Chapter 998 - 520: Fierce Battle with the Night Emperor (Part 1)

Chapter 998: Chapter 520: Fierce Battle with the Night Emperor (Part 1)

In the vast universe, the two Nine Nether Whales, after years of flight, finally arrived at a dark planet.

Li Mu appeared atop the Nine Nether Whale’s forehead, his gaze sharp, and his powerful Divine Soul penetrated the heavy darkness, scanning the seemingly silent yet intriguing dark planet.

The surface of the planet was filled with intricate ravines and unknown rock formations, with faint glimmers occasionally flashing through the cracks. It was dotted with ruins built from massive stones, yet most were worn down by the relentless passage of time, leaving behind only broken walls and remnants, standing lonely on the desolate earth, recounting the glory and vicissitudes of ancient days.

What surprised Li Mu was that the planet was enveloped in an extremely dense Yin Fiend Qi, resembling tangible black mist that wound through the ravines and even seeped into the ruins, covering the entire planet in a suffocating and eerie atmosphere.

It seemed as though a devastating battle had occurred, with traces of catastrophe visible in many places on Dark Spirit Star. Within the Yin Fiend Qi, there was not only the breath of destruction and death but also a hint of Daoist Power. They intertwined to form a unique ecological balance, inspiring both fear and endless imagination.

"Master, is this the Dark Spirit Star? It appears there are no living beings here!"

Xiaobai spread its wings and flew over to Li Mu, curiously observing the planet in front of them and confirming with a question.

Having successfully overcome the True Spirit Thunder Tribulation, Xiaobai, thanks to its unique ability as a Tier Seven Gu Spirit, was extremely sensitive to the soul power fluctuations of living beings. Yet at this moment, on this desolate planet, it did not sense any signs of life.

"It should be!"

Li Mu frowned, hesitating about whether to find Master Qingyang for confirmation. After spending decades, he had finally located Dark Spirit Star.

What lay before him was a desolate planet; this planet was enveloped in a pervasive Yin Fiend Qi, making Li Mu slightly doubtful if he had found the right target.

Dark Spirit Star was situated at the core of an important route in the Star Realm and should have been a prosperous planet existing among other cultivators. However, the scene before Li Mu was far from what he had envisioned, as endless desolation and Yin Fiend Qi prevailed, with ruins scattered across the planet showing signs of millennia of abandonment.

Thinking of this, Li Mu no longer hesitated and took out the Soul Realm Pearl from the Storage Compartment, planning to awaken the remnant soul of Master Qingyang that was resting within it with a thread of Divine Thought.

Master Qingyang’s remnant soul was gently awakened within the Soul Realm Pearl by Li Mu’s call, and a wisp of Divine Soul Power overflowed.

"Young friend, why have you awakened me?" Master Qingyang transmitted his thought, inquiring to Li Mu.

"Senior, this junior has reached Dark Spirit Star, yet it seems different from what you described, lacking the presence of outer forces." Li Mu quickly returned the thought to indicate.

"Oh!"

Master Qingyang released his Divine Thought to observe the view outside the Soul Realm Pearl.

Due to the pervasive Yin Fiend Power, Master Qingyang’s remnant soul directly floated out from the Soul Realm Pearl, scanning the desolate and grim Dark Spirit Star with strong soul awareness. His face showed a trace of complexity.

"Comparing with the spatial coordinates, this is indeed Dark Spirit Star. Such change over thousands of years; who would have thought Dark Spirit Star would become like this?" Master Qingyang looked at Li Mu and responded, his tone filled with both surprise and reflection.

Upon hearing this, Li Mu could not help but breathe a sigh of relief; it was good that this was Dark Spirit Star, meaning no more drifting aimlessly through the vast Star Sea, having successfully discovered the location of Dark Spirit Star. This signified successfully positioning the route back to Qiling Star, and it wouldn’t be long before returning to the Sect.

"Young friend, don’t be too pleased too soon. While it’s confirmed that this is Dark Spirit Star, the planet is abandoned and seemingly destroyed by a battle. However, the journey back to Qiling Star is long and likely not peaceful," Master Qingyang’s words were like cold water, causing Li Mu’s relaxed heart to tense up again.

"Senior, how long will it take to return from this star to Qiling Star and what dangers might we encounter along the way?"

Li Mu’s mind was invigorated as he asked with concern.

Master Qingyang paused and responded with a heavy expression: "Even with clear paths, returning from this star to Qiling Star requires crossing several Star Realms, taking decades to nearly a hundred years of journeying. The specific time depends on whether we can find a safe route and enough supplies. The dangers encountered along the way are far more complex and changeable than imagined."

"Firstly, between the Star Realms often exist interstellar storms and spatial cracks, these natural phenomena can destroy ordinary high-tier Spirit Ships. Even for an Integration Cultivator like me, without careful attention, one could be swept into them, facing uncertain life and death. Thus, one must always monitor celestial changes and avoid these dangerous areas."

"Secondly, this Star Realm was once a focal point of contention among various forces. Although time has passed, many forces have faded away, it cannot be ruled out that there are Outer Tribulation Cultivators occupying key navigational routes, and additionally, there are Star Beast groups, etc., all potential enormous obstacles in the way back."

...

Speaking of this, Master Qingyang looked at the two quietly patrolling Nine Nether Whales, unable to help praising: "However, your mount is of excellent quality, the two Tier Eight - Nine Nether Whales, in traversing Star Realms, have great advantages. Their speed allows for free movement between Star Realms, avoiding many unnecessary troubles. The Nine Nether Whales not only possess great strength, capable of withstanding certain degrees of interstellar storms and spatial rifts impact, but also have keen instincts, able to sense potential threats and give early warnings. Such a mount is undoubtedly extremely valuable in Star Realm voyages."