107: Chapter 107 Strange Star Orbits, Visitors from the Central Region

The third day after the fall of the Black Lotus Ancestor.

Luoxia City had already recovered from the post-war devastation.

The city walls had been repaired, damaged houses were being rebuilt, and the streets were bustling with people. Although a sense of solemnity remained, there was more of a feeling of exhilaration after surviving a catastrophe.

In the Forbidden Ground behind the City Lord's mansion, Lin Yue sat cross-legged before the entrance to the grotto-heaven.

In his palm, the Black Lotus Nascent Soul Crystal slowly rotated, emitting pure and vast Nascent Soul Origin.

The crystallization of a Nascent Soul Cultivator's lifelong cultivation, even if only at the Early Stage, contained energy far exceeding the sum of ten Golden Cores.

Haotian's calm voice sounded within Lin Yue's Sea of Consciousness:

"Master, although the Origin of this crystal is pure, it retains the corrosive properties of the Black Lotus Cultivation Technique. Direct absorption may pollute the Foundation of the grotto-heaven spirit vein."

"It needs to be thoroughly purified."

Lin Yue nodded, his left hand raised in a supporting gesture as the dragon thunder sword floated up.

The thunder patterns on the sword's body lit up, resonating with the thunder pattern crystal ore vein within the grotto-heaven. The power of thunder and lightning, like a fine web, wrapped around the Nascent Soul Crystal.

Zizi——

Wisps of black smoke seeped from the crystal's surface, a sign of the corrosive spiritual power being forcibly stripped away by the thunder.

This process lasted for a full hour.

When the last wisp of black smoke dissipated, the Nascent Soul Crystal had transformed from pitch black to dark gold, with pure spiritual light swirling inside.

"It's ready."

Haotian confirmed, "The Origin of this crystal has been purified. After integrating it into the grotto-heaven, it can help the World Tree's intelligence core Breakthrough to the 'Growth Stage' and unlock some new functions."

"Begin absorption."

Lin Yue pressed the Nascent Soul Crystal towards the grotto-heaven mark.

The crystal, like a drop of water entering the sea, quietly submerged.

Inside the grotto-heaven, the World Tree's main trunk trembled slightly.

Roots extended, gently wrapping around the Nascent Soul Crystal, beginning to slowly but firmly absorb its Origin.

Lin Yue could clearly feel the Spiritual Qi concentration within the grotto-heaven steadily increasing.

The functions that had recovered to seventy percent were now accelerating their restoration as the Origin was absorbed.

More importantly, the face on Haotian's trunk was undergoing subtle changes.

The originally somewhat blurry facial features became clear and three-dimensional. The light in its eyes, initially naive upon awakening, gradually took on the depth of time.

"Intelligence core growth: 85% → 92%..."

"Rule analysis ability enhanced... can analyze all spiritual power structures below the fourth Rank..."

"Spatial perception range expanded to three thousand li..."

"Tactical deduction accuracy increased to 78%..."

A series of prompts flashed through his Sea of Consciousness.

When the absorption ended, Haotian slowly opened its eyes.

This time, there was a wisdom in its gaze that saw through worldly affairs.

"Master, I have entered the early Growth Stage. The grotto-heaven has gained two new authority abilities."

"First: Origin Simulation—can simulate and store analyzed Origin spiritual power structures, and temporarily grant corresponding attributes to designated targets or areas when needed."

"Second: Karma Sensing—can vaguely sense the 'possibility' of important events related to the grotto-heaven or Master occurring in the future, providing early warning."

Lin Yue's eyes lit up.

Origin Simulation meant that from now on, he could have the grotto-heaven produce spiritual objects with specific attributes, or even temporarily grant a clan member a special affinity for a certain type of spiritual power.

Karma Sensing was even more Heaven-Defying—although it was only a vague warning, at critical moments, it might help avoid catastrophic disasters.

"What's the cost?"

