Proving Immortality Starting with Hextech Runes

Chapter 241 Investigation

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A month later.

In the main hall of Xuan Shui Palace, the atmosphere was solemn. Ling Yu sat in the main seat, with Elder Gu, Su Qingxian, and several core stewards below him.

"The foundation of the Kun position array eye has been 70% rebuilt, the Xuanyuan Zhenhai array pattern has been engraved, and the auxiliary array runes are being reinforced."

"In another month or so, our defenses should be able to recover to pre-war levels." Elder Gu's voice was hoarse, and his eyes were still bloodshot. The past month of almost non-stop supervision had taken a heavy toll on him.

Ling Yu nodded slightly, her gaze sweeping over a blood-stained Xuan Shui Palace disciple token in her hand.

This was found on the body of an executed traitor.

"Ninety percent of the remaining rebels in the inner city have been eliminated, while screening continues in the outer areas. Sect Leader Su's Soul-Cleansing Melody has played a crucial role in this."

He looked at Su Qingxian, who was holding a Jiaowei zither, her beautiful face showing signs of weariness, and gently shook her head:

"It's my duty. But Xuefen has vanished without a trace, and he remains a major threat."

"The Meteorite Sea won't be peaceful for long." Ling Yu's voice was extremely deep and solemn.

"Before the Palace Master went into seclusion, he entrusted me with the task of guarding the city and safeguarding the foundation."

"The internal defenses are somewhat secured, but the external threats have not been eliminated. The trip to the Soul Burial Vortex cannot be delayed any longer." He paused, then turned his gaze to the outside of the hall.

Three days later, at the eastern dock of Meteor City.

The salty sea breeze, carrying a coolness, caressed a submarine moored in its designated berth.

Ling Yu, dressed in a long black robe, surveyed the fully equipped and ready-to-go team.

The sea breeze ruffled a few strands of gray hair at his temples, making his eyes appear even sharper, like an eagle's.

His gaze swept across the room, and the oppressive pressure seemed to freeze the air.

Lin Miaoyin stood beside the boat, her moon-white robe immaculate, holding a jade flute, her expression cool yet carrying a hint of barely perceptible worry.

Behind her stood four silent Xuan Shui Palace disciples: Fang Yan, Zhao Qian, Wang Yu, and Sun Huo.

They were all elites carefully selected by the Enforcement Hall and the Array Hall, with cultivation levels all above the mid-stage of Core Formation, resolute eyes, and restrained aura.

"Our destination is the depths of the Soul Burial Vortex." Ling Yu's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying an undeniable authority.

"Our primary objective is to locate Xu Ping'an."

When Chen Xu was mentioned, a complex look flashed in his eyes, a mixture of admiration for the younger generation's courage and a heavy heart at the possibility of his demise.

Everyone's expression turned solemn, especially Lin Miaoyin, whose fingertips unconsciously touched the xiao (a type of vertical bamboo flute).

Ling Yu abruptly changed the subject, her tone suddenly becoming more serious, her gaze sweeping across the crowd like lightning:

"However, we are on a mission entrusted to us by the Palace Master before his seclusion, a mission concerning the future survival of Meteor City and even the entire Meteor Sea!"

"The Blood Sea Sect has launched a full-scale attack this time, employing ruthless methods and employing far-reaching strategies."

"That Blood Fiend Crystal node can actually draw upon the accumulated deathly energy of countless spirits deep within the Soul Burial Vortex; this is beyond the capabilities of ordinary demonic arts!"

"Even more suspicious is that Ruan and Li mentioned the core of the vortex undergoing anomalies, causing spatial tremors and a pervasive aura of bloodlust... Such phenomena are definitely not naturally occurring!"

Fang Yan, Zhao Qian, and other disciples of the Enforcement Hall instantly sharpened their eyes. Having dealt with the demonic path for many years, they naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Ling Yu's words.

"The Palace Master gave this instruction before going into seclusion."

Ling Yu lowered her voice even further: "There may be external forces pulling the strings behind the Blood Sea Sect!"

"This force is very likely the source of the Soul Burial Vortex's anomaly, or it could be the true mastermind secretly supporting the Blood Sea Sect, plotting against the foundation of my Xuan Shui Palace, and testing the Palace Master's condition!"

Wang Yu and Sun Huo, the two elites of the formation hall, also held their breath.

They knew that the power capable of triggering such a catastrophic event as the Soul Burial Vortex was no ordinary force.

The weakness that Palace Master Li Ming showed after leaving seclusion early and swiftly killing the three demons was probably already noticed by certain beings.

"Therefore, the second priority of this trip is also of paramount importance!"

Ling Yu stated decisively, "Go deep into the core area of the Soul Burial Vortex, at all costs, and find out the root cause of the anomaly!"

"Investigate whether any unknown forces are lurking, and whether any clues, array bases, or passages pointing to the mastermind have been left behind!"

His gaze fell on Lin Miaoyin: "Lin Miaoyin, you are proficient in music analysis and spiritual perception, and you are particularly sensitive to abnormal energy fluctuations."

