Chapter 227: Steam of the Bygone Stars! (6K)

Fourth‑tier "Steam Hunter" Ka Mi Si was brutally slaughtered by third‑tier "God‑Defiler" Ta Ke.

This is today's Shenglande Steam Daily, a headline that really catches the eye.

And today's newspaper, without doubt, became a hot topic after the first wave of the Steam War, causing its sales to surge.

Looking around the hall, almost everyone holds a copy of the Shenglande Steam Daily.

The Steam Daily publishing house seems to have discovered the right way to boost newspaper sales.

Every report about the God‑Defiler Ta Ke triggers a wave of newspaper bestsellers.

Moreover, the Steam Daily has already recruited many columnists to write stories about Ta Ke's deeds.

Inside the tavern.

Looking at today's Steam Daily content and the colorless shadow illustration of the Shadow Realm.

Ka Luo Si couldn't help but lift his head to look at the fire‑wielding wizard An De Lie opposite him.

A few days ago.

When Ka Luo Si carefully recalled the group of hunters who clashed with the fire wizard An De Lie, he found they resembled the few people described in the newspaper.

That day, while silently tracking those hunters, he discovered that after they investigated An De Lie, they opened a Shadow Gate in a corner.

Those hunters clearly would not give up easily.

At that time, he was still somewhat concerned about the safety of the fire wizard An De Lie.

And today, such news suddenly appeared in the newspaper.

God‑Defiler Ta Ke?

Ka Luo Si's eye twitched slightly—could it really be that guy?

And at that moment!

Ta Ke stared at today's newspaper report and the overly praising words.

"What a 'Shenglande's first extraordinary genius in history'!"

"Creating the unbelievable Steam Sequence dispute!"

"A brand‑new pioneer of the Steam Wizard Sequence!"

And some columnists, perhaps paid off, directly used a Chao Shen Da Shi to hype Ta Ke.

Even the usually thick‑skinned Ta Ke found it hard to watch.

Faintly, Ta Ke also guessed something.

There was no such bragging and hype before.

This time, merely defeating a fourth‑tier Steam Hunter, they boosted Ta Ke's reputation.

Clearly, someone was covertly fanning the flames.

The Three‑Eyed Divine Church learned that Ta Ke intends to forge a legendary item, the 'Demon Ring Staff', with Legendary Traits.

Obviously, they intend to stack Legendary Traits onto Ta Ke.

Such a method of intensifying publicity cannot create Legendary Traits out of thin air.

But if the extraordinary individual's own events have already forged Legendary Traits, then this heavy promotion can slightly raise the magnitude of those traits.

What exactly are "Legendary Traits"?

According to the exposition of the Fundamentals of the Extraordinary that Ta Ke studied.

"Legendary Traits" are a higher‑level extraordinary trait.

They require a strong reputation, legendary events, astonishing achievements, and formidable strength as a foundation.

They also need support from the surrounding extraordinary ecosystem.

Most importantly, they must be stacked within the indispensable tide of the era.

Only then can one continuously nurture one's own Legendary Traits amid the era's currents.

The era creates legends, and legends forge a new era!

From the exposition, one can roughly discern some essence of "Legendary Traits".

Today's Steam Daily is pushing so hard.

It's preparing for Ta Ke to forge his own Demon Ring Staff next.

"But… Shenglande Steam Daily, such a sudden report."

"Obviously it will attract some people's attention."

"Even from the newspaper's information, deducing that I might want to forge a legendary ring staff isn't impossible."

"Perhaps when I forge the legendary Demon Ring Staff, someone might come to cause trouble."

Just as Ta Ke continued to relax here.

A gaze from the shadowy corner fell on Ta Ke.

Ta Ke now somewhat understands why Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke sent that guy Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen.

That guy, constantly peeking at others from shadowy corners, is a perfect humanoid surveillance device.

Resigned, Ta Ke downed the oak stone‑fruit wine before him in one gulp.

