Chapter 2289 - 2287: Qi

From his own experiences, Lu Ye roughly guessed the selection method for the Star Abyss Heir—likely the Star Abyss Blessing. He killed that Blood Race Dao Fusion, so logically, he should have received a Star Abyss Blessing. But instead of the blessing descending, the Will of the Star Abyss brought him here to be sent to an unknown place.

Lu Ye frowned deeply.

Perhaps the title of Star Abyss Heir would be appealing to other cultivators, but he did not think so.

To be crowned with such a title may not necessarily be a good thing.

What exactly is the Will of the Star Abyss? Lu Ye could not determine, but just from the anomalies that descended with each Star Abyss Blessing, along with various benefits, he could tell that the Star Abyss Blessing wasn't as wonderful as imagined!

Because he possessed the Talent Tree, those anomalies would be burned away each time, but what about other cultivators who received the Star Abyss Blessing? While enjoying the benefits, those bizarre anomalies would also integrate into their bodies.

Lu Ye had no idea what harm these anomalies might cause, but he was sure they were not good, otherwise the Talent Tree wouldn't react.

As numerous thoughts surged within his mind, the surrounding darkness suddenly dispersed...

A moment later, Lu Ye looked around with a strange expression.

Initially, based on his experiences and knowledge, he thought he had been selected as the Star Abyss Heir by the Will of the Star Abyss. But only now did he realize... he had assumed wrongly.

After a long period of transit, he found himself on a massive platform.

The platform seemed to be crafted entirely from Baiyu, immense beyond measure, with figures everywhere, from various races—some Lu Ye recognized, some he did not...

Not only were there Star Abyss cultivators, but there were star beasts too!

From time to time, a figure would suddenly appear at some spot on the Baiyu Platform, scanning the surroundings cautiously just like him.

Without needing to think about it, those who suddenly appeared were just like him, brought here by the Will of the Star Abyss.

Including the many beings that arrived before him, they were all the same.

There couldn't be so many Star Abyss Heirs; the number of beings gathered here was easily in the tens of thousands. How could there be so many Star Abyss Heirs?

So perhaps a struggle and contest are needed to become a Star Abyss Heir? Lu Ye thought to himself, though he wasn't sure.

However, according to his previous speculations, those cultivators qualified to come here must have received the Star Abyss Blessing more than once!

And the cultivators who received the Star Abyss Blessing, either killed enemies relentlessly or were able to defeat stronger opponents with their weaker strength, none would be easy to deal with.

This could be seen from the firm and fierce gazes of these surrounding cultivators. Though numerous, there wasn't a single mediocre one!

Including those oddly-shaped star beasts.

These beings likely came from all parts of the Star Abyss; many races Lu Ye had never seen or even heard of before. Observing them now, he felt his eyes opened to the world.

But soon he noticed something interesting: the number of males and females among the beings here seemed not significantly different, though whether this was coincidence or not was unknown.

Additionally, what shocked Lu Ye was the capability of the Will of the Star Abyss!

Gathering so many beings here, necessarily from all parts of the Star Abyss, the Will of the Star Abyss was able to bring them all here.

Such a method exceeds imagination, defying comprehension.

Given the current situation, he resolved to accept his place.

If his guesses were correct, then all beings here would participate in a grand-scale competition, leading to the selection of the Star Abyss Heir.

It's uncertain whether one could voluntarily withdraw.

He had no interest in the title at all.

Thinking thus, he headed in one direction, walking to the edge of the platform, and looked forward. What he saw ahead was chaos and emptiness, giving a sense of void and danger.

Without attempting, Lu Ye knew falling out from this platform would lead to an unpleasant fate.

He sought to observe in several directions, only to find more of the same.

There were many doing as he was, clearly, many knew little about the matter at hand; but some sat calmly, resting, clearly those who relied on their profound cultivation, confident they could endure any challenge calmly.

The number of beings from various races was large, yet all were peaceful, without conflicts arising here. Those chosen to be brought here were no fools, naturally avoiding troublesome situations when unaware of the circumstances.

Lu Ye pondered whether he should seek intelligence from others.

Undoubtedly, most might know as little as him, but some must have insights about this place.

Star Abyss Heirs have appeared long ago; previous Star Abyss Heirs must have been selected similarly, so surely some knew something.

But whom to ask? There wasn't anyone familiar, and even if he found the right person, they might not be willing to share.

After pondering a while, he decided against it, relinquishing worry, for the path would eventually lead to a bridge.

Finding a quiet spot to sit, he peacefully waited.

New arrivals continuously emerged on the platform; this situation persisted for about half a month.

