Deep in the Star Ruins, the spatial structure became increasingly unstable. Twisted light bands and hidden spatial rifts were like lurking vipers, ready to devour reckless travelers at any moment. Tang Xiaoqi and Mu Xue had just concluded their sword discussion with Wan Jian Sect's Ling Jueyi and were focusing onexploring the exact location of the Heavenly Palace entrance when, from the distant void, an overwhelming water element fluctuation suddenly arrived, mixed withvast demonic qi and a clear dragon's roar.
One could see in the obscure depths of the void, a splendid blueflowing light broke through the sky. Around theflowing light, water vapor was dense, and within it could be vaguely seen the outline of banners hanging like gems and canopies beckoning. Where theflowing light passed, those restless spatial rifts actually subsidedsomewhat, as if pacified by some supreme water principle.
Theflowing light stopped a thousand zhang away from Xiao Qi and the others. The radiancerestrained, revealing a group of figures. The leader was a young man with crystalline jade horns on his head, wearing a sea-blue dragon-pattern brocade robe. His features were handsome and noble, his bearingelegant and noble, naturallyradiated a kingly aura commanding the four seas. He was precisely the East Sea Dragon Palace Prince---Ao Qin.
Behind Ao Qin followed several demon clan talents of different forms but all extraordinary auras. There was an elder transformed from a black turtle, his back bearing a dark turtle shell, steady as a mountain. There was a graceful mermaid woman, whose eyesflowing naturally enchanting. There was also a flood-guard yaksha withblue scales covering both arms, his gaze sharp. This team represented the top forces of the demon clan's younger generation.
When Ao Qin's gaze, originally with a scanning and examining intent, fell on Tang Xiaoqi, thosemajesticdragon eyes suddenly brightened, flashing a trace of disbelief, then turning into intense surprise.
"Cultivator Tang?!" Ao Qin's voice carried a slight detectableexcited. His figure flickered, crossing a thousand zhang to arrive near Xiao Qi, carefully sensing that round, flawless, heaven-and-earth communicating aura on his body. "You... you have already formed a Golden Core?! And observing its sign, the foundation's solidity far surpasses ordinary Golden Core cultivators!"
Ao Qin clearly remembered that at the last farewell from the East Sea Dragon Palace birthday celebration, Xiao Qi was still at Foundation Building stage. Though his performance was stunning and his potential limitless, he had after all not yet formed a Core. How long had it been? He had crossed this enormous chasm on the cultivation road, and his aura wascondensed like a mountain, his spiritual light pure likeglazed glass. Clearly he was not an ordinary Golden Core but at least in the upper three grades, possibly even higher! Such cultivation speed, even placed among dragons with endless resources and noble bloodlines, could be called startling and world-shaking.
Seeing his old friend, Xiao Qi also showed a smile, cupping his hands. "Prince Ao Qin, long time no see. I was fortunate to successfully form a Golden Core some time ago." His tone was peaceful, showing no pride even though he had achieved Golden Core.
Mu Xue also slightly nodded beside him in greeting. "Prince Ao Qin."
Ao Qin suppressed his innervibrated, laughing loudly. "Ha ha, excellent! Excellent! When we parted at the East Sea, I knew Cultivator Tang was no ordinary talent. I did not expect the dragon-transformation period to come so quickly! Truly my heartfelt congratulations!" He was genuinely happy for Xiao Qi. Dragons had long lifespans but valued bloodline and potential most. The talent Xiao Qi displayed was enough to win this Dragon Prince's equal treatment and even regard.
His gaze swept over the cold and elegant Mu Xue beside Xiao Qi, and recalling thesharp and fierce sword intent residue he had sensed earlier, he already understood seventy or eighty percent. He spoke seriously. "Cultivator Tang, Immortal Mu Xue, the Star Ruins are extremely dangerous. The various forces are a mixed bag, and the remnants of Shadow Snake Pavilion may be secretly watching. I observe that your goal must also be the Heavenly Palace. May I lead the East Sea forces to travel with you two? It would be good for all to assist each other."
Ao Qin proactively proposed teaming up, not acting on a sudden impulse. Xiao Qi had achieved Golden Core, his strength having risen to a level where he could engage in equal dialogue. Add to that the Qingxu Temple Xiao Qi represented and the reputation he had accumulated in fighting Shadow Snake Pavilion, he was already a force not to be overlooked. Mu Xue's Xuanji Holy Land had deep heritage. Forming an alliance with them would greatly benefit both dealing with the dangers here and competing for the Heavenly Palace opportunity. Moreover, he highly approved of Xiao Qi's character and potential.