"This mission to investigate the root of the anomaly requires your full effort. Use the Heavenly Sound Secret Technique to pinpoint the core of the anomaly and guide the way."

Lin Miaoyin took a deep breath and nodded solemnly: "This junior will do my utmost."

Ling Yu then looked at Sun Huo and Wang Yu from the formation hall: "You two are in charge of surveying and recording."

"The environment at the core of the vortex is treacherous, and divine sense is limited. Your professional methods are crucial; no clue, however small, should be overlooked!"

"Yes, sir!" Sun Huo and Wang Yu replied in deep voices.

Finally, he looked at Fang Yan and Zhao Qian of the Enforcement Hall: "Fang Yan, Zhao Qian, you two are responsible for guarding the rear and dealing with any sudden battles."

"This journey is fraught with danger and uncertainty. In addition to the possible remnants of the bloodbath, we must also be wary of the unknown external forces or their henchmen."

"Protecting Lin Miaoyin and the disciples of the Array Hall, and ensuring the completion of the reconnaissance mission, is the top priority! In the event of force majeure, ensuring the safe return of Lin Miaoyin and the information obtained from the reconnaissance mission will be the priority!"

"Yes! Rest assured, Elder!" Fang Yan and Zhao Qian clasped their fists, their killing intent palpable.

Ling Yu surveyed the crowd one last time, her tone chilling: "This journey is for the sake of the hundreds of thousands of lives in Meteor City, and for the survival of my Xuan Shui Palace's lineage!"

"Board the ship!"

At Elder Ling Yu's command, six figures shot into the Abyss Ship, which was moored in its designated berth, like arrows released from a bow.

The heavy cabin door slid down silently, shutting out the last trace of noise and sea breeze from the dock.

The pale silver concealment runes engraved all over the boat lit up one by one, and the entire small boat seemed to merge into the sea, silently gliding into the ripples.

It leaves only barely visible ripples on the water's surface before disappearing completely.

Elder Ling Yu sat upright in the main seat, his eyes slightly closed, his powerful nascent soul divine sense cautiously probing out of the boat like an invisible spider web.

Lin Miaoyin sat cross-legged in front of the detection disc, with a jade flute lying horizontally in her arms.

Her fingertips were surrounded by a faint, melodious glow, her eyes were closed, and her entire mind was immersed in the world constructed by the "Heavenly Sound Probing Technique".

The invisible sound waves, like the most sensitive tentacles, spread out in a fan shape in all directions from the Abyss Boat as the center.

The feedback information forms a blurry, constantly changing three-dimensional image on the Dharma plate.

"We have entered the outer perimeter of the core area of the Soul Burial Vortex by thirty miles." Lin Miaoyin's voice was cold, with a hint of tension.

"The interference from divine sense has intensified, and the range of sound wave detection has been compressed to five miles. Ahead... there are a large area of energy disorder, suspected to be remnants of spatial rifts."

"Slow down," Ling Yu ordered in a deep voice, without opening her eyes.

The Abyss Ship carefully avoided a raging black vortex, its propulsion array at the stern flashing as it forcefully maintained its course.

"On the left... fifteen feet, the spatial distortion intensifies, with a strong tearing force field."

Lin Miaoyin's voice was slightly hoarse and strained, as maintaining the high intensity of the "Heavenly Sound Probing Technique" for a long time had taken a toll on her.

Fang Yan gripped a dark blue magic weapon tightly, his eyes fixed on the area through the observation crystal.

The seawater there swirled and folded in an eerie manner, the light was distorted and swallowed up, forming a chilling absolute darkness.

"Go around it and keep your distance!" Ling Yu's voice remained calm, but her brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.

The danger at the core of the Soul Burial Vortex far exceeded expectations. The spatial rifts of this magnitude meant that even a Nascent Soul cultivator would be in grave danger if accidentally caught in them.

Like a mayfly in a storm, the Abyss Ship carefully tilted its hull, its silver concealment runes flashing rapidly as it struggled against the invisible tearing force of space.

"Thirty feet to the right, the space is relatively stable, but there is... a strong residual aura of bloodlust!"

Lin Miaoyin's pupils reflected the intensely fluctuating blue light on the magic disc, her voice trembling slightly.

"Bloodthirsty aura?" A glint flashed in Ling Yu's eyes, and she made a quick decision:

"Locate the position, move closer! Everyone, activate your protective aura to block detection!"

Fang Yan and Zhao Qian instantly stood up, flanking Lin Miaoyin and the detection disc on either side. Their magical artifacts hummed, and layers of dark blue shields lit up.

Sun Huo and Wang Yu also quickly activated their array plates, setting up miniature arrays inside the cabin to isolate the fluctuations in energy, while nervously recording the images reflected on the array plates.

Under Ling Yu's precise control, the Abyss Boat glided into the relatively stable waters like a fish.

As soon as they entered, an indescribable chill permeated the ship.

Even with layers of shields protecting them, the pain still stung their souls.

"This is it!" Lin Miaoyin pointed to the intense light spot in the core area of the magic disc.

