C501 The Shattered Island Group

The Sundering Isles are a constellation of islands of varying sizes, strewn across the sea like stars across the sky. Legend has it that these islands were once part of a single, expansive landmass known as Great Evolution Island, which was as vast as a continent. In a bygone era, humanity harnessed spiritual energy and the art of cultivation, rising from subjugation under evilkind to challenge the heavens themselves.

Human cultivators clashed with the original rulers of the Everlands—the Nagas and various archdemons—in a cataclysmic war that ravaged the world. The conflict was devastating, claiming the lives of many archdemons, giant dragons, and the founders of human sects. Great Evolution Island, a notorious ancient battlefield, was shattered in the aftermath.

From the ruins of that colossal island emerged the Sundering Isles we know today. Each isle was once part of the same whole, fragmented by the fierce battles between humans and evilkind. A powerful cultivator, wielding immense magical prowess, could potentially merge smaller islands into larger ones within the Sundering Isles. Likewise, new conflicts could fracture a large island into several smaller ones.

Since their formation, the Sundering Isles have been a battleground for the sects of the Land of Quiescence and the Euwrea Continent, as well as independent magnates, all vying for control over this strategic region. The spiritual energy of the original Great Evolution Island varied greatly, and this disparity persisted among the Sundering Isles. Some islands brim with spiritual energy, making them ideal for cultivators to practice their arts, cultivate magical herbs, and nurture spirit animals. Others are desolate and barren, devoid of vegetation.

The most coveted islands are those rich in spiritual energy, fiercely contested by the major sects and solitary cultivators. The less desirable, resource-poor islands are often forsaken, deemed unworthy for establishing sect outposts.

Positioned to the south of the Land of Quiescence and in proximity to Euwrea, the Sundering Isles are also home to the largest branch of the Skyreach Consortium. This hub is where an array of magic items, herbs, and cultivation materials gathered from the three continents and numerous seas are traded. Among these islands, the largest and most prominent is Celestial Isle.

This island is tightly held by the Chamber of Commerce and stands as the most critical stronghold of the Skyreach Consortium, second only to its headquarters.

Flanking the Celestial Isle are Healing Island and Forge Isle.

These two marginally smaller islands fall under the jurisdiction of the Order of Healing and the Artifact Sect, respectively. Together with the Celestial Isle, they contribute to the splendor and uniqueness of the Sundering Isles.

Furthermore, the three great upper sects of Euwrea, the seven great lower sects, the Devil Palace and Shadow's Keep of the Land of Quiescence, along with the Ruby Hand, Skyblight Cult, and Taintborn, all have their own domains within the Sundering Isles.

Most of these territories are straightforwardly named after their respective sects, making them easily identifiable.

What sets the Sundering Isles apart is that it serves as an open trading sanctuary for cultivators across the Everlands.

Soulstones, herbs, pills, magic items, magic diagrams, and secret spells—all things related to the practice of cultivation—are available for trade in the Sundering Isles.

Yet, the Sundering Isles have never been a bastion of safety, with constant strife and conflict.

No sect or power has been able to enforce order or rules upon the Sundering Isles, leaving cultivators to their own devices without causing chaos.

Even the Skyreach Consortium only stipulates that no cultivator on the Celestial Isle may engage in combat or killing.

Once they leave the Celestial Isle, how cultivators choose to fight, battle, or plunder is of no concern to them.

Dawn is breaking.

A five-tiered Sea Wanderer approaches the Sundering Isles from the eastern seas.

Yu Yuan stands by the window, savoring the damp sea breeze, and remarks, "We're nearly there."

Yuan Lianyao, standing beside him, gazes out with curiosity. "This Sea Wanderer's destination is the Celestial Isle. There's a teleportation circle on the island that provides direct access to the Forgotten Ruins. Initially, the arrangement between Lord Faang Yao and the Skyreach Consortium was to escort me to disembark at the Celestial Isle, allowing me some time to explore freely before I return to the Forgotten Ruins."

She pauses, then adds, "Lord Faang Yao advised that it's best if I don't disembark mid-journey and that I should avoid wandering around the Celestial Isle."

She had learned a bit about the Sundering Isles during her voyage with Faang Yao aboard the Sea Wanderer.

