Both Hui Qi and Shi are forces between heaven and earth, one being forceful, the other peaceful. One carries a tyrannical aura; the other is more restrained. Though the forms of these two powers differ, both can grant their wielder formidable offensive capability.

However, the two powers are not entirely the same, and their application should possess subtle distinctions. Yet, with a mere thought from Ji Changkong, the demonic energy stored within his every acupoint was effortlessly brought forth, coalescing into a sphere of dark power. This greatly surpassed Ji Changkong’s expectations. He could not fathom why wielding demonic energy felt so intuitive. Every transformation of the demonic energy seemed to follow the changes of his own mind; with just a shift in thought, the internal demonic energy could be refined into any form.

There was no need for his Xuanyi to cultivate or adapt. The demonic energy felt as if it had become an intrinsic part of his body, deployable with ease—a truly marvelous sensation.

The demonic sphere materialized in his palm. Ji Changkong clenched his fist, and the sphere shattered, wisps of dark smoke slipping through his fingers, dissolving into nothingness.

Taking a deep breath, he attempted to mobilize the Yuan Li residing within his blood vessels and bones. A bolt of azure Heavenly Thunder easily appeared in his left hand, causing his brow to furrow slightly. He gestured with his right hand, and the dissipated demonic energy instantly re-gathered, swiftly reforming the dark sphere.

Azure Heavenly Thunder in one hand, a demonic sphere in the other—the two seemed to exist without conflict.

Dick and Benyuan Zhi Du had been silently observing Ji Changkong. Seeing him conjure the demonic sphere so easily, both men were clearly surprised. When they witnessed him holding the azure Heavenly Thunder in one hand and the demonic sphere in the other, their astonishment deepened.

“This… this is too effortless. He mastered the application of demonic energy so quickly?” Benyuan Zhi Du exclaimed in wonder.

Ji Changkong offered a wry smile and a helpless nod, explaining, “There was no difficulty whatsoever. With just a thought, this demonic energy obligingly refines itself into various forms. I truly don't know why it’s so simple, as if controlling the demonic essence is merely instinct.”

Dick was stunned into silence for a moment before speaking, “The Zu Mo Zhi Xu is the most miraculous substance from the Ancestral Demon. It concentrated the Ancestral Demon’s profound demonic power. Since those tendrils entered your body, they have become part of you. This means your physical being now shares some similarities with the Ancestral Demon. The Ancestral Demon, being a unique life form born from the confluence of heaven and earth’s demonic qi, possesses an innate affinity for it. Having its beard means you likely inherited some of the Ancestral Demon’s power in utilizing that energy.”

“These Zu Mo Zhi Xu are truly troublesome things. I only hope they remain obediently within my body; otherwise, it might cause some issues,” Ji Changkong sighed softly, a flicker of hesitation crossing his face.

“Kong Kong, now that all these demons are dealt with, shouldn’t we be heading back?”

“Right, I almost forgot about important matters!” Ji Changkong nodded, then turned to Dick with a smile. “I have a mountain of tasks waiting for me. Our continent must be facing severe trouble right now. I need to return as soon as possible. Once I sort things out there, I will come back.”

Dick’s expression suddenly became awkward. “Well, if you don’t mind, I would like to visit your continent as well.”

“Why?” Ji Changkong was puzzled.

“I’ve never been to many Life Stars. I’ve always lived on the Dead Stars and the Living Stars. I want to see what your Life Star is like. I… I’m quite curious,” Dick admitted, seemingly a little embarrassed.

Dick belonged to the Dark Star Race, his appearance vastly different from humans. Bringing him back to the Five Elements Continent—would that cause trouble?

Ji Changkong frowned, contemplating silently. If he were misunderstood as consorting with extraterrestrial beings, or if people suspected he might do something detrimental to the Five Elements Continent, would that create complications?

“If it’s inconvenient, then never mind,” Dick said when he noticed Ji Changkong’s troubled expression. “I understand. I get it—humans inherently feel repulsed by other races. You fear other species and instinctively view them as enemies.”

Dick’s words, however, solidified Ji Changkong’s resolve. “No problem, you can come with me. It shouldn’t be an issue. I expect our continent is going to be chaotic recently anyway, so having one more person won't make much difference.”

Dick was a master of the Dark Star Race; his physical defense was astonishingly formidable. On the Five Elements Continent, few could likely harm him. Having him along might even prove useful at a critical juncture, Ji Changkong mused.

“That’s wonderful! I’ve always been intensely curious about your human Life Star. However, my race has a rule: we cannot travel to a human Life Star uninvited. Since you are inviting me, I won’t be breaking any regulations,” Dick replied happily.

“Let’s go then. We’ll head to the Spatial Turbulence Domain; that place offers a direct path to our Five Elements Continent.”

After informing Dick, Ji Changkong looked up toward the massive peak, where the Tian Yuan Zhu hung high, undergoing subtle changes. A faint, hazy glow was emanating from the pearl, giving off a distinctly agitated feeling.

