C921

The night was deep and foreboding, as if a heavy downpour was imminent.

Deep within the Moonfall Sanctuary, numerous Otherkin, having returned from the Terror Claws mountains, were gazing solemnly at a dark chasm in the earth.

Within the pit, black demonic light shimmered, and the air was filled with the reverberations of psionic power capable of warping space.

Brilliant streaks of light flashed and vanished.

The light cut through the darkness, offering fleeting glimpses of the bizarre and splendid vistas of other Domains.

Swoosh!

A beam of light briefly illuminated the dark abyss before being snuffed out like a flame.

"Have we not become sitting ducks?" an enchantress inquired, her serpentine hair writhing upon her shoulders, betraying her inner turmoil and irritation. "How could the Boulderdawn and Skyreach Consortium allow this to happen?"

"There must have been an unexpected turn of events!" a member of the Shadowkin suggested.

"We're in the Everlands, the stronghold of the five great sects. Being trapped here is far from ideal," another Starborn voiced with concern.

These Otherkin, who had traveled through an extraterrestrial passageway, were weighed down by their heavy hearts.

At the conclusion of the grand trade fair, all the Otherkin were brimming with joy. They had either exchanged their magic items for precious soulstones or acquired coveted treasures from human cultivators.

Eager to return, they planned to flaunt their newfound wealth and achievements to their kin.

Many of their clansmen awaited their return with bated breath, yearning for the exotic treasures from the Everlands, which could enhance their bloodlines and forge powerful artifacts.

Yet, the instability of the Domain Channel had struck them like a hammer blow.

"You are mistaken," Canli, a goddess of the Dawnbringers, addressed the crowd with a composed and detached tone. "The likelihood is that the distortion and chaos here are due to issues on the other side. The passageway works both ways. Our side's issues are minor; the real complications have arisen on our end."

"The guardians on that side are our clans' representatives. They are the ones who have faltered."

Upon hearing Canli's explanation, the Otherkin experts began to regain their composure.

Individuals with superior bloodline levels took a moment to consider Canli's perspective and concluded that she had a point. They reassured their companions, urging them to remain calm and refrain from jumping to conclusions.

"Canli, given your power and the combat prowess of your followers, you could break through to the Star River without relying on the Domain Channel, couldn't you?" an enchantress inquired.

"I'm not worried in the slightest, provided that the Everlands aren't under the watch of the five supreme forces' guardians," the Dawnbringers' saintess replied, casting a glance at the heavens. "My concern is that upon breaching the world's barrier, I'll be greeted by a cultivator wielding a primordial spirit, accompanied by numerous Unbound and ninth-level archdemons."

With a huff, she added, "I'm not about to take that gamble. Here in the Moonfall Sanctuary, we have the protection of a mighty array, offering us a measure of safety."

"Looks like our only option is to wait," concurred the rest of the Otherkin.

...

Atop Fiendpeak.

Ho Zhan relayed the unsettling changes within the forbidden area and the disappearance of Yan Qiling, which made everyone sense impending trouble.

"Zhou You, make haste to the Moonfall Sanctuary and assess the state of the Domain Channel!"

After a moment of contemplation, President Lyi began issuing commands, "I'll head to Skyreach Peak to consult Zu Ann. He might have detected some ominous signs in recent days."

Zu Ann, the custodian of the Mirror of Fates, stationed at Skyreach Peak, had the ability to observe subtle occurrences across the three continents.

"Ho Zhan, leave the Moonfall Sanctuary be. Proceed to the Godsblight Marsh. The information you've shared with us—relay it once more to the Untamed."

"Zhongli Dapan, I suggest you hold off on returning to the Forgeroses for the time being. Your reputation carries weight. Pass on a word of caution to the representatives from Colddeath, Taintborn, and the visitors from the Obsidian Thunder Sect."

"..."

President Lyi continued to orchestrate the next steps for everyone.

"Yu Yuan, don't linger in the Terror Claws. The Myriad Demons Circle here pales in comparison to the Soulforge Matrix," President Lyi advised.

