Post-War Respite and the First Undercurrents

After the Sower's projection dissipated, the Valley of Buried Soldiers did not immediately return to peace. Although the giant End Times Altar had stopped pulsing, it still stood in the center of the valley like an ugly tumor. Filthy black mucus continuously seeped from the cracks on its surface, emitting a nauseating, rotten stench. The low-level demonic beasts remaining in the valley, having lost their unified command, roamed around like headless flies, tearing at each other. They were, in fact, more unpredictably dangerous than before.

"First, let's clear a safe passage and get out of here," Mo Hen said, warily observing the chaotic scene around them, his hand clutching several Smoke Bombs and Earthbind Mechanisms. "Although the altar is destroyed, the Breath of the End here is still potent. Lingering too long might lead to unforeseen circumstances."

Su Yan nodded, suppressing the dizziness caused by his depleted spiritual energy and the impact of the final dark rune. He glanced at Star Vortex beside him, whose aura had stabilized at the level of a level 35 leader. Its shell, adorned with flowing star patterns, made it look exceptionally majestic. He felt a bit more at ease. After evolving, Star Vortex's strength had surged, and its intelligence seemed to have improved significantly. It was now quietly guarding his side, its vertical eye crystal vigilantly scanning the surroundings, its tail vortex slowly rotating, exuding an aura of coldness that warned others to keep their distance.

"Friend Su, how are you feeling?" Bai Zhi quickly approached, her Willow Branch glowing with vibrant green light. A gentle Universal Salvation spell landed on Su Yan, alleviating his fatigue.

"I'm fine, just a bit depleted in spiritual energy. I'll be alright after some rest," Su Yan said gratefully, looking at Bai Zhi. Then he turned to Yun Ji, whose face was still somewhat pale. "Friend Yun Ji, thank you for stabilizing the spiritual energy just now. Otherwise, I might not have been able to activate the Compass's defense in time."

Yun Ji shook her head slightly. Her voice, muffled by the mist, carried a hint of imperceptible weakness. "It was my duty. However, what that 'Sower' said at the end... 'Well of Guixu,' 'coordinate recorded.' The future trouble might be considerable." Her gaze fell on the Compass in Su Yan's hand. Although the black skull marking was suppressed by the Compass's silver light, it still clung like a persistent shadow, exuding an ominous aura.

"We'll need to discuss this at length," Su Yan said gravely. "The immediate priority is to leave this place, find a safe spot to recover, and then we can discuss matters of the Netherworld."

The four agreed. Mo Hen and Star Vortex, being in better condition, took the lead, with Su Yan and Bai Zhi in the middle, and Yun Ji at the rear. They carefully retraced their steps. The scattered demonic beasts along the way were no match for the evolved Star Vortex. It moved with ghost-like speed, and a sweep of its Starlight Breath eliminated entire groups. Occasionally, when encountering a tough Buried Soldier Golem, a single Star Vortex Sky Rend Strike could easily pierce its core. Its efficiency was so high that even Mo Hen couldn't help but be impressed.

"Tsk tsk, Brother Su, your Star Vortex Guard is quite the force now. I reckon once it levels up a bit more, it'll be able to take on a regular level 40 leader solo," Mo Hen commented, setting up mechanisms to slow down any monsters that might emerge from the sides, unable to contain his admiration.

Su Yan smiled, watching Star Vortex's agile movements, filled with pride. This was the joy of raising a summoned beast. From an inconspicuous Sea Hairy Caterpillar to the majestic Star Vortex Guard it was now, this companionship and growth were irreplaceable by any top-tier equipment.

They exited the Valley of Buried Soldiers without further incident, returning to the desolate plain covered in giant skeletons. Only then did the group truly relax. Although the malevolent energy on the plain was still dense, it was far better than the suffocating silence and filth within the Valley of Buried Soldiers.

Finding a relatively hidden spot backed by a giant beast bone, Mo Hen quickly set up a few simple warning and concealment mechanisms. The four finally stopped to tend to their injuries and recover their strength.

Su Yan sat down cross-legged and first checked his own gains. His level had risen to 31, and his attributes had increased. More importantly, the battle with the Sower's projection, especially the Compass's autonomous defense and its guidance of his spiritual energy to form a star map barrier, had deepened his understanding of the operation of the Star Qi Drawing Art and the Star Refining Body Art, as well as the use of the Power of Stars. He felt his spiritual energy was more refined, and his control over his strength had become slightly more precise.

Next, he carefully sensed the Compass in his arms. After its repair progress reached 59%, the silver body of the Compass became warmer, as if imbued with vitality. The broken pointer in the center seemed to have healed a tiny bit more, almost imperceptible unless one looked closely. The star map in his mind was clearer and had expanded. Besides the flashing Netherworld Beacon and the glaring black skull mark, several other faint light spots appeared on the edge of the Mount War God area, seemingly indicating other locations with potential opportunities or quests.

