Sparks Ignite the Plains and Heavenly Secrets Emerge

The chill from the depths of Ice Abyss Valley seemed to have seeped into Su Yan's very bones. Yet, far more piercing than this physical cold was the soul-deep tremor he felt from the sliver of apocalyptic premonition glimpsed through the Compass. His ragged breaths echoed sharply in the silent ice cave, his face ashen. The knuckles of the hand gripping Mo Hen's arm were white with strain.

"Sacrifice... the entire world?" Bai Zhi gasped, covering her mouth, her beautiful eyes wide with disbelief and terror. Even the usually composed Mo Hen's gaze had grown completely somber, like the surface of a frozen lake.

"Did you see clearly?" Mo Hen's voice was low and hoarse.

Su Yan shook his head with difficulty, suppressing the stabbing pain and chaos in his mind. "The images were blurry... but that feeling... it's undeniable. Countless mud cocoons, foul earth veins spread across the land, and that... altar of white bones. They're preparing a ritual to encompass the entire world, aiming to usher in an unstoppable entity." He paused, residual fear still in his eyes. "Time... I feel an immense urgency, as if something is counting down."

He described the burning crimson wasteland, the black sun, and the claw reaching for the world's bubble that he had glimpsed in that fleeting vision. With every word he spoke, the atmosphere in the ice cave grew heavier.

"We must get this message out immediately!" Bai Zhi urged, "Tell our sect, tell the Heavenly Court, tell everyone we can!"

Mo Hen, however, remained relatively calm. "Words are cheap. We have no concrete evidence, just Su Yan's account and a vague premonition. Will those aloof powers believe us? Furthermore, the End Times Cult operates with utmost secrecy. If we act rashly, not only will we fail to gain their trust, but we'll also alert them, provoking even more ferocious retaliation."

Su Yan forced himself to calm down. Mo Hen's analysis was correct. "Mo Hen is right. What we need now is irrefutable proof, and... a 'stepping stone' significant enough to garner attention. Merely disrupting one or two nodes is not enough to shake their foundations."

His gaze swept across the ravaged ice cave, finally settling on the dispersed [Ice Devouring Origin] and the Compass. "Our immediate priority is to enhance our own strength. Only with sufficient power can we uncover deeper secrets and make our voices heard. While this premonition is terrifying, it also confirms the Compass's capabilities. It might be our key to breaking through this crisis."

He carefully collected the few wisps of pure [Ice Devouring Origin] remaining on the ground. This substance contained the dual properties of extreme cold and Guixu, making it incredibly dangerous, but perhaps effective in specific situations.

The three fell silent, recovering and processing the shock of this world-shattering secret. The atmosphere was heavy, but their eyes held a newfound determination. Knowing the enemy's ultimate goal left them with no room for retreat; they could only press forward.

Leaving Ice Abyss Valley was far smoother than entering. Perhaps with the destruction of the Ice Devouring Vortex, the abnormal chill in the area had significantly weakened. But the three knew in their hearts that the snowstorms outside were nothing compared to the weight on their shoulders.

On the journey back to Chang'an, Su Yan continuously tried to further decipher the premonition's imagery. However, each attempt to delve deeper triggered intense mental pain, clearly indicating that his current abilities and the Compass's repair status were insufficient to fully process and interpret such high-level information. He could only commit the fragmented visions firmly to memory.

Upon returning to Chang'an, the trio reunited in Su Yan's small courtyard. Mo Hen spoke first, "I will utilize all my channels to secretly investigate legends or ruins related to the 'altar of white bones' and the 'black sun,' and I'll also monitor the recent movements of major powers for any anomalies."

Bai Zhi added, "I will use my connections at Mount Putuo to consult ancient texts and see if there are any historical records of similar world-ending prophecies. Perhaps we can find some clues or countermeasures."

Su Yan nodded. "Thank you both for your efforts. I will focus on improving my strength and try to leverage my connections with Star Pavilion and Mount Fangcun to see if I can reach higher levels. At the same time, we need more allies. Individual strength is too insignificant in the face of a disaster that engulfs the world."

He had received a generous reward of contribution points from Star Pavilion for completing the Ice Abyss Valley mission. He used a portion of these points to exchange for a large amount of cultivation resources, especially [Spirit Nurturing Pills] to nourish and strengthen his spiritual power. The impact of the premonition had made him realize that the strength of his spiritual power directly determined his ability to better utilize the Compass and glimpse heavenly secrets.

