128: Chapter 128 Undercurrents in the Alliance, Unexpected Changes at the Abyss

Inside the Council Hall, the atmosphere was subtle.

Elder Xuan Yangzi's request was reasonable—as a Central Territory Alliance against the Spirit Devouring Clan, the Seven Star Alliance indeed had the right to survey the state of the Seal and request the cooperation of southern territory forces.

But Lin Yue knew things weren't that simple.

The Seven Star Alliance sending three Nascent Soul Immortals in person was definitely not just for a "survey."

They wanted to control the southern territory spiritual pivot, to hold the dominant position regarding the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal, and perhaps even... to incorporate Luoxia City and the entire southern territory into the Seven Star Alliance's sphere of influence.

“Elder Xuan Yang.”

Lin Yue set down the Jade Slip, his tone calm. “Luoxia City is naturally willing to cooperate with the Seven Star Alliance's investigation. However, the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal is of great importance and the internal situation is complex. Entering rashly might lead to unforeseen changes.”

He paused and looked at Elder Xuan Yangzi.

“How about this: I will first provide the detailed records of the battle at Corrupt Dragon Pool, as well as the survey data of the Burial Dragon Abyss periphery to the investigation team. Once you have studied them thoroughly, we can discuss the matter of entering.”

This was a delay, but also a test.

A sharp glint flashed in Elder Xuan Yangzi's eyes.

“Does City Lord Lin not trust the Seven Star Alliance?”

“I wouldn't dare.”

Lin Yue smiled. “It's just that beneath the Seal, there are indeed Spirit Devouring Imprisoned Soldiers entrenched. When Star Radiance and I infiltrated some days ago, we encountered an ambush by Spirit Devouring Shadow Guards at the Late Golden Core Stage. Without sufficient preparation, even a Nascent Soul Cultivator would face risks entering.”

He pointed out the risks as both a reminder and a warning.

Elder Xuan Yangzi remained silent for a moment.

“City Lord Lin has a point. Then we shall do as the City Lord says; we will review the data first and decide on entering the abyss in three days.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Elder.”

...Over the next three days, the Seven Star Alliance investigation team took up residence in the 'Guest House' on the west side of the City Lord's Mansion.

Lin Yue ordered the records of the Corrupt Dragon Pool battle, the maps of the Burial Dragon Abyss periphery, and some samples of Spirit Devouring Clan remains to be sent over in their entirety.

Simultaneously, he secretly had Lin Hu heighten the vigilance of the Sharp Soldiers Camp and had Star Radiance set up an emergency teleportation Formation in the Hidden Dragon Academy—so that Core Disciples could be evacuated at any moment if something went wrong.

Everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion.

But in Lin Yue's heart, there was always a faint sense of unease.

“Haotian, deduce the true purpose of the Seven Star Alliance's trip.”

In the quiet room, Lin Yue communicated with the Grotto-Heaven via Divine Sense.

“Deducing...”

The main trunk of Haotian vibrated slightly as its intelligence core operated at full capacity.

A moment later, it opened its eyes.

“Based on existing intelligence, the Seven Star Alliance has three objectives for this trip.”

“First, to confirm the Spirit Devouring Clan's threat Rank and evaluate whether the southern territory can hold the Seal. If the evaluation result is 'cannot hold,' the Seven Star Alliance may initiate the 'Territory Abandonment Plan'—abandoning the southern territory and establishing a new defensive line at the Central Territory border.”

“Second, to inspect Luoxia City's strength and potential. If Luoxia City has value for cultivation, the Seven Star Alliance will attempt to incorporate it, using it as a fulcrum for the southern territory defensive line; if it has no value, they may directly take over the southern territory spiritual pivot, to be garrisoned by Cultivators directly under the Seven Star Alliance.”

“Third...”

Haotian paused. “To find the 'Star Lords Relic Mansion'.”

Lin Yue's pupils constricted.

“They know about the Star Lords Relic Mansion too?”

“It is likely just speculation. The Star Lord lineage performed great service in the war against the Spirit Devouring Clan ten thousand years ago; their Legacy and treasures hold immense attraction for the Seven Star Alliance. Since the Burial Dragon Abyss is both a place of sealing and the Star Lord's final resting place, it is impossible for them not to be tempted.”

So that was it.

Lin Yue understood clearly now.

