C1712 The Return of the Lunar Spirit
The numerous whirlwinds and storms encircling the pale golden star held cosmic energy that left even Yu Yuan in awe, and it was continuously emerging from within.
This cosmic energy spilled forth and dissipated across the Ashlands, spreading outward like a relentless tide.
Yu Yuan's eyes sparkled with intrigue.
He sensed that these whirlwinds and storms were channeling cosmic energy from the external realm into the Ashlands without pause.
His mind was suddenly filled with the vast expanse of the Everlands and the seven Wintermaw that connected to extraterrestrial realms.
These Wintermaw drew the chilling power from seven Frostfell skies, seeping into the earth's depths to counteract the fierce Earthfire, thus preventing the Everlands from being scorched into desolate ash and averting the annihilation of all life.
The multitude of whirlwinds and storms before him bore a striking resemblance to the Wintermaw's function, yet there were many more of them.
After a quick calculation, Yu Yuan discovered there were precisely thirty-six.
However, these whirlwinds and storms exuded not just harsh ice energy but a complex and powerful cosmic energy.
It was as if thirty-six Astral Domains or enigmatic locales were being perpetually stripped of their cosmic energy by these storms.
The cosmic energy drawn in was all channeled into the Ashlands, which is why the cosmic energy there far exceeded that of any other Star River.
"Thirty-six, the exact number of totem-poles in the Everlands," Yu Yuan mused in astonishment.
He then attempted to decipher the thirty-six whirlwinds and storms using his status and authority as the Ashlands' sovereign, only to be shocked to discover that he could not fathom their secrets.
Though these whirlwinds and storms were part of the Ashlands, they seemed to exist independently from it.
His consciousness, when directed into any of the whirlwinds and storms, vanished without a trace, failing to cause even the slightest ripple.
In the vast Ashlands, these whirlwinds and storms appeared to be the only mystery beyond his reach.
Consequently, he could not determine which starry realms they connected to or how they managed to secure an unending supply of psionic power.
"The Nagas seem to struggle with adaptation as well."
He observed that atop the pale golden star, various dragons such as the ice dragon, Jade Wyrm, green dragon, and fire dragon, though bound and wailing under the Draconic Soul Shackle, were still capable of drawing in divine force.
Amidst the whirlwinds and storms near the pale golden stars, vast reserves of cosmic energy were available.
Yet, the Nagas had dwelled in the Everlands for far too long.
In the years before Zhong Chichen and Loong Jie, it was rare for any of the Naga's giant dragons to venture out of the Everlands and soar through the Star River.
Even those with the capability often chose not to, fearing they'd become expendable pawns for the five supreme powers and meet an untimely end.
The Nagas, along with humans and the ancient evilkind, preferred the pure spiritual energy of the Everlands.
Their growth over the years, their bloodlines and dragon forms, were all forged through the consumption of this divine force.
While the Nagas above the pale golden stars had access to immense cosmic energy, they couldn't harness it immediately after absorption.
Their bodies had to undergo a process of purification and refinement to extract even a fraction of this power.
After all, the Nagas were not cosmic giant beasts.
The youngling in the Ashlands, positioned above the pale golden star, could effortlessly inhale the vast cosmic energy, no matter how varied and strange the powers within. It rapidly transformed and condensed it into the purest spiritual energy, which then diffused throughout its limbs and heart.
In that moment, Yu Yuan reflected on the Dragon Slaying Stage beneath him and the Everlands, recognizing their similar capabilities.
They transformed the dense and complex cosmic energy from beyond into pure spiritual energy, perfectly suited for all beings in the Everlands to absorb without hindrance.
"This star must be encased by a wall, a wall of wonder!" Yu Yuan mused, looking down at the Dragon Slaying Stage.
A long-forgotten scene unfolded before him.
The Dragon Slaying Stage underwent a transformation, swelling into a luminescent white barrier that enveloped the large pale golden star, becoming its protective wall.
The cosmic order that had emanated from the Dragon Slaying Stage seamlessly integrated with this newly formed barrier.
With the wall created by the Dragon Slaying Stage and the presence of the young beast, the pale golden stars within the thirty-six whirlwinds could swiftly purify the surging cosmic energy. It became pure spiritual energy, readily absorbable by the Nagas and all other creatures.
Protected by the wall, not only could high-ranking dragons traverse this space, but even ordinary mortals could do so with ease.
With the Dragon Slaying Stage's wall safeguarding the Everlands, its creatures could thrive tenfold. Moreover, the spiritual energy would be richer and continuously replenished.
Imagine the wonders and pinnacle beings that such a New Everlands could birth.
This thought alone stirred excitement within Yu Yuan.
He realized that the esteemed Titan Spinosaurus before him regarded this enigmatic star as the dragon's lair within the Ashlands. It was the very New Everlands he had selected in his past life!
The young creature and the Dragon Slaying Stage in his possession were integral to his scheme.
Primal Soul, Primal Blood, the young beast, Alien Planet, Dragon Slaying Stage, and the cycle of reincarnation driven by Youyu—all essential elements were in place.