In the following days, Su Yan entered a state of frantic cultivation. Besides his regular practice of the [Star Qi Drawing Art] and [Star Refining Body Art], he took [Spirit Nurturing Pills] daily and meditated in his courtyard, honing his spiritual power. Simultaneously, he continued to practice drawing [Soul Chasing Talisman (Corrosion)], although his success rate remained abysmally low. Still, each successful talisman was a safeguard for future battles.

Little Big Dipper was also busy. Su Yan exchanged some contribution points for rare spiritual items like [Dragon Heart Pill] and [Blood of Frenzy] to enhance his pet's potential. The little fellow seemed to have grown slightly larger, its shell becoming a deeper hue, and its star-like markings pulsed with faint sounds of wind and thunder. Clearly, its strength was steadily increasing, awaiting only a catalyst for another transformation.

During this time, Mo Hen brought back the results of his investigation. There were almost no clear records of the "altar of white bones" or the "black sun." However, in some extremely ancient mythological fragments, dismissed as nonsensical, there were vague descriptions such as "At the end of an epoch, a nether sun hangs in the sky, all beings are sacrificed in blood." As for the major powers, apart from an increase in abnormal events across various regions, there were no significant large-scale movements yet, but undercurrents were stirring, and some sensitive major factions and NPC powers seemed to be quietly strengthening their defenses.

Bai Zhi also had some success. In an ancient, incomplete scroll of the [Demon Suppressing Record] at Mount Putuo, she found a passage about a "World-Stealing Demon." It described the demon as one that "feeds on the resentment of all beings, makes its nest from the remnants of worlds, and descends during the gaps between epochal cycles, intending to alter karma and reshape the universe." Its pre-descent omens included "earth veins weeping blood, the sky showing a nether sun," which bore some resemblance to Su Yan's premonition.

These fragmented pieces of information, like pieces of a puzzle, gradually confirmed the authenticity of Su Yan's premonition, casting an ever-darker shadow over the trio's hearts.

One day, Su Yan was attempting to guide a wisp of [Ice Devouring Origin]'s power into his [Starlight Bodyguard] in his courtyard, hoping to enhance the shield's resistance to extreme cold and corrosive forces. This process was more perilous than integrating it into talismans. The power of the Ice Devouring Origin was extremely dominant; a slight misstep could lead to self-inflicted backlash.

Just as he was concentrating, meticulously balancing the power of the stars and the Ice Devouring Origin, the Star Pavilion Token in his embrace suddenly grew warm. A telepathic message from Elder Xingyan directly entered his mind:

"Young friend Su, come to Star Pavilion immediately. I have something important to discuss."

The message was brief but carried an undeniable sense of urgency.

Su Yan's heart stirred. He immediately stopped cultivating, forcefully suppressing the unstable energy, causing a surge of blood within him. Daring not to delay, he informed Mo Hen and Bai Zhi before activating the token and rushing to Star Pavilion.

Inside the Star Gazing Pavilion, Elder Xingyan was no longer his usual carefree self; a heavy solemnity was etched on his brow. Upon seeing Su Yan, he waved his hand and cast a powerful soundproof barrier.

"Young friend, the high-ranking members of the Pavilion, along with those from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, have thoroughly reviewed your previous report on the 'End Times Cult' and the 'Guixu Rift,' as well as the investigation results from Ice Abyss Valley." Elder Xingyan cut straight to the chase. "The clues you provided subtly correspond with certain vague celestial phenomena recently deduced by our Pavilion and the 'Heavenly Secrets Pavilion'."

Heavenly Secrets Pavilion! They had noticed it too!

"Elder, have... have there been more concrete findings?" Su Yan's heart couldn't help but race.

Elder Xingyan nodded gravely. "The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion paid a considerable price to glimpse a sliver of heavenly secrets three days ago. It indicates that a catastrophe is imminent, and its origin... is not singular, but rather multiple 'anchors' are being activated simultaneously. The clearest 'anchor' fluctuation points towards... the depths of the Netherworld."

