356: Chapter 356 Star Clan Ruins

Luo Li smiled slightly and said, "I also felt that I lacked experience and was unworthy of such a great responsibility back then. But the Pavilion Master trusted me and entrusted the Tianyin Pavilion to me. Now, I trust you as well. Everyone has seen your talent and hard work. I believe you can do even better than I did."

She took out a Jade Slip from her robes and handed it to Yun Xi: "Inside are some of my insights into the Dao of Rhythm, as well as the complete score for the Star Battle Song. Take it and study it well."

Yun Xi took the Jade Slip, tears streaming from her eyes. She knelt before Luo Li and kowtowed deeply: "Senior Sister Luo Li, I will never forget your kindness for as long as I live!"

The other Disciples also knelt one after another, shouting in unison: "Senior Sister Luo Li, we will never forget your kindness for as long as we live!"

Luo Li quickly helped Yun Xi up and signaled for the others to rise, saying, "There is no need for this. Tianyin Pavilion is my home, and you are all my family. No matter where I go, this will always be my roots. If you face any difficulties in the future, you can come to me at any time."

She looked toward Gao Feng and the others, smiling slightly: "Let's go."

The seven of them turned around, walked out of the main hall, passed through the mountain gate, and descended along the winding stone steps.

Behind them, Yun Xi stood before the mountain gate with all the Disciples, watching them depart.

“Senior Sister Luo Li, take care!” Yun Xi shouted loudly.

The other Disciples followed suit: “Senior Sister Luo Li, take care!”

Their voices echoed through the valley, lingering for a long time.

Luo Li did not look back, but her eyes were already moist.

She knew that no matter how far she traveled, Tianyin Pavilion would always be a place she held dear.

After returning to the Meteor Realm from the Tianyin Pavilion, everyone went back to their respective quarters to continue their cultivation.

Although Luo Li had passed the position of Pavilion Master to Yun Xi, she still cared deeply for the Tianyin Pavilion. She often sat by the cliffside, gazing toward the southeast, lost in thought. Yao Guang would sometimes accompany her, and the two would sit there quietly for hours on end.

Chu Lan continued to study her Spirit-Devouring Ancient Tree. Nourished by the time spirit spring, the ancient tree had sprouted more buds, some of which were even starting to unfurl into leaves. She recorded the tree's changes daily, as excited as a child.

Tian Xin was drawing new Talismans in her Immortal Cave. The Dark Crystals she had brought back from the Shadow Realm had deepened her understanding of dark power. The Talismans she drew were becoming increasingly powerful and diverse.

Lin Yue was reinforcing the defensive Formations of their fief. After days of effort, the entire Meteor Valley was shrouded in layers of Formations; even a Golden Core Stage Cultivator would have to expend considerable effort to break in.

Gao Feng Cultivated deep within his Immortal Cave every day, using the power of the Spiritual Vein and the assistance of the time spirit spring to stabilize his cultivation base at the Late Stage of the fifth level of Foundation Establishment. Since returning from the Tianyin Pavilion, his spiritual power seemed even more refined; the sliver of power fed back from Luo Li's rhythm had further increased his cultivation speed.

One day, Su Ning knocked on the door of Gao Feng's cultivation room.

“Come in,” Gao Feng said, opening his eyes.

Su Ning pushed the door open and sat down across from him. Her expression was somewhat complex, as if she had something to say but didn't know how to start.

Gao Feng looked at her and took the initiative: “Is there something you want to talk about?”

Su Ning remained silent for a moment before finally speaking: “Senior Brother Gao Feng, there's something I want to tell you. It's about the Star Clan.”

Gao Feng raised an eyebrow: “The Star Clan? Is it the Legacy you obtained on the fifth floor?”

Su Ning nodded: “Part of the Legacy Senior Star Trace gave me concerns the history of the Star Clan. He said that when the myriad clans invaded the Human Realm, the Star Clan was forced into the war. There was a 'Peace Faction' within the Star Clan that advocated for peaceful coexistence with humans, but they were wiped out by the Radical Faction.”

Her voice grew low: “The leader of the Peace Faction was called Elder Xing Hui, a close friend of Senior Star Trace. Before he died, he hid the core Legacy of the Star Clan in a hidden ruin, hoping it would one day be found by someone destined to use it to promote peace between the Star Clan and humans.”

Gao Feng listened quietly without interrupting.

Su Ning continued: “The Star Space Art I obtained on the fifth floor is only a portion of the Legacy left by Elder Xing Hui. Within the complete Legacy lies the Star Clan's supreme secret technique—the Starry Myriad Arts.”

She paused, a glimmer of longing in her eyes: “It is said that when the Starry Myriad Arts reaches Major Achievement, one can incarnate into a star and control space and time. It is the Star Clan's most powerful Cultivation Technique, which only successive Clan Chiefs are qualified to Cultivate.”

Gao Feng said: “You want to find these ruins?”

Su Ning nodded, then hesitated: “I know it's very risky. The ruins are located deep within the Star Sea, which is the ancestral land of the Star Clan and is now occupied by the Sea Clan. The Sea Clan excels in water-element Spells, and their strength multiplies in the ocean, while we...”

She didn't continue, but Gao Feng understood her meaning. The Sea Clan's combat power in the sea was more than twice as strong as on land. Aside from Su Ning's Spatial Magic which could be used underwater, the others would be greatly restricted.

