The Ink Soul Returns · Master and Disciple Reunited

The cracks in the purplish-black starry river closed with a roar, and the world instantly returned to silence.

The next moment, Qin Yu, along with Hong Xiuxiang, Yunyi, and Mengxin, along with the three divine beast phantoms in their sea of consciousness, all fell under a familiar sky.

That was the middle level of the Source of Epochless.

The sky was a clear, deep blue, but with Qin Yu's return, it suddenly shone with countless stars, as if the entire middle world was welcoming their return with the purest light. Countless drifting clouds turned into golden raindrops, slowly falling from the sky. After shattering, they transformed into streams of spiritual light, nourishing the mountains and rivers.

The earth trembled, and the majestic mountains emanated a deep rumble, as if breathing. Ancient rivers surged upstream, merging into the sky to form streaks of light, suspended high in the air. All things responded to the awe-inspiring return in their own way.

Yunyi's eyes trembled slightly as she gazed at the earth beneath her feet, her voice carrying a sigh from the depths of her soul, "Little Qinzi... this is the home I've returned to after such a long slumber."

Her body emanated a serene blue butterfly-like aura, like an endless dreamlike starry sea, dyeing the sky a romantic azure and silver glow.

Hong Xiuxiang gently touched her chest, tears welling in her eyes. Her voice was gentle yet choked with sobs. "Source of Epochless... I thought I would never see the sky and earth here again." The "Spirit Brocade Book Realm" around her quietly unfolded, and as the pages turned, each page reflected the mountains and rivers of this moment, as if to forever engrave this scene of "return".

Mengxin slowly closed her eyes, feeling the spiritual energy of heaven and earth caress her skin. Her eyelashes trembled slightly, and she sighed softly, "For countless years, I was imprisoned in the Primordial Echoes... I never imagined I would see the sunlight of the outside world again. Qin Yu, you not only redeemed the news of my sister, but you also redeemed me."

Qin Yu stood in the center of the three, his long hair flying wildly in the starlight storm, his deep gaze sweeping across the world. In his sea of consciousness, the phantoms of the three divine beasts roared in unison, shaking mountains and rivers:

The Void Finality Saint Emperor, hissing like the end of the world, crushed the distant sky and clouds.

The Primordial Dao-Extinguishing True Emperor released chaotic ripples, causing the rules of heaven and earth to tremble briefly.

The Eternal Annihilation Heavenly Emperor [Eternal Silence Sovereign] flashed his eyes, causing the hearts of billions of beings in the middle layer to tremble, yet at the same time they felt an unprecedented peace.

This is their declaration: from this day forward, they submit to Qin Yu.

The earth's spiritual springs suddenly gushed forth, transforming into a nine-tiered celestial waterfall that enveloped Qin Yu and his companions. Countless rays of spiritual light converged into the shadows of dragons and phoenixes, swirling above the sky and highlighting their mythical arrival.

Qin Yu slowly extended his hand, letting Lingyu slip through his fingers, his voice gentle yet firm:

"We're back. From now on, no matter what storms lie ahead, I will lead you to a more distant shore."

Hong Xiuxiang and Yunyi exchanged a glance, their faces simultaneously revealing resolute smiles. Mengxin gently curtsied and bowed gracefully. "If I could follow you on this journey, I would have no regrets in this life."

At that moment, the heavens and stars seemed to make way for them.

Qin Yu, accompanied by Yunyi, Hong Xiuxiang, Mengxin, and the three divine beasts, truly stepped back into the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer.

This is a new beginning, and the starting point for countless legends.

Qin Yu raised his eyes and looked at the distant horizon, his gaze revealing a deep and complex emotion. Although he had returned to the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer, he was still unaware that Chen Chao and Chen Po's auras had completely dissipated after the battle with the Dao Shadow Soldier Corps —but at this moment, he could not return to the Eternal Extreme Sacred Hall.

He gently turned his head and gazed at Hong Xiuxiang beside him. Her warm eyes held a soft starlight.

"Xiuxiang," Qin Yu's voice was low, yet tinged with a gentle smile, "It's been a full year since you and I left the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer. Now we're finally back... I plan to take Mengxin to rescue her sister, Mengxi. What about you? Will you come with me, or return to the Dawn Cloud First Hall first? I think your master must be very worried about you."

