108: Chapter 108 Star Envoy Arrives in the City, First Exploration of the Underground Palace

The northern gate of Luoxia City slowly opened.

There was no grand ceremony, only Lin Yue standing calmly inside the city gate with several core clan members, including Lin Yan and Lin Hu.

Three beams of starlight landed ten zhang in front of the city gate. As the light faded, figures were revealed within.

The leading woman in a star-patterned white robe appeared to be only around twenty years old, with a stunningly beautiful face. What was most striking were her eyes—deep within the pupils, it seemed as if a galaxy was rotating, so profound that one dared not look directly.

Behind her stood two men also wearing star-patterned white robes, slightly older in age. One held a star chart, while the other carried a sword case on his back. Both exuded the aura of the Middle Golden Core Stage.

"Lin Yue of Luoxia City, respectfully welcomes the emissaries of Star Track Pavilion."

Lin Yue cupped his hands in greeting, his manners thorough yet not subservient.

The woman in white robe fixed her gaze on Lin Yue, the rotation of the galaxy in her eyes slightly speeding up.

After three breaths, she spoke, her voice like clear spring water striking stone:

"Star Radiance, the Seventh Star Gazing Emissary of Star Track Pavilion. These two are my Senior Brothers, Star Dust and Star Sea."

She gave a slight nod, returning the courtesy.

"City Lord Lin, three days ago, our pavilion's 'Zhou Tian Star Chart Instrument' detected three abnormal stellar fluctuations in the southern territory. One occurred seven days ago, one three days ago, and the last one just last night."

Star Radiance's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable penetrating force.

"The source of the fluctuations all point to Luoxia City."

Lin Yue's heart tightened.

Seven days ago, it was his battle with Black Fiend Lotus Venerable, forcibly drawing upon the residual Power of the Stars.

Three days ago, it was the formation of Starfall Lake during the grotto-heaven's ascension, resonating with external starlight.

Last night... it was probably the subtle fluctuations caused by Haotian's spiritual intelligence Breakthrough when absorbing the Nascent Soul Crystal.

He never expected that Star Track Pavilion's monitoring could be so precise from thousands of li away!

"Stellar fluctuations?"

Lin Yue's expression remained unchanged, "I have indeed Cultivated some star-related Cultivation Techniques, but to say I caused abnormal fluctuations detected by Star Track Pavilion... I'm afraid you overestimate me."

"Is that so?"

Star Radiance raised her left hand slightly, a miniature starry sky scene appearing in her palm.

In the image, three distinct starlight trajectories extended from the north, converging at the location of Luoxia City, and then... one of the trajectories faintly pointed toward the direction of the city lord's manor!

"Last night at the third watch, star power surged from underground here. Although it lasted only three breaths, its purity was extremely high, far beyond what an ordinary Golden Core Cultivator could invoke."

She looked at Lin Yue, her gaze sharp.

"City Lord Lin, can you explain what that was?"

Surged from underground... Lin Yue's heart skipped a beat.

That was precisely the trace of Origin fluctuation unintentionally leaked when Haotian's spiritual intelligence broke through as the grotto-heaven absorbed the Nascent Soul Crystal!

He never expected it to be captured!

His face remained calm: "Perhaps it was an abnormal movement of a Spiritual Vein somewhere in the city, triggering a star-related Mineral Vein deep in the earth's veins? I am not deeply versed in the Dao of stars and dare not make rash judgments."

Star Radiance stared at him for a moment, then suddenly retracted the star chart.

"Very well, let's set this aside for now."

She changed the subject, "My main purpose in coming this time is to follow the pavilion master's orders to assist the Seven Star Alliance in setting up the Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array. According to astrological deductions, the revival speed of the southern territory spiritual pivot far exceeds expectations. The grand formation must be completed ahead of schedule."

"The pavilion master has ordered: Star Track Pavilion will dispatch a team of ten Formation Masters to be stationed long-term in the southern territory to assist Tiangong Pavilion in accelerating progress. At the same time, I will remain in Luoxia City, responsible for monitoring stellar anomalies and assisting in dealing with potential 'stellar calamities'."

Stationed long-term?

Lin Yue's brow furrowed imperceptibly.

Having Star Track Pavilion's people stay in the city meant he had to be even more careful when using the grotto-heaven's star power.

But this was also an Opportunity—Star Track Pavilion possessed the continent's most advanced stellar knowledge and observation methods. If he could gain some guidance, it would greatly benefit his future Cultivation.

"It is an honor for Luoxia City to have Star Envoy stay and provide guidance."

Lin Yue smiled, "I have prepared accommodations for the three of you at the 'Star Gazing Garden' east of the city lord's manor. The terrain there is high, with an open view, suitable for observing celestial phenomena."

"Thank you for your trouble."

Star Radiance nodded and followed Lin Yue into the city with her two Senior Brothers.

Along the way, her gaze swept over the streets, buildings, and the passing Cultivators.

Every time her gaze lingered, Lin Yue could feel a faint probing fluctuation sweep through.

