Chapter 532 - 531

They set off again, headed further north.

Li Jing adjusted the height of Sky Control to better observe the full view of the fragmented continent below.

Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan maintained a lower altitude to take in more details.

After some exploration, the trio quickly found the second landmark of the Nast God Clan.

It was different from the first one.

The second landmark was not drawn with vegetation, but constructed with a cluster of rocks.

Soon after.

The trio located the third and fourth landmarks.

The distance between the landmarks was varied: some close, others far.

The third and fourth were on adjacent fragmented continents.

The first and second, on the other hand, were far apart, separated by several broad fragmented continents.

Worth mentioning is,

The Nast God Clan that left the landmarks seemed to really know their stuff.

Though each landmark was identical in pattern, the composition entirely differed.

The first and second landmarks consisted of a forest and a cluster of rocks, respectively.

As for the third and fourth, they were a lake and a meadow.

All of them were unique!

Lucky for them, Li Jing wasn’t the type to stubbornly focus on dense forests. Otherwise, he might’ve overlooked them, even with his high vantage point.

Having identified four landmarks in a row, the trio didn’t proceed further.

Settling on the vast meadow the last landmark was positioned, Shi Zixuan spoke.

"Considering how easily we found these four landmarks, I would guess they’re not uncommon in the Broken World."

Then, she continued with uncertainty.

"The purpose of leaving these landmarks is to provoke and mock; it’s almost certain. The surviving Nast God Clan in the Broken Ancient Fairyland wouldn’t randomly leave landmarks everywhere without a reason."

Li Jing nodded in response.

"He or they should still be alive, still within the Ancient Fairyland."

Just as he finished speaking, Blue Phoenix pondered aloud.

"There’s obviously no shortage of landmarks left by the Nast God Clan, so it’s pointless to continue searching. Some landmarks might have secrets yet to be discovered as Li Jing suggested, but we need to find them first."

Looking around, she continued.

"Nightfall is upon us and we don’t know what the Broken World looks like after dark. It’s getting late, so we should head back to the rendezvous point and continue our detailed investigations along the way. Tomorrow morning, we can meet with Xiang Dong and Jin Ritian to discuss our findings before making further plans."

Just as she finished her sentence, the sky, which was just lightly touched with radiant dusk, instantly darkened.

?

Li Jing was left with a question mark in his thoughts.

???

Both Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan were also startled.

The trio looked up in unison.

The night sky was pitch black.

Without a moon, there were no stars in sight.

The sun, moon, and stars truly exist in the Big World.

This was one of the Big World’s most distinct characteristics.

In the other realms, whether they were artificially created independent worlds or naturally evolved spatial worlds, the appearance of the sun, moon, and stars was just a product of compliant rules of the universe.

You can observe, but not explore.

In contrast, within the Big World, as long as you’re capable of surviving in space, you can explore the countless stars as at will.

Of course.

As long as you stay close.

If you intend to venture dozens or even hundreds of light-years away, your imminent demise is quite predictable.

Leaving that aside.

The rules concerning the sun, moon, and stars are fundamental to the formation of the universe, their influence far-reaching and indispensable.

Take Blue Star for example.

Without considering other numerous stars in the vast universe.

Without the sun or moon, life couldn’t have formed on Blue Star.

In fact, Blue Star wouldn’t even have rotation, resulting in day and night.

This not only massively impacts the evolution of life, but also significantly affects the environment and climate. Without any of these factors, Blue Star wouldn’t be a habitable planet.

The same principle applies to independent and naturally-evolved spatial worlds.

Even though the sun, moon, stars, and galaxies don’t really exist, they’re still crucial to the existence and evolution of life forms, and to the stability of the climate and environment.

Think carefully.

During the day, Li Jing and others didn’t see the sun either.

At first, they thought it was because the spatial rules of this world were broken and the sun might be situated somewhere else. Not every continent might see it all the time, but it was definitely still exerting its influence 24/7.

Looking at it now, this place didn’t have a sun at all.

This was truly bizarre.

The rules regarding the sun, moon, and stars were missing.

This broken world can still maintain a stable climate and livable environment, even showing distinction between day and night with a stable range of temperature fluctuations, which is incredibly irrational.

Undoubtedly, there are other factors influencing this situation.

Looking up at the darkening sky turning into a pitch black night in a blink, Li Jing spoke.

