C910 He Was in the Limelight

A woman of the Otherkin, clad in a grey-green cape, lifted her hood to reveal the weathered visage of an elder.

Her ears were elongated and pointed, her eyes a vibrant green, and her hair matched in hue. She was unmistakably a member of the Shadowkin.

Fixated on the necklace adorning Wen Lu's neck, she spoke in the slightly stilted language of the Everlands, "Priestess, what is your connection to him? Does he still reside in this realm?"

Upon witnessing her true form, Wen Lu felt a surge of excitement. The presence of the Shadowkin woman stirred a sense of kinship within her, drawing her closer, "I... I'm not sure who this priestess you speak of is."

"Your necklace," the woman pressed.

"It's an heirloom from my mother; she passed away shortly after I was born." Wen Lu removed the necklace from around her neck, clutching it in her hand. As the Shadowkin blood within her stirred, the silver necklace erupted in a dazzling display of light.

Those attuned to higher planes of existence could feel the plant essence emanating from the surrounding flora.

The specks of plant essence, drawn to Wen Lu and her necklace like a gentle verdant rain, settled upon her and seeped into the now luminous green amulet.

In the depths of Gloomhollow within the Serpent Spine Mountains, Wen Lu's depleted strength began to swiftly replenish.

The necklace, now a shade of grass green, bore delicate patterns reminiscent of the ancient wisdom of the Shadowkin from the Star River, a testament to eons of understanding the cosmic order.

The sight of this miraculous event visibly touched the aged Shadowkin woman.

Her green eyes sparkled with an intense brilliance as she exclaimed, "You are the High Priest's offspring!"

Before Wen Lu could respond, the woman abruptly turned to Yu Yuan, "I am aware of you, Yu Yuan; you're a custodian of this land. Mr. Yan has spoken of you to me. I am the chieftain of the Shadowkin in this world. Trust in my word, I mean her no harm. I wish to find a secluded spot here to discuss certain matters with her."

With a gesture, she pointed towards a densely wooded area of the forest, "There!"

Yu Yuan scrutinized the indicated spot and could discern other Shadowkin among the trees, craning their necks in eager anticipation.

In the depths of the forest, a group of Shadowkin, both old and young, numbering just over a dozen, engaged in conversation using a melodious language. Their eyes reflected a mix of emotions: doubt, suspicion, anticipation, and astonishment. This reaction seemed to stem from the plant essence emanating from Wen Lu's necklace, which resonated with their bloodlines amidst the flora of the Terror Claws' woods.

"A holy weapon, our tribe's lost holy weapon!" Wen Lu's face registered utter astonishment. Guided by the Shadowkin woman's gestures, she gazed into the forest and was able to hear—and understand—the Shadowkin's discussion. "Yu, they're saying this necklace is a holy weapon that our tribe lost!"

"What a remarkable bloodline!" Shi Yuxuan marveled in a hushed tone. As the master of the Sacred Hands, he had immediately recognized Wen Lu's extraordinary value when the nearby vegetation subtly responded to the leaf-shaped necklace she presented.

"Yu Yuan, this girl is an invaluable gem to the Order of Healing, to our Sacred Hands, and to any family of herbalists!" Shi Yuxuan declared with fervor. The elderly Shadowkin woman's expression turned frosty upon hearing his words, casting an unhappy glance at the master of the Sacred Hands.

Sensing her discontent and hostility, Shi Yuxuan felt a chill in his heart and promptly fell silent.

"Wen Lu, go with her," Yu Yuan instructed with a nod. "As long as you remain within the bounds of the Terror Claws, you'll be safe. I trust they harbor good intentions toward you."

"I sense that as well," Wen Lu murmured in response, before being led by the hand of the Shadowkin woman and soaring down from Fiendpeak.

"Colddeath, Taintborn, the Obsidian Thunder Sect, the Artifact Sect..." Shi Yuxuan stood at the summit's edge, surveying the representatives from various sects, nodding in approval. His eyes shone with a vision of grandeur, as if envisioning the Sacred Hands Sect's expansive future.

Before arriving, he had been filled with trepidation. Hosting a trade fair that welcomed all races of the Star River was a significant event for the Terror Claws. As the leader of the Sacred Hands Sect, he had been privy to some information in advance. Yet, he had wondered whether any sect would dare to attend, given the oversight of the five supreme powers in the Everlands.

If it hadn't been for the Order of Healing targeting him, and the courage given by the appearances of Xi Quan and Green Willow, he would never have had the audacity to grit his teeth and make a stand, rashly choosing to side with Yu Yuan.

Now, as he watched members from Colddeath, Taintborn, Binders of Shadows, Artifact Sect, and Forgeroses reveal themselves in the valley, a wave of calm washed over him.

