamber, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the half jade pendant on her chest. The pendant was ice‑cold and bone‑piercing, yet it gave her a strange sense of safety. It was the last item her father had left her, and now it seemed far more than a mere keepsake.

"Master, is my father really… still alive?" Yun Qing's voice trembled lightly, her gaze fixed on the elder before her.

The gray‑robed elder sighed, lightly tapping the ground with the coiled‑dragon staff in his hand, and layers of protective formations instantly rose around the cultivation chamber. "Girl, it's still too early to tell you some things. All you need to know is that your father bought you time."

Yun Qing lowered her head to look at the pendant and suddenly noticed that the patterns were more intricate than she remembered. The seemingly random engravings now faintly formed a star map under the sunlight.

"Primordial Source Seed… what exactly is it? Why is it inside my body?" Yun Qing looked up, her eyes full of confusion.

The elder's murky eyes suddenly sharpened like knives: "The Primordial Source Seed is a strand of original qi from the moment heaven and earth first opened; legend says that obtaining it lets one glimpse the Dao's ultimate principle. As for why it is in you…" He paused, "that was a choice your father bought with his life."

Sudden hurried footsteps sounded outside the cultivation chamber; the elder immediately composed himself and waved his hand to withdraw part of the formation. Grand Commerce Association President Li Xuantian arrived in a hurry with several Elders, each wearing a solemn expression.

"Heavenly Mechanism Master senior, we just received word that the Holy Heart Alliance has already dispatched the Blood Shadow Seven Evils to infiltrate Zhong Tian City." Li Xuantian said gravely, a hint of worry flashing across his gaze as it passed Yun Qing.

The elder, known as the Heavenly Mechanism Master, snorted coldly: "You're quick. Girl, from today onward you may not step out of my sight even a half step."

Yun Qing nodded silently, her fingers unconsciously clenching the pendant. She could feel something inside the pendant responding to her touch, a warm current slowly flowing into her meridians.

Heavenly Spirit Realm Zhong Tian City, Grand Commerce Association headquarters.

Li Xuantian, as the only Great Vehicle Stage cultivator within the Zhong Tian Zhi Yu Grand Commerce Association, differs from the other two patrons; he has always been a member of the Association and was cultivated by the previous president of the Grand Commerce Association.

Although the Heavenly Mechanism Master is the head of the Heavenly Mechanism Hall, his sect's strength is weak, sustained only by his own Great Vehicle Stage cultivation, and all his disciples are merely Foundation Establishment stage, with not even a Nascent Soul Cultivator among them.

Therefore, for the sect's development, the Heavenly Mechanism Master also became one of the Grand Commerce Association's patrons, and likewise Yun Qing's master.

At this moment, standing before a massive map with a furrowed brow, the map marked key locations throughout Zhong Tian City and the abnormal movements discovered in recent days.

"The Holy Heart Alliance has already infiltrated the city, and Yuan Zhen and Pang Mingde have each mobilized forces." Li Xuantian said gravely, "What's more troublesome is that the Heavenly Mechanism Hall predicts a foreign domain powerhouse will descend within three days."

The Heavenly Mechanism Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Hall sat beside them, idly twirling a few ancient copper coins in his hand: "Chaos has arisen, there's no escape. The key now is to protect that girl and wait for the right moment."

"The moment?" Li Xuantian asked, looking at the elder with puzzlement.

The Heavenly Mechanism Master gave a mysterious smile: "The Primordial Source Seed's awakening requires specific conditions; even if those people capture her, it's useless. As for us… we only need to wait for the 'key' to appear."

Yun Qing sat cross‑legged in the secret chamber specially prepared by the Heavenly Mechanism Master, a faint aura surrounding her. Since the assassination attempt, she has been under strict protection, even her cultivation taking place within this restriction‑laden chamber.

The jade pendant on her chest grew increasingly hot, and Yun Qing could feel something inside awakening. Following the Heavenly Mechanism Master's taught method, she gently extended her spirit consciousness into the pendant.

In an instant, heaven and earth spun.

Yun Qing found herself standing in a void, countless stars floating before her. The stars linked together, forming a vast star map.

"What is this…" Yun Qing said, staring at the scene before her in shock.

"Primordial Source Star Map." a familiar voice called from behind.

