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Inside the quiet room of the observatory, Su Ning was adjusting his state in preparation for seclusion when he suddenly sensed an anomaly coming from the space within his body.

His expression changed, and he immediately flashed into his own spatial world.

Inside the bamboo house in the center of the spatial world, Mo Caihuan lay on the jade couch, her face as pale as paper.

This woman, once as radiant as a flower, now has white hair and a withered face, her life flickering like a candle in the wind.

Upon seeing Su Ning appear, her cloudy eyes brightened slightly: "Brother Su...you've come."

“Caihuan!” Su Ning quickly stepped forward and grasped her withered hand.

A quick scan with his divine sense sent a shiver down his spine...

The life force of the Ink Ring has been exhausted, and it has at most seven days left to live.

Mo Caihuan seemed to see through his thoughts and gently shook her head: "There's no need to be sad. The lifespan of mortals is no more than a hundred years. I have already lived to be eighty years old, which is considered a long life."

She paused, a hint of expectation flashing in her eyes, "But... I have a favor to ask."

"Go ahead," Su Ning said, her voice a little hoarse.

"I want to see the real world of cultivation." Mo Caihuan struggled to sit up. "I've spent most of my life in the spatial world. Although it's peaceful, it's like being a frog at the bottom of a well... Before I die, I want to see how vast the world you live in is."

Suning paused for a moment, then nodded emphatically: "Okay."

He took out his treasured "Longevity Pill," which, although unable to reverse life and death, could at least lessen her suffering in her final days.

After taking the elixir, Mo Caihuan's complexion improved slightly, and she was at least able to walk with difficulty.

Before leaving the spatial world, Su Ning put a specially made shape-shifting jade pendant on her, which could temporarily change her appearance and age.

Otherwise, the sudden appearance of an ordinary old woman in Tianxing City would inevitably attract attention.

On the most bustling "Star Radiance Avenue" in Tianxing City, Mo Cai looked around at the towering pavilions and cultivators flying in the air on their swords, his eyes filled with amazement.

She has now transformed into a woman in her thirties, wearing a light purple dress, and her former beauty is still faintly visible.

“This place…is even more magnificent than I imagined.” She looked up at the twelve towers in the center of Tianxing City, where spiritual light swirled, making it seem like a fairyland.

Su Ning gently helped her up: "There's a restaurant called 'Drunken Immortal Pavilion' up ahead. Their spiritual cuisine is quite good."

In a private room on the third floor of Zuixianlou, Mo Caihuan carefully savored the "jade liquor" in front of her.

This is a divine brew made from seven kinds of spiritual fruits; mortals who drink it can prolong their lives.

Her eyes lit up: "It's so delicious! It's even more fragrant and pure than the osmanthus wine from Huangfeng Valley back then."

Looking at her smile, Su Ning felt a pang of sadness in her heart.

He knew that this might be the first and last time Mo Caihuan would taste the delicacies of the cultivation world.

"Do you regret it?"

"No regrets! You gave me unexpected happiness, and I am truly content with my life."

Why are you unwilling to possess someone else's body?

"It's simple! I don't want to become like my father."

"..."

Over the next few days, Su Ning took Mo Caihuan and traveled all over Tianxing City.

They went to the "Myriad Phenomena Pavilion," which sells all sorts of rare and exotic treasures. Mo Caihuan was captivated by the musical instruments that could play automatically. They also went to the "Hundred Beasts Garden," where spirit beasts were tamed. She personally stroked a pure white spirit fox. They even secretly sneaked into an auction for Foundation Establishment cultivators and witnessed the extravagant spending of tens of thousands of spirit stones.

On the morning of the fifth day, Mo Caihuan suddenly said she wanted to go to the beach.

Su Ning used his sword to take her to a secluded beach outside Tianxing City.

As the sun rises, the sea glistens with golden light, a breathtaking sight.

"Brother Su, why do you think mortals all want to cultivate immortality?" Mo Caihuan asked suddenly, gazing at the endless sea.

