The Hearth of Elixir was very important to the Alchemy Commission. Unlike other buildings, this object was as crucial as the omniscia matrix was to the Divination Commission.
However, thanks to the explanations of some surviving Alchemy Commission physicians, Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan learned that the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus actually intended to use the Hearth of Elixir to spread mist that would cause the long-life species to fall into Mara-Struck, thereby attempting to subvert the Xianzhou.
But there was no trace of Phantylia here.
Jing Yuan became even more certain of Phantylia's objective. After arranging for Fu Xuan to stay and manage the overall situation and clean up the mess, Jing Yuan and the Astral Express crew boarded the ship to Scalegorge Waterscape.
Scalegorge Waterscape was located on the ocean connected to the Alchemy Commission.
This ocean was the only one on the Luofu, and it had an ancient name: the Ancient Moonsea.
It is said that this ocean was formed by the ancient sea water brought by the Vidyadhara from their homeland, and the Vidyadhara were also born in this ancient sea water.
"Legend has it that beneath the ancient sea of Scalegorge Waterscape lies the homeland of the Vidyadhara."
As Jing Yuan spoke, he looked at Dan Heng, who had taken off his helmet, revealing his handsome face, though the dragon horns on his head still made March 7th marvel.
"It's not a legend, but I'm not sure if I can unseal the Ancient Sea. I am not him."
Dan Heng naturally understood Jing Yuan's meaning.
"Then let Bailu open it. I don't mind."
"..."
Dan Heng fell silent.
He had returned this time, naturally, to learn about the current situation of the Vidyadhara.
For the Vidyadhara, nothing was more important than the Vidyadhara High Elder, who was Bailu.
He hadn't expected to meet the Vidyadhara High Elder upon his return.
He knew his past life's identity.
The legendary Dan Feng, skilled in both combat and healing, had completely lost his healing abilities after this rebirth, retaining only the power of water manipulation and destruction.
Conversely, Bailu, who inherited a portion of the High Elder's power, possessed extraordinary healing abilities, as if the former Dan Feng had been split into two parts.
But he knew that Bailu was still far from mature, not just in age.
"I will do my best."
"Not 'do your best,' but 'must do it'...".
When everyone arrived at Scalegorge Waterscape, looking at the statue of the Vidyadhara High Elder within Scalegorge Waterscape, Jing Yuan said to Dan Heng, "How about it? Does seeing this remind you of anything?"
"Wow, this statue..."
Looking at the statue, which stood on waves and held a long spear, March 7th looked at Dan Heng and then at the statue.
"Stelle, look at this... isn't it very similar to Dan Heng?"
Stelle nodded from the side.
Or rather, it wasn't just similar; it was identical.
"Could it be that this statue is... Dan Heng's brother!"
Everyone looked at March 7th in silence, offering no comments.
Takatsuki looked at Dan Heng, who was staring blankly at the statue, lost in thought—or rather, not lost in thought, but lost in his own memories.
It was unknown in what form this memory existed. If it existed within Dan Heng's mind, then Takatsuki's ability could indeed extract it. However, the Vidyadhara's rebirth theoretically meant they were not the same person, so it was possible that the memory did not exist within his mind.
If Dan Heng can't do it, then I will...
Looking at the surging sea water beside the altar, Takatsuki silently equipped himself with the character cards of the two great demons.
Among them, the Water Demon could completely part the sea. Takatsuki had already learned on the way that the so-called Ancient Sea Seal was created by the former High Elder, who guided the Ancient Sea water to submerge the grotto-heaven of Scalegorge Waterscape to seal the Ambrosial Arbor. Therefore, all that was needed was to move the sea water away.
Suddenly, Dan Heng walked to the sea and raised his left hand.
A current of water surrounded Dan Heng's body, lifting him up, and a bright light bloomed in his left hand.
In everyone's eyes, the sea water in front of Dan Heng began to boil.
As the light in Dan Heng's hand intensified, a beam of light shot straight up to the sky, and the ocean in front of everyone slowly parted, with Dan Heng's position as the boundary.
The surging Ancient Sea water receded, revealing the Vidyadhara's homeland, the Vidyadhara Dragon Palace, hidden beneath the waves.
"How magnificent..."
Seele instinctively covered her mouth. This was her first time seeing the ocean, and this first time, she witnessed such a magnificent scene.
The sea on both sides continuously parted, like two walls of water.
"This is my first time seeing this scene too. Seele, this is your first time seeing the ocean, right?"
Excluding the Sea of Quanta...
Seele nodded: "Seele and Sister Bronya once promised to go see the sea together. I wish Sister Bronya was here too."
He reached out and stroked Seele's little head.
"Don't worry, we'll be back soon. Then you can go see the sea with Bronya. Our St. Freya Academy is on an island."
"Mm!"
As the two spoke, the others had already prepared themselves.
"Where is the Ambrosial Arbor?"
Jing Yuan looked down and said, "It's deep within Scalegorge Waterscape. That's where the Ambrosial Arbor's roots are located. If Phantylia intends to usurp the Ambrosial Arbor's power here, she will surely enter the grotto-heaven of the Ambrosial Arbor's roots."
Takatsuki nodded and said to Seele, "Seele, you stay here."
"Ah? Why?"
Seele didn't expect Takatsuki to say such a thing.
Takatsuki shook his head: "The upcoming battle is extremely dangerous, and I might not be able to look after you. Although it's a bit hurtful, I still have to say it."
Takatsuki looked at the others: "The might of the Antimatter Legion is very strong, and if they usurp the power of the Ambrosial Arbor, their strength will increase even further. It's better for those with insufficient strength to stay behind."
March 7th put her hands on her hips unhappily: "Takatsuki, how can you say that? We are all companions on the Express."
"Precisely because we are companions, I say such things. I don't want to lose any companion."
At this moment, Yang interjected, "Alright, Takatsuki, your intentions are good, but the Path of the Trailblazer should be chosen by the Trailblazer themselves."
Staring at Yang for a while, Takatsuki finally nodded: "Alright then, this is just my advice."
"Hmph, so don't underestimate our Express crew. We're very strong too, aren't we, Seele?"
March 7th waved her fist and said to Seele, but what she got was Seele's denial.
"Sorry, Sister March, Seele won't be going with you."
"Huh!? Seele, you don't have to mind Takatsuki's words."
March 7th immediately glared at Takatsuki.
"No, it's just that Seele knows what she should do. Don't worry about Seele."
March 7th wanted to say more, but under Yang's reminder, she did not continue.