Chapter 242

Inside the Star Observation Hall, a sudden rune resonance plunged it into brief silence, which was then replaced by low murmurs of discussion.

Several streams of light, each containing a different primordial aura, emanated from the councilors, shining alongside the jade-green radiance on Li Qingxuan's chest, as if playing an ancient and grand melody of law.

The female councilor clad in a robe of jade-green vines—known as Elder Qingmu, a forest elf—had vibrant emerald light flowing through her, which was most akin to Li Qingxuan's Life Imprint, as if sharing the same origin.

Another councilor, burly with dark-red skin, had a dark-red crystal on his chest that pulsed like a beating flame, radiating scorching heat; this was the fluctuation of the "Destruction" or rather "Molten Fire" rune fragment, violent and blazing.

A taciturn councilor, his whole body seeming shrouded in a mist of water vapor, wore a deep-blue bracelet on his wrist that rippled with a soft azure light, representing the power of the "Flowing Water" rune, continuous and profound.

Moreover, there was a councilor whose form flickered like a shadow-made being; on his fingertip, an inconspicuous black ring absorbed the surrounding light, exuding the mystery and concealment of the "Shadow" rune.

Plus, Li Qingxuan represented "Life" itself.

In an instant, within this Star Observation Hall, gatherers of five kinds of Primordial Rune fragments—or entities linked to them—had assembled!

The Starry Councilor (who bore no rune light on his person, suggesting he was not a holder) glanced around; his face, shrouded in a halo, was unreadable, but his voice trembled slightly: "Life, Molten Fire, Flowing Water, Shadow... I never expected that, as the crisis descended, the ancient runes would spontaneously converge here. Is this fate's guidance, or... an omen of the approaching storm?"

Elder Qingmu gazed warmly at Li Qingxuan and spoke softly: "Child, there's no need to be startled. Primordial Runes inherently possess a subtle connection and attraction. When a holder of one draws near—especially someone like you who has begun to grasp its core essence—it easily stirs the other fragments into resonance. This is no coincidence, but the law's inevitability."

The Lava Councilor burst out laughing, his voice like a great bell: "Well done, kid! You've caused quite a stir upon arrival! It seems your 'Life Seed' is no trifle—it can even rouse the old-timers' hidden treasures!"

Though the Flowing Water and Shadow Councilors remained silent, their gazes once again fixed on Li Qingxuan, clearly raising their regard for him by another notch.

Li Qingxuan suppressed his inner shock, feeling the wondrous connection with the other rune fragments. The Life Imprint within him conveyed a yearning—not to devour the other runes, but an instinctive urge to draw near, to cooperate, to complete himself.

"Honored seniors," Li Qingxuan said, bowing respectfully, "I have fortuitously obtained the Life Imprint, yet know little of its mysteries. What does this rune resonance signify? And how should we make use of this power?"

The Starry Councilor spoke solemnly: "Primordial Runes are the manifested fundamental law that forms the basis of all things in the universe. A single rune already holds unfathomable power; if one can gather and harmonize multiple rune forces, one may even reach the realm of reshaping reality. In ancient legend, those who collect all Primordial Runes are called the Holder, wielding the authority to define order."

He paused, looking at the several rune-affiliated individuals: "However, rune power is not easily merged. Clashing attributes, conflicting essences—any carelessness can trigger a backlash, even unravel the law. History offers no shortage of examples where forced fusion of runes led to death and oblivion."

Elder Qingmu interjected: "But the emergence of rune resonance is a positive sign. It indicates that your fragments share a high affinity, possessing a foundation for preliminary cooperation. Perhaps... in confronting the crisis of the Exile Land, this sudden power could play a crucial role."

The Lava Councilor rubbed the flame-crystal on his chest, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit: "I've long disliked those ghostly things that escaped from the prison! Perfect—let them taste the might of rune power! Kid, count me in for this Anchor mission!"

The Flowing Water Councilor gave a slight nod, signaling agreement. The Shadow Councilor, like blending into the background, silently expressed his willingness to join.

The squad originally led by Yuexi instantly, due to the rune resonance, upgraded into an elite joint action force comprising multiple rune-affiliated members! Its strength and importance are now incomparable!

Seeing this, the Starry Councilor made a swift decision: "Then the original plan changes! The Anchor mission is upgraded to top priority 'Dawn Operation'! Yuexi will serve as overall commander; the four councilors—Qingmu, Lava, Flowing Water, Shadow—and Li Qingxuan are core members, with another fifty elite troops drawn from the Stardust Guard to assist! Mission objective: reach the outskirts of Rift Seven, employ the power of rune resonance to attempt constructing a Multi-Rune Stabilization Anchor, delay the seal's collapse, and gather as much internal intel from the rift as possible!"

"The mission time is moved up to departure at dawn tomorrow!"

With the order issued, the entire Slumber of the Stars immediately sprang into efficient action. Various supplies and equipment were swiftly gathered, and the Stardust Guards participating in the operation began final equipment checks and pre-battle preparations.

Li Qingxuan was retained by Elder Qingmu and the others, using this brief interval to conduct the most basic rune coordination drill. They need not—and cannot—merge their powers in such a short time; instead, they must familiarize themselves with each other's auras, striving in battle to avoid interference and even to perform simple energy complementarity.

For instance, Li Qingxuan's life energy can ease the violent backlash from the Lava rune; the Flowing Water rune's power can neutralize the Lava rune's extremes; and the Shadow rune can provide excellent concealment and strike capability.

Though the initial attempts were awkward, the five vastly different powers, under the unique aura of Li Qingxuan that embodies the life-and-death conception, actually found a subtle balance point, avoiding the fierce clash that had been anticipated.

This gave them added confidence for the impending mission.

As night fell (simulated by the space station), Li Qingxuan stood by the porthole of his assigned room, gazing at the slumbering nebula outside and the encircling stars. The Life Imprint on his chest warmed slightly, and that faint thread of connection with the other rune fragments felt like a warm twine winding around his heart.

Tomorrow, he will set out alongside these legendary beings toward the final rift that even gods hesitate to approach.

Huang Rong, Xingren, the Guangtan Alliance, the Shadow Hall… how are you all doing?

He clenched his fists, his eyes filled only with resolve.

No matter what, we must succeed!

At dawn the next day, a silver-gray assault ship, specially modified, its hull entirely coated with hidden runes and one size larger than the Moonlight, the Dawn Star, stood ready in the harbor.

Led by Yuexi, with Li Qingxuan, Elder Qingmu, the Lava Councilor, the Flowing Water Councilor, and the Shadow Councilor as the five rune-affiliated core members, and fifty vigorous, well-equipped Stardust Guards as wings, all boarded the ship.

The Dawn Star's engines ignited, like a sword drawn from its sheath, it slipped silently out of the harbor and once again fearlessly steered toward the void that nurtures ultimate darkness—target, Rift Seven!

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