The vast Star Sea Chart and the Great Void Secret Codex were both deeply concealed within his soul, yet they never manifested outwardly, nor did they influence the slightest shift within his spirit.

The violent, malevolent soul quieted down within the confines of the Star Sea Chart; that soul was once again under Ji Changkong’s complete control, able to shift and change according to his slightest whim, as if it were an extension of his own limbs.

However, Ji Changkong couldn't summon any joy.

He understood that the violent, wicked soul was also a part of his own being; more accurately, that soul had inherited every dark thought and evil notion buried deep within his core.

In the past, these malevolent thoughts had been fiercely suppressed by him, never allowed to surface. Such evil ideology might be the foundational concepts of his subconscious, things impossible to eradicate completely!

Generally speaking, only when a person has gained absolute mastery over those thoughts can they be considered a truly kind and upright individual. Once those evil notions and dark thoughts slip beyond control, they transform one into a wicked person, into a villain imbued with demonic nature.

A person’s entire life is a battle waged against another version of oneself, a constant struggle against one's own evil thoughts and intentions!

When the aura of that soul—violent, mad, and bloodthirsty—began to permeate outward, Ji Changkong suddenly grasped the truth. That soul was also him; it was the negative power of his subconscious. As long as he could conquer himself, that soul would be firmly controlled by him, just like mastering one’s own inner world.

This was not an easy feat, though certainly not an insurmountable one.

A person naturally spends their entire lifetime battling themselves. That soul was merely the wicked facet of his own heart; as long as he held fast to his true nature, he could gain total dominion over it.

Of course, due to the influence of the Ancestor Demon’s Vexation, the evil side of his soul had grown considerably stronger, even subtly influencing his temperament, lending his character a touch more depravity.

It was in this moment that he suddenly understood why, when dealing with Shang Bingyi earlier, he had suddenly become so recklessly audacious.

It turned out to be the mischief of the evil thoughts within him. Subconsciously, he had strongly desired to give Shang Bingjie a severe lesson, but in the past, such emotions had been rigidly restrained by reason. Yet, because of the Ancestor Demon’s Vexation, his disposition had been altered to some degree, making it difficult for him to truly control his deep-seated emotions. This was why he had acted in ways he normally never would.

Various thoughts flashed through his mind; Ji Changkong frowned in deep contemplation, uncertain whether this state was ultimately a blessing or a curse.

Just then, he noticed his maternal grandfather, Gu Yu, along with Li Hentian and Dick, slowly approaching from outside.

Filled with confusion, Ji Changkong’s expression tightened. He decided to question his grandfather and Li Hentian to gauge their perspective on the matter.

A short while later, Gu Yu, Li Hentian, Dik, and the Primal Poison all walked in.

These past few days, the Primal Poison had suddenly taken a keen interest in Dik, constantly attaching itself to him, inquiring about the Endless Star Domain. Dik never had a habit of concealing things; anything he was familiar with, he explained in detail to the Primal Poison. Dik, in turn, was fascinated by the Primal Poison’s life form.

The two seemed to be getting along quite well.

After Gu Yu and Li Hentian entered, they couldn't help but take in the state of the room. Gu Yu wore a peculiar smile and asked, “That girl has left?”

Nodding, Ji Changkong replied, “Yes. She left some time ago.”

Gu Yu smiled and said no more. It was the Primal Poison that couldn't hold back, asking with a mischievous grin, “Kongkong, what did that girl talk about with you? Haha, she’s quite interesting. On the surface, she’s haughty and rude, but beneath it all, she's just a rather simple girl. Kongkong, back when you were at the Heart of the Sun, did you…?”

“No!” Ji Changkong immediately denied it, glaring fiercely at the Primal Poison before quickly changing the subject. “Grandfather, there was something odd with my condition just now.”

Gu Yu’s expression immediately grew grave. “What is it?”

Ji Changkong recounted everything he had discovered, omitting nothing. Afterward, he asked, “If this continues, will the demonic nature of that other soul eventually overwhelm my true heart? Will it turn me into an utterly wicked man?”

