C920 Shocking Change

"No one else from Ebon Star is here," Zhongli Dapan said with a malicious grin. "Cao Jiaze has quite the nerve! To think he'd dare to roam around here without any elders. Doesn't he realize that many Otherkin would love to take him down?"

Zhou You narrowed his eyes. "Nor are there any experts from the Sunlit Order or Sword Sect nearby."

"Yu Yuan, in Yan Qiling's absence, you're the one in charge here," President Lyi declared with a carefree smile, his golden eyes gleaming as he looked on from his ship. "I'm merely a temporary guest in these parts. Whether or not to let Cao Jiaze in is your call."

With those words, all eyes turned to Yu Yuan.

Thanks to President Lyi's statement, Yu Yuan's stature and reputation soared.

Both extraterrestrial visitors and local cultivators were aware that Yan Qiling represented Boulderdawn.

Now, with Yan Qiling away, President Lyi had openly declared Yu Yuan the master of the domain.

The astute among them quickly grasped that Yu Yuan was no ordinary figure.

"Cough, cough."

Yu Yuan, unfazed by the multitude of attentive eyes, confidently steered the Crucible of Evil toward the floating palace.

Within the cauldron, Yu Yuan remained cool and composed as he called out in a thunderous voice, "Brother Cao, I have just one question. Do you come as the heir apparent of Ebon Star, or as something else?"

"My visit has nothing to do with my sect. I'm here on a personal level, as a friend," Cao Jiaze replied with a grave demeanor. "I've just successfully forged a Solar Spirit in a Mysterious Realm on the Land of Quiescence. As per Everlands tradition, those who newly acquire a Solar Spirit must wander the Extraterrestrial Star River, honing their skills through combat with the Otherkin."

"For me, coming here serves the same purpose of self-improvement."

"Brother Yu, since you have the authority to grant or deny me entry, might I ask—"

Before Cao Jiaze could finish, the crowd in the mountains erupted in astonishment.

"A Solar Spirit? He's achieved the Solar Spirit level?"

"He managed this without the shelter of Ebon Star, not on Euwrea, but right here in the Land of Quiescence! Cao Jiaze truly possesses remarkable courage and audacity!"

When this young man first entered the Spirit Walk realm, he was already hailed as the foremost under the Solar Spirit! Now that he has ascended to the Solar Spirit Stage, isn't he unbeatable within his realm?"

"Incredible, truly incredible!"

Cultivators who knew of Cao Jiaze's prowess were utterly astounded to learn of his transformation into a Solar Spirit.

Cao Jiaze is the new legend and tale among the elders.

"Considering my status, you regard me as a friend..." Yu Yuan nodded with a welcoming smile, "Cao, you're most welcome! I've only just reclaimed this place, and many areas are still a work in progress. I apologize for any shortcomings in my hospitality."

"Not at all."

Uttering these courtesies, Cao Jiaze stepped forward, his grand palace shrinking into a sigil.

He dropped into the Crucible of Evil without any reservations, smiling, "I appreciate you taking me along, Brother Yu."

"It's no trouble at all," Yu Yuan replied with a chuckle.

Below, the Otherkin, the Ghost King, the Spectre, and the archdemon watched Yu Yuan and Cao Jiaze with curious gazes.

The two appeared completely at ease, like long-time friends, laughing as they strolled through the mountains.

Accompanied by Yu Yuan, Cao Jiaze visited the expansive free trading zone, acquiring a few uncommon magic items from the Nightscale Tribe and the Shadowkin. He then explored the Skyreach Consortium's display area, selecting several unique tools, all the while expressing his amazement.

He admitted he had yet to venture to the extraterrestrial Star River or fully engage with the world beyond. This visit to the Terror Claws was a fortunate opportunity to broaden his horizons, ensuring he wouldn't be overwhelmed when the time came to venture forth into battle.

As dusk approached, the grand five-day trade fair drew to a close. Cao Jiaze's presence had drawn many eyes throughout, yet he remained composed from start to finish.

"Brother Yu, I'm grateful for your company. Should the opportunity arise, I'll ensure you're well received upon your return to Ebon Star," Cao Jiaze said earnestly, bowing slightly outside the mountain range, "Take good care. Regardless of what the future holds, you, Yu Yuan, will always be someone I hold in high regard."

Yu Yuan nodded with a smile.

"Until next time!"

He then released the Mark of the Celestials, transforming it into a towering palace. Cao Jiaze landed inside and set off, flying towards the northern part of the Land of Quiescence with great flair.

