332: The monument shattered, the soul scattered, and the mortal world found peace.

Three days later, at Tianxin Square in Luoyang City, Central Province, the area was already a sea of people. The spiritual light from the seventy-two Spiritual Vein nodes dotted the Mortal Realm like stars, and the Spiritual Qi between heaven and earth grew increasingly dense and pure. Commoners gathered here of their own accord, holding incense and candles, their eyes filled with anticipation and awe. The Sect Heads and Elders of the Seven Great Sects stood in lines on both sides of the square with solemn expressions, holding the spiritual materials required to repair the Soul Suppressing Stele—Ancient Spirit Spring water, town evil stone powder, and Mind-Concentrating Incense ash—all of which were top-tier treasures found in the Mortal Realm.

In the center of the square, the three fragments of the Soul Suppressing Stele were carefully placed within a pre-arranged Spirit Gathering Array. Under the nourishment of the Spiritual Qi from the Spiritual Veins, the sealing array patterns on the surface of the fragments flickered with a faint golden light, yet they remained covered in cracks, bearing the lingering traces of erosion from the Evil Clan's remnant souls. The Seven of Lu Chen stood around the fragments, while Pure Jade stood to one side holding a Heart Calming Incantation scroll, ready at any moment to stabilize Divine Souls and resist any residual evil energy that might appear.

“To repair the Soul Suppressing Stele, we must use the combined Power of the Origin Orbs as a guide and the world protecting token as the hub to draw upon the power of the seventy-two Spiritual Veins and recast the sealing array patterns.” Blue runes flowed in Yu Lan's palm as she quickly deciphered the ancient runes on the tablet fragments. “Each fragment corresponds to a different Formation eye; we must precisely inject the power of the source pearls to ensure the array patterns connect without error.”

Ling Xi added, “The Spirit Gathering Array has already established resonance with all the Spiritual Vein nodes. As long as we activate the Formation, Spiritual Qi will continuously gather here. However, the sealing power of the Soul Suppressing Stele is extremely overbearing. We must control the intensity during injection to avoid damaging the tablet's body.”

Lu Chen nodded and took out the world protecting token. Its azure spiritual light resonated with the shimmering white source pearl in his palm. “Everyone, concentrate and calm your minds. Use a heart of protection to drive the power of the source pearls. Today, we will not only repair the Soul Suppressing Stele but also thoroughly purge the remnants of the Evil Clan from the Mortal Realm, returning long-lasting peace and stability to the world.”

The seven people sat cross-legged simultaneously, and the source pearls in their palms lit up in unison. Seven-colored spiritual light, like seven spirit snakes, entwined the three fragments of the Soul Suppressing Stele. Lu Chen embedded the world protecting token into the groove at the top of the largest fragment. Instantly, the world protecting token erupted with a brilliant azure light, interlacing with the spiritual light from the source pearls of the seven to form a pillar of seven-colored light that shot straight into the clouds.

“Draw the power of the Spiritual Veins, recast the Seal!” Lu Chen shouted. The Power of the Origin Orbs within him erupted fully, injecting into the tablet's body through the world protecting token. The seventy-two Spiritual Vein nodes resonated strongly at the same time, as countless pillars of pale golden Spiritual Qi converged from all over the Mortal Realm. Like a hundred rivers returning to the sea, they poured into the Spirit Gathering Array at Tianxin Square, continuously nourishing the Soul Suppressing Stele fragments through the world protecting token.

As the Spiritual Qi was injected, the three fragments began to vibrate violently. The cracks on the surface gradually healed, and the pale golden sealing array patterns seemed to come alive, spreading along the tablet's body and finally merging together in the center of the Spirit Gathering Array. With a thunderous boom, the three fragments soared into the air, combining into a complete Soul Suppressing Stele. Standing about ten zhang tall and forged entirely from town evil stone, the tablet's body was covered in complex ancient sealing array patterns, radiating a majestic power of protection and purification.

The Soul Suppressing Stele landed steadily in the center of the square. The world protecting token at the top flickered with azure light, echoing the array patterns on the tablet. A massive purification light shield expanded from the tablet, sweeping across the entire Mortal Realm like a ripple. Wherever the light shield passed, residual evil energy receded rapidly like melting snow. The last traces of black mist at the Ancient Battlefield of the Western Regions completely dissipated, the Seal on the Far North Ice Plain was reinforced, and the miasma in Miaojiang became pure and harmless.

