Gou Zai Xi You Dao Chang Sheng

Li Yan took the item handed to him by Zhou Ming, and felt its warmth and weight.

Upon closer inspection, it was a palm-sized, pitch-black piece of iron.

The sheet of iron is about three fingers thick.

The edges have irregular cracks, and the surface is covered with densely packed runes.

Those runes were neither ancient nor modern; they resembled the trajectories of stars, intertwined and subtly forming an array.

Eyes slightly open, reflecting the mind like a mirror.

[Unknown iron fragment (fragment)]

【Material: A mixture of Nine Heavens Mystic Iron and Stardust, forged through a thousand years of tempering in true fire.】

[Surface runes: suspected to be remnants of some ancient sealing formation, subtly conforming to the principle of the rotation of the Twenty-Eight Mansions.]

However, it is incomplete and difficult to deduce the whole picture.

[Internal: There are faint fluctuations of a restrictive barrier; it can only be activated through a specific incantation or blood sacrifice.]

Li Yan frowned slightly.

Is it a coincidence?

still is……

He asked in a deep voice:

"Senior Brother Zhou, when did Senior Brother Zhao acquire this item? Did he leave any message?"

Zhou Ming shook his head: "The elder of the Artifact Pavilion said that it was discovered while sorting through Senior Brother Zhao's belongings."

Brother Zhao never mentioned this item to anyone during his lifetime, nor did he leave a single word about it.

"The elders of the Artifact Pavilion have tried many methods, including burning with true fire, soaking in spiritual water, and probing with divine sense, but none of them can break through the surface restriction."

Finally, the patriarch glanced at it and said…

Zhou Ming recalled: "The patriarch said, 'This item is destined for Li Yan; give it to him.'"

"A connection with me?" Li Yan's doubts grew.

The patriarch's words must have a profound meaning.

But I don't have much interaction with Zhao Yuanqing, so how could this item be related to me?

And a year has already passed?

I have been practicing the "Star Aperture Hidden Dragon Technique" in Shattered Star Valley for more than a month.

Sun Wukong remembered it clearly as well.

However, Zhou Ming said that Senior Brother Zhao had gone down the mountain a year ago and died three days ago.

Where does this time difference come from?

There must be a demon in the abnormal situation.

Li Yan pondered for a moment and said, "Senior Brother Zhou, I'll keep this for now. If I find it again in the future, I'll explain it to you."

But it's my senior brother's arm that's...

Zhou Ming smiled wryly and touched his empty left sleeve:

Three months ago, I and several fellow disciples went down the mountain for training. In an ancient battlefield ruin in Jambudvipa, we encountered a ghostly army passing by.

"My cultivation was insufficient, and a demon general severed my arm; I barely escaped with my life."

"The passage of ghostly soldiers," Li Yan's gaze sharpened, "could it be related to the hazy aura?"

Zhou Ming was surprised: "How did you know, Senior Brother?"

Deep within the ruins of that ancient battlefield, there was indeed a gray aura, different from the malevolent spirits. Those who were tainted by it became restless and easily harbored murderous thoughts.

That's how we ended up in this dangerous place.

It's another calamity.

Li Yan felt heavy-hearted.

The Ghost-Faced Owl of Shattered Star Valley went mad from the erosion of calamity energy.

The ancient battlefields of Jambudvipa were also filled with the aura of impending doom.

Where does this calamity come from?

Why did it spread so widely?

"Is your injury serious, Senior Brother?" Li Yan asked with concern.

"She is out of danger."

Zhou Ming shook his head.

"The Elder of the Artifact Pavilion connected me with the [Azure Wood Limb Seed], which contains vital energy."

"The limbs have been transformed into arms, allowing for normal daily activities, but the cultivation level has been damaged, requiring rest and recuperation."

Li Yan nodded, took out a bottle of his own refined Jade Skin and Bone Regeneration Pill from his robes, and handed it to Zhou Ming:

"This pill has a remarkable effect on reconnecting severed limbs. Senior brother, take one pill every day for seven consecutive days, and it may accelerate your recovery."

Zhou Ming accepted it and said gratefully, "Thank you, Senior Brother."

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Zhou Ming took his leave, as he still needed to go to the Weapon Pavilion to assist with Zhao Yuanqing's funeral arrangements.

After Zhou Ming walked away, Sun Wukong scratched his ear and said, "Brother, this is strange."

We only stayed in Shattered Star Gorge for a little over a month, how come a year has passed outside?

Li Yan was about to speak.

Suddenly, a gentle voice resounded directly in their minds.

"Li Yan, Wukong."

He is the patriarch.

"Wukong, come to the Three Star Cave."

