C1150 Its True Origin

He was certain that in his past life, he had no connection or dealings with the hermaphroditic evilkind, the most enigmatic and supreme beings in existence.

So where did this profound sense of familiarity come from, one that spanned tens of thousands of years?

The answer was self-evident.

In the first life he had yet to awaken to, he must have held a significant position within the Boulderdawn Sect, perhaps even as one of its leading figures!

Only in such a capacity could he have become acquainted with the Dark Phoenix and earned the right to know her.

After all, the Dark Phoenix had always stood at the pinnacle of the Everlands, her supreme status unchallenged despite the passage of time.

Without being one of the Boulderdawn Sect's luminaries, how could anyone gain the Dark Phoenix's recognition and feel such familiarity?

"What, what am I?"

Within the dense fog, Yu Zhu's massive shadowy form suddenly contracted and began to morph into a human shape after reaching a certain threshold.

Her anxious voice was solely for Yu Yuan.

Yu Zhu was stunned upon discovering that a high-ranking figure from Shadow's Keep had slain her mother in the remote depths of the Extraterrestrial Star River.

She had always held the Dark Phoenix of Shadow's Keep in high esteem, even adoring her sincerely.

She was aware that her current status and accomplishments, favored by Shadow's Keep, were facilitated by that very individual working behind the scenes.

But that individual...

A nameless dread penetrated her very bones. The reverence and admiration she felt for that person now transformed into an overwhelming pressure, nearly suffocating her.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Meanwhile, she continued to rapidly diminish in size.

Before long, amidst the potent, toxic smoke, Yu Yuan glimpsed Yu Zhu in her original form, as she had appeared when they first met in Gloomhollow.

Her bones, like segments of exquisite jade and gemstones, were luminous and intricately crafted, radiating beauty.

The bones, iridescent and fanned out like the plume of a peacock, were a sight to behold.

Vivid, poisonous clouds swirled ceaselessly within the crystalline bones.

In front of the kaleidoscopic bones stood a slight girl with piercing green eyes, the light emanating from them chilling to the core.

Compared to her time in Gloomhollow, the little girl's skin was much fairer, and her once-flat nose had become more pronounced. Her sharp jawline appeared to have been re-sculpted, softening into a more natural curve. Now, Yu Zhu was undeniably more beautiful than ever before.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

The toxic cloud that had enveloped her swiftly converged behind her, solidifying into a crystal-like carapace over her chest, serving as a natural shield. Yu Yuan, with a discerning squint, recognized that this armor was primarily to contain the power of the blood crystal from Grec, the Demon God, and to prevent its shattered pieces from escaping.

"Why have I come into being?" she pondered.

As her Soul Echo reached Yu Yuan, she lifted her gaze to the now tranquil Golden Elephant God and gently shook her head. The Golden Elephant God, who had initially been intent on striking down Cao Yi, abruptly ceased her aggressive stance. She was convinced by Yu Zhu that Cao Yi had not been meddling in the shadows.

At that moment, the archdemons and dark adepts of the Devil Palace watched her with astonishment. Tan Junshan and Chen Qinghuang exchanged knowing looks, both admiring the unique insight of the Dark Phoenix. Yu Zhu's ability to instantly shatter and assimilate Grec's blood crystal was beyond their expectations. She lacked the Altar of Rebirth that Yu Yuan possessed within him, and she certainly wasn't a nefarious individual like Cao Yi, who was adept in the mystique of the Blood Fiend. How, then, could she so swiftly fragment the blood crystal and extract the exquisite vital energy within?

"Your mother," Yu Yuan began, after a moment's hesitation, connecting with her through their unique soul bond, "was the eight-legged spider that Ann Wen left for you in the Forgotten Ruins. The reason you experienced such a surge in power there, and the wonders of owning a domain within the Merge stage, is because it was your mother's blessed land. It was the very place that nurtured your mother and where you were born."

"I became acquainted with her through my intensive study of arcane poisons and the refinement of poison pills. She bore you in the Forgotten Ruins and entrusted me with your care, instructing me to find a discreet location for you to gradually build up your bloodline. That's why I created a special place for you in the Serpent Spine Mountains."

