C1868 Promote Growth

The Starpierced Armor nestled within the dilapidated confines of a little world.

The beast's form nearly filled the underground realm, its body quivering slightly. The nebulous cosmic energy emanating from within transformed into a crystalline shield, enveloping its hidden cage.

"A wall of the starry sky!"

"Does it possess such a power?"

Duan Yisheng and Tan Junshan's expressions flickered with astonishment as they softly gasped in the suddenly enchanting inner world.

The not-yet-mature Starpierced Armor, employing one of its innate theurgies, had forged a wall around this little world, seemingly as a precaution against something.

In the Ashlands, amidst the multitude of domains, none had such a wall—this was a first.

"It's on guard against the Starborn," Liu Ying stated, standing atop the Fallen Star Eyes. Through the wall wrought by the Starpierced Armor, she could discern several Starborn silhouettes on a moderately sized meteorite in the distance, among them Denise.

"It's Ballo."

Duan Yisheng's expression grew somber. As he prepared to hastily depart the Ashlands, he hesitated, "We're in the Ashlands, and Ballo appears to hold Yu Yuan in high regard. Surely he wouldn't act rashly?"

"It has an aversion to the Starborn," Liu Ying clarified.

"Ballo mentioned wanting it to glance at the star chart on its shell once it reaches maturity," Tan Junshan mused, stroking his chin and sensing the pulsations of the Starpierced Armor's lineage below. "Surely a brief look at the nascent star chart won't affect it?"

"Ms. Ji shares that sentiment," Liu Ying responded.

"Here's what we'll do."

Duan Yisheng shot Jun Chen a stern look, "Let this young lady remain here, and have Shi Jing'er from the Chamber of Commerce look after her. You and I will seek out Taishi from Boulderdawn! They once vowed to reserve a Supreme God seat for our Starmoon Sect!"

Moved, Tan Junshan admitted, "Truthfully, I'm not in such an urgent need."

As they conversed, the Starpierced Armor's wall spontaneously formed an opening—a "door."

The Dragon Slaying Stage descended gracefully.

Yu Yuan, Taishi, Taixu, and Ann Ziqing materialized on the luminescent stone platform, their faces etched with grave solemnity.

"Let's have a discussion."

Yu Yuan gazed at the earth beneath his feet, while Taishi gave a slight nod. With a gesture towards the fissure in the ground, it rapidly widened.

The Starpierced, attempting to shrink further into concealment, was compelled to emerge within the gaping crevice.

"It's gathering floating stones and meteors nearby to expand its little world," Taishi remarked, his mood sour and his expression grim. He gestured to Liu Ying to ease her worry, adding, "We intend to aid its metamorphosis, to hasten its maturity. Rest assured, the Starpierced is highly valuable; we mean it no harm."

Relieved, Liu Ying responded respectfully, "Lord Taishi, it can assist in forming a wall around the stars."

Taishi's eyes brightened, though his mood remained subdued. He acknowledged, "So it is true."

He had learned from Yu Yuan on the Dragon Slaying Stage that a wall had already begun to take shape within the Starpierced's hidden little world, a manifestation of its innate theurgy.

In the Ashlands, the cosmic energy is wildly erratic. Without the protection of a wall, warriors of lower Otherkin bloodlines would struggle to survive on suitable stars, even if they relocated to the Ashlands.

Should the Starpierced reach maturity, capable of constructing walls for those stars and purifying the cosmic energy that drives lesser beings to madness, it would completely resolve this issue.

"What do you require for your transformation and growth?"

Yu Yuan inquired, looking at the Starpierced's head that was faintly illuminated by a cluster of starlight.

At that moment, Liu Ying stepped into its headspace.

Transforming into its will's emissary, she conveyed, "It needs an abundance of vital energy, and... some of your blood would accelerate its growth. Ah, it specifically mentioned blood, not lifeblood; it wouldn't presume to ask for so much."

"My blood?" Yu Yuan was taken aback.

"Yes," she confirmed, "it believes your blood harbors the power to fast-track life's evolution. Whereas lifeblood carries the power to induce life's transformation and holds the secrets of the Secrets of Life."

Liu Ying spoke on behalf of the Starpierced Armor.

"It seems to be quite familiar with you," Taishi remarked gravely.

"It's familiar with the supreme Titan Spinosaurus," Yu Yuan responded offhandedly, then added after a moment's thought, "I can satisfy its needs."

