Return Journey and Declaration of War

Lin Ye rose to his feet, facing the frozen river of civilizations, and spoke word by word:

"Ashes are ashes not because they are about to go out—but because as long as there is a single spark, they can burn again."

"So stay."

"Come with me. We'll burn through the Taotie encirclement and find your people."

The faint light trembled violently.

Then, an extremely faint yet more resolute strand of violet-gold light slowly drifted from the Ark's core and merged into Lin Ye's brow.

"Okay."

"I... will go with you."

Within the river of civilizations behind Lin Ye, the three hundred and seventy-second stream of silver-white light quietly lit up.

Three days later.

At the edge of the Civilization Graveyard, an Ashen Ark condensed from violet-gold light slowly sailed out of the dead zone.

The hull was woven from the lingering obsessions of three hundred and seventy-two civilizations. Every Rune bore the final memories and attachments of a civilization. At the prow stood Lin Ye with his hands behind his back, while the Arrowhead Squad, somewhat recovered but still weak, stood behind him.

"Xuxi, can you locate the New Era Network?"

"Attempting it... The interference is still severe, but weak network beacon fluctuations have been detected near the Dreamscape Ruins coordinates provided by the Dreamweavers." Xuxi's voice had regained some stability. "The New Era Network may have already dispatched a rescue team and is approaching that region."

"Perfect." Lin Ye nodded. "We'll go home first, replenish our strength, and then—we'll head to the Dreamscape Ruins."

"The Taotie Court's main force has besieged that place for a century..." Radiant Stilllight frowned. "In our current condition..."

"We're not going now." Lin Ye turned, his gaze sweeping across the crowd before settling on the three hundred and seventy-two lingering obsessions of civilizations behind