When the Abyss party returned, Dragon-Suppressing Pass erupted in excitement.
The moment the aura of the Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl approached Abyss's outskirts, the entire Dragon-Suppressing Pass seemed to have been washed by a veil of deep blue waterlight.
The Blackwater baleful aura left behind by the great battle was slowly suppressed by that gentle power.
The formation patterns along the pass walls lit up one by one.
The Northern Sea-Calming Stele Fragment also trembled softly, as though it had sensed a power from the same source.
Lan Shuang walked at the very front, holding the Book of Cause and Effect.
Lady Mingzhu held the Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl in both hands, her expression cautious.
Ao Lie's injuries had yet to fully recover. Several parts of his dragon armor were shattered, and blood still stained the corner of his mouth.
Han Jue led the Realm Guard elites at the rear.
Although they had not suffered too many casualties on this trip, everyone had expended a great deal of spiritual power.
Ao Lie in particular.
He had blocked Ao Yin's sneak attack, then fought the Blackwater Dragon Palace's Second Elder head-on. His injuries were the most severe.
Yet there was not the slightest trace of dejection in his eyes.
Instead, he seemed even steadier than when he had left Dragon-Suppressing Pass.
Han Jue looked at him and clicked his tongue.
"You've got a little more to you this time."
Ao Lie replied coolly, "You didn't get in the way either."
Han Jue raised a brow.
"Was that a compliment?"
"It means you can barely understand human speech."
Han Jue gave a cold laugh.
"Once you've recovered, see you at the Martial Practice Arena."
Ao Lie did not even look at him.
"As if I'm afraid of you."
The two started bickering again.
Ancestor Xuan Jia walked behind them and slowly shook his head.
"Young people really have too much energy."
Lan Shuang ignored them.
Her attention was entirely focused on the Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl and the Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl.
Both items had to be decided upon by the Emperor.
Especially the Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl.
That Beast Tribulation remnant soul knew of the Emperor's past and had even once had its physical body shattered by the Emperor turning over.
This matter absolutely could not be spread carelessly.
The moment she returned to Dragon-Suppressing Pass, she immediately gave the order.
"The matter of the Northern Dark Water Palace shall be placed in the Bureau of Cause and Effect's confidential archives."
"All accompanying personnel are forbidden from privately discussing the Sea Devourer Remnant Soul or the Emperor's past."
The Realm Guard elites answered in unison.
They all understood the gravity of the matter.
Anything involving the Emperor's secrets was not something to be casually discussed.
The news quickly reached the depths of Abyss.
Lu Chen had just awakened from the Chaos Shell-Shedding Method when he saw the results of the battle presented by Lan Shuang.
The Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl.
The Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl.
The Frost Phoenix Lineage's intention to pledge allegiance.
Ao Lie repelling Ao Yin.
And the words spoken by the Sea Devourer Remnant Soul: "Back then, that old turtle shattered my physical body just by turning over."
After reading it, Lu Chen fell silent in his entirety.
He had shattered Sea Devourer's physical body by turning over?
Had that happened?
He tried hard to search through the lingering memories of the Black Tortoise True Body.
The result was only a few blurry images.
Endless Blackwater.
A long slumber.
Occasionally, strange things would approach Abyss, only to be blasted away by the Black Tortoise's instinctive aura.
As for who Sea Devourer was, Lu Chen truly had no recollection.
Perhaps to the original Black Tortoise, a beast like Sea Devourer had merely been a tiny bug that bumped into him while he slept.
After driving it away, he had forgotten about it the moment he turned around.
But in the eyes of the outside world, the nature of the matter was completely different.
Sea Devourer's remnant soul from the Beast Tribulation had personally admitted that the Black Tortoise had shattered its physical body just by turning over.
That was an absurdly impressive reputation.
So impressive that even Lu Chen felt a little guilty.
"This won't get out, will it?"
Lan Shuang immediately replied.
"Rest assured, Emperor. This matter has already been placed in the Bureau of Cause and Effect's confidential archives."
"Everyone who accompanied us has sworn an oath not to spread it."
Lu Chen felt slightly relieved.
"Good."
Lan Shuang's heart trembled.
Receiving the Emperor's praise finally eased some of the tension that had been tightly wound within her.
"Our success in obtaining the Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl was entirely thanks to the Emperor's decree."
Lu Chen was a little speechless.
What did it have to do with him?
He had slept in Abyss the entire time.
But thinking carefully, he really had been the one who sent them.
Forget it.
It was enough that they had returned safely.
Lu Chen's divine sense settled upon the Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl.
The pearl was deep blue throughout, with water veins flowing within it like a miniature Northern Sea.
Its aura was gentle and heavy. It did not possess overwhelming killing power, but it could suppress water fortune and stabilize sea veins.
