White Starry Sea
A myriad of thoughts converged, and the image of Wang Kun materialized before Qin Huai’s mind’s eye. Closing the ancient book in his hand, he strode out of the pavilion.
“Did you find anything?” Gou Jie, who had been sitting cross-legged by the door, leaped to his feet, his face lit up in anticipation.
“Yes.” Qin Huai nodded. “Do you remember Wang Kun, the person I mentioned last time…” He recounted the entire story to Gou Jie.
“An array can be established in such a way?!” Gou Jie was visibly taken aback by the revelation. “Using living creatures as the core… Experts unfamiliar with arrays would likely spend a lifetime attempting to dismantle it without success.” He marveled, “Only top-tier array masters from the Great Nether could construct such an elaborate array.”
Qin Huai shared the sentiment. He stared at the horizon and murmured, “The establishment of such a grand array is actually based on the grand array’s location. There are only two ways to dismantle such a sophisticated array. Either sever the energy source of the formation or extract the formation core.”
“But the energy source of the blood sea is likely the entirety of Qingzhou City… The notion of completely evacuating Qingzhou City, leaving not a single soul, is preposterous,” Gou Jie chimed in, laughing bitterly. “Furthermore, even if we were to evacuate Qingzhou City now, the life force and blood qi already imbued in the blood sea would probably sustain the blood sea array for centuries.”
Qin Huai exhaled deeply. “Then only the second method remains.”
“We must kill Wang Kun!” Gou Jie declared resolutely. “Alliance Master, you mustn’t let sympathy cloud your judgment. Even though Wang Kun stood alongside you for over half a year, his survival makes him a potential traitor. He may simply be using you for his purposes.”
Qin Huai raised his hand to silence Gou Jie. “Do I strike you as someone easily swayed by sentimentality?”
Gou Jie chuckled. “Even though you’re ruthless when confronting enemies, you exhibit an endearing gentleness towards those you care for. You harbor a great deal of empathy for the innocents. You’ve proven yourself time and again.
“Outside the bronze world, when you could have stayed hidden, letting us fight the Qingzhou guards from the prefecture overseer’s estate, you made your presence known. Unhesitatingly, you intervened when you uncovered the Sacred Heart Sect’s conspiracy. You climbed Wuji Mountain, established Lingkou Pass, ascended the blood sea… never once did you waver. This is why we trust you so implicitly.” Gou Jie sighed.
“I may sound conceited, but before the calamity of the blood sea, we were unquestionably the top prodigies of Qingzhou. Our personalities may differ, but we each possess a pride that towers high above the heavens, and we do not easily yield to anyone.”
“Of course, your prowess in battle played a significant role in your success as the alliance leader,” Gou Jie added with a chuckle.
Unquestionably, they fell short of matching Qin Huai’s capabilities. Whether considering his physical prowess, his might, or his combat strength, all were unparalleled. Qin Huai’s strength was such that he appeared to transcend human limits.
Gou Jie, with sudden seriousness, said, “According to you, Alliance Master, Wang Kun’s current realm aligns with yours. Logically, it should be easy for you to win. But…”
“I can’t afford to deliberate any longer,” Qin Huai interrupted, his gaze directed at the crimson sea above. “Even if he wields the blood sea as his weapon, I have to confront him. The longer we delay, the worse our situation becomes.”
Over the past six months, Qin Huai had observed Wang Kun’s astonishing pace of advancement. With the aid of every martial artist in Qingzhou City, his progression outstripped even Qin Huai’s own.
“Brother Gou, I must ask you to pay extra attention to the Spirit Gate matter,” Qin Huai said, patting Gou Jie’s shoulder heavily. Then, his gaze shifted to the dragon at Lingkou Pass, its white light as dazzling as a galaxy. His eyes reflected his perplexity. What exactly was this entity?
Gou Jie traced Qin Huai’s gaze and suddenly smiled. “A few days ago, Alliance Master, you mentioned perceiving a galaxy formed by white stars?”
“Did you find the answer?” Qin Huai questioned.
“Well, it’s not exactly an answer. The story of the Emperor of Qingzhou written by Mr. Yang, the gatekeeper of the Nine Dragons Sect, mentioned a scene that was similar to what the Alliance Master saw,” Gou Jie shared.
“Oh?” Qin Huai’s interest was instantly piqued. “Please, go on.”
“The emperor engaged the elites of the eight royal families in numerous battles before earning his royal title. He rescued the people from peril, earning their deep trust and affection. Regrettably, due to numerical disadvantage, the emperor experienced both victories and defeats, often finding himself in a desperate retreat.
“In the final realm before becoming a king, the Emperor of Qingzhou beheld a pillar of white light bridging heaven and earth. It seemed as if the hearts of millions had morphed into a bridge. Enlightened by this vision, he journeyed onto this celestial bridge for cultivation, ultimately transmuting it into a spiritual treasure.
“Once this realm was breached, the potential of the Qingzhou Imperial Residence became limitless, continuously growing and harnessing boundless power. They overcame countless geniuses of the eight royal families…”
Gou Jie narrated the entire story to Qin Huai as if unveiling a precious family heirloom.
Qin Huai scrutinized the river of white stars before him, lost in contemplation. “I’ll think about this further, should I return,” he murmured, drawing in a deep breath.
He was keenly aware of the pressing nature of the situation. With a mighty flap of his wings, he instantly surged towards the blood sea overhead.
From the ground, Gou Jie respectfully bowed to Qin Huai’s departing figure, his voice resonating with profound gravity, “May the martial fate of Alliance Master continue to flourish!”