Chapter 148: Glimmer of Embers, The Star Stele Appears

The smoke of war on Star Fall Island finally dissipated completely seven days after the Blood Skeleton Star God was beheaded.

The filthy blood clouds that once shrouded the heavens and earth were swept away by the Imperial Dragon Qi and the gradually clearing daylight. The viscous, blood-like foam and floating filthy debris on the sea surface were either evaporated or settled into the deep sea under the day-and-night purification arrays and spells cast by cultivators from all sides. The seawater returned to its former azure blue, yet beneath that blue, there still surged unsettling undercurrents—originating from the depths of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye—which, having lost their core, had become relatively calm but remained lethal.

The island itself was covered in scars. Nearly half of the foundation of the All-Heaven Star Array was destroyed, the outer defensive works were almost completely ruined, the once immortal-shrouded pavilions and towers had collapsed in many places, and the spirit fields and herb gardens had all been eroded and withered by the foul energy. The casualties were even more shocking: over a thousand disciples from the Star Palace, Profound Ice Pavilion, and Giant Spirit Sect, along with the Imperial Demon-Slaying Army that arrived later, had fallen, and countless others were severely wounded, including many Golden Core and even Nascent Soul cultivators. The entire Star Fall Island was permeated with a heavy sense of tragedy and the exhaustion of surviving a catastrophe.

Yet, above these heavy embers, a faint light flickered stubbornly.

In the center of the island, the "Spirit-Nourishing Hall," temporarily constructed and equipped with the Alliance's highest-level protective and nourishing arrays, became everyone's spiritual pillar. Inside the hall, in a jade pool of spirit liquid, Lin Xuan still slept quietly. Under the nourishment of countless heavenly treasures and gentle arrays, the cracks on his body healed at a slightly faster pace, but it remained slow. His breath was as faint as a candle in the wind, yet he miraculously maintained a thread of life that would not break. The Chaos Tribulation Crystal located at his heart had almost ceased its rotation, its surface dull and lusterless, as if it might extinguish completely at any moment, yet in its deepest core, it stubbornly preserved a trace of an imperceptible "fire seed" belonging to the origin of chaos.

Wei Gong kept watch outside the hall almost without leaving. This aged Soul Transformation eunuch, who had experienced the vicissitudes of life, looked even older now. In his eyes, besides worry, there was an added sense of heavy responsibility—to guard this hero who had burned almost everything for the Alliance and this world, until he woke up, or... until the very last moment.

Beichen, Lingshuang, and Yangang, amidst their grief and exhaustion, quickly shouldered the heavy burden of reconstruction and aftermath. They knew that the breathing room Lin Xuan had exchanged his life for must not be wasted.

"The core foundation and array map of the All-Heaven Star Array are well-preserved. Although the outer array eyes are damaged, there is hope for repair. It is just that... there is a huge gap in the special materials like 'Star Essence Gold' needed for the repairs." Beichen's face was haggard, but his eyes were resolute as he discussed with several Star Palace array masters and the Imperial Ministry of Works craftsmen accompanying the army, "I have sent a message to the Palace Master, requesting the allocation of Star Palace inventory and opening up the mining rights to some Star Essence Gold veins. But distant water cannot quench immediate thirst."

Lingshuang's cold voice carried a hoarseness born of exhaustion: "The Profound Ice Pavilion can provide 'Ten-Thousand-Year Profound Ice' and 'Ice Soul Cold Jade' to construct temporary purification nodes and seal the demonic energy leaking from the Sea Eye. But maintaining large-scale purification arrays is a bottomless pit for spirit stone consumption. In this battle, the inventories of all sects have hit rock bottom."

Yangang scratched a newly added scar on his bald head and said in a muffled voice: "Our Giant Spirit Sect doesn't have much else, but we have strength. The heavy labor of repair work, clearing ruins, and transporting supplies—leave it to us! But as for arrays and spirit stones... we are truly helpless."

