The ruins of Zhang Xinglang reveal the beginnings of undercurrents.

His feet trod the Star Corridor, his body suspended in the boundless Void Realm.

Nightmare retracted all his aura, moving quickly and cautiously along the ruined corridor like a fleeting shadow. The perception brought by the rule fragment was magnified to the extreme, carefully probing everything ahead.

The Star Spiritual Qi here was so dense it was nearly solidified, yet it was mixed with a dead, chaotic energy turbulence, as well as... an extremely obscure, unsettling dark aura. Massive wreckage floating in the Void Realm cast huge shadows, the alternating light and darkness adding to the sense of strangeness.

The corridor was not intact, frequently featuring massive breaks, below which lay the bottomless Dark Void Realm. Nightmare occasionally had to fly to cross these chasms. The rule fragment vibrated slightly, allowing him to precisely borrow strength from small floating debris in the Void Realm, moving silently like lightning.

During his flight, he occasionally saw traces of battle remaining on some wreckage—massive claw marks, crystal walls melted by terrifying power, and fragments of Magic Treasures that had long lost their luster and were badly shattered. Everything indicated that an unimaginably tragic great war had once taken place here.

The summoning sensation transmitted by the rule fragment consistently pointed in one direction; it seemed to be the core area of this shattered starry sky.

Suddenly, the rule fragment transmitted a faint warning!

Nightmare's body suddenly halted, silently landing behind a massive, leaning stone pillar in the corridor, completely merging into the shadows.

Almost the instant after he hid, a subtle, teeth-grinding friction sound, along with a low, murmuring whisper as if from countless people dreaming, came from the shadows of a palace ruin not far ahead.

Immediately after, a bizarre creature—twisted, translucent, seemingly condensed from shadows and negative emotions—slowly “flowed” out of the darkness.

It had no fixed form, constantly shifting, sometimes extending countless tentacles, sometimes revealing twisted, suffering human faces. Wherever it passed, even the starlight seemed to be swallowed by it, exuding an aura of coldness, despair, and hatred.

“Star Evil Remnant Soul?” Nightmare's gaze sharpened.

The rule fragment immediately fed back information: this was a bizarre existence formed by the fragments of ancient powerful beings' remnant souls, mixed with the accumulated Star Evil Qi, Death Qi, and resentment of this place, having mutated over long ages. It possessed no sentience, only the instinct to devour the essence blood, Qi, and Divine Souls of living beings. It was extremely troublesome, physical attacks were minimally effective, and it was especially skilled at eroding the Divine Soul.

The mass of Star Evil Remnant Soul seemed to sense something, hovering in place for a moment. The countless twisted faces “looked” toward Nightmare's hiding spot, emitting a more rapid and piercing whisper, then slowly drifted over.

Nightmare's eyes were cold. He did not want to alert the enemy at this moment, but this thing had clearly discovered him.

Just as he was about to use the Power of Annihilation to swiftly destroy it, the rule fragment transmitted information again, actively sending out a peculiar wave—a Star Power pressure carrying a vast, ancient, and supreme authority.

Nightmare's mind stirred, and he immediately simulated this fluctuation, enveloping himself.

The Star Evil Remnant Soul that was drifting over suddenly paused, its twisted body trembling violently. The suffering faces actually showed personified fear, emitting a silent shriek. Then, as if encountering its nemesis, it abruptly shrank back into the shadows behind it and disappeared.

“It works, just as expected.” Nightmare understood. The rank of the rule fragment was far higher than these monsters mutated from the residual power of the Star Palace, and the simulated Star Power Pressure was enough to deter them.

Having resolved this minor interruption, Nightmare continued forward. Along the next section of the path, he encountered a few more similar Star Evil Remnant Souls, and even some skeletal creatures whose Killing Instinct was all that remained after being corroded by Evil Qi. All were startled away or easily destroyed by the pressure simulated by the rule fragment.

He also found some valuable remnants in the ruined palaces—several crystalline stones containing pure Star Power, a strange small grass growing on broken walls and absorbing starlight, and even a fragmented jade pendant engraved with profound star patterns found beneath the skeleton of a huge, unknown creature.

The gains were not significant, but they confirmed that Opportunities were indeed buried here.

The deeper he went, the relatively more intact the surrounding ruins were, and the sense of summoning became clearer. At the same time, the rule fragment began to feed back another type of fluctuation—not from the ruins themselves, but... traces of Cultivator activity!

Someone had already entered this area before him, and it wasn't just one group!

Nightmare became even more cautious, utilizing his Stealth Technique to the extreme.

After passing through a debris field composed of massive shattered stars, a relatively intact giant platform appeared ahead. The platform was cast from a dark gold metal and inscribed with complex star patterns. Although covered in scars, its extraordinary nature could still be felt.

