As the Ghost Demon King departed, he left only those words. Once he vanished from sight, the lesser imps that had been hunting the Celestial Masters outside Xuanyuan Valley also disappeared one by one, following the Ghost Demon King’s footsteps.

Once again, the catastrophe facing Xuanyuan Valley had been casually resolved by him.

The Ghost Demon King was gone, and the deathly aura enveloping Xuanyuan Valley had dispersed as well. Logically, Ji Changkong should have been happy, yet at this moment, he couldn't muster any excitement.

“You are also an anomaly!”

The Ghost Demon King’s pronouncement struck Ji Changkong like a sword plunged into his heart.

Looking at his own form—shrouded in towering demonic energy, his physical body nearly indestructible—Ji Changkong’s expression was complex, his eyes filled with confusion.

Anomaly?

That label had always been reserved for monsters. All this time, Ji Changkong had used it to address beings like the Ghost Demon King. Now, being called an anomaly himself left him deeply unsettled.

After a long silence, Ji Changkong managed a wry smile, murmuring, “When did it come to this? Even I have become an anomaly. However, I truly am drifting further and further from being human now…”

With demonic energy surging from every pore, the vital essence of the Four Sacred Beasts coursing through his blood, a soul capable of shifting into nebulae or three forms of Heavenly Fire, and a physical body so robust it seemed immortal—this combination of body and soul meant he had already undergone a world-shattering transformation compared to the average Celestial Master.

The Ghost Demon King calling him an anomaly was, perhaps, quite accurate.

A strange, inexplicable sense of weariness suddenly welled up in Ji Changkong’s heart. As his thoughts shifted, the azure Heavenly Lightning surrounding him vanished, and the torrent of demonic energy pouring from his acupoints trickled back inside.

Standing proudly suspended in the void, watching the silhouettes of Xuanyuan Valley experts swiftly approaching in the distance, Ji Changkong could not feel joy. For the first time, a sense of isolation bloomed within him; he felt he could no longer truly be considered human, but had become—like the Source Poison itself—an anomaly.

Dick approached Ji Changkong at this moment. He seemed to grasp the confusion churning inside him and spoke as if continuing his own train of thought. “Extraordinary beings have always been different from the masses. From the very moment you began cultivating the path of the Celestial Master, you ceased to be entirely normal humans. Your souls and bodies continuously evolve as the depth of your power increases. Furthermore, the life-form and physical appearance of a Celestial Master change with every advancement in realm. Our Dark Star race has been observing you for a long time.”

“Like all higher races, as you gain power and grasp the profound mysteries of the Endless Starfield, you begin a comprehensive evolution of body and soul from that first step. By constantly reshaping yourselves to better suit the rules of the Endless Starfield, you naturally become different from ordinary people.”

“Indeed, the you now is different from the Celestial Masters around you. But think about it—are they the same as ordinary people? They possess Divine Souls, and their physical forms can tear apart demons. Is that something a regular human can achieve?”

“To them, we Dark Star race members are also anomalies. And when our Dark Star race viewed humans as anomalies, we were right there with you. The vast and boundless Endless Starfield is a place where multiple races coexist. In the Endless Starfield, the term ‘anomaly’ simply doesn't exist. ‘Anomaly’ is merely a derogatory term used by one group of beings toward another, carrying no actual substance,” Dick explained patiently, detailing the ways various great races interacted across the Endless Starfield.

Suddenly enlightened, Ji Changkong’s eyes began to clear. He thought: It’s true. From the first day I stepped onto the path of cultivation, Celestial Masters diverged from ordinary humans. But regardless of how our bodies or souls change, the fundamental seven emotions and six desires—the complex feelings of humanity—always remain the same. Even if the form has changed, the essence is shared. If that is the case, what reason is there for me to feel burdened?

A sudden clarity washed over him, and Ji Changkong took a deep breath, feeling as if his soul underwent a subtle, almost imperceptible transformation.

For a Nine Palace Celestial Master, the resolution of a deep-seated knot in the heart often brought about a corresponding change in the soul. He could sense this change, yet he couldn't quite articulate its nature. “Sect Master, is that truly you?” In the distance, Batu’er’s face was alight with uncontrollable ecstasy; his body trembled slightly in the void.

