C1276 The Spirit World

Underground, Pei Yuling and the gaunt elder of the Shadowkin stood on opposite sides of the enigmatic Origin Gate, each with a distinct expression. The elder appeared deep in thought, as if weighing and comparing something in his mind. Pei Yuling, on the other hand, was visibly shaking with excitement, breathing heavily as if he longed to thrust his head through the open Origin Gate to get a better look inside.

The Origin Gate, resembling a massive, colorful butterfly, hovered in the subterranean space. Beams of light converged, casting the butterfly's sinister silhouette in a brilliant and ethereal glow, giving it an almost surreal appearance. The butterfly's wings were the Origin Gate itself, harboring astonishing space magic within.

Both wings served as portals to the enigmatic Origin Realm. Pei Yuling and the Shadowkin elder could only see an endless array of intertwining lights. They sensed two distinct consciousnesses emanating from within: the deep and elusive Origin Deity and, closer to the surface, a more tangible soul that seemed to belong to the peculiar, resplendent butterfly.

Unable to contain his curiosity, Pei Yuling's body quivered as he inquired, "The one that just displayed its divine powers, the one closer to us, could it be?" His voice shook with overwhelming excitement as he fixed his gaze on Diggs, the Shadowkin elder. "Is it truly that entity? Is it also a member of our fold?"

Diggs gave a slow nod, his knowledge of the truth rendering him unimpressed by the revelation, and he regarded the exuberant Pei Yuling with a hint of disdain.

"Good heavens!" Pei Yuling gasped, struggling to quell the thrill that surged within him. His acquaintance with the Origin Gate was relatively brief, and from the onset of his devotion to the being within, he had never before been privy to such an astonishing secret. The Voidweaver, too, resided within the Origin Gate, sharing their reverence for the Origin Deity.

What did this imply? It suggested that the entire race crafted by the Voidweaver, all endowed with masterful space magic, could be harnessed by them, offering aid and convenience.

Suddenly, Pei Yuling was struck by the realization that the Origin Deity he worshipped was an entity that transcended all known rules.

With a crack, a small meteorite, drawn by an inexplicable force, merged with the colossal meteorite they occupied, slowly fusing together under the influence of a mysterious power.

"It's beginning."

A mad gleam shone in Diggs's dark green eyes. "The fragmented Spirit World will once again coalesce and echo throughout the vastness of space!"

One by one, nearby meteorites began to drift over of their own accord.

Years ago, the Spirit World was the hub of Brugeth, the sacred place where Diggs worshipped the Origin Deity and sought communion.

Now, the broken Spirit World seemed to be on a path to restoration!

...

"Not long ago, the individual who appeared at the Mystic Gate alongside Pei Yuling was likely the Shadowkin's Diggs," Yan Qiling explained, while simultaneously steering the silver meteorite beneath them toward the heart of the extraterritorial battlefield.

Chen Qinghuang sat quietly in a corner, her eyes closed in deep sleep.

It was known to all that she was assimilating the chaotic memories from ten thousand years ago by this means, recalling the ultimate truth she had once grasped after consuming the essence of archdemons and alien beasts.

Everyone maintained a respectful distance, careful not to disturb her.

"Diggs!"

The elder of the Frostfiend clan's face paled, his eyes reflecting both shock and surprise. "He was supposed to be dead?"

All eyes, including those of the Frost Queen, turned towards him in unison.

"He's my Uncle Moore," the Frost Queen said offhandedly.

"What do you know?" inquired Yan Qiling.

"Diggs was once the Grand Priest of the Shadowkin," Moore replied gravely.

Frost Queen chimed in, "Master, Diggs's existence predates that of Wen Lu's parents. He was an earlier generation's Grand Priest."

Yu Yuan nodded in understanding.

"Brugeth was once under his dominion, reputed to have been a thriving Astral Domain, the Shadowkin's second largest," the elder Frostfiend shared hesitantly, attempting to clarify for the group. "Legend has it that during a ritual, he accidentally made contact with an enigmatic goast. This encounter drove Diggs into madness, and he fell under the sway of this sinister spirit, becoming a disciple of the Evil God."