"Li Yan, now that you have obtained the object in your bosom, you should study it carefully."

"There are still unresolved karmic issues in Shattered Star Gorge; we may explore it further."

The sound faded away, leaving a lingering echo.

Sun Wukong's golden eyes lit up, and he grinned at Li Yan:

"Senior brother, the Patriarch has summoned me; it must be for good news! I'll be right back!"

After saying that, he somersaulted into the air and transformed into a golden rainbow, heading towards the main peak, the Three Star Cave.

Li Yan watched him leave, gently stroking the gray sable in his arms.

The sable looked up, its amber eyes reflecting its thoughtful expression.

"Let's go to Shattered Star Valley again."

Li Yan made up his mind: since the patriarch had given clear instructions, he would go and make the trip.

This solo trip requires even more caution.

He first returned to the herb garden courtyard and sorted out what he had found.

Inside the quiet room, the Minor Five Elements Life-Generating Array operated as usual.

The six seedlings of the Wutu soil variety have grown to about a foot tall, with pale yellow stems and leaves, full of vitality.

The spiritual energy within the formation is abundant, increasing by 30% compared to before the Lunar New Year.

Li Yan took out a set of twelve gray-brown cloth array flags.

The flag is woven from spider silk mixed with stardust and is decorated with the formation pattern of the "Small Heavenly Star Concealment Array".

This formation is part of the "Star Aperture Hidden Dragon Technique".

Once set up, it can draw upon the power of the stars to conceal one's presence and also has the effect of disorienting and creating illusions.

Then take three more [Taiyin Concealing Breath Talismans] and stick them on your forehead, chest, and dantian.

This talisman is drawn with moonlight mixed with cold dew. It can gather qi, blood, spirit, and will, and transform into the clear radiance of the moon, making it difficult for ordinary consciousness to detect.

Finally, he placed the Dao-carrying tortoise shell close to his body, alongside the incomplete spirit tortoise shell.

When the two touched, their Daoist energies subtly blended together.

Once everything was ready, Li Yan changed into a gray-brown outfit embroidered with the Five Elements Simulation Array pattern, and covered it with a cloak.

A gray sable leaped onto my shoulder, its silvery-gray tail curling gently around my neck.

"The priority for this investigation is secrecy; we will not act unless absolutely necessary."

Li Yan's instructions to the gray sable were also a reminder to himself.

The ferret nodded softly.

One man and one sable, then headed towards the back of the mountain.

Soon, Shattered Star Gorge came into view.

The mist at the valley entrance was thicker than before.

Looking through the eyes, one could see gray mist swirling in the fog, the aura of calamity permeating the air, and a faint sense of madness spreading through it.

"The calamity aura has intensified again."

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine.

He stopped ten feet away from the mouth of the ravine, not in a hurry to enter.

First, take out a spirit-detecting talisman, fold it into the shape of a paper crane, blow a breath of spiritual energy, and the paper crane flaps its wings and flies into the mist.

The eyes follow the perspective of the paper crane to observe the scenery in the ravine.

On the rocky beach at the bottom of the valley, where the corpse of the Ghost-Faced Owl had been cremated, the ashes had been scattered by the eerie wind.

However, a dark red patch remained on the spot, the soil soaked with demonic blood, exuding an ominous aura.

Around the crack, in the shadows of jagged rocks, lay more than a dozen dark red figures.

These monsters resemble spiders, but have three pairs of compound eyes, star-shaped markings on their carapaces, and eerie blue claws at the ends of their eight legs.

They crouched among the rocks, their mouths opening and closing, inhaling and exhaling mist.

"Star-spotted Demon Spider..."

Li Yan's heart is reflected in the mirror.

【Star-Spotted Demon Spider (Erosion by Calamity - Mutation)】

[Originally a unique demonic creature of the Shattered Star Valley, it feeds on the marrow of meteorite stones, prefers shady and secluded places, and usually does not actively harm people.]

[Now, eroded by the calamity's energy, his body has undergone abnormal changes; his compound eyes have proliferated, the star-shaped spots on his carapace have turned dark red, and he has become deranged, bloodthirsty, and murderous.]

[Strength: Varies between the initial stage of Dao Seed condensation and the level of Dao Tree; adept at spitting star-poison threads, setting up concealment arrays, and possessing eight hooked claws capable of breaking through protective barriers.]

The paper crane continued its journey deeper.

Beneath the crack, the stone chamber remains.

The star aperture and earth eye are much dimmer, the star power is thin, and the yin energy is disordered.

Around the Earth Eye, three enormous Star-Spotted Spiders lay sprawled.

Its carapace was dark red like blood, with star-like spots that shimmered with an evil light.