The Seven Star Alliance appeared to be acting for the public good on the surface, but in reality, they had their own private motives.

“Master needs to make plans early.”

Haotian reminded him, “If the Seven Star Alliance finds the entrance to the Relic Mansion, with their strength, they will likely force it open. By then, not only might the treasures within be seized, but the Seal could also be affected.”

“I know.”

Lin Yue pondered, “But blocking them by force won't work. Unless...”

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes.

“Unless we get there first, enter the Relic Mansion, and obtain the core Legacy. By then, even if the Seven Star Alliance finds the entrance, it will be to no avail.”

“The risk is immense. There will surely be trials left by the Star Lord inside the Relic Mansion, and it requires the star lord token to resonate with the Dragon soul to open. Although Master has the star lord token, the Dragon soul has fallen into a deep slumber...”

“Therefore, we need to awaken the Dragon soul.”

Lin Yue took out that dark-gold star lord token from his storage ring.

On the surface of the token, the dragon scale patterns were dim and lusterless, and the Dragon soul fluctuations within were so weak they were almost undetectable.

In the battle at Corrupt Dragon Pool, the Corrupt Poison Flood Dragon Soul had burned its Origin to fight the Spirit Devouring Shadow Guards. Although it had preserved its core from destruction, it had also fallen into a deep slumber.

To awaken it, a vast amount of life Origin nourishment was required.

“Haotian, how much life Origin can the Grotto-Heaven condense right now?”

“Less than ten percent. To awaken the Dragon soul, at least seventy percent of the Grotto-Heaven's stored life Origin is needed, along with at least twelve hours of continuous nourishment.”

Seventy percent... Lin Yue frowned.

The price was too high.

The Grotto-Heaven hadn't fully recovered yet; if seventy percent of its life Origin were drained, the spirit fields, Spirit River, and Mineral Veins might all wither again.

But if he didn't awaken the Dragon soul, he couldn't open the Star Lords Relic Mansion.

A dilemma.

“Perhaps... there is a compromise.”

Haotian suddenly said.

“Speak.”

“Does Master remember the heart source essence blood obtained from the bottom of the Corrupt Dragon Pool? Although most of it was used to repair the sealing pillars, there should be a small amount remaining. The Dragon soul has a natural resonance with its own Essence Blood. If we use the Essence Blood as a guide, we might be able to briefly awaken it for about ten breaths.”

“Ten breaths... is that enough to open the Relic Mansion?”

“Not enough for a full opening, but enough to pinpoint the exact location of the Relic Mansion entrance and... obtain some of the outer Legacy.”

Haotian explained, “The Star Lords Relic Mansion cannot have only one entrance, and there will surely be Restrictions blocking the way inside. In ten breaths, Master can at most enter the outer area of the Relic Mansion. But even so, the gains would far exceed a normal Opportunity.”

Ten breaths... Lin Yue weighed his options for a moment.

“It's worth a try. But since the Essence Blood is nearly exhausted, it must be used at the most critical moment. Furthermore, this requires absolute secrecy—the Seven Star Alliance must not find out.”

“Understood.”

...On the morning of the third day.

Elder Xuan Yangzi sent someone with a message, inviting Lin Yue and Star Radiance to the Guest House for a meeting.

In the hall, besides Elder Xuan Yangzi and his two Nascent Soul colleagues, there were more than ten Golden Core Cultivators.

The data provided by Lin Yue was spread out on the table, along with a newly drawn map.

“City Lord Lin, Star Envoy Star Radiance.”

Elder Xuan Yangzi got straight to the point. “After three days of study, we have basically confirmed the status of the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal—it is worse than expected.”

He pointed to several marked spots on the map.

“The cracks in the Seal have expanded from the original three zhang to fifteen zhang and are showing a spreading trend. The number of Spirit Devouring Imprisoned Soldiers beneath the Seal is estimated to be over three hundred, with at least ten reaching the Late Golden Core Stage, and there may even... exist Nascent Soul level Spirit Devourer Commanders.”

Lin Yue and Star Radiance exchanged a glance, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.

These figures basically matched their previous deductions.

“So, what is the Seven Star Alliance's plan?”

Star Radiance asked.

“The Seven Star Alliance has decided to immediately launch the 'Southern Territory Defense Plan'.”