"The source of the bloodthirsty aura seems to have been temporarily sealed by some force, but the residual fluctuations are still terrifyingly powerful."

"Traces of a fierce battle remain all around, the energy attributes mixed with bloodlust, water-based spiritual power, and... an even more ancient and purer power of ice!"

Upon hearing this, Ling Yu frowned slightly and cautiously probed the murky seawater with her divine sense.

The scene that his divine sense fed back made him feel a pang of fear, even with his Nascent Soul stage cultivation and composure.

The first thing he discovered was an area that was completely frozen.

The dense, almost tangible dark red aura of bloodlust was firmly sealed within by an extreme icy blue energy.

The icy blue energy emanated a chill that stung even the soul, and its essence was far superior to any rare and precious material Ling Yu had ever seen.

Surrounding this frozen source of bloodlust, the sea area within a radius of several hundred feet was covered with shocking traces of battle.

The hard reefs and seabed were blasted apart by the violent force, leaving behind several huge, bottomless cracks.

The edges of the crack still retained a strong aura of bloodlust, exuding the unique violent and filthy scent of Luo Xiao's blood-red trident.

Intersecting or overlapping with the blood-red ravines are large patches of radial, ice-blue burst marks.

Amidst these violent traces, Ling Yu keenly sensed another relatively gentle yet resilient force.

Although this force was weak, it stubbornly existed at the edge of the Ice Blue Burst.

"Hiss..." Ling Yu slowly withdrew his divine sense, his usually calm face now showing a mixture of solemnity and surprise.

He opened his eyes and quickly scanned the people in the cabin.

"The situation is more complicated than expected," Ling Yu said in a low voice.

"Lin Miaoyin's judgment was correct. That bloodthirsty aura was sealed by an extremely powerful icy law force."

"The level of this power is so high, I'm afraid..." He paused, not uttering his guess, but the shock in his eyes said it all.

"As for the traces of the battle," Ling Yu continued, her tone tinged with heaviness:

"It can be confirmed that Luo Xiao and... Xu Ping'an engaged in a fierce battle here."

Lin Miaoyin's voice trembled, almost breaking as she exclaimed, "Senior Brother Xu?!"

Those clear, cold eyes were instantly illuminated by immense hope, yet also trembled violently with unknown fear.

"Not bad." Ling Yu's affirmative voice broke the silence, carrying an indescribable solemnity.

"Although the residual energy has been eroded by the environment, the core points of conflict can still be identified."

"Luo Xiao's bloodthirsty power is violent and filthy, and what opposes it... is precisely young friend Xu's water-based spiritual power, as well as that domineering icy power!"

"Judging from the way he froze the blood demon, it was definitely not something Luo Xiao could do. And although young friend Xu's water-based spiritual power is weak, it tenaciously clings to the edge of the icy blue explosion, even... as if it's guiding it..."

"Guidance?!" Lin Miaoyin's heart clenched suddenly, and an unbelievable thought flashed through her mind:

"Could it be that Senior Brother Xu is still alive?"

"It's too early to draw conclusions!" Ling Yu interrupted her, her tone resolute.

"However, the residual energy clashes here prove that young friend Xu not only fought Luo Xiao here, but may have also come into contact with the source of that powerful icy force!"

"Elder, then we..." Lin Miaoyin's voice trembled slightly with excitement.

"Lock onto the direction of that icy power!" Ling Yu said.

The Abyss Ship started up again, this time with a clear objective: to reach the unknown source of the icy chill.

Lin Miaoyin activated the Heavenly Sound Probing Technique with all her might, and the invisible sound wave threads struggled to travel through the chaotic energy field, trying to capture the subtle trajectory of that unique icy law.

"The space ahead... is unusually stable!" Lin Miaoyin suddenly spoke, her voice tinged with surprise.

"The chaotic vortexes and fissures seemed to be smoothed out by an invisible force here! Yet, the icy aura rose rapidly!"

The view outside the boat confirmed her judgment.

The originally raging black vortex and distorted light suddenly subsided after approaching a certain limit.

The seawater was unusually clean, yet it contained a chilling coldness.

Even the pale silver concealment runes seemed to operate sluggishly in such extreme cold, and a thin layer of ice crystals began to condense on the surface of the boat.

"Slow down and be on guard!" Ling Yu shouted in a low voice. His own Nascent Soul stage protective aura silently spread out, firmly enveloping the Abyss Boat and resisting the all-pervasive icy erosion.

Passing through a nearly transparent energy membrane, the scene before my eyes suddenly opened up, yet brought an even deeper sense of awe.

An unimaginably vast space was revealed within the detection disc and observation crystal.

A deep blue light, seemingly from nowhere, evenly spread across every corner, illuminating the grand main body of the space…

A massive architectural ruin constructed of a deep, dark black material.

Though the ruins bear the marks of time, broken columns and crumbling towers lie scattered on the seabed.

However, its main structure still stands majestically, its surface flowing with a water-like, ethereal blue luster, forming natural, intricate, and mysterious defensive runes...