C1190

Yu Yuan was profoundly shaken.

Denise's revelations had completely upended his understanding of Zekrica and shattered all his previous conjectures. What he had believed to be indigenous species, herbs, and Starbeasts of Zekrica were, in fact, all alien! Conversely, he had assumed that the Tranquilherb, Sunfire Bloom, and Fellbeasts from the Everlands were the transplanted newcomers to Zekrica.

Yu Yuan's emotions were indescribable, mirroring the perplexed expression on his face.

Where did Zekrica originate?

This question plunged him into a lengthy contemplation.

Was it possible that Zekrica had been cleaved from the Everlands by a Dark Deity and Divine Level beings, using methods that could alter the fabric of reality, and then covertly relocated to the Astral Domain of the Starborn?

Following this line of thought, many of his uncertainties suddenly had explanations, such as the human remains, the Tranquilherb, the Sunfire Bloom, and the multitude of Everlands Fellbeasts.

Yet, Yu Yuan had never heard of any region in the Everlands being severed and vanishing without a trace.

Could there be another world, akin to the Everlands, hidden within the vast expanse of the Star River?

His first incarnation's decision to travel to Zekrica on the Dragon Slaying Stage surely held significant implications.

Had his first incarnation been the creator of Zekrica? Or was it the grand design of Boulderdawn?

His mind was a whirlwind of chaotic thoughts, overwhelming him with confusion.

Gazing once more into the deep cavern, he pondered, "Terra Fiend?"

His thoughts drifted to the magic plants and herbs he had encountered across the Upper and Lower Continents of Zekrica, particularly the toxic marshlands and numerous herbs near the forbidden area of the Lower Continent.

Was it the wonder of this realm that spawned the Terra Fiend, or did the presence of the Terra Fiend itself spur the growth of these medicinal herbs?

"Miss Denise, did the Terra Fiend mention that poison could heal it?" Yu Yuan, struck by a notion, sought confirmation. "What exactly does it mean by 'poison'?"

"He wasn't specific."

Denise of the Starborn watched Yu Yuan intently. She admired his transition from initial shock to composed reflection, further convinced of his exceptional nature. "The Terra Fiend simply stated that the stronger the poison, the greater the aid to its recovery."

Yu Yuan nodded thoughtfully. "Are you aware that the Terra Fiends of the Everlands are notoriously cunning and venomous?"

"Yes," Denise replied with a light chuckle. "That's why I'm only half-convinced."

"In the Everlands, where humans and evilkinds coexist, there's a peculiar place known as the Rainbow Ocean. It teems with venomous creatures and is also a breeding ground for Terra Fiends." Yu Yuan scanned the surroundings, his eyes shimmering with a peculiar light. "If Zekrica, the land beneath our feet, was severed from the Rainbow Ocean and transported to your Astral Domain..."

"What would happen then?" Denise asked with a grave tone.

"The Terra Fiend lurking at the bottom of the cave might naturally gravitate towards extreme poisons. Only the most toxic substances could aid in its rapid growth," Yu Yuan said with a cold laugh, continuing, "It's trapped underground, confined by the enchantments within and the thunder vortex above. It cannot escape."

"In other words, it can't gather the poisonous plants of Zekrica or capture venomous insects on its own. It might resort to using you and your father, deceiving you with lies to concoct poisonous potions and deliver them to the depths as it desires."

"Or..."

His gaze shifted to the remains of the seventh-level Crypt Clan warrior, now a mere puddle of blood.

"Or perhaps it manipulates those of the Crypt Clan who've had their spiritual wisdom corrupted, who now worship him as a deity, to ingeniously procure poisonous insects and plants to deliver to him?" Denise's lovely face darkened as she took up the thread of conversation, biting her lip in silent fury. "The Terra Fiends of the Everlands are truly deceitful and treacherous!"

Yu Yuan didn't need her to elaborate; he already understood that the Crypt Clan members living beneath Zekrica had likely been engaged in such activities for years.

He came to the stark realization that regardless of any connection between the Rainbow Ocean and Zekrica, the Terra Fiend in the cave would undoubtedly need to consume potent poisons to grow stronger and regain its power.

Only once it had regained its strength could the Terra Fiend break free from its bonds, emerge from beneath Zekrica unafraid of the thunder vortex, and return to the world above!

Then, the Terra Fiend might even ascend through the Star River, achieving true freedom.

With this in mind, Yu Yuan grew vigilant, his gaze upon the cave intensifying with solemnity.

"Ah, it's a shame that the Crucible of Evil isn't here."

He lamented internally, convinced that after his initial awakening, he should have ensured that both Yu Yiyi and the Crucible of Evil were by his side.

If that were the case, what threat would a mere Terra Fiend lurking in the cave pose?

With Yu Yiyi's formidable suppression, the Terra Fiend would likely be transformed into a Bane within the crucible.