Elder Xuan Yangzi said solemnly, “Led by three Nascent Soul Immortals, an allied force composed of fifty Golden Core Cultivators and five hundred Foundation Establishment Cultivators will establish three defensive lines on the periphery of the Burial Dragon Abyss and attempt to repair the Seal.”

“As for Luoxia City...”

He looked at Lin Yue.

“The Alliance Leader has ordered: if City Lord Lin is willing to join the Seven Star Alliance, Luoxia City can retain its autonomy and become a key fulcrum for the southern territory defensive line, receiving full resource support from the Seven Star Alliance.”

“And if not?”

“If not...”

Behind Elder Xuan Yangzi, the middle-aged man at the Early Nascent Soul Stage spoke slowly.

“Then the Seven Star Alliance will temporarily take over the southern territory's defense. Luoxia City must cooperate unconditionally, and all resources will be centrally dispatched. Once the crisis is resolved, we will discuss whether you stay or leave.”

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze.

This was already a blatant threat.

Star Radiance's expression changed slightly, and she was about to speak.

However, Lin Yue laughed first.

“Elder Xuan Yang, fellow Envoys. From the day it was founded, Luoxia City has taken the protection of the southern territory as its duty. In the fight against the Spirit Devouring Clan, we will not shirk our responsibility.”

He paused, his tone shifting.

“But Luoxia City is the Luoxia City of the southern territory's people, not the Seven Star Alliance's Luoxia City. We can cooperate, we can form an Alliance, but we will never... become vassals.”

As his voice fell, a cold light flashed in Elder Xuan Yangzi's eyes.

“Does City Lord Lin mean to reject the Seven Star Alliance's goodwill?”

“No, it is choosing an equal partnership.”

Lin Yue stood up, his gaze sweeping across the crowd.

“Luoxia City can provide all intelligence on the Burial Dragon Abyss, can open up some resources, and can cooperate with the defensive deployment. However, the defense of the southern territory must be led by southern territory Cultivators. If the Seven Star Alliance truly wishes to help, they should send reinforcements, not... overseers.”

“What an 'equal partnership'.”

The middle-aged man sneered, “Does City Lord Lin know that once the Spirit Devouring Clan breaks the Seal, the first to suffer will be Luoxia City? Without the support of the Seven Star Alliance, can you hold it?”

“Whether we can hold it or not, we won't know until we try.”

Lin Yue's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable resolve.

“At the very least, we won't hand our home... over to others before the Spirit Devouring Clan even arrives.”

A dead silence filled the hall.

Elder Xuan Yangzi stared at Lin Yue for a long time before suddenly laughing.

“Good, you have backbone.”

He waved his hand, signaling the middle-aged man to step down.

“Since City Lord Lin insists, the Seven Star Alliance will not force the issue. Cooperation is fine, but there is a condition.”

“Please state it.”

“In three days, the Seven Star Alliance will send an exploration team into the Burial Dragon Abyss to assess the status of the Seal on-site. Luoxia City must provide a guide and full protection throughout.”

Elder Xuan Yangzi paused, “If the exploration goes smoothly, the Seven Star Alliance will consider City Lord Lin's proposal: with the southern territory leading and the Seven Star Alliance assisting, we will jointly establish a defensive line.”

“And if the exploration doesn't go smoothly?”

“Then it proves the southern territory indeed lacks the ability to defend itself independently. At that time, I hope City Lord Lin will... reconsider joining the Seven Star Alliance.”

This was the final test, and the final chance.

Lin Yue understood perfectly.

“Fine. In three days, I will personally lead the team and guide you into the abyss.”

...After leaving the Guest House, Star Radiance couldn't help but ask:

“Are you really going personally? The Seven Star Alliance clearly wants to use the exploration as an Opportunity to gauge the Burial Dragon Abyss's true state, and perhaps even... secretly search for the Star Lords Relic Mansion.”

“I know.”

Lin Yue looked toward the Burial Dragon Abyss, his gaze deep.

“But if they want to search, we can't stop them anyway. Rather than passive defense, it's better to actively guide them.”

“Guide them?”

“Yes.”

Lin Yue withdrew his gaze and looked at Star Radiance.

“Star Envoy, in three days, I need you to help me put on a show.”

“What kind of show?”

“A show... to make the Seven Star Alliance believe that the Burial Dragon Abyss Seal is in imminent danger, and that only by cooperating with Luoxia City can the southern territory be held.”

Star Radiance was taken aback, then she understood.