"Perhaps, indeed, a new era is upon us!" Shi Yuxuan thought, his spirits lifting.

After stirring the crowd, President Lyi paused midair, giving everyone a moment to process his words.

After a brief silence, President Lyi spoke again: "All clans may barter goods among themselves, or engage in exchange through us!"

He then fell silent, gesturing to his confidants to circulate and convey the more intricate rules of trade.

Yu Yuan listened with intent.

From the subsequent details shared by the confidants, he learned that President Lyi had expanded into new territories within the Star River, establishing the Skyreach Consortium on a significant scale.

The new Skyreach Consortium had amassed an array of rare magic items from the Otherkin, showcased across various halls for the Everlands' visitors to peruse.

Soulstones served as the universal currency.

Moreover, President Lyi had established a free trade zone. Otherkin from extraterrestrial realms, guests from various sects, and even solitary cultivators were permitted to set up their own stalls, displaying magic items for sale, or to erect banners listing items they urgently sought.

President Lyi had people instruct the Otherkin in the human language to ensure that the mainland cultivators could understand them.

The layout of the palaces on Fiendpeak closely mirrored those in the southern region of the Land of Quiescence, with distinct areas for pills, magic items, weapons, arrays, and assorted relics.

In fact, President Lyi himself had laid the groundwork for the current layout of both the Chamber of Commerce Headquarters and Celestial Isle.

"The vast array of magical items, exotic flora, metals, unique crystals, remains of ancient beasts, bones, and even Voidfarer warships available for trade is staggering," Luo Yue marveled, having remained at Fiendpeak. "The collaboration between President Lyi and Boulderdawn has truly achieved a monumental feat here in the Everlands. I never imagined that one day we could host such a magnificent gathering right here in our homeland!"

"Yu Yuan!"

Xie Bin from the Obsidian Thunder Sect, accompanied by Lee Yu and a taciturn elder in the late stages of the Solar Spirit realm, ascended Fiendpeak. "Allow me to introduce our current sect master—Rong Xun. Sect Master, this is Yu Yuan, the hand-chosen disciple of the God of Medicine, Hong Qi."

Lee Yu, who had accompanied them, couldn't help but smile upon seeing Yu Yuan again.

Rong Xun, a man of few words and somewhat stiff in demeanor, quickly and humbly said, "I appreciate the disturbance."

"Senior, you're too kind!" Yu Yuan responded with equal courtesy.

Yu Yuan was familiar with Rong Xun's character; although not exceptionally talented, he was known for his integrity.

Following the Obsidian Thunder Sect's decline, Rong Xun had shouldered immense pressure with great fortitude.

"I owe you my thanks," Rong Xun said, bowing slightly before glancing toward the Colddeath. "The Glacial Storm Seal was returned to us by the Colddeath. They claimed it was out of respect for you that they restored it to its rightful owner."

Yu Yuan was taken aback.

"It was indeed returned," Xie Bin confirmed, opening his hands to reveal the sparkling Glacial Storm Seal. "The Colddeath explained that their interest in the seal was to prepare for the upheavals in the Land of Terror. Once the conflict with the God of Ghosts was resolved, they decided to return the seal."

At this point, Xie Bin let out a snort of contempt, "It's a good thing they chose to return it voluntarily. Otherwise, I would have reclaimed it myself eventually!"

"Hahaha! Xie Bin, don't flatter yourself! A hundred years from now, your Obsidian Thunder Sect still won't be able to stand against the Colddeath," boomed Zhongli Dapan as he landed with a thunderous crash.

At the summit, Shi Yuxuan, Qin Yun, Lee Yu, and the others staggered and struggled to remain upright under the oppressive force of Zhongli Dapan's powerful presence.

As Zhongli Dapan made his entrance, his potent aura seemed to rip through the fabric of space, causing the winds atop Fiendpeak to scream.

"Why not try accumulating some good karma?" Rong Xun suggested, somewhat exasperated.

As the leader of the Obsidian Thunder Sect, he had the confidence to attend this prestigious event, bolstered by the support of Zhongli Dapan.

Few people were aware that in his youth, he had forged a strong bond with Zhongli Dapan. They had collaborated on numerous trials, yet his fortune and aptitude fell short. Despite being the same age, his accomplishments and combat prowess paled in comparison to Zhongli Dapan's.

Had Zhongli Dapan not wandered into the extraterrestrial and been detained in Sword Prison, the Thunder Sect would not have dared to oppress him so boldly.

"I just can't stand seeing Xie Bin so displeased," Zhongli Dapan said with a wide grin, then continued cheerfully, "Yu, have you made up your mind? Do you want to become my disciple and harness your formidable physical strength to unlock the gateway to the primordial spirit realm?"

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