Chapter 167: The Living Pollution Hub

Star-Fragment Isle, Star-Fixing Hall.

Sunlight filtered through the restored formation dome, casting pale pillars of light. The air was thick with the heavy scent of elixirs and the faint, clean aroma of burned purification talismans. The hall was more solemn than yesterday; Wei Gong, True Person Beichen, Elder Lingshuang, Elder Hunyou, and several alchemy and formation masters who had rushed from the imperial capital were all gathered. Every eye was fixed on Lin Xuan, who had just returned, his aura clearly depleted and his expression grave.

Lin Xuan did not delay. He recounted his journey deep into the Return-to-Ruins Sea Eye to investigate the "Distortion Core" in the most concise and clear language possible. From following the resonance trajectory of the demonic seed to discovering the "void of existence" and the viscous "fluid," and finally to the primitive will, predatory instinct, and the root-like energy network spreading throughout the Sea Eye's expansion zone—he left out no detail, especially his judgment that the core seemed to be slowly "growing" or "reawakening."

As he spoke, the expressions of those in the hall grew increasingly heavy, the atmosphere turning so grave it felt as though it could drip water.

"... That is the situation." Lin Xuan concluded, his voice weary yet steady. "The 'Distortion Core' is no ordinary source of pollution. It is a 'living pollution hub' rooted in the backlash of an ancient contract, nourished by the long-term infiltration of the Demonic Abyss, and already possessing a rudimentary primitive will and capacity for growth. Its energy level is extremely high, and it is located deep within the Sea Eye, where the environment is extremely hostile and guarded by countless derivatives. In my current state, even if I were to strike with all my might, I have no certainty of completely purifying or sealing it. A rash attack might startle the snake, triggering a violent counterattack with unimaginable consequences."

Wei Gong remained silent for a long time, his aged fingers tapping heavily on the chair's armrest, producing a dull sound. "A living pollution hub... capacity for growth... a monster bred from the combination of an ancient contract and the infiltration of the Demonic Abyss... This is a hundred times more troublesome than we anticipated!"

True Person Beichen's face turned pale. "Through those energy veins, it is continuously absorbing filthy energy and homologous information from the entire Sea Eye expansion zone and even further away... Doesn't that mean as long as those polluted ancient ruins, nodes, and the demonic seed within young friend Zhao Yuan exist, it can continuously obtain 'nutrients'? If it is allowed to grow, what will it become in time?"

Elder Lingshuang's ice-blue eyes were as sharp as swords. "We must cut off its energy supply! First, we must eradicate those extending 'roots,' clear out polluted nodes like the 'Star-Sinking Ruins' and 'Ghost Tooth Bay,' and... resolve the demonic seed within Zhao Yuan!"

"Easier said than done." Elder Hunyou's voice was hoarse. "Those 'roots' have already deeply fused with the Sea Eye environment and even parts of the earth veins. Forcibly severing them might trigger a chain reaction, accelerating the core's movements. As for the demonic seed within young friend Zhao, it is deeply entangled with his Nascent Soul and inherited memories, almost symbiotic. The difficulty and risk of removing it are..."

An imperial alchemy master interjected, "According to the information brought back by Venerable Lin and our continuous observation of young friend Zhao's injuries, the demonic seed is no longer a simple 'foreign object.' Some of its characteristics have even begun to inversely affect young friend Zhao's Nascent Soul attributes and sword intent. Forcible extraction would, at best, completely shatter his Dao foundation, leaving him a cripple; at worst, it could trigger some self-destruct or counter-mechanism preset within the demonic seed, causing young friend Zhao's soul to be extinguished, or even... using him as a medium to transmit some signal to that 'Distortion Core' or trigger an even more terrifying catastrophe."

The hall fell into silence once more. The problems were linked, one after another, and were incredibly thorny.

"Are we... just to watch that thing slowly grow in the depths of the Sea Eye? Waiting for the day it fully awakens, or is completely controlled by the Demonic Abyss, becoming a weapon to devour this realm?" an Elder of the Star Palace asked, unwilling to accept this.

Lin Xuan shook his head slowly. "It is not that there is no way. We simply need to plan carefully and take a multi-pronged approach." His gaze swept over the crowd. "First, strengthen the monitoring and suppression of the Return-to-Ruins Sea Eye and the surrounding waters, especially the directions in which those energy veins extend. Map them in detail and study the feasibility of gradually weakening and isolating its energy supply without alerting the core. This matter requires the concerted efforts of the Star Palace, the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, and the Imperial Ministry of Works."

"Second, increase efforts to eradicate known 'Rebirth Sect' strongholds and polluted nodes on the continent and the Endless Hanhai, cutting off the possibility of the Demonic Abyss using these nodes to transport 'nutrients' or instructions to the core. At the same time, strengthen protective exploration and purification of ancient remains like the 'Star-Sinking Ruins' to prevent them from becoming new sources of pollution."