Its mouthparts continuously dripped thick venom, causing the ground to sizzle and crackle.

At the center of the eye of the earth, a crack appeared on the surface of the boulder.

Gray mist emerged from the cracks, intertwining with star power and yin energy to form a gray-blue mist vortex.

The mist swirled, emanating a frenzied Daoist aura.

"The source of this calamity... is actually deep within the Earth's eye?"

Li Yan frowned.

Just then, a demonic spider raised its head, its three pairs of compound eyes turning towards the paper crane.

"laugh!"

A gray-blue thread shot out, as fast as lightning.

The paper crane was instantly pierced, its talismanic power dissipated, and it turned into ashes.

The field of vision is then interrupted.

Li Yan regained his composure, his expression turning serious.

The situation beneath the crack was worse than expected.

The Star-Spotted Demon Spider is quite powerful, has the advantage of terrain, and is further amplified by the aura of calamity, making it even more ferocious.

Moreover, there seemed to be an anomaly deep within the earth's eye, with calamity energy seeping out from the cracks, the source of which was unknown.

If left unchecked, the calamity will continue to spread, turning Shattered Star Gorge into a dead end, and may even affect Fangcun Mountain.

However, with his current cultivation level of just beginning to form the Dao Tree, dealing with more than ten demonic spiders is already difficult, let alone investigating the source.

"This requires careful consideration..."

Li Yan was deep in thought.

Suddenly, my ears twitched slightly.

A heavy sound came from the direction of the mountain road.

"Tap...tap...tap..."

The sound of hooves resonated with the earth's veins and aligned with the star trails.

Li Yan felt a chill run down his spine and immediately concealed his aura, activating the Five Elements Breath Simulation Array and disappearing into the shadow of the rock wall.

The sable also shrank into its cloak, holding its breath.

The sound of hooves drew closer.

A moment later, a figure appeared at the mouth of the ravine.

It was a blue ox.

The ox has a robust body, glossy fur like blue satin, snow-white hooves, and crescent-shaped horns.

A string of antique necklaces hung around her neck.

A palm-sized piece of tortoise shell hung from the center of the collar.

The tortoise shell was dark yellow, with a surface covered with star-like markings, and it was seven or eight parts similar to the tortoise shell that Li Yan carried.

On the back of the blue ox, there was a bright, shiny golden ring.

The ring is engraved with cloud patterns and thunder seal script, with a hidden radiance.

The blue ox reached the mouth of the ravine, stopped, looked up at the dark mist, and spoke in human language:

"Sigh... Master is really something, making me, Old Niu, run around to this place to guide some young friend in the Dao Seed Realm."

It flicked its tail and continued muttering:

"They say the calamity is just beginning to manifest, and we need to make arrangements as soon as possible. But how easy is it to resolve this calamity?"

The way of Heaven is constant, and calamities arise spontaneously.

"Killing tribulation, demonic tribulation, mental tribulation, final tribulation... I wonder which one it will be this time."

"Alright, alright, since the master has ordered it, I have to go."

The blue ox strode into the dark mist.

Strangely enough, the dense, dark mist dissipated automatically when it touched the area around the green ox, which was three zhang in diameter.

The blue ox walked calmly and headed straight towards the crack.

Li Yan watched from the shadows, deeply shocked.

While they were pondering, the blue ox had already reached the vicinity of the crevice.

More than ten spotted spiders sensed the presence of living beings and darted out from the cracks in the rocks.

Its three pairs of compound eyes are red, and its mouthparts open and close, making strange hissing sounds.

"Hiss hiss hiss!"

Gray-blue silk threads shot out, intertwining into a net that enveloped the blue ox.

Several more demonic spiders leaped from the ground with their eight legs, lunging forward and grabbing at the bull's eyes and throat with their claws.

The blue ox didn't even lift its eyelids.

Only his neck shone slightly.

A round, golden kumquat appeared out of thin air and landed perfectly in the slightly open mouth.

It squinted contentedly, chewed for a moment, and then mumbled:

"Moo".

The tortoise shell on the collar around her neck trembled slightly.

"Buzz!"

A pale yellow halo spread out.

Wherever the halo passed, the gray-blue netting quickly melted away.

The spider, which had pounced into the air, froze instantly. The star-like spots on its carapace dimmed rapidly, and the light in its compound eyes faded.

"Pfft pfft pfft..."

More than ten demonic spiders exploded at the same time, turning into clouds of blood mist.

It was then enveloped by the halo of light and completely annihilated, leaving not even a trace.

From the moment the demonic spider erupted to its complete annihilation, it was but a fleeting instant.

