147: Preparing for battle, the first rays of starlight begin to bloom.

The trip to Starfall Valley was of great importance, potentially involving the ancient secret of the Hall of All Stars and the Guixu Cult's conspiracy. Lin Xuan and the others dared not be negligent in the slightest. After returning to Ziyun Valley, they immediately began intensive preparations.

Ziyun Valley, by the clear pond.

Lin Xuan sorted out some Materials obtained from Myriad Laws Abyss and his previous accumulation, and began to refine a batch of Medicinal Pills and Talismans suitable for the Northern Region's environment and for countering the Power of Stars. His attainment in alchemy was already extraordinary, and with the System's assistance in deduction, the 'Star-Guarding Pill' (which could temporarily enhance resistance and perception to the Power of Stars) and 'Barrier-Breaking Star Pupil Talisman' (which temporarily enhanced eyesight to see through some star illusions) he refined were all of superior quality and extraordinary effect.

Su Wanqing, on the other hand, focused on familiarizing herself with and nurturing the frost silence sword. Immortal Artifacts have spirits; although it had recognized her as its master, to unleash its full power (even in a Sealed state), continuous communication and refinement were still required day and night. She sat cross-legged where the moonlight was strongest, the frost silence sword resting on her lap, her Taiyin Power and the sword's moonlight intertwining and circulating. Her aura became increasingly cold and profound, as if she had established some mysterious connection with the Nine Heavens' bright moon. Her Cultivation also, under the feedback of the Immortal Artifact, completely stabilized at the Late Golden Core Stage and steadily advanced towards the Peak.

Qu Feiyan and Gongsun Yu were not idle either. Qu Feiyan re-refined her crimson serpent whip, incorporating some blood-fiend Qi-containing Materials obtained from Myriad Laws Abyss, which further increased its power, making it more unpredictable and strange. Gongsun Yu, meanwhile, diligently mastered the new changes in Chaos Thunder Gang, attempting to integrate a faint trace of star thunder intent into it. Although progress was slow, it was a good start.

And the newly joined Yun Shang became the team's 'Astrology Consultant'. Her personality was initially a bit shy, but under Lin Xuan's gentle encouragement and Su Wanqing's cool yet patient attitude, she quickly relaxed. She detailed everything she knew about Starfall Valley's geography, legends, and historical anomalies and potential dangers during Star Power tides, and, relying on her Star Spirit Body, began to help everyone familiarize themselves with and adapt to the characteristics of the Power of Stars.

"Senior Brother Lin, Senior Sister Su, the Power of Stars is not simply spiritual power; it is more inclined towards a manifestation of rules and gravity, sometimes vast and mighty, sometimes strange and unpredictable, and can even distort perception..." Yun Shang's fingertips glowed with starlight as she carefully explained, guiding everyone to feel the subtle changes in the force field.

Lin Xuan listened intently, combining it with the System's energy analysis, gaining a deeper understanding of the Power of Stars. He even had Yun Shang try to draw starlight, then he himself circulated the Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art to endure and adapt, attempting to guide that faint trace of the Power of Stars to temper his Physical Body. Although the process was slow and painful, he could feel that the Golden Body Bottleneck seemed to have loosened a bit.

[Detected host actively drawing Power of Stars into the body for tempering. Compatibility with Nine Revolutions Golden Body Art slightly increased, Physical Body strength slowly enhanced.]

The System's prompt confirmed his feeling. This Power of Stars was indeed profound.

On this day, Lin Xuan took out a large amount of supplies, both drawn from the Sect's treasury and refined by himself, and began to distribute them.

"Wanqing, these 'Taiyin Congealing Essence Pills' and 'Moon Shadow Evasion Talismans' are most suitable for you." Lin Xuan handed several jade bottles and a stack of Talismans glowing with a hazy moonlight to Su Wanqing.

Su Wanqing took them, her icy eyes warming slightly, and she nodded gently: "You're thoughtful."

[Ding! Investment target Su Wanqing successful! Granted four-grade Spirit Pill 'Taiyin Congealing Essence Pill' (ten pills), five-tier Talisman 'Moon Shadow Evasion Talisman' (five talismans)!]

[Hundredfold return triggered! Congratulations to host for obtaining: five-grade Spirit Pill 'Radiant Moon Treasure Pill' (three pills)! six-tier Talisman 'Taiyin Stealth Talisman' (one Talisman)!]

The Radiant Moon Treasure Pill contained pure Grand Yin Origin and had miraculous effects for Cultivating Taiyin-attribute Cultivation Techniques, and could also heal injuries. The Taiyin Stealth Talisman was even a life-saving Sharp Weapon that could perfectly conceal one's figure and aura by leveraging the power of moonlight. Lin Xuan was satisfied in his heart and quietly put away the returned items.

"Feiyan, these 'Blood Marrow Crystals' and 'Phantom Bewitching Powder' should help your Demonic Technique ascend to a higher level." Lin Xuan then handed several blood-colored crystals and a small jade bottle to Qu Feiyan.

