Chapter 177: Before the General-Summoning Platform, a Lone Blade Reflects the Moon

Star Fall Island, central martial arts arena.

This plaza, capable of holding ten thousand people, had been temporarily converted into a "General-Summoning Platform." The ground was not paved with ordinary stone slabs, but with Star Essence Iron plates inscribed with reinforcement and spirit-gathering arrays, reflecting a cold, metallic luster under the midday sun. Around the plaza, flags representing various major factions fluttered in the biting sea breeze—the Star Pattern Flag of Star Fall Island, the Black Dragon Flag of the Imperial Dynasty’s Demon-Slaying Army, the Savage Mountain Flag of the Giant Spirit Sect, the Ice Lotus Flag of the Profound Ice Pavilion, the Golden Abacus Flag of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, the Fire Hammer Flag of the Heavenly Crafts Workshop... and flags from countless other sects, clans, and rogue cultivator alliances from the Central Plains, Northern Territory, Southern Wilderness, and beyond that had rushed over upon hearing the news—there were no fewer than a hundred in total!

A dense crowd stood solemnly on the plaza, silent and still. There were over a thousand people; the lowest cultivation base was late-stage Foundation Establishment, nearly thirty percent were Nascent Soul cultivators, and more than a dozen figures with obscure, profound auras that faintly resonated with heaven and earth stood at the front of the ranks—these were the Soul Transformation ancestors and peak powerhouses of various factions who, after receiving the "Demon-Slaying Order" from Wei Gongshen and the warning from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, had spared no cost in using precious teleportation arrays or tearing through the void to arrive from all corners of the continent! Such a lineup was a once-in-a-millennium event, assembled solely to deal with the world-ending catastrophe that might be born in the deep sea.

At the highest point of the General-Summoning Platform, Wei Gongshen stood in a dark red python robe, an ancient long sword at his waist. His aged body was held straight, and his turbid gaze swept over the heroes below, carrying an inherent majesty that looked down upon the world. Half a step behind him to the left stood Lin Xuan, still in his green robes, his aura restrained like an abyss. To his right was Zhao Yuan.

At this moment, Zhao Yuan had changed into a tight-fitting combat suit specially made by the Star Palace. It was dark blue, made of a material that was neither silk nor leather, with faint star patterns flowing across it, possessing extreme resistance to pressure and corrosion, as well as the ability to conceal one's aura. The ancient "Silent Shadow" sword hung at his waist, its scabbard seemingly re-forged with a few extra deep blue markings. His expression was calm, his eyes steady, and he released no powerful aura; yet, standing beside Wei Gongshen and Lin Xuan, he did not seem inferior in the slightest. Especially when his gaze occasionally swept over the crowd below, some keen-eyed Soul Transformation cultivators felt as if their skin had been grazed by an invisible edge, and they could not help but feel a sense of dread.

"Everyone!" Wei Gongshen spoke. His voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached the ears of everyone present, carrying a metallic clang. "The Demon Abyss has plotted to pollute the Return to Ruins, awakening the ancient Star-Fall Evil Remains, intending to use the backlash of the contract and boundless resentful blood to gestate a world-ending evil god! Its 'Aberration Core' has approached the Sea Eye forbidden ground, the evil god embryo is stirring ever more violently, and the chains are about to break! Once the evil god descends, the Vast Sea will bear the brunt, and the continent will not be spared! This is a catastrophe the likes of which our Heavenly Origin Continent has not seen in ten thousand years!"

The plaza was deathly silent, save for the howling sea breeze and the flapping of flags. Everyone's expression was incomparably grave; whether they had seen the surveillance footage with their own eyes or heard the detailed battle reports from Star Fall Island, they knew Wei Gongshen’s words were true.

"Fortunately, Heaven has not forsaken our human race!" Wei Gongshen’s voice rose sharply, filled with fervor. "We have Fellow Daoist Lin Xuan, who bears the Chaos Tribulation Power, closing the Demon Abyss cracks and turning the tide when all seemed lost! And we have young friend Zhao Yuan, who inherited the legacy of the stars, endured nine deaths without regret, and in the face of despair, realized a new power to restrain the evil filth—'Silent Star Chaos Qi'! This energy may be able to sever the filthy contract chains that imprison the evil god embryo and nourish its life! It buys us a glimmer of hope!"

Swish!

Countless gazes instantly focused on Zhao Yuan—surprise, scrutiny, expectation, shock... all were present. Especially those Soul Transformation ancestors, whose spiritual sense moved slightly, detecting the gray-blue energy flow within Zhao Yuan that remained hidden yet caused their Dao hearts to tremble. It was not merely powerful; it was an "alien quality" and "sharpness" in its very essence, as if it were born to "sever" certain existences of an extremely high level.

"However, the act of severing the chains is fraught with extreme danger!" Wei Gongshen’s tone shifted, becoming stern. "The 'Aberration Core' will surely protect its master to the death, the evil god embryo’s will is terrifying, the deep-sea environment is harsh, and there is endless filthy star-evil and blood-resentment power to obstruct us! Even with young friend Zhao Yuan’s unique power, he will need others to clear the way, guard him, and contain the powerful enemies!"

