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146: A new era dawns in the sect, news of a fallen star.
Returning to the Qinglan Sect, Lin Xuan and the other three clearly felt an atmosphere drastically different from when they left. The mountain gate was still majestic, and the clouds and mist still lingered, but the confusion and suppression in the eyes of the circulating Disciples had vanished, replaced by a vibrant, upward spirit and a strong sense of belonging to the Sect. The Disciples of the Law Enforcement Hall were also more just and strict during patrols, no longer carrying the arrogance they once had.
Supreme Elder Yuheng and Grand Elder Lieyang acted decisively. They not only completely purged the rebel faction led by the Grand Elder but also vigorously promoted a group of capable and virtuous core Elders, such as Li Qingfeng. They reformed old regulations, increased income, and reduced expenditures, tilting more resources toward Disciples who showed potential and diligence. The entire Qinglan Sect seemed to have undergone a spring rain cleansing, radiating new vitality.
As key figures in restoring order, especially Su Wanqing (Owner of the Immortal Sword with the Grand Yin Bloodline) and Lin Xuan (mysterious and turning the tide), their prestige within the Sect was unparalleled for a time. Yet, they did not become arrogant because of this; instead, they became even more low-key. Su Wanqing assisted Junior Martial Uncle Li in handling some Sect affairs, earning more respect for her integrity and fairness. Lin Xuan mostly stayed in Ziyun Valley, consolidating his cultivation, studying Formations and the Dao of Pills. Occasionally, he would go to the Hall of Legacy to exchange ideas and discuss the Dao with diligent Disciples, leaving behind many favorable stories.
On this day, Lin Xuan was in a side hall of the Hall of Legacy, explaining some key points of the Basic Spirit Refining Art to several Inner Sect Disciples in the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. His explanations were profound yet easy to understand, often hitting the essence directly, causing the Disciples to suddenly grasp the concepts and benefit greatly.
"...Therefore, the refinement of Divine Sense is not merely about blindly seeking expansion; the priority lies in condensation and control. The heart should be like a bright mirror, reflecting all things, rather than being stained by them..." Lin Xuan's voice was calm as he spoke slowly.
Outside the hall, a cold, transcendent figure quietly stopped—it was Su Wanqing. She watched Lin Xuan, who was surrounded by Disciples and looked serious, and a hint of imperceptible tenderness flashed in her icy eyes. She really liked seeing him so focused on teaching; this was completely different from his commanding, invincible appearance in battle, yet equally captivating.
"Senior Sister Su!" A Disciple discovered her and immediately bowed respectfully.
Lin Xuan also looked up and gave her a slight smile.
Su Wanqing nodded slightly in response. She did not go inside to interrupt, merely standing quietly as if she were just passing by. But only she knew that she had specifically taken a detour after hearing he was lecturing here.
Seeing Senior Sister Su present, the Disciples became even more excited, and their questions grew more eager. Lin Xuan answered patiently, occasionally exchanging glances with Su Wanqing, allowing a gentle warmth to flow between them.
Just then, a Steward Disciple rushed over. After respectfully bowing to Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing, he reported, "Senior Brother Lin, Senior Sister Su, Supreme Elder Yuheng requests the two of you to come to Qingyun Hall for a discussion. He mentioned new information arriving from the Northern Region."
The Northern Region? Could it be related to the Myriad Laws Abyss or the "Hall of All Stars"?
Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing exchanged a look, both seeing the seriousness in the other's eyes.
"We will go now." Lin Xuan apologized to the still eager Disciples and hurried with Su Wanqing toward Qingyun Hall.
Inside Qingyun Hall, Supreme Elder Yuheng and Grand Elder Lieyang were both present. Besides them, there was an Elder, travel-worn and dressed in a Northern Region-style leather jacket, who was "Elder Hansong," the Qinglan Sect Elder stationed at the Northern Region outpost responsible for intelligence gathering.
