It was a circular altar, smaller than the platform below but far more exquisite. Seven towering stone pillars stood around it, each with a special groove at its top, clearly prepared for the seven keys. At the center of the altar, a purple pillar of light shot straight into the sky, connecting to the Purple Moon overhead. Its energy fluctuations were so intense they had nearly taken physical form, creating a pulsing halo.
Lin Ye and Ace stood at the edge of the altar, facing the grand and mysterious structure before them. The seven towering stone pillars formed a perfect circle, and the grooves atop each pillar flickered faintly beneath the Purple Moon's glow. The central purple beam was like a bridge connecting heaven and earth, its energy fluctuations violent and unstable, swelling and contracting as though it were breathing.
"We must place the keys in the order shown on the Star Map," Lin Ye said, taking out the Star Map record he had seen in the ruins before. "If the order is wrong, the energy flow will become chaotic and could cause the ritual to fail."
Ace nodded and removed the Flame Key from his waist. "According to the Star Map, each key has a specific position corresponding to a different energy attribute."
The two quickly divided their tasks and began placing the seven keys according to the Star Map's guidance. First came the Dawn Blade, representing "Origin." Lin Ye placed it into the groove of the stone pillar due north. The moment the key touched the pillar, it released a profound purplish-blue radiance. A beam of light shot into the heavens and entered a subtle resonance with the Purple Moon.
Next was the Flame Key, representing "Blaze." Ace placed it on the stone pillar to the northeast. The