A Secret Investigation into the Returning Consciousness Clan and the Nightmare God Clan

A gentle morning breeze stirred, and the plane tree leaves in the courtyard fell softly.

Before the starlight of Tianyao had completely dissipated, three familiar figures were already standing in the courtyard of the Conradiance Halls in the Radiant Palace Eastern Region.

Yunyi, Extinguished Light, Zi Xue.

The three of them got up early, but instead of practicing or going alone as usual, they seemed to be waiting.

"Coming, coming."

Yunyi was the first to sense the presence. She put her hands on her hips and stared at the direction of the courtyard gate with a smile.

The next moment, Qin Yu pushed open the door and came out, dressed in morning clothes, his aura calm and steady, as if he had completely recovered all his soul energy after the patrol battle.

Before he could even steady himself, Yunyi leaped closer, circled him once, then suddenly leaned close to his side, sniffed him lightly, and covered her mouth with a mischievous grin:

"Tsk tsk tsk, I say, Brother Yu —how come you... smell so much like 'Sister Yan Yue'?"

"Did you get drunk last night and sleep on the wrong bed, or Yan Yue specially prepare it for you—"

She deliberately dragged out the last syllable, her eyes gleaming with a teasing light.

Qin Yu raised an eyebrow, his eyes smiling, yet also showing helplessness:

"You little rascal, your tongue's getting sharper and sharper."

"Has it been too long since you've fought a spirit body?"

Yunyi chuckled and made a face that said, "I'm not afraid."

Extinguished Light and Zi Xue, who were standing to the side, did not say anything, but when they looked at each other, faint smiles appeared on their faces.

Her Extinguished Light was as cold and aloof as snow, yet her eyes were slightly curved at the corners.

Zi Xue's phoenix eyes were gentle, but she couldn't hide the teasing smile at the corner of her mouth.

The atmosphere was light and cheerful, yet warm.

And at this time--

The courtyard gate was gently pushed open again.

Yan Yue came out.

She was dressed very simply today, in a thin, iridescent long dress, without any battle armor, and her long hair was not tied up, but only tied in front of her shoulders with a ribbon.

She was already aloof and elegant, but today she had gained an extra touch of tenderness that she couldn't hide.

Her gaze lowered slightly, not looking directly at anyone, but simply nodding gently.

"... You guys get up early."

Yunyi chuckled, quickly taking Yan Yue's arm, and looked at Yan Yue with a teasing expression, then at Qin Yu:

"Oh my, Sister Yan Yue's aura is different today."

"Is it because the resonance is too intense?"

Yan Yue's face flushed slightly, but she merely withdrew her hand gently and said softly:

"Say it again, and I'll lock you in the courtyard with my soul pressed down."

Yunyi quickly made a face and stepped back, hiding behind Extinguished Light, and winked mischievously at Qin Yu.

Qin Yu simply sighed and shook his head.

At this moment, the morning light shines down, enveloping the entire Tongyao Courtyard.

The six of them were finally reunited.

Although the relationship between Yan Yue and Qin Yu was not explicitly stated, it was already known to everyone.

It's a kind of unspeakable, unprovable—a perfect alignment of destinies.

The morning light was gentle as water. Under the sycamore tree in the courtyard, six people sat around a stone table, the fragrant tea wafting in the air.

Yunyi brewed tea, Zi Xue added teacups, Extinguished Light held his cup quietly, Qin Yu sat alone in the main seat, Yan Yue sat quietly to his left, her eyes fixed on the white porcelain teacup on the table.

None of them were wearing battle robes; they were all dressed simply, and the atmosphere was gentle and quiet, with little of the solemnity of wartime.

After taking a small sip of tea, Zi Xue gently set down her cup, looked up, and spoke:

"By the way, Qin Yu... you probably didn't know this when you were in the Epoch Origin Ash Ruins Secret Realm."

"While you were on patrol, our counter-hunting operation was also successfully completed."

Extinguished Light replied, his tone still calm, but carrying a barely perceptible suppressed anger:

"The Yu Clan suddenly made a move, mobilizing multiple high-level Soul Masters in an attempt to hunt Yan Yue, hoping to sever her destiny while you were away."

