25: Chapter 25 Completion Rewards: A Bountiful Harvest

The bronze light particles that the Qing Ming projection had disintegrated into did not completely dissipate. Instead, they reconverged in the center of the hall, condensing into a translucent phantom. This phantom was even dimmer than before, almost allowing the star map on the ceiling behind it to be seen, but the green flames dancing in its eyes held a sense of relief and gratification.

“Very good...” The voice of Qing Ming’s remnant Soul echoed directly in the minds of the six people, no longer transmitted through air vibrations. “To be able to comprehend the embryonic form of Chaos Heaven Opening at the Wheel Sea Realm, and to defeat the strong as the weak by finding the core flaw... Your talent, will, and wisdom are all worthy of the title ‘Successor.’”

The phantom raised its hand, performing an ancient ritual gesture. Following this gesture, the entire Bronze Ancient Palace began to tremble—not the vibration of a collapse, but a deeper kind of resonance.

The star map on the ceiling accelerated its rotation, and the brilliance of countless stars fell like a waterfall, pouring into the bodies of the six people.

Lin Ye felt a vast and gentle energy surge into his body. This energy was different from ordinary experience points; it was purer, directly washing through his limbs, bones, internal organs, Meridians, and Wheel Sea. Within the wheel sea secret realm, the Bitter Sea surged and expanded, and the Fate Spring gushed forth even more majestic Divine Power. Every cell in his body was cheering and leaping for joy.

His level was soaring.

Level 18, Level 19, Level 20... Level 24!

Six levels in a row!

It wasn't just a level increase; more importantly, it was a comprehensive growth in attribute points. Lin Ye could clearly feel his strength, agility, constitution, and spirit skyrocketing. The Foundation of his wheel sea secret realm was polished even firmer, and he was now just one step away from the Dao Palace Realm.

The other five also received immense benefits.

Chen Hao rose from Level 17 to Level 20, the aura of his God King Body becoming richer, with a green phantom of a God King faintly appearing behind him. Su Qingyue rose from Level 18 to Level 21, the frost power of her Vast Cold Spirit Body becoming purer, and the ice crystals condensing at the tip of her staff displayed a perfect hexagonal structure. Zhang Meng, Zhao Xiaoyu, Li Qingshan, and Wang Iron Pillar also rose from Level 16-17 to Level 19-20, with their attributes comprehensively improved.

【System Hint: You have received the Blessing of the spirit of the ancient hall!】

【Team level increased by 3!】

【You have received additional special rewards: time sand ×3, Bronze Dragon Ring (Already Obtained), Chaos Insight Fragment ×1!】

【You have obtained the hidden quest item: bronze finger ring!】

As consecutive System hints flashed by, Lin Ye was still immersed in the pleasure of his skyrocketing attributes when an ancient bronze finger ring appeared in his hand.

The ring had no inlaid gems, and its surface was covered in fine scratches, as if it had undergone the washing of endless years. On the inside of the ring, a line of tiny, barely perceptible words was engraved: 'Not for Immortal Ascension, only to wait for your return in the Mortal World.'

The moment he saw this line of words, Lin Ye's pupils constricted sharply.

This is... the Ruthless One's inheritance token!

Memories of his past life flooded in like a tide. The Ruthless Empress, one of the most brilliant and talented Empresses in the history of the Human Race, had used a mere mortal body to undergo Heaven-Defying Dao attainment. She created the Devouring Heaven Demonic Technique and the Indestructible Heaven Technique, her combat power surpassing all throughout history. She spent her entire life searching for her deceased brother; that phrase, 'Not for Immortal Ascension, only to wait for your return in the Mortal World,' was the truest portrayal of her.

And this bronze finger ring was precisely one of the key items to trigger the Ruthless Empress's inheritance line.

【bronze finger ring (Special Quest Item)】

Quality: ???

Type: Inheritance Token

Binding: Soul Bound (Lin Ye)

Effects:

① 【Mortal World Sensing】: Can vaguely sense special locations or characters related to the 'Mortal World'.

