C1190

Yu Yuan was profoundly shaken.

Denise's words had completely upended his understanding of the Epitaxial Realm and shattered all his previous conjectures. What he had believed to be indigenous species, herbs, and the various Celestial Star Beasts of the Epitaxial Realm were, in fact, all alien! Conversely, the nerves calming grass, Flaming Heart Flower, and Demonic Beasts from the Boundless Great World, which he had assumed were transplants, turned out to be the true natives of the Epitaxial Realm.

Yu Yuan's emotions were indescribably odd, mirroring the expression on his face.

Where, indeed, did the Epitaxial Realm originate?

This question plunged him back into a prolonged period of deep contemplation.

Was it possible that the realm had been cleaved from the Boundless Great World, taken by the Demon God and beings of the Primordial Spirit Stage using world-altering methods, and then secretly positioned within the Starfield of the Star Race?

Following this line of thought, many mysteries began to unravel, such as the human remains, the nerves calming grass, the Flaming Heart Flower, and the numerous Demonic Beasts from the Boundless Great World.

Yet, Yu Yuan had never heard of any part of the Boundless Great World being excised and vanishing without a trace. Could there be another world, akin to the Boundless Great World, hidden within the vast expanse of the universe?

The former self from his first life had journeyed to the Epitaxial Realm via the Dragon Slash Platform, surely for a significant reason.

Had his past self been the architect of the Epitaxial Realm? Or was it the handiwork of the Divine Soul Sect?

His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, disordered and overwhelming, crowding his consciousness until he felt utterly befuddled.

Once again, he gazed into the depths of the cavern, pondering, "Earth Demon?"

His thoughts drifted naturally to the spirit plants and herbs he had encountered across the Upper and Lower Continents of the Epitaxial Realm, particularly near the toxic marshes and abundant spirit plants of the forbidden area on the Lower Continent.

Was it the unique essence of this world that spawned the Earth Demon, or did the presence of the Earth Demon give rise to the medicinal flora?

"Miss Denise, did the Earth Demon indicate that poison could heal him?" Yu Yuan inquired, his curiosity piqued by a sudden realization, "What exactly did he mean by 'poison'?"

"He didn't specify," she replied.

Denise of the Star Race watched Yu Yuan intently. After his initial shock subsided and he settled into a more reflective calm, she grew increasingly impressed by his exceptional nature. "The Earth Demon merely mentioned that the stronger the toxicity, the greater the benefit to him."

Yu Yuan nodded thoughtfully. "Are you aware that the Earth Demons of the Boundless Great World are notoriously cunning and malicious?"

"I am," Denise replied with a light chuckle. "That's precisely why I'm skeptical."

"In the Boundless Land where humans and demons coexist, there's a peculiar place known as the Iridescent Cloud Miasma Sea, teeming with venomous creatures and Earth Demons." Yu Yuan scanned his surroundings, his eyes shimmering with an unusual light. "If the Epitaxial Realm beneath us was severed from the Iridescent Cloud Miasma Sea and then transported to your Starfield..."

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

"The Earth Demon at the bottom of this cave might naturally be drawn to extreme poisons. Only the most toxic substances could aid in its rapid growth and strength." Yu Yuan sneered before continuing, "It's trapped underground, confined by the seals within and the lightning vortex above, rendering escape impossible."

"So, it's unable to gather the Epitaxial Realm's poisonous plants or capture venomous insects on its own. It might either manipulate you and your father with lies, coaxing you to brew deadly toxins for it, delivering them deep underground as it desires."

"Or..." He paused, glancing at the puddle of blood that was once a Seventh Level Warrior of the Crypt Clan.

"Or could it be compelling those Crypt Clan members, whose minds it has warped and who now worship it as a deity, to ingeniously collect toxic insects and plants to deliver to him?" Denise continued, her lovely face clouded with darkness. She bit her lip in frustration and added with vehemence, "The Earth Demons of the Boundless Great World are indeed deceitful and treacherous!"

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

He came to the stark realization that regardless of any connection between the Epitaxial Realm and the Iridescent Cloud Miasma Sea, the Earth Demon in the cave must consume these poisons to bolster its power and regain its strength.

Only by regaining its might could the Earth Demon break free from its shackles, fearless of the lightning vortex, and reemerge onto the surface world of the Epitaxial Realm!

Then, the Earth Demon might even take to the stars, achieving true freedom.

With this in mind, Yu Yuan grew more cautious, his gaze towards the cave intensifying with solemnity.

"Ah, it's such a shame that the Evil Cauldron isn't here."

Yu Yuan lamented inwardly. Ever since his first awakening, he felt that he should have kept both Yu Yiyi and the Evil Cauldron close by.

If that had been the case, what threat would a mere Earth Demon lurking in the cave pose?