Upon hearing this, a cold glint flashed in Qin Yu's eyes.

Yunyi crossed her arms and said indignantly:

"They're shameless! Luckily... we joined forces and routed Yu Yuance."

"However, it was Commander Elder Yao Guangxun who truly killed him."

Zi Xue nodded.

"Yao Guangxun immediately attacked, Annihilation Yu Yuance along with his soul weapon."

Extinguished Light added:

"The Yu Clan has now quietly retreated from the Boundary Palace. Although they haven't explicitly admitted their mistake, they probably wouldn't dare to openly take action again."

Qin Yu gently swirled the teacup once, then set it down and said calmly:

"Regarding Yu Yuance... I already knew about his ambush plan back in the Epoch Origin Ash Ruins Secret Realm."

His gaze swept over Yunyi and Extinguished Light:

"You are my contracted soul beings; I can sense every fluctuation in your consciousness."

"When your fighting spirit erupted, I already knew—someone had made a rash move."

Extinguished Light was taken aback, then his gaze shifted slightly.

Yunyi smiled and rubbed the tip of her nose:

"Hey... I knew I couldn't hide it from you, Brother Yu."

Yan Yue didn't smile. She suddenly looked up at Qin Yu and asked softly:

"Yu, do you... guess who that mysterious expert was who delivered the final blow that repelled Yu Xufei?"

The atmosphere in the courtyard tensed slightly at this question.

Even Zi Xue and Extinguished Light couldn't help but look at Qin Yu.

That strike was too breathtaking.

Like a divine brush tearing through the sky, or Book Extinction, even if they witnessed it with their own eyes, they would be unable to capture the person who made the move.

Qin Yu remained silent for a moment, then slowly raised his head, his eyes calm, yet revealing an unprecedented depth of meaning:

"I think I already know."

"Perhaps... it's that senior..."

He stood up, put on his black robe, straightened his clothes, and turned to smile slightly at the group:

I'm going out for a bit, I'll be back later.

"After I've verified it, I'll tell you all about it in detail."

Yan Yue paused for a moment, but did not stop her. Her gaze was gentle as water as she whispered:

"... careful."

Qin Yu nodded slightly, then turned and left.

The morning light shone through the courtyard wall, casting six shadows on the stone table and teacup, but one was missing.

The wind passed silently.

Yan Yue looked down at the still steaming tea and murmured:

"Is it her... or Him?"

Zi Xue whispered:

"You felt it too, didn't you?"

Extinguished Light's eyes were as gentle as water, and he uttered only one sentence:

If he returns, everything will become clear.

The Source of Epochless, the Silent Mirror Divine Domain, the Main Hall of Tong Ning

This place was originally the quietest temple in the Source of Epochless. Its palace was inlaid with patterns of empty mirrors, reflecting not the myriad phenomena of the world, but the very foundation of one's soul. Only Silent Profound Level God Lord could govern this temple, and now, sitting silently in the center of the temple was that cold, aloof figure exuding an overwhelming abyss--

Tong Ning.

When Qin Yu stepped into the temple, the light of the Silent Mirror did not fluctuate, but he still subconsciously stopped in front of the temple door, cupped his hands and whispered:

"Junior Qin Yu pays respects to Venerable Lord Tong Ning."

The female figure in the hall was clad in a golden, dark robe, her appearance showing no signs of aging. Her eyes reflected the distant annihilation of the universe, yet she merely raised her eyes and smiled faintly, her voice clear and melodious like ripples in the soul.

"Alright, you don't need to be so polite, come in."

Qin Yu nodded slightly and landed on his feet, but the entire temple remained silent.

When he entered within ten zhang of the main platform, Tong Ning slightly parted her lips, her gaze as gentle as a still lake:

"Your relationship with that girl Yan Yue... it's probably beyond what the word 'friends' can explain now, isn't it?"

Although her tone was calm, there was a faint, almost imperceptible smile in it.