She was observing this city.

Observing the flow of spiritual power in the city, observing the Cultivators' cultivation composition, observing the operation patterns of the City Protecting Great Formation... and Lin Yue was also observing her.

This seemingly young woman had an unfathomable aura, at least at the Late Golden Core Stage, possibly even higher.

Her two Senior Brothers, though taciturn, emitted heart-palpitating fluctuations from the star chart in hand and the sword case on their backs, clearly special Magic Treasures specialized in deduction and combat.

Star Track Pavilion... truly lives up to its reputation.

After settling the three, Lin Yue returned to the Council Hall.

Lin Yan followed him in, his expression grave: "City Lord, that Star Radiance Emissary's probing... was too meticulous. Just now, when she looked at me, I felt as if even my Spiritual Root attributes and Cultivation Technique were seen through."

"That's normal."

Lin Yue sat down, "Star Track Pavilion is renowned for observing stars and deducing heavenly secrets. Its Disciples all Cultivate a special 'Star Gazing Pupil Technique' that can see through most disguises and concealments. From now on, try to use as few grotto-heaven-related items or abilities in front of her as possible."

"Yes."

Lin Yan paused, "What about the underground palace beneath the city lord's manor..."

"We cannot touch it for now."

Lin Yue shook his head, "Star Radiance's perception is too sharp. Once we start breaking the Restrictions, the spiritual power fluctuations will likely be detected by her. We must wait until she leaves, or... find suitable cover."

He lightly tapped the table with his fingers.

"However, we cannot completely set it aside either. Haotian, have you deduced the solution for breaking the first three layers of Restrictions?"

In his Sea of Consciousness, Haotian responded:

"Deduction completed. The first three layers of Restrictions are 'Illusory Mist Labyrinth,' 'Earth Vein Seal,' and 'Bloodline Preliminary Test.' Breaking them requires three special items: 'Illusion Breaking Grass' over a hundred years old, 'earth heart stone' that can activate earth veins, and three drops of Essence Blood from any Pure-Blooded Creature as a template for Bloodline simulation."

Illusion Breaking Grass could be cultivated in Luoxia City's spiritual fields. With grotto-heaven acceleration, it could be ready in three days.

earth heart stone was a special Ore from deep within earth veins, likely found in the deeper layers of the Cloud Pattern Ore Vein.

Essence Blood from a Pure-Blooded Creature... Lin Yue looked southward.

Burial Dragon Abyss—he had to make a trip there.

"Lin Yan, order the Merchant Guild to purchase all information about Burial Dragon Abyss at a high price—maps, dangerous areas, known exploration records, the more detailed the better."

"Also, have Elder Lin Shi take people to the deeper layers of the Cloud Pattern Ore Vein to search for 'earth heart stone.' Be careful to avoid Star Track Pavilion's sight; say it's to stockpile Materials for repairing the City Protecting Great Formation."

"Yes."

Lin Yan accepted the order and left.

Lin Yue then stood up and walked toward the Forbidden Ground in the back mountain.

He needed to plan the next steps in detail with Haotian.

However, as soon as he stepped into the Forbidden Ground area, his footsteps suddenly halted.

Ahead, from the direction of the Star Gazing Garden, a subtle yet clear probing fluctuation was silently sweeping over the Forbidden Ground's sky!

It was Star Radiance!

She was probing the Forbidden Ground!

Lin Yue's eyes turned cold but instantly returned to calm.

He walked into the Forbidden Ground as usual, opened the stone door to the grotto-heaven entrance, and stepped inside.

Throughout the process, that probing fluctuation followed faintly.

Only after the stone door closed, isolating inside from outside, did the fluctuation slowly recede.

Inside the grotto-heaven.

A face appeared on Haotian's main trunk.

"She sensed something abnormal but likely did not discover the grotto-heaven's existence."

"That probing fluctuation just now contained a trace of 'Star Origin Sensing'—a high-level application of the Star Gazing Pupil Technique that can perceive Origin fluctuations related to stars. Master, the residual aura from when you invoked star power earlier was captured by her."

Lin Yue frowned: "Can it be blocked?"

"Yes, but it will take time."

Haotian closed his eyes for a moment, "I have mobilized the starlight spiritual fluid of Starfall Lake to form a layer of 'Star Mist Barrier' outside the grotto-heaven's barrier, which can interfere with most stellar-type detections. But if she personally approaches the Forbidden Ground and uses her pupil technique to probe at full strength... there is still a possibility of discovery."

"Then we cannot let her get close."

Lin Yue pondered, "We need to find a reason to have the people at the Star Gazing Garden temporarily leave the city lord's manor area..."

He suddenly thought of something.

"Isn't Star Track Pavilion here to assist in setting up the Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array? Then let's give them something to do."

"Haotian, based on the grotto-heaven spirit vein network, deduce a 'Southern Region Star Node Distribution Map.' Mark several 'suspected stellar anomaly' locations on the map, but all far from Luoxia City—preferably over a thousand li away."