With Yu Yiyi's formidable suppression, the Earth Demon would likely be transformed into an Evil Demon within the cauldron.

Regrettably, without the Evil Cauldron or Yu Yiyi, and with the necessity to nurture and temper the Life Altar, every bit of soul power and vital energy he refined was ruthlessly stripped away, significantly weakening his combat abilities.

In his current state, he lacked the confidence to overcome the cunning and treacherous Earth Demon that had been concealed for untold years.

Unless...

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

If Chen Qinghuang could be roused, even without her memories, her divine-level strength and deep understanding of the ultimate truths of destruction and death would make her more than a match for the Earth Demon below.

With this in mind, he resolved to gather more herbs and concoct additional soul liquid to aid Chen Qinghuang's awakening.

"Thank you for the heads-up. I've figured out the vile scheme that Earth Demon is concocting," said Denise, the esteemed daughter of the Star Race, offering a salute in her people's custom. "My mind is a bit cluttered at the moment, so let's postpone the poison-making for now."

Yu Yuan responded with a smile, "That sounds good to me."

"Let's just talk."

Denise settled herself on the ground and gestured towards the Galaxy Ancient Starship high above, her lips moving slightly.

Yu Yuan instantly felt the imminent threat 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.

"You're incredibly well-informed, with a profound understanding of both the Human and Demonic Beasts. I'm quite astonished. I presume you hold a significant position within your Dark Elfkind?" Denise produced a goblet brimming with golden liquid from her sleeve and tossed it to Yu Yuan.

Encased in a nebula, the goblet floated gracefully before Yu Yuan without spilling a drop.

"We're even now—you've offered me meat, and I've provided you with wine," Denise said with a smile, her eyes twinkling. "Let's not stand on ceremony. From this moment forward, we're friends. After hearing so much from you, I realize that the Epitaxial Realm cannot keep you. I have no desire to provoke you or engage in a fight to the death, so by accepting this drink, let's consider it a sign of our new friendship."

After a brief pause, Denise spoke earnestly, "I no longer view you as a servant; we are equals, friends!"

"Alright."

Yu Yuan downed his wine in one hearty gulp.

"How uncouth."

Denise shook her head, chuckling. Despite her words, there was no look of disdain on her face. Instead, she produced a wineskin and tossed it to Yu Yuan, "Add some more for yourself."

The golden liquor was spicy and fiery, catching Yu Yuan off guard.

He hadn't expected this lady of elegance to not only enjoy wine but to also have a preference for the stronger varieties.

Yu Yuan didn't hold back. He poured himself another serving and raised his glass to Denise, sipping leisurely this time.

"You mentioned you're from the Serene Starfield. Do you know what's happened in the nearby Oblivion Starfield?" Denise's brow furrowed as she sighed. "My good-for-nothing brother attended a banquet hosted by the Babel Chamber of Commerce and there's been no word from him since."

"My father is deeply concerned. He's sent messages to Leo inquiring about the situation. But Leo has been vague and hasn't provided a clear response, which only adds to my father's worry."

As she spoke of Leo, Denise's face lit up with admiration and longing, as though she were describing the prince of her dreams.

Even as she grieved for her brother, whose whereabouts were unknown, her eyes sparkled at the mention of Leo.

Yu Yuan paused, struck by the coincidence.

He recalled the cataclysmic events in the Plover Realm and realized that Schwarz must have perished there.

Leo, born with a Life Altar and esteemed by Beru as a rare gem, was likely hesitant to reveal the truth, not wanting to cause Denise's father undue heartache.

The truth about the Plover Realm couldn't be concealed forever, and Denise's father would eventually find out.

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

"You seem to have a fondness for Leo," Yu Yuan steered the conversation in a new direction.

Denise blushed, a shy smile spreading across her face. "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 Star Race, our beacon of hope for the future. My father believes he's destined to be our next Patriarch because of his innate Life Altar. His accomplishments are expected to exceed those of the current Patriarch."

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

The image of Leo sprang to Yu Yuan's mind, along with the memory of their farewell and Leo's invitation, prompting a quiet chuckle from him.

"You seem to recognize Leo?" Denise asked, initially taken aback, then she shook her head. "I mean no disrespect. Leo's status is prestigious, and within our Star Race, few have had the privilege of meeting him. I was only able to because my father had joined the battle to protect him long ago and has been a steadfast supporter ever since."

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

"Who does your family follow within the Dark Elfkind?" Denise inquired cautiously. "You don't have to answer. We're friends, after all, and I was just asking out of curiosity. If it's inconvenient for you, let's just drop it."

"We pledge allegiance to Mia," Yu Yuan confessed, though he was only familiar with that name, he stated it confidently.

Denise's demeanor instantly shifted to one of reverence.

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