Chapter 159: Startling News Upon Returning to the Island, Seclusion Before the Event

The "Swift Shadow Boat" passed through the light curtain of the "All-Heaven Star Dou Formation," which had been re-stabilized on the periphery of Shattered Star Island, and slowly landed at the main pier. Although they had successfully repelled the strong enemy, destroyed the evil formation, and returned, the atmosphere on the boat was not relaxed. Having experienced a fierce battle, the Star Patrol Guards all carried exhaustion and a gravity that had not yet completely dissipated. Captain Li Feng was whispering arrangements for his team members to hand over and rest.

Elder Lingshuang was the first to walk off the flying boat; the Ice Soul Sword had already been sheathed, but a trace of un-dissipated chill still lingered around her, causing the guard cultivators on the pier to subconsciously retreat a few steps and bow respectfully.

Zhao Yuan followed closely behind, his footsteps slightly floating, his face still pale, but his eyes had returned to clarity. Stepping onto the solid land of Shattered Star Island and feeling the relatively pure and stable spiritual energy under the shroud of the formation, he truly let out a sigh of relief. However, the dark-purple "Demon Seed" deep in his consciousness sea, which had been re-sealed but seemed to be "lying dormant" even deeper, and the "Blood Charm's" final resentful and unwilling look, all cast a shadow over his heart that could not be dispelled.

"Elder Lingshuang, young friend Zhao Yuan!" True Person Beichen had already received the message and came to meet them. Seeing that everyone was unharmed, a trace of relief flashed in his eyes, but seeing Zhao Yuan's poor complexion, he asked with concern, "How is young friend Zhao Yuan's injury? Do you need to go to the Elixir Hall immediately?"

"Thank you for your concern, Elder Beichen. The junior only over-consumed and can regulate my breathing for a moment," Zhao Yuan replied with a bow, his tone calm, not mentioning the hidden danger in his consciousness sea.

Elder Lingshuang said concisely to True Person Beichen: "'Ghost Yawan' was indeed a trap, the work of Rebirth Sect remnants. The leader calls herself 'Blood Charm,' a late-stage Soul Formation cultivator, skilled in bewitchment and Blood Fiend evil arts, intending to use an evil formation to summon 'Star Fiend Blood Light' to impact our island's great formation. The formation was broken, and the demoness fled with injuries. Zhao Yuan contributed greatly in the battle, his sword intent has improved, but the consumption was also huge. I will report the details later; I need to see Wei Gong immediately."

Hearing the name "Blood Charm" and "Star Fiend Blood Light," True Person Beichen's face changed slightly, clearly knowing the severity. "Elder and young friend Zhao have worked hard. Wei Gong is discussing important matters with the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion (projection) in the 'Star Gazing Pavilion,' please follow me."

The group soon arrived at the "Star Gazing Pavilion." Inside the pavilion, Wei Gong and a blurry phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master, composed of starlight, sat opposite each other, seemingly having just finished a serious discussion. The obscure fluctuations unique to deducing formations still lingered in the air.

Seeing Elder Lingshuang, Zhao Yuan, and the others enter, Wei Gong raised his eyelids, his gaze like electricity, lingering on Zhao Yuan for an instant, his brows furrowing imperceptibly, then looking at Elder Lingshuang: "Elder Lingshuang, how is the situation?"

Elder Lingshuang was concise and comprehensive, narrating the encounter at "Ghost Yawan" from beginning to end, focusing on describing the characteristics of the "Blood Fiend Star-Summoning Formation" and the "Star Fiend Blood Spine," as well as the "Blood Charm's" strange means and the abnormality when she finally fled. She did not exaggerate, nor did she omit any details, including the performance of Zhao Yuan's key sword strike and his obvious state of weakness after the battle.

After hearing the report, Wei Gong 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 quickly calculating something.

"Blood Charm... this woman's status within the Rebirth Sect is not low, especially skilled in lurking, bewitchment, and blood sacrifice secret arts, her whereabouts are secretive; I didn't expect her to have lurked near Shattered Star Island." Wei Gong spoke slowly, his voice low. "She chose 'Ghost Yawan' to set up the formation, she must have taken a fancy to the ancient star-resentment blood fiends remaining there, which are homologous to the star power of our Shattered Star Island formation but filthy, and it is indeed possible to pry at the foundation of the formation with evil arts. Her goal is clear, which is to destroy our island's defense and pave the way for subsequent actions of the Demon Abyss."

