Chapter 128: Star Map Sea Eye, Dragon Qi Issues a Warning

Xue Chan’s words were like ice shards falling to the ground, shattering the subtle, seemingly harmonious balance of the banquet.

Everyone’s gaze converged upon Lin Xuan. This guest cultivator in green robes, who had remained so low-key as to be nearly invisible, suddenly became the focus of the entire room under the overseas envoy’s direct address.

A flicker of surprise flashed through Huangfu Hao’s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, raised his cup for a light sip, and watched the situation unfold. He trusted that Lin Xuan would have his own way of dealing with it.

Lin Xuan set down his wine cup and met the gaze of Xue Chan’s ice-cold eyes, which seemed capable of freezing one’s soul, with a calm expression. He did not directly answer the question regarding tempering the body with lightning; instead, he smiled slightly and countered, "Elder Xue Chan seems to have a profound understanding of the intent of lightning’s annihilation. Although the Profound Ice Pavilion’s techniques are of the utmost yin and cold, they can still perceive the yang-vigorous transformations of lightning. It goes to show that the three thousand Daos all share a common origin in the end."

This response neither denied nor fully admitted the premise, but instead cleverly elevated the other party, steering the topic toward the more abstract concept of "the commonality of the Dao," appearing composed and possessing an extraordinary bearing.

A trace of a very subtle ripple flashed through Xue Chan’s icy eyes. She looked deeply at Lin Xuan, did not press further, and merely nodded slightly: "Fellow Daoist speaks truly." She then shifted her gaze away, returning to her cold and aloof demeanor.

Yet, in this exchange of questions and answers, Lin Xuan’s weight in everyone’s hearts had already changed. To be able to make an overseas Profound Ice Pavilion Elder, who looked down upon everyone, take the initiative to ask and offer recognition—how could an ordinary Nascent Soul guest cultivator achieve such a thing?

Xing Lan’s interest grew even stronger. He set down his wine cup, his gentle smile remaining unchanged, yet he pulled the topic back: "Fellow Daoist Lin’s insight is extraordinary. I wonder, what are your thoughts on this 'Primordial Demonic Qi' and 'Abyssal Demonic Qi'? Are they of the same origin? And how should one deal with them?"

This question was even sharper, pointing straight to the core. Clearly, they had done their homework before arriving and understood the details of the demonic tribulation that had occurred in the Tianyuan Dynasty quite well.

Lin Xuan’s expression remained unchanged as he pondered for a moment and said, "My cultivation is shallow and my knowledge limited. Based solely on my personal experience, the Abyssal Demonic Qi that descended upon this realm tends more toward 'devouring' and 'chaos' in its essence, aiming to turn all things into its nourishment and a part of itself. As for the 'Primordial Demonic Qi' you mentioned, since it bears the name 'Primordial,' it must be closer to the origin of 'nothingness' or 'termination,' aiming to cause all things to 'return to silence' and 'revert to nothing.' The two may have similarities, but their roots and directions are perhaps different."

He paused, then continued, "Methods of response vary by person and by power. The power of chaos may be able to contain or transform; the magnificent dragon qi may be able to suppress or disperse; the supreme yang lightning may be able to purify or annihilate. However, these are all treating the symptoms. To treat the root cause, I fear one must find its source, explore its foundation, and either seal, destroy, dredge, or guide it. This is not something one person or one sect can achieve; it requires gathering the wisdom and strength of many."

This discourse not only displayed his understanding of demonic qi (incorporating the characteristics of his own chaotic tribulation power) but also cleverly threw the question back, hinting at the necessity of cooperation while once again highlighting his vision and stature.

Xing Lan, Man Shi, and Xue Chan all revealed expressions of gravity. Lin Xuan’s words were by no means empty talk; they truly touched upon reflections regarding the essence of different demonic qi and even vaguely pointed toward the direction of "treating the root cause." This caused their estimation of the Tianyuan Continent and this mysterious cultivator surnamed Lin to rise by several notches.

"Fellow Daoist Lin’s high opinion has enlightened us." Xing Lan cupped his hands, his tone becoming much more sincere. "Gathering the wisdom and strength of many is exactly the philosophy held by our three major overseas sects. The calamity of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye concerns the living beings of this realm; it is not a matter for the Vast Sea alone. If we can obtain the assistance of your dynasty and talents like Fellow Daoist Lin, it is truly the fortune of all living beings."

He once again emphasized the keynote of cooperation and elevated the level to that of "the living beings of this realm."

