90: Returning to camp to prepare and unite all races, exploring the origins of the primordial realm to hone combat strength, clearing obstacles and advancing through the boundary gates.

The golden light on the Final Source Platform gradually faded. The Allied Army retraced their path. The Final Source Record in Lin Chen's palm emitted a faint Primordial Realm glow, cool to the touch.

Nian Xue, holding the tip of A Qing's wing, followed in small steps beside Lin Chen: "A Qing, will the Crystal Beasts in the Yuan Chu Realm have colorful fur?"

A Qing flicked its tail, its dragon scales shimmering with pale gold: "Definitely! Maybe they'll even follow you around, like little followers."

Clear Snow walked at the front of the team, her Ice and Snow Domain sweeping away the lingering mist. Ice crystals in the mist refracted light, scattering like crushed diamonds on the ground.

Arriving at the Final Source Plain, the fruit grove where they had picked fruit earlier still shimmered with golden light. A few small beasts sniffed under the trees and scurried into the grass upon seeing people.

Nian Xue wanted to chase them, but Lin Chen gently held her hand: "Don't go too far. We still need to hurry back to prepare for matters concerning the Yuan Chu Realm."

Nian Xue nodded, looking back at the fruit grove with reluctance on her little face, her fingers still clutching a half-eaten fruit.

A Qing exhaled a Little Dragon Breath, forming a small ice sculpture beside the fruit grove, shaped like a colorful Crystal Beast: "Leaving you a marker to find when we return."

The group continued onward. The ice surface in the Final Source Valley had refrozen solid. Golden ripples stirred faintly beneath the underground river, as if bidding farewell.

Upon exiting the Final Source Realm, the Golden Gate slowly closed. The Primordial Realm patterns on the gate flashed briefly, as if recording this journey.

Returning to the Stronghold, the setting sun was sinking. The afterglow bathed the Stronghold's golden crystal walls, casting a warm glow over the entire camp.

Warriors from each clan unloaded their equipment. The Metal Clan's cannon barrels were still coated with Final Source crystal dust; the Stone Spirit Clan's shield patterns still glowed.

The Spirit Plant Clan had already prepared hot soup, infused with Final Source herbs, shimmering with a faint golden light. Drinking it warmed the body.

Nian Xue held her soup bowl, taking small sips, her eyes curved like crescents: "Warmer than the Final Source fruit! Sister's cooking is really good!"

The Spirit Plant Clan Alchemist smiled: "When we go to the Yuan Chu Realm, we'll find some new herbs and brew you an even better soup."

After dinner, Lin Chen summoned the Clan Chiefs of each clan into the tent. Inside hung a rough map of the Yuan Chu Realm, obtained by the Star Spirit Clan's scouting.

"The Guardian Beasts of the Yuan Chu Realm may reach the Primordial Realm, several times stronger than Final Source Beasts. We need to make thorough preparations." Lin Chen pointed at the map with his fingertip.

The Dragon Clan Leader stroked his beard: "My clan has already sent word to the Dragon Clan Dragon Guards of various clans. They will arrive within three days, gathering over a hundred combatants."

The Metal Clan Chief patted his chest: "We'll smelt Final Source crystals overnight to forge primal origin cannons. We must make at least sixty!"

The Stone Spirit Clan Leader nodded: "My clan will reinforce the Stronghold walls, embedding Primordial Realm crystal fragments to increase impact resistance by another thirty percent!"

Clear Snow added: "I will teach the vanguard team to practice the 'Ice and Snow Primordial Formation.' Its freezing power is stronger than before, providing more stable battlefield control."

After the tent meeting dispersed, the camp was brightly lit. The Metal Clan's furnaces ignited, their flames reddening half the sky, clanging incessantly.

Stone Spirit Clan warriors carried large crystal stones, busily moving back and forth on the Stronghold walls. Crystal fragments scattered everywhere, emitting a faint glow.

The Spirit Plant Clan's Pill Furnace also didn't stop. Furnace smoke, wrapped in the scent of medicine, drifted throughout the camp, invigorating the Spirit upon inhalation.

Nian Xue leaned against the tent, watching the Metal Clan forge cannons. When sparks flew, she squinted her eyes, as if chasing the light.