Hong Xiuxiang paused, a flicker of longing crossing her eyes. It was a longing for her master, and a sense of belonging to the Dawn Cloud First Hall. She nodded gently, a Wenwan smile playing on her lips, "Yes, master must be worried sick about me. I... I'll go back to the Dawn Cloud First Hall first to let her know I'm safe. After I've seen her, I'll immediately head to Gloomshadow Source Village to reunite with Qin Yu and Mengxin."

Her voice was gentle, yet firm.

Qin Yu gazed at her, his expression softening, a hint of reluctance in his eyes. "Alright, then so be it. Go in peace. After you've seen your master, come to Gloomshadow Source Village. I'll be waiting for you there."

Hong Xiuxiang gave a soft "hmm," her eyes meeting Qin Yu's, as if a thousand words were unspoken, yet in that instant, they all transformed into tacit understanding.

The wind ruffled her hair, and the illusory image of "Spirit Brocade Book Realm" behind her gently unfolded, like a long scroll of starry sky, making her look like a fairy who had stepped out of a book dream.

Yunyi winked with a smile and said playfully, "Sister Xiuxiang, go ahead. Little Qinzi and I will protect Sister Mengxin, so don't worry. When you come back, don't forget to bring some good wine and food. We're going to have another barbecue."

After a brief moment of tension, Yunyi's teasing warmed the atmosphere.

Hong Xiuxiang couldn't help but laugh out loud, but her gaze remained fixed on Qin Yu, as gentle as ripples on autumn water. "Well... I'll be going now."

Qin Yu's gaze was firm, and he replied softly, "Go, I'll wait for you to come back."

Qin Yu led Yunyi and Mengxin into Gloomshadow Source Village. It was as quiet as ever, with ancient wooden houses scattered among the desolate village, and moss growing on the broken stone tablets. The wind blew by, carrying with it a silence as if time had stood still. The three of them did not walk rashly, but found a secluded corner where the branches of ancient trees obscured their view. They stopped quietly and waited Anran.

Qin Yu gazed at the secluded village, his heart churning. He said softly, "This will be our temporary refuge until Xiuxiang returns."

Yunyi nodded obediently, but a hint of seriousness flashed in her playful eyes. "Little Qinzi, don't worry, we'll stay here and watch over her. Sister Xiuxiang will definitely come back safely."

Mengxin remained calm, gazing into the distance, as if she had already witnessed all the ups and downs of life, simply standing quietly beside Qin Yu.

At this moment, Hong Xiuxiang was alone, embarking on her journey back to the Dawn Cloud First Hall. Along the way, she gradually discovered that the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer was completely different from what she remembered.

The sky was gray and gloomy, with broken spatial cracks hanging in mid-air like unhealed wounds, flowing with fragments of broken causal light. On the ground, charred marks stretched out in a winding pattern, as if some destructive force had once swept through. In the distance, the earth collapsed into an abyss, as if the entire world had experienced an incredible and massive battle.

Hong Xiuxiang slowly stopped, a deep unease rising in her heart. She gripped the Brocade Ink Soul Brush tightly in her slender hand, her eyes revealing a hint of doubt and worry. "Source of Epochless... what happened? Did a super war occur during the year I was gone?"

The wind blew her long hair, her sleeves fluttered, and she walked alone in this desolate world. Her figure stood out with extraordinary determination in the emptiness and silence.

"Whatever happened... I'll know everything when I see Master." She murmured to herself, her steps becoming firm once more.

So she transformed into a streak of light and sped away, heading straight for the Dawn Cloud First Hall.

Dawn Cloud First Hall.

The towering palaces were still shrouded in misty white fog, with springs flowing through the mountains and ancient pines winding like dragons. However, the atmosphere was no longer as peaceful as before. Cracks and blemishes were still visible around the palace, and some of the walls had been repaired using secret methods. A faint sense of anxiety and impending doom permeated the air.

Hong Xiuxiang walked slowly into the hall. Her plain clothes were disheveled, and she bore the weariness of travel, yet her elegant aura remained undiminished. The moment she stepped into the main hall, a clear and authoritative voice echoed in the air:

"... Xiuxiang! You're finally back."

