The Four Symbols unite! Return to the sect!

The torch at the end of the passage was no ordinary object; it was a 'Nether Candle' unique to the Nine Heavens Realm. Its flame was a ghostly blue, capable of illuminating the soul.

White Night gazed at the last mural on the rock wall. The illusory key in the center of the altar resonated with the four symbols token with exactly the same light, clearly indicating that the world gate key was here.

"Awoo!"

The Silver Wolf suddenly let out a low growl towards the front, its fur bristling, and the white mist exhaled from its nose condensed into dewdrops in the ghostly blue firelight.

White Night's Heavenly Heart Imprint simultaneously blared a warning. Ripples appeared in the space a hundred meters ahead, and countless transparent threads could vaguely be seen interweaving in the air, their ends connected to the twelve stone statues surrounding the altar.

These stone statues were human-height, clad in tattered armor, and held rusty long spears, precisely the guards of the altar depicted in the murals.

"The highest realm of puppet mastery — Shadow Silk Manipulation." White Night's fingertip traced his iron sword, and the Wind Law on the sword rippled. "The movements of these stone statues are guided by shadow silk, and the shadow silk is condensed from Space Law. Ordinary attacks cannot cut it."

He took out a void spirit stone from his system space. The moment the stone touched the shadow silk, its surface pores suddenly contracted, emitting a 'buzzing' resonance.

The next moment.

The collision of the two spatial energies revealed faint silver traces in the shadow silk.

"Found it." A cold glint flashed in White Night's eyes as he tossed the Fire Department token into the air.

The token, forged from Blazing Fire Crystal, burst forth with dazzling red light under the illumination of the Nether Candle. The Fire Law spread along the shadow silk, and those seemingly invisible threads actually burned fiercely in the flames.

"Crack!"

The twelve stone statues simultaneously turned their necks, red light glowing in their stone eyes, and their long spears stabbed forward with a whooshing sound.

Their movements were three times faster than the previous Bronze Puppets, and their long spears were entwined with an earthy yellow aura, which was the heavy power of the Earth Department Law.

"Wind Crevice - Disperse!" White Night roared, his figure transforming into dozens of afterimages. Each afterimage held a wind blade, precisely striking at the joints of the stone statues.

However, the material of these stone statues was actually 'Star Steel' from the Nine Heavens Realm; the wind blades only left shallow white marks on them.

Even more bizarrely, the severed shadow silk quickly re-condensed, and the stone statues' movements were completely unaffected.

"Silver Wolf, to the altar!" White Night suddenly shouted, simultaneously striking the Wind and Water Department tokens into the ground.

Green and blue lights intertwined on the ground, forming a whirlpool. The airflow and water vapor surging from the whirlpool created a thick barrier, temporarily blocking the stone statues' assault.

The Silver Wolf understood, transforming into a silver streak and rushing towards the altar. As its four paws stepped over the shadow silk, the silver light on its fur erupted into powerful sound waves, causing the shadow silk to tremble violently.

Just as the stone statues were about to break through the barrier, White Night formed hand seals, and the void spirit stone and the Earth Department token simultaneously ascended.

The shockwave generated by the collision of the two Space Laws spread like a tsunami. The stone statues, controlled by the shadow silk, disintegrated in the wave, turning into scattered rubble.

"Solved?" White Night had just let out a sigh of relief when a huge crack appeared in the ground at the center of the altar. A giant claw covered in black scales emerged from the crack, and half a piece of Star Steel armor hung from its barbed tip.

"Roar!"

A deafening roar erupted from the ground crack, and a giant lion with two wings burst out of the earth. Its lion's head bore a spiral-shaped horn, precisely the legendary 'Prison Suppressing Beast' guarding the Nine Heavens Realm altar.

Its aura far surpassed the Late Stage Soul Transformation, and the red light flashing on its horn could even distort the surrounding Law halos.

"This is the true guardian." White Night gripped his iron sword, and the nine Law halos simultaneously accelerated their rotation. "It seems I can't hold back now."