"Mr. Zhou, lead me to the Domain Channel," requested Yu Yuan.

Zhou You was momentarily taken aback.

"Above that spatial passageway lies a place of enigma that shares a connection with me," Yu Yuan revealed.

"Is that so?" Zhou You nodded in understanding.

The group sprang into action. President Lyi lifted the seal, transforming into a streak of golden lightning that spanned millions of miles in an instant.

Zhongli Dapan bellowed, releasing streams of vitality from his chest that morphed into a dozen duplicates of himself. They dispersed to locate Ann Ziqing of Colddeath, members of Taintborn, and those from Artifact Sect and Binders of Shadows who had not yet departed.

These individuals belonged to sects situated within the Land of Quiescence, a region not far from here. Due to the proximity, they felt no urgency to employ the teleportation circle.

Some time passed.

Just as Zhou You was preparing to escort Yu Yuan to the Moonfall Sanctuary, Ann Ziqing of Colddeath appeared abruptly. "Here, the item you requested." She handed him a basic storage bag.

Yu Yuan accepted it, allowing a thread of his remnant soul to probe inside. His face registered a flicker of surprise.

Inside the modest storage bag, an assortment of vessels and jars were neatly arranged, brimming with vibrant, multicolored blood and several bizarre Otherkin hearts.

The contents were significantly more abundant than what Zhou You had previously shown him on the list.

In addition to the listed items, Ann Ziqing had acquired an even greater variety of lifeblood-filled vials and jars!

The contents of the storage bag were precisely the most crucial and urgently needed components for his Altar of Rebirth.

"This..." Grasping the small storage ring, Yu Yuan felt its weight as if it were immensely heavy.

Ann Ziqing, who had initially refused him, had unexpectedly sought him out just before his departure, presenting him with an array of Otherkin lifeblood and several hearts, catching him off guard.

Yu Yuan had always been cautious around this purple-clad young woman who had been by his side for many years, having learned from past hardships.

"I came here at my father's behest. The lifeblood essences within are treasured reserves of our sect. I brought them specifically for you," Ann Ziqing said, her gaze steady. "The additional items I acquired were meant to manipulate you, to compel you to submit to me. It was all to get some satisfaction."

Yu Yuan remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on her.

"Your Yu family ancestor was his closest friend in this lifetime. He began preparations for this gift as soon as he learned of the Altar of Rebirth within you," Ann Ziqing said with a slight sneer. "That old man really holds you in high regard. He wouldn't even let me use some of these items for the Blood Pool, they're that precious."

Yu Yuan, clutching the storage bag, was filled with gratitude. His thanks were directed toward Ann Wen, the sect master of Colddeath.

"Alright, I've given you everything. I hope you can use it to bring about a remarkable transformation and growth in the Altar of Rebirth," Ann Ziqing said, stepping back with her captivating eyes shimmering. "Take care. I have a feeling your return to the Moonfall Sanctuary is going to be anything but smooth."

"Ann," Yu Yuan called out gently.

"What else is there?" Ann Ziqing asked, showing a hint of impatience.

"If, and I'm just saying if, Yuan Lianyao is compelled by her sect's orders to join your Colddeath, I earnestly request that you spare her life as a personal favor to me," Yu Yuan implored with gravity.

"I'll do my best."

Ann Ziqing was clearly displeased. She bit her lip and turned to leave.

"Colddeath's Ann Wen has taken quite a liking to you," Mr. Zhou remarked thoughtfully. "That infamous Evil God, more reviled than even the patriarch of your Yu family, must see something in you beyond your lineage. He's likely been watching you for years, finding you to his liking."

"Enough talk, let's head to the Domain Channel," Yu Yuan prompted.

"Young Master!" "Master!" "Yu Yuan!"

Qi Yunhong, Qin Yun, Shi Yuxuan, and the rest called out in unison.

"Together," Yu Yuan affirmed, and they moved as one.

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