Moore paused, his gaze icy and his face etched with revulsion.

"Subsequently, he conducted numerous dark sacrifices in secret across various domains within Brugeth. His actions brought untold suffering to the Shadowkin, Moonlit Wanderers, Silverscale Tribe, and Crypt Clan, as he offered up the souls of intelligent beings."

Many creatures across various domains died en masse, and the Shadowkin sensed that something was amiss.

Consequently, the Shadowkin patriarch led a contingent of their strongest members to the Brugeth in secret. After some investigation, they executed Diggs in the Spirit World where his family resided and stripped him of all his powers.

It is rumored that before his death, Diggs initiated one last vile sacrificial rite. The aftermath was catastrophic: the Spirit World shattered, and several of the Shadowkin who had executed him perished as well.

His followers, those who were loyal to him, echoed his actions by conducting sacrificial ceremonies in other parts of the Brugeth. This led to the obliteration of entire domains, planets, and stars.

The annihilation of the Brugeth can largely be attributed to Diggs.

After the Shadowkin deserted the Brugeth and its stars were destroyed, other domains collapsed. Humans later stumbled upon this place and discovered numerous remnants of scarce magic items, prompting them to explore. Over time, as experts from other races arrived to hunt humans, the Brugeth evolved into a notorious extraterritorial battlefield.

Moore provided a thorough explanation.

Yan Qiling nodded in agreement throughout. Once Moore concluded, he supplemented, "Diggs was among the first disciples of the Origin Deity. The so-called mysterious goast is the Origin Deity itself. The initial sacrificial rituals were meant to forge the Origin Gate and establish a connection with the Origin Realm."

After a brief pause, he continued, "Back then, the Origin Deity wasn't as formidable as it is now; its influence and reach were only just emerging. Diggs... he likely didn't die at that time. I surmise he fled to the Origin Realm in spirit form. This time, he must have returned, collaborating with Pei Yuling on some grand scheme within the Brugeth."

"The Voidweaver has joined their ranks as well?" Moore exclaimed in astonishment.

Yan Qiling affirmed with a grunt, "It's not the Origin Deity itself. It's a soul that has merged with the Origin Realm, either obeying the Origin Deity or working in alliance with it, sharing common goals and philosophies."

"The Origin Deity is that terrifying?" Moore was taken aback.

"I share your sentiment," Yan Qiling replied with a wry smile.

Yu Yuan, Yan Ziyang, and Yu Yiyi, pondering the magnitude of power the Voidweaver represented and the fact that the Origin Deity could sway it to act on its behalf, felt as though a heavy weight had settled upon their chests.

"Notify the Boulderdawn, Skyreach Consortium, and the other clans," Yu Yiyi said with a dismissive curl of her lip. "We should also inform the five greatest powers of the Everlands about the impending events in the Spirit World, guided by the Origin Deity, who is considered a common foe by all parties."

She cast a covert, cold glance at Chen Qinghuang, seemingly of the opinion that the Empress was meddling unnecessarily.

The Origin Deity, capable of persuading the Voidweaver, had plans for the Spirit World. Why interfere at all? Why not let the formidable figures handle it? She continued her silent tirade.

Suddenly, a crimson bolt of lightning tore through the Star River ahead, coming to an abrupt halt.

Qiao Yuling and Qi Yunhong of Tempest's Edge materialized within the lightning, turning back in astonishment.

"Mr. Yu?!"

Without regard for Qiao Yuling, Qi Yunhong pivoted mid-air, treading a sequence of dense lightning bolts to swiftly join them. "What brings you to the extraterritorial battlefield? Take my advice and evacuate immediately. A horrific event has unfolded inside, claiming numerous lives."

He genuinely cared for Yu Yuan, spilling details the moment he arrived, his words laced with urgency.

Indeed, the Spirit World had undergone a sinister transformation. Various Otherkin, compelled by an unseen force, were converging at the heart of the battlefield.

Those who ventured into the once tranquil Spirit World met with swift and brutal ends.

"We're headed there," declared Yu Yuan.

"What do you know?" Qiao Yuling asked, steeling herself as she approached.

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