The solemn assembly hall was spotless. The moment he entered, he felt its quiet, imposing atmosphere. Only a little tree stood at the circular altar.
It was nearly withered, yet it stood as though holding up the heavens, radiating a sacred, maternal glow. Whenever he approached it, he felt a profound sense of safety within the Mysterious Zone, like a wanderer returning home.
Even now, Zhang Ming did not know what Black Tortoise had done in its final moments to make this miraculous little tree seemingly merge with its body.
Even the fleeing Flame-Horned People had been unable to take the little tree with them.
"Ma'am? I'll be leaving soon. Thank you for sheltering me all this time."
"I hope you'll continue to shelter the Black Tortoise Race and help them grow."
"I won't take anything else, but I'm taking this Source of the World left behind by the Great Sage."
Zhang Ming took out the Source of the World hanging against his chest. It was a brilliant crystal no bigger than a quail egg.
It was a precious legacy left by the Great Sage of the Flamehorn Race.
Zhang Ming had long since discovered the Source of the World's true purpose-"shelter"!
When activated, it could create a hidden sanctuary.
Most living beings outside would then be unable to observe or locate this "sanctuary."
This power of shelter was incredibly potent. It was essentially like carrying a world around with him!
For that very reason, the Source of the World held tremendous political significance for the Flame-Horned People. As long as it had not been exhausted, their fleet would never sink.
Of course, the Source of the World was not a real world. The energy it contained was finite.
Zhang Ming did not know how long this mysterious crystal would