Chapter 159: News of Terror at Returning Isle, Seclusion Before the Impending Storm

The "Swift Shadow Boat" passed through the newly reinforced light screen of the "All-Heaven Star Array" on the periphery of Shattered Star Isle and slowly descended onto the main pier. Although they had successfully repelled the formidable enemy, destroyed the evil array, and returned, the atmosphere among those on the boat was far from relaxed. Having experienced a fierce battle, the Star Patrol Guards all wore expressions of exhaustion and a gravity that had yet to fully dissipate. Li Feng was busy giving low-voiced instructions to his team regarding the handover and rest arrangements.

Elder Ling Shuang was the first to step off the flying boat. Her Ice Soul Sword had already been returned to its sheath, but a lingering chill still swirled around her, causing the guarding cultivators on the pier to subconsciously step back a few paces and bow respectfully.

Zhao Yuan followed closely behind. His footsteps were slightly unsteady and his face remained pale, but his eyes had regained their clarity. Only upon stepping onto the solid ground of Shattered Star Isle and feeling the relatively pure and stable spiritual energy under the shroud of the array did he truly heave a sigh of relief. However, the dark purple "Demon Seed" deep within his sea of consciousness—which had been resealed but seemed to be "lying dormant" even more deeply—along with the final resentful and unwilling gaze of the "Blood Charm," cast an inescapable shadow over his heart.

"Elder Ling Shuang, young friend Zhao Yuan!" True Person Beichen had already received the transmission and came to greet them. Seeing that everyone was unharmed, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes, but noticing Zhao Yuan's poor complexion, he asked with concern, "How are your injuries, young friend Zhao Yuan? Do you need to go to the Elixir Hall immediately?"

"Many thanks for your concern, Elder Beichen. The junior has merely overexerted himself; a moment of meditation will suffice," Zhao Yuan replied with a bow, his tone calm, making no mention of the hidden danger in his sea of consciousness.

Elder Ling Shuang spoke concisely to True Person Beichen: "Ghost Tooth Bay was indeed a trap, the work of the remnants of the Rebirth Sect. The leader called herself 'Blood Charm,' a Nascent Soul late-stage cultivator skilled in bewitchment and blood-evil sorcery, intending to use an evil array to summon 'Star-Evil Blood Light' to strike our isle's array. The array has been broken, and the demoness fled while injured. Zhao Yuan contributed greatly to the battle and his sword intent has improved, but his consumption was also immense. I will report the details later; I must see Lord Wei immediately."

Upon hearing the names "Blood Charm" and "Star-Evil Blood Light," True Person Beichen's expression changed slightly, clearly aware of their severity. "Elder and young friend Zhao have worked hard. Lord Wei is currently discussing important matters with the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion (via projection) in the 'Star-Gazing Pavilion.' Please follow me."

The group soon arrived at the "Star-Gazing Pavilion." Inside, Lord Wei sat opposite a blurry phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master composed of starlight, seemingly having just concluded a serious discussion. The air still held the obscure fluctuations characteristic of array deduction.

Seeing Ling Shuang, Zhao Yuan, and the others enter, Lord Wei raised his eyelids, his gaze like lightning. It lingered on Zhao Yuan for a moment, his brow furrowing imperceptibly, before he looked at Ling Shuang: "Elder Ling Shuang, how is the situation?"

Elder Ling Shuang was brief and to the point, recounting the encounter at "Ghost Tooth Bay" from beginning to end, focusing on the characteristics of the "Blood-Evil Star-Summoning Array" and the "Star-Evil Blood Spine," as well as the bizarre methods of the "Blood Charm" and the anomalies during her final escape. She neither exaggerated nor omitted any details, including the performance of Zhao Yuan's critical sword strike and his visibly weakened state after the battle.

After hearing the report, Lord Wei was silent for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the table. The phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master also fluctuated slightly, as if rapidly calculating something.

"Blood Charm... This woman holds a high position within the Rebirth Sect, especially skilled in infiltration, bewitchment, and blood sacrifice secret arts. Her movements are secretive; I did not expect her to have infiltrated the vicinity of Shattered Star Isle." Lord Wei spoke slowly, his voice deep. "Her choice of 'Ghost Tooth Bay' to set up the array must have been because she coveted the ancient star-resentment blood-evil remaining there. It is of the same origin as the star power of our Shattered Star Isle array but filthy, and it is indeed possible to use evil methods to pry at the foundation of the array. Her goal was clear: to destroy our isle's defenses and pave the way for subsequent actions by the Demon Abyss."

He looked at Zhao Yuan, his gaze profound: "Zhao Yuan, your extinction strike that fused star power was able to shatter the core of the 'Star-Evil Blood Spine,' which shows that your sword Dao is indeed a restraint against such twisted star-evil objects. This is a great good. However..." He changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, "Did that 'Demon Seed' in your sea of consciousness show any abnormality during the battle?"