Huangfu Hao intervened at the right moment, saying in a clear voice, "Fellow Daoist Xing Lan is absolutely right. Demonic calamities know no borders; we should naturally work together with one heart. Although I am untalented, I am willing to do everything the Tianyuan Dynasty can to discuss strategies for dealing with this alongside the overseas immortal sects. As for the clues regarding Star Gold and Chaotic Breath Soil, I shall issue an imperial decree tomorrow, ordering the relevant departments to search with all their might. Once there is news, I will inform you all immediately."

"In that case, many thanks, Your Majesty!" Xing Lan and the others raised their cups in gratitude. The atmosphere of the banquet eased once more, with everyone drinking and chatting as if the sharp exchanges from just moments ago had never occurred.

But in private, exchanges of spiritual sense were quietly unfolding between the hosts and guests.

Xing Lan transmitted his voice to Huangfu Hao: "Your Majesty, to be honest, my Star Palace possesses a secret technique that can borrow the power of the celestial stars to roughly deduce the location of treasures. Your Majesty bears dragon qi and may be able to lend me a hand in attempting to sense whether the 'Star Gold' is within the continent. As for the 'Chaotic Breath Soil'... perhaps we can discuss it further with Fellow Daoist Lin."

Huangfu Hao’s heart stirred, and he replied: "If Fellow Daoist Xing Lan is willing, I shall naturally cooperate. We can try at the Star Observation Platform tomorrow. As for Fellow Daoist Lin... he has a detached nature. I can introduce you, but whether you can have a deep discussion depends on his own wishes."

"Naturally."

On the other side, Xue Chan also quietly transmitted her voice to Lin Xuan: "The power Fellow Daoist Lin bears does not seem to be purely chaotic... the intent of annihilation and reincarnation within it is somewhat similar to the *Profound Ice Annihilation Dao* I cultivate. If you have time in the future, I would like to discuss the Dao with you and verify our insights."

Lin Xuan replied: "Elder Xue Chan is too kind. Profound Ice Annihilation, where all things wither, is also a kind of return journey. If there is fate, we may contemplate it together." He did not refuse; the feeling this Profound Ice Pavilion Elder gave him, though cold, was direct and straightforward, unlike Xing Lan, whose thoughts were deep and complex.

Man Shi, meanwhile, became interested in Eunuch Wei by Huangfu Hao’s side. The two exchanged a few words across the air regarding the path of body refinement, feeling a sense of mutual appreciation.

The banquet lasted until late at night before dispersing. The overseas delegation was respectfully escorted back to the Welcome Immortal Pavilion.

Returning to the secret chamber of the Yangxin Palace, Huangfu Hao removed the barrier, let out a long breath, and smiled at Lin Xuan: "Brother Lin, today was all thanks to you. That Xing Lan seems gentle, but he is actually calculating every step. Elder Xue Chan, however, is a straightforward person."

Lin Xuan nodded: "The Star Palace has grand designs. They are in a hurry to find Star Gold and Chaotic Breath Soil; the situation at the Return to Ruins Sea Eye is likely more severe than they say. Be careful during the deduction at the Star Observation Platform tomorrow; do not let them take the opportunity to pry too much into the dynasty’s national fortune or the secret of the star core within you."

"I understand." Huangfu Hao’s expression was grave. "I have already discussed it with the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets; he will secretly provide protection. Brother Lin, your insights into the Primordial Demonic Qi and Abyssal Demonic Qi seem to point to something specific?"

Lin Xuan pondered: "Using my chaotic tribulation power to sense them, the two are indeed different, but... on a higher level, they may stem from the same lineage, just manifesting in different forms. If that is truly the case, then the Return to Ruins Sea Eye and the demonic abyss rifts in this realm are likely not isolated. The truth behind this may far exceed our imagination."

Upon hearing this, Huangfu Hao’s heart sank further.

The next day, at the Star Observation Platform.

This platform was located in the northwest corner of the imperial palace, nine zhang and nine chi high, built entirely of "Star Pattern Stone" capable of gathering the power of the stars. It was the place where successive dynasties observed celestial phenomena and calculated the national fortune. After being repaired and reinforced by the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets, it appeared even more mysterious.

Xing Lan, Man Shi, and Xue Chan arrived as invited. Lin Xuan and Eunuch Wei accompanied Huangfu Hao, while the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets remained hidden in the shadows.

Xing Lan took out an exquisite star compass and placed it in the groove at the center of the Star Observation Platform. The star compass automatically connected with the platform’s array. Instantly, the night sky above the platform seemed to be pulled closer by an invisible force; the stars became exceptionally bright, and strands of pure starlight were drawn down, gathering upon the compass.

"Your Majesty, please inject a strand of dragon qi into the star compass and visualize the form and quality of 'Star Gold'," Xing Lan said solemnly.