At the edge of the platform, several figures were already facing off.

On one side were three Cultivators, wearing unified azure blue robes embroidered with wave patterns on the sleeves. All were Late Nascent Soul Stage, and the leader had reached Early Spirit Transformation Stage. They were surrounding a withered skeleton leaning against the edge of the platform. The skeleton wore a severely damaged Star Light Robe, and a sapphire blue ring was on its finger, emitting a strong water-element Spiritual Light, clearly indicating it was no ordinary item.

On the other side were two Cultivators. One was a tall, thin, gloomy-faced old man, Early Spirit Transformation Stage Cultivation, holding a black banner that exuded dense Yin Qi. The other was a short, plump middle-aged man with a perpetually smiling face, also Early Spirit Transformation Stage, holding a golden abacus Magic Treasure.

Lying on the ground between the two groups was another Cultivator, whose heart had been pierced. He was dead, and judging by his attire, he appeared to be a Loose Cultivator.

“Friends of the Azure Wave Pavilion, those who see it share a portion. This ‘Vast Sea Ring’ is an ancient treasure. It's probably inappropriate for you to try and swallow it whole, isn't it?” the short, plump Cultivator said with a smile, though there was no humor in his eyes, only calculation.

“Nonsense! We found this remains first! Qian Jizi, and you, Poison Elder, don't think we don't know what you're planning! If you want to steal it, just say so!” the Early Spirit Transformation Stage Elder from the Azure Wave Pavilion roared nervously. They had a numerical advantage of three against two, but the opponents were two notorious Deity Transformation Cultivator Loose Cultivators with ruthless methods. If they truly fought, the Azure Wave Pavilion might not come out ahead.

The gloomy old man, referred to as Poison Elder, let out a strange, cackling laugh: “Hehe, treasures in the Cultivation World have always belonged to the virtuous. Is the Azure Wave Pavilion not afraid of choking on its own excessive appetite?” The Black Banner in his hand moved without wind, emitting a nauseating stench.

Both sides were at loggerheads, the atmosphere strained to the extreme, ready for a fight at any moment.

Nightmare watched coldly from behind a massive floating boulder in the distance. The Vast Sea Ring was indeed good, but it wasn't worth exposing himself for now. His goal was whatever the rule fragment sensed in the deepest part of the ruins.

However, just as both sides were about to strike—

Whoosh! Whoosh, whoosh!

Several sounds of rushing wind came from another direction!

Money Maple and the withered old man, along with two other Heavenly Derivation City Deity Transformation Cultivators who had joined them at some point, landed together on the platform.

Money Maple still maintained his amiable, business-like appearance, chuckling, “Fellow Daoists, why damage harmony over external possessions? This place is full of dangers; we should be helping each other through thick and thin.”

His appearance instantly made the already tense situation far more complicated.

The Azure Wave Pavilion Elder, Poison Elder, and Qian Jizi all subtly changed their expressions. They clearly recognized this Manager from the Myriad Treasures Tower, knowing his profound background and extraordinary methods. The silent, withered old man beside him gave off an even deeper, unfathomable sense of danger.

“Is Manager Money also getting involved?” the Azure Wave Pavilion Elder asked in a deep voice.

Money Maple smiled, yet his gaze seemingly unintentionally swept past Nightmare's hiding direction. He then looked at the skeleton and the Vast Sea Ring, saying, “Not at all, not at all. I merely feel that since the remains of the owner are here, it would be disrespectful for us juniors to rashly fight over them and disturb the Senior's rest. Why don't we first properly inter the remains? As for the ring... perhaps we can jointly safeguard it for now and discuss its ownership after leaving the ruins. How about that?”

His words sounded high-minded, but in reality, he just wanted to control the item first.

Poison Elder and Qian Jizi sneered, clearly disbelieving him. The three from the Azure Wave Pavilion also looked hesitant.

While the few people were bickering, no one noticed that an extremely faint, almost imperceptible ghostly light flashed in the empty eye sockets of the withered skeleton at the edge of the platform.

However, Nightmare's rule fragment keenly captured an extremely obscure Mental Fluctuation emanating from the skeleton's skull!

That fluctuation carried an intent to bewitch and provoke, subtly influencing the emotions of everyone on the platform, amplifying their greed and Murderous Intent!

“Something's wrong!” Nightmare's pupils contracted.

This skeleton is strange! It's not a simple remains!

Almost simultaneously with the rule fragment issuing its warning, a sudden change occurred!

The withered skeleton suddenly lifted its head, and two clusters of ghastly green Ghost Fire erupted in its eye sockets! Its dried finger shot up and, with unbelievable speed, plunged directly into the back of the heart of the closest Azure Wave Pavilion Nascent Soul Disciple!

