Chapter 155

Sui Xing Yu, Cloud Deep Hall.

The spirit liquid jade pool was filled with gentle and abundant spiritual energy, and countless tiny healing runes flickered at the bottom of the pool, like breathing. In the pool, Lin Lin Xuan was still sleeping, his face pale, his aura weak, but compared to the miserable state of being on the verge of collapse a few months ago, it had stabilized too much. The rotation of the Chaos Tribulation Crystal at his heart was slow, but incomparably firm, and every time it turned, it absorbed the essence of vitality in the pool, repairing the Dao foundation covered in cracks.

And in the quiet room on the other side of Cloud Deep Hall, Zhao Yuan slowly opened his eyes.

The first thing that came into view was the soft light spots embedded in the dome of the quiet room, simulating the stars of the whole sky. The starlight was not dazzling, but made him subconsciously feel a strange... intimacy and resonance. It was as if those light spots were no longer inanimate decorations, but distant and real star projections connected to his breathing.

He blinked, his consciousness completely breaking free from the long sleep. Memories emerged clearly like reefs revealed after the tide receded: Star-Sinking Ruins, ancient contract, blood-evil pollution, Wangsheng altar, mutant monsters, sword strike to sever the contract, near-death gift... finally the deep-sea darkness and the blurry shouts of his companions.

The feeling of his body also returned. There was no expected severe pain or weakness, but instead it was filled with a warm and tenacious power. In his Dantian, the barrier of his Golden Core peak cultivation had quietly loosened and widened, the sea of spiritual power was calm, but deep and internalized, and it seemed to be only one opportunity, one layer of window paper away from condensing the Nascent Soul. In his meridians, the flowing spiritual power carried a sliver of extremely faint, cool, and vast star characteristics, which did not conflict with the original Sword Intent of Annihilation, but instead, like water and milk blending, gave the sword intent a depth and tolerance like the starry sky.

What made his mood even more difficult to calm was his consciousness sea. That vast consciousness sea, which had once almost "burst" because of receiving massive memory fragments of the Star-Fall people, had now returned to calm, and was even more stable and open than before. Those memories and knowledge had not disappeared, but turned into a quiet "star sea," floating deep in his consciousness sea. He could "see" some of the "star points" that were brighter and easier to reach—that might be the basic principles of some star positioning method, or the structure of some unpolluted low-rank star rune, or a blurry silhouette of the daily life of the Star-Fall people. And the deeper and larger part was shrouded in a layer of gentle halo, as if in some kind of "sealed" or "waiting to be solved" state, requiring him to improve his cultivation or satisfy specific conditions to gradually open.

Even so, just the initial contact with this surface information had already made Zhao Yuan's understanding of "stars" and "ancient contracts" undergo a earth-shaking change. That was not knowledge from books, but collective memories branded into the soul, cast by a brilliant civilization with blood and fire, despair and hope.

He tried to move his body, and his bones emitted a slight, jade-like collision sound, full of power.

"Little friend Zhao Yuan, you are awake!"

A surprised voice came from the doorway. Elder Elder Xinghui walked in quickly, followed by Leng Leng Ningshuang, whose face was still cold but obviously relieved, and Shi Meng and Tie Shan, who were full of joy. The figures of Shadow Seven and Shadow Eleven also appeared quietly in the shadows by the door.

"Elder Elder Xinghui, Fellow Daoist Leng Leng Ningshuang, everyone..." Zhao Yuan sat up and found that he was not on an ordinary stone bed, but on a healing jade platform made of warm jade and some kind of mineral containing star power, and he was covered with a thin quilt embroidered with the Star Palace emblem. Although the quiet room was simple, it was full of traces of careful arrangement. "I... how long have I been unconscious? How did we come back? Senior Lin... and how are the others?"

A series of questions blurted out, carrying concern and urgency.

Elder Elder Xinghui sat on the futon beside the jade platform, his face carrying the exhaustion of surviving a disaster, but he could not hide his relief: "You have been unconscious for seven days. It was the 'Star-Patrol Boat' dispatched by Eunuch Wei that found us at the edge of the 'Silent Graveyard' and brought us back. You have been unconscious, but your aura has been stable and strong day by day. Eunuch Wei personally diagnosed you and said that you were exhausted in mind and power, and received some kind of extremely huge 'gift,' and your body is adjusting and fusing itself, just needing quiet recuperation. It seems it is indeed so."