Huangfu Hao, who had been listening silently (projected via a special communication array), spoke slowly, his voice carrying the decisiveness of an Emperor: "Within the Empire, all inventory spirit stones and related refining materials have been urgently requisitioned and are being transported day and night via teleportation arrays and fleets. I have issued an imperial decree to open three royal secret mines and increase the acquisition price and merit exchange ratio for related civilian resources. We will spare no cost to support the reconstruction of Star Fall Island and the establishment of the Sea Eye monitoring system."

He scanned the crowd and said in a deep voice: "Although this battle was tragic, the Blood Skeleton Star God has been executed, the threat of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye has been temporarily eased, and the two great generals of the Demon Abyss have been one killed and one wounded. Our Alliance has achieved an initial victory, and morale can be utilized! The top priority is to restore the defense and monitoring capabilities of Star Fall Island as quickly as possible, turning it into the first iron wall for monitoring, early warning, and resisting the Demon Abyss's invasion from the direction of the Vast Sea! At the same time, intensify the clearing of 'World-Eroding' infiltration nodes and remnants of the 'Rebirth Sect' within the continent; we must never give the Demon Abyss a chance to collude from within and without."

"Your Majesty is wise!" everyone bowed.

Reconstruction work proceeded in a tense yet orderly manner. On the broken island, the clanging of hammers, the humming of arrays, and the sound of cultivators transporting supplies intertwined, dispelling the deathly silence. The bodies of the fallen were properly collected, identified, and sent back to their respective sects or hometowns for burial, and pension matters were also being handled simultaneously. An atmosphere of sorrow yet resilience permeated the sky over Star Fall Island.

And just amidst this busy reconstruction, an urgent secret message from the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion (whose true body was still healing in the Imperial Capital) was delivered directly to core figures like Wei Gong and Beichen through special channels.

The content of the secret message was extremely brief, yet it tightened the heartstrings of the few who had just begun to relax:

"The stone slab fragments from Starfall Plain, Black Water City, and the nameless altar in the Vast Sea have been preliminarily confirmed, through reverse deduction of damaged runes and comparison with ancient star map fragments, to point to the same ancient lost civilization—the 'Star-Fall People.' This civilization worshipped the stars, excelled in stellar secret arts and contract techniques, and its last record disappeared about thirty thousand years ago during a 'Star Meteor Catastrophe' that affected the entire Vast Sea."

"The runes on the three fragments complement each other, pointing to a secret coordinate deep in the Vast Sea. Combined with the Star Palace's ancient sea charts and my own vague deductions made at the cost of my lifespan, this coordinate is located at the junction of the 'Chaotic Star Vortex' and the 'Silent Graveyard.' It is highly likely to be an important ruin of the 'Star-Fall People' or... the location of their sunken capital."

"More crucially, the 'Star-Fall People' seem to have had some kind of 'Blood Contract' or 'Worship Contract' with ancient stars (or Star Gods). The 'Blood God' worshipped by the cult in Black Water City is likely not an original creation of the Abyss demons, but rather a borrowed name and partial ritual of a certain 'Star God' that was already fallen or twisted, as involved in the ancient contracts of the 'Star-Fall People'."

"Recommendation: Quickly dispatch an elite team to secretly investigate this coordinate. The ruins may contain important clues regarding ancient contracts, the whereabouts of Star Essence Gold, or even methods to counter the 'World-Eroding' force. However, the ruins are hidden deep in the dangerous Vast Sea and may be related to twisted Star Gods or Demon Abyss remnants. It is extremely dangerous, and the selection of personnel must be handled with the utmost caution."

After reading the secret message, Wei Gong, Beichen, and the others looked at each other, their eyes filled with shock.

"'Star-Fall People'... sunken capital... ancient blood contract..." Beichen muttered to himself, "No wonder the rituals and runes of the 'Rebirth Sect' were mixed with stellar power and bloody sacrifices; it turns out the root lies here! They were attempting to awaken or tamper with some ancient, terrifying contract involving the stars!"

