197: Chapter 197 The Birth of the Celestial Spirit, the Familiar of the Small World

The Mid-Domain messengers were still waiting outside the mountain gate.

Lin Yue was in no hurry.

He sat back down cross-legged, his consciousness sinking into the Small World once again.

The time flow was five hundred times faster; the time it took for a stick of incense to burn in the outside world was enough for him to handle many things in the Small World.

Beneath the World Tree.

The three silver light spheres had already expanded to the size of human heads. The star patterns on their surfaces flickered like breathing, and the heartbeats coming from within grew more powerful.

"Master."

Haotian bowed. "The Fusion has reached ninety percent; their birth can be catalyzed at any time."

Lin Yue nodded and walked up to the three light spheres.

He reached out his hand, and three wisps of pure Power of the Stars emerged in his palm—Origin extracted from the star lord token.

"Go."

The Power of the Stars was injected into the light spheres.

In an instant, all three light spheres erupted with brilliant silver light!

The light spread like a tide, instantly enveloping the entire Star Spirit Valley area.

Countless starlight fell from the sky, and gurgling spiritual springs welled up from the ground. The twin World Trees moved without wind, their branches and leaves swaying as they scattered a rain of light across the sky.

For the first time, the Small World... felt the throb of 'vitality'.

Crack.

A faint sound of cracking rang out.

Fractures appeared on the surface of the first light sphere, spreading rapidly like a hatching egg.

A slender, silver-white hand reached out from the crack.

Then came the second hand.

Both hands gripped the edges of the crack and pushed hard—

The light sphere shattered completely.

A figure slowly stood up.

He was silver-white all over, his skin like the finest moonlight condensed into form, covered in star patterns. These patterns were not static but flowed slowly like living things.

His features were refined to near perfection, his silver hair reached his waist, and his eyes were of pure star-color, with rivers of stars flowing deep within his pupils.

It was a Star Spirit in the form of a youth.

He looked at Lin Yue; his star-like eyes were initially blank but quickly cleared.

He knelt on one knee, his voice clear as jade striking stone: "Star One pays respects to Father God."

Father God.

Lin Yue's heart trembled slightly.

This title... carried more weight than he had anticipated.

But he did not correct him, only nodding: "Rise."

Star One stood up, his posture respectful yet natural, as if he were born knowing how to interact with Lin Yue.

Just then, the second and third light spheres shattered simultaneously.

The second Star Spirit was in the form of a young girl. Her body was nimble, her silver hair slightly shorter, and the star patterns on her arms converged into wing-like designs.

She looked around curiously, then turned to Lin Yue, her eyes curving into crescents: "Star Two pays respects to Father God!"

Her voice was crisp and lively.

The third Star Spirit was also in the form of a youth, but his build was more slender, and the star patterns on his forehead condensed into the shape of a third eye.

He was more composed than Star One and Star Two, and his bow was more formal: "Star Three pays respects to Father God."

Three Star Spirits, three temperaments.

Star One was steady, Star Two was nimble, and Star Three was perceptive.

But what they shared was the look in their eyes as they gazed at Lin Yue—a gaze of pure, unreserved loyalty and closeness.

It was the most primal connection between a Creator and his creations.

"Haotian."

"Present."

"What is their condition?"

Starlight flowed in Haotian's eyes, appearing to scan them: "Their intelligence is equivalent to a ten-year-old human child, but their learning ability is extremely high."

"They naturally possess basic star manipulation abilities and have an instinctive affinity for Formations and forging."

"Their strength is roughly equal to the Late Stage Qi Refining, but their growth potential is extremely high—it is estimated they can reach Foundation Establishment within three years, Golden Core within thirty years, and have hope of striking for the Nascent Soul within three hundred years."

Lin Yue nodded in satisfaction.

Foundation Establishment in three years, Golden Core in thirty, and Nascent Soul in three hundred.

This speed was several times faster than human Cultivators.

And most crucially—they did not need to cross a Heavenly Tribulation.

Because they were a vassal race derived from the rules of the Small World, their growth process was a process of merging with the world's rules; there was no such thing as "acting against heaven."

"You all..."

Lin Yue looked at the three Star Spirits and thought for a moment: "Adapt to this world first."

"The hundred-mile radius of Star Spirit Valley is your habitat."

"If you need any resources, you can tell Haotian; he will arrange them for you."

"Yes, Father God."

The three Star Spirits replied in unison.

Star Two blinked and suddenly asked: "Father God, can we... build our own houses?"

