123: Chapter 123 Star Veins Contain Spirit, A New Chapter in the Dao

The morning light of Myriad Realms spread across the eastern sky. The pale cyan domain-protecting light barrier reflected the morning glow, its spiritual light trembling slightly as it nourished every inch of mountains, rivers, and Spiritual Veins across the Star Domain.

Bai Yunzhou's azure rainbow descended upon the Guardian Academy of the Penglai Domain's star veins. Inside the academy, ancient pines shone with emerald brilliance, and the spiritual light of star veins circulated around the halls as young Disciples sat cross-legged to comprehend the Dharma.

Over thousands of years of patrolling the realms, his aura had long since fused with the Spiritual Veins of Myriad Realms. With a flick of his hand, the powers of the star veins and Spiritual Veins would slowly intertwine according to his will.

The head of the Guardian Academy bowed in welcome, holding a volume of Disciples' enlightenment notes in hands: "Elder, the Disciples have gained many new insights while comprehending the method of star vein Dao protection, and have specially presented them for your review."

Bai Yunzhou took the notes, sweeping his Divine Thought over them as a faint light flickered in his eyes. The youths had integrated the power of star veins into swords, Formations, and talismans, yielding quite a few ingenious and original uses.

"The Dao has no fixed form, and protecting the Dao is paramount," he said, lightly waving his hand as a wisp of Chaos clear radiance sprinkled into the courtyard. "Let the Disciples follow the Spiritual Veins more often; heaven and earth are the best training grounds."

Hearing this, the young Disciples in the courtyard looked up. Seeing Bai Yunzhou standing amidst the spiritual light of the star veins, they all bowed in salute, their eyes filled with reverence and yearning.

A youth who had just entered the Dao stood up and asked: "Elder, what is the foundation of protecting the Dao? Is it powerful cultivation, or exquisite spellcraft?"

Bai Yunzhou smiled faintly, pointing his fingertip at the youth's glabella to project a scene of Myriad Realms' common folk living in peace and Spiritual Veins flourishing: "The foundation of protecting the Dao is guarding the heart, and preserving the original aspiration of protecting all living beings in Myriad Realms."

Spiritual light flashed in the youth's eyes. He bowed to thank him for the enlightenment, turned back to his place, and continued to concentrate on comprehending the Dao. With the spiritual light of star veins wrapping around his body, his Dao Heart grew increasingly pure.

Bai Yunzhou's azure rainbow rose once more, sweeping past the Spiritual Vein peak of the Penglai Domain. On the peak, the star vein sprouts had grown into spiritual vines several feet long, glowing with a glossy purple light and coexisting in Fusion with the main trunk of the Spiritual Vein.

Several Disciples of the Sealing Department guarded beside the spiritual vines, operating the gathering spirit Formation day and night to guide the powers of the star veins and Spiritual Veins toward the domain-protecting light barrier, making the barrier increasingly solid.

The azure rainbow traveled to Bibo Pool, where the star vein spiritual vines at the center of the pool merged with the pool water. Spiritual ripples surged, and purple-cyan intertwined spiritual light overflowed across the pool surface, nourishing the surrounding vegetation and living creatures.

Zhou Zhiting was leading Guardian Coalition soldiers in drills by the pool. Their battle armor reflected the shimmering water, and as their spear gleams swept past, they actually triggered the spiritual light of the star veins, condensing a faint Protective Aura of Dao Protection.

"Greetings, Elder," Zhou Zhiting retracted her spear and saluted, while the soldiers behind her bowed in unison. "The power of the star veins at Bibo Pool is growing increasingly mellow. When the coalition practices their spear techniques, they can draw upon its reinforcement, doubling their combat strength."

Bai Yunzhou nodded, raising his hand to condense a star vein spirit pattern that integrated into the coalition's Dao-protecting spears: "The power of star veins is an aid, and the heart of protecting the Dao is the root; one must not mistake the branch for the root."

Watching the soldiers drill once again, their spear gleams blending with the spiritual light of the star veins without any trace of greed for merit, all remaining upright and steady, his eyes were filled with gratification.