Then he rose and walked toward the Spirit Realm Gate behind him.

These past days, the La Mo Er Steam Lighthouse has been about seventy‑plus percent restored.

Steam lighthouses elsewhere are also gradually being restored.

And that means the next wave of the Steam Ecological War is coming.

Yes!

Today's Shenglande is this decisive, this willing to invest capital.

Shenglande's top elites have also realized that Shenglande is undergoing a steam‑world evolution.

And this is the way of spurring the steam ecology to wage war.

Not only does it not destroy Saintland's "Lava Furnace Tree Stakes" original ecology.

Moreover, the damage from such ecological war actually boosts the efficiency of Saintland's and the Steam World's evolution.

Allowing Saintland and steam to fuse more quickly.

Each time an ecological war is launched, it is a period of weakness for both sides.

Saintland's own ecology becomes weakened.

But Dark Sun's ecology is likewise weakened.

Now Ta Ke, in the Spiritual Realm layer, looks up at the sky,

The outline of Dark Sun has already become much weaker compared to before.

And this is precisely the result achieved by the first round of ecological war.

Regarding ecological wars in the Transcendent World,

Only when the power gap is huge can one finish the job in a single battle.

Otherwise!

Ecological wars, at minimum lasting several years, a dozen years is normal.

And for Transcendent‑level ecological wars, dozens or even hundreds of years are quite normal.

Nowadays Saintland dares to invest like this.

Dares to confront Dark Sun head‑on.

Ta Ke's contribution of the Steam World spark to Saintland is indispensable.

Passing through the Spiritual Realm gate.

The light from the nearby Lamoer Steam Lighthouse shines forth, illuminating a vast surrounding area.

Even the once‑polluted Spiritual Realm's dark soil has now become solid and stable, no longer seeping to the surface and contaminating Transcendents.

At the same time, in a dimension imperceptible to other Transcendents.

A gentle stream of power bearing the "World" attribute flows in.

With the influx of the "World" attribute, Ta Ke's Steam Wizard ecology grows increasingly astonishing.

And Ta Ke's mastery of the "World" power becomes ever more proficient.

After the Lamoer Steam Lighthouse and the surrounding Spiritual Realm ecology completed the initial Steam World cycle,

it has now entered the fast lane of ecological circulation.

Above the sky, the oppression of Dark Sun's power is gone.

The ecology of the Lamoer Steam Lighthouse can now initially counter the Dark Sun power descending upon this region.

At the same time, faintly visible above the lighthouse's ecology are intersecting furnace‑core fire channels.

These are after Ta Ke completed the Steam World spark cycle between the Physical Realm and the furnace‑core fire channel ecology.

The interaction between the Physical and Spiritual Realm layers.

Ta Ke ignites the Steam World spark not only in the Spiritual Realm layer.

He also gradually ignites it in the Physical Realm, the Shadow Realm, and even the Dream Realm.

Possessing the Phase Walk divine ability, Ta Ke naturally ignites every Transcendent ecology he can reach in all directions.

Now, as numerous large and small ecologies interact with Saintland's ecology,

the Lamoer Steam Lighthouse's ecology becomes ever more wondrous.

Even Xi Luoer has here completed the preliminary comprehension and cultivation of the Holy Shield Rune scripture.

Third‑rank Xi Luoer, under the influence of blood‑source steam, finally steps over the threshold of the Rune Profound Secrets.

This matter caused quite a stir at the Lamoer Steam Lighthouse.

Unfortunately, Ta Ke was in the dungeon at the time and did not receive the information immediately.

The peculiarity of Lamoer's steam ecology has, during this period, attracted many Transcendents to join.

Now, saying the Lamoer Steam Lighthouse is strong and formidable is no problem at all.

Ta Ke is on his way toward the main lighthouse.

A shadowy silhouette suddenly appears behind Ta Ke.

