C372 A Delicacy
"In the vast expanse of the world, the coldest place is known as the Nether Abyss," Qin Yun spoke with a measured tone. "At the very depths of the Nether Abyss, cold currents solidify into ice, forming crystals that embody the ultimate chill. Many ice-attribute spiritual beasts make their home there, harnessing the frigid environment to enhance their cultivation. Similarly, practitioners of ice-based techniques, like those from the Cold Yin Sect, often endure the biting cold to strengthen their powers."
"The chill emanating from the base of this sword sheath feels distinct from that of the Nether Abyss," he continued. "It's a more desolate cold, tinged with a darkness that suggests it originates from the Asura of the Dark Domain, likely formed in some far-flung corner beyond the stars."
"Possibly, it's the very Dark Domain where the Asura resides."
Qin Yun's insights were unparalleled; he understood that every extreme in nature could be harnessed in countless ways.
"Young Master, should the Cold Yin Sect discover the potent cold force within your sword sheath, they would undoubtedly covet it," he cautioned.
"Young Master Yu, the Yu family still possesses an Ice Soul Crystal, coveted by the Cold Yin Sect to aid Lim Zhuyun's advancement," Ning Ji interjected.
Yuan Lianyao simply smiled, her lips pursed, choosing to remain silent.
Today's events have vindicated that the Lim family's past judgments were egregiously mistaken. Yu Yuan, whose remarkable talents shone through in the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area, Jade Peak, and the Absence Relic, has ascended quietly yet swiftly.
As he rises, Wong Jinlin, Wai Wujiang, and others deemed heirs by the seven lower sects have met their demise. Countless so-called prodigies have perished in both the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area and the Jade Peak Mountain Range.
Yet Yu Yuan is not only alive; he thrives.
The Lim family, particularly Lim Hanyu, who scorned Yu Yuan and even sought to dissolve his engagement to Lim Zhuyun by visiting Old Master Yu in Darkmoon City, has demonstrated profound folly.
Before long, the Silvermoon Empire will be rechristened as the Devil Moon Empire, favoring the Quietus Continent. And the Lim family? They are poised for a rapid fall from grace.
Regardless of the Cold Yin Sect's support from the shadows, the inevitable outcome remained unchanged.
Even the Su family would feel the repercussions.
Su Xiangtian chose the Taiyuan Sect for Su Yan, which was one of the seven subordinate sects on the Heavenly Source Continent, and it stood in opposition to the newly-formed Devil Moon Empire.
With this realization, Yuan Lianyao's gaze upon Yu Yuan was filled with admiration and wonder.
It was at that moment.
Yu Yuan paused, sensing a faint message from the sword soul within his arm bone.
The sword soul conveyed that it couldn't maintain its clarity of consciousness for extended periods, particularly after a battle, and required time to recuperate.
It advised him to refine his Heavenly and Earth Souls and to embrace the extreme cold at the base of the sword sheath during his physical cultivation at the Profound Break Stage.
The frigid power, refined by the Asura of the Dark Domain, held boundless potential for his training.
This cold force, restrained by the sword's intent, was forever bound within the sheath.
For the foreseeable future, he could harness this chill to incrementally fortify himself.
"So, it has such remarkable utility."
Yu Yuan, buoyed by this insight, sought to understand the nature of the immense spectral soul that had manifested from his Heavenly Soul.
But the sword soul fell silent, offering no further response.
"Yu Yuan, the young lady from the Silver Moon Sect has been quite attentive to you, and to us," Yuan Lianyao's bright eyes shifted as she gestured toward Lau Ying, standing solitary. "Without her wielding the Fallen Star Eyes to guide us, we would have faced peril."
Ning Ji was quick to agree, "Indeed."
Prompted by their words, Yu Yuan approached Lau Ying with a warm smile.
As Yu Yuan drew near, Lau Ying's feelings were a tangle of emotions.
She had not anticipated that this youth from the Yu family, initially striking a favorable chord, would become pivotal amidst the chaos of the Absence Relic.
Yu Yuan had earned the esteem of a Chopping Moon cultivator, harboring a sword soul within, and at the critical juncture, he vanquished the lingering soul of the Asura from the Dark Domain, securing their victory.