Commoners across the Mortal Realm witnessed this shocking scene: the sky turned a washed azure, the evil energy and miasma in the air vanished without a trace, withered plants regained their vitality, ailing creatures recovered quickly, and even lands that had suffered from year-long droughts began to gush with clear spring water. Children laughed and ran through the fields, farmers busied themselves with planting, and Martial Artists Cultivated with devotion. The entire Mortal Realm presented a scene of harmony and tranquility.

“The Soul Suppressing Stele has been successfully repaired! The evil energy has dissipated!” The commoners in the square erupted in thunderous cheers. They fell to their knees one after another, burning incense and bowing toward the Soul Suppressing Stele and The seven people, shouting “Long live the Spirit Masters of Kyushu!”

The Sect Heads and Elders of the Seven Great Sects also stepped forward and bowed to the seven. “The seven Immortals possess vast Divine Abilities. By repairing the Soul Suppressing Stele and purging the remnants of the Evil Clan, you have saved the Mortal Realm from the depths of suffering. On behalf of all living beings in the Mortal Realm, we implore the seven Immortals to take the title of ‘Spirit Masters of Kyushu,’ to lead the Seven Great Sects and safeguard the peace of the Mortal Realm.”

Lu Chen quickly helped everyone up, a gentle smile appearing on his face. “Protecting the Mortal Realm is our mission; we do not dare accept the title of ‘Spirit Masters of Kyushu.’ But please rest assured, as long as the Mortal Realm has need of us, we will certainly step forward.”

“The seven Immortals must not decline!” Mysterious Mechanism Master said earnestly. “Now that the Spiritual Qi of the Mortal Realm has been restored and Spiritual Vein nodes are spread everywhere, we need great figures to oversee the overall situation, coordinate the Seven Great Sects, and prevent the Evil Clan from making a comeback. The seven Immortals are of high prestige and possess vast Divine Abilities; only you can shoulder this heavy responsibility!”

Under the repeated pleas of the Seven Great Sects and the commoners, Lu Chen finally agreed. “In that case, we shall temporarily hold the position of ‘Spirit Masters of Kyushu.’ However, this is not a symbol of power, but a Legacy of responsibility. In the future, once the cultivation Legacy of the Mortal Realm is stable, we will naturally pass this position to a suitable person.”

Upon hearing this, everyone cheered and jumped for joy. Warm applause and cheers rang out once again across the square.

Just then, Pure Jade walked slowly to Lu Chen. Her eyes were filled with reluctance yet determination as she bowed. “Immortal Lu, fellow Spirit Masters, this Junior has a request. The Southern Border's Spiritual Veins have just been restored, and there are still many hidden dangers to handle. The Five Poisons Sect and the Hengshan Sect also need to coordinate and cooperate to jointly protect the peace of the Southern Border. This Junior wishes to return to the Southern Border to continue guarding the Spiritual Veins and the people there, so as not to fail your expectations.”

Lu Chen looked at the young girl before him, a flicker of approval in his eyes. During this period, Pure Jade's growth had been obvious to all. Not only had her cultivation reached the Late Stage Foundation Establishment, but her state of mind had also become increasingly broad; she had already become a qualified Guardian of the Spiritual Veins. “Saintess Su is very thoughtful. The Southern Border is the region with the most complex Spiritual Veins in the Mortal Realm. With you guarding it, we can also be at ease.”

He took out a Cultivation Technique Jade Slip and handed it to Pure Jade. “This is the ‘Spiritual Vein Guardian Art.’ It will help you communicate better with the Spiritual Veins and enhance your protective power. If you encounter a danger that cannot be resolved, you can activate the source pearl mark within the Jade Slip, and we will arrive to support you immediately.”

Pure Jade took the Jade Slip, her fingertips trembling slightly, her eyes full of gratitude. “Thank you, Immortal Lu! This Junior will certainly not fail the trust. I will guard the Southern Border's Spiritual Veins and its people well. Once the Mortal Realm is completely stable, this Junior will surely go to the Qiling Continent to seek guidance from the Immortals again.”