She was acutely aware that the Sundering Isles had been a hotbed of chaos since time immemorial. Not even the Ruby Hand, let alone the Devil Palace or Shadow's Keep, could guarantee the safety of their sect's disciples in such a tumultuous place.

Of course, if she took refuge on Demon's Scar, she would likely be safe for the time being.

Yet, the most secure and reliable haven remained Celestial Isle.

Once she disembarked on Celestial Isle, she would have the freedom to roam the island. Then, with the Skyreach Consortium's arrangements, she could use the teleportation circle to travel to the Forgotten Ruins, ensuring her safety.

Celestial Isle was a key outpost for the Skyreach Consortium, stocked with an array of magic items, pills, and artifacts to meet most of her needs.

"How about this: I accompany you to Celestial Isle and then head straight back to the Forgotten Ruins?" She sought Yu Yuan's opinion.

"You go ahead with the Sea Wanderer to Celestial Isle and wait for me there," Yu Yuan suggested, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I need to search for something in the Sundering Isles and take care of a few matters. Once I'm done, I'll meet you on Celestial Isle, and we can return to the Forgotten Ruins together."

Yuan Lianyao fell silent abruptly.

Gazing out at the sea, Yu Yuan gave her a moment before turning to face her with concern. "Why the sudden silence?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Yuan Lianyao asked, annoyance etched on her face as she strode over to the table and sat down with a huff. "What is it that you're looking for that you can't include me? My power and abilities surpass yours; surely you don't think I'd be a burden?"

Yu Yuan quickly grasped the root of her irritation.

"The Sundering Isles are fraught with peril, and many are aware that I possess the Sunsorrow from the giant beast," Yu Yuan explained with a wry smile. "The mask I received from the consortium's manager helps me conceal my identity, which makes moving around much easier. But with you by my side, your brilliance would draw unwanted attention."

In truth, he preferred to keep Yuan Lianyao in the dark about the specific island he intended to visit with the key.

That was the contingency he had prepared in his past life for this one.

There were certain things inside that only he could know.

"If you think I'm too conspicuous, I can also disguise myself like you," Yuan Lianyao huffed. "I may not have masks as sophisticated as those from the Skyreach Consortium, but I do have a couple. I used them when I traveled years ago."

As she spoke, two masks materialized in her flawless palm.

"Haha! We've arrived! We're here!"

While Yu Yuan was feeling overwhelmed, he heard cheers from outside the window. He then saw a lone cultivator sweep out of the window, soaring toward the nearby island.

Splash!

Those with weaker cultivation leapt into the sea.

The Sea Wanderer from the Skyreach Consortium only made stops for specific purposes. Previously, they had stopped for an extended period to gather magic items on Rosy Cloud Island.

The Sea Wanderer wouldn't halt its journey to the Celestial Isle.

Passengers wishing to disembark had to do so along the way. Those with powerful cultivation flew off, while those less skilled swam through the sea. The Consortium paid them no mind.

"This is tricky..."

Yu Yuan leaned against the window, alternating his gaze between the outside and Yuan Lianyao. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "You can join me, but you'll need to follow my lead."

Yuan Lianyao's eyes sparkled, though she retorted, "From Moonfall Sanctuary to the Forgotten Ruins, even in Asvetaesi, haven't I always heeded your advice? I've never gone against your wishes, right?"

Yu Yuan grinned, realizing that indeed, in major matters, the mayor had always been compliant and cooperative.

He nodded, albeit reluctantly, "Fine, you can put on a mask later. Ahem, try to conceal your figure as well; it would be best to wear something loose."

The fire lotus's figure was too striking, and her tight-fitting gown was a bit too flamboyant.

"I'll do as you say! Just don't leave me behind, and I'll follow your instructions!" Yuan Lianyao's spirits visibly lifted as she cheerfully added, "What are your plans for the Sundering Isles? I've heard that these islands are rife with chaos, constant strife, and battles everywhere!"

"Ah!" She was cut off mid-sentence as a cultivator outside emitted a final, agonizing scream before death.

"As soon as you leave the Sea Wanderer, whether you take to the skies or dive into the sea, if your realm and the items you carry don't align, you could be slain," Yu Yuan said, furrowing his brow. "The Sea Wanderer itself is a highly visible target."

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