Suddenly recalling Dick’s earlier exclamation, Ji Changkong’s mind shifted. He brought the floating Tian Yuan Zhu into his palm and looked at Dick curiously. “You know about the Tian Yuan Zhu?”

As he spoke, Ji Changkong flew toward the entrance of the gigantic peak. Having now replenished the Xing Chen Zhi Jing within his acupoints, he could once again traverse through the air.

Dick’s scales were saturated with potent Star Power, granting him rapid flight capabilities as well—in fact, his speed was considerably faster than Ji Changkong’s. Dick followed at a steady pace behind Ji Changkong, nodding as he looked at the Tian Yuan Zhu in Ji Changkong’s hand. “Yes, I know the Tian Yuan Zhu. That is quite the treasure.”

Even Dick called it a treasure, which delighted Ji Changkong. He quickly asked, “What kind of treasure is it?”

“The Tian Yuan Zhu is also an artifact from the Dead Star Domain, said to be a product from before the Great Destruction. The Tian Yuan Zhu possesses the power to gather souls. The more souls it gathers and the stronger its energy becomes, the greater the effects it can manifest, supposedly. Back in the Dead Star Domain, a powerful Ten Directions Heavenly Official once possessed the Tian Yuan Zhu. That person was practically unmatched within the Dead Star Domain, rarely encountering a true opponent. However, for some unknown reason, he was eventually surrounded and killed, and the Tian Yuan Zhu vanished.”

“Do you know that person’s name?” Ji Changkong pressed, sensing a connection to the Aoluo Divine Cult.

Dick shook his head. “No. Too much time has passed. I only heard about it from my elders. They didn't elaborate much on the wielder, just stressed how precious the Tian Yuan Zhu was and detailed its magical properties and characteristics. It’s said that once the Tian Yuan Zhu gathers enough souls, it can create life—though I don't know if that’s true.”

“Create life?” Ji Changkong was astonished; this was the first time he’d heard of such a function for the Tian Yuan Zhu.

“The World-Ending Gauntlets and the Soul Controlling Crown also came from the Tian Yuan Zhu. Have you heard any related information about them?” Ji Changkong asked Dick, holding up the two items he had extracted from the pearl.

Dick stared at the World-Ending Gauntlets and the Soul Controlling Crown for a long while, then shook his head again. “These two items certainly weren't the Tian Yuan Zhu’s innate power; they must have belonged to its former wielder. While the Tian Yuan Zhu’s functions are wondrous, it likely lacks the ability to gestate artifacts. Therefore, they could not have been inside the pearl from the beginning.”

“I see…” Ji Changkong nodded. Although he hadn’t gained extensive information about the Tian Yuan Zhu from Dick, he knew it predated the Great Destruction. According to Dick, relics from before that era were coveted items even in the Dead Star Domain, implying the Tian Yuan Zhu must be immensely valuable.

The previous owner of the Tian Yuan Zhu was most likely connected to the Aoluo Divine Cult. That person was killed in a siege, which suggested the former wielder had many powerful enemies. Ji Changkong privately warned himself that if he ever had the chance to enter the Dead Star Domain, he must proceed with extreme caution.

Unless absolutely necessary, it would be best not to use the Tian Yuan Zhu carelessly, lest it attract the attention of masters in the Dead Star Domain and cause unnecessary trouble.

Chatting with Dick, they moved swiftly toward the entrance of the gigantic peak. They traveled fast, and an hour later, they arrived at the gateway shrouded in surging demonic energy.

In the Spatial Turbulence Domain above the peak, the massive tunnel remained. The dark, viscous fluid within, occasionally punctuated by glimpses of the Sky-Warping Wyrms, served as a constant reminder that this was the bottom of the Poison Dragon Abyss.

Seeing the gate to his return right above them, Ji Changkong felt a surge of excitement. He pointed to the tunnel in the center of the Spatial Turbulence Domain. “That place leads to the Five Elements Continent where I belong. I can go home.”

Dick nodded, anticipation shimmering in his eyes as well. “I can hardly wait. This is my first time stepping onto a human Life Star. I’ll finally get to see the world of you humans.”

“Kong Kong, let’s go! We can return to the Five Elements Continent,” Benyuan Zhi Du urged.

With a great roar of exhilaration, Ji Changkong shot forward like an arrow toward the tunnel in the center of the Spatial Turbulence Domain. That strange, disorienting dizziness returned as he was involuntarily pulled deep into the core amidst flashing, multi-hued lights. The chaotic forces within the tunnel twisted together, obscuring all sense of direction.

Flying forward at breakneck speed, as if riding a cloud, Ji Changkong suddenly accelerated tenfold within the passage.

The blood in his body instantly boiled. The barrier of the Four Sacred Beasts—put in place to repel demons—suddenly contracted, splitting open a fissure.

Whoosh! Snap!

The instant the gap appeared, Ji Changkong and Dick shot through it.