Su Ning was taken aback: "For longevity, for control of one's own destiny, for... to avoid being bullied by others."

Mo Caihuan gently shook her head: "But I think a hundred years of life is enough. Like now, watching the sunrise and sunset, feeling the wind and waves, having close friends by my side... that's happiness enough."

She turned to look at Su Ning, "Do cultivators who live for thousands or tens of thousands of years really understand happiness better than mortals?"

This question has given Suning pause for thought.

After cultivating for over two hundred years, he did indeed possess the power to move mountains and overturn seas, but happiness...

It seems like it's been a long time since I've truly experienced that.

"Caihuan, perhaps you are right."

On the sixth day, Mo Caihuan's health suddenly deteriorated.

Even the Longevity Pill couldn't suppress the loss of her life force; she reverted to her old woman form, finding it difficult even to stand.

Su Ning took her back to the spatial world, where the spiritual energy was gentle and she would feel more comfortable.

Inside the bamboo house, Mo Caihuan lay on the couch, her breath faint.

Outside the window are wisteria flowers that Suning planted for her. They are in full bloom, with purple flower clusters hanging down like a waterfall.

“Brother Su… thank you.” Mo Caihuan raised her hand with difficulty and grasped Su Ning’s fingers. “Thank you for letting me see such a beautiful world… and thank you for always treating me as the Mo Caihuan I was back then…”

Suning's throat tightened, and he couldn't speak.

He recalled the gentle and refined young girl he first met at Yanjiabao, her stubborn desire to follow him in cultivating immortality, and her helplessness and pain when she discovered that she couldn't cultivate immortality without spiritual roots...

More than sixty years have passed, but it all seems like yesterday.

"The luckiest thing in my life... is meeting you." Mo Caihuan's voice grew softer and softer, "I don't envy immortality... I only envy true love..."

Her hand suddenly fell to her sides, the last tear slid down her cheek, but a peaceful smile remained on her lips.

A gust of wind blew through the window, and wisteria petals fluttered into the room, landing on her like a purple snowfall.

Su Ning sat there quietly, without moving.

He felt something inside him shatter, and something else quietly taking root.

The golden elixir trembled slightly within the dantian, and the golden patterns on its surface began to slowly change, evolving into more complex designs...

This is a sign that Suning has entered a state of sudden enlightenment.

After three days of mourning, Su Ning buried Mo Caihuan in the most beautiful valley in the Taixu Realm.

A blank jade tablet stands in front of the grave, surrounded by wisteria flowers.

He didn't carve any words because he knew it wasn't necessary.

Mo Caihuan's life is etched deep in his memory and will never fade.

"Su Mo, Su Ran, would you be willing to go to the Chaotic Star Sea to cultivate?"

“Father, we know you still have important things to do. If we go to the Chaotic Star Sea now, we will only become a burden to you.”

"That's good! Once I obtain the Void Heaven Palace, that will be the day our Su clan rises to prominence."

"Yes, Father, I will definitely continue to cultivate diligently."

"Alright! Then let's show this world to your mother."

Before leaving the spatial world, Su Ning took one last look at the lonely grave.

In a daze, he seemed to see the quiet girl smiling back at him from among the flowers, just like the first time they met.

"The difference between immortals and mortals... Is this the ruthlessness of the Heavenly Dao?" Su Ning looked up at the sky, a resolute glint in his eyes. "One day, I will see if there is truly eternity above the Heavenly Dao."

……

Back at the observatory, Su Ning asked Jin Kui for permission to go into seclusion for an extended period.

Jin Kui noticed the change in his disciple's state of mind, but did not ask any further questions. He simply gave him a bottle of "Star God Pills," a precious elixir to aid in breaking through to the Nascent Soul realm.

Inside the secluded room, Suning retrieved all the preparations.

Star God Pill, Star Marrow Jade, Starlight Dew, God-Slaying Spear...

And that Void Crystal obtained from the auction.

He had three things to accomplish during his seclusion: break through to the False Infant Realm, completely refine the God-Slaying Spear, and fuse the Great Wilderness Seal with the Void Crystal.