Leng Leng Ningshuang added: "Your last sword strike severed part of the contract shackles at the core of the ruins, causing the entire ruin space to collapse. We were able to escape only because of the temporary passage torn open by the power aftermath you triggered. Shi Meng carried you on his back, Tie Shan brought your sword and that fragment, and we finally all returned safely." She pointed to a jade table in the corner of the quiet room, on which "Shadow-Annihilator" was lying quietly, as well as the "Star Essence" fragment contained in a special jade box engraved with purification runes.

Shi Meng grinned and laughed: "Brother Zhao, you scared us to death! But you look better now than before you went in! Even your cultivation seems to have increased by a large margin! This is really..."

Tie Shan also nodded honestly: "Brother Zhao has good luck, survived a disaster, and must have future blessings!"

Shadow Seven concisely reported the aftermath: "No signs of pursuit by the Abyss or Wangsheng Sect were found on the return journey and in the seven days since. The energy fluctuation of the ruin collapse has been naturally masked by the deep sea and the chaotic star vortex environment. The 'Star Essence' fragment and your sword have been initially checked by Eunuch Wei and the elders of the Star Palace and Xuanbing Pavilion, confirming there are no hidden dangers, and the value is immeasurable."

Zhao Yuan listened, and the heart that had been hanging finally let go. He looked at "Shadow-Annihilator," his mind moving slightly. The divine sword seemed to sense the awakening of its master, emitting a faint hum that could barely be heard, and the deep blue star light flowing in the dark gold patterns on the sword body flashed and disappeared, appearing even more ancient and mysterious.

"How about Senior Lin?" he asked the question he cared about most.

Elder Xinghui's expression dimmed, and then he cheered up: "Fellow Daoist Lin is still recuperating in the spirit pool of Cloud Deep Hall, and Eunuch Wei is guarding day and night. The situation... is still not optimistic. The injury to the Dao foundation is too heavy, and the Chaos Tribulation power is dormant, so it can only be maintained in the gentlest way. But since you brought back the 'Star Essence' fragment, Eunuch Wei seems to have some new ideas and is communicating with the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion remotely. Perhaps... this object may be beneficial to Fellow Daoist Lin's injury."

Zhao Yuan's heart tightened, but hearing that the "Star Essence" fragment might be helpful, he raised a sliver of hope. That was the crystallization of the last pure star power and hope of the Star-Fall people, perhaps its vast vitality and star source could awaken Lin Lin Xuan's dormant Chaos Tribulation Crystal?

"I want to see Eunuch Wei, report the details of the ruins, and also... about this fragment and my findings." Zhao Yuan lifted the quilt and got out of bed. His movements were smooth and natural, without any stagnation, and he even felt that his body state was better than before he was injured.

Elder Elder Xinghui and the others did not stop him. They knew that the information he brought back was of vital importance.

A moment later, in the "Star-Discussion Pavilion" temporarily built at the core of Sui Xing Yu.

Eunuch Wei sat at the head, his face still old and serious, but there was a bit more gravity and deep thought in his eyes than before. Elder Beichen, Elder Lingshuang, Elder Yangang, and several core elders and offerings who had rushed from the Imperial Capital and major sects were all seated. The atmosphere was solemn.

Zhao Yuan stood in the hall, facing many senior great powers who were at least at the late stage of Soul Formation or even Spirit Transformation, without the slightest stage fright. His expression was calm, his eyes clear, and he narrated his experience in the Star-Sinking Ruins, from entering the space crack to finally severing the contract and escaping, clearly and logically, except for simplifying the details of the inheritance he obtained (only mentioning being poured into by a pure star intent, obtaining part of the memories and knowledge). He focused on describing the "Star-Sinking Contract" stone tablet, the "Slumbering Star Core" (giant cocoon), the Wangsheng blasphemous altar, mutant monsters, and the process of finally using "Shadow-Annihilator" to trigger the "Star Essence" fragment to sever the contract shackles.

When hearing that the destruction of the "Star-Fall people" stemmed from the backlash of the contract with the so-called "Three Enclosures Star Gods," and that the core "Slumbering Star Core" became a cage and food, everyone showed shock. Hearing that the Wangsheng Sect and the Abyss were trying to pollute and usurp this ancient power, their brows were locked tight, and killing intent appeared. And when Zhao Yuan described the last sword strike and the pure intent fed back before the "Star Core" collapsed, even Eunuch Wei's eyes flashed with surprise and approval.

