"Manganese Steel. Are you truly resolved to leave with us?" "Yes. The old madam of the Merchant Guild lacks sufficient breadth of vision. If I remain on the Vast Sea Continent, not only will I be in peril, but I might even bring trouble to my own sect. It's the same everywhere; if the Vast Sea Continent rejects me, it will be the same elsewhere."

"Very well, stay with us these next couple of days, and we shall depart together when the time comes."

"Mmm. I have already explained the situation to my sect master; there should be no issues."

Ultimately, Manganese Steel chose to leave with Ji Changkong because he worried about the old madam seeking retribution later. On the Vast Sea Continent, no one dared challenge the Merchant Guild's authority. Whoever incurred the old madam's displeasure was destined to have no future prospects on that continent.

For his own sake, and for his sect's, Manganese Steel felt he was no longer suited to remain on the Vast Sea Continent.

Especially after You received Ji Changkong's assurance, he became even more convinced that following Ji Changkong would lead to a better situation than the present. Others didn't believe in Ji Changkong because they didn't know his true power, but Manganese Steel had known him since their time on the moon and had witnessed firsthand how he broke through to the Ninth Palace Heaven Realm in such a short period.

Most importantly, having fought side-by-side above the moon and the sun had forged a deep bond between them. He trusted Ji Changkong, believing that Ji Changkong could offer him much more, which is why he was willing to abandon his home and leave the Vast Sea Continent for the Five Elements—a place where the elemental energy was not particularly rich.

Soon, Ji Changkong and Manganese Steel settled the finer points of their arrangements, instructing Manganese Steel to stay close to him during this time and to avoid any rash departures.

Manganese Steel naturally agreed and subsequently spent his time with Dick and Li Hentian. Although Manganese Steel only possessed the peak essence cultivation of the Eight Trigrams Heaven Realm and was rough around the edges, he was greatly admired by Dick and Li Hentian, and he got along with them wonderfully.

After parting ways with Shang Bingjie, Ji Changkong discussed some matters with Qin Gang. Just as he was preparing to find Gu Bang to explain tomorrow's affairs, he suddenly sensed the aura of Lan Fen, the courtesan from Flying Flower.

Phantom Isle was vast, its area even exceeding that of the Shuiyun Nation by a third. Calling it an island was less accurate than calling it a country; it possessed mountains, rivers, lakes, strange mists, and bizarre rocks—everything a beautiful nation ought to have.

Due to the sheer expanse of Phantom Isle, the experts from various life stars attending the Merchant Guild gathering were assigned to different beautiful regions across the island. The distances between them could easily span thousands of miles.

The distance between Xuanyuan Valley and Flying Flower spanned seven to eight hundred miles, separated by dozens of continuous mountain ranges. Fortunately, those who had cultivated to the Ninth Palace Heaven Realm possessed swift flight speeds, making seven or eight hundred miles a mere instant to traverse.

As soon as Lan Fen's aura manifested, her maternal grandfather, Gu Ya, silently appeared beside her. They were on a flat stretch of rock amidst chaotic stones, with the White Jade Pavilions where others were resting situated not far behind the rocks.

Lan Fen had come alone, and furthermore, she had deliberately concealed her aura. If she hadn't been extremely close to Ji Changkong and Gu Ya, the two might not have even detected her soul fluctuations.

Lan Fen, graceful as a noble consort, wore layers of gown fit for an empress, with hundreds of flower and phoenix patterns floating around her in the air, vivid as a hundred blossoms blooming or a phoenix rising from the ashes.

Like a brilliant, splendid flower, Lan Fen’s languid figure slowly descended beside Gu Pu and Ji Changkong.

The moment Lan Fen landed, her aura vanished completely. Simultaneously, a profound, mysterious power enveloped the void above their heads, severing the detection of all three of their auras.

Lan Fen possessed the peak essence cultivation of the Ninth Palace Heaven, her power unfathomably deep. By imposing this power upon the void, unless a master of equal standing approached, her aura—and the content of her speech—would remain undetected.

From Lan Fen's actions, Ji Changkong and Gu Ya discerned that she undoubtedly had something important to discuss. Their expressions remained unchanged as they silently watched Lan Fen, awaiting her to state her purpose.

She did not keep them waiting long. After securing the area, Lan Fen smiled charmingly, "I came to find you to discuss genuine cooperation matters, well, concerning our two sides..."

"In what regard?" Ji Changkong felt a flicker of doubt. He mused that recently many people had approached Dick seeking information about the essence of stars, yet Lan Fen and Flying Flower remained unmoved, showing no adequate interest. Even regarding cooperation against the Demon Great Continent, Lan Fen had not exhibited sufficient enthusiasm.

"Concerning the matter of Dead Stars and Living Stars," Lan Fen said, a smile playing on her lips like a hundred flowers blooming, her voice soft. "Flying Flower has received some residual messages from predecessors, knowing things others do not..."

"What things?" Ji Changkong frowned.

"It seems cultivating Dead Stars for the Dark Star race is not that difficult. With the proper method, the process could be greatly accelerated," Lan Fen observed, half-smiling at him. "As long as the Dark Star race truly dedicates effort to this, they could alter some realities within a century, correct?"

