Chapter 229: Meditating on the Stars (6K)

Unnoticed,

Another week slipped by quietly.

Inside the No. 4 steam lighthouse, dark, silent, and filled with thick, gloomy steam energy.

Whoosh—

Accompanied by the Book of Ancient Stars, its pages flipped quickly and closed.

Soon, the bronze-colored Book of Ancient Stars returned to calm.

At this moment, even the steam energy no longer rose from within the book.

The Book of Ancient Stars returned to a calm and natural state, just as it was when Ta Ke first held it.

«The book's frame is finally fixed; when closed, it won't keep leaking steam toward me. »

«However, speaking of which, the book contains a great deal: Chao Shen Da Shi, immortal legends, eternal divine fire—all are recorded. »

«It can be called a little helper on the path of immortality and eternity. »

«Although much of its content has been damaged, even lost, due to the passage of time. »

«But overall, it still holds great reference value. »

«The book itself, as a key, can help me more effectively approach the ancient star and write a different story. »

«Meanwhile… the Book of Ancient Stars itself can also carry considerable means and power. »

After a moment of thought,

Ta Ke stored the Book of Ancient Stars properly and placed it inside the Magical Cottage.

But Ta Ke felt that wasn't right.

Gently opening the flyleaf of the Book of Ancient Stars, Ta Ke lightly touched it.

«Humm—»

A low, resonant rumble of the steam sequence surged from the pages.

Accompanying it was a large amount of steam energy.

«The Magical Cottage itself has a circulation of steam‑world energy. »

«However, the Magical Cottage itself consumes energy. »

«Coincidentally, the Book of Ancient Stars, which also possesses steam‑world properties, produces energy. »

«Together they form a perfect closed loop. »

Afterward, Ta Ke carefully sensed those seal‑barrier micro‑world fragments ignited by the steam‑world spark, and nodded in satisfaction.

«These seal‑barrier micro‑world fragments are slowly permeated by the steam‑world spark; the original leaking seal‑barrier trait slows, and once the ecological cycle is complete, the seal‑barrier trait will self‑circulate and no longer leak outward. »

«That is…»

Ta Ke looked at the "Little Sniff Duck" constantly climbing back and forth in the world fragments, licking the fragments.

«Since I brought these stones in, after this little guy discovered them, it has remained in an excited state. »

«Every day it crawls back and forth on them, and occasionally licks these world‑fragment stone chunks. »

«It seems, it actually works a bit. »

Ta Ke's eyes narrowed slightly; his powerful precise vision could see that the Little Sniff Duck was indeed somewhat different from before.

Observing that busy Little Sniff Probe, Ta Ke did not go over to disturb or stop it.

The ecology of the Magical Cottage constructed by Ta Ke.

It naturally requires magical creatures, magical plants, and the like.

Only an adept ecosystem teeming with numerous super‑beings will be more stable.

Afterward, Ta Ke glanced at the Book of Ancient Stars continuously releasing steam energy.

«With an energy source. »

«After a while, I can roughly build a hearth‑fire tree stump in my cottage. »

«An adept who comes from Sheng Lan De, if they don't build a hearth‑fire tree stump in their own Magical Cottage, they practically have no soul. »

«It would be best to capture a few more hearth spirits from Sheng Lan De. »

In the midst of thought, Ta Ke exerted phasing power and successfully rewrapped the "Seal‑Barrier Stone" that was emanating seal‑barrier force.

The seal‑barrier force likewise dissipated.

As for the bulwark power, Ta Ke did not withdraw it.

The La Mo Er Steam Lighthouse needs Ta Ke's bulwark power.

Even in a couple of days, Ta Ke prepares to gradually build up bulwark power at the main lighthouse as well.

That way, when the next ecological war comes,

First, the La Mo Er lighthouse won't be easily damaged.

Secondly, this also enables it to bear more ecological power to attack the Dim Day.

Feeling the bulwark power, Ta Ke's brow twitched slightly.

«I have previously condensed the Ancient Lightflame State, an adept state, so I can now begin to absorb the bulwark‑power trait of the Silver Radiance Holy Barrier that intermediate adepts can absorb. »

Just as Ta Ke was pondering,

Ta Ke felt the power of the outside shadow canopy surging silently.

The messenger, Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen, who had gathered Ta Ke's bulwark power, arrived.

«The doors and windows are open for entry. »

Ta Ke spoke directly.

As for the La Mo Er lighthouse, Ta Ke's bulwark does not seal it shut.

Only at the bulwark's position is the bulwark constructed, strengthening the lighthouse itself while not impeding other adepts from entering or exiting the lighthouse.