"This damn place doesn’t even have the most basic sun, moon, and stars. The related rules might be completely broken, unlike the spatial rules which still maintain a certain function. The fact that this place still has suitable living conditions and distinction between day and night is likely artificially arranged. Such measures are extraordinary and definitely cannot be achieved by any ordinary person. Even if one possesses vast power, it might not be sufficient."

Li Jing, being a modern man, has the necessary knowledge reserved for the influence of the sun, moon and stars on the biological level.

Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan do not.

Yet they know very well, without the sun, moon, and stars, an independent world will not form its own universe.

They exchanged glances after hearing Li Jing’s words. Then Shi Zixuan hesitated and said,

"Li Jing, are you suggesting that the person behind this..."

Before she could finish, Blue Phoenix brought her hand to her chin and said thoughtfully.

"As the master of this broken world, it’s natural for him to implement certain changes. But the main point is not this, it’s the ancient fairyland this world mirrors."

Upon hearing these words, Shi Zixuan was slightly stunned.

Li Jing silently gave her a thumbs-up, which made her smile.

Feeling encouraged, Blue Phoenix continued her deductions.

"What Li Jing implies is, after the Ancient Fairyland was destroyed, it could still accommodate life and provide conditions for mutation, which must have something to do with the surviving Nast God Clan. Also, the latter is probably possessing the necessary authority to influence the entire ancient fairyland, otherwise, even if he has the ability, it would be limited."

Before she could finish, Li Jing spoke.

"Blue Phoenix, you’re halfway correct."

?

Blue Phoenix sent a question mark, frowning.

"Halfway?"

"The sun, moon, and stars involve more than just one rule."

Li Jing smiled, saying.

"Apart from the rules of gravity and other forces working together, the inherent rule involved is essentially life-related. The inate authority of the God Clan has great limitations, often only involving one layer..."

Before he could finish, Shi Zixuan interrupted impatiently,

"Stop with the irrelevant theories. Just get to the point!"

Stifled by her words, Li Jing reluctantly corrected.

"There’s one thing we might have misunderstood. The survivors who went to the broken ancient fairyland from the Nast God Domain, were neither the Nast God Clan nor the corresponding ascendants, rather they were a Spirit of Origin who mastered all life-related rules."

???

Shi Zixuan.

Blue Phoenix was also taken aback, but showed a contemplative expression.

"If it’s the Spirit of Origin, then the creator of the broken world probably wouldn’t be able to cope with it."

"Indeed, normally speaking, it’s impossible to kill the Spirit of Origin."

Li Jing nodded, saying,

"Even the reason why it hasn’t been able to swallow the Ancient Fairyland after so many years is largely due to the Spirit of Origin’s obstruction. Not only can it not be copied, but the creatures influenced by it are continuously evolving. This corresponding change must be followed in order to present the trend of the two worlds. Frankly speaking, the person has been manipulated by the Spirit of Origin for all these years."

After saying these words, Li Jing continued,

"However, the Spirit of Origin itself has no combat power to speak of. It’s not impossible to expel or capture it. Think about it, leaving provocative and mocking markers everywhere does seem like the playful nature of the Spirit of Origin."

Upon hearing his words, Shi Zixuan questioned.

"If it is the Spirit of Origin, isn’t the situation much simpler? At least for you, Li Jing?"

Though Shi Zixuan had not seen Ling Ling, she had felt her presence upon entering the Little Universe.

Li Jing had a Spirit of Origin.

Meeting another one that originated from the Nast God Domain and now residing in the Broken Ancient Fairyland playing tricks on the Deceiving the Heavens, should provide an beneficial condition in theory.

Meanwhile.

Li Jing responded to Shi Zixuan’s words, thinking,

"To be honest, I’m not sure, but I can call Ling Ling out and see if she can find something."

As he spoke, his gesture beckoned Ling Ling who was playing flying chess with the Charming Spirit.

???

Ling Ling, who was suddenly brought out, hugged a dice and sent out a series of question marks. When she saw Blue Phoenix, whom she had met before, she gave a grin and glanced at the unfamiliar Shi Zixuan, making a strange sound.

"What have you absorbed? Why are you like this? Forgoing the life of a living person, the representation is way too great."

Upon hearing Ling Ling’s first words, Shi Zixuan appeared rigid.