Behind Batu’er stood Xiao Xing, Xiao Pòshān, Yi Kui, Mo Yunyi, Han Feng, Mu Luo, and the other masters of Xuanyuan Valley. The moment they spotted him, excitement flared on all their faces, and they rushed towards him in a frenzy, shouting greetings from afar.

“Changkong, you’re finally back! Granny missed you terribly!” Mo Yunyi exclaimed with boundless joy.

“You scoundrel, the world is in chaos, and you were out enjoying yourself!” Han Feng scolded with a laugh.

“Brat, thank the heavens you returned, or Ghost Demon King would surely have annihilated Xuanyuan Valley,” Xiao Pòshān roared.

The masters of Xuanyuan Valley gathered around Ji Changkong, peppering him with questions as he materialized from thin air: where he had been, where he had come from, and whether he knew the current situation of the Five Elements Continent.

In the distance, many experts from factions that had allied with them from all corners of the world watched, quietly listening to their exchange.

The matters of the strange continent would remain Xuanyuan Valley’s greatest secret. It held the Living Stars necessary for cultivating the Nine Palace Celestial Master realm, and it would become the Valley’s most significant resource in the future—this could absolutely not be leaked, not even a single shred. Therefore, Ji Changkong certainly would not speak freely here.

“Let’s return to Xuanyuan Valley first. Whatever needs discussing, we can talk slowly once we are inside,” Ji Changkong chuckled, leading the way toward the Valley.

“W-what is that monster?” Han Feng pointed at Dick, adopting a stance of extreme vigilance. The other members of Xuanyuan Valley were equally tense. They sensed a powerful aura emanating from Dick, and coupled with his completely non-Five Elements Continent appearance, it naturally made them nervous.

“Ah, I forgot to introduce him,” Ji Changkong smiled, gesturing toward Dick. “This is a friend of mine. Heh, as you can see, he isn’t from our Five Elements Continent. He comes from the Dark Star race, a benevolent race in the Endless Starfield. Don’t be alarmed; though he looks unfriendly, he’s actually quite kind.”

Hearing Ji Changkong’s assurance, the Xuanyuan Valley members relaxed slightly and began scrutinizing Dick, murmuring with awe.

Under Ji Changkong’s introduction, Dick behaved naturally and without constraint. He had absorbed a portion of Ji Changkong’s memories from that continent rife with demons and monsters, allowing him to understand the language of the Five Elements Continent humans perfectly. Communication was no issue for him.

“Let’s go back to Xuanyuan Valley first.” Ji Changkong felt an urgent need to fully grasp the political landscape of the Five Elements Continent.

Everyone nodded repeatedly, ceasing their chatter and following closely behind Ji Changkong as they headed toward the Valley.

Before Ji Changkong’s return, even while sheltered within the Star Sea Great Formation, these people felt uneasy. Now that he was back, even though the Star Sea Great Formation wasn't operating at full defensive capacity, they felt secure again.

Suddenly, everyone realized that, without them noticing, Ji Changkong had become the very cornerstone of Xuanyuan Valley. Without him, the Valley felt lifeless, sinking into stagnant gloom.

Inside Xuanyuan Valley.

As Ji Changkong recounted his experiences, Mo Yunyi and the others moved between shock and delight. They could scarcely believe the incredible fortunes he had stumbled upon on the foreign continent after being dragged into that spatial rift. They also learned, for the first time, about the conflict between the Four Sacred Beasts and the Ancestral Demons.

Of course, what excited them most was the realization that they would no longer have to worry about securing the Living Stars required for the Nine Palace Celestial Master realm!

These people all possessed strength at the Eight Trigram Celestial Master realm, with a significant portion reaching the peak of Eight Trigram Celestial Number peak. Because they often discussed the Dao of cultivation within the Valley, Xiao Pòshān and the others had shown subtle signs of imminent breakthrough over the years. The concentration of Heaven and Earth Vital Energy within the Valley was dozens of times higher than elsewhere. Cultivating here gave them immense advantages.