"The area around Lighthouse No. 4 is already prepared."

"I told them I would be cultivating in seclusion for a while."

"That area has been cleared; I also performed the Shadow Canopy ritual, fully sealing that lighthouse."

"Once you go inside, just construct the barrier again and you'll be fine."

"That said, I also know the barrier ritual, but I always build the simplest source‑pattern barrier."

"I've seen your barrier; it's a combination of the Iron Coupled Source Wall and the Silver Radiance Sacred Wall."

"If I forcibly use the ritual to amass that much barrier power,"

"I dare say they'd definitely suspect I've been deeply corrupted by an evil god. The church would seize me immediately and then perform a soul‑level cleansing."

"You… how did you manage to remain completely unaffected?"

Ta Ke leisurely continues his narration.

"This may involve secrets you cannot possibly bear; are you sure you want to inquire?"

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen was startled for a moment, then shook his head.

"Forget it, it's better not to know."

Having experience traveling other Transcendent mysterious worlds, Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen thought it over and ultimately still shook his head.

He just said so offhand; even if he wanted to ask deeply, Ta Ke probably wouldn't tell him.

Amid his thoughts, Ta Ke slowly spoke.

"While I was studying that scripture, you gathered a squad of personnel."

"After I emerge, there must be a wave of action."

"Action?"

Beiweis Tuwen raised an eyebrow.

"Do you intend to capture the Shadow Demon Spider Lord?"

Ta Ke smiled and shook his head.

"Capturing a demon‑spider leader wouldn't warrant such a grand display."

"It's about the Dark Sun Church."

"Dark Sun Church?"

"Yes!" Ta Ke nodded.

"We are currently in wartime, and the strength here within the Lamor Lighthouse is gradually increasing."

"Moreover, with my numerous arrangements for the Lamor Steam Lighthouse, the defensive capability here has become ever stronger."

"With a certain secure garrison in place."

"We now have the right to launch a new war against the enemies deep within Saint Land."

"Saint Land has its Steam Ecology War."

"And we have our own sniper war against the Dark Sun Church."

"The Dark Sun Church has many strongholds stationed in Saint Land."

"Such as the three great cathedrals, numerous annexes, and many bases scattered deep within Saint Land's layered dimensions or outside Saint Land."

"These are the war fronts we must expand into."

"During this period, I have discovered many members of the Dark Sun Church and even traced some of their stronghold locations."

"Hasn't the Three‑Eyed Divine Church always been expecting my performance?"

"The opportunity… has arrived!"

Ta Ke's exposition made Beiweis Tuwen's eyes flicker.

Ta Ke himself is not a follower of the Three‑Eyed Divine Church.

This makes him, as a "collaborator," a "Divine Favored" of the Three‑Eyed Divine Church.

Many of the bishops above hold strong objections.

As for other church annexes elsewhere, they are also hesitant.

Fortunately, Ta Ke had previously carried out a preliminary fusion of Saint Land with steam ecology.

Moreover, the steam ecology here at Lamor is clearly far stronger than elsewhere.

In addition, church personnel have covertly investigated here and confirmed that the cultivation effect of the Rune Profound Meaning here is far better than elsewhere.

This is why those bishops with opposing opinions are less resistant now.

And Ta Ke wants to obtain better resources within the church.

Such as forbidden incantations, powerful seal artifacts, formidable rituals, even divine protection, top‑grade advancement materials, and so on.

Thus Ta Ke must truly demonstrate the methods and strength belonging to a Divine Favored.

Since Ta Ke began cooperating with Saint Land and the Three‑Eyed Divine Church.

Ta Ke has not produced any tangible battle records or achievements.

As Ta Ke said, the strong supporters of the Three‑Eyed Divine Church hope Ta Ke can achieve something.

And this is another reason Bishop Masha Clark sent Beiweis Tuwen over.

Beiweis Tuwen's skills can give Ta Ke some help without stealing Ta Ke's credit.