“A person's life is full of various incidents; many things can affect one's resolve and alter one's character,” Gu Yu mused for a moment before continuing, “Many people start out very kind and innocent, but perhaps a single major shock can completely change their nature, turning them into indiscriminate murderers. Such occurrences are common.”

“What do you mean, Grandfather?”

“Without that demonically infused soul, you would still change as you normally would; it is the negative aspect of your inner thoughts. Even if it never manifested as your second soul, it would perpetually reside in your subconscious. So, you shouldn't worry too much, and certainly don't harbor the idea of destroying it, because you fundamentally cannot.”

“Is that so?”

“Don't fret. Sometimes, the negative side of one’s subconscious isn't purely harmful.” Gu Yu smiled broadly. “For a weak person, if that negative power is magnified, they can become strong and brave. It’s not entirely without merit. As long as you face it earnestly, I believe you can control your inner self.”

“Changkong, this is actually a great thing.” Li Hentian was more direct, sounding slightly excited. “Most people’s negative souls just lurk deep inside, only slightly influencing their personality. But your soul has managed to form a second soul, granting you extra power—like a second you! As long as you can master yourself, you can master it and utilize it against your enemies. It is definitely a good thing!”

“Still, you must be cautious. Be careful not to let that soul’s power grow too strong. Once it becomes difficult to control, you might turn into… turn into what happened to your father,” Gu Yu sighed. Startled, Ji Changkong’s expression immediately became serious. “I understand.”

“Ji Changkong, it seems some of our previous plans won't work anymore,” Dik said, hesitating for a moment before finally voicing his concerns.

He had been thrilled about turning the dead stars of the Sun Star Domain into living ones, transforming the entire domain into a farm for their Dark Star Clan. However, as he prepared to execute the plan, he realized the immense difficulty involved.

Evidently, he had already discussed this with Gu Yu and Li Hentian. Based on what they had explained, he must have gained a new understanding of the situation.

Seeing Dik’s look of disappointment, Ji Changkong sighed internally. “I underestimated their inherent flaws. They only have themselves in mind. It seems following our original strategy is no longer viable.”

“Do you have another way?” Dik's hope flared again.

Smiling wryly, Ji Changkong nodded. “There is a way, but it is extremely difficult.”

At this point, Ji Changkong glanced at Gu Yu. Gu Yu frowned deeply and gently shook his head. “Only if we establish the order ourselves can we hope to change the status quo of the Sun Star Domain. Only when our strength is so immense that every power in the Sun Star Domain trembles before us can you feel free to remake the dead stars.”

“That’s too hard. Our strength falls far short of the Eight Supreme Powers. To catch up to them in a short time is difficult, let alone surpass them. Not even Tian Lu could single-handedly establish a new order for the entire Sun Star Domain, so it’s even harder for us,” Li Hentian immediately dismissed the suggestion.

As expected, Gu Yu and Li Hentian had both recognized that this was the only viable method. Looking at them, Ji Changkong knew they understood the situation fully.

Only when an absolutely dominant force emerged in the Sun Star Domain, one that made every cultivator within tremble, could Dik’s plan be implemented. Otherwise, before the dead stars could even be transformed, the essence of stars within would be plundered.

“Yes, in my view, this is the only effective method, but unfortunately, we likely can’t achieve it quickly,” Ji Changkong agreed. After thinking for a while, he apologized to Dik. “Dik, for now, this is indeed difficult. But nothing is absolute. The great turmoil of the Sun Star Domain has begun; perhaps after the upheaval, the powers there will be reshuffled.”

“It’s possible that our Xuanyuan Valley can seize the opportunity to rise up and become the largest and strongest cultivator power in the Sun Star Domain, striking fear and awe into every Life Star. If one day our Xuanyuan Valley can reach that height, then your plan can be enacted.”

This was a promise, a commitment to Dik. However, for now, it was an empty check, one that seemed utterly impossible to cash.

Yet, Dik placed great faith in Ji Changkong. Hearing him say this, Dik nodded seriously. “Ji Changkong, I believe you! I believe you can definitely do it!”

