160: Chapter 160 Star Array, with the Void as its Eye

Deep within the Cave Heaven, beneath the World Tree.

Lin Yue sat cross-legged, his mind sinking into his Sea of Consciousness, engaging in an unprecedented deep exchange with Haotian.

"Master, if you want to simulate the 'Spatial Origin' as the formation eye of the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array, three conditions are required."

Haotian's voice was unusually solemn: "First, you need at least one complete fragment of the Spatial Law—three strands were collected when this Cave Heaven was promoted to Level 11, which is enough."

"Second, you need a medium capable of bearing the Spatial Law—the World Tree's 'Origin Branch' can suffice, but stripping off a section will severely deplete my Origin Qi, requiring at least three years to recover."

"Third, and most importantly... you need to personally refine the Spatial Law and merge it with the star dragon nascent soul. The risk of this process is greater than merging three types of Origin."

Lin Yue was silent for a moment.

Stripping the World Tree branch and damaging Haotian's Origin was what he least wanted to see.

Haotian is not only the Spirit of the Cave Heaven but also his most trusted partner.

Having accompanied him all this way and grown together, they had long surpassed the master-servant relationship, becoming more like... Fellow Daoists.

"Is there no other way?"

"There is, but it is harder."

Haotian slowly replied: "If we can find an Innate Spiritual Item that naturally contains Spatial Origin, it can replace the World Tree branch. However, such Spiritual Items were extremely rare even in the ancient era, and now... they are almost impossible to find."

Lin Yue's eyes flickered.

Innate Spiritual Item... He suddenly recalled something mentioned in the star lords manual—the "Void Ancient Tree Seed."

The star lords manual recorded that in the ancient era, there was a Void Ancient Tree that connected all realms, and its seeds contained the purest Spatial Origin.

The Star Lord once obtained one and used it to establish the Star Lords Palace.

If he could obtain a Void Ancient Tree Seed... "Haotian, deduce the whereabouts of the Void Ancient Tree Seed."

"Already deducing."

Haotian paused for three breaths: "According to the records in the star lords manual, combined with the Spatial Law fragments I have analyzed, the most probable location of the Void Ancient Tree Seed is... deep within the Burial Dragon Abyss."

"What?"

Lin Yue was stunned.

"Yes. The star lords manual mentions that he 'sealed the seed in the Place of Suppression to stabilize the Void Realm.' That 'Place of Suppression' is very likely the core of the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal."

Haotian analyzed: "After the Spirit Devouring Clan was Sealed, the Void Ancient Tree Seed remained in the Seal Core, maintaining spatial stability and preventing the Spirit Devourers from escaping the Void Realm."

"Therefore, to retrieve the seed, you must enter the Seal Core. And that place... is the Spirit Devouring Clan's lair."

Lin Yue fell into deep thought.

Entering the Seal Core to retrieve the Void Ancient Tree Seed.

This was akin to snatching food from a tiger's mouth.

But... "If successful, it will not only provide the perfect formation eye for the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array but also weaken the spatial stability of the Seal, making it harder for the Spirit Devouring Clan to break free."

"Moreover, if the Void Ancient Tree Seed can be transplanted into the Cave Heaven, the Cave Heaven will likely be promoted directly to Level 12, unlocking complete Spatial Authority."

Haotian's voice carried a hint of rare excitement: "At that time, the Cave Heaven will truly possess the characteristics of a 'Small World,' capable of even nurturing life and constructing a complete ecological cycle."

A sharp light flashed in Lin Yue's eyes.

Promotion to Level 12, unlocking Spatial Authority... this temptation was too great.

"What is the success rate?"

"Success rate of entering the Seal Core: thirty percent. Success rate of obtaining the seed: ten percent. Success rate of safe return: five percent."

Haotian's voice returned to calm: "Overall calculation, the probability of surviving and bringing back the seed... is less than one percent."

One percent.

This was practically suicide.

But Lin Yue smiled.

"One percent... that's enough."

He stood up and looked toward the dome of the Cave Heaven: "When I Transmigrated here and activated the ruined plane back then, the probability was probably less than one in ten thousand."

"Having one percent now is already a lot."

"Master..."

"No need to persuade me."

Lin Yue waved his hand: "Tell me, what preparations are needed?"

Haotian was silent for a long time, finally saying: "First, Master needs to raise his cultivation to the Late Nascent Soul Stage—at least possessing the combat power of a Late Nascent Soul Stage Cultivator. With your current foundation, combined with the Cave Heaven's resources, if you cultivate diligently in the time pool, where one month outside equals ten months inside, you have a chance to achieve this."