A Qing lay beside her, its dragon wings covering her small body to protect her from the night chill, warm under its wings.

The next morning, campfire smoke intertwined with morning mist. The Metal Clan had already forged ten primal origin cannons, their barrel patterns more intricate.

The Stone Spirit Clan's Stronghold walls were half a zhang higher, the top embedded with a row of crystal spikes emitting a cold light to prevent beasts from climbing.

The Spirit Plant Clan refined the first batch of Primordial Realm Pills. The pill bodies were slightly larger than Final Source Pills, shimmering with a light purple glow, feeling moist to the touch.

"After taking this pill, it can boost Origin power by seventy percent, lasting for two and a half hours. It's much stronger than the Final Source Pill!" The Spirit Plant Clan Chief handed over the pill.

Lin Chen took the pill. A warm, moist sensation transmitted from his fingertip. The Primordial Realm Qi inside the pill seemed to circulate, very pure.

Clear Snow took one. Her Ice and Snow Domain instantly expanded by over a zhang. ice spears condensed faster, with faint purple patterns appearing on their tips.

Nian Xue also took half a pill. Her little face flushed slightly. The Void Light Orb in her palm shimmered with light purple, growing a size larger than before.

In the morning, the first batch of allies arrived: the Void Clan and the Myriad Spirits Clan. The Void Clan brought newly made Primordial Realm shields with purple patterns.

The Myriad Spirits Clan carried several huge Primordial Realm herbs. The leaves shimmered purple, the stems thick and sturdy, suitable for refining potent healing medicine.

The Star Spirit Clan Leader counted the personnel: "Including us, we already have over eight hundred people. We're still waiting for reinforcements from the Dragon Clan and the Transcendence Clan."

In the afternoon, the Dragon Clan reinforcements arrived. Over a hundred Dragon Clan Dragon Guards landed in the camp with spread wings, their golden wings stirring a gust of wind.

The Transcendence Clan also arrived shortly after. Their clansmen wore crystal armor, held crystal staffs, their auras steady, clearly strong combatants.

The Star Spirit Clan Leader counted again: "A total of twelve hundred people assembled. One at the Primordial Realm (Clear Snow), five at the Final Source Realm, the rest with varying combat strength."

Lin Chen stood on the high platform, looking down at the neatly lined-up crowd, Primordial Realm light condensing in his palm: "In ten days, we set sail for the Yuan Chu Realm, to obtain the Primordial Realm core and explore the Origin of all things!"

The crowd below shouted in unison: "Explore the Yuan Chu Realm! Seek the Origin of all things!" The sound wave made the camp's flags flap loudly.

In the following days, the camp engaged in intense daily training. Each clan honed their combat strength according to their division of labor, not daring to slack off.

The vanguard team practiced the "Ice and Snow Primordial Formation." Clear Snow's ice and snow fused with Primordial Realm Qi, forming purple patterns on the frozen dummy beasts.

The main force team practiced "Primordial Realm Combined Attack Techniques." Each clan gathered Primordial Realm energy into light pillars, blasting towards the target mountain. When the mountain collapsed, the rubble shimmered purple.

The Support Team practiced "Rapid Energy Replenishment Technique," injecting Primordial Realm liquid into crystal bottles to instantly replenish teammates' energy during battle.

Nian Xue and A Qing were not idle either. Nian Xue practiced the accuracy of throwing light orbs; A Qing practiced controlling its Dragon Breath. Their coordination gradually became more tacit agreement.

During one training session, Nian Xue's light orb accurately hit the dummy beast's eye. A Qing's Dragon Breath followed immediately, burning through the beast core.

Lin Chen smiled and patted her head: "Progressing really fast. When we reach the Yuan Chu Realm, you might be able to help a lot."

Nian Xue lifted her little face: "Yes! I want to protect Daddy, A Qing, and everyone!"

During this period, the Spirit Plant Clan continued refining Primordial Realm Pills. The number of batches reached fifty, piled in the military supply depot like a small hill.

The Metal Clan finished forging the sixty primal origin cannons. The cannon muzzles shimmered light purple; purple patterns flowed when charging energy, looking very majestic.