“You think too highly of me,” Ji Changkong laughed. He hesitated for a moment before turning to Gu Yu. “We shouldn’t bother with cooperating with them to turn dead stars into living ones while we remain on the Hailan Continent. Let’s discuss how to align with them to deal with Tian Lu, the Demonic Cave, and the Death Pact instead.”

“Yes, for the time being, that’s all we can do,” Gu Yu conceded.

In the following days, Gu Yu took the lead, meeting with the Shang Family, the Flying Flower Sect, Jinwang Mountain, and experts from several other Life Stars to discuss matters of cooperation.

Gu Yu focused exclusively on strategy against the three major powers: Tian Lu, the Demonic Cave, and the Death Pact, expending most of his effort there. As for the major project Dik proposed—taking essence of stars from the Dark Star Clan to plant on the Sun Star Domain—Gu Yu never breathed a word of it.

Because he didn't mention it, those other parties grew anxious. The reason they valued the Xuanyuan Valley so highly was partly due to their successful strike against the Demonic Cave, but the most important factor was Ji Changkong’s earlier assurance that they wouldn't have to worry about the essence of stars.

The essence of stars was what preoccupied them most!

But since Gu Yu remained silent, after several rounds of negotiation where Ji Changkong, Dik, and Li Hentian were absent, they finally sought out Ji Changkong and Dik, hoping to discuss the details of that matter.

They were obsessed with the essence of stars and hoped Dik could provide them with a portion to alleviate their immediate desperation. However, after days of covert observation, Ji Changkong became increasingly disappointed in them, realizing these people were beyond saving.

If Dik were to start transforming the dead stars in the Sun Star Domain at this juncture, and these factions discovered it, they would undoubtedly use every means necessary to seize the essence of stars within those worlds, rendering any subsequent work impossible.

The timing was not right.

Finally recognizing their true nature, Ji Changkong adopted another approach: he instructed Dik to continually exaggerate the difficulty of nurturing the essence of stars, and for Dik to overstate the perils and dangers involved in traveling from the Dark Star Clan to the Sun Star Domain, inventing terrifying risks that didn't actually exist.

In short, he sought every excuse possible to portray this relatively simple task as infinitely arduous.

Gradually, these parties noticed that things were not unfolding as they had imagined, and their initial enthusiasm waned. At this point, the old madam of the Shang Family finally tossed out their bait—their real prize.

They had discovered a living star cultivation ground used by experts from the Meteor Sea Star Domain.

Once the Shang Family presented this prize, the momentum behind Ji Changkong's side suddenly slowed. The experts who had gathered from various continents shifted their focus toward the Shang matriarch, scheming about how to jointly seize that living star cultivation ground used by the Meteor Sea experts. They deliberated day and night on the details—how many masters each faction would deploy, and the division of spoils afterward.

Driven by greed, these people worked with high efficiency, making progress every day. The grand plan to capture that living star ground was slowly hammered out, the strategy becoming exquisitely detailed.

Of all the cultivator forces that had arrived, only the Xuanyuan Valley did not participate in this scheme. Naturally, when the venture succeeded, the Xuanyuan Valley would receive none of the benefits.

Misty Pavilion, Chaotic Peaks of the Cloud Horizon.

Ji Changkong sat upon a jutting rock on a mountain peak, facing the sea breeze, watching the seven-hued sunset paint the ocean into a vibrant, multicolored tapestry. He watched the spirit cranes dance gracefully in the air, savoring the unique atmosphere of this alien land.

A figure of peerless grace and striking beauty stood silently some distance away, watching him for a long moment before speaking. “Is the Misty Island beautiful?”

Without turning his head, Ji Changkong knew who had arrived. He nodded slowly. “It is beautiful. And the lady on the island is beautiful too.”

Shang Bingyi was slightly taken aback. This was the first time Ji Changkong had offered her praise, rather than engaging in their usual verbal sparring. For a moment, Shang Bingyi struggled to maintain her icy composure.

“I’m leaving,” he suddenly turned to face her. “I would have sought you out to say goodbye even if you hadn't come. Once the details of the alliance are finalized tomorrow, I will return to the Five Elements Continent. In the future… I likely won't be back on the Hailan Continent.”

