Chapter 241

The voice of the welcoming Elder Norton was warm and magnetic, carrying a convincing steadiness. His silver-white beard and hair and deep, wise eyes seemed to bear the wisdom of countless ages.

"Lord Li Qingxuan, and warriors from the distant star realms," Norton's gaze swept over Yan Xin and the others behind Li Qingxuan, who remained wary and curious, "Yuexi Patrol has reported your situation, especially the news of the accelerating collapse of the Exile Land. The Council attaches great importance to this and hopes to engage in deeper dialogue with you."

He made a gesture of invitation: "Please follow me, the Council is already waiting in the Star Observation Hall."

Li Qingxuan nodded, suppressing his many doubts, gesturing for his team to follow. Under the guidance of Norton and Yuexi, they left the bustling harbor and entered the interior of the Slumber of the Stars Space Station.

The interior structure of the space station far exceeded imagination; it was not a cold metal corridor but more like a vibrant city transplanted into the starry void. Wide streets were paved with glowing jade, and on both sides grew strange plants emitting a soft halo of light; the air was fresh, infused with a faint energy aura. Buildings of varied forms blended technology and nature—some like towering ancient trees, others like towers carved from crystal. People coming and going looked hurried, yet order prevailed, and most exuded a not-insubstantial aura.

Everything here demonstrates the Watchers' profound foundation and unique civilization.

After passing several streets, the group arrived before a majestic hall. The hall was entirely constructed of a semi-translucent milky-white material; its dome was not solid but a flowing light curtain, as if woven from starlight, reflecting the outer ring of stars and the central sleeping nebula, magnificent and splendid.

This is the Star Observation Hall.

Upon entering the hall, the interior space proved far more spacious than its exterior suggested, employing highly advanced spatial expansion techniques. At the hall's center lay a circular deliberation area, surrounded by several tiers of rising seats, now occupied by dozens of figures. They varied in form and race, but without exception each emanated powerful energy fluctuations and the dignified aura of long-held supremacy—these were the members of the Watchers Council.

When Li Qingxuan's party entered, all eyes instantly focused on them. Curiosity, scrutiny, anticipation, apprehension… various emotions lingered in those gazes, forming an invisible pressure.

Norton led Li Qingxuan to the center of the deliberation area, then he and Yuexi withdrew to the side seats.

"Honorable councilors," Norton's voice echoed in the hall, "this is Lord Li Qingxuan, brought back by Yuexi Patrol, bearer of the Life Seed and bearer of urgent military news concerning the accelerating collapse of the Exile Land, together with his companions."

A figure seated at the highest main position, wearing a starry robe and with a face shrouded in a soft halo, slowly spoke, his voice low and vast like cosmic background radiation: "Li Qingxuan, you rose from obscurity, inherited the Ancestors' Legacy, thwarted the False Emperor's plot, and delivered the warning of crisis. Your deeds have earned the Council's recognition. Welcome to join the ranks of the Watchers."

This constituted formal recognition of their identity and contributions.

Li Qingxuan performed a courteous bow: "Thank you, Council. I do not know why you have summoned us; what are your orders?"

Another councilor, burly with skin like cracked, dark-red molten rock and exuding scorching heat, spoke in a deep voice: "Cut the pleasantries, kid. Yuexi's report says you personally slew an Ancient God Descendant and grasped the Power of Life and Death? Demonstrate it for us."

His tone was direct and blunt, carrying a fire-like agitation.

Li Qingxuan could sense that this councilor meant no harm, more like a candid test. His mind stirred slightly; he did not unleash his full power, merely condensing a wisp of grayish energy containing the artistic conception of life and death at his fingertip.

The moment that wisp of energy appeared, the entire Star Observation Hall seemed to have a gentle breeze sweep through.

The seated councilors, many of them slightly moved, could clearly sense that the wisp of energy contained a unique legal fluctuation distinct from ordinary life or annihilation force—a nascent form of power closer to the source.

"Indeed… this is not merely the use of life-force." A female councilor clad in a verdant vine-embroidered robe, with a gentle demeanor, spoke softly, her eyes flashing with the vibrant light of a forest: "This has already touched the realm of Balance. It seems the Life Seed chose you, not by chance."

The Starry Councilor seated in the main position spoke again: "Your potential has been proven. However, the crisis in the Exile Land looms imminent, and the False Emperor's madness worsens. The Council needs every bit of strength. Regarding future actions, what are your thoughts?"

Li Qingxuan pondered for a moment, then spoke loudly: "I believe there are three urgent priorities. First, I must quickly contact my homeland, the Light Tan Alliance, and my ally, the Shadow Hall, to combine forces against the strong enemy. Second, I will use the information network of the Slumber of the Stars to search for the whereabouts of other Primordial Rune fragments, seeking hope to thoroughly resolve the crisis. Third, I must take the offensive; we cannot merely wait for the seal to collapse, but must find ways to delay the fracturing process of the Exile Land, even if only to gain a little more time."

His thinking was clear, his goals explicit, showing concern for his own forces as well as for the larger situation, and containing a vigor of proactive responsibility.

The councilors exchanged glances, communicating swiftly via Spiritual Power in secret.

After a moment, the Starry Councilor, speaking for the Council, rendered the decision: "Acceptable. As for contacting the outside world, the Council will attempt to use the Star Language Array, but the Void blocks the signal, making it weak, so we must wait patiently. Searching for rune fragments has long been a Council goal; we will include you in the relevant information-sharing channel."

He paused, then added emphasis: "Regarding the third point… delaying the seal's collapse. The Council has decided to dispatch an Elite Squad, led by Yuexi Patrol, to the Rift Seven area to carry out the Anchoring mission. Li Qingxuan, are you willing to join this operation?"

"Anchoring mission?" Li Qingxuan's heart stirred; this was clearly an extremely dangerous but possibly crucial operation.

"I cannot shirk my duty!" He had no hesitation. Avoidance cannot solve the problem; only proactive confrontation can secure a chance at survival.

"Very well." The Starry Councilor nodded. "Specific mission details will be explained by Yuexi. This mission is extremely perilous; you may rest and recuperate in the Slumber of the Stars, utilizing its resources to enhance your strength. Departure in three days."

The decision having been made, the Council's atmosphere eased. Several councilors curious about Li Qingxuan came forward, engaging him in brief conversation—either inquiring about the Light Tan Alliance's situation or discussing his insights into the Power of Life and Death.

However, just as the meeting was about to conclude, and Li Qingxuan was preparing to follow Norton to the arranged lodgings—

An anomaly suddenly erupted!

The crystal of his Life Imprint on his chest, and the dormant Weird Encyclopedia in his spiritual sea, almost simultaneously began to tremble violently uncontrollably!

A strong resonance wave, carrying connotations of longing and guidance, penetrated the Star Observation Hall's barrier and pointed far toward a deep point within the Slumber of the Stars Space Station!

At the same time, inside the hall, at least four or five councilors also simultaneously lit up with different colors, but equally ancient and obscure light! Whether it was the ornaments they wore, or some power contained within their bodies, they all produced a wonderful resonance with Li Qingxuan's 'Life Imprint'!

Starry Councilor sprang to his feet, the face shrouded in the halo also seemed to show astonishment: 'This is... rune resonance?! Besides 'Life', this place actually also has reactions from other primordial rune fragments?!'

The entire Star Observation Hall was in an uproar!

Li Qingxuan also froze; he never expected that in this 'Slumber of the Stars', there were actually hidden clues to other primordial runes!

The trajectory of fate seemed to have taken an unexpected turn once again.

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