"I must reach the Great Perfection of Core Formation before the Void Heaven Palace opens," Su Ning muttered to himself.

Mo Caihuan's departure made him realize even more that on this path of cultivation, one must either advance or retreat, or die.

Sitting cross-legged, Su Ning began to circulate the "Great Wilderness Technique" and the "Star Origin Scripture".

The two exercises operate simultaneously, creating a wondrous cycle within the body.

The Star Palace Technique is moderate and peaceful, while the Great Wilderness Technique is domineering and fierce. The two complement each other perfectly.

Moreover, the Star Element Scripture actually uses star power as its energy carrier, giving Su Ning the feeling of a vast and boundless starry sky.

As his cultivation deepened, Su Ning gradually entered a profound state.

He seemed to see his golden core slowly changing, its surface adorned with interwoven golden patterns, while a tiny vortex began to form inside...

This marks the beginning of the Golden Core transformation and a sign of advancement in one's cultivation level.

Cultivation knows no time; in the blink of an eye, fifty-eight years have passed.

On this day, dark clouds suddenly filled the sky above the observatory, and streaks of lightning flashed through the clouds.

Jin Kui looked up at the sky, his face beaming with joy: "When the elixir is shed and the infant is formed, celestial phenomena naturally arise. This kid has actually touched the threshold of the false infant!"

Inside the secluded training room, Su Ning was surrounded by dazzling starlight, with the Great Wilderness Seal and the God-Slaying Spear floating above his head, connected by strands of golden threads.

His golden core had grown larger than it had been two years ago, its surface covered with intricate patterns and its internal vortex clearly visible.

"Not enough..." Su Ning opened his eyes, took out a Star God Pill and swallowed it.

The elixir entered the stomach and transformed into surging spiritual energy that rushed into the dantian.

The golden core trembled violently, and the patterns on its surface began to extend inward, gradually merging with the vortex.

This is a painful and lengthy process.

Each line of the pattern extended as if cut by a knife, but Suning remained unfazed.

The image of Mo Caihuan's passing flashed through his mind, and the pain of helplessness was a thousand times, ten thousand times more intense than this.

"The False Infant Realm is complete!"

With a low shout, the golden core within Su Ning shone brightly, and all the patterns on its surface finally connected completely with the internal vortex.

An aura far exceeding that of the late-stage Core Formation realm swept out, causing even the restrictions in the secluded cultivation room to tremble.

The False Infant Realm has been achieved!
Su Ning stood up and reached out to grasp the God-Slaying Spear.

This time, the gun no longer resisted, but instead emitted a cheerful hum.

After two years of nurturing, he finally refined this ancient magic weapon completely.

“It’s time to emerge from seclusion.” Su Ning looked towards the direction of the Void Heaven Palace, his eyes gleaming. “It’s time to meet the various prodigies of the Chaotic Star Sea.”

The God-Slaying Spear seemed to sense its master's fighting spirit, and a flash of blood-red light appeared at its tip.

……

The vortex of spiritual energy above the Star Palace Observatory lasted for three whole days before gradually dissipating.

Jin Kui stood with his hands behind his back on the cloud, his eyes filled with a mixture of relief and solemnity.

After fifty-eight years of seclusion, his disciple actually broke through to the Great Perfection of the Core Formation stage in one fell swoop. Such talent is rare even in the thousand-year history of the Chaotic Star Sea.

The door to the secluded cultivation chamber slowly opened, and Su Ning stepped out. Compared to before his seclusion, his aura was more restrained, yet every gesture exuded a chilling pressure…

This is the unique spiritual pressure of a pseudo-infant cultivator, somewhere between the Core Formation and Nascent Soul stages.

"Disciple Su Ning greets Master." Su Ning bowed respectfully, his voice deep and steady.

Jin Kui swept his divine sense over the area and couldn't help but nod in approval.

The golden core within Su Ning's body has undergone a qualitative change, its surface covered with profound Dao patterns, and a small infant-shaped phantom can be vaguely seen inside, which is the mark of the pseudo-infant realm.

