The combined force of the Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Array and the Soul Controlling Crown maximized their influence over the soul, even leading the chief of the Zakk race to unwittingly fall under the spell, ultimately emerging meekly from the "Guangchen" vessel.

The moment the Zakk chief appeared, Ji Haotian froze in surprise, then lunged forward, intent on killing the figure instantly. "Wait a moment!" Ji Changkong called out softly. Before Ji Haotian could strike, the demonic body reached out and enveloped the Zakk chief's head.

Waves of soul-influencing energy emanated from the palm, completely imprisoning the Zakk chief's mind and soul consciousness. Following this, the peculiar energy of the Soul Controlling Crown also took effect, further impacting the Zakk chief.

With all these streams of soul power converging, the Zakk chief, already disoriented, could no longer distinguish who he was.

A wisp of a lone soul fluttered out from the Zakk chief's mind and quietly drifted toward the mouth of Ji Changkong's demonic body, seemingly ready to become a part of it.

Suddenly, the demonic body’s strange eyes flashed with a hint of astonishment.

Ji Changkong’s true form’s expression shifted, and he uttered a soft cry, "He hasn't completely lost his mind yet!"

Saying this, his true form seemed to traverse the distance of space, appearing instantly beside the demonic body and sending forth several tendrils of flame that shot into the demonic shell.

A peculiar soul fluctuation emanated from the Zakk chief’s wisp of a soul. Lodged within the demonic body, the soul attempted to release these fluctuations, seeking to transmit something deeply buried in its memory.

Although affected by the Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Array and the Soul Controlling Crown, the Zakk chief was not as defenseless as the previous figure. As soon as his soul entered the demonic body, he sensed danger and began to struggle, trying to transform his experience into memory waves to transmit outward.

Observing the direction of the soul fluctuations, it seemed that within the center of the two "Guangchen" vessels, there must be some strange treasure capable of storing their memory waves and relaying them to the farther reaches of the Zakk race. Ji Changkong naturally would not allow this to happen.

While the demonic body’s second soul battled the Zakk chief’s soul wisp, the true form’s Heavenly Fire also slipped out, quietly entering the demonic body’s interior.

The Heavenly Fire possessed the ability to incinerate souls. Once inside the demonic shell, the Zakk chief's memory fluctuations were instantly affected. The mental signals he tried to transmit were turned into wisps of light smoke under the burning of the Heavenly Fire, vanishing instantly.

At that moment, the second soul within the vast Sea of Stars map inside the demonic body, aided by the Soul Controlling Crown, suddenly seized the Zakk chief’s soul wisp and dragged it into the center of the Sea of Stars map.

As soon as his soul entered the Sea of Stars map, all soul fluctuations were shielded; not a single sliver of memory wave could escape.

The Sea of Stars map was profoundly bizarre; it was the primary domain of the second soul, where it reigned as the undisputed god. The Zakk chief’s soul, entering his territory, immediately became lost, unable to recognize himself.

The demonic body floated down within the Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Array and sat cross-legged. A wisp of strangely dark flame flickered from the demonic body’s eye sockets.

With the help of those dark flames, the Soul Controlling Crown stirred up astonishing waves of soul turbulence. Under the influence of this energy, the Zakk chief’s soul ocean was actually split apart, the components that made up the soul ocean—emotions, memories, consciousness—were distinctly divided into several sections.

Emotions and useless memories dissolved into nothingness under the soul-decomposing efforts of the Soul Controlling Crown and the demonic body.

However, the useful memories, after being rigorously screened, were preserved and began to be digested and slowly mastered by the demonic body…

Ji Changkong’s true form stared at the demonic body for a while, secretly gauging the situation. Discovering that the demonic body had secured control, he finally relaxed and began to withdraw the peaks that formed the Ancient Nine Transformations Grand Array, one after another.

When the peaks vanished from the sky, and the clouds dispersed, revealing the two "Guangchen" vessels floating once more above the Tuoman Continent, everything was already within his grasp.

Thus far, the three experts of the Hidden Demon race had been wiped out by the Zakk race, and the remaining two Zakk experts had been slain by him and Ji Haotian. This foray into foreign territory had achieved its initial objective.

As the peaks retracted, the experts from the Tuoman Continent surged into the sky in astonishment, drawing near the two "Guangchen" vessels.

