Cornett was burning with anxiety, standing by the massive Resonance Stone alongside many clan elders, watching Evelyn's transmission. Every beat of his heart felt accelerated.

"So many clansmen from the Fire Phoenix Tribe died here, not to mention Ancestor Changxi. I don't know how we're going to clean up this mess," one elder sighed quietly, riddled with worry.

Many of the elders of the Day-Eye Tribe feared the unpredictable turn of events, terrified of provoking the towering wrath of the Profound Sky Tribe, which could lead to the annihilation of their entire Day-Eye lineage.

The status of the Fire Phoenix Tribe within the Profound Sky Tribe was far superior to that of the Day-Eye Tribe; they were certain the Profound Sky Tribe would place far greater importance on the Fire Phoenix losses.

Especially Ancestor Changxi—he was a significant power within the Profound Sky Tribe's hierarchy. With such a powerhouse dead, would the Profound Sky Tribe simply let it go?

"The message has been sent. Tu Shiqi received it. He needs to consult with Hantian and Judy. Both Ancestors are within the tribe headquarters. We just have to wait for their reply."

Evelyn withdrew her focus, equally uneasy, unsure how the Profound Sky Tribe would react.

"Senior Brother, could this lead to our extermination? If our actions cause our race to be wiped out, we will be the greatest sinners," Mahisha’s face was ashen; her terror was absolute, already envisioning the worst possible outcome.

"It shouldn't, it shouldn't..."

Evelyn tried to soothe her, but in doing so, he was also trying to calm himself. Yet, even he had no certainty in his heart.

"I hope nothing goes wrong. I hope Jiani can bring us good news. She and Ancestor Judy are sworn sisters; there must be a deep bond between them," Cornett remarked.

The anxious crowd waited.

After a long wait, the Resonance Stone shimmered, and a message was transmitted again. Evelyn connected his consciousness, and his expression instantly changed: "To the Teleportation Array! Ancestors Hantian and Judy will personally visit our star! And they are bringing those Profound Sky Tribe elders with them!"

At these words, every member of the Day-Eye Tribe was utterly stunned.

Hantian and Judy were among the most formidable beings in the entire Star Sea, holding the ultimate authority and military power within the Seven Tribes' Profound Sky Tribe. Normally, even members of the Profound Sky Tribe rarely caught sight of such figures. For them to mobilize and travel to the Day-Eye Tribe—what could be the reason?

No one had time to ponder further. They hastily began to gather, making their way toward the Teleportation Array connecting the Day-Eye Tribe and the Profound Sky Tribe.

Generally, any race affiliated with the Profound Sky Tribe would voluntarily open its territory upon signing an agreement, allowing a Void Teleportation Array to be established leading directly to the Profound Sky Tribe. This array was usually unidirectional.

The Profound Sky Tribe could enter the subsidiary race’s territory freely through the formation, but those subsidiary races could not easily step into the Profound Sky Tribe's domain via the array.

This disparity in status stemmed from the massive gulf in power and influence, an accepted practice even in the Void Sea Domain.

Soon, all the powerful figures of the Day-Eye Tribe had assembled near the Teleportation Array to welcome the arrival of Judy, Hantian, and their entourage from the Profound Sky Tribe. Every person looking at the array wore complex expressions, their hearts heavy with apprehension, fearing that the moment Hantian, Judy, and the others arrived, they would immediately begin a massacre and wipe out the Day-Eye Tribe.

Yet, they knew clearly that if Hantian and Judy truly held such intentions, no matter how the Day-Eye Tribe tried to evade, there would only be the dead end of extermination.

Because not a single individual in the Day-Eye Tribe could stand against Judy or Hantian; they were not even qualified to fight them.

They could only passively accept whatever came.

The teleportation platform, built from stacked Divine Crystals, glittered brilliantly. After a long wait, a terrifying power that seemed to tear the void erupted from within the array.

The sheer strength of that energy made everyone’s heart tremble, causing them to hurriedly retreat and distance themselves from the Teleportation Array.

Suddenly, dazzling rays of light intertwined above the array. In the moment everyone’s eyes were blinded, figures began stepping out of the array one after another.

Cornett forced himself to endure the stinging brightness in his pupils and shouted loudly, "We welcome the honored presence of Ancestors Hantian and Judy!"

"Welcome the honored presence!"

"Welcome!"

The gathered members of the Day-Eye Tribe shouted in unison, displaying their utmost humility, hoping to win the favor of the arriving dignitaries.

As the light and shadows gradually faded, Hantian, Judy, and the contingent including Longxi emerged. Hantian swept his gaze over all the Day-Eye clansmen, inwardly shaking his head.

Not a single Day-Eye clansman was worthy of catching his eye or receiving his direct attention.

After scanning the crowd, his gaze settled on Xiaoya. He closed his eyes, sensed for a moment, and remarked, "That gem on you is quite good. The flame power contained within it is immense. The little girl has good fortune."

Like Changxi, Hantian also cultivated the profound meaning of Fire Power and possessed a keen perception of rare flame treasures. The Flame Crystal gifted by Ziyao was the only item that managed to draw his notice.

Other than that, there was nothing in the entire Day-Eye Tribe that he considered worthy of a second thought.

Hantian's single, simple sentence redirected the attention of all the Day-Eye clansmen toward Xiaoya.

That Flame Crystal again?

A look of strange curiosity crossed everyone’s faces. Changxi's major mobilization was because of that crystal, and now Ancestor Hantian’s first words upon arrival were also about the Flame Crystal. What kind of ultimate treasure was it?

"The demise of Senior Changxi and the members of the Fire Phoenix Tribe was indeed because of this Flame Crystal. It is like this..."

