C1066 Ionodios

The Ionodios, shaped like a goose egg, floated amidst the Star River, where numerous Voidfarers were docked.

One such warship, belonging to the Coleman family, had Starborn experts like Wilson and Eleazar aboard, who had arrived ahead of the others.

Becker, the envoy dispatched by the Curtis family, had finally joined them and was now eagerly awaiting the Guide arranged by the Skyreach Consortium.

"Ashen Hollow!"

Wilson couldn't contain his excitement when the familiar floating landmass came into view.

At the edge of the warship, Becker's eyes snapped open at the mention of Ashen Hollow.

He intently watched the island, cautioning, "One thing to remember: do not offend the young man named Yu Yuan. I've explained his exceptional identity to you during our journey."

"We won't make that mistake. We're well aware," Eleazar quickly assured him.

He now fully grasped the deep connection between Yu Yuan and the Boulderdawn sect.

Whoosh!

A streak of light suddenly pierced the void, fleeting past the Ionodios.

"That's Zhou You, a favored associate of President Lyi," Becker said, his expression tinged with awe as he briefed Eleazar and Wilson. "Zhou You has been detained in the Sword Prison for years. You might not recognize him, but you surely understand the caliber of a human expert who merits incarceration in the Sword Prison."

"Sword Prison!"

Eleazar responded with a respectful tone.

"Eh?"

Beneath his shirt, a badge shaped like a celestial disc belonging to Becker of the Curtis family began to heat up, sparking his enthusiasm. "Big brother!"

Whoosh!

A dazzling stream of stars burst forth from the Ionodios, chasing after Zhou You towards the Ashen Hollow, drawing the gaze of many onlookers.

"Beru, the Starfallen Oracle of the Curtis family!"

"Wasn't he trapped in the Everlands?"

"How come there was no news of his return?"

The Otherkin experts aboard the other starships were stirred, sparking a flurry of conversation.

"You all stay here; I'll go have a look!" Becker, unable to contain his excitement, gave a hasty instruction to Eleazar and, without a second thought, made his way once more toward the floating Ashen Hollow.

On the floating land, Zhou You, with a whisk in hand, beamed with joy, "Yu, you're quite the survivor! I always knew you'd be fine, especially with two Dragon Slaying Stage pieces in your possession!"

Yu Yuan's anxiety eased upon his arrival. "When did you get here?"

"We've been out for a bit, but our time in Ionodios has been brief." Zhou You, White Crane, and Hu Caiyun gave slight nods, paying no mind to Fernand and Elena of the Otherkin. "It's been nearly a year since we last saw each other. Had I not heard about your appearance in Ashen Hollow, I would've thought I'd miss you at this grand gathering in Ionodios."

"What about everyone at Moonfall Sanctuary after I broke free?" Yu Yuan inquired, concern in his voice.

He was eager to learn the fate of Luo Yue, Xi Quan, and the others with whom he shared a special bond.

"Don't worry, everyone who survived before you slipped through the Domain Channel is still alive," Zhou You said with a grin. "You'll encounter many familiar faces here in Ionodios. The significant upheavals within the Everlands have been temporarily settled through negotiation. Future battles will take place beyond our world."

As they conversed, Beru, the Starfallen Oracle of the Starborn, approached with urgency.

Upon seeing him, Fernand, recognizing the esteemed figure, respectfully bowed. "It's an honor to meet you, Elder Beru."

"Starborn of the Curtis family, Beru!"

Pattinson, Benin, and Hart, warriors of the Otherkin, all showed their reverence.

Beru, renowned across the extraterrestrial Star River for his profound knowledge and benevolent nature, commanded respect from all races. Even Fernand, now reduced to an outlaw, held him in high esteem.

Beru gestured dismissively, indicating he wasn't there for pleasantries. His gaze fell pitifully on Yu Yuan as he entered. "I feared we might never meet again."

Having become acquainted during their time with the Terror Claws and fought side by side at Moonfall Sanctuary, they were far from strangers.

With just one look, Yu Yuan understood Beru's concerns. He smiled and asked, "Have you gathered all the ingredients for the pill refinement?"

Beru nodded vigorously. "Everything's been prepared!"

Yu Yuan could sense that Beru was not in the best of health from the moment he appeared. Without the miraculous effects of the pill, Beru's time would soon draw to a close.

"Bring it here."

Yu Yuan extended one hand while his other hand swiftly brought forth the miniaturized "Serpentflame" furnace.

"Here?" Beru exclaimed, both surprised and delighted.

Yu Yuan smiled and replied, "Right here."

"Okay!"

Anticipation shone in Beru's eyes as he carefully removed a beast skin bag from his waist and handed it to Yu Yuan with both hands, saying, "Everything is inside! All the magic items you requested are accounted for, and I've even prepared three extra portions of each!"

Yu Yuan took the bag and, after a quick glance, nodded in approval.

Just then, he noticed that many of the Otherkin were focusing their attention on the warships surrounding Ionodios. The remnant souls of the Sky Fiends were also converging.

It seemed they were all keenly observing the events unfolding here.

With a soft chuckle, Yu Yuan gripped the beast skin bag and, in a flash, vanished into a pagoda-shaped stone building.

Whoosh!

At that moment, Becker, his eyes red with emotion, called out, "Big brother!"

Beru turned and gave him a stern look, rebuking, "I'm not dead yet! You're acting as if I could die at any moment!"

"Big brother, it's so good to see you," Becker said with a forced laugh. "Without you, we felt directionless, unsure of what to do next."

"Watch your tongue! The Patriarch is in his prime, with a tenth-level bloodline, one of the mightiest in the vast Star River! With him at the helm, what's there to fear?" Beru chided.

Becker chuckled sheepishly, not daring to talk back, and merely asked, "Is Yu Yuan truly a God of Medicine?"

"Yes, he should be able to resolve the issue that has plagued me for years with his pill," Beru said, filled with hope.

"I'll stay and wait!"

"Where is Yu Yuan?"

"Has Yu Yuan appeared?"

Beams of light suddenly burst forth from within Ionodios, leaving the Otherkin experts who had traveled from afar bewildered. They couldn't fathom why their arrival at Ashen Hollow had sparked such a commotion.

"Saintess!"

All the Dawnbringers aboard a resplendent warship cried out in unison.

One after another, the warriors, each with a bloodline of at least the eighth level, rose from their seats. Seeing Canli appear, they were overcome with such fervor that they seemed ready to lay down their lives for her at a moment's notice.

Canli, endowed with the Altar of Rebirth from birth, was destined to be the future leader of the Dawnbringers. She stood as the pivotal force in redeeming her people's honor and contending with the dark Demon Lord of the Devil Palace.

As Canli set out for the Everlands, many in her clan tried to dissuade her. When word spread that she had encountered trouble in the Everlands, anxiety gripped the Dawnbringers, fearing for her safety.

Now, witnessing the unparalleled treasure within Ionodios, their excitement was palpable.

"The saintess has ventured into the Ashen Hollow, the haven of outlaws!"

The next moment, the Dawnbringers' warriors disembarked from the warship, eager to greet their esteemed young leader.

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