Gao Feng pondered for a moment and asked: “Do you want to go?”

Su Ning looked at him, a complex look flashing in her eyes. Of course she wanted to go. It was not only an opportunity to increase her strength but also a chance to fulfill the last wishes of Senior Star Trace and Elder Xing Hui. But she didn't want her teammates to take risks for her personal matters.

“I...” She opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

Gao Feng said: “I'm asking you, do you want to go?”

Su Ning took a deep breath and nodded: “I do.”

Gao Feng stood up and said: “Then let's go.”

Su Ning was stunned, and her eyes turned slightly red. She knew Gao Feng would say that. From the moment they met until now, no matter what difficulties they faced or where they had to go, this man had never hesitated or backed down. He was always the first to stand up, accompanying and protecting her.

“But the Sea Clan...” she tried to say.

Gao Feng interrupted her: “What about the Sea Clan? We've already fought the Charm Clan and the Shadow Demon Clan, so why fear a Sea Clan? Besides, it's just fighting in the water, right? I might not know how to swim, but one punch from me can smash a hole in the sea.”

Su Ning was amused by him, and most of the hesitation and worry in her heart dissipated.

That night, Gao Feng gathered everyone together and explained Su Ning's situation.

“The Star Sea?” Chu Lan's eyes lit up. “That's a legendary place! It's said that the seawater there is condensed from star power. At night, the entire surface of the sea glows; it's incredibly beautiful!”

Luo Li said: “The Sea Clan is indeed difficult to deal with, but we have Su Ning's Spatial Magic and Tian Xin's Dark Talismans. Some of Chu Lan's Spirit Plant can also grow in water, so we should be able to manage.”

Yao Guang said: “I can refine some Water-Repelling Pills. After taking them, you can breathe freely underwater, and your movements won't be restricted.”

Lin Yue grinned: “Though my Rock Demon Phantom might be a bit slower in the water, its defense is still there. If anyone dares to bully Su Ning, I'll use the Rock Demon Phantom on them!”

Tian Xin showed a rare smile and said: “My Dark Talismans can also be used in water; the effect won't be much different.”

Gao Feng looked at Su Ning and said: “Then it's settled. Deduce the exact location of the ruins, and we'll prepare to set off.”

Su Ning nodded, took out several Spatial Crystal, and began her deduction.

She sat cross-legged, her hands forming seals as space power surged around her. The Spatial Crystal rotated slowly in her palms, emitting a silver light. The light grew brighter and more intense, finally condensing into a Star Map in the void.

The Star Map was vast and boundless, dotted with countless stars. Su Ning's gaze moved across the Star Map, searching for a location that matched the information left by Senior Star Trace.

Time passed slowly. Everyone held their breath, not daring to disturb her.

After an unknown amount of time, Su Ning suddenly opened her eyes and pointed to a spot on the Star Map: “Found it. It's here.”

Everyone leaned in to look. The place she pointed to was a deep stretch of starry sky. There were no continents or islands, only a shimmering silver ocean.

“The Star Sea,” Su Ning said. “Located a hundred thousand miles north of the Cultivation World, it is the ancestral land of the Star Clan. The ruins are at the deepest part of the Star Sea, where an ancient Star Altar stands. The Legacy is hidden within that altar.”

She paused and continued: “But it is currently occupied by the Sea Clan. The Sea Clan is the most adept at underwater combat among the myriad clans; their strength in the ocean is more than double what it is on land. Furthermore, there are many dangerous Sea Beasts in the depths of the Star Sea, as well as various Restrictions left by the Star Clan.”

Hearing this, everyone's expressions became solemn.

Gao Feng pondered for a moment and said: “Prepare yourselves; we set off in three days. Over the next few days, everyone should get what they need ready. Chu Lan, prepare more Spirit Plant that can grow in water. Yao Guang, refine more Water-Repelling Pills. Tian Xin, draw some Talismans that can be used in water. Su Ning, you're responsible for studying the route into the ruins. Lin Yue, can your defensive Formations be used underwater?”

Lin Yue thought for a moment and said: “I can adjust them and use Water-Repelling Materials to set them up. It should be fine.”

Gao Feng nodded and said: “Then it's settled.”

Three days later, everything was ready.

The seven of them stood before the teleportation Formation in Meteor Valley, checking their belongings. Yao Guang distributed bottles of Water-Repelling Pills to everyone—ten pills each, enough to stay underwater for a long time. Chu Lan's Storage Pouch was filled with various spirit plant seeds, some specifically bred for this mission. Tian Xin held a thick stack of Talismans, all of which were special waterproof and moisture-proof ones. Lin Yue carried several special Formation Plates he had rushed to make over the past few days.

Su Ning did a final check of the teleportation Formation, and after confirming everything was correct, she looked at the group.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

Everyone nodded.

Su Ning took a deep breath and activated the teleportation Formation. Silver light enveloped the seven of them, and with a flash, their figures vanished from Meteor Valley.

Amidst the flashing silver light, the seven of them found themselves standing above a vast Star Sea.

Beneath their feet was an endless expanse of seawater, but this water was unlike any other—it was not the usual azure blue, but a deep silver-gray, as if it had been infused with the dust of countless stars.