The azure rainbow swept past Bibo Pool, heading to the Southern Domain's Bibo Branch Hall. In front of the hall, commoners were queuing up to wait for free medical consultations, while Pill Hall Disciples held newly refined star vein meridian-cleansing Medicinal Pills to distribute to everyone.

A white-haired Elder took the Medicinal Pill, a relieved expression appearing on his face as he cupped his hands toward the Pill Hall Disciple: "This pill not only cleanses the body but also calms the mind. Many thanks for the protection of the Guardian Alliance."

The Pill Hall Disciple smiled faintly in return: "Protecting the Dao and saving the world has always been our duty."

Standing atop the clouds, Bai Yunzhou let clear radiance sprinkle down, making the Spiritual Qi within the Pill Furnace even more mellow and adding thirty percent to the medicinal efficacy of the star vein meridian-cleansing Medicinal Pills. The warmth of Dao Protection spread across the streets and alleys of the Southern Domain.

Meanwhile, in the Alliance Grand Hall of Black Stone City, Ling Shuang sat serenely in the master seat. The spiritual light of the Alliance Master's Seal in her hand flickered slightly as she reviewed the case files on star vein application submitted by various domains.

Song Xinghe walked in leisurely, holding a Jade Slip in his hands: "Alliance Master, at the Spiritual Vein of Wanfo Mountain in the Western Domain, a star vein spiritual mine has been discovered. The mine contains the dual power of star veins and Spiritual Veins, which can be used to forge Spirit Treasures of Dao Protection."

Ling Shuang took the Jade Slip and probed it with her Divine Thought, seeing the spiritual mine beneath Wanfo Mountain glowing radiantly with intertwined purple and cyan lights. A look of joy flashed in her eyes: "This is the fortune of Myriad Realms! Order the Artifact Hall Disciples to head there immediately for extraction."

"Order the Law Enforcement Hall to guard it strictly and prevent Cultivators from mining it privately. The mined spiritual minerals are all to be forged into Dao-protecting swords and protective Formation Plates, to be distributed to each guardian post and the Disciples of the Guardian Academy."

Song Xinghe bowed to accept the order, immediately transmitting messages to the Western Domain Branch Alliance and the Artifact Hall. One military command after another turned into streams of light, spreading across all directions of Myriad Realms. The Alliance operated in an orderly and well-regulated manner.

Sword Sovereign Hanbing's grand-Disciple, who was now the Artifact Hall Elder, immediately assembled the Disciples upon receiving the order. Carrying mountain-opening Spirit Treasures, they rushed straight to Wanfo Mountain in the Western Domain to extract the star vein spiritual mine.

The Dao Protection branch army of Wanfo Mountain had long been guarding beside the ore vein. Seeing the arrival of the Artifact Hall Disciples, they immediately coordinated to deploy defenses, and the extraction of the spiritual mine commenced methodically.

The Artifact Hall Disciples were all experts in treasure refining. Using the star vein spiritual mine as a base and fusing it with Chaos spiritual iron, the Dao-protecting swords they refined had sword bodies shimmering with purple-cyan spiritual light; not only were they sharp, but they also possessed the power of purification.

The first batch of star vein Dao-protecting swords was successfully forged, numbering one thousand in total. Ling Shuang ordered Song Xinghe to distribute them to the elite soldiers at the eight Spiritual Vein guardian points and the Core Disciples of the Guardian Academy.

A garrison general from the Yunxing Domain received a star vein Dao-protecting sword. The sword body trembled slightly in his hand, stirring up the spiritual power around his body. The spiritual light of the star veins merged with the Sword Intent of Dao Protection, causing his aura to surge violently.

"I will definitely use this sword to guard the Spiritual Veins and live up to the expectations of the Alliance!" The garrison general knelt on one knee, his voice clanging with determination, and the soldiers behind him did the same, their oaths shaking the guardian post.

Ling Shuang stood at the Martial Arts Arena of Black Stone City, watching a thousand Cultivators holding star vein Dao-protecting swords array themselves in Formation. As sword shadows waved in unison, the purple-cyan sword qi condensed into a single sheet, soaring straight into the clouds.

"With star veins as wings and Dao protection as the heart," Ling Shuang's voice echoed throughout the Martial Arts Arena, "holding star vein Spirit Treasures, you should all the more understand the responsibility of protection—protect Myriad Realms and guard all living beings!"