Besides reinforcing the Stronghold, the Stone Spirit Clan also made two hundred Primordial Realm shields. The shield surfaces were engraved with impact-resistant patterns, very sturdy.

The Sea Spirit Clan made Primordial Realm breathing talismans. The talisman surfaces were painted with wave patterns, allowing breathing in the Yuan Chu Realm's waters for twenty-five hours.

On the morning of the tenth day, as the sky was just beginning to brighten, the camp became lively. Warriors from each clan packed their belongings and checked their equipment.

Nian Xue changed into new small battle attire, embroidered with light purple patterns, specially sewn for her by the Spirit Plant Clan for impact resistance.

A Qing's dragon scales were polished to a shine by the Dragon Clan Dragon Guards. When its golden wings spread, they shimmered with a faint purple light, appearing even more spirited.

After inspecting the primal origin cannons, Lin Chen walked to the front of the team: "According to the previous division, vanguard team in front, main force team in the middle, Support Team at the rear!"

Clear Snow nodded, leading the team out first. The vanguard team warriors carried their equipment, their steps light, eyes determined.

The team left the Stronghold, heading towards the Yuan Chu Realm entrance. Dew still clung to the grass blades along the way, dampening their trouser legs.

When Nian Xue got tired from walking, she climbed onto A Qing's back. A Qing slowed its pace so she could see the small flowers by the roadside.

"Daddy, look at that flower, its color is the same as the Primordial Realm Pill!" Nian Xue shouted, pointing at a light purple flower by the roadside.

Lin Chen looked over. The flower stem was slender, the petals bearing fine patterns: "This is the flower of the Primordial Realm herb, usable for refining energy-replenishing medicine."

A Qing lowered its head to sniff, its Dragon Breath making the flower sway gently: "No fragrance, but it looks really pretty."

After traveling fifteen li, the Yuan Chu Realm entrance appeared. Two Primordial Realm stone lions guarded beside the black-gold gate, their bodies shimmering light purple.

The gate lintel was carved with the three large characters "Yuan Chu Realm." The patterns on the characters flowed like water, emitting a faint purple light, very mysterious.

The Star Spirit Clan Leader approached holding a crystal stone, which instantly lit up like daylight: "Requires resonance of four crystals—Final Source, Primordial Realm, inheritance pearl, and this!"

He took out a shimmering purple crystal core from his chest: "This is the Primordial Realm guide found deep in the Final Source Realm. Without it, the gate cannot be opened."

Lin Chen embedded the four items into the gate slots in order. The Final Source crystal shimmered gold, the Primordial Realm crystal shimmered purple, the inheritance pearl glowed, and the guide crystal lit up.

"All clans, synchronize and inject Primordial Realm energy!" Lin Chen pressed his palm against the gate, slowly injecting Primordial Realm energy. The patterns on the gate began to flow.

Clear Snow, the Dragon Clan Leader, the Metal Clan Chief, and others also pressed their palms against the gate. Primordial Realm energy flowed into the Golden Gate like streams converging.

The purple light of the Golden Gate grew increasingly intense. The gate hinges made creaking sounds as the gate slowly swung inward.

Dense Primordial Realm Qi surged from behind the gate, more mellow than the Qi of the Final Source Realm. Inhaling it into the lungs felt like a warm current flowing.

"vanguard team, enter first!" Clear Snow led her team through the realm gate. Her Ice and Snow Domain instantly expanded, sweeping away the thick mist behind the gate.

The mist shimmered light purple. Clear Snow's ice and snow froze the mist, ice crystals blooming like purple flowers within the fog.

The main force team followed closely. The Metal Clan's primal origin cannons charged energy, their muzzles shimmering purple, ready to respond to any sudden situations.

Lin Chen walked in the middle of the main force team, his Divine Thought spreading outward. He sensed a beast herd about three li inside the realm, their auras not weak.

"Everyone be careful. There's a beast herd ahead, at the Transcendence Peak realm. vanguard team, clear the obstacles first!" Lin Chen transmitted the message to Clear Snow.

Clear Snow's voice came through: "Received! Target spotted. Setting up formation now. We'll clear them soon!"