The Prison Suppressing Beast flapped its wings, and countless black wind blades rained down like a storm. These wind blades contained the Law of Destruction, even more overbearing than the dao-extinguishing astral wind.

White Night held the four tokens in front of him. Four-colored lights intertwined to form a Four Symbols Array, within which appeared the illusory figures of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise, blocking all the wind blades head-on.

"Ow!" Seeing this, the Prison Suppressing Beast's horn suddenly shot out a red light. The red light penetrated a gap in the Four Symbols Array and instantly struck White Night's left shoulder.

Excruciating pain came, and his left shoulder was corroded by the red light, forming a bloody hole. Even his Nascent Soul felt a burning pain.

White Night's eyes narrowed. This Law of Destruction could directly harm the soul!

"It seems I must use that move." He bit his tongue, spitting a mouthful of golden essence blood onto the iron sword.

Amidst the blood-light, Wind and Space Laws frantically intertwined, and a black and white spiral pattern appeared on the sword body—this was the nascent form of his Chaos Devouring Law.

"Chaos - Devour!"

White Night's figure merged with the iron sword, transforming into a black and white stream of light. Ignoring the Prison Suppressing Beast's wind blades, it charged directly towards its horn.

This sword strike integrated all his understanding of laws, possessing both the swiftness of Wind Crevice Shuttle and the overbearing nature of Chaos Devouring. Even space was torn open with a longfissure.

Fear flashed in the Prison Suppressing Beast's eyes. It wanted to retreat, but found that the surrounding space had been locked by the Wind Law.

The moment the stream of light pierced through its horn, it let out a mournful shriek. Its massive body began to disintegrate inch by inch, finally transforming into a fist-sized red inner core, suspended above the altar.

White Night caught the inner core, feeling a pure Law of Destruction surge into his body. Under the analysis of the Heavenly Heart Imprint, it actually fused with his own Wind Law to create a trace of new energy.

This was the 'Law-Breaking Wind Blade' that could sever Law connections.

[Obtained Prison Suppressing Beast Inner Core, comprehended 'Law-Breaking' characteristic, Wind Law power increased by 50%]

As the system prompt sounded, a stone platform slowly rose from the ground at the center of the altar. On the platform lay an ancient key, its handle carved with four symbols patterns—this was precisely the world gate key.

The moment White Night picked up the key, the four tokens suddenly merged into it. The key erupted with dazzling light, illuminating the entire ruins.

The murals on the rock wall began to flow, eventually converging into an illusory figure.

It was the remnant soul of the Wind Earl!

"A formidable junior indeed." The Wind Earl's voice carried satisfaction. "This world gate key can not only open the passage to the Nine Heavens Realm but also control the 'Four Symbols Prison Suppressing Array.' Consider it an introductory gift from this old man."

Before the remnant soul dissipated, a golden jade slip fell into White Night's hand. The jade slip recorded the "Nine Heavens Wind Escape Art," which was a hundred times more profound than Qinglan Sect's "Breaking Void Wind Escape Art." Cultivating it to mastery could allow one to travel a thousand li in an instant.

"Thank you, Senior." White Night bowed, placing the key and jade slip into his system space.

The Silver Wolf suddenly let out a low growl towards a hidden compartment behind the altar, where a bronze treasure chest was hidden.

Opening the treasure chest, inside were three bottles of "Nine Revolutions Soul Revival Pills," capable of reviving the dead and regenerating flesh and bones.

There was also a "Sky-Rending Sword," a top-grade spirit artifact with spatial cracks covering its blade, most suitable for performing Wind Crevice Sword Art, and a "Earth Element Body Tempering Art," which could temper the body with earth spiritual energy.

"A bountiful harvest." White Night finished counting the treasures, realizing that only three days remained until the three-month deadline. "It's time to go back."

The return journey was much smoother than the way there. With the world gate key in hand, the killing arrays along the way automatically retreated, and the dao-extinguishing astral wind also became docile.