"This Compass seems to have unlocked more detection functions as it's being repaired..." Su Yan mused inwardly. "Perhaps when the repair progress is higher, it will be able to actively scan a wider range for special locations or resources."

Then, he shifted his attention to Star Vortex at the other end of their soul link. He brought up Star Vortex's new attribute panel and carefully browsed it:

[Summoned Beast: Star Vortex (Star Vortex Guard · Initial Stage)]

Level: 31

Race: Insect (Astral Mutation)

Temperament: Brave (Increases Physical Attack, Decreases Spell Attack)

Aptitude:

Attack Aptitude: 1580 (↑ Greatly Increased)

Defense Aptitude: 1450 (↑ Significantly Increased)

Stamina Aptitude: 1380 (↑ Significantly Increased)

Mana Aptitude: 1050 (↑ Slightly Increased)

Speed Aptitude: 1600 (↑ Greatly Increased)

Evasion Aptitude: 1420 (↑ Significantly Increased)

Growth: 1.275 (↑ Increased)

Skills:

[Advanced Life Drain] (Passive), [Starlight Resonance] (Innate Passive, Enhanced), [Starlight Breath] (Active, Evolved from Starfire), [Star Vortex Sky Rend Strike] (Active, Newly Added), [Battle Intent Burn] (Passive, Learned from War God's Baptism)

Looking at the list of soaring aptitudes and powerful new skills, Su Yan was delighted. Star Vortex's role was becoming increasingly clear: extreme single-target physical elimination! [Star Vortex Sky Rend Strike] combined with [Advanced Life Drain] and [Battle Intent Burn] made it a veritable BOSS killer! Furthermore, the random negative status effects attached to [Starlight Breath] could also produce unexpected results at critical moments.

"However, its consumption has also increased after evolving," Su Yan noticed that the "Loyalty" and spiritual energy consumed by Star Vortex for daily activities and skill usage had increased significantly. He quickly took out the [Refined Pet Food] suitable for high-level summoned beasts and a few [Stardust Crystals] containing stellar energy from his inventory and fed them to Star Vortex.

Star Vortex affectionately rubbed its forehead against Su Yan's hand before lowering its head to eat. The dangerous vortex at its tail seemed to slow its rotation out of contentment.

Watching this scene, Bai Zhi couldn't help but smile. "Brother Su, Star Vortex is truly magnificent now, but it's still so obedient in front of you."

Mo Hen also chuckled, "Naturally. Brother Su is its most trusted master. But speaking of which, although we had a close call this time, our gains are also immense. Brother Su's level increased, Star Vortex evolved, the Compass's repair progress surged, and we even obtained a token recognized by a Heroic Spirit. It's just..." He changed his tone, his expression becoming serious. "What the Sower said before dying is like a thorn in my heart."

Mentioning this, the atmosphere suddenly became a bit heavy.

Yun Ji spoke slowly, "'Well of Guixu.' It's mentioned briefly in the incomplete ancient texts of my sect. Legend has it that it's the final resting place where heaven and earth return to silence and all things end, a realm of ultimate stillness that even the Netherworld Blood Sea cannot compare to. If the source of the End Times Cult's power is related to it, then its threat level far exceeds our previous estimations."

She looked at Su Yan. "As for the coordinate record... they have likely, through some means, locked onto you, Friend Su, or more accurately, onto this 'Relic of Order' in your hand. When we enter the Netherworld in the future, we may face targeted encirclements and traps."

Su Yan rubbed the cold surface of the Compass, feeling the faint, chilling sensation emanating from the black skull mark. He said gravely, "We'll face challenges as they come. Since we've already been targeted, worrying is useless. Improving our own strength is the fundamental solution." He paused and looked at everyone. "The matter of Mount War God is concluded, and the Anchor Point in the Valley of Buried Soldiers has been destroyed. Next, should we start preparing to head to the Netherworld?"

According to their original understanding, the Netherworld was a high-level map, not something they, at their current level of just over 30, could venture into. But the situation was pressing. Not only did they have the "Rule Tumor" indicated by the Compass to deal with, but they were also marked by powerful enemies, leaving them with seemingly no other choice.

Mo Hen pondered, "Directly entering the core area of the Netherworld is indeed dangerous. However, as far as I know, there isn't just one 'Yin-Yang Path' connecting the Human Realm and the Netherworld. There are some relatively stable secondary passages. Although they are also dangerous, they might allow us to operate in the peripheral areas. We need more detailed intelligence."

Bai Zhi also nodded in agreement. "Yes, Brother Su. We need to understand the current situation in the Netherworld, which areas are relatively 'safe,' and which are the activity zones of the End Times Cult. Blundering in blindly would be no different from seeking death."