A thousand Cultivators responded in unison, their sword qi growing even more intense as it merged with the domain-protecting light barrier. On the barrier, purple-cyan spiritual light flickered, and the power protecting Myriad Realms climbed to a new peak once more.

On this day, the Investigation Department transmitted a message to Black Stone City: at the Shattered Star Gorge on the edge of the Star Domain, spatial turbulence had occurred, and within the turbulence was unexpectedly mixed with weak extraterrestrial Spiritual Qi, as if some extraterrestrial anomaly had broken in.

Shattered Star Gorge was the boundary between Myriad Realms and the extraterrestrial domain, where space was inherently unstable. This turbulence feared to give rise to variables.

Ling Shuang immediately summoned Zhou Zhiting and Song Xinghe to discuss matters. Inside the Alliance Grand Hall, on the star chart sand table, the light points at Shattered Star Gorge flickered, and the patterns of the spatial turbulence were clearly visible.

"The spatial turbulence at Shattered Star Gorge cannot be taken lightly," Zhou Zhiting stood up to request an assignment, "I am willing to lead five thousand elite coalition forces to Shattered Star Gorge to investigate and deploy defenses to suppress the turbulence."

Song Xinghe echoed: "Order the Investigation Department to dispatch ten squads to go along with the coalition to investigate the source of the extraterrestrial Spiritual Qi; the Sealing Department should prepare Formation Plates, and if there are any abnormalities, immediately deploy the turbulent-suppressing grand Formation."

Ling Shuang nodded, her gaze looking outside the hall as if perceiving Bai Yunzhou's aura: "Go and return quickly. If you encounter any tricky matters, you can transmit a message to the Elder; he should be patrolling the famous mountains of the Western Domain at this moment."

Zhou Zhiting accepted the order, immediately assembling five thousand coalition forces. Holding star vein Dao-protecting swords and riding ancient spiritual steeds, they turned into a silvery rainbow and headed straight for Shattered Star Gorge.

The ten squads of the Investigation Department had long been waiting at the gorge entrance. Seeing the arrival of the coalition, they immediately converged and stepped into Shattered Star Gorge together. Inside the gorge, space was distorted, rubble floated, and turbulence roared.

"Form the Dao-protecting Formation and advance steadily!" At Zhou Zhiting's order, the coalition soldiers formed a grand Formation. The spiritual light of the star vein Dao-protecting swords intertwined to form a protective barrier, resisting the turbulence.

The Disciples of the Investigation Department dispersed, sweeping their Divine Thoughts in all directions to trace the origin of the extraterrestrial Spiritual Qi. When they reached the center of the gorge, everyone stopped in their tracks, seeing a spatial rift over a zhang wide right at the heart of the gorge.

Turbulence gushed from the rift, and extraterrestrial Spiritual Qi mixed with fine black stones continuously spilled out. Beside the rift, there were actually three extraterrestrial stone puppets standing over a zhang tall, constantly colliding with the rift as if trying to expand the passage.

The stone puppets were shrouded in extraterrestrial turbid qi. Wherever they passed, the rubble was corroded. Although their aura was inferior to the Void Clan, it was still quite formidable, comparable to Void Refining stage Cultivators.

"Kill!" With a low cry from Zhou Zhiting, her battle blood spear swung out. The spiritual light of the star veins fused with the power of battle blood, and a hundred-zhang spear gleam pierced straight at the stone puppets. The coalition soldiers followed closely behind, waving their sword qi in unison.

The stone puppets let out muffled roars, raising their hands to strike out turbid qi palm prints that collided with the spear gleams and sword qi. Rubble flew everywhere, and the spatial turbulence grew even more violent.

When the purifying power of the star vein Dao-protecting swords met the extraterrestrial turbid qi, it made a sizzling sound. The turbid qi continuously dissipated, and the bodies of the stone puppets gradually cracked apart amidst the sword qi.

After half an hour of fierce battle, all three stone puppets were slain, and the extraterrestrial turbid qi was completely purified by the spiritual light of the star veins and the Sword Intent of Dao Protection. However, the spatial rift at the heart of the gorge was still slowly expanding.

