The Star Chaser sailed steadily along the route back to Dust Star. Inside the cabin, Li Wuyang sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, his aura perfectly harmonized as he consolidated the gains from this journey through the ancient road. The Primordial Starfire guide at his brow was like a warm spring, continuously nourishing his Dao body and Xuan's embryo. The luminous point of the embryo near his heart grew increasingly solid. Xuan's phantom occasionally opened those cool, clear eyes. Though he still could not communicate, there seemed to be a hint more liveliness in his gaze.
The Great Elder and Jiyun were also meditating and regulating their breathing. Bao Bao lay curiously against the porthole, watching the stars stream past outside.
Several days later, the starship approached the outer reaches of the Shattered Star Belt. Aidera received a message from the rat-demon steward of Everything House, the Dust Star outpost.
"Senior Li, Great Elder," Aidera reported, "the rat demon sent word that the Shattered Star Belt has been far from peaceful lately. The Stomach of the Glutton has become noticeably more active, as though it is searching for something. Also, three months from now, Tianshu Star will host its once-in-a-thousand-years Star Sea Auction. It is said that many rare treasures from ancient ruins will appear, perhaps even divine artifacts related to... annihilation and creation."
"Star Sea Auction? Tianshu Star?" Li Wuyang opened his eyes. Tianshu Star was one of the largest neutral trading planets in the Shattered Star Belt. Several major merchant guilds jointly managed it. It was a chaotic mix of every sort of person, but it also held many opportunities.
"Divine artifacts related to annihilation and creation?" His heart stirred. What he needed most now were treasures that could accelerate Xuan's awakening and strengthen his Annihilation Sword Dao.