"Good! Good! Good!" Jin Kui exclaimed three times, his white beard flying. "He broke through to the Nascent Soul stage in fifty-eight years, which is ten years faster than I did back then!"

Su Ning humbly replied, "It's all thanks to my master's guidance."

Jin Kui waved his hand: "No need to be so modest. I know the dangers of cultivating the Great Wilderness Technique and the Star Origin Scripture at the same time. You have come this far because of your talent, perseverance, and good fortune."

He changed the subject, "However, the situation in the Star Palace is not good right now, so your emergence from seclusion is timely."

The master and apprentice arrived at the main hall of the Star Gazing Platform. Jin Kui waved his hand to set up a soundproof barrier before explaining the current situation in detail.

It turns out that during Suning's shutdown, the situation at Luanxinghai changed drastically.

Led by "Six Paths Supreme Saint" and Wan Sangu, several forces formed the "Rebellious Star Alliance," openly rebelling against the rule of the Star Palace.

Even more problematic is the evidence that the alien sirens are secretly supporting the Reverse Star Alliance, providing them with a wealth of resources and secret techniques.

"In the thirty-seven years of bloody war, my Star Palace has lost six Core Formation cultivators and more than a hundred Foundation Establishment disciples." Jin Kui's face was gloomy. "What is most hateful is that the Extreme Yin Island is two-faced. On the surface, it supports the Star Palace, but in secret it is colluding with the Reverse Star Alliance."

A cold glint flashed in Su Ning's eyes: "What does Master need me to do?"

“Three things.” Jin Kui held up three fingers. “First, come with me to Jiyin Island in three days to give the old ghost Jiyin a warning; second, lead a team to wipe out the Reverse Star Alliance’s stronghold in the Falling Star Strait; third, the Void Heaven Palace is about to open, and you will represent the Star Palace to enter it and find the Star Palace’s lost ‘Zhou Tian Star Chart’.”

Upon hearing the phrase "Zhou Tian Xing Dou Tu" (a Chinese idiom referring to a celestial constellation), Su Ning felt a slight stirring in his heart.

He had seen this treasure recorded in the Star Palace's books; it was said to be compatible with the "Star Origin Scripture" and could greatly increase cultivation speed.

More importantly, the secret of the Star Palace Technique is hidden in the picture.

"Yes, Master."

……

Three days later, dark clouds covered the sky above Jiyin Island.

Jin Kui stood on a nebula, with Su Ning standing beside him. The master and disciple swaggered over to the "Yin Sha Palace," the core area of ​​the Extreme Yin Island.

The protective array of Jiyin Island was as fragile as paper in Jin Kui's eyes, which shows how powerful the peak of the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm is.

"Old ghost of extreme yin, come out and show yourself!" Jin Kui's voice was not loud, but it resounded throughout the entire island like thunder.

The disciples of Jiyin Island below were thrown into chaos, and the island's protective formation was activated instantly, filling the air with black mist.

However, Jin Kui merely snorted coldly, and a star-like pearl flew out from his sleeve, emitting countless rays of light that dispelled most of the black mist.

"Jin Kui! You've gone too far!" A cold voice came from the hall, followed by a burst of black light that transformed into an old man in black robes.

This person had a gaunt face, sunken eyes, and was surrounded by a chilling aura...

It was none other than the Extreme Yin Ancestor, with a peak early-stage Nascent Soul cultivation.

Jin Kui showed no fear, but instead stepped forward: "Ji Yin, today I have only come to ask one question—which side does Ji Yin Island stand on?"

The Yin Ancestor gave a sinister smile: "What makes you say such a thing, Fellow Daoist Jin? My Yin Island has always maintained good relations with the Star Palace..."

Before he could finish speaking, Jin Kui suddenly made his move.

Without him making any move, seven dazzling stars suddenly condensed in the air, forming the shape of the Big Dipper and pressing down on the Yin Ancestor.