Within the wavering outline of shadows.

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen slipped silently out of the corner.

"Such a rich steam source energy."

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen surveyed Ta Ke from head to toe and, after a moment's thought, asked.

"It feels like you've changed, yet also not changed. Any gains?"

Ta Ke replied lightly.

"You can tell His Excellency the Archbishop that he may pre-select the tower's location for me."

Those words instantly made Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen's expression shift slightly.

"That book... you opened it?"

"Not only opened it, but also gained abundantly; that Meditation Scripture is not ordinarily powerful."

"Not ordinarily formidable? How formidable then?"

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen asked curiously.

"Roughly the kind that would explode if you stare at it for a few more glances."

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen: "..."

After a moment, Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen tentatively asked.

"The Stars?"

Ta Ke gave a gentle nod.

"If the depth of meditation is deeper, how close does it get?"

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen asked solemnly.

"Because I hold the book's key, I am essentially face‑to‑face; wherever I look, there are outlines of stars."

"For others meditating,"

"They shouldn't be as close as I am, but... they will also draw nearer, resulting in a massive‑outline star meditation."

"Sss..."

Ta Ke's explanation made Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen gasp a cold breath.

When he originally inquired about these matters,

Archbishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke had told him.

That holy blazing sun could be a great star above the constellation of stars.

But!

No one has ever been able to open the gate leading to the stars.

No one can verify it.

And today!

Ta Ke opened it.

Not only opened it.

But also at such close‑range meditation.

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen also knows.

As the pioneer, enlightener, and guide of the Meditation Gate,

Ta Ke's construction of the Meditation Steam Tower, the ecological Meditation Tree it establishes, and the Meditation Seeds it spawns will determine the heights of his successors.

After all, those who inherit the Meditation Seeds will stand on Ta Ke's giant shoulders to meditate and observe the great stars!

Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen harbors no doubt about Ta Ke's talent, ability, and the magnitude of his methods.

In other words, in the near future... no... if the Three-Eyed Divine Sect acts swiftly.

Soon, Saintland will witness the arrival of the great Meditation Stars.

Know that above the sky of the Floating Star City in the Sairiangs Kingdom, there is only the "Shadow of the Stars".

And not the true stars.

"Will Saintland have its own Meditation Stars?"

For a moment, Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen couldn't help but tremble slightly.

For Saintland's vast transcendent ecology,

The sky's veil has always been vacant.

Although there are a few "Meditation Stars," they are too distant, hardly different from faraway stars.

Thus the Dark Sun's power roams the sky unchecked.

If Saintland possessed its own Meditation Stars,

Numerous transcendants could jointly meditate to maintain them.

Even if they cannot defeat the Dark Sun,

At least they could block the Dark Sun's infiltration of Saintland.

Know that today, beyond Saintland's Spirit Realm layer, Shadow layer, Dream layer, and Lighthouse defense zone, the Dark Sun's outline permeates.

In his thoughts, Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen looked at Ta Ke and said seriously,

"Your opening of the Star Meditation Book is important; I must report to the Archbishop."

"Hmm!"

Ta Ke nodded.

As Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen departed, Ta Ke also walked toward the Spirit Realm Gate.

After consolidating the transcendent state, transcendants can feed on the active source energy within the transcendent ecology.

No longer basic food, water, material and other resources.

However, Ta Ke's transcendent state has only just begun to coalesce.

It has not yet reached the level of feeding on the active source energy in the ecosystem.

……

Tree‑Heart Cavern Tavern.

Ta Ke carried his food and drink to a corner.

While enjoying his food, Ta Ke also used the World's attributes to sense his surroundings.

At this moment, in the surrounding world, faint traces from the Dark Sun spread gently.

"Are the Dark Sun Church members already this overbearing now?"

"There are several inside the tavern, and several more passing by on the street outside."

"When I just came from the Spirit Realm Layer, I even sensed an aura of Dark Sun faith inside the Steam Lighthouse."

"That's just showing off."

"Hmm… Bei Wei Si has gone to see Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke."

"When Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke arrives later, I'll apply for a slot as a member of the Divine Punisher Squad."

"The Divine Punisher Squad possesses supreme divine authority, allowing its members to legally decapitate enemies on the street without bearing responsibility."

"That way, I can gradually eliminate the Dark Sun Church informants around me by executing them as harvest."

"Even if I kill on the street, the Saint Land High Tower's official enforcers can't touch me as a member of the Divine Punisher Squad."

"Others doing this work face high risk."

"For me it's mostly no problem, after all, once the Demon Ring Staff is forged, slaughter is inevitable."