The north was home to the Devil Palace, Shadow's Keep, and the Ruby Hand's domain.

"I really admire the kid's courage," Zhongli Dapan remarked, standing next to Yu Yuan. "Even though it's wartime and envoys are typically spared, many Otherkin around here may not honor such customs. He's set to be the next Sect Master of the Ebon Star, holding a status comparable to Canli's."

"This young man is truly remarkable," Zhou You mused. "I've never seen anyone else at the Solar Spirit Realm as solid as he is. To tell the truth, it's almost unbelievable. He claims to have formed his Solar Spirit not long ago, but it looks to me like he's on the verge of advancing to the next realm."

"You're not wrong. His foundation is incredibly strong with each breakthrough. That's precisely why he seems capable of advancing yet again immediately after a breakthrough," Zhongli Dapan said, holding Cao Jiaze in high regard. "He's been deliberately suppressing his realm, aiming for a slower progression."

"He's destined for greatness."

"He's already achieved it."

The two esteemed figures marveled and couldn't stop expressing their amazement.

Yu Yuan kept his thoughts to himself. Upon returning to Fiendpeak, a sense of unease lingered, as if something was about to unfold.

One by one, the extraterrestrial visitors began to leave.

The teleportation circle, a gateway to various destinations, continued to flash incessantly.

Night descended.

Suddenly, a peculiar glow emanated from the teleportation circle leading to the Godsblight Marsh and the Moonfall Sanctuary in the Songbird Empire.

"Ho Zhan!"

Upon seeing him, Zhou You's expression shifted, sensing that something had occurred.

Ho Zhan, tasked with overseeing the great formation at the Moonfall Sanctuary, was not at his post. His unexpected arrival here was a sure sign of trouble.

"Master, President Lyi!"

Ho Zhan stood at the center of the teleportation circle, glancing around hesitantly, as if struggling to speak.

"Fiendpeak!"

President Lyi, who had just dispatched the Artifact Sect's Treasured Ship, transformed into a bolt of golden lightning and materialized on Fiendpeak where Yu Yuan had settled. With a gesture, he draped a golden veil over the entire Fiendpeak.

Zhongli Dapan, Ho Zhan, Beru, and Luo Yue, who had yet to depart, entered one by one.

Other Otherkin were not permitted entry, and members of the Taintborn and Colddeath were similarly excluded.

"Let's hear it," President Lyi prompted.

"The first group, consisting of five members from the Nightscale Tribe, attempted to return to the extraterrestrial realm through the Domain Channel and met with disaster," Ho Zhan inhaled deeply. "The Domain Channel had become highly unstable, with its direction shifting unpredictably. After the five Nightscale Tribe members let out screams within the channel, they vanished without a trace."

President Lyi, Yu Yuan, Zhongli Dapan, Beru, and Luo Yue each showed a subtle shift in their expressions.

No one raised an alarm.

"Go on," President Lyi instructed.

"The Domain Channel is definitely compromised. In my estimation, the issue isn't on our end," Ho Zhan glanced toward Zhou Wen. "Master, the Domain Channel works both ways. If it's not our side that's problematic, then it must be the other."

"What about Mr. Yan?" Zhou Wen nodded, affirming his conjecture, before asking, "The Domain Channel that links to the extraterrestrial realm is under the Boulderdawn Sect's purview, and he's responsible for its operation. Didn't he visit the Moonfall Sanctuary? What did he find? What did he say?"

"This is where the problem lies," Ho Zhan replied with a wry smile. "Mr. Yan, using his own power, tore through the void and ventured into the Extraterrestrial Star River. He left three days ago and has yet to return. Initially, I didn't think much of it, assuming he was merely delayed. It wasn't until the Domain Channel below exhibited anomalies that I began to suspect..."

"What do you suspect?" Yu Yuan asked gravely.

"I fear that Mr. Yan may have encountered trouble out there as well," Ho Zhan sighed.

Upon hearing this, a hush fell over the group atop the mountain peak.

The Domain Channel overseen by Yan Qiling had experienced disturbances, and Yan Qiling himself had unexpectedly entered the Extraterrestrial Star River and was now ominously overdue in his return.

Many Otherkin who ventured into the Everlands refrained from taking the risk of piercing through the heavens directly.

Additionally, some lacked the necessary bloodline level to shatter the starry wall and reach the Star River on their own.

"Perhaps the five great sects have already taken action in secret," suggested Beru of the Starborn.

"..."