The gathering of forces from across the world within Xuanyuan Valley provided tremendous impetus for its growth. These individuals, together in the Valley with its richest vital energy, possessing rare treasures for cultivation from everywhere, and able to freely discuss the Dao without reservation—under such favorable circumstances, they were the most likely candidates to break through to the Nine Palace Celestial Master realm.

Although they were only at the peak of the Eight Trigram Celestial Master realm, having cultivated on the Sun Star, they had all heard about the difficulties involved in reaching the Nine Palace Celestial Master realm. They had always worried about not having enough Star Essence to cultivate once they reached that stage, especially given the grim example of Li Hentian.

Now, hearing Ji Changkong assure them of sufficient Star Essence for their Nine Palace cultivation, how could they not be ecstatic?

Even the Eight Supreme Forces of the Sun Starfield couldn't guarantee that all their Nine Palace Celestial Masters would have the Star Essence needed for cultivation. To secure Living Stars, the eight major powers of the Sun Starfield constantly schemed against each other, even engaging in deadly warfare with the Celestial Master forces of the Meteor Sea Starfield.

This showed just how scarce the Star Essence had become!

Having received Ji Changkong’s assurance, immense hope ignited in their hearts. They looked upon Dick with newfound respect, daring not to show the slightest disrespect. They knew they would likely need to trouble Dick in the future, so maintaining good courtesy now was essential.

“Alright, let’s discuss the current situation on the Five Elements Continent,” Ji Changkong said, his expression solemn after concluding his own tale.

Everyone’s faces grew grave again. They began speaking over each other, detailing all the events unfolding on the Five Elements Continent: how Holy Mother Youlan and Heavenly Martial King were leading experts from the Demon Caves to besiege Guiyuan Sect, and how the Sect was on the verge of collapse.

After a detailed explanation, Ji Changkong’s face changed sharply. He stood up abruptly. “My maternal grandfather actually went to Kunlun!”

Learning that Gu Ya had not fully recovered but had still gone to Guiyuan Sect following a letter from King Asura, Ji Changkong immediately tensed up again. He glanced at the crowd. “The Ghost Demon King shouldn’t return to Xuanyuan Valley anytime soon. Rest assured, I must hurry to Kunlun immediately.”

Everyone understood his relationship with Gu Ya and Li Hentian, and they recognized that the world situation demanded his involvement. Therefore, no one objected; some even offered to accompany him to Guiyuan Sect.

“No need. You haven’t reached the Nine Palace Celestial Master realm yet; by the time you get there, you won’t be of much help.” Shaking his head in refusal, Ji Changkong immediately left the Hall of Deliberations and flew toward the Heavenly Apex Winged Dragon within the Valley.

Dick and the Source Poison were indispensable, so they naturally would not separate from Ji Changkong. Seeing him board the Heavenly Apex Winged Dragon, they followed suit.

“I’m heading to Kunlun first. Once things are settled there, I will return as quickly as possible.” Waving farewell, Ji Changkong patted the dragon.

The Heavenly Apex Winged Dragon soared into the sky, shooting towards the heavens at maximum speed, straight toward Kunlun.

Kunlun.

Amidst swirling mists, violently chaotic power ravaged the land. Rolling demonic energy surged toward Kunlun from all directions, bombarding the Sect-Protecting Great Formation atop the mountain peak.

Kunlun was one of the most concentrated cultivation paradises in the world for Heaven and Earth Vital Energy, yet now, it was severely depleted. Even the spiritual grasses on the mountainside were beginning to wither from the prolonged lack of nourishment.

Within the thick mist, six figures stood side-by-side.

The leader wore a long black robe, appearing outwardly young, but his eyes were unfathomably deep, as if he had witnessed all the turmoil of the mortal world and accepted everything.

He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile playing on his lips—less like a powerhouse from the Demon Caves traversing the world, and more like a gentle scholar in the mundane world.

Beside him stood Holy Mother Youlan of the Mani Cult, and the Heavenly Martial King of the Heavenly Martial Kingdom. These two were peak experts on the Five Elements Continent, yet their expressions were deferential, and even their speech was cautious, careful not to raise their voices.

Behind Youlan and the Heavenly Martial King stood three others: two men and one woman. All were strikingly handsome, though their eyes held a distinct aura of malevolence. Unlike the leader’s deep gaze, they betrayed not a trace of demonic or sinister energy.

