C921 He Valued It!
The night was deepening, and a heavy rain seemed imminent.
Deep within the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area, numerous non-humans who had journeyed back from the mountains of the Evil Sect stood with grave expressions, gazing into a dark abyss that punctured the earth.
Twinkling with black magic light, the abyss emitted waves of spatial distortion.
Brief flares of brilliant light flickered and vanished.
These flashes pierced the darkness, offering fleeting glimpses of the bizarre and splendid vistas of other Realms.
Swoosh!
A beam of strange light momentarily illuminated the dark chasm before being snuffed out like a flame.
"Are we not now like fish trapped in a barrel?"
A female demon scowled, her serpentine hair writhing about her shoulders, betraying her inner turmoil and irritation. "How could the Divine Soul Sect and the Babel Chamber of Commerce let this happen?"
"There must have been some unexpected turn of events we're unaware of," suggested a member of the Dark Elfkind.
"We are in the Boundless Land, the stronghold of the five great sects. Being trapped here is far from ideal," voiced another member of the Star Race, his concern palpable.
The non-humans, who had arrived through the inter-realm passageway from distant skies, were weighed down by their heavy hearts.
Following the conclusion of the grand trade fair, all the non-humans had been elated, their faces alight with smiles. Some had exchanged their spiritual materials for a bounty of Spirit Stones, while others had acquired the treasures they had long coveted.
Eager to return, they planned to take these Spirit Stones and treasures back to their people, to bask in the glory of their achievements.
Many of their kin awaited their return, yearning for the exotic wonders they had secured from the Boundless Land, eager to enhance their bloodlines and forge them into mighty artifacts.
Yet now, the instability of the realm passageway struck them like a hammer blow.
"You are mistaken."
Canli, the Goddess of the Bright Clan, addressed the assembly with a serene detachment, "The chaos in this passageway, which connects to the outer realms, is likely due to disturbances on the other side. The passageway works both ways, and the issues here are minor. The real complications have arisen on our end."
"The guardians on that side are our clans' representatives. It is they who have failed in their duties."
With her words, the gathered non-human powerhouses began to regain their composure.
Those of higher bloodline status pondered Canli's words and found them reasonable. They reassured the rest, urging them to remain calm and avoid baseless suspicions.
"Canli, with your power and your followers' combat strength, you could break through to the stars without needing a realm passageway, couldn't you?" inquired a female demon.
"Beyond the Boundless Land, without the guardians of the five supreme forces, I fear nothing," replied the Saintess of the Bright Clan, casting a glance at the sky. "My concern is that upon breaching this world's barrier and stepping into the starry sea, I might encounter a Primordial Spirit expert, numerous Unrestrained Stage cultivators, and a host of demons of the Ninth and Eighth Levels."
She huffed, adding, "I'm not willing to take that risk. Here in the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area, we have the protection of a powerful array, which offers relative safety."
"Then waiting is our only option," concurred the other extraterrestrial beings.
...
Atop Evil Peak, the disappearance of Yan Qiling had everyone sensing trouble.
"Zhou You, make your way to the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area and assess the realm passageway's status," commanded President Lyi after a moment of contemplation.
"I'll head to Ascension Peak to consult with Zu Ann. He might have noticed any ominous signs in recent days," President Lyi continued. Zu Ann, the keeper of the Skywatch Mirror, had insights into many subtleties across the three continents from his post on Ascension Peak.
"Ho Zhan, leave the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area be. Instead, head to the Desolate Swamp and relay to the Desolate God what you've just shared with us."
"Zhongli, I suggest you refrain from returning to the Ancient Desolate Sect for the time being. With your considerable influence, pass a word of caution to the members of the Blood God Cult, Filthy Spirit Sect, and Clouds Sect to remain vigilant."
"..."
President Lyi issued directives, outlining the next steps for everyone.