Everyone knew she had obtained the Immortal Medicine and thereby attained immortality.

But nobody knew.

What price had she paid?

Trying her best to maintain a calm demeanor, Shi Zixuan greeted respectfully.

"I am Shi Zixuan from the Northern Immortal Domain, pleased to meet the Spirit of Origin."

In response to the greeting, Ling Ling blinked her bright eyes a couple of times, turned her head to look at Li Jing and asked.

"Is this chick a friend of yours?"

Li Jing was speechless.

Calling her a "chick" would be a bit inappropriate considering she has been the empress for many years and has control over the Northern Immortal Domain.

Muttering to himself, Li Jing nodded.

"She’s a friend, I suppose."

Just as he was about to say something else, Ling Ling spoke.

"I might as well help her then, her current state in front of me is quite annoying," she said.

As she spoke, she lifted her hand and vaguely pointed it out.

Before Shi Zixuan could react, her body shuddered, and then she sensed the surging death energy in her body being reversed into infinite life force, immediately bursting with vitality.

It only took a moment of distraction.

She was no longer a living dead, she was truly alive again.

Not only that, the immortality characteristics and other benefits granted by the Immortal Medicine were still present.

This transformation left Shi Zixuan both surprised and delighted.

Who would willingly be a corpse if they could be a living person?

The price was extremely heavy, not to mention the lack of meaning in life, even eating became tasteless!

Who would have thought that Ling Ling could effortlessly reverse it?

Is this...

The power of the Spirit of Origin?

Shocked, Shi Zixuan thanked the Spirit of Origin joyously.

"Thank you, Spirit of Origin."

"From death comes life. Given your current state, you would naturally be reborn from the utmost death later. All I did was make you live a few years earlier," Ling Ling replied casually, then turned to look at Li Jing.

"So, Li Jing, why did you suddenly summon me? I was playing chess with Meimei."

Ling Ling’s transformation of Shi Zixuan’s endless deathly aura into vitality had shocked both Li Jing and the Blue Phoenix.

Li Jing knew about Ling Ling’s abilities.

But this little dimwit spent all day eating and sleeping, or playing somewhere, which made him somewhat forget that the little guy could easily bring huge benefits.

Hearing Ling Ling’s question, Li Jing came back to his senses and replied.

"On the other side of this mirror world, there might be another Spirit of Origin. Ling Ling, do you know how to find it?"

"My kind?"

Ling Ling expressed surprise, but then frowned.

"Mirror world?"

"It’s too complicated to explain. I’ll just share my memory with you."

Li Jing shook his head and pointed a finger.

Ling Ling noticed, blinked, stood on tiptoe, and let him touch her little forehead with his finger.

With the Symbiotic Contract in effect, Li Jing easily shared his memory with Ling Ling.

Shi Zixuan and the Blue Phoenix were almost shocked to see this scene.

Both of them, who owned an independent world, could feed their own memory to others.

But they could only do it within their own independent worlds.

Li Jing shared his memory with Ling Ling outside of that.

This...

It indicated that the two of them had an extremely close connection, to the point of being inseparable.

It was easy for them to associate the Symbiotic Contract.

Only the Symbiotic Contract could make two independent entities inseparable.

Compared with the Symbiotic Contract...

The partnership contract that the Blue Phoenix signed with Li Jing was nothing more than establishing a connection.

Once they made this association, both the Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan felt bitter immediately.

Not to mention the endless benefits of having a Spirit of Origin as a companion.

Ordinarily, a Symbiotic Contract was no different from handing over one’s life to another, but signing a Symbiotic Contract with a being like the Spirit of Origin was equivalent to achieving immortality!

The Symbiotic Contract affected both parties.

One injured, both injured; one honored, both honored.

Killing a Spirit of Origin, which is an entity of life rules, is practically impossible for ordinary people.

Only an Origin could kill an Origin.

The Spirit of Origin was the hardest to kill...

If Ling Ling didn’t die, then nothing would happen to Li Jing.

The damage applied to him could be bearable for Ling Ling, at worst she would just feel a bit uncomfortable.

Li Jing was very lucky, which the two women had known since they started interacting with him.

But wasn’t he a bit too lucky?

On the other hand...

Ling Ling, who had received the memory sharing and understood the whole story, had an indescribably strange look on her face.

