Li Wuyang controlled the Dawn, moving slowly along the edge of the immense base constructed from countless stellar wreckages and congealed deathly energy, like a speck of dust clinging beneath the shadow of a colossal beast. The base's surface was jagged and uneven, riddled with enormous cracks and holes like a honeycomb—or the entrances to some vile creature's nest—exuding a nauseating stench of decay and resentment.
He dared not release any detection waves. He could only rely on the Dawn's ultra-sensitive optical sensors and his faint resonance with the Primordial Stone Coffin to feel his way through the absolute silence. The surrounding concentration of deathly energy was terrifyingly high. If the Dawn's hull had not fused with his Chaos Nirvana Dao laws to form a unique purification barrier, it would likely have long since been eroded and assimilated. Even so, faint sizzling sounds, like acid corrosion, continuously came from outside the hull, while the shield energy steadily but slowly declined.
The resonance from the Primordial Stone Coffin waxed and waned, pointing him in a general direction. Following that sensation, Li Wuyang piloted the Dawn into a massive fissure leading deep into the base. It was even darker within the crack, pitch-black beyond sight. Only the faint dark-red glow of evil runes flickered in the distance like ghostly flames. Fine gray dust condensed from resentment floated through the void, constantly striking the ship's shields with rustling sounds and interfering with the sensors' readings.
Travel became exceptionally difficult, and the ship's speed dropped to its lowest. Li Wuyang focused completely, not daring to let his guard down in the slightest. He knew that the three terrifying beings of the Shadow Chancellor were not far above him. Any mistake could lead to eternal damnation.
As he ventured deeper, the sights around him grew