51: Revisiting the desolate ruins, shadows whisper.

Yun Feng did not immediately set off to re-explore the shattered plane. He knew that rashly venturing into unknown perilous lands was a major taboo, especially when potentially facing the threat of the "Abyss". He needed more preparation and a deeper understanding of that desolate, dead silent wasteland.

He first found Nie Li. Most of the affairs in the Northern Region were now handled by Nie Li, whose ability and Heart-Nature had both gained Yun Feng's approval. Furthermore, Nie Li possessed the Legacy of Great Emperor Fengxue and knew some of the hidden secrets of the "Great Calamity", making him one of the few people with whom this matter could be discussed.

In the secret chamber, Yun Feng selectively informed Nie Li of the key points of his conjectures regarding "Abyss Erosion", "Dead Silent Zones", and the "world heart".

After listening, Nie Li's expression was more solemn than ever before. He had undergone Fusion with the emperor soul's memories, making him clearer than ordinary people about the horror of the ancient "Great Calamity". It was not a simple conquest between forces, but a war concerning the survival of the entire world.

"So, the Feather God Sect is merely a pawn, and the true enemy has always been hidden in the dark, coveting our world," Nie Li said in a deep voice, a glint of sharpness flashing in his eyes. In both his past and present lives, he had fought to protect what was important. Now, facing this world-level threat, a sense of responsibility naturally arose within him.

"Exactly," Yun Feng nodded. "That shattered plane might be an ancient battlefield, and perhaps more clues can be found there. I intend to re-explore it. I need you to hold down the fort in the Northern Region, stabilize the overall situation, and closely monitor the movements of the 'Dead Silent Zones' across the continent."

"Brother Yun Feng, rest assured, the Northern Region has me," Nie Li solemnly promised, then added, "This journey is fraught with unknown dangers. Brother Yun Feng must be careful. If there is any need for assistance, Nie Li will not hesitate even to die."

Yun Feng looked at the genuine concern and resolve in Nie Li's eyes and nodded slightly. After years of interaction, the relationship between him and Nie Li was no longer just a mutually beneficial cooperation; it had grown into a trust and camaraderie of fighting side-by-side.

"I know what I'm doing."

After leaving the secret chamber, Yun Feng went to see his Grandfather, Yun Fengs Grandfather. He did not mention the terrifying matters of the "Abyss" and only stated that he needed to enter seclusion for a period of time for cultivation. During this period, Family affairs would be jointly decided by Nie Li and the Elder Council. Yun Fengs Grandfather had unconditional trust and support for Yun Feng, and naturally agreed without hesitation.

Subsequently, Yun Feng spent several days utilizing his resources to refine several Talismans containing pure Rule Energy, which could be used to temporarily stabilize space and purify abnormal energy. He also reviewed and strengthened several of his protective Divine Abilities.

After preparations were complete, he quietly entered the Wind and Snow Realm once more.

Nie Li was still in seclusion in the Emperor Palace, his aura increasingly merging with the entire Wind and Snow Realm. Yun Feng did not disturb him and went directly to the spatial node beneath the glacial fissure.

Compared to last time, he was much more thoroughly prepared this time. After multiple deductions, the System had a more precise model of the node's stability and the environment on the other side.

"[Spatial node status stable, energy environment on the other side shows no significant changes, Chaos demonic Qi concentration slightly increased. Suggest prioritizing the establishment of a temporary safe haven after opening the aisle.]"

"Open the aisle," Yun Feng commanded, simultaneously striking a newly refined "Space-Stabilizing Talisman" into the Void Realm around the node.

Rule Energy was consumed again, and a gray swirling vortex slowly formed. Yun Feng stepped in, and the familiar sense of oppression and dead silence washed over him.

It was still that barren world with a dark red sky and purplish-black earth. But this time, Yun Feng keenly noticed that the Chaos demonic Qi permeating the air seemed a trace more active than three years ago. It was an extremely slow, but definitely existing, sign of recovery.

He did not waste time. According to the plan, not far from the spatial node, he chose a relatively stable giant beast skeleton as a base and began setting up a small stealth defense Formation. The Formation used Rule Energy as its core, combined with an analysis of the residual rules of this realm. It could both conceal his aura and, to a certain extent, resist potential Chaos demonic Qi erosion.

Just as the Formation was about to be completed, Yun Feng's movements paused slightly. His Divine Sense, like the most sensitive radar, swept towards a twisted mountain range in the distance.

There, he detected an extremely faint, but definitely not naturally formed, Soul fluctuation! The fluctuation was filled with pain, Chaos, and... a cold malice, somewhat similar to the characteristics of "Abyss Erosion" he had analyzed, but also different, more like a remnant Soul polluted and twisted by some power.

"Has 'something' awakened? Or... has it always been an overlooked existence?" Yun Feng's eyes narrowed slightly. He suppressed all his aura, blending his figure into the environment, and stealthily moved like a ghost towards the source of the Soul fluctuation.

He felt that this trip to the desolate ruins might uncover more secrets about the ancient past of this world, and the truth of the war that shattered this place. And all of this was closely related to the "Great Calamity" that might soon arrive.