"Little Friend Lin, Wanqing, you've arrived." Supreme Elder Yuheng gestured for them to sit. "Elder Hansong just returned with important news from the Northern Region Ice Fields."
Elder Hansong nodded to the two, then spoke with a solemn expression: "According to our observations around the periphery of the Myriad Laws Abyss and information gathered from various sources, the energy fluctuations deep within the Myriad Laws Abyss have been extremely unusual over the past half month. The frequency of spatial rifts appearing has increased severalfold, and there have been intermittent bursts of intense Power of Stars. Cultivators who risked entering the periphery rumored that during an energy eruption, they vaguely saw the fleeting phantom image of a magnificent palace at the bottom of the Abyss, accompanied by the circulation of an ancient star map."
Power of Stars! Magnificent palace! Ancient star map!
These combined terms immediately made Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing think of the "Hall of All Stars" mentioned by the Moon God's Remnant Will!
"Do you know the specific location of that phantom image?" Lin Xuan immediately pressed.
Elder Hansong shook his head: "The energy eruptions are completely random, and the location is highly erratic. Furthermore, the depths of the Myriad Laws Abyss are extremely perilous, making precise positioning impossible. However, we found another clue—approximately three months from now, the 'Starfall Valley' in the Northern Region will welcome the 'Star Power Tide,' which occurs once every century. It is said that during this time, the Power of Stars within the valley is most active, and it might even resonate with certain hidden Star Relics. Historically, people have discovered Traces of Star Paths pointing to unknown locations within the valley during the tide."
Starfall Valley! Star Power Tide! Traces of Star Paths!
This is undoubtedly an extremely important clue! Perhaps that place holds the key to finding the method to activate the Star Path to the Moon God Hall, or directly finding clues to the "Hall of All Stars"!
Supreme Elder Yuheng said in a deep voice: "Although Starfall Valley is not as notorious as the Myriad Laws Abyss, it is certainly not a safe place. The magnetic field within the valley is chaotic, and some strange Yao Beasts that Cultivate using the Power of Stars reside there. During the centennial tide, various forces will gather to compete for Opportunities, making the situation complicated."
Grand Elder Lieyang interjected, his voice like a great bell: "The two of you have rendered meritorious service to the Sect and bear heavy responsibilities. The Sect will fully support your trip to Starfall Valley. Medicinal Pills, Talismans, and Magical Artifacts—you may draw as many as you need from the treasury. Furthermore..."
He turned his gaze toward the outside of the hall: "Come in."
A girl, around sixteen or seventeen years old, dressed in Core Disciple attire, with bright eyes and faint starlight flowing around her, nervously walked into the hall. Her cultivation was at Foundation Establishment Great Perfection, and her Foundation was quite solid.
"This is Yun Shang, a newly promoted Core Disciple. She possesses the 'Star Spirit Body,' and her sensitivity to the Power of Stars far surpasses ordinary people. Have her accompany you to Starfall Valley; she might be helpful." Grand Elder Lieyang introduced.
Star Spirit Body? Lin Xuan's eyes moved slightly; this was an unexpected surprise. With her presence, finding and sensing Star-related clues would certainly yield twice the results with half the effort.
Yun Shang quickly bowed to Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing, her small face filled with excitement and admiration: "Disciple Yun Shang greets Senior Brother Lin and Senior Sister Su! I am willing to follow any orders!"
Lin Xuan looked at Su Wanqing. Seeing her nod slightly, he said to the two Grand Elders, "Thank you for the arrangement, Grand Elders. This Disciple will certainly do his best."
Leaving Qingyun Hall, Lin Xuan and Su Wanqing, accompanied by the newly added Yun Shang, walked back toward Ziyun Valley.
Su Wanqing looked at Lin Xuan beside her and whispered, "The trip to Starfall Valley may encounter complications."
Lin Xuan looked toward the north, his eyes deep: "The storm is brewing. We have no choice but to move forward."
A new journey lay ahead.