Pfft!

The Disciple didn't even have time to react. His Protective Spiritual Light was pierced like paper mache, and his entire body's essence blood was instantly sucked dry, turning him into a dried corpse that fell to the ground!

“Senior Brother!”

“Be careful!”

The change happened too fast! Everyone was stunned by the sudden attack!

The skeleton let out a sharp, ear-piercing shriek, and monstrous Yin Evil Ghost Qi erupted around it. Its strength instantly soared to roughly Mid-stage Dao Replenishing! It snatched the Vast Sea Ring off its finger, swallowed it whole, and then transformed into a ghost shadow, pouncing on the nearest Qian Jizi!

“Damn it! It's a Corpse Specter! This skeleton has been possessed by a powerful vengeful soul!” Poison Elder, being knowledgeable, cried out in horror, violently shaking the Black Banner, releasing rolling toxic mist to cover the Corpse Specter.

Qian Jizi was also scared Soul Flying Away and Spirit Scattering. He violently plucked the Golden Abacus in his hand, sending countless golden beads shooting toward the Corpse Specter like a torrential rain.

The Azure Wave Pavilion Elder, Money Maple, and the others also reacted quickly and immediately launched their attacks!

Instantly, Magic Treasure lights flashed wildly on the platform, loud booming sounds erupted, and chaos ensued!

The Corpse Specter was exceptionally powerful. Surrounded by dense Ghost Qi, it withstood several attacks. As its sharp claws swiped, Yin Wind howled, tearing apart the toxic mist and even crushing several golden abacus beads!

It seemed to possess no reason, relying only on Killing Instinct, but its fighting style was extremely fierce. For a time, it fought fiercely against several Deity Transformation Cultivators and Nascent Soul Cultivators, with neither side gaining the upper hand!

Nightmare watched the melee below with cold eyes, having no intention of interfering. His gaze swept past the battlefield toward the back of the platform. There was a wider Star Light Grand Road leading deeper into the ruins.

The summoning sensation of the rule fragment came precisely from that direction, and due to the commotion on the platform, it seemed to have become clearer.

When the snipe and the clam fight, The Fisherman profits. He had no interest in being the snipe or the clam.

Taking advantage of everyone below being distracted by the suddenly animated skeleton, Nightmare's figure moved like a wisp of smoke, silently bypassing the platform, stepping onto the deeper Star Road, and quickly moving away.

The booming and shrieking sounds behind him gradually diminished until they vanished.

The starlight ahead gradually dimmed, the Void Realm became deeper, and the floating wreckage grew increasingly massive, some even resembling small continents. A more ancient, more oppressive aura permeated the area.

The resonance of the rule fragment reached an unprecedented intensity, even causing Nightmare's blood to slightly heat up.

He felt that he was approaching the true core of the Star Palace Ruins.

Finally, after passing through a Metallic Graveyard stretching unknown miles, composed of countless broken weapons and armor, the scene before him suddenly opened up.

A palace, impossibly huge, floated in the very center of the Void Realm.

It was not completely intact; nearly half of the palace walls had collapsed, and the massive palace gates were long shattered, revealing the profound darkness within. Yet, even so, it still exuded a boundless, majestic, and inviolable aura! Its scale far surpassed all the wreckage seen before, as if it once ruled this starry sky!

The main body of the palace was cast from a dark blue Divine Metal, inlaid with countless Star Gems that had long dimmed, outlining a vast star chart. Although ruined, one could still imagine its former glory and magnificence when intact!

This was the source of the summoning! The rule fragment vibrated here with exceptional joy, like a wanderer returning home!

Nightmare took a deep breath, suppressing the excitement in his heart, and his gaze fell upon the shattered palace gates.

It was not empty.

A figure stood quietly there, his back to Nightmare, gazing up at the magnificent, ruined palace.

The person wore a simple green robe, his figure tall and straight. No powerful Magical Energy Fluctuation emanated from him, yet he seemed to merge completely with this ancient starry sky.

He seemed to have arrived long ago, as if he had been waiting there all this time.

Nightmare stopped walking, his eyes instantly becoming incredibly sharp and vigilant.

The rule fragment sensed an extremely complex aura emanating from that person—ancient, profound, and peaceful, yet carrying a hint of unspeakable... sorrow.

The person seemed to notice Nightmare's arrival and slowly turned around.

It was a face that looked young but held endless vicissitudes. His eyes seemed to contain the entire starry sky, bright and wise. His gaze landed on Nightmare, flashing with a hint of surprise before settling into understanding and faint relief.

He smiled slightly, his voice gentle, yet it seemed to traverse eons of time:

“You have arrived.”

“Faster than I anticipated.”