"And if this Divine Punisher Squad is led by Bei Wei Si, then there's no issue."

"That guy's methods are truly formidable!"

After enjoying delicious beef, bread, thick soup, and his favorite stone‑fruit wine.

Ta Ke has already noticed a not‑very‑strong transcendent eyeing him.

"It seems my second‑tier Wizard Robe made them mistake me for a second‑tier transcendent."

"Even if I am a second‑tier transcendent, you still can't provoke me."

Just as Ta Ke was pondering whether to cast a line for a fish.

A nun of the Three‑Eyed Divine Church, dressed in a plain gray‑white donation robe, walked in.

The newcomer was Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke.

Even in Saint Land, there are still many poor.

Ta Ke knows Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke secretly helps many poor children enter the Transcendent Academy to become transcendants.

At this moment, Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke, without even changing her donation robe, rushed over immediately.

Obviously!

After receiving news from Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen, she also realized the significance of Ta Ke opening the Holy Blazing Sun World Meditation Codex.

When Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke sat down in front of Ta Ke.

Those nearby who had originally noticed the Dark Sun Church members around Ta Ke averted their gaze, as if they had forgotten Ta Ke.

Even the waitress nearby who liked Ta Ke and would sneak glances at him during breaks also ignored his presence.

"A means to lower one's presence? Or perhaps a property of some forbidden seal?"

Ta Ke was contemplating.

Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke gazed calmly at Ta Ke, asking with a hint of anticipation.

"You opened the Holy Blazing Sun World Meditation Codex?"

"To be precise, this is the Book of the Old Stars."

"The Book of the Old Stars?"

Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke's delicate eyebrows twitched slightly.

This is information Bei Wei Si·Tu Wen did not tell her.

Or perhaps Ta Ke deliberately revealed this new content after she arrived.

"Moreover, that meditation codex is not the Holy Blazing Sun."

"Hmm… you can understand it as the story of the world in the book reaching its finale."

"The former Holy Blazing Sun has now become the Old Stars."

"The Old Sun World Meditation Codex is its true current essence."

Ta Ke's words only made Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke believe him more.

After all, when she obtained this mysterious tome, she could feel the weight of ancient ages as heavy as mountain ranges.

The former Holy Blazing Sun becoming the Old Stars is not surprising.

"Besides… when I continued writing this story toward its finale, to give it a fresh rebirth, I added some new elements inside."

Ta Ke, amid his thoughts, finally decided to tell the truth.

Anyway, he was following the version's answer, and whether he had strayed is hard to say.

After all, the talent was added by the system, forming a new framework that breaks this world's limits with powerful gifted power.

At worst, others can simply choose not to study this meditation codex and act as if it never existed.

But once it has a huge effect.

Then Ta Ke would be the legendary pioneer of a new version, a new era!

Sure enough, Ta Ke's words made even the well‑versed Bishop Ma Sha·Ke La Ke pause slightly.

Immediately, she asked in unison, "What… did you do?"

"Um… I ignited the ancient star by using a small ecosystem ignition, the Saint Land method, and set it alight."

"You can understand, that ancient star not only emits light and heat, possesses a powerful ability to observe meditation practice, and also… steam roars!"

"Quite versatile!" Of course, Ta Ke dared not say that.

Bishop Masha's expression suddenly changed; she had never seen such a thing.

Whether it was good or bad, she dared not say.

Ta Ke hurriedly added.

"During meditation, one can obtain a certain amount of source energy steam, which comes from the ancient star's source energy steam."

"This has an advantage over ordinary meditation."

"At the same time, it grants Transcendents the ancient star's traits, making their Transcendent state stronger."

"When I experienced the Mystic Trinity, there were no negative effects."

"At present, the characteristic of this steam world appears just like the current situation of the Saint Land world."

"The benefits are very clear."

Sure enough, as Ta Ke said.

Bishop Masha Ke La Ke's expression softened.

Fortunately, Bishop Masha is gentle; if it were a bishop with a slightly worse temper, she might not have been able to stay composed before Ta Ke.

"Are you sure?" Bishop Masha asked cautiously.

"The explanatory effect of the Book World makes the Trinity's feedback very fast."

"I will meticulously observe and experience for a period of time."

"As for whether Your Grace the Archbishop is willing to construct a tower so that I may complete the construction of the Meditation Sequence Tree, that depends on Your Grace's opinion."

"Anyway… the sky of Saint Land is completely empty, we have nothing left to lose."

Ta Ke's words made Bishop Masha Ke La Ke smile lightly.