It was exceptionally suitable for the Inner Realm of the Abyss.
The more Lu Chen looked at it, the more satisfied he became.
If this item were merged into the Abyssal Womb Membrane, the inner realm would certainly expand once more.
As for the Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl.
Lu Chen gave it a glance.
Within the soul pearl, a faint eye slowly opened.
The Sea Devourer Remnant Soul seemed to sense Lu Chen's divine sense, and the entire soul pearl trembled lightly.
Then, that remnant soul actually took the initiative to restrain all of its Baleful Fiendish Aura.
"Old turtle?"
Lu Chen's eyelid twitched.
That form of address sounded like it was begging for a beating.
Lan Shuang and the others' expressions changed as well.
Han Jue immediately gripped his spear tightly.
"Impudent!"
The Sea Devourer Remnant Soul was silent for a moment before changing its form of address.
"Mysterious Abyss Emperor."
Only then did Lu Chen barely accept it.
"You wanted to see me?"
The Sea Devourer Remnant Soul's voice was somewhat weary.
"I have guarded the Northern Dark Water Palace for countless years and have long grown tired of it."
"Now, most of my killing karma has dispersed, and only a wisp of remnant soul remains."
"If the Emperor is willing to take me in, I can guard Abyss's water veins."
"If the Emperor is unwilling, then cast me into the Abyss Sea Eye and let me fend for myself."
Lu Chen pondered.
The Sea Devourer Remnant Soul's killing karma was indeed heavy.
But it had already voluntarily dispersed much of its baleful killing karma and only remained in the form of a soul pearl.
The Book of Cause and Effect also showed that its level of danger had greatly declined.
More importantly, it understood the Northern Dark Water Palace, as well as certain secrets from the era of the Beast Tribulation.
Keeping it might prove useful.
The system's voice sounded at that moment.
"Detected the Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl's request to enter Abyss. Please choose."
"First, accept the Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl and have it guard the Northern Darkness Sea. Reward: Abyss water vein stability increased."
"Second, cast it into the Abyss Sea Eye and completely erase the remnant soul. Reward: one wisp of Baleful Fiendish Essence."
"Third, hand it over to the Dragon Clan in exchange for their temporary goodwill. Reward: Blackwater Dragon Palace favor."
Lu Chen directly ignored the third option.
Dragon Clan goodwill was starting to look more and more like a trap.
The second option was too ruthless.
Sea Devourer might be a beast remnant soul, but it had already voluntarily dispersed its killing karma and even offered up the Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl.
Erasing it outright felt somewhat unfair to Lu Chen.
The first option was suitable.
"Choose the first."
"Congratulations, host. Abyss water vein stability has increased."
Lu Chen said, "You may remain in Abyss."
"But you must be bound by the Book of Cause and Effect."
"For now, guard the water veins. You are not permitted to leave the Northern Darkness Sea without authorization."
The Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl trembled.
"Agreed."
Lan Shuang immediately used the Book of Cause and Effect to imprint a black-and-white mark, incorporating the Sea-Swallowing Soul Pearl into Abyss's karmic system.
From then on, should Sea Devourer dare to act recklessly, the Book of Cause and Effect would issue a warning at once.
Lu Chen's mood improved a little more.
Sea Devourer's matter had been resolved.
The Black Tortoise Sea-Calming Pearl was also in hand.
Next, as long as he merged the pearl into the Abyssal Womb Membrane, he could continue cultivating in seclusion with peace of mind.
But after hesitating for a moment, Lan Shuang spoke again. "Emperor, there is one more matter."
Lu Chen's heart skipped a beat.
"Speak."
"Feng Li of the Frost Phoenix Lineage has already sent word to Dragon-Suppressing Pass."
"She is willing to lead the Frost Phoenix Lineage into the Abyss Outer City and submit to the Book of Cause and Effect's scrutiny."
Lu Chen fell silent.
The Phoenix Clan was coming too.
He had not yet fully dealt with the Dragon Clan's trouble, and now the Phoenix Clan had appeared.
He really wanted to refuse.
But if the Frost Phoenix Lineage had truly come due to pressure from the Phoenix Clan's main branch, then in essence, they were no different from the Sea Spirit Clan and the Black Tortoise Turtle Clan.
Besides, the Book of Cause and Effect's inspection came first.
Those with evil karma would be refused.
Those with clear karma would be accepted.
This process was already very mature.
Sure enough, the system's voice sounded again.
"Detected the Frost Phoenix Lineage's request to temporarily take refuge in Abyss. Please choose."
"First, shelter the Frost Phoenix Lineage. Reward: one wisp of Innate Frost Flame."
"Second, refuse the Frost Phoenix Lineage and avoid Phoenix Clan karma. Reward: Fire-Repelling Pearl."
