C501 The Shattered Island Group

The Crack Archipelago is a sprawling cluster of islands, each varying in size. Legend has it that this group of islands was once a single, expansive landmass known as Great Evolution Island, which shattered into the archipelago we see today. This island was once so vast, it rivaled a continent in size.

In a bygone era, humans learned the art of cultivation, harnessing spiritual energy to free themselves from the servitude of the Demon Race and set forth on a quest to vie for dominion over the heavens. Human cultivators, the Nagas, and an array of formidable demons engaged in a cataclysmic battle that left many of the greater demons, dragons, and founders of human sects perishing, their legacies dissolving into the fabric of the Boundless Land. Great Evolution Island was among the most renowned of these ancient battlegrounds.

In the aftermath of this epic conflict, the once-massive Great Evolution Island fragmented, giving rise to the present-day Crack Archipelago. Each island within the archipelago was originally part of this colossal landmass, shattered by the fierce combat between humans and demons.

A powerful cultivator, wielding immense magical abilities, could potentially use their skills to 'swallow' smaller islands within the Crack Archipelago. Likewise, ongoing skirmishes have the potential to further splinter large islands into an even greater number of smaller ones.

Since its formation, the Crack Archipelago has been a hotbed of contention, with sects from the Heavenly Source and Quietus Continents, along with independent powerhouses, constantly vying for control over this strategic region.

The spiritual energy of the original Great Evolution Island was not uniform, which led to varying concentrations of Spiritual Qi among the islands of the Crack Archipelago after its division. Some islands are teeming with Spiritual Qi, making them ideal for cultivators to practice their arts, cultivate spiritual herbs, and rear spiritual beasts. Others are desolate and arid, devoid of vegetation.

The islands rich in Spiritual Qi have been seized by sects and solitary cultivators, while those unsuitable for establishing sect branches or lacking value have been forsaken.

Positioned near the southern edge of the Quietus Continent and in proximity to the Heavenly Source Continent, the Crack Archipelago is also home to the largest outpost of the Babel Chamber of Commerce. This hub is where a plethora of spiritual materials and medicinal herbs, gathered from across the three continents and numerous seas, are traded. The crowning jewel of this island group is none other than Babel Island.

This island, tightly gripped by the Chamber of Commerce, is the most critical stronghold of the Babel Chamber of Commerce aside from its headquarters.

Flanking Babel Island are Medicine God Island and Artifact Island.

These two marginally smaller islands fall under the dominion of the Medicine God Sect and Artifact Sect, respectively. Together with Babel Island, they contribute to the splendor and uniqueness of the Crack Archipelago.

Furthermore, the upper sects of the Heavenly Source Continent, the seven lower sects, the Devil Palace and Demon Palace from the Quietus Continent, as well as the Red Devil Sect, Fiend Sect, and Filthy Spirit Sect, all have their own territories within the archipelago.

And notably, their islands are typically named directly after the sects, making them easily identifiable.

What sets the Crack Archipelago apart is its status as an openly recognized trading mecca for cultivators from across the Boundless Land.

Everything from Spirit Stones, herbs, pellets, weapons, Matrix Diagrams, Spiritual Spells, to secret arts—any and all items related to cultivation—are available for trade here.

Yet, the Crack Archipelago is far from a haven of safety; it is perpetually embroiled in conflict and strife.

No sect or power has been able to enforce order or establish rules that all cultivators would abide by without causing chaos.

Even the Babel Chamber of Commerce merely stipulates that no fighting or killing is permitted on Babel Island for any cultivator who sets foot there.

Once off the island, however, the Chamber turns a blind eye to any skirmishes or plundering that may occur.

Dawn is breaking.

A towering five-tiered "pirate ship" approaches the Crack Archipelago from the east.

Standing at the window, savoring the damp sea breeze, Yu Yuan gazes out and remarks, "We're nearly there."

Yuan Lianyao, standing beside him, peers out with curiosity. "This 'pirate ship' is bound for Babel Island. There's a space teleportation array on the island that provides direct access to the Absence Relic. The original arrangement between Lord Faang Yao and the Babel Chamber of Commerce was to escort me to disembark on the island, where I'd be free to explore before returning to the Absence Relic."

After a brief pause, she adds, "Lord Faang Yao advised that it's best if I don't leave the ship midway and avoid wandering around Babel Island."

