C862 Returning to the Forbidden Area!
In the Moonfall Sanctuary, a teleportation circle identical to one in the territory of the Terror Claws shimmered into existence under a brilliant light screen.
"Mr. Yan!"
"Mr. Yan!"
Around the formation, numerous Sky Fiends and Otherkin were dispersed, their gazes fixed on the rune circle with eager anticipation.
However, for Yu Yuan, who had arrived alongside Yan Qiling, these extraterrestrial visitors seemed unfamiliar.
Yu Yuan, revisiting the Moonfall Sanctuary, observed the sky enveloped by the Soulforge Matrix and bathed in the chaotic flow of various psionic powers. He inhaled deeply, savoring the moment.
This was where his dream had begun.
His rapid advancement in cultivation and the serendipitous encounters he experienced here were all thanks to his participation in the Silvermoon Empire's trial within this forbidden area, where he had fortuitously earned the sword spirit's recognition.
After the trial concluded, while others returned to their respective domains, he dedicated himself to the practice of Evil Body Refining, strengthening his physique and establishing a solid foundation.
He harbored a special affection for the Moonfall Sanctuary.
Upon his return, Yu Yuan levitated, soaring nearly a hundred meters into the air. Instantly, he experienced three peculiar sensations.
One emanated from the distant Soulforge Pool suspended in the heavens.
Another originated from the Evil Statue, sculpted from the Sword Prison. The third was a deep pit located not far from the teleportation circle.
Beneath the pit, a hundred meters down, lay an otherworldly space inscribed with the ancient words "To Know All is to Suffer All," marking a spatial passageway to the extraterrestrial realm.
Scanning the area, he noted the absence of Lee Yupan and his nominal fiancée, Lin Zhuyun.
Instead, the forbidden area teemed with Star-Spawned Terrors and a multitude of Otherkin.
Nor could he spot anyone associated with the Boulderdawn, such as Yan Qiling.
"The large-scale trade fair hosted by the Terror Claws is still some time away. If you plan to venture to the Land of Terror, you may utilize the rune circle..."
Yan Qiling, well-acquainted with the extraterrestrial guests, briefed them on the protocols.
Occasionally, the rune circle emitted a dazzling light, warping space and time. Many Otherkin, brimming with curiosity about the Everlands, eagerly stepped through, embarking on journeys to other realms.
They ventured to either the Songbird Empire, the Godsblight Marsh, or the Crucible of Evil.
"Go!"
With a mere thought, Yu Yuan unleashed the Crucible of Evil. "This world should harbor more souls that are apt for transformation by the Crucible of Evil."
"Crucible of Evil!"
"Is that Yu Yuan?"
As the cauldron materialized and the Otherkin clustered around the teleportation circle, they finally recognized Yu Yuan's identity. They exclaimed in astonishment, each one of them peering over with curiosity.
Yu Yuan was taken aback, unaware of when his name had become so significant that even the Otherkin took notice.
"You resonate with the Soulforge Pool; it's natural for them to take an interest in you," Yan Qiling said with a smile, gesturing to him from below. "Take some time to explore on your own. I've got some matters to attend to here."
"Alright."
Yu Yuan, feeling a surge of excitement from Yu Yiyi's handling of the cauldron, joyfully set off. After a brief pause, he made his way alone toward the hovering Soulforge Pool.
En route, the sword spirit that had been dormant in his arm bone quietly stirred to life.
Whoosh!
The sword sheath landed in his palm. Attempting to connect with the Soulforge Pool in the same manner he would with the Myriad Demons Circle, he immediately sensed the pool's vibrant spirituality.
Proactively exerting its power, the Soulforge Pool generated a pull, swiftly drawing Yu Yuan toward it.
A moment of vertigo later, Yu Yuan found himself at the bottom of the Soulforge Pool.
Swoosh! Swoosh!
The sword scars on the pool's walls, brimming with sword's will and light, seemed to possess a consciousness of their own as they flowed into Yu Yuan's sword sheath.
In an instant, all remnants of sword's will and light left by the Moon Slayer cultivators vanished.
The sword scars on the pool's walls also faded, as if erased by an invisible hand.