② 【Karmic Entanglement】: The wearer will gradually become associated with the Karma of the Ruthless Empress.

③ 【Ghost Mask Resonance】: When resonating with the 'Bronze Ghost Mask,' hidden inheritance clues can be activated.

Quest: Find the other three Ruthless One's inheritance tokens (Bronze Ghost Mask, Devouring Heaven Demonic Jar Fragment, Indestructible Heaven Scripture Remnant Page).

Description: A seemingly ordinary bronze finger ring that contains an obsession and waiting that spans across eternity. Collect all four tokens to open the inheritance trial of the strongest Empress in the history of the Human Race.

Warning: The Ruthless Empress carries extremely heavy Karma; those who come into contact with it must bear the corresponding risks.

It really is the Ruthless One's inheritance!

Lin Ye's heart was filled with both shock and joy. He was shocked because the Ruthless Empress's Karma was extremely heavy; in his past life, those players who attempted to obtain her inheritance almost never had a good end—they either fell during the trials, were haunted by the bizarre, or encountered various misfortunes. He was joyful because this was indeed one of the strongest inheritances of the Human Race. If he could successfully obtain it, his combat power would undergo a world-shaking transformation.

More importantly, the Ruthless Empress's inheritance was related to time. Her Cultivation Techniques involved the power of years, which would be of immense help to Lin Ye in comprehending the Chaos Law and mastering Chaos Heaven Opening.

“This ring...” The Qing Ming phantom noticed Lin Ye's expression. “Do you recognize it?”

“I've heard some legends,” Lin Ye answered cautiously. “It seems to be related to an Empress of the Human Race from ancient times.”

“Empress...” The Qing Ming phantom fell into deep thought, then slowly said after a moment, “In the final memories of my slumber, I did indeed sense that an extraordinary figure had emerged from the Human Race. She once charged alone into the seven great Forbidden Lands, forcing the Supreme Beings of the Forbidden Zones to sign the 'Emperor's Covenant.' She seemed to be looking for something, and also waiting for something... If you have obtained her inheritance token, perhaps this too is a form of Karma.”

The phantom paused, its tone becoming serious: “But I must warn you, that Human Race Empress's Karma is too deep and heavy. The Cultivation Techniques she practiced went against heaven, and the things she did defied common sense. Becoming associated with her will very likely pull you into an unimaginable vortex. You must consider this carefully.”

“Junior understands.” Lin Ye nodded, but still put the bronze finger ring on his right index finger.

The ring automatically adjusted its size, fitting perfectly. The moment he put it on, Lin Ye felt a slight stinging pain in his heart, as if something had left a brand deep in his Soul. But in the next second, the stinging sensation vanished, replaced by a strange sense of familiarity—as if this ring belonged to him in the first place.

Seeing this, the Qing Ming phantom said no more and turned to look at the others.

“The six of you being able to accompany him here is also a matter of fate.” The phantom pointed into the void, and five streaks of bronze light shot towards Chen Hao and the others respectively. “This is the last gift I can give. The combat techniques, Formation knowledge, and Artifact Refining insights of the Bronze Clan... though incomplete, they will be helpful on your future paths.”

The five streaks of light merged into their bodies.

A look of realization flashed in Chen Hao's eyes, and his spear unconsciously traced a profound trajectory, the tip of the spear actually bringing forth a hint of bronze-colored sharpness. Su Qingyue tapped her staff, and a more complex ice-based Formation pattern appeared in the air, with bronze runes faintly flowing around its edges. Zhang Meng, Zhao Xiaoyu, Li Qingshan, and Wang Iron Pillar also each had their gains, either gaining a deeper understanding of their professions or unlocking the embryonic forms of new skills.

“Many thanks for the gift of the technique, Senior!” The five of them bowed together.

The phantom waved its hand, its figure becoming even dimmer, almost completely transparent.