"... The ruins have collapsed, the 'Slumbering Star Core' has lost control and disintegrated, its core pollution and huge energy have been buried under the deep sea, and the hidden danger may not have been completely eliminated. We carried the 'Star Essence' fragment and escaped. This object is the crystallization of the last pure star power and hope of the Star-Fall people, perhaps... it will be helpful for researching ancient contracts, purifying demonic energy, and even treating Senior Lin." Zhao Yuan concluded finally, and presented the jade slips with more detailed records about the internal structure, runes, and monster characteristics of the ruins organized by Shadow Eleven, as well as the evil scripture scroll brought back from the Wangsheng altar (which had been purified).

The hall was silent, with only the low wailing of the deep-sea undercurrent passing through the formation.

After a long time, Eunuch Wei spoke slowly, his voice carrying a trace of hoarseness, but his majesty remained undiminished: "Zhao Yuan, you went deep into the desperate situation, explored the ancient secrets, destroyed the treacherous plot of the Abyss, and brought back key objects and intelligence, making a great contribution. Your cultivation improvement and sword intent transformation are also your own opportunities and courage. When Offering Lin wakes up, the Imperial Dynasty and the Alliance will definitely reward you heavily."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "The secret of the Star-Fall people's contract is of great importance. What kind of existence is the so-called 'Three Enclosures Star God'? Is it a real high-level star creature, or the incarnation of some world rule or primitive will? Is the essence of its 'contract' a transaction, parasitism, or a more terrifying plunder? These questions need to be carefully studied by gathering all ancient records of the Huangfu Tianji Pavilion, Star Palace, and even the Alliance. But one thing is certain—"

Eunuch Wei's voice suddenly turned sharp: "The Abyss 'World-Erosion' is sparing no effort to search for, pollute, and utilize all ancient and powerful forces and ruins in this realm, whether it is the Blood-Bone Star God of the Return to Ruins sea eye, or the contract star core of the Star-Sinking Ruins, they are all its targets! They are trying to turn the ancient disasters and resentment into sharp blades to tear open the barriers of this realm and devour the origin of this realm! The Wangsheng Sect is the tumor and claws cultivated by it within this realm!"

Elder Beichen True Person intervened, his voice heavy: "The intelligence brought back by little friend Zhao Yuan is completely consistent with the warning of the Pavilion Master of the Huangfu Tianji Pavilion about 'Blood stars erode the sea, ancient contracts will be repaid.' Now the 'ancient contract' has been partially severed, the star core has collapsed, and the Abyss's plot this time has been frustrated. But they will never give up. 'Greedy Eater' escaped heavily injured, 'Filthy Soul' remnant soul is not yet extinguished, the root of the 'Wangsheng Sect' inside the continent has not been cleared, the Return to Ruins sea eye is temporarily stable but hidden dangers remain... The challenges facing the Alliance remain severe."

Elder Lingshuang Elder said coldly: "The top priority is, first, to fully study the 'Star Essence' fragment and the ruin materials brought back, exploring methods to purify demonic energy, repair the Dao foundation (looking at Zhao Yuan, implying), and even confront the origin of 'World-Erosion.' Second, to increase efforts to clear the remnants of the 'Wangsheng Sect' inside the continent and find the nodes of their contact with the Abyss. Third, to consolidate the defense line of Sui Xing Yu, monitor the movements of the vast sea, especially the Return to Ruins sea eye and other coordinates where ruins similar to the 'Star-Sinking Ruins' might exist."

Elder Yangang slapped his thigh violently: "Right! That's how it should be done! Drag all those rats hiding underground and crush them! Watch the sea eye to death!"

The elders nodded one after another, and the discussion began, starting to discuss specific division of labor and resource allocation.

Eunuch Wei raised his hand, suppressing the discussion, his gaze falling on Zhao Yuan again, carrying a trace of warmth that was hard to detect: "Zhao Yuan, you have just recovered from your injuries and obtained inheritance, needing time to consolidate and digest. The reconstruction of Sui Xing Yu will be handled by special personnel. You can temporarily live in 'Star-Watching Residence' for quiet cultivation, which is close to the place where star power gathers, and may be beneficial to you. The 'Star Essence' fragment will be studied by the old man together with the Star Palace, Xuanbing Pavilion, and Huangfu Tianji Pavilion. If there is any progress, especially regarding Offering Lin's injury, I will inform you as soon as possible. Your sword," he looked at "Shadow-Annihilator" which Zhao Yuan had re-worn on his waist, "seems to have also obtained good fortune, nourish it well."

"Junior obeys." Zhao Yuan bowed and saluted. He knew that what he needed most now was precipitation and digestion. The experience in the ruins, the insights from the sword strike to sever the contract, and the massive inheritance knowledge all needed time to be transformed into real strength.