"Third," Lin Xuan's gaze turned toward the side hall, where Zhao Yuan remained in a coma. "Regarding the demonic seed within Zhao Yuan, perhaps... we can change our approach."

A flash of light appeared in Wei Gong's eyes. "What does Daoist Lin mean?"

"The demonic seed is homologous to the Distortion Core; it is its 'offspring' or 'beacon.' Since it can resonate with and trigger the core, does that not also mean... it allows us, to a certain extent, to 'perceive' or even 'influence' certain states of the core?" Lin Xuan mused. "If we can find a way to utilize or 'deceive' this demonic seed while ensuring Zhao Yuan's safety, we might be able to obtain more key information about the core, or even... find its weakness."

Elder Hunyou was thoughtful. "Is Venerable Lin saying... to use the demonic seed as 'bait' or a 'bridge' to conduct reverse investigation or exert influence? This plan is extremely dangerous! A moment of carelessness could lead to being backlashed by the demonic seed, or alerting the core."

"Risk and opportunity coexist," Lin Xuan said. "But before that, we must stabilize Zhao Yuan's injuries, at least to the point where he regains consciousness and can cooperate with us to a certain extent. At the same time, we need to research a safer method to suppress and even gradually purify the demonic seed. The origin purification power of the 'Star Essence' fragments, combined with specific soul formations and my Chaos Tribulation Power, might be one direction."

Wei Gong made the final decision. "We shall follow Daoist Lin's words! Everyone, prepare separately and act immediately! Daoist Lin, I entrust Zhao Yuan's injuries and the handling of the demonic seed to you. If you need anything, Star-Fragment Isle and the entire Alliance will support you with all our might!"

The group acknowledged the order and left one after another to begin their tasks.

Lin Xuan returned to the side hall where Zhao Yuan lay.

On the jade bed, Zhao Yuan remained unconscious, but his complexion was better than yesterday, and his breathing was slightly more forceful. However, the dark purple mark between his brows appeared and disappeared, showing that the demonic seed deep within his consciousness sea was still locked in a silent tug-of-war with the sealing power.

Lin Xuan sat by the bed. He did not immediately cast a spell, but quietly watched Zhao Yuan. This young sword cultivator had a deep connection with him; from Heishuicheng to the Star-Sinking Ruins, and then to the bloody battle on Star-Fragment Isle, the character, perseverance, and potential he displayed were all things Lin Xuan admired. Now, due to the Demonic Abyss's insidious schemes, he was trapped in such a dangerous situation.

He reached out and hovered his hand over Zhao Yuan's dantian, his Chaos Tribulation Power slowly probing inward. This time, he did not attempt to suppress or trigger the demonic seed. Instead, like the most precise instrument, he carefully perceived the complex and subtle network of energy and information interaction between Zhao Yuan's Nascent Soul, meridians, consciousness sea, and the demonic seed itself.

In his perception, Zhao Yuan's newborn Nascent Soul was like a gray-blue star covered in fine cracks but still stubbornly pulsing; the Nirvana Sword Intent and the power of the stars were woven into its core radiance. The dark purple demonic seed was like a tumor parasitic in the shadow of this star, extending countless fine "tentacles" that were entangled with parts of the Nascent Soul's origin and even certain inherited memory fragments, constantly trying to draw nutrients, release pollution, and transmit a kind of "resonance" signal outward.

Even more thorny was that there seemed to be some kind of "defense mechanism" within the demonic seed. Once it sensed overly strong external purification or stripping power, it would automatically trigger, either inducing Zhao Yuan's own power to resist violently (subconscious protection) or attempting to self-destruct and "perish together" with the host.

"A gentler, slower method is needed..." Lin Xuan pondered. "Using the star purification of the 'Star Essence' fragments as a guide, and my Chaos Tribulation Power as a 'neutralizer' and 'stabilizer,' first strip away the shallower 'tentacles' from the periphery, gradually weakening the demonic seed, while simultaneously repairing the cracks in Zhao Yuan's Nascent Soul and stabilizing his Dao foundation..."

He withdrew his hand and began to close his eyes to deduce the specific treatment plan and risk control nodes.

Time passed quietly.

The sun set and the moon rose. Star-Fragment Isle lit up with scattered lamps in the night, like stars fallen onto the sea surface. The island's restoration and defense work proceeded in a tense and orderly manner, but a unique fatigue and hidden worry after the great battle still hung over everyone's hearts.

Inside the side hall, there was only the sound of Lin Xuan's long, steady breathing and the occasional unconscious groan from Zhao Yuan.

It was unknown how much time had passed.

Zhao Yuan's eyelashes on the jade bed trembled extremely slightly.

Immediately after, they trembled again.

Lin Xuan opened his eyes abruptly, a faint light flickering in his Chaos Tribulation Pupils.

Zhao Yuan's tightly furrowed brows relaxed slightly, and his eyelids struggled, as if burdened by a thousand-jun weight, extremely slowly... opening a slit.

