Chapter 133

The embers of the battle slowly drifted away in the sea breeze.

It took a full day and night for the seawater of the Star-Fragment Archipelago to gradually settle and dilute the filth mixed with blood and demonic energy, restoring some of its former azure color. However, a faint fishy, salty, and scorched smell still lingered in the air, along with an indelible, subtle sense of death originating from the source of the demonic creatures.

On the islands, there were broken walls and ruins, with scorched earth everywhere, but on the faces of the survivors, there was no longer despair, but the exhaustion of having survived a disaster and the faint light of rebuilding their homes. The Bibo Sect cultivators and the Imperial Dynasty garrison were cleaning the battlefield, treating the wounded, collecting the bodies of their comrades, and repairing the damaged island-protecting array.

Inside a temporarily erected tent in the center of the main island, "Star-Fragment Island," the atmosphere was not relaxed.

Lin Xuan, Eunuch Wei, Elder Beichen, Elder Yangang, Elder Lingshuang, and the Bibo Sect Master, whose injuries had just stabilized, sat around in a hall. On the stone table in the middle were placed a few trophies: that pale bone scythe that had lost its luster and was covered in cracks; several demonic cores of Demon Generals that were deep in color and exuded pure demonic energy; and some materials extracted from the bodies of demonized sea beasts that were polluted by demonic energy but had special textures.

The biggest focus was naturally the bone scythe. Although its spirituality was greatly damaged, its material was extraordinary, containing fragments of powerful laws of death and chaos. More importantly, it had served as a medium to summon the will projection of the Ruins Abyss demonic consciousness itself, and it was very likely that important information about the Demon Abyss and the Ruins Abyss demonic consciousness remained inside, or even... some kind of coordinates or connection.

"This object is bizarre, deeply demonic, and linked to that high-level demonic consciousness. Ordinary methods are likely difficult to investigate, and it is easy to be countered by it instead," Star Palace's Elder Beichen spoke first, pointing vaguely at the bone scythe, his expression grave. "I suggest that my Star Palace first use the secret 'Zhou Tian Star Purification Array' to suppress and purify its surface demonic nature and residual will before attempting to strip away information. This process requires an absolutely safe environment; it would be best to send it to my Star Palace's 'Star-Fragment Islet' branch altar in the Endless Hanhai."

His words sounded high-sounding, but the intention was also very obvious—he wanted to take this most valuable and potentially most dangerous trophy back to the territory controlled by the Star Palace for research.

Giant Spirit Sect's Elder Yangang snorted and touched his shiny bald head: "That's easy to say, send it back to your Star Palace? Who knows what you'll research out of it, and whether you'll inform us? This skeleton (referring to the Bone-Scythe Demon Commander) was killed by us together, so the items should naturally be researched by us together. Want to purify it? I think the gray thunder of Fellow Daoist Lin is quite useful; it charred this Demon Commander in a few strikes, much more effective than any Star Array!"

Although his words were rough, they represented the thoughts of a considerable number of people. The Chaos Tribulation power Lin Xuan displayed during the battle, especially the restraining and purifying effect of the annihilation thunder on demonic energy, was obvious to all.

Profound Ice Pavilion's Elder Lingshuang said coldly: "Fellow Daoist Elder Yangang's words are not without reason. Fellow Daoist Lin's power is indeed miraculous. However, this object involves a great deal and must be handled with caution. Perhaps Fellow Daoist Lin can lead the purification, while we assist from the side and investigate together. The information obtained will be shared. As for the location... this place has just experienced a great battle, the demonic energy has not been cleared, so it is not suitable to stay long. Linhai City has the Imperial Dynasty's array and the arrays we have temporarily deployed, which is relatively safe."

She proposed a compromise, acknowledging Lin Xuan's leading role but demanding joint participation and information sharing, with the location chosen as Linhai City, where both sides' forces converged.

The Bibo Sect Master naturally hoped to send away this hot potato as soon as possible and nodded repeatedly: "Fairy Elder Lingshuang's words are very true! Leaving such demonic remains on my Star-Fragment Island makes this old man unable to sleep or eat in peace!"

Eunuch Wei looked at Lin Xuan, asking for his opinion with his eyes.

Lin Xuan had been listening quietly, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously. He was not very interested in the bone scythe itself, but he was quite concerned about the information about the Demon Abyss that might remain inside, as well as the traces of the "summoning channel" that Zhao Yuan had severed. This might help him understand the essence and operation mode of the Ruins Abyss demonic consciousness more deeply.

