C372 The Most Delicious Dish

"In the vast Everlands, the coldest place known is the Frozen Hellscape."

Qin Yun spoke with a sense of ease, "At the very bottom of the Frozen Hellscape, currents of cold solidify into ice, crystallizing into the purest form of cold. Many spirit animals with ice attributes thrive there, using it to hone their abilities. Similarly, practitioners of ice magic, like those from Winter's Bite, often seek out these frigid currents for their rigorous training."

"The chill emanating from the base of the sword sheath feels distinct from that of the Frozen Hellscape."

"It's far more desolate, with an undercurrent of dark coldness. If I'm not mistaken, it likely originates from the Shura of the Dark Realm, somewhere beyond the stars."

"Perhaps it is from the very Dark Realm where the Shura resides."

Qin Yun was no ordinary individual; he understood that in this world, every extreme held infinite potential.

"Young Master, should Winter's Bite discover the ice energy concealed within your sword sheath, they would undoubtedly attempt to seize it," he cautioned.

"Mr. Yu, your Yu family still possesses a Celestial Ice Crystal, which Winter's Bite desires for Lin Zhuyun's advancement," Ning Ji interjected.

Yuan Lianyao simply pursed her lips, smiling silently.

Time had proven the Lin family's past judgments to be egregiously wrong.

Yu Yuan, who had made a name for himself in the Moonfall Sanctuary, Serpent Spine Mountains, and Forgotten Ruins, was quietly rising to prominence.

As he ascended, disciples like Wang Jinlin and Wei Wujiang, once favored by the seven lower sects, had met their demise ahead of him.

Many so-called prodigies from the Moonfall Sanctuary and Serpent Spine Mountains had also perished.

Yet Yu Yuan was not only still alive, but he was also thriving!

The Lin family, particularly Lin Hanyu, had underestimated Yu Yuan. He even went out of his way to Asvetaesi to meet with Old Mr. Yu, seeking to dissolve the betrothal to Lin Zhuyun—a decision that was foolish in the extreme.

Before long, the Silvermoon Empire would be rechristened as the Shadowlight Empire, with a new inclination towards the Land of Quiescence.

The Lin family was on the brink of a swift decline.

Regardless of how much support Winter's Bite provided, they could not avert this inevitable downfall.

Even the Su family would find themselves caught in the ripple effects of these events.

Su Xiangtian had selected the Abyssal Dawn Sect for Su Yan, which was one of the seven great lower sects on the Euwrea Continent. It was inconceivable for the Abyssal Dawn Sect to align with the newly formed Shadowlight Empire.

With this realization, Yuan Lianyao's gaze fell upon Yu Yuan's striking eyes, shimmering with fascination.

In that instant,

Yu Yuan paused, suddenly perceiving a faint message from the sword spirit within his arm bone.

The sword spirit conveyed that it couldn't sustain its clarity of spiritual wisdom for extended periods, particularly after a battle; it required time to rest and recuperate.

It advised him to refine his heaven soul and earthly soul, and even when advancing to the Veil Breaking realm and strengthening his physique, he should attempt to sense the intense ice power at the base of the sword sheath.

The ice power, honed by the Shura of the Dark Realm, had boundless applications and would significantly aid his cultivation.

This power, restrained by the sword's will, was eternally bound to the sheath.

He could utilize this chilling stream in his training for an extended period, gradually augmenting his own strength.

"So it has such remarkable utility."

Yu Yuan felt a surge of pleasure. He sought to communicate with the sword spirit once more, eager to understand the nature of the vast ethereal soul that had manifested from his heaven soul.

But the sword spirit fell silent, seemingly slipping into a quiet slumber.

"Yu Yuan, that young lady from the Starmoon Sect has been quite helpful to you and us," Yuan Lianyao said, her bright eyes indicating Liu Ying, who stood in solitude. "Without her wielding the Fallen Star Eyes to guide us, we would have faced peril."

Ning Ji was the first to agree, nodding, "Indeed."

Taking their words to heart, Yu Yuan considered for a moment before approaching Liu Ying with a warm smile.

As Yu Yuan made his way toward her, Liu Ying's emotions were a whirlwind of complexity.

She had not anticipated that this young man from the Yu family, who had initially made such a favorable impression, would emerge as a pivotal figure amidst the chaos of the Forgotten Ruins.

