Flower Shadows at Night, the Bright Zither Hall Elder

In the depths of the Chaos Star Domain, the light stream, which had been as still as the breathing of a star, suddenly burst open, and the myriad rays of starlight instantly swirled into a sea of light. The roots of the Chaos Sacred Tree that stretched across the heavens and earth suddenly lit up, and every branch and leaf released an incomparably dazzling radiance—as if billions of stars were breathing at the same time, or as if the lifeblood of the Source of Epochless was being pulled by some inconceivable force.

Immediately afterwards, a deep hum reverberated from the very foundation of the Chaos First Palace. It was not the resonance of the air, but the pulsation of the "spiritual array lifeline". The spiritual patterns beneath the entire temple— the Chaos Formation veins spanning millions of miles—lighted up simultaneously. Golden radiance, azure, and dark white light intertwined to form a magnificent energy scroll, soaring into the sky like a dragon rising into the heavens.

Inside the hall, more than a dozen elders opened their eyes simultaneously, their internal energy surging, and a shared pain resonated deep within their souls.

"This is... a lifeline shock?!"

"How is this possible! The Chaos Sacred Tree... is actually resonating?"

"Could it be that someone within the star field... has touched the very essence of the Sacred Tree's roots?"

The sound was terrifying, and the palace trembled. Vice Palace Master Yun Yanxi's figure was like a rainbow as she rushed out from the dome of the main hall's secret chamber, her robes billowing as she transformed into golden and white light. She stood atop the sky, overlooking the entire Chaos First Palace —the ancient and sacred palace complex before her was enveloped by layers of annihilating energy halos, and the spirit array inscriptions flowed like fire, as if the entire temple had transformed into a giant star breathing.

In the distant Chaos Star Domain, a beam of annihilation light pierced the sky, as if tearing open a crack in the world, illuminating billions of miles. The fluctuation was so strong that even space itself was rewritten, the textures of spacetime swirled in the air, and fragments of light, like falling stars, scattered across the entire Void Obliteration Domain.

Yun Yanwan, who was waiting outside the Chaos Star Domain, frowned slightly, a moment of surprise flashing through her mind, followed by a soft sigh, her voice deep and resounding. "This child... actually managed to make the Starfield Spirit Array of my Chaos First Palace resonate and vibrate. This aura—neither pure Chaos Qi nor Silent Qi, but a higher level of 'qi and silence sharing the same origin'... truly extraordinary."

The temple master's gaze deepened, and a glint of admiration flashed in his eyes.

"To be able to trigger the resonance of the Sacred Tree's life force on your very first entry into the star field—such comprehension is something even I didn't possess back then."

Several elders at the Void Emanation Realm and the Silent Mystery Realm rushed over from behind, their auras surging.

"Lord Temple, the spirit array in the star field has reached its peak response; the Heart of the Sacred Tree seems to be resonating with a certain power!"

"That aura is unprecedented; even the main root of the Sacred Tree is resonating against the current—Palace Master, should we seal off the star field?"

Yun Yanwan slightly raised her hand, her voice calm yet carrying a thunderous force. "No need. This formation is not being disturbed, but rather being drawn in. That Young Master Qin... is not destroying it, but rather merging with it using his Fate Soul. Although the star field is shaking violently, the flow of Qi remains undisturbed—this is a spiritual contract."

He gently stroked his palm, gazing at the Ultimate sea of stars, his tone softening. "This child is indeed no ordinary being. To be able to make the Chaos Sacred Tree reveal its roots and spiritual light is a feat unique to our palace in ten thousand years. If nothing unexpected happens, his Fate Soul has already transcended the realm of mortal cultivation and touched the level of 'the consensus of the Silent Chaos'."

The sound of the wind echoed from the depths of the void, and starlight flowed like music. Yun Yanwan's long hair fluttered as she whispered, "Qin Yu... perhaps, your arrival will completely rewrite the fate of my Chaos First Palace."

He flicked his sleeve and whispered, "All elders, listen to my command: temporarily seal off the outer perimeter of the star field. No one is allowed to approach. All disturbances within the star field are normal reactions and must not be interfered with. This is a sign of the temple's self-regulation."

The dozen or so elders responded in unison, their light and shadow dissipating as they each guarded a node in the spiritual vein.

Yun Yanwan alone in the void, his gaze piercing through countless layers of light curtains, looking at the vortex of interwoven blue flames and black light deep within, a slight smile curving his lips.