"Agreed," Lin Xuan finally spoke, his voice calm. "I will perform the initial purification of the bone scythe to remove the dangerous demonic intent on the surface. Afterward, in Linhai City, I, the Star Palace, and the Profound Ice Pavilion will jointly set up an isolation array to attempt to strip away the information. The Giant Spirit Sect can be responsible for outer perimeter vigilance and preventing accidents. All information will be simultaneously copied to His Majesty the Emperor and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. How about that?"

He both acknowledged his advantage in purification and gave the Star Palace and Profound Ice Pavilion the opportunity to participate in core research, while placing the Giant Spirit Sect in a suitable position and clarifying the principle of information sharing, bringing in the Imperial Dynasty and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion as supervisors and beneficiaries. His considerations were quite comprehensive.

Elder Beichen pondered for a moment, looked at Elder Yangang and Elder Lingshuang, and seeing that neither of them explicitly objected, he nodded: "Fellow Daoist Lin's considerations are comprehensive; let us follow this proposal."

Elder Yangang also grinned: "Fine! As for guarding the place, our Giant Spirit Sect is good at it!"

The distribution of trophies was preliminarily agreed upon. The next topic was the low-rank sea beasts that had been captured or controlled, which still retained some consciousness and were not completely demonized, as well as... the intelligence obtained from fragmented soul-searching of the Demon Generals.

"According to the fragments obtained from soul-searching," Eunuch Wei said in a deep voice, "this attack was not accidental. These Demon Generals were under the command of that Bone-Scythe Demon Commander, and the Demon Commander directly took orders from an existence known as 'Lord Shadow-Erosion.' This 'Shadow-Erosion' seems to be an important leader developed by the Ruins Abyss demonic consciousness in this realm, and its lair is very likely in... 'Blood Shark Island,' about three thousand miles northwest of the Star-Fragment Archipelago!"

"'Blood Shark Island'?" The Bibo Sect Master's expression changed. "That is the lair of the 'Blood Shark Pirates'! That group of lawless, fierce bandits on the sea has occupied Blood Shark Island for hundreds of years, burning, killing, and looting, with a notorious reputation! Could it be... they have defected to the Demon Abyss?"

"Highly likely." Elder Beichen interjected, starlight flickering in his eyes. "In the soul-searching memory fragments, there were indeed scenes of Demon Generals contacting suspected Blood Shark Pirate cultivators. Blood Shark Island has complex terrain, surging undercurrents, is easy to defend and difficult to attack, and it is said that there are ancient underwater ruins beneath the island. If it were utilized by the Demon Abyss and transformed into a lair, it is indeed possible."

Elder Yangang rubbed his hands: "Whether it's the Blood Shark Pirates or the demon cubs, since we know the lair, let's just finish it in one go! Lest it become a great disaster in the future!"

Elder Lingshuang, however, frowned slightly: "The Blood Shark Pirates' strength is not weak. Their leader, 'Blood Tooth,' is said to be at the peak of Nascent Soul, with many fierce bandits under his command who are familiar with the sea area and have operated their lair for many years, with countless arrays and traps. Now that they are suspected of colluding with the Demon Abyss, their strength is likely even greater. Attacking rashly might lead to significant losses. We need to plan carefully."

Lin Xuan listened to the discussion, but his heart thought of another matter. Blood Shark Island... underwater ruins... could it be related to the clues of "Star Gold" or "Chaos Breathing Soil" that the Star Palace is looking for? The Demon Abyss choosing that place as a lair is likely not just because it is easy to defend and difficult to attack.

"This matter needs to be reported to His Majesty and notified to the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion for detailed planning," Eunuch Wei finally set the tone. "The most urgent task is to consolidate the defense line of the Star-Fragment Archipelago, clear the residual demonic energy, treat the wounded, and send elite scouts to investigate the reality of Blood Shark Island in detail. At the same time, strengthen monitoring along the eastern coast to prevent the spread of the demonic disaster."

After the agreement, everyone dispersed to make arrangements.

Lin Xuan walked out of the tent and took a deep breath of the air smelling of sea fish and scorched earth. Continuous fierce battles and maintaining the Tribulation Domain were no small drain on him, but the Chaos Tribulation Crystal rotated slowly, absorbing thin chaotic energy from the void and the complex energy remaining on the battlefield (after being transformed by tribulation power), slowly recovering.

He strolled toward the seashore, where Zhao Yuan was standing alone on a reef washed by the waves, looking at the sunset gradually sinking into the sea level, his hand still tightly gripping the pitch-black "Silent Shadow" broken sword. The aura on his body had already stabilized at the peak of Golden Core, and he had an additional sense of restrained sharpness, completely different from the gloomy confusion before.