His gaze was like lightning as he swept across the crowd: "Therefore, today, I am assigning the troops!"

"The first route, the 'Chain-Breaking Vanguard'! Led personally by Fellow Daoist Lin Xuan, with young friend Zhao Yuan as the core, plus twenty elites proficient in deep-sea evasion, array protection, and purification. Objective: Break through all obstacles, reach the 'Absolute Blind Zone' directly beneath the Star-Remains giant egg, and find an opportunity to sever the chains! This route carries the heaviest burden and the highest risk; it is the key to victory! Is there anyone willing to go?!"

Before the words had even faded, several figures stepped out from the crowd!

True Person Beichen, his beard and hair fluttering, said loudly: "The Star Palace governs Star Fall Island; we are duty-bound to protect the Vast Sea! I am proficient in star arrays and can set up the 'Faint Light Guiding Array' in the deep sea to point the way and avoid dangerous areas. I am willing to be the eye of the vanguard!"

Elder Ling Shuang, cold air radiating from her body, spoke in a voice as cold as ice: "The Profound Ice Pavilion’s 'Profound Ice True Intent' can temporarily freeze the flow of filthy energy and purify small areas of blood resentment. I am willing to be the shield of the vanguard."

Ancestor Hun You let out a ghastly laugh, his figure flickering: "Although my 'Ten Thousand Soul Banner' is countered by that evil thing, it is still useful for disrupting spiritual sense and interfering with the invasion of will. This old bag of bones will go and get some exercise."

Following them, more than ten others stepped forward, all late-stage or peak Nascent Soul experts carefully selected from various factions, including two Soul Transformation rogue cultivators skilled in water evasion and spatial concealment.

Lin Xuan nodded slightly, signifying his approval.

"The second route, the 'Delay and Interception'! I will personally hold the line, assisted by Master Yan Lie of the Giant Spirit Sect, the commander of the Imperial Dynasty’s Demon-Slaying Army, the 'Iron-Blood Marquis,' and all other fellow daoists who have traveled from afar!" Wei Gongshen continued. "We will take the remaining main force of Star Fall Island and part of the 'Universal Star Purification Array' to advance to the periphery of the 'Absolute Blind Zone' and set up the final line of defense! At all costs, we will delay the movement of the 'Aberration Core,' block it from merging with the giant egg, and attract attention for the 'Vanguard' team to create opportunities! This route may face the most frantic counterattacks from the 'Aberration Core' and requires the resolve to fight to the death!"

"Haha! Just what I wanted!" Master Yan Lie of the Giant Spirit Sect’s voice sounded like thunder. "Our Giant Spirit Sect doesn't have much, but we have hard bones and great strength! Smashing that monster's tentacles is on me!"

The Imperial "Iron-Blood Marquis," a cold-faced middle-aged general in heavy black armor, bowed solemnly: "The Demon-Slaying Army dares not be anything but the first for the world!"

The other Soul Transformation ancestors and representatives of various factions also expressed their willingness to follow orders. They knew the pressure of the frontal interception was equally immense and might even lead to contact with the enemy sooner, but no one retreated.

"The third route, 'Peripheral Mopping-up and Support'! Responsible for this are Shopkeeper Qian Wantong of the Ten Thousand Treasures Pavilion, the masters of the Heavenly Crafts Workshop, and the remaining personnel from each sect!" Wei Gongshen said finally. "Clear out any scattered polluted monsters on the periphery of the Sea Eye, repair and maintain monitoring and communication arrays, and establish temporary rescue and supply points! At the same time, keep a close watch on the direction of the continent to prevent the Demon Abyss or remnants of the 'Rebirth Sect' from taking advantage of the chaos!"

Qian Wantong bowed: "Rest assured, Wei Gongshen. Logistics and information transmission are in our hands."

The assignments were set, clear and orderly. Everyone felt a little more at ease; at least there was now a clear operational framework.

Wei Gongshen’s gaze swept over the crowd once more, finally landing on Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan. He took a deep breath, clasped his hands, and bowed deeply to the two of them, and to all those below who were willing to face death: "This feat concerns the survival of billions of lives! Your righteousness in heading to this place of death... I, on behalf of all living beings, thank you!"

His voice was filled with sorrow and genuine emotion.

The thousand-plus cultivators below, regardless of their origins or past grievances, felt hot blood surging in their chests, and a tragic heroism welled up within them. It was unknown who first clasped their hands in return, shouting loudly: "Willing to follow Wei Gongshen to slay evil and defend the Dao; we have no regrets even in death!"

"Slay evil and defend the Dao; we have no regrets even in death!"

"Slay evil and defend the Dao; we have no regrets even in death!!"

The wave of sound surged toward the heavens, shaking away the drifting clouds, and even the surging sea waves seemed to pause for a moment.

The general-summoning was complete, and the crowd was impassioned. Each team immediately began their final pre-battle preparations and coordination according to their assignments.