Zhao Yuan felt a chill in his heart, knowing he could not hide this from the perception of a great power like Lord Wei, and since this matter was of great importance, there was no need to hide it. He said candidly, "Reporting to Lord Wei, when confronting the 'Star-Evil Blood Spine,' the 'Demon Seed' in the junior's sea of consciousness was indeed triggered by its evil energy of the same origin. It vibrated violently and nearly broke through the seal. Although it was resealed after the battle, it... seems somewhat more 'solid' than before. The junior suspects that this object can not only be passively released as the inheritance is interpreted, but may also be actively 'catalyzed' or 'nourished' when in contact with evil power of the same origin."

Once these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the pavilion suddenly tightened. A flash of icy blue light appeared in Elder Ling Shuang's eyes, and her gaze toward Zhao Yuan held a bit more worry. True Person Beichen's expression also sank.

The phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master fluctuated more intensely, emitting an aged and grave voice: "Information toxin, possessing both 'parasitic' and 'resonant catalysis' capabilities... This scheme of the Demon Abyss is truly vicious and far-reaching. Young friend Zhao Yuan, you must henceforth avoid contact with high-intensity, same-origin evil power from the Demon Abyss or the Rebirth Sect, and especially guard your heart, taking care against it counter-attacking during moments of emotional fluctuation or power depletion."

Lord Wei nodded and said to Zhao Yuan: "Rest assured, the Alliance will certainly do its utmost to find a solution. Research into the 'Star Essence' fragments has made new progress; the 'Star Purification Fire' at its core may serve as a catalyst to purify this 'Demon Seed.' But this can only be attempted after your cultivation base is more stable and the method for guiding the fragment's power is more perfected. For now, you must still rely primarily on your own sword intent and star power to seal it, supplemented by methods to clear the heart and calm the spirit."

He paused slightly and continued: "Given your current condition, and the possibility that 'Blood Charm' and the forces behind her may have designs on you, I suggest you immediately enter the depths of the 'Star Tempering Terrace' for seclusion. Firstly, use the pure star power environment there to accelerate your recovery, stabilize your cultivation, further temper your sword intent, and suppress the 'Demon Seed.' Secondly, avoid potential targeting and interference from the outside world. Although Shattered Star Isle is secure, it is hard to guarantee that there isn't a second 'Blood Charm' lurking. During your seclusion, I will personally strengthen the defenses of the 'Star Tempering Terrace'."

Seclusion? Zhao Yuan was slightly stunned. He indeed needed time to digest what he had gained from this battle, suppress the Demon Seed, and strike at the Nascent Soul bottleneck. But the awakening ceremony for Senior Lin was imminent, and he was concerned about it.

Seeming to see his hesitation, Lord Wei continued: "The preparations for Senior Lin's awakening ceremony have entered the final stage. The power-guiding array for the 'Star Essence' fragments and the necessary auxiliary materials are all ready. However, the ceremony must be conducted at a specific time that is absolutely quiet and stable, and has a subtle resonance with the star power of the outside world. It is expected to be in ten days during the 'Star Tide Stable Period.' By then, if your seclusion goes smoothly, you may be able to come out to observe the ceremony."

Ten days... Zhao Yuan calculated in his heart. With the environment of the "Star Tempering Terrace" and his own state, ten days of full-effort seclusion would be enough for him to recover from his injuries, stabilize his realm, and even attempt to strike at the Nascent Soul. If he could succeed, his strength would take a great leap, and he would have more certainty in dealing with the Demon Seed and future crises. Even if he failed, he could adjust his state to the best possible level.

"The junior will obey," Zhao Yuan no longer hesitated and bowed to accept.

"In addition," Lord Wei's gaze turned to Ling Shuang and Beichen, "The appearance of 'Blood Charm' shows that the Rebirth Sect's activities in the Vast Sea have not stopped due to the setbacks at Black Water City and the Fallen Star Ruins; instead, they may have become more secretive and rampant. We must immediately strengthen intelligence gathering and patrol intensity in the waters around Shattered Star Isle, especially in areas with ancient residual energy like 'Ghost Tooth Bay.' Notify the Imperial Capital and all sects on the continent to heighten vigilance and dig deep into the hidden roots of the 'Rebirth Sect.' The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion must urgently deduce the possible hiding places and next moves of 'Blood Charm' and other high-level members of the Rebirth Sect."

"Yes!" Ling Shuang and Beichen accepted the order solemnly.

The phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master nodded slightly: "This old man will certainly do his best. However, such individuals who are proficient in concealment and deeply entangled in karma are not easy to deduce; I can only provide a general direction."

Once arrangements were made, Lord Wei waved his hand: "Go and prepare. Zhao Yuan, follow me; before your seclusion, there are still some details I need to instruct you on."

The others withdrew. Zhao Yuan followed Lord Wei to a quiet room behind the "Star-Gazing Pavilion."

Inside the quiet room, Lord Wei took out a token that was neither gold nor jade, engraved with complex dragon patterns, and handed it to Zhao Yuan: "This is the 'Imperial Supreme Soul-Protecting Token,' personally bestowed by His Majesty. It can protect the soul and, to a certain extent, resist the erosion of external demons and mental shocks. Wear it close to your body during your seclusion; it may be helpful in suppressing that 'Demon Seed'."