"That sword strike was very good," Lin Xuan walked to his side and spoke calmly.

Zhao Yuan's body shook slightly. He turned around, and seeing it was Lin Xuan, he hurriedly bowed and saluted: "Senior Lin." His tone was filled with awe and also a trace of complexity. He knew deeply that if Lin Xuan had not borne the vast majority of the pressure head-on and attracted all the firepower, he would never have been able to slash that decisive sword strike, which even he himself did not quite understand.

"No need for formalities," Lin Xuan waved his hand, his gaze falling on the broken sword in his hand. "This sword is named 'Silent Shadow'?"

Zhao Yuan nodded: "Yes. This junior only learned the name of this sword recently from... a senior." He hesitated and did not mention the existence of the old voice.

Lin Xuan did not pursue the question, only saying: "Shadow Gold is mainly for concealment and breaking laws, while Sinking Iron is mainly for weight and bearing. You can awaken a trace of its spirituality and sever that demonic intent summoning, which shows that your Dao heart has initially matched the sword intent of this sword: 'erupting in silence, severing falsehood and shackles.' But this path has just begun and is destined to be difficult. The sword spirit has been silent for too long and needs to be nurtured for a long time with heart blood and Dao intent, and even more so, it needs to be sharpened in battle after battle. Are you ready?"

Zhao Yuan's hand gripping the sword tightened a bit more, his eyes firm: "This junior... is ready. The past is like shackles, already severed. This body and this sword are willing to be the blade in my hand, to slay demons and eliminate evil, to protect the clarity of this realm, and also to seek... that my Dao is not alone!"

He said the last four words decisively, as if making a vow.

Lin Xuan looked at the flame rekindled in his eyes and nodded slightly: "Your determination is commendable. You may accompany us on the subsequent tasks of eradicating the remaining demonized sea beasts and investigating Blood Shark Island. Life-and-death combat is the fastest way to sharpen the sword and the heart."

"Thank you, Senior, for your fulfillment!" Gratitude and eagerness appeared in Zhao Yuan's eyes.

Just at this moment, a silver transmission talisman light flew silently to Lin Xuan, bearing the unique mark of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master.

Lin Xuan swept his spiritual sense over it, his brows raised slightly. The content of the message was very simple but meaningful: "Xing Lan privately has traces of secret contact with Blood Shark Island, and the behavior of the array master accompanying him is unusual. There may be something else going on with the Blood Shark Island matter. Be careful on the return journey, see you in Linhai City."

Sure enough, the overseas mission team was not of one mind. The Star Palace... or rather, Xing Lan personally, what exactly was he planning? Colluding with the Demon Abyss? Doesn't seem like it. It's more like... wanting to use this demonic disaster to achieve some private purpose? For example, to be the first to find Star Gold or Chaos Breathing Soil?

A wisp of gray energy flashed across Lin Xuan's fingertips, and the transmission talisman turned into nothingness. He looked at the sunset slowly sinking into the sea surface. The afterglow dyed the horizon a blood-red color, forming a sharp contrast with the dark seawater below that had not yet completely calmed down, as if predicting that a greater storm was about to arrive.

"The winds and clouds of the Endless Hanhai... this has only just begun," he whispered to himself, a deep light flashing in his eyes.

Three days later, the Star-Fragment Archipelago was initially stabilized. The allied fleet left some personnel to assist the Bibo Sect in reconstruction, while the main force, carrying trophies and captives, set off to return to Linhai City.

When the fleet sailed halfway and passed through a "Lost Sea Area" that was shrouded in thick fog all year round, the anomaly happened again!

The thick fog churned violently without warning, and several extremely hidden dark light beams without any spiritual power fluctuations shot out silently from somewhere under the sea, precisely hitting an auxiliary warship in the fleet that was carrying some demonized sea beast samples and low-level captives!

"Boom!"

That warship could not even fully raise its shield before it rapidly disintegrated under the erosion of the dark light beams. The cultivators and captives on the ship screamed and fell into the sea. Under the sea surface, countless shadows swam over...

"Enemy attack! Be on guard!" The alarm signal instantly spread throughout the fleet.

Lin Xuan's figure flashed, and he had already appeared on the top of the main warship's mast. Chaos Tribulation power spread out, sensing the anomalies in the thick fog and under the sea surface.

"Not demonic creatures... it's a man-made ambush. And the method is very clever, avoiding our conventional detection," his eyes were cold as he looked into the depths of the thick fog. "It seems someone doesn't want us to bring the 'things' and 'people' back smoothly."

His gaze seemed to pierce through the fog and lock onto a pair of eyes hidden in the dark from afar.