"Second, you need to refine a Magic Treasure capable of shielding against evil qi detection and concealing your aura. The Materials can be 'void stone' combined with starfall iron, and for the Artifact Refining method... I have the 'Void Star Concealment Robe' refining method from the Star Lord Inheritance."

"Third, and most important—you need at least three Nascent Soul Cultivators to create chaos in the periphery, attracting the attention of the Spirit Devouring Clan and buying you time."

Lin Yue noted them down one by one.

Late Nascent Soul Stage combat power, the Void Star Concealment Robe, three Nascent Souls for support... the first two are easy, but the third... "True Person Qingluan and True Person Xuan Jian count as two, still one short."

"Fellow Daoist Star Radiance can ask the Star Track Pavilion Master to act, but the Star Track Pavilion Master has a special status and may not be willing to take such an extreme risk."

"Sect Master Mo Chen might be willing, but the Qinglan Sect also needs him to hold the fort."

Lin Yue pondered for a moment: "If absolutely necessary, we can have Lin Cang temporarily fill in. Although he is only Golden Core, his Earthen Mountain Suppressing Art defense is extremely strong, and with the Sect's Great Array, he can barely hold off a Nascent Soul level existence."

"That is too dangerous."

Haotian reminded him: "Lin Cang is only Golden Core after all; facing a Spirit Devourer Nascent Soul, he probably won't last three moves."

"Therefore, the plan needs to be comprehensive."

A sharp light flashed in Lin Yue's eyes: "We don't necessarily have to fight head-on; we can... feign an attack to the east while attacking the west."

"Feigning an attack to the east while attacking the west?"

"Exactly."

The corner of Lin Yue's mouth lifted slightly: "What does the Spirit Devouring Clan want most? My star dragon nascent soul, the perfect parasitic vessel."

"Then I will give them a... visible but untouchable bait."

Three days later, at the periphery defense line of the Burial Dragon Abyss.

In a temporarily erected command tent, Lin Yue gathered all the Nascent Soul Cultivators.

True Person Qingluan, True Person Xuan Jian, Sect Master Mo Chen, Star Radiance, Heavenly Craftsman, and... the Star Track Pavilion Master.

This mysterious Pavilion Master had quietly arrived yesterday without alerting anyone.

"Everyone, the situation is urgent, so I will speak plainly."

Lin Yue got straight to the point: "I need to enter the Seal Core to retrieve an item. This item concerns whether the Zhou Tian Xing Dou Great Array can be completed, and it concerns the future of the Southern Territory... and even the entire Cultivation World."

He briefly explained the importance of the Void Ancient Tree Seed.

Naturally, he concealed the details related to the Cave Heaven, only saying the seed was the key to reversing the Great Formation.

"Sect Master Lin, do you know the danger of this trip?"

The Star Track Pavilion Master spoke first, his tone solemn: "The Seal Core is the Spirit Devouring Clan's lair. Even with the Void Star Concealment Robe to hide your aura, once you approach the seed, you will certainly alert the powerful Spirit Devourer guardians."

"According to my deductions, the Seal Core is guarded by at least three Late Nascent Soul Stage Spirit Devouring Clan General, and there might even be... Soul Transformation level existence slumbering."

Three Late Nascent Soul Stages, possibly even Soul Transformation!

Everyone's expression changed drastically.

With such a lineup, let alone Lin Yue alone, even if all the Nascent Souls present joined forces, they might not be able to retreat unscathed.

"I know the danger."

Lin Yue said calmly: "That is why I need everyone's cooperation."

He took out a topographical map, which was the detailed structure of the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal—recorded in the star lords manual, supplemented by Haotian's deductions over the past few months.

"Three days from now, precisely at noon, I will sneak in from here."

He pointed to a weak spot on the east side of the Seal: "I need three Fellow Daoists to launch feint attacks from the west, south, and north directions, respectively, to create chaos and draw the attention of the Spirit Devouring Clan."

"The feint attacks do not require fighting to the death; just creating enough disturbance is sufficient. Once you sense that I have succeeded or encountered danger, retreat immediately."

Everyone looked at the three directions he indicated.

The west side would be handled by True Person Qingluan, the south side by True Person Xuan Jian, and the north side... "I will take the north side."

The Star Track Pavilion Master slowly said: "Although I am not skilled in combat, the ability of my Star Gazing Technique to create illusions should be able to deceive those demonic creatures for a time."