“My time... has truly come.” Qing Ming's voice carried a hint of fatigue and also a hint of liberation. “The Bronze Ancient Palace will begin to collapse in one hour. Go to the control room now and activate the teleportation array to leave. The teleportation array in the control room will randomly teleport you to a safe area on the outskirts of the Ancient Desolate Forbidden Land.”

He finally looked at Lin Ye, the green flames dancing in his eyes: “Little fellow, remember... the hope of the Bronze Clan, the future of the Human Race, and all the secrets of this era... perhaps, they all rest upon you. Do not... let us down.”

As the words fell, the phantom completely dissipated.

This time, no trace was left behind.

Only that black broken sword stuck in the throne, and the throne itself, remained in place. But a few more cracks had appeared on the surface of the broken sword, as if it would completely shatter at any moment.

The hall fell into a brief silence.

“Brother Lin...” Chen Hao spoke softly.

“Let's go, to the control room.” Lin Ye withdrew his gaze and took the lead toward the secret passage beneath the throne.

The six of them entered the secret room once again. This time, the stone platform beside the teleportation array was empty—the three items from before had already been taken by them.

Lin Ye walked to the center of the teleportation array and injected Divine Power into the Formation according to the previous method. But this time, what he injected was not ordinary Divine Power, but a special energy mixed with a hint of Chaos Power.

This was the method recorded in the inherited memories: activating the teleportation array with Chaos Power could improve the stability of the teleportation and even control the landing point to a certain extent.

The eight bronze pillars lit up once more, but this time the light was no longer bronze-colored, but mixed with a hazy gray Chaos halo.

Space began to distort.

“Everyone, stand over here.” Lin Ye called out to his teammates.

The five of them immediately gathered and stood within the teleportation array. The light grew brighter and brighter, completely swallowing the six of them.

In the final moment of teleportation, Lin Ye looked back toward the entrance of the secret room. He seemed to hear a faint sigh coming from deep within the ancient palace.

In that sigh, there was relief, reluctance, and also... expectation.

Then, the dizziness of space-time shifting struck.

When the six of them opened their eyes again, they were standing in an unfamiliar wilderness.

This was no longer the desolate and deathly silent environment of the Ancient Desolate Forbidden Land. Instead, there were plants growing, birds and beasts chirping, and the air was filled with a faint Spiritual Qi. In the distance, the outlines of continuous mountain ranges could be seen, and even further away was the phantom of a city—the outline of the Capital City of Yan State.

“We... are out?” Zhao Xiaoyu still found it hard to believe.

“Yes, we're out.” Lin Ye sensed the surrounding environment and confirmed their location. “This is the northeast direction of the Ancient Desolate Forbidden Land, about fifty li from the Capital City of Yan State. We are safe.”

The group finally breathed a sigh of relief and began to check their statuses.

Lin Ye opened his attribute panel and carefully checked the gains from this dungeon:

【Name: Lin Ye】

【Level: 24 (wheel sea secret realm · Great Perfection)】

【Vitality: 9800/9800】

【Divine Power: 8800/8800】

【Attack: 650-720 (+80 Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body Bonus)】

【Defense: 580 (+80 Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body Bonus)】

【Dao Arts: 45 (Affects Spell damage, control effects)】

【Divine Sense: 600 (Affects perception, control resistance)】

【Luck: ??? (Hidden Attribute)】

【Talent: Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body (Awakening Degree 7.3%)】

【Lifebound Artifact: myriad mother qi cauldron (Growth Stage 25%)】

【Divine Ability: Chaos Domain (Embryonic), Chaos Heaven Opening (Embryonic 10%)】

【Equipment: bronze lamp (Buddhist Artifact Fragment), bodhi seed (Special Accessory), Bronze Dragon Ring (Epic), bronze finger ring (Special), archaic sacred fruit ×2】

【Materials: time sand ×6, Chaos Source Stone Fragment ×1, World Tree seed (Incomplete)...】

【Title: Ancient Palace Conqueror, Ancient Palace Successor】

A comprehensive attribute increase!