Shang Bingyi suddenly fell silent.

Over these past ten days, the two had frequently been at loggerheads, entangled in trivial disagreements, even coming to blows several times. To any observer, these two were oil and water. Yet, now hearing he was departing, Shang Bingyi felt a profound sense of loss. After a long pause, she asked in a cold voice, “Why the rush? Are you afraid I’ll insist on forcing you to join us?”

“No,” Ji Changkong shook his head. “We should have left long ago. If these people hadn't been preoccupied with plotting the seizure of the living star ground, the detailed strategy for jointly resisting Tian Lu, the Death Pact, and the Demonic Cave should have been settled already. Now that their plan to steal the living star ground is settled, it’s time to address this minor issue.”

When saying the word “minor issue,” Ji Changkong sneered derisively in his heart: They won't shed tears until they see the coffin.

“You think their minds have been clouded by greed?” Shang Bingyi asked.

“I just find it laughable. Tian Lu and the Death Pact might already be discussing how to deal with us right now, yet they are still focused on forcibly taking the Meteor Sea Domain’s living star ground. Even at this stage, they can’t distinguish between primary and secondary concerns. The essence of stars has driven them mad. They haven't cultivated demonic arts, but I see they have already succumbed to Qi deviation,” Ji Changkong chuckled, rising to his feet.

Looking at the vast sunset, and at Shang Bingyi’s exquisite face colored by the five hues of the fading light, Ji Changkong said, “It was a pleasure knowing you. In truth, when I first arrived, I could have chosen many other continents, but I ultimately came to the Hailan Continent.”

“I… I know,” Shang Bingyi replied, keeping her head down, avoiding his gaze.

Silence fell between them.

“Changkong, Meng Gang is looking for you!” Just then, Li Hentian’s shout echoed from a distance.

Apologetically looking at Shang Bingyi, Ji Changkong said, “I must go. Oh, right, I forgot to tell you. Meng Gang might be leaving with me. From now on, you won't be able to get news about me through him.”

Shang Bingyi kept her head lowered, gritting her teeth, though her face flushed red. Glancing greedily at Shang Bingyi’s cheek several times, Ji Changkong gave a casual smile and turned to leave.

Only after he had gone quite a distance did Shang Bingyi raise her head, glaring hatefully in the direction he departed, muttering under her breath, “Big bastard!”

On the deserted island within the spatial turbulence zone of the Hailan Continent.

Flashes of intense light pulsed within the turbulence zone; a massive tunnel suddenly tore open in space. Amidst the dazzling glare, a group of about ten figures slowly strode out of the tunnel.

The leader wore a dark, black mask. The patterns on the mask were simple, depicting a large, smiling face, yet the eyes beneath were icy and emotionless, shining with the faint light of death. That large smiling face, contrasted by those eyes, did not appear gentle at all; instead, it looked inexplicably sinister and strange.

Behind him, seven people stood in a line, all of them Ninth Palace Celestial Masters.

Beside him was a figure draped in a long, wide white robe. The pointed white robe billowed outward in the wind, taking on a human silhouette but seemingly lacking flesh and bone. At the top of the robe, where the head should be, two spots of ghost-fire shone like human eyes.

Lined up behind the white-robed figure were six robes of different colors, all resembling him—like ghosts wearing clothing, as bizarre as could be imagined.

These two groups were clearly distinct factions, clearly separated, yet the auras emanating from them were all supremely malevolent.

A figure slowly emerged from the tunnel; horrifyingly, it was the long-bearded one who had vanished.

The long-bearded man walked up to the two leaders with a grim expression, bowing slightly. “The anomaly who claimed he could solve the issue of the essence of stars should currently be at the Shang Family compound!”

“Lead the way,” the man in the smiling mask commanded succinctly.

The long-bearded man nodded, his eyes filled with venom, and immediately flew ahead, swiftly heading toward Misty Island.

Today’s update also totals ten thousand characters; remember to cast your monthly votes! (To be continued) D