Suddenly, at some moment, a powerful aura appeared spectrally in midair...

In an instant, tens of thousands of eyes looked in that direction.

Lu Ye also opened his eyes, and in front of him, he saw a figure standing in midair. The figure wore a pure white gown, unstained, with a graceful figure, high chest, and long, flowing hair cascading over her shoulders. It was evidently a woman.

Yet her appearance was unclear because her face was covered by a mask. The mask lacked intricate patterns, only a few sketchy lines, yet these few lines contained profound mysteries, making a glance at it feel like peering into a boundless abyss, swallowing the soul.

Lu Ye quickly lowered his head, a layer of fine sweat emerging on his forehead.

Though it was just a fleeting glimpse, he still noticed the large character Qi on the forehead of that mask!

Qi... What does it mean?

But Lu Ye knew someone was going to be unlucky.

The cultivators who could come here were indeed impressive, yet their strengths varied. The mask had tremendous peculiarity; those with shaky minds or inadequate psyche cultivation wouldn't fare well upon seeing it.

To be unable to look directly just because of a mask, how high must this woman's cultivation be?

Until now, the strongest he had seen was Moon Howl, who had projected part of her power onto Mad Lion, but the pressure Moon Howl gave him was incomparable to this Qi.

What's the situation with this Qi?

Based on Lu Ye's recent observations, the platform was gathered with tens of thousands of cultivators, all at the Dao Fusion level.

Besides himself, he hadn't discovered anyone else Enter the Path.

Yet this Qi must be no less than Dao Harmony.

Was she also chosen by the Will of the Star Abyss?

No, if that were the case, no one here could stand against her; she could easily slaughter any who dared oppose her.

Almost as soon as Lu Ye lowered his head, screams suddenly erupted from all directions, followed by the extinction of numerous lives.

The one closest to Lu Ye, merely a few meters away, foolishly gazed at Qi's mask, his entire body then twisted by a strange force, exploding into a blood mist amidst shrieks and boundless terror!

Blood Water splattered onto Lu Ye's face...

On the Baiyu Platform where tens of thousands had gathered, life began to extinguish with Qi's appearance.

Such a situation lasted for exactly one incense stick's time; the Baiyu Platform flowed with blood, and thousands upon thousands perished, the thick stench spreading, all surviving beings trembling like cicadas in winter.

Qi merely stood there, creating this boundless inferno.

Lu Ye was horrified; he realized he had underestimated Qi's cultivation, this woman was far beyond Dao Harmony!

She was stronger than Dao Harmony.

No one knew how terrifying it would be if she acted; these tens of thousands might not even withstand her slightest breath.

It was only after all the commotion ceased that Qi finally spoke.

An empty, emotionless, and somewhat dry voice sounded in everyone's ears, causing severe discomfort, like a cat scratching inside one's heart.

"Within two hours, pair up and leave this place; those who are late will be killed!"

"In the stellar space fragments, you are each other's enemy; the last surviving man and woman will become the Star Abyss Heirs."

Only two sentences, after which Qi fell silent again.

Yet these two sentences made everyone change dramatically.

Lu Ye wasn't clear on the secret selection of the Star Abyss Heirs, but among so many beings present, someone understood.

They were chosen to come here, thinking they held some informational advantage over others. But as Qi announced the rules, they realized the situation had changed!

In prior selections of the Star Abyss Heirs, there was no mention of needing pairs of men and women, but for some reason, it was different this time.

Furthermore, this time's Star Abyss Heirs are unexpectedly two, a man and a woman, with unexplained mysteries, whereas previously there was only one.

But such are the rules; the chosen ones must accept them as they have no other choice.

Lu Ye, of course, knew nothing of these matters, but he felt relieved because it seemed Qi wasn't there to compete for the Star Abyss Heirs; she was probably similar to a referee.

She was undoubtedly acting according to the guidance of the Will of the Star Abyss.

After a brief silence, someone spoke up: "Venerable Saint, may we act alone and not choose partners?"

Many looked in the direction of the voice, evidently all having the same idea.

Those present here, regardless of race or origin, were confident in their strength and methods. Suddenly needing to partner with someone unfamiliar felt awkward.

If they could act alone, that would be ideal.

Qi did not respond, as if she hadn't heard.

The crowd realized the rules were set and couldn't be changed.

The speaking cultivator furrowed his brow, leaping boldly to stand not far from Qi, and Qi had no reaction to his actions. With a proud expression, he gazed downwards: "Is there anyone at Peak Dao Fusion willing to join me in pursuing the fame of Star Abyss Heirs?"