"You might be correct. The place that Meimei destroyed will basically become a land of absolute death. Unless there’s someone strong enough to counter her, no life could survive there," she said.

"Under normal circumstances, it’s impossible for any life to survive or mutate in the broken Ancient Fairyland. The only ones who have the power to change this situation are beings like me."

After uttering these two sentences, Ling Ling continued.

"In two different spatial worlds, both of which are almost broken and incomplete, I don’t have the ability to find a stranger. However, if your speculation is accurate, I might be able to sense something from the markings that the creator of this Broken World replicated over here."

Li Jing’s eyes brightened at her words and he immediately took her to rise into the sky.

Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan hurried to follow.

From the high altitude where they could overlook the entire prairie markings, Li Jing turned his head.

"Ling Ling, see if there’s anything here..."

Before she could finish her sentence, Ling Ling spoke up.

"The mark contains primal scripts that only the Primordial can understand, it says ’come catch me’."

"..."

Li Jing.

"..."

Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan.

Setting aside how Ling Ling managed to decipher it.

The message within the mark was so pure. It’s no wonder it’s from the Spirit of Origin.

Not only is she cheeky, but she also has a bit of a mischievous vibe.

The Spirit of Origin is not simply innocent.

Primal scripts can only be understood by the Primordial.

Even if she writes it on a mark, people wouldn’t be able to understand it, right?

Just as they were speechless, Ling Ling spoke again.

"Inspecting this mark, it seems to be not only for the one who established this Broken World, but also for others. A set of spatial coordinates is left within."

Upon hearing this, all three of them were instantly invigorated.

Spatial coordinates?

From the Broken Ancient Fairyland?

This is indeed a big surprise!

However, they soon sensed something amiss.

As Ling Ling said-

The Spirit of the Origin, bouncing around in the Broken Ancient Fairyland, did not leak such information for help but rather seemed to be inviting others to come and catch her.

If nothing unexpected happened-

The meaning of every mark she left behind was the same...

Upon realizing this, Li Jing rubbed his temple.

"Ling Ling, can you open a spatial passage to that place?"

"I can, but you guys won’t be able to enter the passage I open, you’re too big."

Ling Ling shrugged.

Li Jing was speechless. He remembered that whenever Ling Ling opened a spatial passage, she would only open a small gap and squeeze her head through it.

The rest of them couldn’t accomplish the same.

After some thought, Li Jing spoke again.

"What about letting the Charming Spirit do it?"

"Even I don’t dare to enter a passage torn open by the power of the Original Demon, do you?"

Ling Ling retorted.

"..."

Li Jing.

Just as he was about to reply, Ling Ling cut in.

"There is a method, call Wina to expand the passage I open."

"Wina?"

Li Jing was stunned, then responded-

"Alright, Ling Ling you can go back and play, Blue Phoenix and I still have to meet up with two other people. When we rendezvous, I will have you come out to open the passage."

With that, he sent Ling Ling back to the Little Universe.

Seeing Ling Ling sent away, both the Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan had complicated expressions.

A solution.

It was that easy to come up with.

Both of them found it hard to accept.

It’s always said that there are more solutions than problems.

But in front of Li Jing, it seems none of the problems were actually problems.

His "connections" were just too solid.

Though they didn’t know who this Wina that Ling Ling mentioned was, she was clearly not an ordinary person.

And Li Jing could easily call her to help.

While they were marveling, Li Jing looked over.

"There is something we need to be aware of."

?

Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan both wore quizzical expressions.

"If nothing unexpected has happened, the person who created this Broken World should be in the Broken Ancient Fairyland right now. Otherwise, we would have been discovered. After all, our presence here is completely redundant from the perspective of the Mirror World, not to mention that his years of planning was all to lure in the people from the Immortal Realm."

Li Jing spoke up.

"At present, he should be too caught up to attend to us, otherwise he should be here waiting for us when the anchor point passage opened. This is an opportunity. We might not be able to do anything in this Broken World, but it’s not impossible on the other side. We can discuss a strategy with Xiang Dong later."

Said Li Jing in a low voice.

"Only by dealing with him, we can explore the Broken Ancient Fairyland without any worries. Also, although the Primordial Spirit of Fire Phoenix might have fallen in this Broken World, we might be in danger at any moment without taking care of the person behind the scenes."

Upon hearing this, both Blue Phoenix and Shi Zixuan nodded in agreement.

...