A crescent-shaped, pitch-black divine weapon, wreathed in demonic energy, flashed occasionally within the mist, causing the Kunlun mountain itself to tremble slightly each time. This crescent blade was covered entirely in bizarre, evil eyes, each one blinking, radiating sickly magical light.

It was this single divine weapon, the Blade of Demonic Eyes, that had drained the Heaven and Earth Vital Energy from the Guiyuan Sect’s protective formation nearly dry. As the weapon darted in and out of the fog, it cut at the formation, causing the elemental energy entwined around the barrier to dissipate bit by bit.

“Hmph. This isn't our Evil Demon Continent; the Heaven and Earth Demonic Energy here is far too scarce. Otherwise, the Cave Master would have already completely shattered this so-called Sect-Protecting Great Formation; why waste so much time?” a stout, powerfully built, handsome man beside Youlan grumbled.

The leader, addressed as Cave Master, chuckled faintly. “Hantian, you’ll never shake off your impetuous nature. Since you know the Four Sacred Beasts are buried beneath this continent, you should realize this place is different from our Evil Demon Continent.”

The burly, handsome man named Hantian fell silent after being chastised, but the gaze he fixed upon Guiyuan Sect was laced with icy killing intent, as if he blamed everyone within the Sect for his reprimand.

“Soon. In another three hours, this formation will be destroyed. Be careful, everyone. Once we win this battle, this entire continent falls. Gu Ya and King Asura entered the formation a few days ago, which saves us considerable effort; we can wipe out all the experts on this continent in one go,” the leader stood calmly, surveying his forces.

After a moment of contemplation, he began assigning opponents. “Cao Xuanqi falls to me. Hantian, you will deal with King Asura. Canlang, you take on Gu Ya. Xiaoyu, you handle Hu Gao…”

Turning to Youlan and the Heavenly Martial King, the Demon Cave Master asked, “The rest—Shi Qianjie, Yao Kui, Li Hentian—the ones who have just entered the Nine Palace Celestial Master realm. You two should have no problem with them, correct?”

Youlan and the Heavenly Martial King nodded eagerly, assuring him there would be no issues.

“Hantian and Canlang, you are both at the peak of the Nine Palace realm and uninjured. Dealing with King Asura and Gu Ya should not be difficult. However, be cautious; even though those two are injured, if they resolve to fight to the death, they can still be troublesome. Remember, exert your full strength and do not let them escape. Before the fight begins, I will use the ‘Heavenly Demon Devouring Sky Great Barrier’ to seal the mountaintop, ensuring those inside cannot easily escape.”

Hantian and Canlang both nodded. Canlang’s silhouette flickered, a savage light burning in his eyes, as if he wanted to devour someone’s head whole, giving off an intense aura of bloodlust.

Xiaoyu was a young woman who looked barely twenty, her face paper-white, giving her a sickly appearance, though no one knew the true extent of her power.

Within the swirling mist, atop Kunlun Peak.

Cao Xuanqi sat with Shi Qianjie and Hu Gao. King Asura sat with Yao Kui. On the other side sat Gu Ya and Li Hentian. The most powerful figures of the Five Elements Continent were gathered here, yet the seven were divided into three groups, all sitting with their eyes closed, meditating, showing no inclination to converse.

A few days earlier, when King Asura, Yao Kui, Gu Ya, and Li Hentian charged toward the protective formation, a wave of energy from the barrier allowed the four to enter. Yet, after they entered, none of Cao Xuanqi, Shi Qianjie, or Hu Gao even opened their eyes or spoke a single word of gratitude.

King Asura and Gu Ya’s group of four also sat down in silence upon arriving, tacitly gathering their power to await the confrontation.

They all understood that no one owed anyone anything. They gathered here solely for the sake of the Five Elements Continent and themselves, because the invaders from the Evil Demon Continent would eventually kill every Nine Palace Celestial Master, and nothing could stop it.

“One more quarter of an hour.”

Cao Xuanqi, who had remained silent, suddenly spoke out with his eyes still closed.

Everyone on the peak immediately grew tense.