From Level 18 to Level 24, the six-level increase brought a massive growth in basic attributes. The Awakening degree of the Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body rose from 5.3% to 7.3%, and the all-attribute bonus it provided increased from 50 points to 80 points. More importantly, the wheel sea secret realm had truly reached Great Perfection, with the Bitter Sea expanding to twelve zhang and nine in diameter, the Fate Spring gushing like a river, and the Divine Power recovery speed reaching ten times that of players of the same level.

If he were to face the Level 30 Qing Ming projection again now, Lin Ye was confident he could resolve the battle within ten moves—provided, of course, that the projection didn't use even more powerful skills.

“Brother Lin, look at this!” Chen Hao suddenly shouted excitedly.

He was holding a new spear. The body of the spear was dark green, the tip had dragon patterns coiled around it, and the spear tassel was made of bronze-colored silk threads. The entire spear emitted a faint pressure, clearly not an ordinary item.

【Bronze Dragon-Patterned Spear (Rare)】

Quality: Rare (Blue)

Level Requirement: 20

Class Restriction: Spearman, Warrior

Attributes:

Attack: 420-480

Attack Speed: +15%

Critical Rate: +8%

Special Effects:

① 【Dragon Pattern Power】: Attacks have a 5% chance to trigger a dragon pattern blessing, increasing the damage of the next attack by 50%.

② 【Armor Break】: Ignores 10% of the target's physical defense.

③ 【Bronze Resonance】: Within Bronze Clan ruins, attack power is increased by an additional 15%.

Durability: 280/280

Description: An improved version of the Bronze Clan standard spear. The spear body is infused with bronze dragon scale fragments, dealing extra damage to metal-type enemies.

“Good spear!” Lin Ye praised. The attributes of this spear were already close to the lower limit of Epic quality, and its special effects were practical, making it very suitable for Chen Hao's God King Body.

“It was given by Senior Qing Ming during the blessing.” Chen Hao stroked the spear body lovingly. “My storage ring also has an additional Bronze Spear Technique Essentials, a green-quality skill book. After learning it, my spear technique proficiency jumped by 30%.”

Su Qingyue also displayed her gains. She had obtained a new staff; the entire staff was icy blue, and the head was inlaid with a diamond-shaped ice crystal with snowflake-like patterns flowing inside.

【Cold Moon Staff (Rare)】

Quality: Rare (Blue)

Level Requirement: 20

Class Restriction: Mage, Daoist

Attributes:

Magic Attack: 380-420

Casting Speed: +12%

Mana Limit: +800

Special Effects:

① [Power of the Cold Moon]: Ice-type Spell damage increased by 15%.

② [Moonlight Body Protection]: When casting ice-type skills, there is a chance to generate an ice shield that absorbs 300 points of damage.

③ [Vast Cold Resonance]: When used by a holder of the Vast Cold Spirit Body, the effects of all ice-type skills are increased by 10%.

Durability: 250/250

Description: A staff crafted primarily from Cold Moon Stone, it has an excellent amplification effect on ice-type Spells. When used by a Vast Cold Spirit Body, it can activate a hidden resonance.

“And this.” Su Qingyue took out an ice-blue jade pendant. “[Cold Jade Marrow Pendant], a special accessory. After equipping it, ice resistance increases by 30% and ice skill cooldown time is reduced by 10%. Most importantly, it can release ‘Cold Jade Body Protection’ once a day to block one fatal blow.”

Zhang Meng received a new shield. The shield's surface had bronze dragon patterns, its defense was as high as 520, and it also came with an active skill, 'Dragon Pattern Guardian,' which increases block value by 100% for three seconds after activation. Zhao Xiaoyu obtained a necklace specifically for healing, increasing healing effects by 20% and mana recovery speed by 30%. Li Qingshan and Wang Iron Pillar also received rare equipment suitable for their respective classes.

