C1340 The Solar Spirit Was Condensed!
In the Silver Sands Astral Domain, Cao Jiaze, the keeper of several Marks of the Celestials, sat with a dignified posture. He cradled one of the Marks in his hand, attuning himself to its subtle vibrations. This particular Mark could establish a direct link with the Banner of Duality, allowing him to receive the teachings of Han Miaoyuan.
After some time, Jiaze opened his eyes and reabsorbed the Mark into his body. With a faint smile, he addressed the gathered guests from the Everlands, "I've just received the latest update. The conflict in Brugeth has concluded, and you're all free to explore it on your own."
He reiterated the words that Yu Yuan had shared with him earlier.
Han Miaoyuan had recently contacted him via the Banner of Duality, but the information provided was incomplete. Han Miaoyuan mentioned that Chen Qinghuang, Brie, and the Wingkind's mightiest had emerged in Darkpinion. Brie had revealed to the Demon God Bertain some of the events that transpired in Brugeth.
However, Han Miaoyuan was vague on the details, merely indicating that Brugeth was momentarily safe.
Jiaze, however, was privy to the fact that the enigmatic Origin Deity had achieved a favorable outcome in Brugeth. The Blightwood had flourished, and Diggs had secured a malevolent fruit, promising him eternal life and the potential for a rapid advancement in his lineage.
He shared this knowledge, using Han Miaoyuan's message as a pretext, once again.
Consequently, Wei Zhuo, Xu Jingyao, and Mo Baichuan, along with others from the Ethereal Void Sect, propelled themselves towards the now-ethereal Brugeth.
Jiaze, aware of the true outcome, doubted they would uncover anything and chose to remain still. He stationed himself at the Starway, awaiting Han Miaoyuan's thorough search of Silver Sands for any trace of the Abyssal Greater Basilisk and the secrets of the Abyss.
Yue Mu, known as Rillrender, was preparing to join Du Yuan, Chen Qingyan, and a contingent of Sword Sect cultivators in venturing into the void of Brugeth to rendezvous with Ji Ningshuang.
Suddenly, Du Yuan's expression shifted. From the sheath of his Sword of Destruction, a sliver of sword's will carrying Gu Xingkui's essence surged forth.
Du Yuan's expression shifted as he intently focused on understanding the meaning before him.
"Qingyan, you stay here at the Starway with Cao!"
With an air of authority, Du Yuan instructed Chen Qingyan before turning to Yue Mu and selecting several exceptional Solar Spirits. "You, and the rest of you, come with me!"
The chosen ones gripped their sword sheaths, their excitement palpable.
"Master, my master..." Chen Qingyan began to protest.
"Be smart, I'm telling you not to go for your own good," Yue Mu interjected, tapping Chen Qingyan with the sheath of Rillrender to quiet her. "With your master's power, there's nowhere in the world you can't go."
Chen Qingyan, who held Yue Mu in high regard, reluctantly fell silent despite her discontent.
"Everyone?"
Cao Jiaze sensed something was amiss, his brow furrowing as his eyes lingered on Du Yuan.
"We're off to the Glimmerdrift Nebula to handle some business."
Du Yuan's tone was grave. "The Sword Sect has already notified your sect leader of the reasons. The Glimmerdrift Nebula is indeed off-limits, but we have a compelling reason to venture there. Rest assured, we have been granted permission."
"The Glimmerdrift Nebula?"
Those who hadn't yet departed for Brugeth gasped at the mention of the name.
Clearly, they were all aware that the Glimmerdrift Nebula, under the control of the Shura, was a forbidden area designated by the three upper sects, the Devil Palace, and Shadow's Keep, and not to be taken lightly.
With Du Yuan and Yue Mu, two Unbound Grand Sword Immortals, leading the way to the Glimmerdrift Nebula, there was undoubtedly a serious issue at hand.
"Stay safe!"
Cao Jiaze offered a respectful fist salute.
He was no fool; he understood that something significant must have transpired in the Glimmerdrift Nebula for Du Yuan and Yue Mu to be so eager to enter the forbidden area.
Chen Qingyan, who had been commanded to remain behind, felt a surge of anxiety upon learning they were headed to the Glimmerdrift Nebula.
Her instincts warned her that something was amiss.
...
In a land besieged by swirling snow and piercing winds, the cold cut to the bone.