"The swamp, shrouded in miasma, is where I found you and nurtured your growth."

"Not long after, she was dispatched by Shadow's Keep to the extraterrestrial Star River to join the battle. Shadow's Keep later reported that she was ambushed by the allied forces of the extraterrestrial Otherkin during a skirmish with them."

"Of course, you've now uncovered the truth deep within her bloodline."

Yu Yuan paused briefly before continuing, "She entrusted me to look after you, to lead you from the Forgotten Ruins to the Serpent Spine Mountains. She mentioned that your father hailed from the Rainbow Ocean. Given your innate talent for controlling poison and your ability to strengthen yourself by absorbing miasma, you've likely deduced this as well."

"However, she refused to disclose his exact identity. The Rainbow Ocean is shrouded in mystery, inhabited by enigmatic Otherkin like the Plague God and Peach Madam. Moreover, numerous Otherkin from the Rainbow Ocean have stealthily entered the extraterrestrial Star River, vanishing without a trace."

"She was a member of Shadow's Keep, yet she was slain by that individual. I suspect it may be connected to the other source of your bloodline."

Yu Yuan was forthright, sparing no detail and patiently helping Yu Zhu resolve the uncertainties in her mind, informing her of her true origins and heritage.

Yu Zhu listened intently.

After a moment, an impatient Cao Yi, pointing to the fading psionic power at the chest of the Shadow Husk, urged, "If we don't leave now, by the time the gathered power dissipates, it'll be too late, even with the Dragon Slaying Stage."

His words drew the collective attention of the Golden Elephant God, Tan Junshan, and Chen Qinghuang.

"Understood," Yu Yuan responded with a light huff. Standing within the Crucible of Evil, he gestured to Yu Zhu, commanding with an air of finality, "Come here and join me."

This directive caused a stir among the archdemons of Shadow's Keep.

Yu Zhu, a prominent archdemon of Shadow's Keep, was now to accompany Yu Yuan. What did this imply?

"It's of no consequence," the Golden Elephant God interjected, seemingly unconcerned with the minutiae. He nodded at Yu Zhu, saying, "For tens of thousands of years, despite our numerous disputes with the cultivators of Euwrea, we've always been able to forge a strong alliance in the face of foreign threats. Our current priority is to thwart the resurrection of the Demon God Grec. That is paramount."

After his words, Yu Zhu no longer hesitated and darted straight into the Crucible of Evil. Inside, Yu Yiyi, who had refined her demonform, vanished into the little world within the cauldron with a flash just as she was about to enter. It seemed she was reluctant to get too close...

As Yu Yiyi entered the cauldron, leveraging her perspective and observation, Yu Yuan witnessed Yue Fei, who had been subjected to the cleansing of devil souls and malevolent thoughts by countless Banes, seemingly stripped of her spiritual wisdom.

Sensing Yu Yuan's focus, Yu Yiyi spoke from within the cauldron, "She, along with Chebus and Armor Crusher, can now be commanded by me to join the fight alongside the other Banes."

The Frost Queen, reigning supreme on the tenth floor, radiated an intense chill and remained immovable.

"Alright, you handle the arrangements," Yu Yuan responded, leaving the thought behind. Holding the Dragon Slaying Stage, he suddenly followed Cao Yi's guidance and entered the hollow chest cavity of the Shadow Husk.

"Mo Yan, don't come with me. Return to the other teams," the King of Wraiths advised in a hushed tone.

Mo Yan furrowed his brow. "Why?"

"If you come along, Yu Yuan might seize the chance to kill you," the King of Wraiths explained with a sigh.

Mo Yan's expression darkened.

At that moment, Yu Yuan, having descended into the chest of the Wightspawn, glanced over. The eerie smile that crept across his face sent a chill through Mo Yan, as if he had plunged into an icy abyss.

"I welcome you inside," Yu Yuan said with a sinister chuckle.

...

Today is New Year's Eve, and for the first few days of the Lunar New Year, I'll be spending time celebrating with my family and children. Please forgive the reduced updates during this period. Thank you for your understanding and patience. Happy New Year to all!