He looked at Zhao Yuan, his gaze deep: "Zhao Yuan, your Annihilation sword strike fused with star power, being able to slash through the core of the 'Star Fiend Blood Spine,' shows that your sword path indeed has a restraint against such twisted star-evil objects. This is a great good. However..." he changed the subject, his tone becoming serious, "in your consciousness sea, did that 'Demon Seed' have any movement during the battle?"

Zhao Yuan's heart tightened, knowing that he could not hide it from the perception of such great beings as Wei Gong, and this matter was of great importance, so there was no need to hide it. He said frankly: "Returning to Wei Gong, when confronting the 'Star Fiend Blood Spine,' the 'Demon Seed' in the junior's consciousness sea was indeed triggered by its homologous evil aura, trembling violently, and almost broke through the seal. Although it was re-reinforced after the battle, it... seems to be a bit more 'condensed' 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 homologous evil power."

As soon as this was said, the atmosphere in the pavilion suddenly condensed. Elder Lingshuang's ice-blue eyes flashed, and her gaze toward Zhao Yuan carried a bit more worry. True Person Beichen's face also sank.

The phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master fluctuated more intensely, emitting an old and grave voice: "Information toxin, possessing both 'parasitic' and 'resonance catalysis' abilities... this plan of the Demon Abyss is truly vicious and far-reaching. Young friend Zhao Yuan, you need to try to avoid contact with high-intensity, homologous Demon Abyss or Rebirth Sect evil power in the future, and especially need to guard your heart, guarding against it taking advantage of opportunities such as emotional fluctuations and power consumption to backlash."

Wei Gong nodded and said to Zhao Yuan: "You can rest assured, the Alliance will definitely do its best to find a solution to this matter. The research on the 'Star Essence' fragments has made new progress, and the core 'Star Purification Fire' origin may be able to serve as an introduction to purify this 'Demon Seed.' But it can only be attempted after your cultivation base is more stable and the method of guiding the fragment's power is more perfect. Currently, you still need to focus on sealing with your own sword intent and star power, supplemented by methods of clearing the heart and calming the spirit."

He paused slightly and continued: "Given your current situation, and the fact that the 'Blood Charm' and the forces behind her may have designs on you, I suggest that you immediately enter the depths of the 'Star Quenching Platform' for seclusion. Firstly, borrow the pure star power environment there to accelerate recovery, stabilize your cultivation base, further temper your sword intent, and suppress the 'Demon Seed.' Secondly, avoid possible targeting and interference from the outside world. Although Shattered Star Island is solid, it is hard to guarantee that there is not a second 'Blood Charm' lurking. During your seclusion, I will personally strengthen the protection of the 'Star Quenching Platform'."

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

Seeming to see his concerns, Wei Gong continued: "The preparations for the awakening ceremony of Supplicant Lin have entered the final stage. The power-guiding formation for the 'Star Essence' fragments and the required auxiliary materials are all ready. But the ceremony needs to be carried out at a specific time when it is absolutely quiet and stable, and has a subtle resonance with the star power of the outside world, which is expected to be in ten days during the 'Star Tide Stable Period.' At that time, if your seclusion goes smoothly, you may be able to leave seclusion to observe the ceremony."

Ten days... Zhao Yuan calculated in his heart. With the environment of the "Star Quenching Platform" and his own state, ten days of full-force seclusion would be enough for him to recover from his injuries, stabilize his realm, and even attempt to impact Soul Formation. If he could succeed, his strength would have a great leap, and he would be more confident in dealing with the Demon Seed and future crises. Even if he failed, he could adjust his state to the best.

"The junior obeys." Zhao Yuan no longer hesitated and bowed to accept.

"In addition," Wei Gong's gaze turned to Elder Lingshuang and Beichen, "the appearance of the 'Blood Charm' shows that the activities of the Rebirth Sect in the Hanhai have not stopped because of the setbacks in Black Water City and the Fallen Star Ruins, but have become more secretive and rampant. It is necessary to immediately strengthen the information collection and patrol intensity of the sea areas around Shattered Star Island, especially areas with ancient residual energy like 'Ghost Yawan.' Notify the Imperial Capital and all sects on the continent to be vigilant and dig deep into the hidden roots of the 'Rebirth Sect.' The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion needs to urgently deduce the possible hiding places and next moves of the 'Blood Charm' and other high-level Rebirth Sect members."

"Yes!" Elder Lingshuang and Beichen accepted the order solemnly.

The phantom of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion Master nodded slightly: "This old man will naturally do his best. However, it is not easy to deduce such people who are proficient in concealment and have deep causal entanglements, and I can only provide a general direction."

After the arrangements were made, Wei Gong waved his hand: "Go and prepare. Zhao Yuan, follow me; before seclusion, there are still some details that need to be exhorted to you."

