The chill deep within Ice Abyss Valley seemed to have seeped into their bones, but far more piercing than the physical cold was the soul-deep shudder brought by the faint omen of doom Su Yan had glimpsed through the Compass. His rapid breathing rang especially clearly through the silent ice cave. His face was pale as paper, and the knuckles gripping Mo Hen's arm had turned white from the force.
"Sacrifice... the entire world?" Bai Zhi cried out, covering her lips, her beautiful eyes filled with incredulous terror. Even Mo Hen, who was usually so composed, had a completely grave look in his eyes, like a frozen lake.
"Did you see it clearly?" Mo Hen's voice was low and hoarse.
Su Yan shook his head with difficulty, enduring the stabbing pain and chaos in his mind. "The image was blurry... but that feeling... it couldn't be wrong. Countless mud cocoons, polluted Earth Veins spread across the land, and that... altar of white bones. They were preparing a ritual that would cover the entire world, intending to summon the descent of some existence we couldn't possibly resist." He paused, the lingering fear still visible in his eyes. "Time... I feel like it's urgent, as if something is counting down."
He described the burning dark-red wasteland, the black sun, and the claw reaching for the World Bubble that he had glimpsed in that fleeting vision. With every sentence he spoke, the atmosphere within the ice cave grew heavier.
"We must spread this news immediately!" Bai Zhi said urgently. "Tell our sects, tell the Heavenly Court, tell everyone we can!"
Mo Hen remained relatively calm. "Words alone prove nothing. We have no concrete evidence. Will those lofty major powers believe us based solely on Su Yan's account and a vague premonition? Besides, the End Times Cult operates in secret. If we make a rash announcement, not only might we fail to gain anyone's trust, but we could also alert the enemy and invite even more frenzied retaliation."
Su Yan forced himself to calm down. Mo Hen was right. He took a deep breath, and the frigid air cleared his muddled thoughts somewhat. "Mo Hen is right. What we need now is solid evidence and... a sufficient 'calling card' to make them take us seriously. Destroying only one or two nodes isn't enough to shake their foundations."
His gaze swept across the devastated ice cave before finally settling on the scattered [Ice Devouring Origin] and the Compass. "Our top priority is to increase our own strength. Only with enough power can we uncover deeper secrets and make our voices heard. This omen may be terrifying, but it also proves the Compass's capabilities. It may be the key to breaking this deadlock."
He carefully gathered several lingering wisps of pure [Ice Devouring Origin] from the ground. This substance possessed both extreme cold and Guixu properties. It was exceptionally dangerous, but it might prove remarkably effective under certain circumstances.
The three rested in silence, digesting the impact of this earth-shattering secret. The atmosphere was heavy, yet their gazes had become even more resolute. Now that they knew the enemy's ultimate goal, there was no longer any path of retreat. They could only press forward.
Leaving Ice Abyss Valley was much smoother than entering it had been. Perhaps because the Ice Devouring Vortex had been destroyed, the abnormal chill here had weakened considerably. Yet all three knew that the blizzards outside were nowhere near one ten-thousandth as heavy as the burden upon their shoulders.
On the road back to Chang'an, Su Yan kept trying to further analyze the omen's images. Yet every time he delved deeper, violent pain tore through his Spiritual Power. Clearly, with his current abilities and the Compass's degree of repair, he could not fully bear or decipher information stream of such a high level. He could only firmly memorize those fragmented images.
After returning to Chang'an, the three gathered once more in Su Yan's small courtyard. Mo Hen spoke first. "I'll use every channel available to secretly investigate legends or ruins related to the 'altar of white bones' and the 'black sun.' I'll also keep an eye on recent movements among the major powers and see whether anything unusual is happening."
Bai Zhi added, "I'll use Mount Putuo's connections to consult ancient records and see whether history holds any accounts of similar world-ending prophecies. Perhaps we'll find clues or a way to deal with it."
Su Yan nodded. "Thank you, both of you. On my side, I'll focus fully on increasing my strength and try to use Star Pavilion's and Mount Fangcun's connections to reach higher circles. At the same time, we need more allies. Individual strength is far too insignificant before a disaster that can sweep across the world."