The schemes of the Silvermoon Queen and Shen Feiqing had come to naught.
She could scarcely believe that the architect of their downfall was the same young man who had recently engaged in deep conversation with her about the Fallen Star Eyes.
In just a matter of days, her perception of Yu Yuan had shifted dramatically.
"Lau Ying, thank you," Yu Yuan said, his smile radiant. "Without you using the Fallen Star Eyes to lead them, many might have fallen to the Tusk Troops."
"Don't mention it," Lau Ying replied, her lips pressed together.
She glanced up at the Fallen Star Eyes hovering above her, hesitated briefly, and then asked, "Would you join me at the top again?"
Off in the distance, Xu Zixi, who was chatting with Zhan Tianxiang and Zhao Yafu, caught a glimpse of the exchange. Her bright eyes sparkled with surprise.
When had Lau Ying ever been one to extend such an invitation to visit the Fallen Star Eyes?
Xu Zixi, familiar with Lau Ying from her time in the Divine Might Empire, knew well that Lau Ying's seemingly approachable demeanor belied a deep-seated indifference to everything, including people—all people.
Lau Ying's coldness was of a different sort, imperceptible to most.
She was not one to grow close to anyone...
The Fallen Star Eyes, attuned to her spirit, were sometimes her way of sheltering others from danger, a means to safeguard lives.
Outside of dire circumstances, she seldom allowed entry to the Fallen Star Eyes.
That she would now proactively extend an invitation to sit with her was a rarity.
And Lau Ying had specifically said, "sit again"...
Implying this wasn't the first time.
"Has this girl turned over a new leaf?" Xu Zixi wondered, her gaze curious.
"Sure, let's go up and sit. Conversations with you are always a pleasure," Yu Yuan responded with ease, gesturing for Lau Ying to lead the way.
Starlight cascaded down like a waterfall, enveloping them both.
Curious eyes converged on the scene.
Enveloped in starlight, the two ascended into the Fallen Star Eyes, a renowned artifact of the Boundless Land, which then soared skyward and vanished from sight.
Before long, the Fallen Star Eyes came to a halt, and Lau Ying and Yu Yuan found themselves back at their previous location.
"Do you recall what you promised me?" Lau Ying asked, glancing at the ground nonchalantly.
"Haha, of course, I remember," Yu Yuan replied, eyeing the scattered shells and peels around them. "Once I've cultivated the Purple Crystal Grapes, you're free to enjoy them as much as you like. Yes, I understand—it's a debt I owe you."
With a playful wink, Yu Yuan added, "You don't doubt my ability to grow the Purple Crystal Grapes anymore, do you?"
"It's not that I don't trust you; I trust her," Lau Ying said, pointing casually with her long finger.
Her gesture indicated a seemingly random table above the Fallen Star Eyes, but in an instant, starlight spilled forth, transforming into a floating island.
At that moment, the floating island was brimming with spiritual energy, its vibrant colors swirling ceaselessly within.
Yu Zhu was out of sight, yet it was clear from the outside looking in that she was orchestrating everything, her influence extending over the floating island and even reshaping the entire Absence Relic.
"I never imagined she would be the one to receive the greatest blessing," Lau Ying remarked with unexpected admiration when speaking of Yu Zhu. "She nearly exhausted all her blood essence for you."
Yu Yuan fell silent for a beat, then nodded in acknowledgment. "I'm aware."
"Take good care of her," Lau Ying said earnestly.
"Of course," Yu Yuan assured her with a slight smile, then turned to the girl before him and continued, "Your actions have endeared me to the Silver Moon Sect. I'm aware that you reached out to help her when Van Yan made his move. Your intervention has earned her favor, and by extension, the favor of the Silver Moon Sect."
Lau Ying's eyes sparkled. "Really?"
"You, Lau Ying, will find many conveniences in the Absence Relic going forward, and your fellow Silver Moon Sect members will enjoy certain privileges," Yu Yuan confirmed. "Should you one day become the leader of the Silver Moon Sect, your practitioners will be able to traverse the Absence Relic freely with minimal restrictions."
At his words, Lau Ying's joy was palpable.
"Yu Yuan, if you haven't yet pledged yourself to any sect, I would be honored to introduce you to the Silver Moon Sect."
