Projection of the Heavens: I prove my immortality through slaughter.

The Starfall Arena organizing committee was very efficient, or rather, Lin Xuan's fearsome reputation as the "Black-Robed God of Death" had an effect. The day after the finals ended, a special person respectfully delivered the rewards for the competition to Lin Xuan's cave in the Star Origin District.

The newcomer was an elderly man dressed in the attire of a Star Tower steward. He was at the mid-Foundation Establishment stage and his attitude was humble, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible reverence. He held in his hands a jade box meticulously carved from ten-thousand-year-old cold jade. Fine dewdrops condensed on the surface of the jade box, which emanated extremely pure star power and an icy aura.

"Fellow Daoist Lin Xuan, congratulations on winning the championship. This is ten drops of Star Essence Liquid, please examine it." The old man handed over the jade box, his voice steady, but he dared not meet Lin Xuan's gaze.

Lin Xuan took the jade box, which was icy cold to the touch. He probed it slightly with his divine sense. Inside the jade box, ten drops of liquid, like liquid stars, were quietly suspended. Each drop emitted a dazzling starlight. Inside, it seemed as if countless miniature nebulae were slowly rotating. The pure and powerful energy fluctuations could be clearly felt even through the cold jade box.

It's confirmed to be Star Essence Liquid, and of excellent quality.

"Thank you for your trouble." Lin Xuan nodded lightly and put the jade box away.

Seeing this, the old man seemed relieved and added, "According to tradition, the champion of the arena competition also receives the qualification to enter the 'Star Tower Secret Realm' for three days of cultivation. I wonder when Fellow Daoist Lin Xuan plans to use it?"

"No rush, let me finish up the trivial matters at hand." Lin Xuan did not make a decision immediately. Although cultivation in the secret realm was good, he had just broken through to the late stage of Foundation Establishment and had fought a series of battles. He needed time to calm down. More importantly, he felt that he seemed to be watched by too many eyes. It would not be wise to enter the secret realm rashly.

"Yes, fellow Daoist, you may go to the Star Tower at any time with your identity token to handle this." The old man respectfully agreed, said no more, bowed, and left quickly, as if staying even a moment longer would be an immense burden.

After seeing the steward off, Lin Xuan returned to his quiet room and reactivated the cave's array. He sat cross-legged, took out the cold jade box again, and opened the lid.

In an instant, the entire quiet room was illuminated by rich starlight, and pure stellar energy permeated the air, making one feel as if they were in an endless starry sky. Just taking a breath made one feel comfortable all over, and even the circulation of spiritual energy increased by three points.

"As expected of Star Essence Liquid." A hint of satisfaction flashed in Lin Xuan's eyes. With these ten drops of essence liquid, he could not only completely stabilize his late Foundation Establishment stage, but also attempt to break through to the eighth or even ninth level of Foundation Establishment! With the analytical and deductive abilities of the Virtual Godhead, combined with this top-tier resource, his cultivation speed would far surpass that of ordinary people.

He didn't rush to consume it. Instead, he took out a drop, guided by his divine sense, and suspended it in his palm. His virtual divine core activated slightly, its seven-colored glazed light shimmering, and began to meticulously analyze the energy composition, law fragments, and optimal absorption method of this drop of primordial liquid.

Meanwhile, in every corner of Chenxi Ancient City, undercurrents were quietly surging due to his acquisition of the Star Essence Liquid.

Inside a quiet side hall of the city lord's mansion.

Lady Hanyue listened to her subordinate's report, her slender fingers lightly tapping the armrest of her jade chair. "Ten drops of Star Essence Liquid… coupled with the strength he displayed earlier and that strange destructive power, this boy's value might be even higher than we initially estimated." A glint of light flashed in her beautiful eyes. "Continue to monitor him, but avoid contact for now. The tallest tree in the forest catches the most wind. Let's see how he handles the trouble ahead."

The Temple of the God of War, a stone hall filled with a wild and untamed atmosphere.

Upon learning that Lin Xuan had defeated Yan Yangzi with a single punch and annihilated Li Wuhun with a finger, Master Kuangji was not angry at all; instead, he laughed heartily. "Good lad! Ruthless! Powerful! I'm growing to like him more and more!" He stroked his stubble, his eyes gleaming with fighting spirit. "It's a pity his cultivation is still a bit low. Once he reaches the Golden Core stage, I'll definitely have to spar with him myself! Give the order to the disciples of the War God Hall not to provoke him for the time being."

Wanbaolou, top-floor private room.

Jin Wanqian, the person in charge, squinted, fiddling with the jade ruyi in his hand, his face still bearing that harmless smile. "Star Essence Liquid... it's a good thing. However, more than the liquid itself, I'm more interested in him as a person. Able to refuse all offers, possessing a strange inheritance, decisive in killing... hehe, interesting. Send someone to make contact and ask if he's interested in 'Stardust Sand' and 'Void Crystal.' We can buy the essence liquid from him at a price 10% higher than the market price."

Besides these major powers that are in the open, there are even more eyes hidden in the shadows.

Deep within a dark alley, several cultivators with chilling auras gathered together. "Ten drops of Star Essence Liquid...enough for us brothers to advance our cultivation another step!" "The target is very strong; even Li Wuhun fell to him." "Hmph, that fool Li Wuhun was too arrogant. We'll strike secretly, setting up the 'Nine Nether Soul-Locking Array.' No matter how powerful he is, he won't escape death!" "Keep a close eye on him, and find an opportunity to strike."

Elsewhere, several cultivators dressed in robes bearing the insignia of the Rift God Clan stood with grim expressions. "Is this Lin Xuan the one who killed Young Master Yunhuang on the ancient star Yinghuo?" "According to the description given by the black-robed elder who escaped, the characteristics match, especially that destructive sword intent..." "A mere Foundation Establishment cultivator dares to harm a member of our Rift God Clan! His blood must wash away this shame!" "It's inconvenient to act within the ancient city; once he leaves Chenxi Ancient City, his death will be imminent!"

Some solitary old monsters nearing the end of their lives, or demonic cultivators desperately needing resources to practice evil arts, also cast greedy glances toward Lin Xuan's cave. For them, the Star Essence Liquid was a lifeline to prolong their lives and break through barriers.

Lin Xuan sat cross-legged in his cave. Although separated by layers of arrays, the keen senses granted by his divine sense and virtual divine core allowed him to vaguely sense the invisible gazes projected from all directions, mixed with greed, malice, and killing intent.

He slowly opened his eyes, his pupils revealing a deep, icy coldness.

"As expected, money can be a powerful motivator," he muttered to himself, not particularly surprised. He had anticipated this scene from the moment he decided to participate in the arena and display his strength to seize the Yuan Liquid.

He was not afraid. With his late Foundation Establishment cultivation, minor mastery of the Destruction True Intent, Ten Thousand Mile Divine Sense, Virtual Godhood, and numerous trump cards, he was confident that he could win or at least escape unscathed unless a cultivator at the mid-Golden Core stage or above personally intervened.

Within the ancient city of Chenxi, there are city rules and several major forces maintaining order. Golden Core cultivators would not easily take action against him, a "junior," as that would break the rules.

The real danger came from a sneak attack from the shadows, and... after he left the ancient city.

"It seems I need to improve my strength as soon as possible, and make good use of the Yuan Liquid and the secret realm qualification I have." Lin Xuan's mind raced. He had originally planned to refine the Yuan Liquid slowly, but now it seemed he had to speed things up. At the same time, the Star Tower Secret Realm might be a good safe haven, where he could further improve his strength.