88: Secrets of the Star Chart, Shadows of the Abyss

The simple Star Map brought by the Green Source Star Realm envoy was immediately presented to the core leadership of the Cloud Court.

This was not merely a navigation chart, but also a window into the surrounding Void Realm's cosmic structure.

Deep within the Cloud Court, inside the Star Gazing Hall.

The Star Map was magnified and projected onto the entire dome of the grand hall, with twinkling starlight outlining the known Star Domain.

The Demon Spirit Continent was like a speck of dust, while the Green Source Star Realm emitted a gentle green glow not far from it.

In more distant regions, several light points were marked, each with simple annotations: "Lava Realm (Fire-element civilization, neutral leaning good)", "Gold Stone Fortress (Artifact Refining civilization, neutral)", "Flowing Light Domain (Light-element creatures, xenophobic)".

Nie Li, Yun Hao, Yun Qiao, and several core Elders gathered here, meticulously studying this valuable Star Map.

"I never imagined that so many civilized planes exist around us," an Elder mused, stroking his beard.

"According to Elder Mu Chen of the Green Source Star Realm, most of these planes adhere to the ancient 'Starry Sky Covenant,' meaning they maintain basic respect between planes, focusing on trade and exchange, and avoiding unprovoked conquest," Nie Li explained, pointing at the Star Map, "This provides a relatively safe environment for us to integrate into the Void Realm in the Early Stage."

However, Yun Feng's gaze did not linger on those neutral or friendly light points.

His sight fell upon the edge of the Star Map, a vast area marked in dark red and constantly shifting and changing.

There were no civilization annotations there, only a line of ancient warning runes which, translated by the Core of Destiny, meant—"Abyssal Erosion Zone, extremely dangerous, proceed with caution!"

The size of this area far exceeded the sum of all known civilized planes on the Star Map!

Moreover, its boundaries seemed to be expanding outwards very slowly.

"Abyss..." Yun Feng whispered softly.

Although he had repelled an invasion wave from the Dominator of Annihilation and slain a projection of the Underworld Emperor, he had never forgotten this true, ultimate threat capable of destroying countless worlds.

The Underworld might just be one of the pawns eroded or utilized by the power of the Abyss.

"Big Brother, this area..." Yun Hao also noticed the unsettling dark red, his brows tightly furrowed.

"It is our ultimate goal, and also our greatest threat," Yun Feng said calmly, yet his words carried immense weight.

"The Star Map provided by the Green Source Star Realm allows us to understand the 'order' faction around us, but it also more clearly shows the vastness of the 'Chaos' faction."

He lightly tapped his finger, and the light point belonging to the Demon Spirit Continent on the Star Map faintly lit up.

"We cannot be content with staying in a corner.

Trade and cooperation can make us stronger, but true security comes from our own absolute strength, and from a clear understanding and proactive response to threats."

Yun Feng looked at Nie Li: "Trade with the Green Source Star Realm and other planes needs to be steadily advanced to acquire the resources we urgently need, especially treasures that can enhance our foundation, such as Life Spring Water and Longevity Spirit Fruits.

At the same time, we must utilize the resources obtained from the Underworld to fully enhance the overall strength of the Cloud Court, especially the scale and combat power of the Void Fleet."

"Yes!" Nie Li responded solemnly.

"Hao'er, Qiao'er." Yun Feng then looked at his younger brother and sister, "You two will join me in thoroughly studying this Star Map, especially the energy fluctuation characteristics and expansion patterns of the Abyssal Erosion Zone.

We need to establish a more comprehensive Void Realm monitoring network; we cannot passively wait for enemies to come knocking on our door again, like last time."

"Understood!" Yun Hao and Yun Qiao felt the responsibility on their shoulders and answered solemnly.

"Furthermore..." Yun Feng's gaze was profound, "It is time to start selecting and cultivating the next generation.

The future of the Cloud Court cannot rest solely on a few of us.

Establish a 'Void Academy' to recruit talented Geniuses from across the continent and even friendly planes, teaching them Void Realm knowledge, combat skills, and even preliminary insights into Chaos."

Everyone's spirits were stirred, realizing that Yun Feng was planning for a longer-term, grander future.

The meeting concluded, and various directives were swiftly issued.

The vast machine of the Cloud Court once again operated with high efficiency, but this time, the target was no longer just an Underworld, but the boundless, vast sea of stars filled with both opportunities and crises, and the abyssal shadow lurking deep within the starry sky, watching covetously.

With the Star Map, it was like having a lighthouse in the darkness.

The road ahead was still arduous, but the direction was now clear.

The Cloud Court's next step would undoubtedly be onto a broader stage!