Most of the Snow Bear's body plunged into the depths of the sea, leaving only its massive head above the surface.
The world's ice energy—from snow-capped mountains, vast ice fields, and the chill of the wilderness—flocked to it, infusing its beastly form and meridians, aiding in the restoration of its combat prowess.
It no longer required Ciara's assistance with the Frost Well to exert additional effort.
The energy it had expended in its battle with Gu Xingkui was swiftly replenishing, courtesy of the world around it and the Glimmerdrift Nebula.
Meanwhile, Yu Yuan sat firmly on the dragon platform, drenched in sweat.
His body was like a glowing red brand, his palm clutching a Fire Crystal, tirelessly refining the blazing flame energy and driving the Nine Glories Wheel to amass power at the Golden Sanctum acupoint.
This was because his Solar Spirit within his little world was on the verge of manifesting.
The Solar Spirit, identical in size and appearance to his real body yet brimming with astonishing vital energy, had a body as red as a Fire Crystal. It hovered in the dense blood mist of his little world, occasionally releasing a murky crystal.
These crystals were the impurities condensed from the Solar Spirit Body.
Each time crystals of various sizes were expelled from the Solar Spirit Body, his little world of vitality would quiver slightly.
In those moments, Yu Yuan would concentrate his thoughts and swiftly expel the tainted crystals from the acupoint.
He began with the Evil Body Refining technique to dissolve and purify the odd energies within, refining the blood clots containing remnants of Otherkin, and using the purified substance to temper his bones and muscles.
Any tiny grains that the Evil Body Refining technique couldn't dissolve or crush were left in the Golden Sanctum.
His Golden Sanctum acupoint had become a blazing furnace, assisting in the purification of impurities.
The Solar Spirit's metamorphosis was in its final phase, the exceptionally unique Solar Spirit, composed of various rare materials, began to cast off the dross.
This transformation was also the pivotal stage in his breakthrough from the Spirit Walk to the Solar Spirit Realm.
"Just at the Spirit Walk Realm, I'm on the cusp of a breakthrough, ready to transform into a Solar Spirit..."
Ciara, hovering above the Frost Well, finally understood the peculiarity of Yu Yuan's condition.
Yu Yuan was on the cusp of a breakthrough!
From a distance, she observed him intently, her face a canvas of shifting thoughts and emotions.
With the Frost Well's presence, and having been enlightened by Yu Yuan, she had clandestinely delved into his history. She discovered that this remarkable young man, who shone like a comet in the Everlands, was no ordinary individual.
He had lived two lifetimes! In his past life, he was that Divine Level herbalist renowned for mastering the art of poison!
Ciara had also come to know about the entanglement between Yu Yuan, the former Divine Level herbalist, and the Stardust Blade from three hundred years ago in the vast world of the Everlands.
It appeared that Ji Ningshuang, known as the Stardust Blade, was the one harboring a one-sided obsession with him.
"Endowed with memories from two lifetimes, wielding authority over the Dragon Slaying Stage, and having mastered Nie Qingtian's swordsmanship. Moreover, he's been taken under the wing of the Boulderdawn Sect, practicing the secret Soul Refining mystique..."
Ciara was astounded. She sensed that Yu Yuan, currently in the throes of his breakthrough, would pose a significant threat to the Shura in times to come.
Her gaze grew icy, flickering with a lethal and chilling light.
Yet, whenever she noticed that the "Dire Bear" was also keeping a watchful eye on Yu Yuan, she dared not make any rash moves.
"Wu! Wu! Wu!"
The snow bear issued a growl, expressing its impatience as if prompting something.
Ciara paused, then looked at the "snow bear" with a forlorn gaze.
The snow bear growled again, twice.
The Shura elder sighed, resigned to pilot the Frost Well out of this world, unable to defy the implied command.
When the "Dire Bear" indicated it was time to leave, she complied without hesitation.
Her earlier malicious intent to harm Yu Yuan dissipated without consequence.
"I'll be waiting outside. Should you need me, reach out at any time," Ciara offered before she departed beyond the wall.
The "snow bear" ignored her words. Once she vanished, the bear's large eyes reflected the image of Yu Yuan.
Gazing at Yu Yuan, it seemed troubled, as if aware that Yu Yuan's breakthrough had encountered some complications.
It pondered over the best way to assist Yu Yuan.
After some time, its eyes suddenly brightened, and a smile seemed to emerge on its furry face.
…