Zhao Yuan received it with both hands. The token felt warm and moist to the touch, and a trace of vast and pure Imperial dragon energy faintly permeated it, making his mind feel clear. "Thank you, Lord Wei; thank you, Your Majesty, for the generous gift."

Lord Wei looked at him, his aged eyes revealing a rare gentleness and expectation: "Zhao Yuan, your growth far exceeds our expectations. With Senior Lin asleep, the Alliance is in need of talent, and you carry a special inheritance and sword Dao; you will surely be a pillar in resisting the 'World-Eroding' in the future. However, the tree that stands above the forest will be destroyed by the wind. The Demon Abyss and the Rebirth Sect have already set their sights on you, and the road ahead will surely be full of dangers. This seclusion is not only for healing and cultivation, but also a time to calm your mind and clarify your path. Remember, no matter what difficulties you encounter, guard your heart and trust your sword."

Zhao Yuan's heart was shaken, and he bowed deeply: "The junior will certainly not fail the expectations of Lord Wei and the Alliance!"

Leaving the "Star-Gazing Pavilion," Zhao Yuan did not immediately head to the "Star Tempering Terrace." He first returned to his "Star-Gazing Residence," packed simply, and prepared some elixirs and spirit stones he might need. Then, he arrived outside the Spirit-Nurturing Hall.

The hall doors were tightly closed, and the array was strict. He could not enter, so he could only stand silently for a moment outside the hall doors, facing the direction of the Spirit Pool.

"Senior Lin, the junior is going into seclusion again. When you wake up, the junior will surely have advanced further, and then I will fight side by side with you again." Thinking this silently in his heart, he turned and strode toward the "Star Tempering Terrace" in the southeast corner.

At the entrance of the Star Tempering Terrace cavern, True Person Beichen was already waiting there personally and had activated a higher level of protective array. Inside the cavern, the gathered star power was even more surging and pure than before.

"Young friend Zhao Yuan, for this seclusion, the array has been adjusted to the 'Star-Gathering and Spirit-Nurturing' mode. The star power is more gentle and continuous, which is conducive to you nourishing your soul and suppressing the alien seed. I will stand guard at the entrance until you come out of seclusion," True Person Beichen said solemnly.

"I have troubled you, Elder Beichen." Zhao Yuan expressed his thanks, walked into the cavern without hesitation, and stepped onto the central stone platform.

Sitting cross-legged, he took out the "Imperial Supreme Soul-Protecting Token" and placed it close to his body, with "Silent Shadow" laid across his knees. He took a deep breath of the air filled with pure star energy and slowly closed his eyes.

His mind sank into his body. First, he reinforced the seal on his sea of consciousness, locking the restless dark purple "Demon Seed" tightly once again with gray-white sword intent and dark blue star power. Subsequently, he began to guide the vast star power around him, which, like sweet dew, nourished and repaired the meridians and dantian damaged during the confrontation with the "Star-Evil Blood Spine," smoothing out the fatigue and tremors of his soul.

Gradually, his breathing became long and steady, producing a harmonious resonance with the pillars of starlight falling around him, and his whole person seemed to merge into this vast ocean of star power.

The seclusion officially began.

However, just as Zhao Yuan's mind had completely sunk into the state of cultivation.

Far away in another forbidden region of the endless Vast Sea, on that Demon Crystal Altar wrapped in eternal storms and spatial turbulence.

The "Greedy Glutton," which was devouring demonic energy to heal its wounds, suddenly had its tumorous body, covered in giant mouths, squirming. Several eyes turned toward a certain direction simultaneously, emitting a low hiss mixed with pain, excitement, and cruelty:

"Sensed it... the fluctuation of the 'Seed'... it is active... it is approaching... very good... that woman 'Blood Charm'... still somewhat useful... continue... nourish it... wait for... the sweetest fruit..."

And on Shattered Star Isle, outside the cavern where Zhao Yuan was in seclusion.

The guarding True Person Beichen suddenly received an emergency transmission from the Imperial Capital with an extremely high encryption level. After reading the content, this always-composed Star Palace Elder's face instantly became extremely ugly, even with a trace of... shock and anger?

He looked up abruptly, gazing toward the depths of the cavern, then toward the direction of the Spirit-Nurturing Hall, his hand holding the transmission jade talisman trembling slightly from the force.

The transmission came from the main body of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master, and the content consisted of only a few words, yet it was shocking:

"Inside the continent, three suspected 'Rebirth Sect' strongholds are moving simultaneously. Abnormal spatial fluctuations have been detected, suspected to be... signs of an ultra-long-range one-way teleportation array being activated! The target area is vague, but points to... including the Vast Sea! Investigate immediately! Beware of internal and external collusion!"

The undercurrent had not only failed to subside, but instead... a greater giant wave was about to be stirred up!