Everyone returned fully loaded.

Besides equipment, there were also Materials. The time sand Lin Ye obtained earlier now totaled 6 grains, along with 1 Chaos Source Stone Fragment and 1 World Tree seed. The other five also obtained many rare Materials, all of which were good items that are currently hard to buy on the market.

“This harvest is too great.” Wang Iron Pillar calculated excitedly, “Just these pieces of equipment alone could be sold for at least several hundred thousand Low-Grade Spirit Stones, right?”

“More than that.” Lin Ye shook his head. “Rare equipment has a price but no supply, especially those with exclusive special effects. However, we won't sell them; we'll use them ourselves.”

He looked at everyone: “Equipment is the Foundation for improving strength. The challenges we face next will only increase; we can't do without good equipment.”

“Brother Lin is right.” Chen Hao gripped his new long spear tightly. “With this spear, I feel like I can take on a Level 25 BOSS solo.”

“Don't get cocky.” Lin Ye smiled. “Equipment is just external power; one's own strength is the root. We have many things to do next—Qingyue needs to heal her spirit body, I need to Breakthrough to the Dao Palace Realm, and everyone needs to consolidate and improve.”

He looked toward the Capital City of Yan State: “First, return to the city to rest and recover, then act separately. Qingyue, you, Chen Hao, and Xiaoyu go find Physician Sun Simiao to see if there's any news about cold jade marrow and Starlight Grass. Zhang Meng, Qingshan, Iron Pillar, you guys gather intelligence in the city, focusing on the recruitment information of the Yaoguang Holy Land and the situation in Wind and Thunder Valley.”

“What about you, Brother Lin?” Su Qingyue asked.

“I'm going to the Yaoguang Holy Land,” Lin Ye said. “Firstly, to exchange for the Ice Heart Art, and secondly, to see if I can pass the Holy Land trials to obtain better cultivation resources. Additionally... I might need some authority from the Holy Land to consult ancient records and find information regarding the Bronze Clan and the Ruthless Empress.”

The bronze finger ring on his finger heated up slightly, as if echoing his thoughts.

The ruthless ones inheritance, the secrets of the Bronze Clan, the threat from Above the Heavens... all of these required him to explore. As a major power of the Human Race in the Big Dipper Star Field, the Yaoguang Holy Land's library would surely have relevant records.

“Then when shall we meet up?” Chen Hao asked.

“Three days from now, at the Spring Return Hall,” Lin Ye decided. “Regardless of whether we've gained anything, we'll meet in three days and decide on the next step of the plan.”

The group nodded and walked toward the Capital City of Yan State.

After walking about ten miles, an official road appeared ahead. Scattered players could be seen traveling on the road, along with some NPC merchant caravans moving slowly.

Just as the six were about to step onto the official road, Lin Ye suddenly stopped.

The bronze finger ring on his right index finger heated up violently without warning, the temperature rising so high it almost burned his skin. Simultaneously, the small words inside the ring—'Not for Immortal Ascension, only to wait for your return in the Mortal World'—began to emit a faint red light.

Lin Ye snapped his head around, looking toward a patch of woods to the left of the official road.

Something there was attracting the ring.

Or rather, it was attracting that obsession carried by the ring that spanned across the ages.

“You guys go ahead,” Lin Ye said in a deep voice. “I'm going to take a look over there.”

“Lin Ye, what’s wrong?” Su Qingyue noticed his abnormality.

“The ring is reacting,” Lin Ye didn't hide it. “There might be... something related to the Ruthless Empress nearby.”

Everyone's expression changed. They had all heard of the Ruthless Empress's name; she was one of the most mysterious and powerful Great Emperors in the history of the Human Race. Things related to her often meant great Opportunity, but also great danger.

“I’ll go with you,” Chen Hao said immediately.

“Me too.” Su Qingyue gripped her Cold Moon Staff.