Regrettably, he was without the Crucible of Evil and Yu Yiyi. His need to nurture the Altar of Rebirth meant that every bit of Soul Power and vitality he refined was ruthlessly taken from him, drastically reducing his combat capabilities.

In his present condition, he doubted his ability to overcome the cunning and deceitful Terra Fiend that had been concealed for untold years.

Unless...

His spirits lifted when he noticed the Songbird Queen lying serenely on the ground, her breathing steady.

If Chen Qinghuang were to awaken, even without her memories, her demigod-level strength and grasp of the ultimate truths of destruction and death would make her more than a match for the Terra Fiend below.

With this new plan in mind, he intended to gather more herbs and concoct additional Soul Amplifier to aid in Chen Qinghuang's revival.

"Thank you for the warning. I now understand the vile plot that Terra Fiend is harboring," said Denise, the esteemed Starborn lady, as she offered a salute in the manner of her people. "My thoughts are a bit scattered at the moment, so let's postpone the venom crafting."

Yu Yuan responded with a smile, "That sounds reasonable."

"Why don't we just talk?"

Denise settled herself on the ground and gestured towards the Voidfarer hovering in the sky, her lips moving slightly.

Yu Yuan instantly felt the sensation of being targeted by the crystal cannon dissipate.

He realized that the de facto ruler of the Upper Continent was extending even greater trust to him.

"Your breadth of knowledge is impressive. You have a profound understanding of the Everlands' geography and both the humans and evilkind. It's quite astonishing. I presume you hold a significant position within the Shadowkin?" Denise retrieved a goblet brimming with golden liquid from her sleeve and tossed it to Yu Yuan.

Enveloped in a swirl of stardust, the goblet glided smoothly to Yu Yuan, not spilling a single drop.

"You're treating me to meat, and I'm providing the wine, so we're even, right?" Denise said with a playful smile. "Let's not stand on ceremony. From this moment on, we're friends. After hearing so much from you, I've realized that our world of Zekrica isn't meant to keep you. I have no desire to offend you or to fight to the death, so by accepting this wine, let's consider it a sign of our new friendship."

Denise paused, then added earnestly, "I no longer regard you as a servant. We are equals, friends through and through."

"Agreed."

Yu Yuan downed his wine in one hearty swig.

"How uncouth."

Despite her words, Denise chuckled without a hint of disdain. She produced a wineskin and tossed it to Yu Yuan, "Refill it yourself."

The golden liquid was fiery and potent, a surprise to Yu Yuan.

He hadn't expected the dignified lady before him to not only enjoy wine but to have a preference for the strong stuff.

Without any pretense, Yu Yuan poured himself another drink and raised his glass to Denise, sipping slowly this time.

"You mentioned you're from Zagreus. Do you know what's happened in the nearby Annihilation Nebula?" Denise's brow furrowed as she let out a sigh. "My good-for-nothing brother attended a feast held by the Skyreach Consortium and hasn't been heard from since."

"My father is deeply concerned. He's already sent messages to Leo for an update. But Leo's been vague and hasn't provided a straight answer, which only adds to my father's worry."

As she spoke of Leo, Denise's eyes gleamed with admiration and desire, as though she were describing the prince of her dreams.

Even as she grieved for her missing brother, it was clear that the sparkle in her eyes was for Leo.

Yu Yuan paused, struck by the irony.

The catastrophe in Ionodios flashed through his mind, and he knew that Schwarz must have perished there.

Leo, born with an Altar of Rebirth and esteemed by Beru as a rare jewel, was likely withholding the truth to spare Denise's father from heartache.

The truth about Ionodios would come out eventually; it was only a matter of time before Denise's father learned of it.

Leo simply didn't want to be the bearer of such harsh realities.

"You seem quite taken with Leo," Yu Yuan steered the conversation in a new direction.

Denise blushed, her shyness evident. "My father is one of his followers. I've had the privilege of meeting him a few times. He truly is the pride of our Starborn, the beacon of our future. My father believes he's destined to be our next Patriarch because of his innate Altar of Rebirth. His accomplishments are expected to exceed those of our current Patriarch."

It was clear that Denise still held Leo in high regard.

Yu Yuan couldn't help but picture Leo in his mind, along with the farewell he bid to Leo and Beru, and Leo's invitation that followed. This brought a wry smile to his face.

"You seem to recognize Leo?" Denise asked, initially taken aback, then quickly shook her head. "I don't mean to tease or doubt you. Leo is of high standing, and not many among the Starborn have had the privilege of meeting him. I was lucky enough to see him because my father was involved in an early battle to protect him and has been a steadfast supporter ever since."

"I've never met him, only heard of him," Yu Yuan replied with a smile.

"In your Shadowkin, who does your family follow?" Denise inquired cautiously. "Feel free to not answer. We're friends, after all, and I'm just asking out of curiosity. If it's inconvenient for you, let's just drop it."

"Our family follows Mia," Yu Yuan admitted, though he only knew of her, he confidently responded.

Denise's demeanor instantly shifted to one of deep respect.

​