Cornett dared not hide anything, relating the entire sequence of events truthfully and in minute detail, fearful of omitting even the smallest detail. He hoped his sincerity would persuade Hantian and the others to show leniency.

Hantian and his party's eyes brightened as they listened intently to Cornett's explanation, occasionally glancing at Xiaoya.

After a while, Hantian grinned suddenly and said, "I think I know the reason now."

He glanced at Ancestor Longxi.

Ancestor Longxi nodded and stated, "She achieved the reversal of roles. She is now one of the Primordial Beings. This Stone Rock's companion—back in the day, she must have been an existence even more powerful than Yuan Zu..."

He had been one of the witnesses to the conflict between Ziyao and Hui. He hadn't known the ultimate result, but hearing Cornett's explanation now, he understood the facts: Ziyao had likely succeeded, using a clone to replace the main body and absorbing Hui's soul essence.

"No wonder Changxi died. Provoking someone you shouldn't provoke naturally invites consequences."

Hantian laughed heartily, appearing as if he didn't take Changxi’s death seriously at all. Hearing this, the tightly strung nerves of the Day-Eye clansmen suddenly relaxed.

Only Ancestor Longxi understood in his heart that the current standing of Shi Yan and Ziyao was immeasurably greater than Changxi's. As long as Hantian and Judy weren't foolish, they wouldn't actively provoke Shi Yan and Ziyao, inviting endless trouble.

Long ago, when his secret meeting with Shi Yan at the bottom of the Sea of Destruction was discovered by Feier and reported to Judy, Judy's stance had already signaled that the Profound Sky Tribe was willing to overlook the matter concerning Ling Mei. Judy had then explicitly stated she hoped Longxi would interact more with Shi Yan.

Ancestor Longxi was not dim-witted; he naturally understood the Profound Sky Tribe's meaning.

"I also haven't seen Jiani in a long time. It's a good chance to catch up," Judy also said with a gentle smile. With a flicker of thought, she proactively moved toward the direction of the valley.

Evelyn and the others finally breathed a deep, quiet sigh of relief, realizing that given Hantian and Judy's attitude, they likely would not direct their anger toward the Day-Eye Tribe or carry out any act of extermination.

Subsequently, Cornett and the other Day-Eye clansmen, adopting the most respectful postures, escorted Hantian, Judy, and the group toward the valley.

Along the way, Hantian and Judy exchanged silent communication through their souls, reaching a tacit understanding.

At the entrance of the valley.

Xiao Lie of the Heavenly Craft Tribe and Jiani of the Secret Mark Tribe had already appeared ahead of time. Both bore a snake-like pattern tattooed on their foreheads. Seeing Hantian and Judy arriving personally, their expressions remained unchanged.

The moment Hantian and Judy spotted the snake marks between the brows of Xiao Lie and Jiani, they understood everything in their hearts. They were even more careful not to put on airs. Judy called out charmingly from a distance, "Jiani, what brings you here? And Master Xiao Lie, you are here too—how interesting."

"Judy, you look younger and younger. Hmm, I imagine you have a general idea of the situation," Jiani responded with a calm smile. "You, Hantian, and Longxi may enter. The others should remain outside. There are some words, some matters that it’s perhaps best the juniors don't know too much about. What do you think?"

"No problem," Judy replied with a brilliant smile. "It will just be myself, Hantian, and Longxi entering. Everyone else stays outside the valley. Regarding this visit to the Day-Eye Tribe, no clansman is to utter a single word outside!"

The Profound Sky Tribe members following them listened, their expressions solemn, carefully noting Judy's directive.

Then, to the astonishment of both the Day-Eye and Profound Sky clansmen, Hantian, Longxi, and Judy followed Xiao Lie and Jiani into the valley.

Inside the valley.

Shi Yan, who had kept his eyes tightly shut for a very long time, suddenly opened his eyes. He smiled faintly and rose, saying, "I greet Senior Hantian and Senior Judy. I apologize for inviting you here; there are matters that require discussion. Please do not take offense."

"I had some contact with your master a long time ago. He stayed in the Void Sea Domain for a period before returning to the Desolate Domain. I never expected that even though he perished, he would produce a disciple as formidable as you. Truly worthy of the Bloodthirsty lineage," Hantian laughed heartily. "Please do not dwell on the matter of my incompetent junior, Ling Mei. I hope that incident will not become a rift between us."

"It won't," Shi Yan calmly shook his head. "It has been a very long time."

"And this must be?" Judy looked deeply at Ziyao beside him. She hesitated for a moment, then addressed him with the courtesy due to a junior. "It is our honor to meet a powerhouse from the previous era in person. I am very pleased."

Ziyao smiled enchantingly and nodded slightly. "This young lady is very articulate."

"I know you are very interested in the Profound Meaning Talisman Pagoda. I won't play games. If you can gather sufficient energy, or materials for tempering, I can help you temper one Origin Talisman," Shi Yan stated directly and plainly. "Of course, it won't be without cost. I will also need your assistance with a few matters."

Upon mentioning the Origin Talisman, Judy, Hantian, and Ancestor Longxi all had their eyes light up.

They all showed expressions of keen interest, awaiting the terms Shi Yan would set. As for Ancestor Longxi, he declared, "Even without the Origin Talisman, it is no trouble for you to ask my help. If it weren't for you, I might have perished in that Lan Yi Domain Realm."

At this point, he looked toward Ziyao with a trace of reverence.

"You know that was not me, so you need not hold onto that resentment," Ziyao smiled gently.

Longxi nodded. "I understand. It's just that the experience was too profound; seeing you again after so long, I'm momentarily unaccustomed."

...RQ