"Thank you, Pavilion Master."

Lin Yue bowed solemnly.

With the Star Track Pavilion Master making a move, the pressure on the north side would be much less.

"What about the east side?"

Mo Chen frowned: "The east side is the direction Sect Master Lin will sneak in from. Doesn't it need cover?"

"The east side... I have my own arrangements."

A hint of deep meaning flashed in Lin Yue's eyes.

He did not elaborate, but everyone vaguely guessed that this young Sect Master probably still held some trump cards.

"Sect Master Lin, allow me one more question."

Heavenly Craftsman suddenly asked: "Even if you obtain the seed, how will you return safely? Once the Seal Core is alerted, all exits will be sealed shut."

"I have a way."

Lin Yue only spoke four words.

The crowd asked no more questions.

Everyone has secrets. Since Lin Yue dared to go, he must have something to rely on.

"In that case, let us set the date for three days from now."

The Star Track Pavilion Master made the final decision: "For these three days, prepare yourselves. Sect Master Lin, feel free to ask for any resources you need; the Star Track Pavilion will fully support you."

"Thank you, Pavilion Master."

Lin Yue did not stand on ceremony: "I need a hundred catties of starfall iron, ten cubic feet of void stone, and three drops of dragon vein jade marrow... these are the Materials for refining the Void Star Concealment Robe."

"Additionally, I need a batch of Medicinal Pills that can quickly restore spiritual power and heal injuries. The higher the grade, the better."

"These Materials will be prepared within three days."

The Star Track Pavilion Master nodded and looked at Star Radiance: "Yao'er, you are responsible for this matter. Send a message back to the Pavilion, open the highest-authority storeroom, and acquire the necessary Materials... at any cost."

"Yes!"

Star Radiance accepted the order.

"Everyone, I will see you at the Burial Dragon Abyss in three days."

Lin Yue cupped his hands: "If this battle succeeds, the Southern Territory can enjoy fifty years of peace. If it fails..."

He paused: "Then I ask everyone to guard the Luoxia Sect for me. At least... don't let it become the next Heavenly Sword Sect."

Everyone looked solemn.

They discerned the resolve in Lin Yue's words.

For this trip, this young Sect Master... was prepared to die.

"Sect Master Lin, rest assured."

Mo Chen said in a deep voice: "As long as the Qinglan Sect stands, the Luoxia Sect... will not fall."

"The Seven Star Alliance is the same."

True Person Qingluan said solemnly.

"The Star Track Pavilion... will advance and retreat alongside the Luoxia Sect."

The Star Track Pavilion Master said slowly.

A hint of emotion flashed in Lin Yue's eyes.

He took a deep breath: "Then... I will see you in three days."

Everyone dispersed.

Only Lin Yue remained in the tent.

He walked outside the tent and looked toward the depths of the Burial Dragon Abyss.

Another demonic lightning bolt struck down from the dark red clouds.

In the lightning glow, a massive shadow was vaguely visible, squirming, as if ready to break the Seal at any moment.

"Void Ancient Tree Seed..."

Lin Yue muttered to himself: "I hope you won't disappoint me."

He turned and returned to the tent to begin preparations.

Meanwhile.

Deep within the Burial Dragon Abyss, in the Seal Core.

Three dark red figures, ten zhang tall, were surrounding a silver seed suspended in the air.

The seed was only the size of a fist, its surface flowing with a mercury-like sheen, and countless worlds seemed to be born and destroyed within it.

It was precisely the Void Ancient Tree Seed!

"That human... is coming."

The central figure slowly spoke, its voice like scraping metal: "The star dragon nascent soul... the perfect vessel."

"The moment he obtains the seed and his mind relaxes..."

The figure on the left licked its lips: "That will be the best time... to parasitize him."

"Don't be careless."

The figure on the right warned: "He was able to kill White Bone, so he must have extraordinary capabilities. This plan must succeed, not fail."

"Don't worry."

Green flames flickered in the central figure's eyes: "We have been preparing for this day... for ten thousand years."

"This time, we won't let the Star Lord's Successor... escape again."

The three figures reached out simultaneously and pressed their hands onto the surface of the seed.

Dark red evil qi surged out like a tide, beginning to pollute the Spatial Origin of the seed.

A trace of... barely noticeable dark red pattern appeared on the surface of the seed.

None of this was known to the outside world.

The storm was about to descend.

And Lin Yue's journey of life and death would officially begin... in three days.