"Then, in the name of the city lord's manor, I will invite Star Radiance Emissary to survey those places to provide reference for the grand formation's site selection."

Lure the tiger away from the mountain.

"Brilliant."

A hint of approval flashed in Haotian's eyes, "The deduction will take half an hour. However... Master, are you sure you want to expose the extent of the grotto-heaven's control over the spirit vein network?"

"No need to fully expose it."

Lin Yue had already planned, "Just say it's a rough distribution deduced by my Lin family's ancestral 'Earth Vein Surveying Secret Technique' combined with Central Territory Techniques provided by Qinglan Sect. The details can be vague, even intentionally leave a few errors."

"As long as it can make Star Radiance leave for a few days, buying us time to break the first three layers of the underground palace's Restrictions, that's enough."

"Understood."

Haotian began the deduction.

Lin Yue then walked to the shore of Starfall Lake, watching the starlight particles floating in the lake.

These particles slowly coalesced in the lake water; it would still take several months to form true starlight spiritual fluid.

But merely the scattered starlight aura already caused the star power within his body to faintly resonate.

"If I could obtain Star Track Pavilion's stellar Cultivation Technique..."

He murmured to himself.

At that moment, a light knocking sound suddenly came from the stone door of the grotto-heaven entrance.

It wasn't the rhythm of Lin Yan or the others.

Lin Yue's eyes sharpened, instantly suppressing all grotto-heaven aura and walking out of the grotto-heaven.

Outside the stone door stood Star Radiance.

She was still in her star-patterned white robe, holding a fist-sized crystal ball in her hand, with starlight flowing inside.

"City Lord Lin."

Star Radiance gave a slight nod, "Just now, while meditating at the Star Gazing Garden, I sensed subtle stellar fluctuations here and came to investigate. I hope the city lord doesn't mind?"

Alarm bells rang loudly in Lin Yue's heart.

This woman actually came directly to his doorstep!

Yet, his face showed just the right amount of surprise: "Stellar fluctuations? I was just meditating here; perhaps I unintentionally triggered something while circulating my Cultivation Technique... Star Envoy, please come in."

He stepped aside to let her pass.

Star Radiance entered the Forbidden Ground, her gaze sweeping over the stone platform, rock walls, and finally settling on the tightly closed stone door.

The starlight inside the crystal ball suddenly accelerated its flow.

"Behind this stone door..."

"Is the Lin family ancestral shrine."

Lin Yue took over, his expression solemn, "It enshrines the tablets of past ancestors and some ancestral Cultivation Techniques and learning texts. According to clan rules, those without Lin Bloodline are not allowed to enter. I ask for Star Envoy's understanding."

"I see."

Star Radiance withdrew her gaze, and the starlight in the crystal ball gradually calmed.

She looked at Lin Yue, the galaxy in her eyes rotating.

"City Lord Lin, forgive my bluntness. You carry... heavy stellar Karma."

"Stellar Karma?"

"Yes."

Star Radiance's voice was cool, "Ordinary Cultivators who Cultivate stellar Cultivation Techniques only establish shallow connections with the stars. But you are different—your connection with the stars is abnormally deep, as if... star Origin actively attaches to you."

She paused: "I have only seen records of this situation in ancient texts. In ancient times, there were instances of 'Star Lord Reincarnation' or 'Star-Blessed Ones' appearing in the world. They were naturally attuned to stars, their Cultivation of stellar Cultivation Techniques yielding twice the result with half the effort, and could even trigger stellar anomalies."

Star Lord Reincarnation? Star-Blessed Ones?

Lin Yue inwardly laughed bitterly.

What favored one was he? He was just cheating with the grotto-heaven.

"Star Envoy jokes, I merely obtained a decent stellar Cultivation Technique by chance."

"Perhaps."

Star Radiance did not pursue further and turned to walk out.

When she reached the Forbidden Ground entrance, she suddenly stopped and looked back.

"City Lord Lin, the setup of the Nine Heavens Demon Suppression Grand Array concerns the survival of the entire continent. Since my Star Track Pavilion is involved, we will give our all."

"But there are some words I must say upfront."

Her eyes were sharp as stars.

"If I discover anyone using star power for evil deeds or endangering the grand formation's setup... Star Track Pavilion will show no mercy."

As her words fell, her figure transformed into starlight and disappeared on the spot.

Lin Yue stood in place, unmoving for a long time.

This Star Radiance... was warning him.

But at the same time, she seemed to be hinting—as long as he didn't cross the line, Star Track Pavilion would not delve into his secrets.

"An interesting woman."

Lin Yue murmured to himself.

He turned and returned to the grotto-heaven.

Haotian had completed the deduction; a detailed "Southern Region Star Node Distribution Map" floated in the air.

On the map, seven suspected stellar anomaly locations were marked, the closest eight hundred li away, the farthest a full three thousand li.

"That should keep her busy for a while."

Lin Yue put away the map.

Next, it was time to prepare to break the underground palace's Restrictions.

And the trip to Burial Dragon Abyss... must also be put on the agenda.

Time waits for no one.