Lin Yue smiled: "Of course."

"This world is your home; you can build it freely."

"But remember, do not destroy the balance of the world."

"We won't!"

Star Two said joyfully: "I can feel this world 'breathing'; we will take good care of it!"

Star One added steadily: "Rest assured, Father God, we will take the will of the World Tree as our standard."

Star Three looked toward a distant mountain: "There is a metal Mineral Vein there... I can feel it is very suitable for forging."

Lin Yue's heart stirred.

Already showing talent inclinations so quickly?

"Haotian, prepare basic construction tools and forging Materials for them."

"Additionally, teach them basic Cultivation methods—use the Qi Refining chapter of the Star Sacred Canon."

"Yes, Master."

Haotian complied.

Lin Yue observed for a moment longer, and seeing that the three Star Spirits had already begun excitedly exploring Star Spirit Valley, he did not linger.

His consciousness returned to his body.

In the quiet room, Lin Yue opened his eyes.

A trace of a smile played on the corners of his mouth.

The Star Spirits were born.

The Small World finally had its first batch of living beings; though there were only three, it was a qualitative change from zero to one.

Furthermore, he could feel that his connection with the Small World had become even tighter.

It was as if this world was no longer just a 'tool' but was truly starting to become a part of his body, an extension of his will.

"Sect Master."

Lin Cang's voice came from outside the door again, this time with a hint of urgency: "The messengers have been waiting in the Council Hall for fifteen minutes."

"Understood."

Lin Yue stood up and pushed the door open.

Outside the door, Lin Cang, Lin Hu, Lin De, Lin Shi, Lin Laosan, Little Star, and Star Radiance—the seven of them had been waiting for a long time.

Solemnity was etched on everyone's faces.

"Is everyone ready?"

Lin Yue scanned the group.

"Ready."

Lin Hu grinned, but there was no mirth in his eyes: "According to your instructions, three thousand Cultivators of the War Department have already lined up on both sides of the mountain path, 'bearing wounds'."

"I'll make sure those lords from the Mid-Domain get a good sense of how 'tragic' the Southern Border's situation is."

Lin De added: "All healing Medicinal Pills in the Alchemy Hall have been 'exhausted'; only empty bottles remain in the warehouse."

Lin Shi: "All Magical Artifacts in the Artifact Refining Hall have been 'damaged'; not even a single intact Flying Sword can be found."

Lin Laosan: "The Commerce Department's accounts are prepared; all resources are marked as 'wartime consumption', with a book loss of... three million High-Grade Spirit Stones."

Little Star said softly: "The core Formation Plate of the mountain-protecting Great Formation has 'accidentally' been damaged in several places; the Formation's power is now only at thirty percent..."

Star Radiance didn't speak, just stood silently by Lin Yue's side, holding a starlight-flowing Formation Plate in her hand—it was a trump card that could be activated at any time.

Lin Yue nodded in satisfaction.

Very good.

The stage was set; now they just waited for the actors to enter.

"Let's go."

He took the lead toward the Council Hall.

The seven followed closely behind him.

Luoxia Sect, Council Hall.

The atmosphere inside the hall was somewhat subtle.

The main seat was empty—that was Lin Yue's place.

On both sides, a group of Luoxia Sect Elders and Peak Masters sat. Each was pale, their Qi unstable, and many were wrapped in bandages.

In the center of the hall stood three people.

The leader was a fair-faced, beardless middle-aged scholar wearing a seven-colored cloud-patterned robe and holding a jade ruyi. He had an elegant temperament, yet his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.

Behind him were a man and a woman. The man was as burly as an iron tower, and the woman was petite and delicate. Both had profound auras, clearly at the Early Nascent Soul Stage.

"Elder Wang."

As the Grand Elder, Lin Cang spoke first: "The Sect Master is indisposed; we have kept you all waiting."

The middle-aged scholar—Elder Wang—smiled slightly: "It is no matter. Sect Master Lin fought a bloody battle for the survival of the Southern Border; it is only right that he rests to recover from his injuries."

"However... the resolution of the Seven Sect Council is of great importance and requires Sect Master Lin to personally make the decision."

Before his voice had even faded.

Footsteps were heard outside the hall.

Lin Yue walked in slowly, surrounded by his people.

His face was pale, his steps unsteady, and his aura was in disarray. He coughed lightly from time to time.

He looked exactly like someone who had yet to recover from heavy injuries.

"Lin has arrived late; I ask for your forgiveness."

Lin Yue sat in the main seat, his voice weak.