At the same time, he can act as church personnel to witness Ta Ke's battle records and results.

Amid his thoughts, Beiweis Tuwen asked.

"Then roughly, which people are needed?"

"All personnel of the steam sequence are sufficient."

"Understood. While you are seeking the Meditation Secret Scripture, I will arrange these things."

Regarding those Dark Sun Church operatives that have infiltrated Saint Land.

And those hidden hideouts are still extremely difficult to locate.

If the defiler Ta Ke truly has the means and ability to track down these deeply hidden Dark Sun Church members.

Just eliminating these Dark Sun strongholds would be a great feat.

After the discussion, Beiweis left silently.

After Ta Ke entered an unoccupied corner, he also used the position of the soul veil to traverse to the location of Satellite Lighthouse No. 4 of Lamor, shrouded by a shadow canopy.

Upon entering the position of Satellite Lighthouse No. 4.

Ta Ke then looked up at the sky over Lamor's spirit‑realm layer region.

The precise threads in his eyes intersected with the world.

"Your nerve is getting bolder and bolder."

"Did you really think that by following the Dark Sun's threads for ecological grazing you were safe?"

"I… have already seen you!"

……

After a little less than a day.

Ta Ke preliminarily completed the descent of barrier power throughout the entire Satellite Lighthouse No. 4.

The seated Ta Ke lightly drew his right hand in the air.

A miraculous doorframe then appeared.

Ta Ke gestured, and a seal-barrier small-world fragment the size of a grindstone appeared before his eyes.

This seal-barrier small-world fragment, wrapped in phase divine-ability energy, had already weakened in its own seal-barrier power.

Precisely because it was weakened, Ta Ke managed to complete a steam-ecology cycle on it in such a short time.

Ta Ke, using his own world power, can now control these weakened "seal-barrier" powers.

The more Ta Ke used steam-ecology to complete an ecological cycle with these seal-barrier small-world fragments, the more he discovered their formidable aspects.

As Ta Ke withdrew the phase energy,

Hum!

A considerably tenacious seal-barrier power spread out.

Under Ta Ke's guidance, these powers quickly permeated into the 【bulwark】.

"It is itself a bulwark, plus the power of this seal-barrier."

"It can be called a small seal-barrier world."

"This way, no matter what happens inside, the outside finds it hard to discern, and wanting to kill one's way in becomes even more impossible."

"The seal-barrier's great bulwark is no joke."

After doing all that,

Ta Ke took a deep breath.

Ta Ke took out the extraordinary storage ring that Beavis Twain had given him.

During this preparation, Ta Ke did not rashly touch this mysterious meditation secret canon gifted by the angel.

Examining its cover, which had an ancient bronze base with silver-gray lines depicting angels, blazing suns, mountains, rivers, and the starry sky.

Ta Ke took a deep breath, and the puppet-silk threads at his fingertips spread out.

As the first puppet-silk threads touched this meditation book,

Hum!

Like starlight, a clear radiance instantly ignited Ta Ke's puppet-silk threads.

A mysterious power dragged Ta Ke's soul and flesh into the meditation secret canon.

"It works!"

This scene made Ta Ke's eyebrows twitch slightly.

No fear of it working; only fear of it not working.

Since it works, it means Ta Ke has the qualification to study and inherit mastery of this powerful secret canon.

Ta Ke, pinching the puppet-silk threads, sensed carefully.

"The pulling ability is very strong; fortunately I used puppet-silk threads to precisely control the power's transmission."

"If I touched it directly, I would surely be sucked into the world inside the book."

"Although it wouldn't necessarily mean mortal danger, … that would be too rash."

Spirit-touch perception!

With a thought, he used the puppet-silk threads to begin perceiving the information inside this meditation book.

【Gazing at the Gate of the Stars……key……】

【Anchored……your own……Eye of the Stars……】

【Former days……afterglow……】

【Stars……position……】

【…………】

Feeling the myriad scattered information transmitted.