"Deploy the turbulent-suppressing grand Formation!" Zhou Zhiting gave a deep order, and the Sealing Department Disciples immediately set up the Formation. Formation Plates landed, spiritual crystals were embedded into the Formation eyes, and the power of the pale cyan domain-protecting light barrier was drawn over.

But the spatial power of the rift was far too formidable; the Formation patterns of the turbulent-suppressing grand Formation actually began to flicker, showing signs of shattering.

At this very moment, an azure rainbow descended from the sky. Bai Yunzhou stood above the rift, sprinkling Chaos clear radiance that instantly stabilized the swaying Formation patterns.

"Greetings, Elder!" Zhou Zhiting and the soldiers cried out in unison, the heavy stones in their hearts finally falling to the ground.

Bai Yunzhou raised his hand to condense the chaos xuanhuang seal, and further invoked the dual powers of the star veins and Spiritual Veins. Upon the body of the Seal, purple-cyan spiritual light intertwined, transforming into a gigantic Seal.

"Chaos suppresses the turbulence, star veins Seal the rift, Spiritual Veins solidify the borders, and Dao protection guards the domain!"

With a clear shout from Bai Yunzhou, the Seal fiercely smashed down toward the spatial rift. The expanding momentum of the rift was instantly halted, the turbulence gradually subsided, and the extraterrestrial Spiritual Qi was entirely sealed within the rift.

With another wave of his hand, several star vein spiritual vines grew from beside the rift, wrapping around it and fusing with the turbulent-suppressing grand Formation to form a dual defense that was indestructible.

"This rift was caused by an extraterrestrial spatial anomaly, not the Power of Nothingness," Bai Yunzhou turned and said to Zhou Zhiting, "leave one thousand coalition soldiers to garrison Shattered Star Gorge, patrol monthly, and reinforce the Formation."

"The Investigation Department must continue to investigate the extraterrestrial Spiritual Qi. If there are any other rifts, report immediately and do not be careless."

Zhou Zhiting bowed in assent, immediately arranging for soldiers to garrison the post and setting up sentries. The crisis at Shattered Star Gorge was thus resolved.

The azure rainbow and the silvery rainbow left Shattered Star Gorge together and returned to Black Stone City. Seeing the two return and knowing the crisis was resolved, Ling Shuang felt relieved and immediately ordered the Investigation Department to expand the patrol range to prevent trouble before it happened.

The resolution of the crisis at Shattered Star Gorge made the Cultivators of Myriad Realms understand all the more that the path of protecting the Dao has never known true peace; only by constant vigilance and steadfastness can one protect the peace of Myriad Realms.

The Guardian Branch Alliances of various domains all strengthened their border defenses, the squads of the Investigation Department spread across all four directions of Myriad Realms, and the Disciples of the Guardian Academy also intensified their cultivation to enhance their strength.

Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, another century passed. Myriad Realms grew increasingly prosperous; the power of star veins and the power of Spiritual Veins fused together, transforming into star Spiritual Veins that spread across the Star Domain, with Spiritual Qi reaching the ultimate level of richness.

The Guardian Academies of the Penglai Domain and Bibo Pool each had tens of thousands of Disciples, all proficient in the method of star vein Dao protection, rushing to all parts of Myriad Realms to become the backbone of Dao protection.

The star vein spiritual mine at Wanfo Mountain in the Western Domain was continuously extracted, and the star vein Spirit Treasures refined by the Artifact Hall Disciples came in a wide variety—Dao-protecting swords, protective Formation Plates, and spirit-gathering beads all benefited the Cultivators and commoners of Myriad Realms.

On the Martial Arts Arena of the Guardian Academy's main branch, young Disciples held star vein Dao-protecting swords, practicing Dao-protecting sword Formations that integrated the power of star veins. The purple-cyan sword qi condensed into a green lotus, shining with dazzling spiritual light.

The incense of the Hall of Heroes remained unextinguished year-round, and the names on the monuments added several centuries' worth of fallen heroes. Among them were soldiers who guarded Shattered Star Gorge and Disciples of the Investigation Department who probed the extraterrestrial domain.

Before the monuments, teachers from the Guardian Academy would always bring Disciples to recount the stories of the fallen heroes. The youths' eyes were filled with solemnity, and the seeds of Dao protection grew increasingly robust within their hearts.