Nian Xue clenched her small fists, lying on A Qing's back: "A Qing, later we'll go help too, okay?"

A Qing nodded, its dragon wings slightly spreading: "Okay! I'll spray Dragon Breath to burn them, you throw light orbs to smash them. We'll coordinate!"

The team continued forward. The ground of the Yuan Chu Realm shimmered light purple. The grass blades were slender, swaying in the wind as if welcoming everyone.

The sound of fighting came from ahead. Clear Snow's ice and snow intertwined with the beast herd's roars, along with the crisp sound of metal clashing.

Lin Chen quickened his pace: "Let's go, check on the vanguard team's situation. Don't let them suffer losses!"

Everyone sped up, soon seeing the battlefield ahead. The vanguard team had surrounded the beast herd in the middle, the fierce battle in full swing.

The Wood Spirit Clan's vine branches entangled beast legs. The Sea Spirit Clan's water curtains blocked beast charges. The Void Clan's shield formation pressed forward.

Clear Snow's ice spears continuously shot towards the beast herd. Each hit caused purple ice to form on a beast, gradually slowing its movements.

"Let's go!" At Lin Chen's command, the main force team joined the battle. The Metal Clan's cannons blasted towards the beast herd, the cannon light bright purple.

The Stone Spirit Clan's shield formation pushed forward, tightening the encirclement of the beast herd. The Dragon Clan Dragon Guards' Dragon Breath shot like light pillars towards beast cores.

Nian Xue, on A Qing's back, threw a light orb. The orb shimmered purple, hitting a beast's back. The beast roared in pain, turning to pounce.

A Qing exhaled Dragon Breath, the breath wrapped in Primordial Realm Qi, burning towards the beast's face. The beast hastily retreated, colliding with another beast.

Lin Chen teleported to the center of the beast herd, slapping the Anti-Heavenly Dao Rule towards the strongest beast. The beast core instantly cracked, turning into points of light.

With the main force team's join in, the beast herd was quickly cleared. Dozens of shimmering purple crystal cores remained on the ground—Primordial Realm beast cores.

Clear Snow wiped sweat from her forehead, retracting her Ice and Snow Domain slightly: "These beasts are fiercer than those in the Final Source Realm, and their hides are thicker."

Lin Chen picked up a crystal core, weighing it: "The energy in the Yuan Chu Realm is purer, so the beasts are naturally stronger. Everyone, be careful."

The Support Team Step forward to collect the crystal cores, placing them into specially made bags. The patterns on the bags prevented energy loss.

Nian Xue ran to Lin Chen's side, holding up a small crystal core: "Daddy, I picked this up! Can this be used to practice light orbs?"

Lin Chen took the crystal core, placing it in her palm: "Yes. Absorb its energy, and your light orbs will become more powerful."

Nian Xue clenched the crystal core, her palm glowing. The core's energy slowly flowed into her body, her little face full of seriousness.

A Qing come closer, also He picked up a crystal core. With a swirl of Dragon Breath, the crystal core transformed into energy entering its body. The purple patterns on its dragon wings grew brighter.

After resting briefly, Clear Snow transmitted a message to the Star Spirit Clan: "Scout the path ahead, see what's next."

The Star Spirit Clan Leader raised a crystal stone, which lit up: "Five li ahead there's a canyon. Unusual activity inside the canyon, the aura is very strong!"

Lin Chen stood up, patting the dust off his clothes: "Let's go, check out the canyon. The Opportunity of the Yuan Chu Realm might be inside."

The team reassembled, advancing towards the canyon. The wind of the Yuan Chu Realm carried a faint scent of grass and trees, comfortable against the face.

Nian Xue, holding the tip of A Qing's wing, skipped along: "A Qing, do you think there will be colorful Crystal Beasts in the canyon?"

A Qing flicked its tail: "Definitely! When we find one, we'll call it Little Color and let it play with you."

Clear Snow walked at the front of the team, her Ice and Snow Domain sweeping away the mist ahead. Occasionally, a few small beasts could be seen in the mist, running upon seeing people.

Lin Chen gazed at the outline of the canyon ahead. The Yuan Chu Record in his palm glowed, as if guiding the way. The exploration of the Yuan Chu Realm had only just begun.