A flash of light crossed Wang Xuanming's eyes as he stood up and cupped his hands: "Sect Master Lin is too polite."

"I am Wang Xuanming, an External Affairs Elder of the Seven Sect Council. I have been ordered to come and discuss post-war matters with the Southern Border."

"These two are my attendants, Zhao Tieshan and Liu Qingyan."

Lin Yue nodded slightly: "Elder Wang, please be seated."

Wang Xuanming sat back down and got straight to the point: "First, the Seven Sect Council represents the various Sects of the Mid-Domain in extending our highest respects to all the Cultivators of the Southern Border who participated in the war."

"You all resisted the strong with the weak, fighting to the end without retreat. You have guarded the southern gate for the Human Race; your merit will last for a thousand years."

After the pleasantries, his tone shifted: "However, the post-war aftermath also needs to be handled properly."

"The Seven Sect Council has three resolutions that require the Southern Border's cooperation."

Lin Yue raised a hand: "Please, go on."

"First, as of today, the Southern Border shall enjoy 'autonomous' status; the Mid-Domain Sects will no longer interfere in the Southern Border's internal affairs."

"But in exchange, the Southern Border must regularly report intelligence regarding the Spirit Devouring Clan to the Seven Sect Council and open certain resource trade channels."

Lin Yue nodded: "Reasonable."

"Second, in the battle of Burial Dragon Abyss, the Southern Border's Spiritual Veins suffered heavy losses. The Seven Sect Council is willing to provide aid—one million High-Grade Spirit Stones annually for a hundred years."

"But the aid is not without cost. The Southern Border needs to supply certain specialty resources to the Mid-Domain at seventy percent of the market price, such as... star-patterned equipment and star-type Medicinal Pills."

A cold light flashed in Lin Yue's eyes.

As expected, they were still after the Star Lord Inheritance.

"Third..."

Wang Xuanming paused, his tone becoming solemn: "The Seven Sect Council invites Sect Master Lin to travel to the Mid-Domain within five years to participate in the joint exploration of the 'Star Lords Relic Mansion'."

"The Relic Mansion is located deep within the Falling Star Sea. Opening it requires five-star keys; currently, three have appeared."

"The Seven Sect Council promises that if Sect Master Lin participates, he can obtain twenty percent of the harvest within the Relic Mansion, and... the Council is willing to provide a clue for one five-star key."

Lin Yue fell silent.

One could hear a pin drop in the hall.

Everyone looked at Lin Yue.

After a long while, Lin Yue spoke slowly: "The first two items, I can agree to on behalf of the Southern Border."

"But the third item... five years is too short."

"I am heavily injured and have yet to recover, and the Southern Border is in a state of neglect. At least ten years are needed."

Wang Xuanming frowned: "Sect Master Lin, the timing for the opening of the Star Lords Relic Mansion waits for no one. At most... seven years."

"Eight years."

Lin Yue did not yield an inch: "This is my bottom line."

Wang Xuanming stared at Lin Yue for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Fine, then eight years."

"In eight years, the Seven Sect Council will await Sect Master Lin's arrival in the Mid-Domain."

He stood up and cupped his hands: "Since the matters are settled, I shall not disturb you any further."

"Farewell."

Lin Yue stood up to see them off.

Upon reaching the outside of the hall, Wang Xuanming suddenly stopped, looked back at Lin Yue, and said meaningfully:

"Sect Master Lin, the waters in the Mid-Domain are very deep."

"Some Sects... may appear glamorous on the surface, but may not necessarily be clean on the inside."

"In eight years, please be very careful."

With that, he and his two attendants turned into streaks of light and departed.

Lin Yue stood in place, watching the direction they vanished in, his gaze deep.

"Sect Master, that last sentence of his..."

Lin Cang asked in a low voice.

"A reminder, and also a warning."

Lin Yue turned and walked toward the quiet room.

"Tell everyone that from today on, the Luoxia Sect enters a state of full war preparation."

"Eight years..."

A sly, dark smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

"Is enough time for us to do many things."

Returning to the quiet room, he closed the door.

The weakness on Lin Yue's face vanished instantly, replaced by a wise calmness.

He sat cross-legged, his consciousness sinking into the Small World once again.

This time, he needed to plan things out carefully.

How to utilize these eight years.

And... what secrets were actually hidden in that Star Lords Relic Mansion.

In the Small World, the three Star Spirits had already begun building their first wooden hut.

The World Tree scattered starlight, illuminating their busy figures.

Everything was just beginning.