His dazed eyes, filled with deep fatigue and pain, gradually focused after the initial dispersion. The first thing he saw was the familiar soft light points on the side hall's dome, simulating the galaxy, and then, Lin Xuan, who was sitting by the bed, quietly watching him.

"Lin... Senior..." A dry, hoarse voice, barely distinguishable, was squeezed with difficulty from Zhao Yuan's throat. He tried to prop himself up, but it triggered his internal injuries, and he groaned, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

"Do not move, focus your mind and look inward." Lin Xuan's voice rang out calmly, and a gentle stream of Chaos energy flowed into Zhao Yuan's body, helping him stabilize his churning Qi and blood.

Zhao Yuan followed his instructions, struggling to mobilize a trace of weak spiritual sense to look inward. When he "saw" his own Nascent Soul, covered in cracks and dim in light, and that "tumor" deep in his consciousness sea, sealed by heavy chains yet still emitting an ominous purple light, his complexion instantly turned even paler, and a trace of undisguised horror and... self-reproach flashed in his eyes.

"Demonic seed... Nascent Soul..." he muttered, his voice filled with pain and confusion. "This junior... is incompetent..."

"It is not your fault; the Demonic Abyss's schemes are this insidious." Lin Xuan interrupted his self-reproach, his tone softening a little. "Rest assured and heal, stabilize your realm. We are thinking of ways to deal with the hidden danger in your body, along with Wei Gong and the others. What you need to do is cooperate with us, hold fast to your original heart, suppress the demonic seed, and do not let it have another chance to trigger external evil."

Zhao Yuan took a deep breath, suppressing the raging waves in his heart, his eyes gradually becoming firm. "Yes, this junior understands." He felt the pervasive weakness and pain in his body, as well as the heavy threat deep in his consciousness sea that felt like it could erupt at any time, and asked, "Senior, how is the situation... outside? The Demonic Abyss..."

Lin Xuan briefly informed Zhao Yuan of the current situation, including his findings from investigating the "Distortion Core" in the Sea Eye and the Alliance's response strategy, but omitted some of the more cruel or desperate details.

Listening to Lin Xuan's narration, Zhao Yuan's heart sank bit by bit. He did not expect that the demonic seed within him had a direct connection to such a terrifying existence deep in the Sea Eye! Even less did he expect that the Demonic Abyss's layout was so far-reaching and insidious!

"So... this thing within me is not only a poison, but could also become... a key or a signpost?" Zhao Yuan said bitterly.

"You can understand it that way." Lin Xuan nodded. "But it could also become a breakthrough for us to understand or even deal with that core. The key lies in how to safely utilize this point."

Zhao Yuan was silent for a moment, a flash of determination in his eyes. "If this junior needs to risk his life to find the core's weakness, this junior... will not shirk!" He knew this might be the only way for him to make up for his mistakes and contribute to the Alliance.

"Now is not the time." Lin Xuan shook his head. "Your injuries are too severe, and the demonic seed is unstable. To take risks now is to court certain death. The top priority is to heal, to let you recover a certain ability to protect yourself and cooperate. The subsequent treatment process will be somewhat painful, and you must keep your mind clear at all times and cooperate with the guidance. Can you do it?"

Zhao Yuan nodded without hesitation. "I can!"

"Very well." Lin Xuan said no more. "You should adjust your breathing and adapt to your state after waking up. In one hour, I will begin the first tentative treatment, using the power of the 'Star Essence' fragments, supplemented by Chaos Tribulation Power, to gently purify the periphery of the demonic seed and repair the cracks in your Nascent Soul. During the process, the demonic seed may backlash violently, bringing intense pain and illusions. You must hold fast to your sword heart, use the Nirvana Sword Intent to protect the Nascent Soul core and your soul's clarity, and at the same time guide the purification power."

"This junior obeys!"

Zhao Yuan closed his eyes and began to follow Lin Xuan's instructions, slowly moving the weak Nirvana Sword Intent and star power remaining in his body, trying to communicate with the cracked Nascent Soul, while remaining vigilant against the dormant tumor deep in his consciousness sea.

An hour passed quietly in tension and waiting.

Outside the side hall, the night grew deeper. The lights of Star-Fragment Isle flickered in the distance, as if echoing the stars in the sky.

And in this quiet hall, a silent war concerning life, death, the path of the Dao, and the hope for the future was about to begin.

No one knew whether, when the first ray of "Star Essence" purification light and Chaos Tribulation Power were injected into Zhao Yuan's body, the "Distortion Core" hidden deep in the endless darkness of the Return-to-Ruins Sea Eye would be triggered again by the homologous, weak "offspring" fluctuation, and whether that cold, primitive will would cast an even more greedy and resentful glance...

The hidden danger remained, and the crisis lurked in the shadows. The spark of hope was struggling to maintain its flickering light in the deepest darkness.