"With such comprehension and such Fate Soul, if my Chaos First Palace could gain this person's assistance, what would the Asura Divine Hall and the Nine Alliances Gang be worth?"

Starlight cascaded like a waterfall, the sea of clouds was silent, the Chaos Sacred Tree continued to tremble in endless radiance, and the Sea of Light breathed—that was the heartbeat of the entire Chaos First Palace.

The sea of light in the Chaos Star Domain gradually calmed down, and the roots of the Sacred Tree gathered into waterfalls of light, flowing into the boundless sea of Chaos Qi. The radiant halo of destiny in the sky dissipated little by little, leaving only a shower of azure-gold meteors, which fell from the sky and sprinkled on every floor of the Chaos First Palace.

At that moment, the entire temple was as silent as the universe holding its breath.

The light curtain deep within the star field suddenly rippled, and a figure slowly emerged from the dazzling waterfall of light. Qin Yu's robes fluttered slightly, and a faint, imperceptible black-gold light emanated from between his brows. His steps were steady, and his aura was distant and profound, as if the entire space was balanced by the "silent and harmonious flow" of Qi emanating from him.

As he appeared, the Qi of heaven and earth seemed to spontaneously converge towards him. At that moment, the spiritual light of the star field was momentarily unbalanced, but returned to tranquility after he took that step.

"He's out!"

"The light of the sacred tree is in sync with his... This is no ordinary phenomenon!"

Dozens of elders rose to their feet, their faces a mixture of shock and astonishment. Elder Yan Xuanyao was the first to speak, his eyes filled with disbelief. "This aura—it's neither Chaos Spirit Body nor a body of Annihilation, but a 'fusion state' of both. This child... is no longer a mere cultivator, but a living node of law!"

All the elders around nodded in agreement, even the usually stern and unsmiling Elder of the Void Emanation Realm couldn't help but sigh, "The Chaos Sacred Tree was completely dormant ten thousand years ago due to the 'fall of the Star Source,' but now it has been awakened again because of him... This child's enlightenment has reached a level that we cannot reach."

Yun Yanwan stepped forward, his long robe fluttering slightly. The solemnity in his eyes gradually transformed into satisfaction and amazement. His tone was gentle yet carried an undeniable authority. "Young Master Qin is indeed extraordinary. To be able to comprehend such a level of Qi principles in the Star Domain, even stimulating the origin of the Sacred Tree, is truly a miracle unseen in the Chaos First Palace for ten thousand years."

He slightly raised his hand, signaling the elders to restrain their spiritual energy and not disturb the still-recovering Qi resonance within Qin Yu's body.

At this moment, the light curtain at the far end of the sky trembled slightly, and a figure slowly appeared. It was a woman with long, silver-white hair that cascaded like a meteor shower, her clothes embroidered with chaotic golden patterns, her expression calm as ice, yet her aura faintly carried the pressure of "the Ultimate chaos"—that was none other than Yun Yanxi, the deputy Chaos First Palace.

She stood in the distance, her gaze fixed on Qin Yu, her voice clear yet tinged with admiration. "I never imagined that during my time in seclusion, the Chaos First Palace would welcome such a figure. Palace Master, your judgment has indeed been accurate."

Yun Yanwan's smile deepened, and she turned to nod slightly at her. "This child is not someone I have discerning eyes for, but rather someone destined by fate."

Qin Yu respectfully cupped his hands. "Greetings, Vice Hall Master."

Yun Yanxi nodded slightly, her expression indifferent. "No need for formalities. Your ability to resonate with the Sacred Tree is already a great fortune for the Chaos First Palace."

The Palace Master stepped closer and asked in a calm voice, "Young Master Qin, have you gained any insights from your journey into the Star Domain?"

Qin Yu took a deep breath, his gaze lingering meaningfully on the distant sacred tree, and murmured, "The Chaos Qi is not born solely from chaos, but from stillness. Within stillness lies destiny, and within chaos arises cause. To attain true enlightenment, one must transcend the boundaries between chaos and Silent Void... Only today have I glimpsed its meaning."

Upon hearing this, the Palace Master's eyes showed even greater surprise.

He sighed softly, his tone filled with genuine respect. "These words are something I didn't even understand when I first entered the Chaos Realm. 'Silent Void' is not only the fusion of the Dao, but also the union of heart and soul. Young Master Qin, your understanding is beyond the reach of ordinary people like us."

The surrounding elders all nodded in approval.

"Indeed, this child's comprehension far surpasses that of ordinary cultivators; even the tremors of the sacred tree's spiritual veins subsided because of him!"

