C373 Reappearance of Vitality
In Euwrea, the Starmoon Sect was renowned for its strength and heritage, surpassed only by the Ethereal Void Sect. It ranked slightly above the Thunder Sect, Winter's Bite Sect, and Abyssal Dawn Sect. Unlike the Ethereal Void Sect, the Starmoon Sect boasted a long and storied history, cultivating positive relationships across both the Land of Quiescence and Euwrea.
The Starmoon Sect maintained a profound friendship with the Sword Sect and had significant ties with both the Order of Healing and the Skyreach Consortium. Its reputation was well-regarded, much like that of the Abyssal Dawn Sect.
"I heard that your fiancée, Lin Zhuyun, was taken in by the Chief Elder of Winter's Bite Sect as a hand-chosen disciple," Liu Ying said with a sweet smile, her sincerity shining through. "Given my standing within the Starmoon Sect, I can assure you that I'll find you an even more influential patron than Lin Zhuyun."
After a brief pause and noticing Yu Yuan's lack of reaction, she continued, "If you find the Starmoon Sect's cultivation methods at odds with your own, I could also request my master to refer you to the Sword Sect."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke, "Yes! The Sword Sect would be a far better fit for you!"
Observing the sword sheath Yu Yuan held, she added, "The sword's will you unleashed while battling that skeleton was ancient and incredibly sharp! I'm certain there's a special reason you can harness such sword's will, and you're undoubtedly suited for the Sword Sect's sword spell."
Liu Ying was earnest in seeking the best path for Yu Yuan, convinced that the Sword Sect was the ideal environment for him. "It's only within the Sword Sect that you can truly master the art of swordsmanship. The sword spell you've acquired would be..."
She left her sentence unfinished. In her heart, she was almost certain that the sword sheath Yu Yuan possessed, along with the sword spirit of the cultivator known as Moon Slayer, had origins tied to the Sword Sect.
She believed that with her introduction, Yu Yuan would have no trouble joining the Sword Sect. Surely, members of the Sword Sect would eagerly vie to take Yu Yuan under their wing as a hand-chosen disciple.
"After this matter is settled, I'd like to take some time to unwind. As for joining a sect, I'm not ready to decide just yet." Yu Yuan offered an apologetic smile. "Next time you visit the Forgotten Ruins, you'll find a place teeming with all sorts of fruit. When that time comes, if you wish to taste them, I'll happily pick some for you."
Liu Ying's smile curved like a crescent moon. "Do we have a deal?"
"Yes, we have a deal," Yu Yuan confirmed with a nod.
They continued their conversation above the Fallen Star Eyes, sharing tales of local customs, cultures, and intriguing secrets.
With the wisdom of two lifetimes, Yu Yuan had traversed many regions of the Everlands and uncovered numerous secrets. While he might not match Liu Ying in cultivation expertise, his knowledge of exotic flora, regional customs, and hidden tales far exceeded hers.
Their casual exchange expanded Liu Ying's knowledge, revealing the myriad wonders hidden within the vast ocean at the heart of the three continents, home to numerous spirit beasts and a scattering of sects.
Eventually, Liu Ying had to leave to visit her family in the Sunblessed Empire, thus parting ways with Yu Yuan for the time being.
Before departing, she mentioned she would return to the Forgotten Ruins. Once the Ethereal Void Sect's teleportation circle was restored, she, along with the Starmoon Sect's disciples and elders, planned to come back.
She also informed Yu Yuan that should he ever travel to Euwrea, he was welcome to seek her out at the Starmoon Sect.
For the foreseeable future, she would be practicing her cultivation at the Starmoon Sect, not with the Liu family in the Sunblessed Empire.
Yu Yuan promised to remember her invitations.
Leaving Yu Yuan behind, Liu Ying set off on the Fallen Star Eyes, soaring toward the Sunblessed Empire.
Once back on solid ground, Yu Yuan discussed matters with Yuan Lianyao, Qin Yun, and Ning Ji. Ultimately, Yuan Lianyao led Ning Ji, Zhan Tianxiang, Zhao Yafu, and others back to the Shadowlight Empire.
Significant changes were unfolding within the Empire. As the mayor of Asvetaesi and the Ruby Hand's representative, Yuan Lianyao needed to return and oversee the unfolding events.
Zhan Tianxiang and Zhao Yafu reluctantly departed with her, lingering in their farewell.
The High Oracle, Tong Laoqian, and the others engaged in a private conversation. Tong Laoqian steered the Jade Tower, deliberately circumventing the floating island, and departed in silence.
Before Qi Hongyi left, she hovered just beneath the floating island and softly expressed her gratitude.
Golden Fiend, upon his departure, merely cast a distant glance at Yu Yuan.