Lin Ye shook his head: “No, you guys return to the city first. The ring's reaction is very strong; it might not just be an item, but... a living thing. Having too many people might alert the target.”

He paused and added: “Besides, this is just a sensation; it’s not necessarily dangerous. You guys go back to the city to rest first. If I’m not back in two hours, then come look for me.”

Seeing Lin Ye's firm attitude, the group had no choice but to agree.

“Be careful,” Su Qingyue whispered a reminder.

Lin Ye nodded and turned toward the woods.

As he approached, the temperature of the bronze finger ring grew higher and higher, and the red light became more intense. The small words on the inner side of the ring seemed to come alive, slowly flowing across the ring's surface.

The woods were ordinary, with sparse trees and overgrown weeds; small animals could occasionally be seen running past. But Lin Ye could feel an extremely subtle aura flowing deep within the forest.

That aura... was very familiar.

It wasn't the aura of a person, nor that of a Yao Beast, but rather... the residue of some kind of Law.

The Law of Time!

Lin Ye's heart tightened. The Ruthless Empress's Cultivation Techniques involved the Domain of time; it was perfectly logical for her inheritance token to sense the residue of the Law of Time.

He slowed his pace, suppressed his aura, and compressed his Chaos Domain to within three meters of his body, cautiously heading deeper into the woods.

After walking about three hundred meters, a clearing appeared ahead.

In the clearing stood a stone stele.

The stele was only half a person tall and covered in moss, looking quite ordinary. But the scene around the stele caused Lin Ye's pupils to shrink—

With the stele as the center, within a ten-meter radius, the growth state of the vegetation was clearly abnormal. Some grass blades were just sprouting, some were already withered and yellow, and some were in their most lush green period. At the same time and in the same space, the plants displayed their complete life cycles.

Even more bizarrely, Lin Ye saw a bird accidentally enter this range. As it flew over the stele, its body suddenly began to age rapidly. Feathers fell out, skin wrinkled, and in just three seconds, it went from its prime to old age, then fell straight to the ground, crashing into a pulp.

An anomalous time-flow zone!

And it wasn't a uniform anomaly; it was a chaotic time stream. In some places, time accelerated; in others, time slowed down; and in some places, time might even be flowing backward.

Such a zone was extremely dangerous. Once stepped into, one could likely die of old age in an instant, revert to an infant state, or even be split into countless time fragments, trapped forever in the time turbulence.

But the reaction of the bronze finger ring pointed directly to that stone stele.

Lin Ye stood at the edge of the anomalous zone, observing carefully.

On the surface of the stele, inscriptions could be vaguely seen beneath the moss. He concentrated his Divine Sense, penetrating the moss to see the words clearly—

It was a poem.

“What of life, what of death.”

“From Chaos we come, to Chaos we return.”

“The eternal sky, a moment of wind and moon.”

“This is, the chaos stele.”

The chaos stele!

Lin Ye's heart pounded wildly. He had heard of this thing in his past life but had never seen an actual one. Legend had it that the chaos stele was a wondrous object naturally formed within Chaos, and each one contained fragments of the Chaos Law, providing immense help to cultivators with a Chaos Body.

And the chaos stele before him clearly still bore the aura of the Ruthless Empress—it was possible she had once meditated here, or perhaps she had intentionally left this stele here to wait for a destined person.

The bronze finger ring's sensation was because of this stele.

But the problem was, how was he to obtain it?

The time turbulence around the stele was a natural protective barrier. With Lin Ye's current strength, charging in recklessly would be seeking death.

He tried to extend a wisp of Chaos Power toward it. Chaos Power was the origin of all things; theoretically, it could encompass all Laws, including time.

The gray Chaos Power probed into the anomalous zone like a tentacle.

Sure enough, the influence of the time turbulence on the Chaos Power was minimal. Although he could feel the time flow changing, the nature of the Chaos Power itself remained unaltered.

It’s working!