This strike was as fast as lightning, and the stellar power it contained caused the seawater within a ten-mile radius to boil.

The Yin Ancestor was greatly alarmed and hurriedly summoned a black banner to defend himself.

The stars collided with the black banner, unleashing a deafening roar.

The Yin Ancestor retreated three steps, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, while Jin Kui remained unmoved, clearly demonstrating the difference in their abilities.

"You...you actually broke through to the peak of the mid-Nascent Soul stage?" the Extreme Yin Ancestor exclaimed in shock.

Jin Kui did not answer, but coldly said: "Swear a blood oath to fully support the Star Palace in its fight against the Reverse Star Alliance, or the Extreme Yin Island will change hands today!"

Suning watched with great excitement.

This is the power of a Nascent Soul cultivator; a single word can determine the survival of a force.

He secretly compared himself to a true Nascent Soul cultivator, realizing that although he had reached the False Infant stage, he was still quite far from being a true Nascent Soul cultivator.

Faced with overwhelming power, the Yin Ancestor finally yielded.

Then, in a humiliating act, he bit his tongue and swore an oath to the Heavenly Dao with his life essence, promising that the Extreme Yin Island would fully support the Star Palace and have no other intentions.

After leaving Jiyin Island, Jin Kui said to Su Ning, "Do you see? In the cultivation world, strength is ultimately paramount. Although you have reached the Nascent Soul stage, you cannot be considered a true great cultivator until you have formed your Nascent Soul."

Su Ning wholeheartedly agreed: "This disciple understands."

"Next, you will report to the 'Tianxuan Fortress'." Jin Kui took out a jade slip. "There you will find my Star Palace's elite 'Tianxuan Battle Team'. You will lead the team to wipe out the Reverse Star Alliance's stronghold in the Falling Star Strait. Remember, life-or-death battles are the best way to solidify your realm."

"Yes, Master."

……

Three days later, at Tianxuan Fortress.

This military fortress, located at the junction of the Inner Star Sea and the Outer Star Sea, is currently shrouded in a tense atmosphere.

Inside the central council hall of the fortress, seven Core Formation cultivators stood solemnly on both sides, awaiting the arrival of the new captain.

When Suning stepped across the threshold, everyone's expressions were different.

Some were surprised by his youth, some doubted his strength, but most were in awe of the "Star Palace True Inheritance" token at his waist.

"Mo Juren, by order of the Grand Elder, has taken over the Tianxuan Battle Team." Su Ning revealed the Golden Kui token, his voice calm yet unquestionable.

An elder in the mid-stage of Core Formation frowned and said, "Although Fellow Daoist Mo is a true disciple, the situation in the Falling Star Strait is complex, and the Reverse Star Alliance has three late-stage Core Formation cultivators overseeing it..."

Before the words were even finished, a terrifying spiritual pressure suddenly enveloped the entire council hall.

Everyone felt their breath catch in their throats, as if an invisible hand was gripping their throats.

The old man turned deathly pale and staggered back three steps before regaining his balance.

"Now, does anyone still have questions?" Su Ning withdrew his spiritual pressure and asked calmly.

There was silence in the hall.

The spiritual pressure just now clearly reached the level of a nascent infant!

Such cultivation level would place them among the top combatants in the entire Star Palace.

"We will obey Captain Mo's orders!" the seven Core Formation cultivators replied in unison.

At dawn the next day, the Tianxuan team quietly left the fortress and headed towards the Falling Star Strait.

Suning stood at the bow of the flagship ship, the sea breeze ruffling his robes.

He was toying with a jade slip in his hand, inside which was a secret message Jin Kui had given him before his departure...

The gathering of the Reverse Star Alliance in the Falling Star Strait is suspected to be related to the key to the Void Heaven Palace.

"Report! A patrol fleet of the Reverse Star Alliance has been spotted ahead!" A Foundation Establishment disciple came to report.

A glint of light flashed in Su Ning's eyes: "Proceed according to plan."

Half an hour later, a fierce battle broke out in the Falling Star Strait.