He knew that such Heaven-Defying abilities must have limitations.

"Origin Simulation consumes corresponding Origin spiritual power reserves, and requires a twelve-hour cooldown after each simulation."

"Karma Sensing cannot be actively triggered; it only automatically warns when the 'possibility' of an event exceeds seventy percent, and can be triggered at most three times a year."

Haotian's voice was calm, "Additionally, this promotion of the grotto-heaven has unlocked a new expansion area—'Starfall Lake'."

Starfall Lake?

Lin Yue sank his Divine Sense into the grotto-heaven.

Indeed, in the northeastern corner of the grotto-heaven continent, next to the original glacier canyon, a lake spanning ten li had appeared.

The lake water was a deep azure blue, its surface reflecting the simulated starry sky of the grotto-heaven. Faintly visible were starlight-like particles floating and sinking in the water.

"Starfall Lake can slowly condense 'starlight spiritual fluid'."

Haotian explained, "This spiritual fluid contains the Power of the Stars. Long-term consumption can enhance a Cultivator's affinity for star-related Cultivation Techniques and slightly strengthen the Physical Body and Divine Soul. Daily production is about ten drops; it would take a century of accumulation to form a significant amount."

starlight spiritual fluid... Lin Yue remembered the pain of forcibly channeling residual star power during the battle with the Black Fiend Lotus Venerable.

If he had had starlight spiritual fluid to nourish his body back then, the backlash might not have been so severe.

"Good stuff."

He withdrew from the grotto-heaven. Just as he stood up, Lin Yan's voice came from outside the door.

"City Lord, three Elders from the Qinglan Sect request an audience, saying they have important matters to discuss."

In the council hall.

Elders Qing Yunzi, Cloud Crane, and Pine Waves had been waiting for some time.

The three looked much better than three days ago, clearly the Qinglan Sect's healing Medicinal Pills were quite effective.

"City Lord Lin."

Qing Yunzi spoke first, "Today we come, first, to bid farewell—the sect has sent word that remnants of the Black Lotus Cult are stirring in the Central Region. Sect Master Mo Chen needs us to return and hold the fort."

"Second..."

He took out a green Jade Slip, "The Sect Master asked me to deliver this to the City Lord."

Lin Yue took the Jade Slip and scanned it with his Divine Sense.

Inside the Jade Slip was an extremely complex Spiritual Vein star map, marking the distribution of Spiritual Vein nodes in the five major regions: Central Region, Southern Territory, Eastern Wasteland, Western Desert, and Northern Plains.

And in the center of the star map, a line of information was marked in conspicuous red characters:

"The Seal of the Spirit Devouring Clan is cracking and expanding, expected to completely collapse within five years. The Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array must be set up within three years, otherwise a great calamity will befall all living beings."

Three years.

A full seven years shorter than the ten years previously mentioned by Master Tian Shu!

"This is the latest calculation result from the 'Heavenly Secret Pavilion' of the Seven Star Alliance three days ago."

Qing Yunzi's voice was heavy, "The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret Pavilion paid with his Lifespan to forcibly glimpse the secrets of heaven, confirming that the Spirit Devouring Clan's counterattack speed far exceeds expectations. The actions of the Black Lotus Cult are likely just a prelude—they are paving the way for the arrival of the Spirit Devouring Clan."

Lin Yue gripped the Jade Slip tightly.

Five years... no, the grand array must be completed within three years.

Otherwise, the entire continent will become the hunting ground of the Spirit Devouring Clan.

"What are the Seven Star Alliance's arrangements?"

"The Tiangong Pavilion has dispatched twelve teams of Formation Masters to the five major regions to accelerate the setup of the grand array's Foundation."

Qing Yunzi said, "For the Southern Territory, Great Master Code's team will expand to thirty people, led personally by the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Tiangong Pavilion, 'Profound Mechanism Master'. They will arrive in Luoxia City within three days."