In the secluded world within the Dark Realm, he had witnessed the terror of a massive phantom born of Yu Yuan's heaven soul.
It was this colossal phantom's presence that had granted Yu Zhu an overwhelming opportunity, allowing her to obliterate the lingering consciousness of the Shura and alter the course of events.
Every time Golden Fiend saw Yu Yuan, he was reminded of that fearsome giant soul, sending shivers through his being.
It appeared that everyone was aware that the tumultuous events at the Forgotten Ruins had concluded. Soon, members from the seven lower sects and various other clandestine powers might arrive for inspection.
Those who wished to avoid conflict swiftly withdrew, feigning as if they had never been there.
"You can stay here to cultivate or return to Asvetaesi City; either option is fine," Zhou Cangmin said with a smile as he approached. "I'll find your next destination. You should leave this place before the teleportation circle is reactivated. Regarding the city, rest assured that the Yu family will be well looked after by Ms. Yuan."
"I trust your arrangements, state preceptor," Yu Yuan responded with a smile.
"I need to communicate with many people and attend to her affairs, so we'll be away for a few days," Zhou Cangmin said, gesturing toward Yu Zhu. "With her presence, I'm not concerned for your safety."
"Thank you," Yu Yuan replied.
"It's the least I can do."
After exchanging pleasantries, Zhou Cangmin and Xu Zixi transformed into twin bolts of lightning and sped off in the direction of the Shadowlight Empire.
Yu Yuan surveyed his surroundings, noting that only Qin Yun remained, his face still beaming as he stood by his side.
Ning Ji had departed because of the numerous incidents that had transpired in the Forgotten Ruins, necessitating a report back to the Yu family patriarch. Given Yu Cen's nature, he was not one to trust secondhand accounts.
"If you'll have me, Young Master, I'd like to remain by your side," Qin Yun said with a bow.
Having lost his position as sect master of the Midnightshields, he found it untenable to stay within the Crimson Sun Empire. After careful consideration, he decided to seek refuge with Yu Yuan—a decision that now seemed incredibly astute.
Yu Yuan, in his estimation, had a boundless future ahead of him.
"For now, you may stay in the Forgotten Ruins," Yu Yuan nodded, internally acknowledging Qin Yun's loyalty, though he reserved judgment on what the future might hold.
With a mere thought, the floating island, operated by Yu Zhu, began its descent.
"Come with me," Yu Yuan instructed, glancing at Qin Yun.
Qin Yun's eyes sparkled with excitement and gratitude.
The floating island, brimming with spiritual energy and shrouded in mist, felt like a sanctuary as Yu Yuan traversed it, each breath leaving him feeling refreshed and at peace.
He soon settled at the island's center, yet Yu Zhu was nowhere to be seen. Yu Yuan surmised that she was likely undergoing a transformation and preferred privacy.
Unconcerned, Yu Yuan made his way to the site where the Phaseblossom once grew, sat down, and commenced his cultivation within the Golden Sanctum realm.
The activation of the Nine Glories Wheel brought forth a torrent of pure spiritual energy that flooded his body.
Thanks to the Primal Body, every pore seemed to draw in spiritual energy, filling his little world within the Golden Sanctum with a dense spiritual fog.
Without further hesitation, he delved deep into his practice, concentrating on his cultivation.
It didn't take long for Yu Yuan to realize that this floating island was a veritable sanctuary for cultivation. A constant stream of spiritual energy allowed him to tirelessly temper and expand his lower elixir field, refining it over and over again in the middle period of the Golden Sanctum—a pivotal phase in his journey.
Previously, even with the aid of soulstones, it would have been impossible to so swiftly saturate his lower elixir field with spiritual energy and rapidly advance his cultivation level.
But now, with Yu Zhu and this floating island at his disposal, such feats were well within reach.
Lost in the throes of cultivation, Yu Yuan lost all sense of time, his entire focus dedicated to the meticulous refinement of his lower elixir field within the Golden Sanctum.
Unaware, he remained as the floating island drifted away.
He was oblivious to the fact that the floating island was slowly moving away from the ruins of the once-great city, hovering just above the ground, until it finally returned to the serene lake where it had originally been situated.
The floating island gently nestled back into the lake.
In the instant the island settled, the entire Forgotten Ruins seemed to quiver and then settle more deeply into the earth.
Yu Yuan continued his arduous cultivation, unaware of the events unfolding around him.
However, Qin Yun, who was also on the floating island, was flung out by a tremendous force as the island touched down, landing him at the edge of the lake.
Standing by the lakeshore, Qin Yun looked out to see a ten-mile radius around the lake where all manner of flowers were taking root and blossoming, the area brimming with vibrant life.
The once-barren land was suddenly teeming with an astonishing vitality.