Qin Yu hesitated for a moment, then nodded frankly:

"Yes, now Yan Yue... is one of my dearest loves."

"She is more than just a comrade-in-arms."

Tong Ning nodded slightly, seemingly having already anticipated this:

"Yes, your destinies have long since resonated."

"That child's Fate Soul level is too special. If her Recognition Annihilation Final Realm doesn't resonate with her will, it will ultimately backfire on her."

"And you... are the only one who can receive her 'convergence of the three soul laws'."

Having said that, Tong Ning withdrew her gaze and instead asked:

"I already know what you want to ask since you've come here today."

"But—some things don't need to be asked. You already know them yourself."

Her tone remained unchanged, and her expression showed little emotion, as if everything had already "been played out in her eyes."

Qin Yu bowed his head in greeting:

"Yes. I'm not questioning, I just want to confirm."

After a moment of silence, Tong Ning lightly tapped the throne, then changed the subject:

So what are your plans next?

Qin Yu spoke in a deep voice:

"Although this time in the Epoch Origin Ash Ruins Secret Realm, I eliminated Mirror Abyss Yu, Annihilation two elders of the Yu Clan, and also wiped out the ambush teams of the Returning Consciousness Clan and the Nightmare God Clan."

"But the real mastermind behind it all has yet to emerge."

"The Returning Consciousness Clan and the Nightmare God Clan... are probably just a facade."

"Therefore, I plan to personally enter the territory of these two tribes in the near future, and explore further in my own way."

Tong Ning remained expressionless, yet her fingers lightly tapped the side of the chair.

"Yes, you're decisive. Just focus on doing what you're supposed to do."

"If those few... dare to interfere from the shadows."

"Heh--I'm not someone to be trifled with either."

Upon hearing this, all the Silent Mirror in the hall trembled slightly, as if invisible mirror marks were shattered and reconstructed, as if the entire main world was gently shaken by her words.

Qin Yu's eyes flickered slightly, and he bowed again in a low voice:

"This junior understands, and will not disturb you any longer. I will take my leave now."

Tong Ning didn't say anything more, just nodded slightly and watched Qin Yu leave.

Only after the figure in black robes disappeared outside the Mirror Palace did she slowly close her eyes.

"Lord of the Annihilation Abyss... so it really has to come to that?"

"Alright."

"Chaos is about to erupt; it's time for someone to take the lead."

Radiant Palace Eastern Region, Conradiance Halls, Main Courtyard

The morning light was bright and clear, and fragrant tea had already been brewed on the stone table.

Yan Yue, Extinguished Light, Zi Xue, Yunyi waited quietly in the courtyard. As soon as they saw Qin Yu return, they all looked up at him.

As soon as Qin Yu stepped into the courtyard, Yan Yue involuntarily took a few steps to greet him.

He sat down opposite the four people, his eyes calm as he spoke:

"As expected, it's Senior Tong Ning."

The group was taken aback by her words. Yan Yue gently, her gaze tender yet resolute.

"I already guessed it. That attack was too familiar, that forced lockdown of the Soul Eye Judging Pupils... No one else could have done it but her."

Yunyi blinked. "So she's been keeping an eye on us?"

Extinguished Light seemed to be deep in thought.

Qin Yu turned to Yan Yue, his gaze suddenly softening:

"Oh, right, Yue'er."

"Have the three Fate Soul within you... comprehended new powers?"

Yan Yue was slightly taken aback, then nodded gently:

"Hmm... I sensed it too."

Qin Yu chuckled:

"On my way back just now, I sensed a new surge of Recognition Annihilation in my sea of consciousness. It wasn't something I comprehended on my own, but rather a feedback from the Soul Realm triggered by my resonance with you."

Yan Yue slowly closed her eyes, and the two of them synchronized their consciousness.

The next instant, their consciousnesses trembled simultaneously—

Annihilation Blue Light Abyss rose, Annihilation Heart Key Silent Wheel spun.

One after another, Fate Soul imprints slowly unfolded within the Soul Sea of the two, as if the Heavenly Dao was revealing a preordained destiny to them.