Delighted, Lin Ye increased the output of Chaos Power. More Chaos Power flooded into the anomalous zone, condensing into a gray passage in front of him.

The passage slowly extended through the time turbulence, advancing toward the stele.

One meter, two meters, three meters...

Just as the passage was about to touch the stele, a sudden change occurred.

The space-time around the stele distorted violently, and a blurred figure emerged from the distortion.

It was the phantom of a woman, dressed in simple cloth clothes. Her face was hazy and indistinct, only her eyes were clearly visible—eyes that seemed to contain the vicissitudes of the entire Universe, yet were as pure as a newborn infant's.

The phantom looked at Lin Ye, or rather, at the bronze finger ring on Lin Ye's hand.

“You... have come.”

A cold female voice rang directly in Lin Ye's mind.

It wasn't the Ruthless Empress herself, but a Divine Thought she had left behind.

“Senior...” Lin Ye bowed respectfully.

“No need for formalities.” The phantom's voice was devoid of emotion. “That you could find this place means you have obtained the ring, and it also means you are destined with me. This chaos stele was something I accidentally obtained while traveling through the Big Dipper years ago; it contains three Chaos Law fragments. I grant it to you today; I hope you use it well.”

As her voice fell, the phantom raised a hand and pointed.

The time turbulence around the stele began to subside. The abnormally growing vegetation returned to normal, and the bird's remains vanished into dust. Ten seconds later, the entire anomalous zone disappeared, leaving only an ordinary stone stele standing there.

And the stele itself began to shrink.

It shrank from half a person tall to the size of a palm, finally turning into a Chaos-colored streak of light that flew into Lin Ye's forehead and sank into his wheel sea secret realm.

[Obtained: chaos stele (Fragmented)]

[Effect: Contains three Chaos Law fragments. Can be meditated upon once a day, each time lasting for one hour.]

[Description: A wondrous object naturally formed in Chaos, nurtured by the Ruthless Empress with supreme Divine Power for ten thousand years, it has become a special inheritance item. Collecting nine chaos steles can synthesize the complete Chaos Great Dao Legacy.]

In his wheel sea, the palm-sized chaos stele floated beside the myriad mother qi cauldron, emitting a gentle Chaos aura. Lin Ye could feel the stele slowly releasing the rhythm of the Chaos Law, providing immense help for his comprehension of Chaos Heaven Opening and the nurturing of his Chaos Heavenly Emperor Body.

After giving away the chaos stele, the phantom became even more blurred.

“Remember...” the phantom's final voice came through, “Chaos is the starting point, and also the end. Master Chaos, and you master... the key to everything.”

With those words, the phantom completely dissipated.

Silence returned to the woods.

Lin Ye stood in place, digesting everything that had just happened.

The Ruthless Empress's Divine Thought, the chaos stele, and that meaningful sentence...

The key to everything?

What did it refer to? Was it the key to solving the mystery of the Bronze Clan's destruction? Or the key to opposing Above the Heavens? Or... the key to saving the future from disaster?

He shook his head and stopped overthinking.

At least for now, the harvest had far exceeded expectations.

The temperature of the bronze finger ring returned to normal, and the red light vanished. But Lin Ye could feel that his connection with the ring had become even tighter, as if it had truly recognized him as its master.

He turned and left the woods, walking toward the Capital City of Yan State.

Deep in the woods, at the spot where the stone stele had originally been, a sprout suddenly grew from the soil.

The sprout grew at a speed visible to the naked eye, becoming a small tree within seconds. The tree's leaves were bronze-colored, and time patterns flowed across the trunk.

The tree grew quietly, as if waiting for something.

Or perhaps, recording something.

On the distant official road, Lin Ye's figure moved further and further away.

He did not look back.

So he didn't see a drop of dew condense on the tip of that small bronze tree.

In the dew was the reflection of the entire starry sky of the Big Dipper Star Field.

And deep in the starry sky, a pair of cold, ruthless eyes were slowly opening.