"You young people are still bold at heart."

"Perhaps… the steam sequence can indeed take a different path in your hands."

"Also… our conversation has been heard by the Archbishop all along."

"He is very satisfied!"

Ta Ke smiled faintly.

Ta Ke also vaguely sensed another power residing within Bishop Masha.

But Ta Ke did not wish to pry too deeply into Bishop Masha.

He did not expect the Archbishop to be listening nearby as well.

"The Archbishop says that if the Mystic Trinity had no issues at the time, there will be none later; the Archbishop has great mastery in this area."

"Will the Archbishop select a tower location for you, and will you build it yourself? Or…"

"I only need the top floor, with no obstructions around, so I can face the starry sky directly," Ta Ke said after a moment's thought.

"Understood!" Bishop Masha nodded.

"Once the site is chosen, I will inform you."

Ta Ke's current level and strength are insufficient to control an entire tower.

Ta Ke only needs the top floor to build his own safe base.

Moreover, the magical cottage can fly, so there is no worry about tower turbulence.

Most crucially, this base is merely one of the bases Ta Ke will construct next.

"Since the Archbishop is also listening nearby, I have a small request."

Ta Ke spoke amid his thoughts.

"What?"

"I need to build a 【Divine Punisher】 squad centered on His Excellency Bei Wei Si Tu Wen."

"And the squad members must possess extremely high divine authority."

"And I, Andrei, will hold the divine authority to lawfully kill in any corner of Saint Land."

Bishop Masha, who had learned of Ta Ke's plan from Bei Wei Si early on, slowly spoke.

"In fact, Bei Wei Si has already applied, and…"

Bishop Masha paused as she spoke.

"Just now, Archbishop, it has been officially approved."

Upon hearing that, Ta Ke smiled lightly.

"If so, nothing to worry about; in the next few days, just await my good news."

"All of Saint Land will know that Andrei's gun has plenty of bullets!"

Bishop Masha vaguely guessed what Ta Ke was about to do.

Ta Ke's steam revolver is a forbidden seal especially adept at killing.

After the discussion, Bishop Masha did not linger; she could sense a power from Dark Sun surrounding her.

She naturally understood Ta Ke's relationship with the Dark Sun Church, and a slaughter was forthcoming.

Ta Ke seeks the identity of a Divine Punisher; a reasonable slaughter is already a very patient display.

After Bishop Masha left.

Ta Ke then rose and walked toward the nearby 'Addict' Transcendent whose soul had been polluted by 'hallucinogenic toxin' and 'Dark Sun', exuding a fallen aura.

For Transcendents, those transcendent toxins are enough to warp soul and sequence.

And Dark Sun, moreover, thoroughly eroded his soul.

This is a thoroughly fallen believer of the Dark Sun faith.

"Hey... friend!"

Ta Ke walked over and sat down beside him.

Ta Ke flicked his hand, the dial of the Fate Revolver spinning like the gears of fate, emitting a crisp click-clack.

"You guess, does my gun have any bullets?"

Ta Ke pressed the revolver directly against the jaw of this second-stage superhuman.

That person's body stiffened, then he replied coldly.

"Yes!"

"Bang!"

The muffled gunshot that attacked the soul boomed, then faded.

Looking at this second-stage superhuman whose head he had blown apart with a single shot.

【243】 Ta Ke said coldly.

Ta Ke said coldly.

"Congratulations, you got it right."

For a moment, the entire tavern fell silent.

Even the bartender next to him was stunned by the actions of the fire-spitting wizard 'An De Lie', who often came to drink.

At that moment, everyone's gaze in the hall gathered on Ta Ke, or rather on the fire-spitting wizard 'An De Lie'.

"Remember my name, fire-spitting wizard An De Lie."

Ta Ke's voice was low and hoarse.

"Today..."

Ta Ke looked around the whole venue, then flicked the dial of the Fate Revolver again.

The click-clack, like the god of death attacking the soul.

"You don't like loitering here, do you?"

"I will kill every member of the evil god organization that believes in Dark Sun here."

"You have three seconds to flee..."

"Ready... 3!"

As his words fell, gunfire rang out, and another Dark Sun Church believer had his head blown apart by Ta Ke's single shot.

If it weren't for the fact that many regulars here know the fire-spitting wizard An De Lie,

they would have thought this was some mad killer gone berserk.

The remaining few Dark Sun Church members finally could not sit still, began to rise and flee.

And Ta Ke, the killing intent he had long suppressed, suddenly burst forth.

He immediately began a massacre inside the tavern.

For a moment, gunfire erupted throughout the tavern.