"Yu Yuan, don't linger in the Evil Sect. The Myriad Demon Array here pales in comparison to the Heaven Sealing Soul Transformation Formation," added President Lyi.
"Mr. Zhou, lead me to the gateway that connects to the outer realms," requested Yu Yuan.
Zhou You was taken aback.
"Above that spatial passageway lies a place of mystery, one that shares a connection with me," Yu Yuan declared.
"Got it," Zhou You nodded in understanding.
The group sprang into action without delay.
President Lyi lifted the seal, transforming into a streak of golden lightning that spanned millions of miles in the blink of an eye.
With a thunderous shout, Zhongli unleashed streams of vital energy from his chest, which morphed into a dozen clones of himself. They dispersed to seek out members of the Blood God Cult, the Filthy Spirit Sect, and the Artifact Sect who had not yet departed.
These individuals hailed from the Quietus Continent, not far from their current location.
Their proximity meant they felt no rush to utilize the space teleportation array.
Some time passed.
Just as Zhou You was preparing to escort Yu Yuan to the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area, Ann Ziqing of the Blood God Cult appeared abruptly. "Here's what you requested." She extended a simple storage bag towards him.
Yu Yuan accepted the bag, sending a tendril of his soul's awareness inside, and his face registered a flicker of surprise.
The bag's modest space was neatly arranged with various vessels and jars, all brimming with vibrant, multicolored blood and several peculiar alien hearts.
The contents far exceeded the inventory Zhou You had previously shown him on the list.
In addition to the listed items, Ann Ziqing had acquired an even greater assortment of blood essence-filled bottles and jars!
The contents of the storage bag were precisely the critical and urgently needed components for his Life Altar.
"This..." Clutching the diminutive storage ring, Yu Yuan felt its weight as if it were a mountain, heavy with significance.
Ann Ziqing, who had initially refused him, had unexpectedly sought him out just before his departure, presenting him with an abundance of alien blood and hearts, catching him entirely off guard.
Yu Yuan had always been cautious around this purple-garbed girl who had been by his side for many years, having learned from past hardships...
"I came on behalf of my father. The blood and hearts within are the sect's cherished treasures. I brought these to you specifically," Ann Ziqing said, her gaze steady. "The additional items I acquired were meant to force you into submission, to make you bow to me—I wanted to get even!"
Yu Yuan remained silent, his gaze piercing as he looked at her intently.
"Your ancestor is his dearest friend. He began preparing these gifts when he learned of the Life Altar within you," Ann Ziqing said with a slight pout. "That old man truly holds you in high regard. He wouldn't even let me use some of these for the blood pool—they're that precious."
Yu Yuan clutched the storage bag, his heart brimming with gratitude toward Ann Wen, the sect master of the Blood God Cult.
"Okay, you have everything now. I hope this will help you bring about a remarkable transformation and growth in the Life Altar," Ann Ziqing said as she stepped back, her captivating eyes glimmering with intensity. "Take good care of yourself. I have a premonition that your journey back to the Fallen Moon Forbidden Area won't be easy."
"Ann," called out Yu Yuan.
"What else is there?" Ann Ziqing responded, her impatience showing.
"If—just if—Yuan Lianyao is compelled by her sect's orders to join your Blood God Cult, I earnestly request that you spare her life as a personal favor to me," Yu Yuan implored with solemnity.
"I'll do what I can," she replied, clearly displeased, biting her lip before turning to leave.
"Ann Wen of the Blood God Cult really looks out for you," Zhou You remarked thoughtfully. "That notorious Evil God, reviled even more than the ancestor of your Yu family, must see something special in you. It's not just about your ancestor; he's likely been watching you for years, finding you to his taste."
"Enough talk, let's head straight for the realm passageway," Yu Yuan prompted.
"Young Master!" "Master!" "Yu Yuan!"
Qi Yunhong, Qin Yun, Shi Yuxuan, and the others called out in unison.
"Together," Yu Yuan declared.