Zhao Yuan was taken to a quiet spot by Lin Xuan.

"How do you feel?" Lin Xuan asked, his gaze falling on him, as if observing the fusion of the "Silent Star Chaos Qi" with his body.

"The power is very stable, and control is not an issue," Zhao Yuan answered truthfully, then paused. "It’s just... I feel it is very 'lonely' and very 'sharp.' It seems completely out of place with everything around it."

Lin Xuan nodded slightly: "The essence of silence and chaos is inherently inclined toward 'ending' and 'nothingness.' That you can feel its 'loneliness' shows your Dao heart remains clear and has not been alienated by the power itself. Remember, power is a tool; the person is the foundation. Your will determines where this 'blade' strikes."

"This junior understands." Zhao Yuan nodded, then hesitated. "Senior, this trip... how much certainty do we have?"

Lin Xuan was silent for a moment, looking toward the southeast where the sea met the sky, which appeared calm but was actually filled with turbulent undercurrents. "Severing the chains themselves, there is a fifty percent chance. But whether we can survive after severing them, under the furious counterattack of the evil god embryo and the frantic siege of the 'Aberration Core'..." He shook his head. "Less than ten percent."

Zhao Yuan’s heart sank, but he then felt relieved. This was a nine-deaths-in-one-life situation to begin with; having a fifty percent chance to sever the chains was already an unexpected joy.

"Are you afraid?" Lin Xuan asked suddenly.

Zhao Yuan thought for a moment and said honestly: "I am. I'm afraid of failing everyone's expectations, afraid of not being able to sever the chains, afraid of... dying without value." He looked up at Lin Xuan, but there was a flame burning in his eyes. "But I'm more afraid of doing nothing, watching that thing emerge and devour everything. So, even if I'm afraid, I must go."

A trace of approval flashed in Lin Xuan’s eyes as he patted his shoulder: "That is enough. Remember, once we enter the blind zone, follow my commands. Your task is to sever the chains; my task is to get you to the chains and bring you back out if possible."

"Yes."

Just then, True Person Beichen walked over, holding a palm-sized, silver compass with flowing starlight. "Fellow Daoist Lin, young friend Zhao, the core array disc for the 'Faint Light Guiding Array' has been completed. This disc uses scraps of 'Star Source Marrow' as its base and incorporates some runes from the Purification Array. It can not only point the way but also weaken the interference of filthy star-evil within a certain range and provide a weak purification field. Once we are deep in the blind zone, it will be our most important guide."

Lin Xuan took it, sensed it for a moment, and nodded as he put it away: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Beichen."

Elder Ling Shuang also sent over three ice-blue diamond-shaped crystals: "These are 'Profound Ice Soul-Protecting Crystals.' Wear them close to your body, and they will automatically trigger a layer of 'Ice Heart Protection' when your soul suffers extreme pollution or mental shock, buying you a moment of clarity." She looked at Zhao Yuan, her tone uncharacteristically gentle. "The deep sea is cold and filthy. Although your new power is strong, your soul foundation still has old injuries; this item may be useful."

Zhao Yuan received them solemnly and bowed in thanks.

Ancestor Hun You appeared like a ghost and tossed an inconspicuous gray cloth bag to Zhao Yuan: "Inside are some 'Yin Soul Sands' I've collected. Scattering them can form a small-scale 'Soul-Howling Maze.' For things that rely primarily on will and resentment, it should at least be able to annoy them. Use it sparingly."

One by one, precious or practical items were placed into the hands of Zhao Yuan or Lin Xuan—all were the trump cards of those present, given now without reservation. They knew that this meager assistance might be the very straw that determined success or failure.

Night fell quietly amidst the tense preparations.

Star Fall Island was brightly lit, its arrays fully activated, like an inextinguishable lighthouse in the dark Vast Sea.

The hour of the Rat was approaching.

From the southeast, the oppressive and ominous feeling emanating from the depths of the Return to Ruins Sea Eye became increasingly clear. Even ordinary cultivators could feel a heaviness in their hearts, as if it were the dead silence before a storm.

Before the General-Summoning Platform, the twenty-two members of the "Chain-Breaking Vanguard," including Lin Xuan and Zhao Yuan, had gathered. Everyone’s expression was solemn, their auras condensed, ready to depart at any moment.

Wei Gongshen led the others to see them off.

There were no excessive words, only clasped hands and a deep bow.

Lin Xuan returned the gesture, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and finally nodded to Wei Gongshen. Immediately, he swept his sleeves, and a gentle stream of chaos energy enveloped Zhao Yuan and the others.

"Let's go."

More than twenty streams of light rose silently from the ground, like twenty-two falling stars flying in reverse, piercing the thick night, and throwing themselves without hesitation into the eternal darkness that devoured everything to the southeast—the Return to Ruins Sea Eye.

The moonlight was cold, spilling onto the sea surface and reflecting upon the crowd that had stood for so long before the General-Summoning Platform.

A lone blade had emerged, reflecting the moon, pointing straight at the demon's lair.