Yu Yuan had gained the endorsement of a Moon Slayer cultivator, harboring a sword spirit within him, which allowed him to vanquish the lingering soul of the Shura from the Dark Realm at the most critical juncture, securing victory.

The Silvermoon Queen, Shen Feiqing, saw her scheme crumble to dust.

She found it hard to believe that the architect of her downfall was the same young man who had recently engaged in deep conversation with her about the Fallen Star Eyes.

Only a few days had passed, yet her perception of Yu Yuan had completely shifted.

"Liu Ying, thank you," Yu Yuan said, his smile radiant. "Without you using the Fallen Star Eyes to guide them, many might have fallen to the Blackfang Legion."

"There's no need for such formality," Liu 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 for another visit to the top?"

Xu Zixi, who was conversing with Zhan Tianxiang and Zhao Yafu in the distance, caught sight of this and a flicker of surprise crossed her bright eyes.

When had Liu Ying ever taken the initiative to invite someone to the Fallen Star Eyes?

Having spent time in the Sunblessed Empire, Xu Zixi was well-acquainted with Liu Ying and knew that despite her approachable demeanor, she truly cared about nothing.

This apathy extended to people—all people.

Liu Ying's indifference was of a different kind, imperceptible to most.

She never grew particularly close to anyone...

The Fallen Star Eyes, attuned to her spirit, were sometimes used to shelter individuals from danger, a measure taken solely to preserve lives.

Outside of perilous times, she rarely allowed access.

Now, her proactive invitation to sit together was a rarity.

And Liu Ying had specifically said "another visit"...

Implying this wasn't the first time.

"Has she had a change of heart?" Xu Zixi wondered, her gaze curious.

"Sure, let's go up. Conversations with you are always a pleasure," Yu Yuan responded with ease, gesturing for Liu Ying to lead the way.

Starlight poured down like a waterfall, enveloping them both.

Curious eyes followed their ascent.

Engulfed in the starlight, the two were transported into the Fallen Star Eyes, an artifact renowned throughout the Everlands. It soared upwards and vanished from sight, leaving onlookers in awe.

Before long, the Fallen Star Eyes came to a halt, and Liu Ying and Yu Yuan found themselves back where they had been before.

"Do you remember what you promised me?" Liu Ying asked, glancing at the ground beneath her.

"Ha, remember? Of course, I do," Yu Yuan replied, looking at the discarded shells around them. "Once I've grown the amethyst grapes, you can eat your fill. Yes, I owe you that much."

With a wink, Yu Yuan added, "You don't doubt my ability to grow amethyst grapes anymore, do you?"

"It's not that I don't believe in you, but I do believe in her," Liu Ying said, pointing casually with her slender finger.

Her aim was a random table above the Fallen Star Eyes.

In an instant, starlight spilled forth, transforming into a floating island.

At that moment, the floating island was brimming with spiritual energy, its interior awash with a constant flow of vibrant colors.

Though Yu Zhu was not visible, it was clear from the outside looking in that she was orchestrating everything from within, influencing the floating island and even the vast changes across the Forgotten Ruins.

"It's truly unexpected that she received the greatest blessing," Liu Ying remarked with surprising admiration when speaking of Yu Zhu. "She nearly exhausted her lifeblood for you."

Yu Yuan fell silent for a moment before nodding. "I'm aware of that."

"Treat her well," Liu Ying said earnestly.

"Of course," Yu Yuan replied with a soft smile, turning to the girl before him. "Thanks to you, I've taken a liking to the Starmoon Sect. I'm aware that you extended a helping hand when Van Yan made his move against her. Your actions have earned her favor, as well as that of the Starmoon Sect for the future."

Liu Ying's eyes sparkled. "Really?"

"Yes, Liu Ying, you'll find many conveniences in the Forgotten Ruins going forward, and your Starmoon Sect will enjoy certain privileges," Yu Yuan confirmed. "Should you truly become the master of the Starmoon Sect one day, your sect's cultivators will be able to traverse the Forgotten Ruins with few restrictions."

With each word, Liu Ying's joy grew.

"Yu Yuan, if you haven't yet pledged yourself to any sect, I could introduce you to the Starmoon Sect."

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