"Roughly correct," Ji Changkong nodded, pondering for a moment. "A century is still quite a long time for many, especially for those intent on swiftly satisfying their selfish desires!"

Lan Fen smiled knowingly, indicating she understood his meaning. "There are too many shortsighted individuals in this world, and quite a few who are selfish. These two types combined could completely derail our plans. Of course, I am not one of them."

"How much do you actually know?" Gu Bang interjected calmly. "And what kind of cooperation are you proposing?"

"I know of a place with many Dead Stars, an area effectively abandoned, difficult to enter, and not easily discovered. If you wish to attempt the transformation of Dead Stars, that location should be quite suitable. Flying Flower can help you guard it. Once the Dead Stars become Living Stars, you can share a portion with us. We would be happy to assist. How about it?" Lan Fen stated plainly.

"There are countless Dead Star fields; the Solar Star Domain is littered with them. How can the Dead Star field you speak of be guaranteed from easy discovery? You must understand, once someone knows, any leak will invite contention from experts in the Solar Star Domain and the Meteor Sea Star Domain, much like the Merchant Guild is currently planning to deal with certain sects guarding Living Star fields in the Meteor Sea Star Domain," Gu Pu remained unmoved.

After a pause, Gu Ya added, "Moreover, we have already decided not to proceed with that matter. Until we can guarantee the safety of the Living Star field, none of our plans will be implemented."

"That place was discovered by Flying Flower, and it is genuinely hard to find. Furthermore, divine souls find it extremely difficult to enter. With someone guarding it, coupled with some concealment, I have a ninety percent certainty that even passersby wouldn't detect it!" Lan Fen couldn't help but say when she heard Gu Ya’s words.

"How can you be so confident?" Ji Changkong asked curiously.

"To reach that place, one must pass through a black hole. Would anyone rashly venture into a black hole?" Lan Fen glanced at him lightly.

"A black hole?" Gu Ya and Ji Changkong exchanged a look, finally showing interest.

Black holes differ from the Wormholes in the Spatial Turbulence Zone. Wormholes can lead to other life stars; with the correct method, one could even use them to enter other life stars or reach spatial fissures.

However, black holes serve no such purpose.

Black holes are a bizarre phenomenon in the Endless Star Domain. Their formation follows no discernible pattern; they are like terrifying ancient evil gods capable of devouring everything—life stars, dead stars, or living stars—even swallowing light itself.

Any life star, dead star, living star, or the physical soul of a Celestial Master that enters a black hole vanishes forever, as if each black hole connected to another segment of the Endless Star Domain, another universe.

In the main Endless Star Domain, black holes are synonymous with death. Stars and beings that enter them basically never return, completely disappearing.

Because of this, black holes are the most terrifying natural disaster in the Endless Star Domain. Generally, if a black hole appears in a location, no being dares to pass by; they steer clear, unwilling to have the slightest interaction with the black hole.

If what Lan Fen said was true—that the passage to the Dead Star field lay within a black hole—then Gu Ya and Ji Changkong would not doubt that virtually no one would dare enter rashly.

"You mean one must pass through a black hole to reach it?" Gu Ya shook his head, his expression disbelieving. "Impossible! No one knows where a black hole leads. Stars and beings entering a black hole are essentially equivalent to death. Impossible."

Ji Changkong nodded and directly refused, "If it involves a black hole, we absolutely dare not attempt it. We'll pass on this kind of suicidal path."

"One must pass near a black hole, but not enter it," Lan Fen seemed to have anticipated their reaction, explaining with a smile. "The passage leading to that Dead Star field is located behind the black hole, extremely difficult to find. One of Flying Flower's experts discovered it only because they were nearly pulled into the black hole and were flung to that spot by the force."

After a pause, Lan Fen continued, "Because the passage to the Dead Star field is behind the black hole, virtually no one would dare approach. I think if we place some concealment there, it will be completely foolproof. If you are interested, we can cooperate. How about it?" Ji Changkong exchanged a look with Gu Ya. After a moment, Ji Changkong said, "We need to consider it and discuss it with Dick."

"No problem, you can take your time to think. We still have time," Lan Fen agreed. After hesitating, she added, "Oh, regarding the proposal to deal with the Demon Cave on the Demon Great Continent, I personally think it's good. However, before we get everyone's approval, Flying Flower dares not participate rashly. You know the Demon Great Continent's power isn't limited to just the Demon Cave, and Flying Flower has been antagonistic toward experts from the Demon Great Continent for a long time. If we entered the Demon Great Continent..."

"I understand," Ji Changkong nodded.

"Mmm, it's good that you understand," Lan Fen chuckled lightly. "The Merchant Guild's plan to forcibly seize the Meteor Sea Star Domain's Living Star field is quite interesting. Once successful, every faction could receive a share of the Star Essence. Why aren't you interested?"

"The great enemy is at hand; the timing is wrong," Gu Ya stated grimly.

Lan Fen nodded, indicating she understood his meaning, then stretched languidly. "Then that's settled. If you decide to proceed, you can find me. I would be very pleased to cooperate closely with you on the matter of that Dead Star field."