Yun Ji nodded slightly. "I can attempt to deduce relatively safe paths using Heavenly Secrets techniques, but the Heavenly Dao laws in the Netherworld are vastly different from the Human Realm, and the interference is extremely strong. We would need a specific medium or to know a precise passage entrance to increase the success rate of the deduction."

Seeing that everyone agreed that the next step was the Netherworld but required thorough preparation, Su Yan had a plan. He recalled that when he completed the purification quest for Mount War God, among the rewards given by his sect (Mount Fangcun), there was a fragmented map pointing to the ruins of an ancient battlefield. It was said that a fierce battle between humans and ghosts had occurred there, weakening the space, and perhaps creating a rift leading to the Netherworld.

"I might have a lead," Su Yan said. "My sect once bestowed upon me a fragmented map pointing to the ruins of 'Ancient Battlefield · Lanruo Temple.' There might be an unstable Yin-Yang Path there. We could go there first to investigate. It would allow us to gain experience fighting Netherworld-attribute monsters and also try to find an opportunity to enter the Netherworld."

"Lanruo Temple?" Mo Hen stroked his chin. "I seem to have seen that name in the records of Heavenly Secrets City as well. It is indeed an ancient battlefield ruin with extremely heavy Yin energy. It's said that a Ghost King once resided there. The level range is around 35-40. Although it will still be challenging for us, with caution, it's not impossible to explore."

With the general direction for their next step decided, the group felt a little more at ease. Over the next few days, the four rested at the temporary stronghold on the outer reaches of Mount War God. Su Yan consolidated his level 31 cultivation and practiced the newly learned sect skills [Lightning Talisman], [Origin Return Incantation], and [Shrink Ground into Inches]. Especially [Shrink Ground into Inches], when used appropriately in combat, was extremely important for pursuit, escape, or adjusting positioning. At the same time, he began to try combining the Compass's [Star Track Deduction] ability with his own spells. Although he was far from reaching Yun Ji's level of anticipating enemy moves, it made his combat rhythm smoother.

Mo Hen used this time to repair and upgrade his Mechanical Beasts and various mechanical devices. In particular, he specially modified a batch of [Soul-Breaking Crossbow Bolts] and [Spirit-Suppressing Talismans] targeting the spiritual entities they might encounter in the Netherworld.

Bai Zhi's days were spent either cultivating or organizing and refining various medicinal pills, especially those that restored spiritual power, dispelled yin energy corrosion, and stabilized the mind, all to thoroughly prepare for the upcoming journey into the Netherworld.

Yun Ji was relatively quiet, spending most of her time meditating and regulating her breath to recover the vital energy damaged by her forceful deductions. Occasionally, she would exchange insights on celestial movements and array formations with Su Yan, benefiting him greatly.

Star Vortex was adapting to its evolved body and strength. It would occasionally leave the stronghold alone, seeking out monsters around level 35 in the vicinity for sparring, becoming increasingly proficient with its new skills, [Star Vortex Sky Rend Strike] and [Starlight Breath]. Its astonishing growth rate left everyone in awe.

On the evening of the fifth day of their rest, Su Yan was practicing his talisman techniques when his heart stirred. He received a communication talisman from his sect (Mount Fangcun). Probing it with his divine sense, he found a concise message from his master, Patriarch Bodhi, which caused his expression to shift slightly.

"Yan'er, something has changed in the Netherworld. Yin energy is flowing back, and it seems a powerful being is awakening. If you must go, remember this: never enter temples, bypass pagodas, and keep your heart's lamp burning bright to remain safe. Also, regarding the 'rule anomaly' you previously inquired about, I have scoured ancient texts, and it seems related to the ancient secret of the 'Heavenly Court's Fall'... The clues are scarce, so consider it carefully."

The message ended abruptly.

"Heavenly Court's Fall?" Su Yan frowned, this wasn't the first time he'd heard this phrase. The waters of this world were far deeper than imagined. The necessity of the Netherworld journey seemed to have gained another layer.

He informed everyone of the message's content, and the atmosphere grew somber once more.

"It seems something major has indeed happened in the Netherworld," Mo Hen said gravely. "Even the Patriarch of Mount Fangcun sent a special warning."

"Never enter temples, bypass pagodas, keep your heart's lamp burning bright..." Bai Zhi softly repeated the twelve-character maxim, lost in thought. "This sounds like a specific warning about certain dangerous existences or locations."

Yun Ji looked up towards the direction of the Netherworld, the mist around her swirling slightly. "The Heavenly Mechanisms are even more chaotic now... A powerful being awakening... Perhaps the anomaly of the 'Rule Tumor' is related to this. We must move faster."

The rest period was over, their objective was clear, and the path ahead was perilous. Su Yan put away the communication talisman, his gaze firm.

"Prepare yourselves. We depart tomorrow for Lanruo Temple!"