Ice-blue light flickered in Lingshuang's eyes: "The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion deduces that there may be a method to counter the 'World-Eroding' force within those ruins. If that is truly the case, no matter how dangerous, it is worth exploring. The power of the 'World-Eroding' is infiltrating deeper every day, and conventional means treat the symptoms but not the root cause. We must find a new breakthrough point."

Yangang frowned: "Investigating the ruins is necessary. But Fellow Daoist Lin is unconscious, and we must sit here to guard against a counterattack from the Demon Abyss and further changes in the Sea Eye. Who should be sent? Ordinary Nascent Soul cultivators, venturing deep into such dangerous places, might never return."

Just then, Zhao Yuan, who had been standing silently by Wei Gong's side, responsible for taking care of Lin Xuan's daily life while also assisting in handling miscellaneous affairs, suddenly stepped forward and bowed: "Lord Wei, Elder Beichen, this junior is willing to go."

Everyone's gaze focused on him. At this moment, Zhao Yuan's aura was condensed, his eyes sharp and calm. After the baptism of Blood Shark Island, Black Water City, and this great battle on Star Fall Island, he had shed the last trace of his greenness, like a divine sword sheathed but with its sharpness contained within. Although his cultivation was still at the peak of Golden Core, the "Silent Shadow" divine sword that had already awakened, along with the extinction sword intent he inherited, made his actual combat power comparable to an ordinary mid-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, and he had unique advantages in purifying evil spirits and severing illusions.

Wei Gong looked at him and pondered for a moment: "Zhao Yuan, is your mind made up? The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion has said that the ruins are extremely dangerous, possibly containing unknown evil objects or ancient restrictions, and even more likely related to Demon Abyss remnants. Although you have inherited the divine sword, your cultivation is still shallow after all..."

Zhao Yuan raised his head, his gaze clear and firm: "This junior knows the danger. However, Senior Lin is still unconscious to protect this world. This junior has received the grace of Senior Lin's multiple rescues and guidance, and even more so, his trust in entrusting me with heavy responsibilities. Now that the Senior is severely wounded and the Alliance is in need of people, how can this junior shrink back due to fear of obstacles? Moreover, the 'Silent Shadow' sword has an affinity with the falling of stars and the path of extinction, and perhaps it can sense something in the ruins to avoid some risks. This junior is willing to sign a military order; I will definitely do my utmost to investigate the ruins, bring back useful clues, and not fail the expectations of the Senior and the Alliance!"

His tone was calm, yet every word was resonant, carrying a determination to burn his bridges.

Beichen and Lingshuang exchanged a glance and nodded slightly. Zhao Yuan was indeed a relatively suitable candidate who could be spared at the moment. He had a special status (close relationship with Lin Xuan and inherited the extinction sword), decent combat power, and his character had been tested. More importantly, his "Silent Shadow" sword might truly become the "key" to exploring the star ruins.

Wei Gong was silent for another moment before finally nodding slowly: "Very well. Since you have this intention, I will give you this opportunity. But remember, investigation is the priority; do not fight to the death unless necessary. Preserving yourself and bringing back intelligence is the primary mission."

He turned to Beichen and others: "The Star Palace is most familiar with the geography of the Vast Sea and stellar secret arts; you must dispatch capable personnel and experts proficient in arrays and astrology to accompany him. The Profound Ice Pavilion can provide secret treasures to resist deep-sea pressure and filth. Giant Spirit Sect... select two physically strong experts who are good at water combat and close-quarters fighting to go along. The team size should be refined rather than large; ten people or fewer is appropriate. In addition, draw two elites from the Imperial 'Shadow Guard' who are skilled in concealment, exploration, and self-preservation, and have them carry the newly developed 'Restriction-Breaking Awl' and 'Image-Recording Positioning Compass'."

"As Lord Wei says." Beichen and the others agreed and immediately began to prepare separately.

Three days later, at a secret pier on Star Fall Island.