After completing the Ice Abyss Valley mission, he had received a generous contribution point reward from Star Pavilion. He exchanged part of it for a large quantity of cultivation resources, especially [Spirit Nurturing Pills] that nourished and strengthened Spiritual Power. The shock of the omen had made him realize that the strength of his Spiritual Power was directly tied to whether he could better wield the Compass and glimpse the secrets of Heaven.
Over the following days, Su Yan entered a frenzied state of cultivation. Every day, aside from his regular practice of the Star Qi Drawing Art and Star Refining Body Art, he consumed [Spirit Nurturing Pills], sat in meditation in the courtyard, and tempered his Spiritual Power. At the same time, he constantly practiced drawing [Soul Chasing Talisman: Corrosion]. Though the success rate remained outrageously low, every successful talisman offered another safeguard for future battles.
Little Big Dipper did not remain idle either. Su Yan exchanged some contribution points for rare spiritual items that improved pet aptitude, such as [Dragon Heart Pills] and [Blood of Frenzy], and fed them to Little Big Dipper. The little fellow's body seemed to have grown another size larger, its shell deepening in color. As its star patterns flowed, faint sounds of wind and thunder could be heard. Its strength was clearly rising steadily, and it only awaited an opportunity to undergo another transformation.
During this time, Mo Hen brought back the results of his investigation. There were almost no clear records regarding the "altar of white bones" and the "black sun," but some extremely ancient myth fragments, dismissed as absurd, did contain vague descriptions such as, "At the end of an era, the nether sun hangs in the sky, and all living things are sacrificed in blood." As for the major powers, apart from the growing number of abnormal incidents everywhere, there were no obvious large-scale movements for the time being. Still, undercurrents churned beneath the surface. Some sensitive large guilds and NPC factions appeared to be quietly strengthening their defenses.
Bai Zhi had also found something. In a fragmentary scroll of an ancient Demon Suppressing Record at Mount Putuo, she discovered an account of the "world-stealing demon." It described it as one that "feeds on the resentment of all beings, nests in the remnants of worlds, descends through the gaps between cycles of eras, and seeks to alter karma and reshape heaven and earth." Signs preceding its arrival included the words, "The Earth Veins weep blood, and a nether sun appears in the heavens," which somewhat matched Su Yan's omen.
These scattered pieces of information were like puzzle fragments, gradually confirming the truth of Su Yan's omen and casting an ever-heavier shadow over the hearts of the three.
One day, Su Yan was in the courtyard, attempting to guide a thread of [Ice Devouring Origin] into [Starlight Bodyguard] to increase the shield's resistance to extreme cold and corrosive power. This process was even more dangerous than infusing talismans. The power of Ice Devouring Origin was overwhelmingly tyrannical, and the slightest mistake would result in backlash.
Just as he focused completely on carefully balancing the Power of Stars with the Ice Devouring Origin, the Star Pavilion Token in his robe suddenly heated up on its own. A message from Elder Xingyan entered his mind directly:
"Little friend Su, come to Star Pavilion at once. There is an urgent matter to discuss."
The message was brief, yet it carried an undeniable urgency.
Su Yan's heart stirred. He immediately stopped cultivating and forcibly suppressed the unstable energies, causing his blood and qi to churn violently. He did not dare delay. After informing Mo Hen and Bai Zhi, he activated the token at once and headed for Star Pavilion.
Within the Star-Gazing Pavilion, Elder Xingyan no longer wore his usual calm, detached expression. An unshakable gravity lingered between his brows. When he saw Su Yan, he immediately waved a hand and erected a powerful soundproof barrier.
"Little friend, the report you previously submitted regarding the End Times Cult and the Guixu Rift, along with the findings from Ice Abyss Valley, has been examined in detail by the Pavilion's higher-ups," Elder Xingyan said without preamble. "The clues you provided faintly correspond with certain indistinct celestial signs recently deduced by Star Pavilion and even the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion."
Heavenly Secrets Pavilion! They had noticed it too, just as he had expected!
"Elder, has there... been more definite news?" Su Yan's heartbeat quickened.
Elder Xingyan nodded heavily. "The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion paid no small price to glimpse a thread of heavenly secrets three days ago. It showed that a vast catastrophe is approaching, and its source... is not singular. Several 'anchors' are being activated at the same time. The clearest fluctuation from one of those anchors points toward... the depths of the Netherworld."