A whisper from Yan Qiling's remnant soul reached across the void.
Suddenly, Yu Yuan grasped the significance of what had transpired.
Before the fall of the Boulderdawn Sect, the Soulforge Pool served as the lynchpin of the Soulforge Matrix, creating a barrier that kept the Sky Fiend out of the forbidden area and provided a place for the sect's disciples to refine their skills and enhance their power.
The Boulderdawn Sect was eradicated by the combined might of the five great sects, forcing the survivors to flee into the Star River beyond our world. The Sword Sect then took control of the once heavily guarded forbidden area. Initially, the Soulforge Pool within was devoid of any Soul Power, rendering it nothing more than an ornament.
That changed when the Moon Slayer cultivator took charge, calling down countless Moon Shards from the extraterrestrial realm to forge a new seal. He left his own mark upon the Soulforge Pool's walls, imbuing them with his sword radiance.
With his strength, he dominated the Soulforge Pool and the Soulforge Matrix, effectively harnessing the power of the Moonfall Sanctuary. Yu Yuan had previously been able to manipulate the Soulforge Matrix because he had acquired the sword spirit left behind by the cultivator, which resonated with the sword scars and sword's will.
In the past, it was as if Yu Yuan controlled the Soulforge Matrix by borrowing the power of the sword spirit. Now, however, the Soulforge Pool had regained its original form, free from the influence of the Moon Slayer cultivator's lingering power.
Yet, Yu Yuan still felt a mysterious connection to the Soulforge Pool, which astonished him. He attempted to reach out with the Lunar Spirit he had refined through Wraithbinding, seeking to understand this bond with the Soulforge Pool.
With a resounding boom, the sword scars on the Soulforge Pool's walls faded, replaced by innumerable complex soul threads that burst forth with a greyish-black glow. An ancient spiritual sense within the Soulforge Pool seemed to stir, as if it were quietly awakening.
Yu Yuan's spirit jolted as he exclaimed, "It was you I sensed back in the Land of Terror!"
"Alright," came the voice of Yan Qiling's remnant soul, materializing above the Soulforge Pool and glancing down at Yu Yuan. "It seems to recognize you, but there's confusion. It remembers not who you are now, but rather, who you once were."
Yu Yuan grasped the cryptic message. The consciousness within the Soulforge Pool recognized his original self.
"It needs more time to fully regain its wisdom, much like the cauldron spirit of the Crucible of Evil," Yan Qiling remarked with a sigh. "The damage it suffered was far more severe. It has only just begun to awaken its intelligence, so we must be careful not to overwhelm it."
"What do you know?" Yu Yuan inquired, his voice deep and serious.
"Not a great deal," Yan Qiling replied, pausing briefly before gesturing towards the outside. "When that individual returns and is ready to have an open conversation with you, all will be revealed. Alternatively, once you ascend to a new level of mastery, you might unravel the enigma on your own."
Yu Yuan's brow furrowed in thought.
"I've restored your mother's soul. Let's move to a different location." While speaking, Yan Qiling conjured a pathway with a black and white chessboard that led outside. "Since we're both on the Aetherius Continent, it's easy for me to transport you."
Without further ado, he seized Yu Yuan and pulled him through the portal.
In an instant, they materialized in the Serpent Spine Mountains. The lush peaks were dotted with buildings and medicinal fields, and the glow emanating from numerous caves indicated the presence of pill crafting.
"Sacred Hands!" Yu Yuan exclaimed, taken aback.
"Indeed, this is the Serpent Spine Mountains, home to the Sacred Hands," Yan Qiling said with a smile, strolling casually towards the most majestic hall.
"Who goes there?"
"Who is this person invading our Sacred Hands?"
A host of cultivators and herbalists from the Sacred Hands were startled by the sudden appearance of the unexpected visitors and cried out in alarm.
"This is Yu Yuan from Asvetaesi, the hand-chosen disciple of the God of Medicine, Hong Qi," Yan Qiling introduced, gesturing towards Yu Yuan. "And he is the son of Jin Rourou."
"Jin Rourou?" Yu Yuan responded, clearly puzzled.
"Your mother."