She took a deep look at Lu Chen, bowed once more to the seven, and then turned resolutely, flying toward the Southern Border. Her figure in green clothes gradually receded in the sunlight, carrying a firm belief and yearning for the future.

Lu Chen watched Pure Jade's departing back, his heart filled with many emotions. The path of protecting the Mortal Realm was never the work of one person, but the result of the collective efforts of countless Guardians like Pure Jade.

Shortly after Pure Jade left, the Soul Suppressing Stele in the center of the square suddenly erupted with a dazzling golden light. The sealing array patterns on the tablet's body gradually faded, and a line of ancient characters emerged. The calligraphy was bold and powerful, radiating faint spatial fluctuations: ‘The passage to the Upper Realm shall open; the Seven Sages must return.’

These characters exploded in everyone's hearts like a thunderclap. The Sect Heads and Elders of the Seven Great Sects stared at the Soul Suppressing Stele in shock, their eyes filled with disbelief. Mysterious Mechanism Master said in a trembling voice, “The Upper Realm passage... is it really going to open? The Mortal Realm and the Qiling Continent are finally going to be reconnected?”

The Seven of Lu Chen exchanged glances, their eyes full of understanding. The Spiritual Qi of the Mortal Realm had recovered, the seventy-two Spiritual Vein nodes were all activated, the Soul Suppressing Stele was repaired, and the Seal was reinforced. All conditions had been met; the opening of the Upper Realm passage was inevitable.

“It seems our mission in the Mortal Realm is about to be completed,” Yu Lan said softly, blue runes flickering in her palm. “After the passage opens, the cultivation Legacy of the Mortal Realm will be connected to the Qiling Continent. The Cultivators here will have the opportunity to go to the Upper Realm to Cultivate, and the Mortal Realm will also welcome new development opportunities.”

Ling Xi added, “But the opening of the passage may also bring new challenges. We need to prepare in advance to ensure the process of intercommunication between the two worlds is smooth and to avoid unnecessary conflicts and hidden dangers.”

Lu Chen nodded, his eyes full of determination. “Protecting the peace of the Mortal Realm and facilitating the intercommunication between the two worlds is our mission. Next, what we must do is assist the Seven Great Sects in preparing for the opening of the passage, while also consolidating the Spiritual Veins and Seals of the Mortal Realm to ensure long-lasting peace here.”

Although the commoners in the square did not understand the meaning of the ‘Upper Realm passage,’ they saw the characters on the Soul Suppressing Stele and the solemn expressions of the seven, and they all quieted down, their eyes full of awe and expectation. They knew that the seven ‘Spirit Masters of Kyushu’ would bring new hope and opportunities to the Mortal Realm.

The characters on the Soul Suppressing Stele gradually faded, and the tablet's body returned to its ancient appearance, yet it radiated an even more majestic protective power and spatial power. The evil energy of the Mortal Realm was thoroughly cleared, the Spiritual Veins were restored, the people lived and worked in peace, and the Legacies of the Seven Great Sects were orderly—a brand new era had arrived.

The Seven of Lu Chen stood before the Soul Suppressing Stele, looking at the harmonious and tranquil scene before them, their hearts full of gratification. From the thin Spiritual Qi when they first entered the Mortal Realm to the abundant Spiritual Veins now; from the threat of the Evil Clan's remnant souls to the current peace of the world; from the Seven Great Sects fighting their own battles to their current unity—the efforts they had put in had finally paid off.

But they also knew that this was not the end. The Upper Realm passage was about to open, a new chapter of intercommunication between the two worlds was about to unfold, and new challenges and opportunities were waiting for them. And the mission of protecting the Mortal Realm would be handed over to the Seven Great Sects and a new generation of Guardians like Pure Jade, a Legacy that would continue forever, endlessly.

As the sun set in the west, golden sunlight spilled over Tianxin Square, over the Soul Suppressing Stele, and over The seven people, forming a warm and sacred halo. The stability of the Mortal Realm was another milestone on their path of protection, and the passage leading to the Qiling Continent was waiting for them to open it. This journey of protection across the Mortal Realm was about to draw to a perfect conclusion, while a new journey was already quietly waiting not far away.