Boom!

The earth trembled fiercely, and the Starpierced Armor, hidden beneath the surface, appeared to be quite agitated.

"Furthermore, it does not wish to interact with any members of the Starborn until it has matured. It has expressed a dislike for the Starborn, citing past instances where its kind was hunted by them," Liu Ying continued.

"That won't be an issue," Yu Yuan concurred. Intent on accelerating the Starpierced Armor's maturation, he displayed the complete star chart on its shell, ready to invest in its potential.

The exact locations of the Wraithlands and the Otherworld, where the Beast God originated, could be determined once the Starpierced Armor reached maturity.

"Lord Taishi, a new origin has emerged in the Everlands; we wish to return," Duan Yisheng from the Star Sect interjected, unable to contain himself any longer. Accompanied by Jun Chen and Tan Junshan, he approached Taishi and Ann Ziqing and announced, "Lee Sha has passed away. Tan has delved into the arcane secrets of the moon and shows promise as a future deity."

Mentioning Lee Sha caused a shadow to pass over Tan Junshan's face. "Your sect did nothing when our Senior Sister passed," he accused.

Duan Yisheng and Jun Chen's brows furrowed at the accusation.

"A divine seat was promised, and I intend to honor that. However, Lee Sha's advancement to the tenth level, integrating the Moonlit Wanderers and the ancient Moonfiend, was also partly due to the efforts of our Boulderdawn Sect," Taishi countered, his displeasure evident as he addressed the resentful group. "Lee Sha entered the Everlands unannounced and was slain by Lin Daoke. Surely, she bears some responsibility for her own fate?"

"We had considered assisting Tan Junshan in securing a divine seat in due time. She was simply too hasty."

"Why did she choose to contend with Ji Ningshuang and directly oppose Lin Daoke?"

Taishi spoke these words and then turned to Yu Yuan, whose mood was somber due to Kaiya's uncertain fate, offering no warmth to the members of the Starmoon Sect.

Yu Yuan seemed not to hear him.

"This was prepared for Asa. Use it first."

The graceful Taixu reluctantly handed over a Cosmos Ring to Yu Yuan. "You also promised to revive Asa when the time was right."

Upon receiving the ring and projecting his divine sense into it, Yu Yuan saw rows of massive cabinets filled with thousands of bottles and jars.

Some contained colorful blood, while others held the frozen flesh of alien beasts.

"I remember."

Yu Yuan crossed through the hazy starlight and, like Liu Ying, entered the head section of the Starpierced. He passed the ring to Liu Ying, instructing her to feed it.

"My blood, not my life essence."

He furrowed his brow, lost in thought for a moment, then touched the wrinkled neck of the Starpierced with his finger, allowing his blood to flow.

Whoosh!

With the infusion of Yu Yuan's blood, the Starpierced and the wall it had condensed burst forth with dazzling brilliance.

On the other side, Ballo and Leo's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"After Yu Yuan is done, let's see if he can use the Eiwrone to send you back to the Everlands," Taishi said, offering reassurance to Duan Yisheng and the others. "I have another proposition. With the forging of the New Everlands, a new Supreme God Seat will emerge. We at Boulderdawn intend to ascend in Tyria. The Starmoon Sect might want to consider waiting and joining us."

Taishi was exceedingly careful, given the potential changes to the Primal Soul of the Everlands, though he couldn't state his concerns outright. He left the choice to the Starmoon Sect.

"New Everlands? Tyria?" Duan Yisheng looked bewildered. "When is this supposed to happen? Are we expected to just wait indefinitely?"

"I'm not particularly rushed," Tan Junshan added.

"You have time to think it over. Even if you proceed to the Everlands, there's no harm in further contemplation. Naturally, the plans for the New Everlands should remain confidential."

"Understood."

Several days later, Jun Chen abruptly rose to his feet. Having just spoken with Shi Jing'er, he declared in astonishment, "The Astral Tiger and the essence of Yu Zhu have also returned to the depths of the Everlands!"

"What?"

Duan Yisheng and Tan Junshan were both stunned.

Could it be that the Astral Tiger and Yu Zhu had also perished?

"Lin Daoke from the Sword Sect said that once Yu Yuan's Solar Spirit returns to the Everlands, the new triad of sources will be determined by Boulderdawn!"

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