"With such talent, if he were kept in this palace, he would surely become a pillar of our Chaos First Palace in the future!"

"We admire the Palace Master's discerning eye for talent."

Yun Yanwan smiled and waved her sleeve, "Elders, you flatter me. Today's tremor in the star field is an unusual phenomenon, but it is not a disaster, but a blessing. Young Master Qin's ability to resonate with the Sacred Tree represents the will of Heaven—this is an auspicious sign."

He turned his head, his gaze returning to Qin Yu, and said in a gentle tone, "Young Master, you've worked hard. The Qi in the Star Domain is extremely intense, and you need to rest after the initial fusion. Today, please return to the Qi Primordial Chaos Hall to rest. Once the Qi flow has stabilized, you can come and discuss your gains with me in detail."

Qin Yu rose and cupped his hands in thanks. "Thank you for your concern, Palace Master. Qin Yu takes his leave."

Yun Yanwan nodded slightly and watched him leave.

As the starlight shifted, Qin Yu's figure gradually disappeared into the distance. Yun Yanxi, in the distance, glanced at him, a slight smile playing on her lips, and murmured, "This lad... his aura is clear and pure, his soul steady and unassuming, unlike any ordinary prodigy. If he were to truly stay in my Chaos First Palace, perhaps he could rewrite the landscape of this Annihilation Void."

Yun Yanwan's expression was solemn as she softly replied, "That's exactly right."

At this moment, the entire Chaos Star Domain gradually returned to tranquility, and the radiance of the Sacred Tree slowly faded, leaving only a wisp of golden-blue interwoven light in the deepest part, still pulsating silently.

Qin Yu glanced back at that star field, a glint in his eyes, and murmured, "Mixed and silent, one day, they will all return to my thoughts."

He turned around, his robes fluttering, and stepped onto the long staircase where light and shadow folded, returning to his "Qi Primordial Chaos Hall".

At this moment, the night had not yet fallen, and the holy light of the Chaos First Palace still flowed silently across the top of the sky.

The night was as dark as silk, and the Qi Primordial Chaos Hall was silent under the silvery glow of the sky. Outside the hall, the spiritual spring shimmered like stars, and a gentle breeze stirred the shadows of the flowers. Qin Yu had just sat up and was about to rest when he suddenly heard a soft voice from outside the hall, clear yet with a hint of respect. "Young Master Qin, are you ready to rest?"

The voice was unhurried, like a firefly flitting across the surface of a spiritual spring on a spring night, carrying a faint, ethereal charm. Qin Yu's brow twitched slightly, and he looked up towards the palace gate. In the moonlight, he saw a woman standing on the cloud steps.

She wore a light blue long dress with gold trim, its flowing fabric swaying like smoke. A gold belt cinched her waist, and her dangling ornaments shimmered, accentuating her graceful figure. Her hair was smooth and jet black, a few strands fluttering in the night breeze, adorned with pale pink petals, like cherry blossoms blooming in the clouds. Her skin was as white as snow, her eyes sparkling, and her brows exuded a gentle and refined Spiritual Qi. Her expression was soft and poised.

Moonlight streamed through her hair, illuminating her slightly parted lips. Her voice came again, tinged with a faint smile, "I am Ling Liangyan, Elder of the Chaos First Palace Bright Zither Hall Palace. I have come to pay my respects to Young Master Qin, to discuss something with him."

Qin Yu was slightly taken aback, but calmly replied, "So it's Elder Ling. May I ask what brings you here so late at night?"

The woman gave a slight bow, her movements light and elegant, her voice gentle yet tinged with seriousness. "This matter is not suitable for discussion outside. I hope Young Master Qin will allow me to come inside for a talk."

Qin Yu pondered for a moment, then raised his hand, and the palace doors slowly opened. A spiritual light spread outwards, illuminating the flowing golden radiance and water-like patterns within the palace. He slightly turned to the side, gesturing for them to enter, his tone calm yet courteous. "Please come inside for a detailed discussion."

Ling Liangyan nodded slightly and stepped into the hall. In that instant, the fragrance of flowers wafted on the wind, and cherry blossom petals swirled and fell at her feet, scattering into a light dust that blended into the night and the spiritual energy.

The main palace of the Qi Primordial Chaos Hall was quiet and profound, with the palace lamps hanging like a galaxy in the sky, and a misty atmosphere surrounding it. Qin Yu and Ling Liangyan sat facing each other on either side of the jade table, and the sound of the spiritual spring echoed in the distance.