Xiao Qi and Mu Xue exchanged glances, both seeing agreement in each other's eyes. Ao Qin had strong power. As Dragon Prince, his methods and trump cards were certainly many. His demon clan talents under his command each had divine abilities. Having them join would greatly increase the team's strength and ability to handle unknown risks.
"Your Highness condescending to travel with us is what we have long desired." Xiao Qi smiled his acceptance. "As Your Highness says, the road ahead is unpredictable, and we truly need to unite our strength."
"Good! Straightforward!" Ao Qin clapped his hands and laughed, seeming very pleased. Behind him, the elder transformed from the black turtle slightly nodded. The mermaid woman's beautiful eyesflowing, curiouslyexamineding the renowned "Tang Xiaoqi." The flood-guard yaksha crossed his arms standing, his gaze having more scrutiny than goodwill, but did not verbally object.
With the alliance formed, the atmosphere became much more harmonious. Ao Qin signaled his men to briefly rest. He himself walked aside with Xiao Qi and Mu Xue.
"Cultivator Tang," Ao Qinrestrained his smile, his tone carrying a trace of gravity. "On the way here, we were attacked by a group of cultivators of unknown identity. Their methods were ruthless and their techniques bizarre, carrying a trace of disgusting cold aura, very similar to Shadow Snake Pavilion's methods, but somewhat different, seeming... more ancient, purer."
Xiao Qi's brow slightly furrowed. "Though Shadow Snake Pavilion's headquarters was destroyed and the Demon Lord seriously wounded and sealed, their residual forces and possiblemastermind behind the scenes will never accept defeat willingly. The Star Ruins gather the world's talents. If they have schemes here, it is not unexpected." He touched his chest. The jade pendant merged within him sent a trace of warm sensation, seemingly confirming his speculation.
"Not only that," Ao Qin continued. "I have also sensed several extremely concealed but enormously powerful auras from different directions. There is Buddhist chanting, there is Wu clan's curse fluctuations, and even... a trace of seeminglyfrom the Nine Netherworlds'sdeathly silence aura." This manifestation of the Heavenly Palace has drawn a crowd far more dangerous than we anticipated.
Mu Xue's cold voice sounded. "The Heavenly Palace is the Patriarch's legacy, containing the opportunity to become immortal and supreme inheritances. Naturally it will attract covetous forces. Only by being cautious and advancing methodically."
Xiao Qi nodded. His gaze swept over the demon clan talents Ao Qin brought, finally returning to Ao Qin. "Since we have formed an alliance, we must unify command and share resources. Your Highness has long been in a superior position and are skilled in command. How about you lead the coordination of this temporary alliance?" He proactively yielded command authority, showing both respect and seeking unity.
A trace of surprise flashed in Ao Qin's eyes, then appreciation. He had not expected Xiao Qi to be so open-minded, not clinging to power. He pondered for a moment but shook his head. "You overhumble. Though young, you are experienced, thoughtful, and possess the cleansing source. You are sensitive to demonic energy and various sinister methods. Leading the exploration and early warning in this dangerous place is more suitable for you. As for overall coordination, the three of us can discuss together, pooling wisdom."
His arrangement both affirmed Xiao Qi's role and maintained balance among alliance leadership, appearing mature and thoughtful.
Hearing this, Xiao Qi also did not insist further. "Since that is the case, I will do my best."
Just then, from the distant void came another violent energy fluctuation, accompanied by several angry roars and mournful screams. Clearly some team had encountered an accident or intense conflict had erupted.
Ao Qin's dragon eyes slightly narrowed, looking toward where the fluctuation came. "It seems some people can no longer hold back. Should we go investigate?"
Xiao Qi sensed the jade pendant. That warmth did not point in that direction but faintly guided toward another area that seemed calm but actually had extremely complex spatial folds. He shook his head. "The resonance guiding to the Heavenly Palace entrance is not in that direction. This place is dangerous. Casually getting involved in others' conflicts may cause variables. We should proceed according to our planned direction and find the entrance as soon as possible."
Mu Xue and Ao Qin both agreed. Currently, with Xiao Qi leading based on the jade pendant's resonance, Mu Xue and Ao Qin slightly half a step behind on left and right for support, the black turtle elder, mermaid woman, flood-guard yaksha and other demon clan talents formed a formation, guarding the flanks and rear. The group no longer delayed, transforming into several streams of light, carefully advancing toward the more core and dangerous area of the Star Ruins. With Ao Qin's fresh forces added, this temporary alliance's strength had risen to the top tier among all teams present, enough to make any force take notice.