Exiting the Star-Discussion Pavilion, the deep-sea daylight (converted through the formation) sprinkled on the rebuilding Sui Xing Yu. Among the broken walls and ruins, new building skeletons stood, formation light lit up everywhere, and the busy figures of cultivators shuttled back and forth. Although one could still see the scars left by the great war, a tenacious and newborn aura had already permeated.

Zhao Yuan took a deep breath of the air that carried the fishy smell of the sea and faint spiritual energy, but no longer had bloody filth, and walked toward the "Star-Watching Residence" assigned to him. It was a simple small courtyard built of white stone and star-patterned wood located at a relatively high place on the island. Pushing open the window, he could see the light curtain of the "Whole Sky Star Dou Formation" that had been partially repaired, and outside the light curtain, the eternal surging, deep blue.

He sat cross-legged on the futon in the quiet room, not immediately starting to cultivate, but sinking his mind into his consciousness sea, quietly "contemplating" the sea of memories that had just been born. A relatively bright "star point" was gently touched by him—that was a simple method about how to use star power of a specific frequency to vibrate and peel off low-level negative energy (similar to the primary form of blood-evil resentment) attached to the surface of an object.

"Star Purification Technique..." he silently experienced the pure, vibrating, and separating Dao rhyme contained in it, feeling that it had much in common with the "cleansing" and "slashing through illusions" parts of his Sword Intent of Annihilation, and could even be attempted to be integrated into his sword technique.

Just as he was immersed in his insights.

"Shadow-Annihilator" at his waist again emitted an extremely slight, but carrying a trace of vigilance and warning tremor!

Zhao Yuan opened his eyes suddenly, not looking out the window, but... looking deep into his consciousness sea, to a corner of the memory star sea that was extremely remote and dim!

There, a "star point" that was originally unremarkable, for some reason, was actually stained with a trace of extremely tiny, but made his soul feel cold and trembling... dark purple!

That dark purple aura was of the same origin as the Abyss demonic energy in his memory, and the blasphemous evil intent on the Wangsheng Sect priest and the altar! But it was even more hidden, even more profound, as if it were a... demonic seed buried for ten thousand years!

At the same time, somewhere in the vast sea that even the Pavilion Master of the Huangfu Tianji Pavilion found it difficult to accurately locate, deep within a desperate region wrapped in eternal storms and space turbulence.

A huge tumor shadow (the "Greedy Eater") that was weak but still emitted a terrifying devouring aura was crawling on a temporary altar built entirely of pitch-black magic crystals, frantically absorbing the thin yet pure Abyss demonic energy surging from the cracks below the altar, repairing its broken demonic body. Its aura was slowly recovering, but the madness and venom in its eyes were even more intense than before it was injured.

And deep in its consciousness, a dark purple "mark" that echoed with a hidden corner deep in the Star-Sinking Ruins that had not been completely destroyed was flickering slightly, transmitting information that was extremely blurry, but made the "Greedy Eater" open all its giant mouths and reveal a ferocious smile:

"The seed... has been planted... although the contract is broken... the pollution... is not finished... waiting... to sprout..."

Sui Xing Yu, inside the "Star-Watching Residence."

Cold sweat seeped from Zhao Yuan's temples, staring fixedly at the dark purple "star point" in his consciousness sea. He attempted to use the Sword Intent of Annihilation to contact and purify it, but found that the "demonic seed" was symbiotic with part of his memory fragments, extremely stubborn, and with his current power, it was difficult to eradicate, so he could only temporarily use the sword intent and star power to seal and isolate it layer by layer.

"What a sinister method..." Zhao Yuan's cold sweat had not yet dried, but his mind became increasingly cold and clear. He realized that this was no accident. Either the Star-Fall people civilization itself was eroded by some power originating from the "Three Enclosures Star God" contract or the early Abyss power, polluting part of the inheritance information, or the Wangsheng Sect or the Abyss played tricks in the ruins, using blasphemous rituals to implant this kind of "information toxin" into the ruin energy network or inheritance carriers (such as the "Star Essence" fragment or certain specific rune nodes), waiting for later generations to trigger it.

Regardless of which one it was, it meant that the Abyss's layout for "World-Erosion," its sinister and far-reaching nature, far exceeded previous estimates. They were not only trying to violently pollute and catalyze ancient ruins, but also burying such hidden "poison bait" at the information level.

The tremor of "Shadow-Annihilator" slowly subsided, and a trace of comfort and firm intent came from the sword body, as if telling him: Do not panic, I am here.