Once he achieved the ultimate breakthrough and the Primal Soul imprints within his dominant soul were illuminated, he would grasp the entire Secrets of Life encoded within the Solar Spirit's Primal Blood. Then, he would venture into the depths of the Everlands.
He sought to understand the creation of the Origin, wrapped in the ultimate flames deep within the Everlands.
Knowing the formation of the Origin and how it could forge a divine seat once claimed by the mightiest would clear all hurdles.
The Project New Everlands could then advance smoothly, crafted from the pale golden star before him.
Even more astonishing was that after the Dragon Slaying Stage formed the wall, the seals against the Nagas remained intact.
As their master, he could release the Dragon God at will. If he chose not to, the bloodline bonds of the Nagas would be reestablished, preventing the emergence of a new Dragon God.
And perhaps, his control might extend beyond the Nagas.
Should he firmly grasp the Ashlands and unravel the secrets of the tempests, he could hold the Project New Everlands in his palm. Henceforth, all intelligent life residing in the New Everlands would be subject to his decree.
"What an ambitious plan!"
Yu Yuan immediately realized the ambitions of his past life.
"Release!"
At his command, all the Dragon Amulets binding the giant dragons transformed into a cascade of light, flying back from the stars ahead and vanishing into the Dragon Slaying Stage once more.
The Nagas were temporarily freed from their bonds, groaning in pain as they congregated around their current patriarch, Loong Jie.
Loong Jie, like a Titan clad in golden armor, gazed toward Yu Yuan, who appeared as a faint light in the distance. He knew that Yu Yuan was there, right in front of him.
He also realized that Yu Yuan had found the dragon's lair of the Old Titan Spinosaurus, the star they considered their second home, their second Dragon Island. This revelation filled Loong Jie with immediate terror.
He was clueless about Yu Yuan's next move and was consumed by fear of him.
After all, not even the younglings could elude Yu Yuan, nor could they stand against him in the Ashlands.
"Don't worry. I still need to uncover the myriad secrets within the Ashlands. As for your kin, haha, just make sure you don't leave the Ashlands," Yu Yuan's voice boomed with divine authority, echoing across the pale golden star.
All the giant dragons from the Everlands, upon hearing his voice, sought his whereabouts, but alas, they could not pinpoint his exact location as Loong Jie had.
But what difference did it make if they knew?
...
In the Annihilation Nebula, within Zekrica, Denise of the Starborn gazed down at the deep, enigmatic cave that once held Qiyan captive. Her beautiful face betrayed her confusion and panic.
Lately, as she delved into the star laws within her bloodline, she would sometimes connect with the enigmatic Soul Voice.
A gentle voice frequently surfaced in her mind, leaving her dizzy and astonishingly leading her to a secret technique to enhance her Soul Power.
She sensed that with the Divine Sword's departure, something beneath Zekrica was beginning to assert its presence.
"Using that method to scrutinize myself, it seems I can actually see my soul directly, and the bond between my soul and bloodline has grown even tighter," Denise murmured to herself.
Through the words of Yu Yuan and Youqian, she learned that beneath Zekrica, the Titanblade was suppressing something profound.
Yu Yuan had made a special trip here, intrigued by the entity beneath the surface. With the Divine Sword absent, the suppressed being reached out to her, offering to share its arcane knowledge of the soul.
After some deliberation, she attempted to cultivate using the methods it had imparted, and to her surprise, she reaped substantial benefits.
Over time, she found herself increasingly persuaded by the whispers of the subterranean Lunar Meridian.
...
From the vast chasm of the Moonfall Sanctuary, a spectral phantom silently emerged.
It flickered before materializing in front of Youqian, chuckling, "I didn't expect you to be so thorough in your duties."
Taken aback, the Sky Fiend Youqian stared at the phantom and blurted out, "You? How did you get here so suddenly?"
Yu Yuan, having stealthily returned as a Lunar Spirit, signaled Youqian to keep quiet. He then slipped into Youqian's demonform, opting not to manifest as a spirited body. "Why are Taixu and Taishi not in the forbidden area?"
His connection to the Soulforge Matrix meant he was immediately aware of the situation upon arriving in the forbidden area.
"Lord Taishi was guided by Lord Tianqi to the Boulderdawn's extraterrestrial headquarters to meet with Soul-Capturing," Youqian promptly responded. He glanced down at his demonform's arm, sensing Yu Yuan's Lunar Spirit, and continued, "Lord Taixu lingered for a few days before using the Godsblight Marsh as a conduit to the Ionodios. He mentioned wanting to meet with the formidable leaders of various races there to swiftly advance certain preparations."
Youqian was astonished. He swiftly briefed Yu Yuan on the recent significant events in the Everlands, then inquired, "Why have you returned so suddenly? Lord Taixu mentioned you wouldn't leave the Ashlands for some time, as you had many matters to attend to."
"My physical form and Solar Spirit are still present," Yu Yuan's spirited body conveyed through the Crucible of Evil while responding to Youqian.
"Master, I've been eagerly awaiting your return!" Yu Yiyi instantly replied.