"Third: allow the Frost Phoenix Lineage to reside temporarily in the outer city and undergo inspection by the Book of Cause and Effect. Reward: improved Five Elements balance of the Abyssal Womb Membrane."
Lu Chen's gaze fell on the third option.
Improved Five Elements balance of the Abyssal Womb Membrane.
This would be very useful.
Abyss currently had an excess of water qi. With the Frost Phoenix Lineage joining, combined with Frostflame, the inner world's qi flow could indeed become more balanced.
"Choose the third."
"Have them live in the outer city first."
"They must undergo inspection by the Book of Cause and Effect."
"If they follow the rules, they may stay."
Lan Shuang said respectfully, "This junior understands."
After some thought, Lu Chen added another sentence.
"Remember, Abyss will not take the initiative to involve itself in the conflict among the three clans."
"If the Frost Phoenix Lineage enters Abyss, it is only to escape calamity."
"Do not use Abyss's name to seek revenge outside."
Lan Shuang solemnly agreed.
"I shall obey the Emperor's decree."
After leaving the depths of Abyss, she quickly sent word to Dragon-Suppressing Pass.
The Frost Phoenix Lineage could enter the outer city.
They would be examined by the Book of Cause and Effect.
When the message reached Feng Li, she remained silent for a long time.
A Frost Phoenix Clan member beside her asked quietly, "Clan Sister, Abyss is willing to take us in?"
Feng Li nodded.
"They are."
That clan member's eyes reddened slightly.
The Frost Phoenix Lineage had been under immense pressure in recent years.
The Phoenix Clan's main branch kept conscripting its offshoots.
The war in the south was growing increasingly fierce.
The Frost Phoenix Lineage was born with Frostflame. Unlike the Phoenix Clan's main branch, which cultivated the fire path, their position within the clan had always been delicate.
If they remained within the Phoenix Clan's system, they would sooner or later be swept into the most brutal battlefield.
Abyss had become the only way out they could see.
Feng Li looked toward Abyss and said softly, "Pass down the order. Those in the clan willing to flee calamity will follow me to Dragon-Suppressing Pass."
"After entering Abyss, abide by Abyss's rules."
"Whoever still puts on airs as a Phoenix Clan member, I will personally expel them."
The Frost Phoenix Clan members answered in unison.
Not long after.
The Frost Phoenix Lineage arrived at Dragon-Suppressing Pass.
There were not many of them, only several thousand clanspeople.
Yet the Frost Phoenix Bloodline was precious, and there were several Taiyi experts among them.
Feng Li personally underwent the Book of Cause and Effect's examination.
The Book of Cause and Effect revealed the Frost Phoenix Lineage's past.
Though this clan originated from the Phoenix Clan, because they cultivated Frostflame, they mostly lived in the Northern Cold Lands.
They rarely participated in the slaughter of weaker clans.
They had even sheltered many small clans affected by the southern fire lineage.
The Book of Cause and Effect gave its verdict.
"The Frost Phoenix Lineage may temporarily reside in the outer city."
"Feng Li has rendered merit in protecting her clan and may join the Abyss Guest Official Seat."
Seeing this result, Feng Li quietly let out a breath of relief.
She bowed toward the Northern Darkness Dao Palace.
"The Frost Phoenix Lineage thanks the Emperor for taking us in."
The clans gathered at Dragon-Suppressing Pass watched this scene, their hearts shaken once more.
A Phoenix Clan offshoot had come as well.
Abyss was no longer merely a place that sheltered the weak clans of the Northern Sea.
Even branches of the three clans had begun treating this place as a refuge from calamity.
Ao Lie stood at the outer gate, watching Feng Li enter the pass with a complicated expression.
Feng Li looked at him from afar and said lightly, "Crown Prince Ao Lie."
Ao Lie replied, "Fellow Daoist Feng Li."
Both came from the core branches of the three clans, yet now they met at Abyss Dragon-Suppressing Pass.
The feeling was indescribably subtle.
Han Jue sighed from the side.
"The Dragon Clan's crown prince guards the gate, while the Phoenix Clan's Frost Phoenix enters the city."
"If a Qilin Clan member comes next, Abyss will truly become lively."
Ao Lie shot him a cold glance.
"Shut up."
Han Jue smiled.
"I think it's only a matter of time."
Ao Lie did not refute him.
Because he suddenly felt that it really could happen.
Deep within Abyss.
Sensing the Frost Phoenix Lineage enter the city, Lu Chen could not help but sigh.
"The Dragon Clan has come."
"The Phoenix Clan has come too."
"Let's not really attract the Qilin Clan as well."
The moment the words left his mouth, he suddenly fell silent.
In a place like the Primordial World, whatever one feared often came to pass.
He should say such things less in the future.