The Silver Wolf stayed by his side, affectionately nuzzling his wrist, clearly intending to leave the Star Shattering Abyss with him.

"You want to come with me?" White Night raised an eyebrow.

The Silver Wolf nodded repeatedly, its wolf eyes full of anticipation.

White Night chuckled, tossing a spirit condensing pill to it: "Then keep up."

"Awoo!"

...Not long after.

When the teleportation array on Wind Listening Peak erupted with dazzling green light, the entire Qinglan Sect felt that overwhelming and irresistible aura.

A patrolling disciple looked up, only to see nine black and white Law halos soaring from the array into the sky. Fragmented spatial cracks entwined the edges of the halos, even grinding the flowing clouds in the sky into dust.

"Is that... Elder White Night?! This is already Middle Stage Deity Transformation, isn't it?!" The gray-robed youth's magic tool clattered to the ground. When White Night left half a year ago, he was still at the Early Stage Deity Transformation. In just three months, he had actually broken through. This speed completely subverted his understanding of cultivation.

The news spread like wildfire across all peaks. Disciples rushed towards Wind Listening Peak, even Li Muran, who was in seclusion, was startled.

He stood at the edge of the training ground, gazing at the nine increasingly solidified halos, his knuckles white as he gripped his long sword. He had painstakingly cultivated for three years just to touch the threshold of Deity Transformation, while White Night had entered the Middle Stage in just three months. This disparity filled him with frustration, yet also ignited an even fiercer fighting spirit.

The light from the teleportation array dissipated, and White Night's figure gradually became clear.

He wore a clean green robe, and beside him squatted a pure white Wind Howling Silver Wolf. The spiritual light flickering in its wolf eyes actually made several Nascent Soul cultivators feel a chill in their hearts.

Even more shocking was the four symbols token he held, slowly rotating. The Law fluctuations emanating from each token caused the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to resonate with it.

"Is that... the legendary four tokens?!" Elder Zhao of the Law Enforcement Hall exclaimed in shock. He had seen records in ancient texts; these were symbols of identity for cultivators of the Nine Heavens Realm, containing pure primordial laws. "Elder Bai actually found them!"

Su Mei squeezed into the front row of the crowd, looking at the Silver Wolf beside White Night, then at the tokens glowing with iridescent light in his hand. She suddenly recalled the protective talismans she had given him upon his departure.

Now, the other party was completely unharmed, clearly those talismans had not been put to use. This disparity in strength made her heart sink, yet she couldn't hide the joy in her eyes.

White Night paid no attention to the surging crowd. He gently stroked the Silver Wolf's mane and said lightly, "This mountain peak is my territory, and it will be your home from now on. Go on, go explore."

The Silver Wolf let out a low growl, leaped up, and transformed into a white shadow, darting into the depths of Wind Listening Peak.

This scene again caused gasps of surprise. A Middle Stage Deity Transformation Wind Howling Silver Wolf was actually taken in as his spirit beast?

One must know that such spirit beasts were untamed and difficult to subdue even for Late Stage Soul Transformation cultivators.

"Elder White!" Qiu Xuan arrived on astral wind, his gaze immediately falling on the four symbols token. When he clearly saw the Law halo circulating around the token, this Law Enforcement Elder, who had seen many storms, actually trembled with excitement, "It's truly a relic of the Nine Heavens Realm! You actually found it!?"

White Night handed over the tokens: "Collecting all four tokens can activate the Four Symbols Array, which might benefit the sect's formations."

Qiu Xuan took the tokens with both hands. The moment his fingertips touched them, the tokens suddenly erupted with four-colored auspicious light, enveloping him.

The old man's Middle Stage Deity Transformation aura around him actually loosened slightly, and an expression of incredible ecstasy appeared on his face: "This! These tokens can actually nourish the Law!"

The surrounding elders immediately erupted in chatter. The Red-Robed Elder pushed forward, staring greedily at the tokens: "Elder White, may this old man borrow them for a moment to study?"