"Oh," Ji Changkong's expression was indifferent.

Lan Fen did not linger. After removing the strange power enveloping their heads, she quietly departed from the spot.

"If what she said is true, we might consider it," Gu Bang mused after Lan Fen left. "If we can guarantee concealment, Dick can try it first. It would be a good thing for us."

"Mmm, if that's the case, we might as well give it a try," Ji Changkong nodded. "Later, we should ask Dick's opinion. If he thinks it's feasible, we can try it. After all, the long-term plan requires cultivating more Star Essence to benefit our development."

Just as Ji Changkong was preparing to consult Dick on this matter, Dick and the Origin Poison suddenly approached him proactively.

"Kong Kong, Chang Mei is back again," the Origin Poison called out softly before arriving. "Last time, I planted a trace of dark poison on Chang Mei and Tuo Hui. Chang Mei hasn't completely purged that poison yet. As long as he appears on a life star, I can sense him immediately."

"Chang Mei?" Gu Ya was startled. "He left the Vast Sea Continent? And he's returning?"

"Yes, Chang Mei and Tuo Hui vanished from the Vast Sea Continent about ten days ago, but just now I suddenly sensed he has returned and is flying rapidly toward us," the Origin Poison nodded repeatedly, frowning in thought for a moment. "Although it's several hundred thousand miles away, I can still perceive the resentment radiating from him... He is here for revenge."

"Revenge?" Ji Changkong sneered. "Isn't Chang Mei walking into his own death? Last time he came with Tuo Hui, he was asking for trouble. It’s clear that coming alone will only lead to the same dead end, right?"

"Kong Kong, it's not like that!" The Origin Poison shook his head and explained, "I can only sense his aura through the poison I left on Chang Mei. But at such a great distance, I cannot sense anyone else's aura. This means if Chang Mei came with others, I would only be able to sense Chang Mei's aura alone."

"You mean...?" Ji Changkong suddenly understood.

"Chang Mei dares to seek revenge, meaning he must have absolute confidence! Otherwise, he would definitely hide out on the Desolate Ancient Great Continent and not emerge."

Gu Ya’s expression turned grave. After pondering, he suddenly exclaimed, "Not good! Chang Mei has probably invited powerful allies! When he left, he harbored intense resentment towards the Merchant Guild, Flying Flower, and Golden Web Mountain. Knowing everyone is here, yet he still dares to come—he must have absolute certainty!"

Hearing this, Ji Changkong's expression immediately changed. The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. He hastily said, "Right, that's highly likely. We must notify the Merchant Guild immediately and quickly figure out a countermeasure."

"The Vast Sea Continent is probably facing a huge disaster this time," Gu Ya said with a grim face. He swiftly moved towards the Merchant Guild's main hall on Phantom Isle along with them, openly releasing his aura and rushing towards the center of Phantom Isle at the fastest speed.

Inside the Merchant Guild's main hall.

Experts from various life stars were still consulting with the Merchant Guild on how to forcibly seize that Living Star field, finalizing the details of the final distribution of benefits. They were already calculating to soul-fly to that location directly from the Vast Sea Continent to seize the Star Essence.

No one detected the imminent danger that was silently descending.

By the time Ji Changkong and Gu Ya's group finally arrived, the Merchant Guild's old madam was momentarily stunned. She even said, "You are late. We have already finalized all the details, and all the benefits have been allocated. This battle no longer requires the participation of your Xuanyuan Valley."

She assumed Ji Changkong and the others had changed their minds at the last moment and had come to claim a share.

"Speak of that after you survive this disaster!" Ji Changkong scoffed, addressing the old madam. "Immediately deploy all defensive measures on Phantom Isle. It won't be long before Chang Mei brings experts from Tianlu or the Death Alliance to attack. I hope Phantom Isle can withstand them."

At these words, everyone eagerly discussing the distribution of benefits was utterly stunned.

"What did you say?" The old madam's face turned ashen. "We didn't detect anyone approaching. How could you possibly know? Are you intentionally saying this because you see we have settled on the overall situation?"

"I truly wish I were lying," Ji Changkong said with a cold face. "If you wish to live, you had better start setting up defenses now. Otherwise, when they arrive and find Phantom Isle undefended, many people here will be killed quickly. I hope you can temporarily set aside your greed."

"Prepare immediately!" The Great Bald Head from Golden Web Mountain's face changed drastically. "Better safe than sorry!"

"Deploy all the great formations on the island at once!" Shang Bingjie rushed out, issuing orders continuously outside. Without waiting for her grandmother's consent, she began making preparations on her own authority.

When Lan Fen rushed over and heard how drastically the situation had changed, she also became somewhat flustered, urging the Merchant Guild's old madam to halt other matters.

"If you are spreading alarming rumors, I will absolutely not let you off!" The Merchant Guild's old madam snorted coldly. Since discovering that Dick couldn't provide them with enough Star Essence, the old madam's attitude towards them had shifted again. "We'll discuss 'not letting you off' after you survive this catastrophe," Ji Changkong retorted with a cold laugh.