Yun Qing spun around abruptly, tears instantly blurring her vision: "Father!"

Yun Hua's phantom stood nearby, her face kind yet sorrowful: "Lan'er, the fact that you see this image means I have already met misfortune and departed this world; time is short, listen to me carefully…"

As Yun Hua spoke, Yun Qing finally grasped the truth. The Primordial Source Seed is not merely a treasure but a key to opening a place called the Dao Realm. The portion within her is the crucial 'core'.

"When you fully awaken, the Dao Realm's gate will open." Yun Hua's phantom began to fade, "Remember, trust no one, including…"

Before the words finished, the phantom vanished abruptly. Yun Qing felt a surge of intense pain and was forced out of the pendant's space. She snapped her eyes open to find the Heavenly Mechanism Master watching her anxiously.

"Girl, are you alright?" the elder asked concernedly.

Yun Qing instinctively stepped back half a step, her mind echoing her father's unfinished warning. She forced herself to stay calm: "I'm fine, just… saw some strange visions."

The Heavenly Mechanism Master gave her a deep look, seeming to sense something, but said nothing more: "Prepare yourself; tonight will likely not be peaceful."

Yun Qing nodded, her fingers unconsciously brushing the pendant. She suddenly realized she might not even be able to fully trust this 'master.'

Elsewhere.

Yan Buji stood on the observation deck at the highest point of the mining area, overlooking the bustling cultivators below. Yuan Zhen's newly recruited dozen‑plus Void Refinement cultivators were familiarizing themselves with the surroundings; their disciplined movements and vigilant eyes all marked them as elite.

"Hall Master Yan, what a refined taste."

A familiar voice came from behind. Yan Buji turned, surprised, and bowed, "Elder Pang? How did you arrive?"

"This time I came in secret; there are some matters I wish to discuss with Hall Master Yan."

"Oh?" Yan Buji was taken aback, roughly guessing what this fellow intended.

It was nothing more than the words he previously said being relayed through Ye Lin's description; this time he came to confirm whether Yuan Zhen also knows that he is likewise scheming the Primordial Source Seed.

Pang Mingde walked slowly to Yan Buji's side, also gazing at the distant scenery: "I heard Yuan Zhen has been active lately, bringing many people over. As Hall Master Yan, the local overseer, aren't you curious about his intentions?"

Yan Buji feigned surprise: "Elder Pang, you're joking. Elder Yuan has his reasons for moving people; I, a mere Nascent Soul Cultivator, would never dare question Elder Yuan's affairs."

"Is that so?" Pang Mingde looked at Yan Buji with a meaning‑laden gaze, "Hall Master Yan, do you really think Yun Qing will die? Moreover, considering the father‑killing grudge between you and Yun Qing…"

Yan Buji's expression changed, and he quickly waved his hand: "Elder Pang, watch your words! Elder Yuan specifically instructed that this matter must not be spread externally!"

A glint flashed in Pang Mingde's eyes: "Oh? Yuan Zhen specifically instructed?" He asked casually, "Why is he so concerned about this?"

Yan Buji pretended to be annoyed by a slip of the tongue, lowering his voice: "Well… Elder Yuan said the Grand Commerce Association is powerful; if they learn I hold a grudge against Yun Hua, it could be detrimental to me. So he asked me to keep it secret…"

Pang Mingde nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly shifted the conversation: "Hall Master Yan, you have a good relationship with Ye Lin?"

"Ye Lin?" Yan Buji gave a wry smile, "To be honest, Elder Pang, I cut ties with him yesterday. My situation is delicate now, and I don't want to involve others."

Pang Mingde stared at Yan Buji for a long while, then suddenly laughed: "Hall Master Yan, you have a heart. Ye Lin is my beloved disciple; I'm pleased you consider him." He patted Yan Buji's shoulder, "Rest assured, with me around, the Grand Commerce Association can't move against you."

Yan Buji bowed gratefully: "Thank you, Elder Pang, for your protection!"

Pang Mingde nodded with satisfaction, turned and left. Only after his figure vanished did Yan Buji drop the pretended expression on his face, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Old fox, you really went to Ye Lin for verification." Yan Buji sneered inwardly, "Now, go ahead and guess what Yuan Zhen actually intends."