Ta Ke also felt deeper that among this information were some other messages.

That is whether being absorbed into it is safe.

After about ten or so minutes.

Ta Ke severed the puppet-silk threads and began organizing the information from his spirit-touch perception.

"First, it can be confirmed that even if I am absorbed into it, it is safe."

"This book itself is both a story and a world."

"It tells the story of those stars that, after the fall of the stars, still remain in the starry sky, radiating their former afterglow."

"This book is more like a key, a doorframe."

"I need to make a choice……"

Ta Ke gently shook his head.

"The story in the book has already entered its conclusion."

"When I arrived, the stars had already fallen."

"All that remains is merely the former afterglow."

"If under a clear night sky of stars."

"One can then see the traces where the fallen stars and this ancient book illuminate each other."

"Those fallen stars, though still blazing suns, their blaze is not very obvious."

"Rather, it is mostly the ancient light."

"It seems this is a gift from an ancient angel!"

"Interesting!"

Ta Ke let out a light laugh.

"The book fell into my hands, and I am able to read and continue its story."

"Can I create a new story when the stars fall?"

He took a deep breath.

Ta Ke examined the Old Day Star Book, murmuring softly.

"Perhaps..."

"This is why you came!"

With that thought, Ta Ke hesitated no longer, and firmly placed his palm upon it.

Accompanied by brilliant starlight.

Ta Ke was completely absorbed into this Old Day Star Book.

When Ta Ke opened his eyes again,

behind him was a double-door frame, like an open book, surrounded by endless void.

Before Ta Ke lay a calm, natural, and steady star.

Its light was not blinding; indeed, it was rather gentle.

Ta Ke felt it left and right for a moment, already sensing that this Old Day Star Book, while expounding the story of the world within the book, still corresponded to the vast stars.

Numerous bits of arcane mystic knowledge surged into his mind.

The real star, the world within the book, Ta Ke himself!

A triune mystic framework was silently erected.

Ta Ke quietly examined the subject of the story—a yellow Old Day Star.

Its light was neither scorching nor holy.

In the vast cosmos, it was so insignificant that no one paid it any heed.

Ta Ke raised his hand, as if to touch that Old Day Star.

Ta Ke whispered,

"Although you are merely a fallen Old Day Star."

"But your story has not ended; indeed, it has only just begun."

"Your lingering light still nourishes the world around you."

"And you yourself are a powerful star ecosystem."

"Although this is normal—all stars are thus, vast cosmic extraordinary ecosystems."

"But… my arrival will give you a different meaning."

"I do not know how much talent power is needed to use my Steam World's spark to ignite you, completing our Steam World cycle."

"But I will try my best to do so."

"After all..."

"My talent ceiling… is infinitely high!"

With that thought,

Ta Ke faced that seemingly distant yet close-at-hand vast Old Day Star.

He sent forth the Steam World's spark.

Ta Ke believed.

Even if this attempt fails to ignite,

but as his extraordinary talent grows strong enough and his extraordinary level high enough,

someday,

he will be able to use his own spark to ignite the stars.

"When you look up at the starry sky, see the countless stars, and also hear the rumbling of steam from the heavens, what a delight that would be."

Just as Ta Ke was thus expounding,

the Old Day Star within the book world also seemed to be affected by Ta Ke's Steam World spark.

"Whooo..."

The once calm, natural, vast Old Day Star

just as Ta Ke had expounded,

emitted a low, rumbling sound of the Steam Sequence.

very clear, and growing ever more intense!

This sight left Ta Ke stunned.

"I was just spouting nonsense."

"You couldn't have… really done it, could you?!"

"Using the Steam World's spark to ignite an Old Day Star—is that really science?"

"You couldn't… someday, when we look up at the starry sky, truly hear the steam rumble from the ancient stars, could you?!"