Qu Feiyan's charming eyes were like silk as she took the items, her fingertips seemingly inadvertently brushing Lin Xuan's palm, and she giggled: "Senior Brother still dotes on me~"

[Ding! Investment target Qu Feiyan successful! Granted five-tier Spirit Material 'Blood Marrow Crystal', four-grade wondrous poison 'Phantom Bewitching Powder'!]

[Fiftyfold return triggered! Congratulations to host for obtaining: five-tier Spirit Material 'Sea of Blood Fine Gold' (one piece)! five-grade wondrous poison 'Thousand Illusions Asura Smoke' (one portion)!]

The returned supplies were of higher value. Lin Xuan's expression remained unchanged, but his heart stirred; this Thousand Illusions Asura Smoke was indeed a good item for ambushing others.

"Little Yu, although this 'thunder urgency sword' is a prototype Magic Treasure, it is quite compatible with your Chaos Thunder Gang and can be continuously nurtured and improved. And these 'Heavenly Thunder Orbs' might prove useful at critical moments." Lin Xuan treated Gongsun Yu like a younger sister, handing her a short sword entwined with electric light and several silver beads the size of longans.

Gongsun Yu's small face flushed with excitement, and she took them like treasures: "Thank you, Big Brother Lin! I'll definitely use them well!"

[Ding! Investment target Gongsun Yu successful! Granted four-tier Magic Treasure prototype 'thunder urgency sword', one-time five-tier thunder Magic Treasure 'Heavenly Thunder Orb' (five orbs)!]

[Eightyfold return triggered! Congratulations to host for obtaining: five-tier Magic Treasure 'Purple Lightning Swift Shuttle'! one-time six-tier thunder Magic Treasure 'All Heavens Divine Thunder Pearl' (three pearls)!]

The Purple Lightning Swift Shuttle was both offensive and defensive, with extremely fast escape speed. The All Heavens Divine Thunder Pearl's power was even more astonishing. Lin Xuan secretly nodded; his trump cards had now become even stronger.

Finally, Lin Xuan looked at the somewhat reserved Yun Shang, smiled gently, and took out a gauze robe as thin as a cicada's wing, shimmering with starlight, and an ancient-looking jade hairpin with star patterns.

"Junior Sister Yun Shang, your Cultivation is slightly weaker, so preserving yourself is paramount on this trip. This 'flowing cloud star gauze robe' can automatically gather starlight to form a defense, and this 'Star Stabilizing Hairpin' can steady your mind and resist the erosion of the Power of Stars on your Divine Soul. I'll give them to you for self-defense."

Yun Shang never expected to receive such precious gifts immediately after joining the team, and they were clearly prepared specifically for her. She was immediately overwhelmed, waving her hands repeatedly: "Senior Brother Lin, this is too valuable, I..."

"Take it," Su Wanqing said softly from the side. "Since we are fellow disciples and companions, there's no need to be polite."

Qu Feiyan also smiled: "Little Yun Shang, your Senior Brother Lin is a big rich man, why be polite with him?"

Gongsun Yu also nodded vigorously: "That's right, Sister Yun Shang, quickly accept them!"

Yun Shang looked at everyone's sincere gazes, especially Lin Xuan's encouraging eyes, and a warm current surged in her heart. She solemnly accepted the two treasures and bowed deeply: "Thank you, Senior Brother Lin! Thank you, Senior Sisters! Yun Shang will not fail your trust!"

[Ding! Investment target Yun Shang successful! Granted five-tier defensive Magic Treasure 'flowing cloud star gauze robe', five-tier Divine Soul protective Magic Treasure 'Star Stabilizing Hairpin'!]

[Thirtyfold return triggered! Congratulations to host for obtaining: six-tier Artifact Refining Materials 'Star Tear' (one drop)! special item 'star path compass' (damaged, can sense specific star coordinates)!]

Star Tear! star path compass!

Lin Xuan's heart trembled. These returned rewards were practically tailor-made for the Starfall Valley trip! Although the star path compass was damaged, if it could be repaired or activated, the hope of finding clues to the Hall of All Stars would undoubtedly greatly increase!

With the distribution of supplies complete, the team's cohesion improved to a higher level. In the following days, the five began simple combined attack drills. Lin Xuan coordinated from the center, Su Wanqing's sword attacks were the main offense, Qu Feiyan's cunning changes disturbed the enemy, Gongsun Yu's thunder provided assistance, and Yun Shang used her Star Spirit Body for early warning and deflecting enemy attack trajectories. Although their initial cooperation was a bit clumsy, everyone was an outstanding talent with extremely high Comprehension Ability, and they quickly developed some tacit understanding.

Half a month passed in a flash.

On the eve of departure, the moonlight was like water. Lin Xuan stood alone in the valley, gazing at the starry sky, his hand caressing the damaged star path compass, his eyes resolute.

Northern Region, Starfall Valley. No matter what risks and opportunities lay ahead, he was ready.