Profound Mechanism Master.

Lin Yue remembered this name—Master Tian Shu had mentioned that this person was a top Formation Grandmaster of the Seven Star Alliance, with Mid Nascent Soul Stage cultivation, and had led the restoration of three ancient relic grand arrays in the Central Region.

Even he was personally taking action, showing the severity of the situation.

"The Sect Master also said..."

Elder Cloud Crane took over, "The Qinglan Sect has decided to prioritize one-third of the sect's resources for the setup of the Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array. At the same time, we will dispatch a team of a hundred elite Disciples to be stationed long-term in Luoxia City to assist in defense."

"Additionally..."

Elder Pine Waves hesitated slightly, "The Sect Master privately asked me to inform the City Lord: beware of the 'Star Track Pavilion'."

Star Track Pavilion?

Lin Yue frowned slightly.

He had never heard this name before.

"The Star Track Pavilion is one of the most mysterious forces in the Central Region, specializing in studying star trajectories and the fortunes of heaven and earth."

Qing Yunzi explained in a low voice, "They rarely interfere in worldly conflicts, but every time they appear, it foretells major changes. Three days ago, three 'Star Gazing Emissaries' from the Star Track Pavilion left the Central Region, heading... precisely towards the Southern Territory."

Star Gazing Emissaries, core members of the Star Track Pavilion, are said to be able to foresee fragments of the future by observing star trajectories.

Their arrival was definitely not ordinary.

"The Sect Master speculates that the Star Track Pavilion may have detected the abnormal recovery of the southern territory spiritual pivot, or... sensed some 'variable' related to the stars."

Qing Yunzi looked at Lin Yue, meaningfully.

Lin Yue felt a slight chill in his heart.

He had channeled the Power of the Stars twice before, and although it was with the support of the grotto-heaven, some fluctuations might have leaked.

Could it have been detected by the Star Track Pavilion?

"Thank the Sect Master for the reminder."

Lin Yue remained expressionless, "I will be cautious."

After seeing off the three Qinglan Elders, Lin Yue stood alone on the city wall, gazing towards the northern sky.

Three years was too tight.

Luoxia City needed to grow faster, needed more high-level Cultivators, and stronger Foundations.

And all of this required resources.

"Haotian, deduce the optimal path for Luoxia City to advance to a 'Nascent Soul-level force' within three years."

In his Sea of Consciousness, Haotian closed its eyes to deduce.

Ten breaths later, it opened its eyes.

"There are three paths."

"First: Master himself breaks through to Nascent Soul. With the assistance of grotto-heaven resources and starlight spiritual fluid, there is a thirty percent chance of success within three years. But this method is extremely risky, and if Master goes into seclusion to attempt the Nascent Soul Breakthrough, the city's defense will have a gap."

"Second: Cultivate three or more Late Golden Core Stage Elders, using Formations and Magic Treasures to form a combat power that can rival a Nascent Soul. This method is steady, but consumes vast resources, requiring at least ten medium-sized Spiritual Veins and a hundred fourth-Rank spiritual objects."

"Third..."

Haotian paused, "Find and control an 'ancient relic', obtaining its Legacy and resources. There are seven known ancient relics in the Southern Territory, three of which may contain Nascent Soul-level Opportunities."

Lin Yue fell into deep thought.

The first path was too risky, the second path had too large a resource gap.

Then, only the third path remained—exploring ancient relics.

"Which three relics are the most valuable?"

"First: Burial Dragon Abyss, located in the southernmost sea of the Southern Territory. Legend says a true Dragon fell there, leaving behind a Dragon Clan Legacy. But the danger level is extremely high; three Late Golden Core Stage Cultivators once explored as a team, and none returned."

"Second: The depths of Meteorite Valley, where a star fragment fell a thousand years ago, forming special Mineral Veins and spiritual plants. Danger level is medium, but it has been explored by multiple forces, and the core area may have been looted."