At the far end of the main hall, a dignified woman sat cross-legged. Her hair was as black as ink, but her eyes held the profound depth of an endless Star Abyss. A single azure star pattern shimmered between her brows, as if it could illuminate the truth of heaven and earth. She was Liu Mei, the elder of the Dawn Cloud First Hall, whose cultivation had reached the ultimate level of the Silent Mystery Realm, Supreme who held the position of the most respected person in the palace.

At this moment, Elder Liu Mei's delicate hands trembled slightly, her gaze fixed on Hong Xiuxiang, her worry undisguised.

"Master..." Hong Xiuxiang felt a pang of sadness and quickly bowed in greeting.

Elder Liu Mei waved her hand, lifting her up, her tone tinged with urgency. "Where have you been all year? Do you know that during the time you disappeared, I searched almost every corner of the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer, yet I couldn't find even a trace of you! How can I live in peace?!"

As her voice fell, the hall trembled, as if even the laws of heaven and earth fluctuated with her emotions.

A hint of guilt and tenderness flashed in Hong Xiuxiang's eyes. She gently bit her lip and whispered, "Master... I didn't mean to hide it. It was just a coincidence that I was drawn into a secret realm called the 'Realm of Primordial Echoes' and couldn't escape. If it weren't for Senior Brother Qin Yu of the Eternal Extreme Sacred Hall risking everything to help me... I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to come back now."

"The Realm of Primordial Echoes..." Elder Liu Mei Eyebrows frowned, her gaze suddenly sharpening as if trying to pierce through the void. "Is what you're saying true?"

Hong Xiuxiang nodded solemnly, her voice firm. "This disciple dares not deceive you. In that secret realm, danger and opportunity coexist. Everything this disciple has obtained will be reported to Master in full later."

Elder Liu Mei gazed at her, her eyes shimmering with light. After a long while, she sighed softly, her voice softening from cold. "Silly child... I'm glad you're back safe and sound. As for the secret realm you mentioned, I will investigate. But remember, no matter how high you achieve in the future, you will always be my disciple. Your safety is more important than anything else."

She raised her hand to stroke Hong Xiuxiang's hair, and the worry and love in her eyes were finally fully revealed.

Hong Xiuxiang's eyes welled up slightly, and she replied softly, "Master, I understand. I'm Xiuxiang to have worried you."

Elder Liu Mei's gaze slowly swept over Hong Xiuxiang.

Suddenly, she paused, a look of disbelief appearing between her brows.

"Xiuxiang, your scent... is no longer the same as before."

She slowly rose, and with a gentle wave of her slender hand, a layer of light, like a water mirror, appeared between the palaces, reflecting Hong Xiuxiang's entire soul aura. In an instant, countless phantom pages slowly emerged from Hong Xiuxiang's body, ink and gold intertwined, and an ancient black pen spun in the void, radiating the soul power unique to the Supreme Divine Rank ".

"This is... the Brocade Ink Soul Brush?!" Elder Liu Mei's eyes widened in shock, her voice filled with rare astonishment.

Hong Xiuxiang raised her hand and grasped the Brocade Ink Soul Brush, which transformed into a stream of light and landed in her hand. Her soul energy instantly merged completely with her Innate Martial Soul, "Spirit Brocade Book Realm." The sea of pages surrounded her, forming a unique "Brush and Book as One" domain.

Elder Liu Mei stared at this scene, her eyes filled with both pride and deep shock. "Xiuxiang... you actually managed to fuse with such a Supreme divine brush? Do you know what this means?"

Hong Xiuxiang responded softly, a hint of shyness in her expression. "This disciple understands. If I hadn't experienced the life-or-death battle in that secret realm, I'm afraid I would never have been able to truly master it. Now, it has become one with my soul, granting this disciple five new soul skills."

Elder Liu Mei remained silent for a moment, a mixture of barely perceptible relief and worry appearing in her eyes. "You've grown too fast, so fast that I almost feel like a stranger to you. But no matter what, you are still my disciple. Hong Xiuxiang, from this moment on, you have the ability to compete with the top geniuses of the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer."

She paused, her tone low and solemn. "But you must remember, this power will not only make you stronger, but it will also make more people watch you. You must be careful and not let yourself disappear for another year, causing me endless worry."

Hong Xiuxiang's heart trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. She nodded solemnly, "Master, rest assured, your disciple will never worry you again."

Elder Liu Mei reached out and stroked her hair, sighing softly, "Good child, it's good that you're back."