“You want to intentionally exaggerate the danger to make them back off?”

“No, it's to make them see reality.”

The corner of Lin Yue's mouth curled into a slight arc.

“Only by seeing the terror of the Spirit Devouring Clan with their own eyes and feeling the crisis of the Seal's collapse will they understand... who the true master of the southern territory is.”

Three days later.

At the periphery of the Burial Dragon Abyss, more than twenty people were ready to depart.

On the Seven Star Alliance's side, led by Elder Xuan Yangzi, there were two Late Golden Core, six Middle Golden Core Cultivators, and ten Foundation Establishment Disciples skilled in Formations.

On Luoxia City's side, Lin Yue brought Star Radiance, Lin Hu, and eight elites from the Sharp Soldiers Camp.

The two sides met at the abyss entrance.

“City Lord Lin, we can set off.”

Elder Xuan Yangzi said indifferently.

Lin Yue nodded and was the first to step into the miasma.

With previous experience and the Star Concealment Talismans provided by Star Radiance, the group successfully traversed the peripheral area and arrived before the Seal crack.

At this moment, the crack had expanded to eighteen zhang wide.

Deep within the crack, a dark-red light flickered like a heartbeat. Countless distorted black shadows could be vaguely seen writhing below, accompanied by heart-wrenching roars and the constant sound of chewing.

“This is... the Seal crack?”

A Seven Star Alliance Golden Core Cultivator's face turned pale.

He had never seen such dense Spirit Devouring aura, nor had he ever felt such pure... malice.

“Indeed.”

Lin Yue pointed to the edge of the crack. “Those black roots are the Spirit Devouring Clan's 'Spirit-Eroding Mycelium,' which is constantly eroding the Seal. At this rate, the Seal will completely collapse in ten months at most.”

Ten months... Elder Xuan Yangzi's brow furrowed tightly.

This timeframe was shorter than even the Seven Star Alliance's most pessimistic predictions.

“Can it be repaired?”

“It's very difficult.”

Star Radiance chimed in, “The core formation patterns of the Seal are severely worn. It would require at least three Nascent Soul Cultivators working with a large number of Dragon Qi type spiritual items to have even a thirty percent chance of repair. And now...”

She paused, “Dragon Qi spiritual items are extremely scarce, and there aren't enough Nascent Soul Cultivators either.”

This was half-truth, half-lie.

Dragon Qi spiritual items were indeed scarce, but Lin Yue had the dragon soul crystal core, which Star Radiance knew about.

As for Nascent Soul Cultivators... Luoxia City indeed had none, but if truly needed, Sect Master Mo Chen of the Qinglan Sect might be willing to help.

But there was no need to tell the Seven Star Alliance these things.

Elder Xuan Yangzi remained silent for a long time.

“Let's go down and take a look first.”

He made a decision.

The group slowly descended along the edge of the crack.

The further down they went, the thicker the Spirit Devouring aura became, and the dimmer the light grew.

Star Radiance had to manifest the miasma breaking star lantern to barely illuminate the surroundings.

After descending about a hundred zhang, a relatively open platform appeared ahead.

On the platform, a large number of shattered Spirit Devouring Clan remains were scattered, along with... several corpses of Cultivators who had died recently.

Those corpses wore black robes with a black lotus embroidered on the chest.

Remnants of the Black Lotus Cult!

“It seems someone has been here before us.”

Lin Yue's gaze turned cold.

He walked over to a corpse and crouched down to examine it.

The corpse's death was gruesome; it was entirely shriveled as if all its Essence Blood and Spiritual Qi had been sucked dry. But strangely, there were no obvious wounds on the surface.

“It's the 'Spirit Devouring Soul Extraction Technique'.”

Star Radiance said in a low voice, “The Spirit Devouring Clan uses this secret method to extract all the essence, energy, and spirit of living beings to turn them into their own nourishment. These Black Lotus Cultists... must have been killed by the Spirit Devouring Imprisoned Soldiers beneath the Seal.”

Just as she finished speaking.

From deep within the platform, a rustling sound suddenly erupted.

Immediately after, dozens of Corrupt Water Yin Puppets surged out like a tide, lunging straight for the group!

“On guard!”

Elder Xuan Yangzi barked, and the Seven Star Alliance Cultivators quickly formed a Formation.

Lin Yue and Star Radiance also moved simultaneously.

The battle was triggered instantly.