Another kumquat appeared, was rolled into the mouth by the tongue, and then continued towards the crack.

Li Yan was deeply shocked as he watched from the shadows.

At this moment, the green ox walked to the edge of the crack, looked down at the fissure, and chewed on a fruit, saying:

"Tsk, the calamity energy seeped into the earth's eye and mixed with the stellar power and yin energy, which has caused some changes."

Lift its front hoof and stomp.

"Thump!"

The ground trembled slightly, and loose rocks rolled down around the crack.

The gray-blue mist vortex was shaken apart by 30% by this stomp, and the gray mist that seeped out also became much thinner.

"It's just treating the symptoms, not the root cause."

The blue ox shook its head, and light shimmered around its collar.

Two sweet kumquats appeared, and one fell directly into my mouth.

The other one is held in front of the mouth, and the skin is slowly peeled off.

"The root of the calamity lies in the operation of the Heavenly Dao; the Earthly Eye is merely an outlet."

"If you block it here, it will just grow elsewhere."

"Never mind, let's get on with the business first."

It suddenly turned its head, looking towards where Li Yan was hiding, and said while chewing.

"Young friend over there, you've been watching for so long, the aroma of my honey-preserved kumquats is almost wafting over, isn't it time for you to show yourself?"

Hmm... and that little silver ferret, its scent is quite pure.

Li Yan's heart tightened, and the gray sable immediately shrank back into its cloak.

Even with the Five Elements Breath Array fully activated, the Taiyin Breath Concealing Talisman providing cover, and the Gray Sable's stealth talent being used, it was still seen through at a glance.

This green ox's cultivation level is truly unfathomable.

Now that it's been revealed, there's no point in hiding it anymore.

Li Yan emerged from the shadows, cupped his hands, and said, "Junior Li Yan greets Senior."

The sable poked its head out from his shoulder and, mimicking a human, arched its two front paws, looking rather comical.

The blue ox sized him up and down a few times, but didn't stop eating the fruit:

"The Star Earth Dao Seed has taken initial shape, with all thirty-seven hidden acupoints fully opened, and its foundation is quite solid."

Hmm... Dao Seed quality, middle grade three, sixth grade Earthly Fiend Star Radiance.

"They're just a hair's breadth away from reaching the top three ranks."

It swallowed the fruit pulp before slowly saying:

"Let this old ox chew on it... However, the fusion of star power and earth virtue in your Dao seed is not yet complete, and it still lacks a trace of the true meaning of the Zhou Tian Star Diagram to activate it."

If it can be completed, it may be able to advance to the upper three ranks of the Heavenly Dipper Star Pattern. In the future, when the Primordial Spirit is established, there is also the potential to glimpse the Dao of the Celestial Star Gods.

Li Yan was deeply shaken upon hearing this.

With just a few words, the green ox revealed the quality of the Dao seed and pointed out the opportunity for advancement.

"Senior has discerning eyes." Li Yan bowed.

The green ox beckoned over another plump, golden fruit, lowered its head to hold it, and said:

"I've followed you, sir, for many years, so I have some discernment."

This little thing, for example, has the rare bloodline of the Void Silver Sable.

Although not fully awakened, it possesses sufficient spirituality, is adept at hiding and searching, and is a good helper.

Upon hearing this, Li Yan patted the little creature's head, and then heard the green ox continue speaking.

"Since you cultivate the Way of Stars and Earth and also obtained the fragment of the tortoise shell that carries the Way, you can be considered to have a connection with the Master."

The master instructed me to come here to guide a young friend at the Dao Seed Realm…”

His gaze swept over Li Yan again, and the green ox nodded slightly before putting the fruit into its mouth.

"Looks like it's you."

Li Yan hesitated and asked, "What you mean by 'guidance' is...?"

"Tushuai Palace".

Qingniu said directly,

"My master told you a year ago that if you wish to go to the Tushita Palace, you can go east and bow three times before the image of Taiqing, and you will be guided there."

Since you haven't made a move yet, the master knows you have something on your mind.

The ominous aura has now manifested; although Fangcun Mountain has temporarily found peace, it is not a place to linger.

It looked up at the sky, its tone becoming more serious:

"Young friend, let me be frank, the best time for you to leave the mountain is now."

If another six months pass, the aura of calamity will permeate the body, and the karmic entanglements will become deeply heavy, making it difficult to leave.

"Let this old ox chew a little... This kumquat may be sweet, but it can't ease the bitterness of this calamity."

Li Yan's heart stirred: "What do you mean by that, senior?"

The Green Ox sighed, "Do you know why we rarely see cultivators from Lingtai Fangcun Mountain traveling outside?"