"Third: Beneath Luoxia City."

Lin Yue was stunned: "Beneath Luoxia City?"

"Yes."

Haotian's voice was calm, "Master, do you remember when the Spiritual Vein recovered, I sensed an abnormal spatial fluctuation deep underground? Over the past three days, as the grotto-heaven recovered, I re-investigated and confirmed that the fluctuation comes from a sealed 'Underground Palace entrance'."

"The Underground Palace entrance is sealed by seven layers of ancient Restrictions. The Restriction structure is seventy percent similar to the Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array. Preliminary judgment suggests this place should be a 'Legacy site' or 'strategic stronghold' left by a great expert ten thousand years ago during the resistance against the Spirit Devouring Clan."

Ten thousand years ago, resisting the Spirit Devouring Clan... Lin Yue's eyes lit up.

If it really was a relic from that period, it likely contained special means to counter the Spirit Devouring Clan, or even... records about the Spirit Devouring Clan's weaknesses!

"Where is the entrance located?"

"Directly beneath the City Lord's mansion, three hundred zhang deep."

Lin Yue drew a sharp breath.

Right under his feet?!

"How strong are the Restrictions? Can they be broken?"

"Seven layers of Restrictions. The first three have weakened over time; I can deduce a method to break them. The last four... require the cooperation of at least three Golden Core Cultivators and special Restriction-breaking Magic Treasures."

Haotian paused, "Additionally, there is a 'Bloodline Detection Restriction' at the Underground Palace entrance. If not a descendant of the Bloodline of the one who set it up, forcing entry will trigger a self-destruct mechanism."

Bloodline detection... Lin Yue frowned tightly.

The descendants of a great expert from ten thousand years ago were probably long extinct.

"Is there a way to bypass it?"

"Yes."

A calculating light flashed in Haotian's eyes, "Use the grotto-heaven's 'Origin Simulation' authority to simulate a Bloodline fluctuation homologous to the Restriction. But it requires at least three drops of 'Pure-blooded Creature' essence blood as a template—preferably from ancient Bloodlines like the Dragon Clan, Phoenix Clan, etc."

Dragon Clan essence blood... Lin Yue looked towards the south.

Burial Dragon Abyss.

It seemed that no matter which path he chose, he couldn't avoid these dangerous places.

"First, break the first three layers of Restrictions to investigate the periphery of the Underground Palace."

He made a decision, "At the same time, send people to collect all information about Burial Dragon Abyss. If necessary... three months later, I will go there myself."

"Understood."

Haotian responded.

Just then, Lin Yue suddenly felt something and looked up at the sky.

It was noon, and the sunlight was blazing.

But within that blazing light, he faintly saw three extremely faint star light trajectories, streaking across the northern sky, extending towards the direction of Luoxia City.

Those weren't real starlight.

But... traces of spiritual power left by someone traveling using the Power of the Stars.

The Star Gazing Emissaries of the Star Track Pavilion had arrived.

Lin Yue's gaze sharpened.

He turned and instructed Lin Yan beside him:

"Pass the order: open the city gates and prepare to receive the distinguished guests."

"Also, have Elder Lin Shi temporarily put away the thunderfire demon-suppressing cauldron. Erase all traces related to the grotto-heaven."

"Yes!"

Lin Yan accepted the order and hurried away.

Lin Yue straightened his robes and looked towards the three star light trajectories getting closer and closer.

Star Track Pavilion... coming at this time, was it for the Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array, or for the secret of the stars on him?

No matter what, this meeting would determine the course of Luoxia City for a long time to come.

And he had to take the initiative.

Where the starlight landed, three figures had appeared three li outside the city.

The leader was a young woman dressed in star-patterned white robes, with a face as beautiful as a painting.

She looked up at Luoxia City, stars swirling in her eyes as if she could see through all falsehoods.

"The source of the star anomaly... is here."