The Netherworld! Su Yan immediately recalled the massive "Rule Tumor" the Compass had been consistently marking deep within the Netherworld! It was indeed related to that!

"The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion infers that the 'End Times Cult' is using these 'anchors' to construct a massive formation covering the entire world. Its purpose... is very likely, as you foresaw, a form of world-ending sacrifice." Elder Xingyan's voice held a hint of powerlessness. "However, the heavenly secrets are chaotic, and the specific location and activation method are obscured by immense power, making precise positioning difficult."

He looked at Su Yan, his gaze filled with unprecedented anticipation. "Young friend Su, your Compass is a 'variable' born of destiny, perhaps it can pierce this veil of mist. After deliberation with the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, we hope you can venture deep into the Netherworld, attempt to locate, and... if possible, destroy that core 'anchor'."

[Epic Hidden Quest Triggered: Anchor of the Netherworld]

[Quest Requirements: Venture deep into the Netherworld, find and locate one of the core 'anchors' the End Times Cult is using to construct their world-ending ritual. Rewards for destruction are unknown.]

[Quest Hint: This quest is extremely dangerous. It is recommended for players Level 50 and above, and to form a strong team. The environment of the Netherworld is special and greatly suppresses the living.]

[Warning: This quest concerns the survival of the world, but the risk of failure is extremely high. Please choose wisely.]

Level 50+! Su Yan looked at the quest prompt, a bitter smile touching his lips. He was only Level 25 now. Even with a team, venturing into the depths of the Netherworld would be akin to throwing an egg against a rock.

Elder Xingyan seemed to see his difficulty and sighed, "I know your cultivation is still shallow, and this task is truly asking too much. But time waits for no one; the 'anchors' are being activated at an accelerating rate. The Pavilion will do its utmost to provide you with resources to help you improve rapidly. Furthermore, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion will also send someone to liate with you; they might be able to offer some special assistance."

He took out a storage ring and handed it to Su Yan. "Inside are some of Star Pavilion's treasured [Star Marrow], [Soul Jade], and a copy of the [Star Contemplation Method], which will help you quickly increase your level and strengthen your soul. Young friend, the hope of the world may rest upon your faint spark."

Su Yan took the ring, feeling its weight in his hand. This was an opportunity, but also a mountain of pressure. He was silent for a moment, then looked up, his eyes now firm. "This junior accepts without reservation."

As he left Star Pavilion, Su Yan's mood was incredibly complex. He had received official (in a sense) recognition and support, along with precious resources, but he had also accepted an almost impossible mission.

Returning to his courtyard, he explained the situation to Mo Hen and Bai Zhi. The two were silent for a long time.

"Level fifty... that's too far off," Mo Hen frowned.

"But we have to go, don't we?" Bai Zhi said softly, her eyes clear and resolute. "If the world ceases to exist, what use is our high level?"

Su Yan looked at his two companions, a warmth surging within him. "Exactly, we must go. But not now. We need a plan, a plan that will allow us to possess the strength to challenge the Netherworld in a short period."

He took out the resources given by Elder Xingyan. [Star Marrow] contained immense stellar power that could be directly absorbed to increase experience; [Soul Jade] could nourish and strengthen the soul; and the [Star Contemplation Method] was a secret technique that directly addressed the essence of the soul, immeasurable in value.

"We need to go into seclusion and focus on leveling up. At the same time, we need to consolidate all our strength, connections, and resources," Su Yan said, his eyes blazing. "Star Pavilion, Wind and Snow Pavilion, and even... the person the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion is about to send. We need to make this spark burn as brightly as possible!"

Just as the three were discussing, a clear, cold, and unfamiliar voice came from outside the courtyard gate:

"Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, Yun Ji, sent by order to assist fellow Daoist Su Yan."

Su Yan exchanged glances with Mo Hen and Bai Zhi, seeing the surprise in each other's eyes. Someone from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, and this fast?

He took a deep breath, tidied his robes, and said in a deep voice:

"Please come in."

The door opened, and a woman in a plain white daoist robe, her face blurred as if shrouded in clouds and mist, with only a pair of eyes as clear as if containing a galaxy, walked in slowly. Her arrival seemed to bring a ripple of destiny.

New forces had intervened, and a broader yet more dangerous stage was slowly drawing its curtain. Su Yan knew that time was truly running out for him.