Several other elders also chimed in, their eager eyes almost melting the tokens.

White Night shook his head faintly: "The tokens must be handed over to the Sect Master for disposal."

As soon as he finished speaking, a majestic roar came from the direction of the Main Peak. The Sect Master's voice echoed through the clouds: "Where is White Night? Come quickly to the Hall of Sages!"

Inside the Hall of Sages, the Sect Master and seven Grand Elders were already seated.

When White Night stepped into the hall, all eyes focused on him. Several Grand Elders, who had been in seclusion for a thousand years, suddenly opened their eyes, and bright light burst forth from their cloudy pupils.

They sensed a familiar aura from White Night—the 'Realm Power' only recorded in ancient fragmented scrolls.

"You have the scent of Space Law on you." The oldest Grand Elder spoke tremblingly, his withered finger pointing at White Night's glabella. "This imprint... is the 'world gate key' of the Nine Heavens Realm?"

White Night nodded, taking out the world gate key he had obtained from the altar's core.

The key was translucent, with starlight flowing within it, precisely the item required by the system mission.

[Main Quest 'Explore Nine Heavens Realm Ruins' completed]

[Reward: Top-grade Immortal Artifact 'grand void divine boat' (already stored in system space)]

[Evaluation: Perfectly completed, extra reward 'Realm Affinity' talent (can stabilize laws when crossing realms)]

The system prompt sounded in his sea of consciousness.

At the same time.

The elders in the hall were too stunned by the world gate key to speak.

The Sect Master stroked the key, his voice trembling: "With this key, my Qinglan Sect might be able to open the passage to the Nine Heavens Realm..."

"It may not be a blessing." White Night suddenly spoke, revealing everything recorded in the Blood Shadow Sect's fragmented scroll. "The Nine Heavens Realm has long been destroyed, and the other end of the passage might be a monster's nest."

The hall instantly fell silent, and the Grand Elders' expressions became solemn. The Red-Robed Elder frowned and said, "Then this key..."

"It can be used as a trump card." White Night said, "Do not open it unless absolutely necessary."

The Sect Master took a deep breath and solemnly put away the key: "You are right. You have rendered great service this time. What reward do you desire?"

"I need to consult the 'Spatial Law Treatise' on the seventh floor of the Scripture Depository Pavilion." White Night's request was simple; he wanted to perfect the control method of the grand void divine boat.

"Granted." The Sect Master agreed without hesitation, then announced loudly, "Issue my command: confer White Night as 'Grand Law Enforcement Elder,' ranking above all peak elders, with authority to mobilize all resources within the sect!"

As the news spread, the entire Qinglan Sect erupted.

Outer disciples cheered joyfully in the square, shouting White Night's name to the heavens.

Inner disciples, on the other hand, flocked to Wind Listening Peak, hoping to become his disciples.

Even the spies from other sixth-grade sects quickly sent back messages; the entire Eastern Continent was shaken by the rise of this young elder.

Three days later, a long queue formed at the registration point below Wind Listening Peak.

The silver-armored youth held his cultivation insights, his palms sweating from nervousness.

Su Mei, carrying carefully refined Wind-element talismans, stood at the end of the line, gently biting her lip.

Even Li Muran came, putting aside his pride, hoping to seek guidance on Space Law comprehension.

White Night, however, did not show himself. He was currently on the seventh floor of the Scripture Depository Pavilion, his fingertips tracing the yellowed 'Spatial Law Treatise.' The control method for the grand void divine boat gradually became clear in his sea of consciousness.

The clamor of disciples drifted from outside the window, but he paid it no mind, his gaze fixed on the star map at the end of the book page—the coordinates to a higher realm, and his next goal.

The Wind Howling Silver Wolf lay at his feet, idly wagging its tail.

Sunlight streamed through the window lattice onto the book page, casting White Night's shadow long, as if it would extend beyond the Nine Heavens...