The crowd retreated. Zhao Yuan followed Wei Gong to a quiet room behind the "Star Gazing Pavilion."

Inside the quiet room, Wei Gong 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, which 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 seclusion; it may be helpful for suppressing that 'Demon Seed'."

Zhao Yuan took it with both hands; the token felt warm, and a trace of vast and pure Imperial Dragon Qi faintly emerged, making his mind clear. "Thank you, Wei Gong, thank you, Your Majesty, for the generous gift."

Wei Gong looked at him, and rare warmth and expectation appeared in his old eyes: "Zhao Yuan, your growth far exceeds our expectations. Supplicant Lin is asleep, the Alliance is in need of people, and you bear a special inheritance and sword path; you will definitely be a pillar of the Alliance in the future to contend against the 'Eroding World.' However, the tree that stands out in the forest will be destroyed by the wind. The Demon Abyss and the Rebirth Sect have set their sights on you, and the road ahead will be full of dangers. This seclusion is not only for healing and cultivation, but also a time to calm the mind, clarify the nature, and firm the Dao path. Remember, no matter what kind of predicament you encounter, guard your heart and believe in your sword."

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

Leaving the "Star Gazing Pavilion," Zhao Yuan did not immediately go to the "Star Quenching Platform." He first returned to the "Star Gazing Residence," packed simply, and prepared some elixirs and spirit stones that might be needed. Then, he came to the outside of the Spirit-Nurturing Hall.

The hall door was tightly closed, and the formation was strict. He could not enter, so he could only stand silently for a moment outside the hall door, facing the direction of the spirit pool.

"Senior Lin, the junior is going into seclusion again. When you wake up, the junior will definitely have made further progress, and at that time, I will fight side by side with you again." Silently chanting in his heart, he turned and strode toward the "Star Quenching Platform" in the southeast corner.

At the entrance of the Star Quenching Platform cave, True Person Beichen had already been waiting here personally and had activated a higher-level protective formation. Inside the cave, the gathered star power was more surging and pure than before.

"Young friend Zhao Yuan, for this seclusion, the formation has been adjusted to the 'Star Gathering and Spirit Nurturing' mode, and the star power is more gentle and continuous, which is conducive to you nurturing your soul and suppressing the alien species. I will guard at the entrance until you leave seclusion." True Person Beichen said solemnly.

"Thank you, Elder Beichen." Zhao Yuan thanked him, walked into the cave 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" across his knees. He took a deep breath of the air filled with star-pure energy and slowly closed his eyes.

Sinking his mind into his body, he first reinforced the consciousness sea seal, locking the restless dark-purple "Demon Seed" again with gray-white sword intent and dark-blue star power. Subsequently, he began to guide the vast star power around him, like sweet dew, to nourish and repair the meridians and dantian damaged when confronting the "Star Fiend Blood Spine," and to smooth out the fatigue and shock of the soul.

Gradually, his aura became long and stable, producing a harmonious resonance with the falling starlight light beams around him, and his whole person seemed to merge into this brilliant ocean of star power.

The seclusion officially began.

However, not long after Zhao Yuan's mind was completely immersed in the cultivation state.

Far away in another forbidden area of the Endless Hanhai, on that magic crystal altar wrapped in eternal storms and spatial turbulence.

The "Greedy Eater," which was devouring demonic energy to heal its wounds, its flesh-tumor body covered with giant mouths suddenly squirmed, and several eyes turned to a certain direction at the same time, 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 has some use... continue... nourish it... wait... for the sweetest fruit..."

Meanwhile, on Starfall Isle, outside the rock cave where Zhao Yuan was in seclusion.

Elder Beichen, who was on guard, suddenly received an emergency transmission from the imperial capital with an extremely high encryption level. After reading the content, the expression of this usually composed Star Palace Elder instantly turned extremely ugly, even showing a trace of... shock and anger?

He suddenly raised his head, looking toward the depths of the rock cave, then toward the direction of the Spirit-Nurturing Hall, his hand gripping the transmission jade talisman trembling slightly from the force.

The transmission came from the main body of the Huangfu Tianji Pavilion Master; the content consisted of only a few words, yet it was shocking:

"Within the continent, three suspected strongholds of the 'Rebirth Sect' have moved simultaneously. Abnormal spatial fluctuations have been detected, suspected to be... signs of a super-long-range one-way teleportation array being activated! The target area is vague, but it points to... including the Endless Hanhai! Investigate immediately! Beware of internal and external collusion!"

The dark tide had not only failed to subside, but instead... was about to whip up even greater waves!