Bai Yunzhou's azure rainbow still patrolled the realms every day. Yet wherever he traveled, there were always more young Disciples bowing in salute and more commoners smiling and greeting him.

He would be at Qingmang Mountain, watching Yao Race and human Disciples spar together with the Yao Race Elder. Body Refining techniques and the power of star veins fused together, with fist winds and sword shadows complementing each other perfectly.

He would be in the Liuyun Domain, watching the commoners nourish their crops with star vein spirit-gathering beads, leading to bountiful harvests, while children practiced star vein Body Refining techniques at the village entrance amidst joyful laughter.

He would be in the Canglan Domain, ascending Canglan Mountain to look at the site of the decisive battle from years past. Now, vegetation was lush and green, the incense of the Hall of Heroes branch hall curled upwards in wisps, and the imprint of Dao protection remained eternally here.

In the Alliance Grand Hall of Black Stone City, Ling Shuang still presided over the Alliance, but the rulers beside her had changed to a new generation, all of whom were younger generations with pure Dao Hearts and minds dedicated to protecting the Dao.

Zhou Zhiting had already handed over the commander's Seal of the Guardian Coalition to the younger generation, stationing herself at Shattered Star Gorge to watch the young soldiers drill, her eyes filled with expectations.

Song Xinghe had also stepped into the second line, teaching the Disciples of the Investigation Department, imparting methods of investigation and the steadfast preservation of the Dao Heart, passing down the experience of Dao protection from generation to generation.

On this day, the Spiritual Veins and star veins across all parts of Myriad Realms trembled simultaneously. Above the domain-protecting light barrier, purple-cyan spiritual light surged wildly, illuminating the entire Star Domain.

Bai Yunzhou's azure rainbow stood atop the Star-Gazing Platform of Black Stone City. Ling Shuang, along with numerous Alliance leaders and Dao-protecting powerhouses from various domains, had all gathered here, looking at the star chart sand table.

Upon the sand table, the star Spiritual Veins of Myriad Realms intertwined into a net. At the center, above Black Stone City, a lotus-shaped spiritual light was slowly condensing, as the powers of Chaos and star spirits fused together.

"The star Spiritual Veins have achieved Major Achievement, and the Power of Dao Protection has reached its peak," Bai Yunzhou's voice slowly sounded, his eyes filled with peace. "This is the fruit of Myriad Realms being of one heart and protecting the Dao for a thousand years."

Ling Shuang looked at the lotus-shaped spiritual light, determination flashing in her eyes: "With the star Spiritual Veins achieving Major Achievement and the domain-protecting light barrier forever secured, our generation must continue to stand fast, allowing the concept of Dao protection to be passed down to eternity."

Everyone responded in unison, their voices shaking Black Stone City and spreading across all directions of Myriad Realms, blending with the morning bell of the Guardian Academy and the trembling of the star Spiritual Veins to become the most steadfast oath of Myriad Realms.

The lotus-shaped spiritual light slowly merged into the domain-protecting light barrier. Upon the barrier, the chaos green lotus and star spiritual vines reflected each other's brilliance, with pale cyan and purple light intertwining to transform into an eternal barrier, protecting Myriad Realms.

Bai Yunzhou's azure rainbow circulated slowly beside the light barrier, sprinkling clear radiance that nourished every inch of land and every living creature in Myriad Realms.

The morning bell of the Guardian Academy still rang every day, its crisp and clear chimes passing through thousands of years and through the spiritual light of the star Spiritual Veins, echoing between heaven and earth.

The youths on the Martial Arts Arena were still practicing sword techniques, the spiritual light of the star vein Dao-protecting swords reflecting their resolute faces, while the torch of Dao protection was passed down forever.

The commoners of Myriad Realms still lived and worked in peace and contentment, plowing the fields and laughing in the streets. The frolicking sounds of children blended with the sword-practice sounds of Cultivators, forming the most melodious movement.

The Yao Race and humans still lived in harmony with one another. The spiritual fruits of Qingmang Mountain, the grains of Liuyun Domain, and the spiritual water of Bibo Pool were all shared across Myriad Realms. A truly united Myriad Realms had finally become a reality.