She had gleaned a bit about the Crack Archipelago from Faang Yao during their journey aboard the pirate ship.

She was acutely aware that the Crack Archipelago had been a hotbed of chaos since time immemorial. Not even the Red Devil Sect, let alone the Demon Palace, could guarantee the safety of their sect's disciples there.

Of course, her stay on Red Devil Island should be safe for the time being.

Yet, the most secure haven remained Babel Island.

Once she disembarked on Babel Island, she would be free to roam and could then safely travel to the Absence Relic via the space teleportation array arranged by the Chamber of Commerce, ensuring her safety.

Babel Island was a crucial outpost for the Babel Chamber of Commerce, stocked with an array of spiritual materials, pellets, and artifacts to meet most of her needs.

"What do you think about heading to Babel Island together and then making our way directly back to the Absence Relic?" she inquired of Yu Yuan.

"Take the 'pirate ship' to Babel Island first and wait for me there," Yu Yuan suggested, stroking his chin in thought. "I have some business to attend to in the Crack Archipelago. Once I'm done, I'll meet you on Babel Island, and we'll return to the Absence Relic together."

Yuan Lianyao fell into a sudden silence.

Yu Yuan watched the sea for a moment before turning to her, puzzled by her quietness. "Why the sudden silence?"

"Are you trying to get rid of me?" Yuan Lianyao asked, her displeasure evident as she turned and strode to the table, sitting down with a huff. "What is it that you're looking for that you can't include me? My power and realm are greater than yours; surely you don't think I'd hold you back?"

Yu Yuan had an epiphany, understanding the root of her irritation.

"The Crack Archipelago is fraught with peril, and it's well-known that I possess the Giant Beast Amber," he explained with a wry smile. "The mask given to me by the Chamber's manager allows me to conceal my identity, which is incredibly helpful. But if you're with me, your radiance makes us a target—it's too easy for others to take notice."

In truth, Yu Yuan had no intention of letting Yuan Lianyao discover the island he was planning to visit with that key.

It was a place he had set up in a past life as a contingency for this one.

There were certain items and tasks within that were meant for his knowledge alone.

"If you think I stand out too much, I can disguise myself just like you do," Yuan Lianyao huffed. "I may not have masks as sophisticated as those from the Babel Chamber of Commerce, but I do have a couple. I used them years ago when I traveled."

With that, she conjured two masks in her flawless, white palm.

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

As Yu Yuan was wrestling with his dilemma, he heard a burst of cheering outside the window. He then saw a solitary cultivator sweep out of the window, soaring toward the nearby island.

Splash!

Those with weaker cultivation bases leapt from the deck straight into the sea.

The Babel Chamber of Commerce's Pirate Ship made stops only for its own purposes. On Rosy Island, they had paused to gather spiritual materials, anchoring for a good part of the day.

The Pirate Ship wouldn't halt its journey to the Crack Archipelago before reaching Babel Island.

Those wishing to disembark did so on their own accord. The highly skilled took flight, while the less adept swam through the waves, all without concern from the Chamber.

"This is tricky..."

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

Yuan Lianyao's eyes sparkled, though she retorted, "Ever since the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area, through the Absence Relic, and even in Darkmoon City, haven't I always heeded your word? You've always called the shots, and I've never once defied you, have I?"

Yu Yuan cracked a smile, reflecting on her words. Indeed, in matters of significance, this City Lord sister had always been compliant and docile.

He nodded, albeit begrudgingly, "Fine, put on the mask later. And, cough, try to cover up your figure a bit, perhaps with something more loose-fitting."

The Flame Lotus, with her striking figure, was simply too conspicuous in such a form-fitting gown.

"I'm all ears! Just don't ditch me, and I'll follow your lead!" Yuan Lianyao's spirits visibly lifted as she spoke with delight, "What's your plan for the Crack Archipelago? I've heard it's a hotbed of chaos, with violence and strife at every turn!"

"Ah!" Her sentence was cut short by the dying scream of a cultivator outside.

"The moment you step off this Pirate Ship, whether you take to the skies or dive into the sea, if your power doesn't match what you're carrying, you're a target," Yu Yuan explained with a furrowed brow. "The Pirate Ship itself is like a beacon for trouble."

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