The Tianxuan team split into three groups and launched a surprise attack on the Reverse Star Alliance stronghold from different directions.

Su Ning personally led the main force to attack the central camp, where three late-stage Core Formation cultivators from the Reverse Star Alliance were stationed.

On the sea, flashes of light and continuous roars filled the air.

The Star Palace cultivators were well-trained and quickly gained the upper hand.

Just then, three powerful auras soared into the sky from the Reverse Star Alliance camp.

"You lackeys of the Star Palace, prepare to die!" The leading red-robed elder roared, summoning a crimson flying sword to slash at Su Ning.

This person is a hall master of the Reverse Star Alliance, known as "Crimson Flame True Man," with a peak late-stage Core Formation cultivation level. He once killed two Core Formation cultivators from the Star Palace.

Faced with the fierce sword strike, Su Ning neither dodged nor avoided it, but simply raised his right hand slightly.

The Great Wilderness Seal appeared out of thin air, transforming into a ten-zhang-long golden seal that blocked his way.

"clang!"

The crimson flying sword struck the golden seal, producing a deafening roar.

To the astonishment of True Immortal Crimson Flame, his full-force attack failed to budge the golden seal in the slightest!

"My turn," Su Ning said coldly, as the God-Slaying Spear suddenly appeared in his hand.

The gun was jet black, with blood-red patterns that seemed to writhe like living creatures, radiating a chilling and malevolent aura.

"A God-Slaying Shot!"

Suning moved with lightning speed, instantly covering a distance of over 100 feet.

When the God-Slaying Spear was thrust out, tiny cracks appeared in the space at the tip of the spear!
The crimson shield that the Crimson Flame Immortal hastily conjured was as fragile as paper and was pierced through by a single spear thrust.

"No!" Crimson Flame True Man only had time to let out a scream before a bowl-sized hole was pierced in his chest.

Even more terrifying, the flesh at the wound site withered rapidly, as if some force had devoured its life force.

This is the terrifying aspect of the God-Slaying Spear: it can absorb a cultivator's essence, blood, dantian, and soul to grow stronger.

The other two late-stage Core Formation cultivators were terrified upon seeing this and turned to flee.

Su Ning snorted coldly, and the Great Wilderness Seal pressed down from the sky, slowing the two of them down by 30%.

It was this 30% gap that allowed Su Ning to catch up with them. The God-Slaying Spear was like the Grim Reaper's scythe, taking the lives of two more late-stage Core Formation cultivators!

With their commander dead, the Reverse Star Alliance cultivators were immediately routed.

The Star Palace achieved a great victory in this battle, killing five Core Formation cultivators and dozens of Foundation Establishment cultivators, while only injuring three of their own.

When Su Ning returned to Tianxuan Fortress carrying the head of the Crimson Flame True Man, all the Star Palace cultivators looked at him with awe.

He single-handedly killed three late-stage Core Formation cultivators, including the renowned Crimson Flame True Man. Such a feat was enough to shake the entire Chaotic Star Sea.

When the news reached the Star Palace, Grand Elder Jin Kui was overjoyed and personally sent a message to commend him.

But what concerned Su Ning even more was another passage in the message: "The Void Heaven Palace will open in three days. Return immediately. The Zhou Tian Star Chart is of utmost importance; you must obtain it."

Standing atop the fortress, Su Ning gazed toward the Star Palace.

The God-Slaying Spear trembled slightly in his hand, as if sensing the fighting spirit in his heart.

The Void Heaven Palace, this mysterious ancient ruin that Su Ning has always longed for, is finally about to unveil its mystery.

"The opportunity to form a Nascent Soul, the secrets of the cultivation technique, and... the Void Heaven Palace space." Su Ning murmured to himself, "This time, I'm going to get my hands on them all."

The sea breeze blew, lifting his robes.

The powerful aura of the fake infant cultivator was inadvertently revealed, startling the nearby seabirds into scattering and fleeing.

The blood of the Falling Star Strait has not yet dried, but an even greater storm is already brewing.

...(End of chapter)