Huangfu Hao followed his instructions, and a strand of pale golden dragon qi from his fingertip was injected into the compass. The compass hummed, and countless tiny starlights appeared upon it, beginning to rotate and arrange themselves slowly, as if deducing something.

Xing Lan closed his eyes, his hands forming seals, chanting words. Starlight surged around his body, merging into one with the compass and the Star Observation Platform. His spiritual sense followed the starlight, seemingly spreading into the depths of the boundless night sky.

Time passed bit by bit. The arrangement of starlight on the compass became increasingly complex, gradually outlining a blurry, constantly changing star map.

Suddenly, Xing Lan’s body trembled slightly, he let out a muffled groan, and a trace of blood spilled from the corner of his mouth! The starlight on the compass became suddenly chaotic!

"Senior Brother Xing Lan!" the accompanying Star Palace disciples exclaimed.

"It is nothing..." Xing Lan waved his hand, opened his eyes, and a flash of shock and exhaustion crossed them. He looked at Huangfu Hao and said in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, the deduction was obstructed. Star Gold... seems to exist within the continent, but its heavenly secrets are obscured and distorted by an extremely powerful force, making it difficult to pinpoint accurately. This obscuring force... is very peculiar; it seems to be entangled with the earth’s dragon veins and the dynasty’s national fortune itself."

He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and continued: "Furthermore, during the deduction process, I vaguely sensed... that deep within the continent’s earth veins, there seem to exist more than one 'void' or 'rift' related to demonic qi. One of them is near the Imperial Capital, but it is sealed by an even stronger force. Another one... is in the south, very distant and obscure."

As soon as these words were spoken, the complexions of Huangfu Hao, Lin Xuan, and the others all changed!

The "void" near the Imperial Capital was clearly the demonic abyss passage that Lin Xuan had temporarily sealed! And that distant one in the south... could it be referring to Star Fall Lake? Or... the Return to Ruins Eye in the Ten Thousand Demon Mountains? Or, was there another demonic lair?

Xing Lan’s deduction had actually touched upon such a core secret!

"Fellow Daoist Xing Lan has worked hard." Huangfu Hao suppressed the shock in his heart and said in a deep voice, "I will have people investigate the earth vein voids you mentioned in detail. As for the Star Gold..."

Just at this moment, an unexpected change occurred!

Above the Star Observation Platform, the pure starlight that had been drawn down was suddenly stained with an extremely faint, yet extremely uncomfortable, dark red color! At the same time, the dragon qi within Huangfu Hao’s body surged violently without warning, emitting a low, warning-filled dragon roar!

The Imperial Jade Seal he wore on his person (after being repaired from its damage) also became slightly hot!

"Dragon qi issuing a warning?!" Eunuch Wei exclaimed.

A gray-purple light flashed in Lin Xuan’s eyes. He looked up at the sky, and under the sensing of his chaotic tribulation power, he "saw" that the dark red was not the starlight itself changing color, but rather an extremely obscure, sinister, and filthy strange force that had infiltrated from somewhere unknown, polluting a portion of the starlight that had been drawn down!

"Something... is prying here through the star resonance!" Lin Xuan shouted in a low voice and struck instantly!

He pointed his fingers like a sword, and a strand of gray-purple annihilation lightning power shot out. It did not attack any person or object, but slashed at the invisible connection between the polluted starlight and the Star Observation Platform’s array!

"Sss—!"

As if burning through some invisible thread, the dark red quickly faded, and the starlight returned to purity. The agitation of the dragon qi also subsided.

But everyone’s heart sank.

Xing Lan’s face was pale, and his gaze toward Lin Xuan was filled with shock and gratitude: "Many thanks, Fellow Daoist Lin! Just now, that was... Star Fiend filth? No, even more evil... it seems to be some kind of... demonic intent, using the stars as a medium..."

Xue Chan and Man Shi also had grave expressions; they too could feel that fleeting sense of evil prying.

The blurry figure of the Pavilion Master of Heavenly Secrets appeared silently on the Star Observation Platform, his tone unprecedentedly serious:

"It is not ordinary demonic intent. It is a high-level demonic consciousness capable of distorting and utilizing the power of the stars... Its source, I fear, is not in this realm. Your deduction may have... disturbed certain terrifying existences sleeping in the depths of the starry sky, or exposed the coordinates of this realm."

He looked at Xing Lan, then at Huangfu Hao and Lin Xuan: "The Primordial Demonic Qi of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye, the Abyssal Demonic consciousness you encountered, and this star demonic intent just now... I have a premonition that there may be a darker thread connecting them that we have yet to see clearly."

"The Vast Sea and Tianyuan seem distant, but in reality, they are already within the same invisible web. The true storm... may have only just begun."