The Netherworld! Su Yan immediately recalled the enormous Rule Tumor that the Compass had continually marked deep within the Netherworld! So it truly was connected to it!
"The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion has deduced that the End Times Cult is using these anchors to construct a colossal formation covering the entire world. Its purpose... is very likely the world-ending sacrifice you sensed," Elder Xingyan said, his voice carrying a trace of helplessness. "However, the heavenly secrets are clouded. The exact locations and methods of activation are all obscured by powerful forces, making precise identification impossible."
He looked at Su Yan, his gaze filled with unprecedented expectation. "Little friend Su, your Compass is a 'variable' born in response to the times. Perhaps it can pierce this veil of mist. After consultation between the Pavilion and the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, we hope that you can venture deep into the Netherworld and attempt to locate—and... if possible, destroy—that core anchor."
[Epic Hidden Quest Triggered: Anchor of the Netherworld] [Quest Requirement: Venture deep into the Netherworld to find and locate one of the core 'anchors' the End Times Cult is using to construct its world-ending ritual. If you can destroy it, the reward is unknown.] [Quest Hint: This quest is extremely dangerous. It is recommended that players be level 50 or above and form a powerful team before proceeding. The Netherworld's environment is unique and heavily suppresses The Living.] [Warning: This quest concerns the survival of the world, but the risk of failure is extremely high. Please choose carefully.]
Level 50 or above! Su Yan looked at the quest prompt, and a bitter smile crossed his lips. He was only level 25 now. Even with a team, heading into the depths of the Netherworld would be no different from striking a stone with an egg.
Elder Xingyan seemed to see his difficulty and sighed. "I know your cultivation is still shallow, and this truly is asking the impossible of you. But time waits for no one. The rate at which the anchors are activating is accelerating. The Pavilion will do everything it can to provide you with resources and help you improve quickly. Moreover, the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion will send someone to meet with you. They may 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 Star Contemplation Method. They can help you rapidly raise your level and strengthen your divine soul. Little friend, the hope of the world may rest upon this faint Star Fire of yours."
Su Yan accepted the ring and felt its weight in his hand. This was an opportunity, but it was also pressure as immense as a mountain. After a moment of silence, he raised his head, his eyes already resolute. "This junior will not shrink from the task."
When he left Star Pavilion, Su Yan's feelings were incomparably complicated. He had received official recognition and support, in a sense, as well as precious resources. But he had also accepted a mission that was nearly impossible to complete.
After returning to the courtyard, he explained the situation to Mo Hen and Bai Zhi. The two were silent for a long time.
"Level fifty... is too far away," Mo Hen said with a frown.
"But we have to go, don't we?" Bai Zhi said softly, her eyes clear and resolute. "If the world no longer exists, what use will higher levels be?"
Su Yan looked at his two companions, warmth rising in his heart. "That's right. We must go. But not yet. We need a plan—a plan that will give us the strength to challenge the Netherworld in a short time."
He took out the resources Elder Xingyan had given him. [Star Marrow] contained boundless Power of Stars and could be directly absorbed to increase experience. [Soul Jade] could nourish and strengthen the divine soul. The Star Contemplation Method was an invaluable secret art that pointed directly to the essence of the divine soul.
"We need to enter seclusion and push our levels with everything we have. At the same time, we need to consolidate all of our strength, connections, and resources." Su Yan's gaze burned brightly. "Star Pavilion, Wind and Snow Pavilion, and even... the person the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion is about to send. We must make this Star Fire burn as fiercely as possible!"
Just as the three were discussing their plans, a cool, unfamiliar voice came from beyond the courtyard gate:
"Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's Yun Ji has come under orders to assist fellow cultivator Su Yan."
Su Yan, Mo Hen, and Bai Zhi exchanged glances, seeing surprise in one another's eyes. Someone from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion had arrived so quickly?
He took a deep breath, straightened his robes, and said in a low voice:
"Please come in."
The gate opened. A woman in plain white Daoist robes walked slowly inside. Her features were indistinct, as though shrouded in clouds and mist, while only her eyes were clear, as if they held an entire river of stars. Her arrival seemed to bring with it a ripple of fate.
New forces had entered the game, and a broader yet more dangerous stage was slowly opening before them. Su Yan knew that he truly did not have much time left.
Before you continue