This resonance not only gave birth to multiple Fate Soul skills for each individual, but also, in the deepest part of their consciousness...

--A true [Twin Soul Ultimate Fate Seal] resonates.

The Life-Annihilating Dawn Codex: The Silent Cause of Myriad Realms.

When that Ultimate skill was finally formed, a tacit understanding and tranquility, unlike anything they had ever felt before, arose deep within their minds.

That's not the result of cultivation.

That is the imprint of "destiny arriving from the soul".

Yan Yue slowly opened her eyes and looked at Qin Yu:

"We... created it together?"

Qin Yu nodded slightly:

"No, we wrote it together."

The two looked into each other's eyes, their minds as clear as mirrors, needing no further words.

And that Ultimate skill ring that appeared in their sea of consciousness was binding their Fate Soul, thoughts, techniques, cause and effect, will, resonance...

--Completely integrated, becoming one.

The annihilation halo faded into silence, and the resonance within the sea of consciousness gradually subsided.

Qin Yu and Yan Yue's thoughts slowly returned to normal. Neither of them spoke, yet they both understood: their destinies had intertwined, requiring no further "contractual agreement."

Just then, Yunyi suddenly leaped lightly, leaned closer, and her clear, large eyes sparkled with mischievousness:

"Oh dear~ what 'new power'?"

"Sister Yan Yue, did you and Elder Brother Yu Qin create some terrifying, heaven-defying combined skill of the Fate Soul level again?"

"Is it the kind of thing that can instantly erase an enemy from their name and their world?"

She spoke with a mischievous grin, looking eager to try it out.

Zi Xue covered her lips and smiled, Extinguished Light's gaze remained calm yet revealed a hint of interest.

Yan Yue slightly red, but she did not refute, only softly saying:

"Perhaps... it really does have that effect."

Qin Yu put down his teacup, his expression gradually turning serious.

He glanced at the four men, his tone calm yet carrying an unwavering resolve:

There's something I need to tell you now.

The expressions of the others changed slightly, and they all stopped what they were doing and looked at him.

Qin Yu continued:

"In the ambush operation in the Epoch Origin Ash Ruins Secret Realm, although I have eliminated several core hunters, including Nightmare, Guishi, and the Yu Clan... I know that is not the end."

His eyes were deep:

"Liang Jichen... maybe he's just a figurehead."

Extinguished Light frowned slightly. "There's someone else?"

Qin Yu nodded:

"I once intercepted a secret transmission between high-ranking Returning Consciousness Clan. One of them—[Ji Ran]—said something to Liang Jichen in the secret message."

"The exact words were—'You have already reported this matter to that official, so there is no need to worry anymore.'"

In an instant, the courtyard fell silent.

Behind the few words "that person" lies a wealth of information.

Yan Yue's expression was solemn, and she said softly:

"We still don't know who the 'master' of Liang Jichen is..."

Yunyi also stopped joking at this moment, frowned and muttered:

"Could it be some transcendent God Clan... or... one of those sealed away...?"

She didn't continue speaking, but everyone's hearts were already stirred.

Qin Yu's tone was as firm as steel:

"Therefore, I must go."

"The Returning Consciousness Clan, the Nightmare God Clan... I will investigate thoroughly from the source. No matter who is behind Liang Jichen, I will personally dig them out."

The Extinguished Light, the gaze was like frost.

"If you go, I will accompany you on your journey."

Zi Xue smiled gently:

"I will provide close assistance and utilize the Star Orbit Deduction Secret Rite to determine the hidden layout for you."

Yunyi raised her arm and waved:

"Then I'll prepare for the Annihilation Dragon Great Rampage! Anyone who dares to touch my Brother Yu, I'll tear them to shreds!"

Qin Yu looked at the group, his eyes gentle, yet carrying an unprecedented resolve:

"You... guard Annihilation Radiance well. You all stay in the courtyard and wait for my return."

"I can go alone. I'm just going to scout this time. I'll definitely take you all with me when I meet Annihilation and the others."

Yan Yue hesitated for a moment, then simply nodded gently.

"... I'll wait for your return."