A medium-sized "Star-Seeking Shuttle," about thirty zhang long, built entirely from deep-sea profound iron and "Void-Hiding Wood," with Star Palace concealment arrays inscribed on its surface, set sail quietly. On board, including Zhao Yuan, there were a total of nine people.

From the Star Palace, they sent a mid-stage Nascent Soul middle-aged cultivator named "Xinghui," who was proficient in stellar positioning and array breaking, with a steady personality; and a late-stage Golden Core young astrologer "Chen Yue," who was skilled in observing stellar flow and deducing fortune.

The Profound Ice Pavilion sent one of Lingshuang's direct disciples, "Hanying," with peak Golden Core cultivation, carrying the "Ice Soul Heart-Protecting Mirror" and several "Profound Ice Escape Talismans," responsible for dealing with the extreme cold and filthy environment of the deep sea.

The Giant Spirit Sect sent two bald, eight-foot-tall, muscular men carrying giant axes and water-splitting spikes: one early-stage Nascent Soul "Shi Meng" and one peak Golden Core "Tie Shan," both of whom were body cultivators with excellent water skills and a fearless nature.

The Imperial Shadow Guard sent two black-clad cultivators whose auras were completely restrained, almost blending into the shadows, codenamed "Shadow Seven" and "Shadow Eleven," both with late-stage Golden Core cultivation, proficient in stealth, assassination, mechanism exploration, and intelligence gathering.

Zhao Yuan, as the team leader, stood at the bow holding "Silent Shadow." The sea breeze blew against his slightly thin but straight body, and the gray-white extinction sword intent flowed slightly around him, faintly echoing the dark gold patterns on the body of the "Silent Shadow" sword.

"The goal of this trip is the ruins of the 'Star-Fall People' deep in the Vast Sea. The dangers are unknown; everyone must act with caution, follow instructions, and look out for each other." Zhao Yuan's voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, "Set off."

The Star-Seeking Shuttle slid silently into the seawater, creating a circle of subtle ripples, then the ship's arrays were fully activated, turning into a blurred shadow that almost blended into the deep blue seawater, speeding toward the secret coordinate provided by the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.

Star Fall Island gradually became smaller behind them and finally disappeared below the horizon.

Inside the cabin, Zhao Yuan sat cross-legged with "Silent Shadow" across his knees, closing his eyes and concentrating. He tried to use his extinction sword heart to sense the "call" related to stars, falling, and contracts that might come from the distant ruins.

And in his bosom, the small, most complete piece of the "Star-Fall People" stone slab brought back from the Black Water City altar was currently emitting a faint, warm starlight that resonated with the "Silent Shadow" sword.

The Vast Sea was deep and fraught with danger. But their exploration and journey had only just begun.

At the same time, in the Imperial Capital, the secret chamber of the Star-Gazing Terrace.

The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion, with the phantom of the three spliced stone slabs (restored according to the fragment information) and the ancient star map scroll floating in front of him. His blurred face was even dimmer than before, clearly indicating that the previous deduction had consumed a large amount of his origin.

Suddenly, the star compass in front of him used to sense the position of Zhao Yuan's team saw the light point representing the Star-Seeking Shuttle flicker violently after entering a certain sea area, and then... it deviated from the originally calculated course, slowly sliding toward an unmarked area on the star map scroll covered by large chaotic symbols!

"Hmm?" The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion opened his eyes abruptly, a flash of shock and suspicion in them, "Stellar turbulence? Or... is the power of the ruins itself interfering and pulling?"

He pinched his fingers to calculate rapidly, but his expression became increasingly solemn.

"Great danger appears, yet there is a glimmer of life in the desperate situation... The Star-Fall Contract, the secret of the sunken... Little Friend Zhao Yuan, your sword may truly be able to cut through the mist that has been sealed for ten thousand years, but it may also... awaken a deeper nightmare."

He let out a long sigh and cast his gaze toward the west, as if piercing through layers of palace walls to see that vast and mysterious azure blue.

"What this old man can do has been exhausted. The rest depends on your own fortune."