Heiluo, in particular, approached Ji Changkong directly and asked with surprise, "Did you two kill those two Zakk guys?"

Ji Changkong nodded with a smile. "Not just the Zakk race; the members of the Hidden Demon race won't appear again either."

Hearing this, many Tuoman Continent experts revealed expressions of immense joy, eyeing the "Guangchen" vessels with unconcealed longing.

Ji Changkong frowned and cast a sharp glance at them. "Don't get too close to them; they might still spew life-ending beams of light. If you get accidentally annihilated, don't blame me for not warning you."

At these words, the expressions of the experts from the Boundless Sea Star Domain changed instantly, and they respectfully drew back, daring not approach the "Guangchen" vessels further.

At this moment, Tuolei, looking deeply sorrowful, ascended from below. He glanced casually at the two "Guangchen" vessels and then at the soulless husks of the two Zakk members. He showed no sign of happiness, murmuring, "I wonder if these two races will come looking for us again…" This was something no one could predict. Tuolei’s words instantly clouded the faces of those who had been rejoicing.

Indeed, they had escaped this time, but who knew if the Zakk race and the Hidden Demon race would return with more experts? Ji Changkong could not stay here forever. If those people came next time, wouldn't they still face certain death? "What should we do?" someone sighed helplessly, his voice low. "I definitely have to go back. I have no obligation to stay here indefinitely, nor the leisure for it," Ji Changkong glanced at Tuolei, his demeanor cool.

"I understand…" Tuolei nodded, glanced at the two "Guangchen" vessels again, and then wore a thoughtful expression. After a moment, Tuolei suddenly spoke, "You are definitely taking these two 'Guangchen' vessels. Could you perhaps leave the 'Anchen' vessel for us?"

The "Anchen" was a tool a tier below the "Guangchen"; it possessed the capability for interstellar navigation but lacked offensive power. Now that he possessed two "Guangchen" vessels, he scarcely paid attention to the "Anchen." After a moment of contemplation, Ji Changkong scrutinized Tuolei and asked, "What do you need the 'Anchen' for?"

"I plan to use the 'Anchen' for a long-distance journey, hoping to locate the Ten Directions Heavenly Soldiers who previously left our Fanyun Celestial Vein. The Boundless Sea Star Domain currently faces threats from the Zakk race and the Hidden Demon race; I must find them, otherwise, our domain is doomed to widespread devastation," Tuolei sighed. Find the departed Ten Directions Heavenly Soldiers?

Ji Changkong frowned. That was one approach, but Tuolei was only at the Nine Palaces Heaven Realm. Venturing into space using the "Anchen" rashly meant that if he encountered danger, the possibility of both body and spirit being annihilated was real.

In the vast star fields, all manner of terrifying perils lurked, not only from frequent natural disasters but also from attacks by some wicked, higher-level races. It was rumored that even some powerful beings newly entering the Ten Directions Heaven Realm had been slain during long journeys through the star fields.

If Tuolei intended to use the "Anchen" to search the star fields for those who left the Fanyun Celestial Vein, he faced a near-certain death sentence. "Do you know where those Heavenly Soldiers who left your Fanyun Celestial Vein are now?" Ji Changkong was not optimistic about his resolve.

Tuolei shook his head gently. "I don't know the precise location, but I suspect they might be within the Dead Star Domain…"

"They might not all be in the Dead Star Domain," Ji Changkong said grimly. "As far as I know, because the Dead Star Domain is too chaotic, many experts at the Ten Directions Heaven Realm don't even dare to enter it; they stay in other star domains more suitable for their cultivation. Searching aimlessly like you, I don't see much chance of success."

Pausing, Ji Changkong suddenly recalled something. "In our Solar Star Domain, several major powers have methods to contact those departed Heavenly Soldiers. Don't you possess those methods?"

At this suggestion, Tuolei's expression became strange. He hesitated before saying, "We do have methods to contact those Heavenly Soldiers, but only the Five Great Elders know them. However, the Five Great Elders…"

Ji Changkong suddenly understood, feeling a pang of regret. By poisoning those Five Great Elders to death with the Origin Poison, hadn't he cut off the Fanyun Celestial Vein's means of contact with those Ten Directions Heaven Realm powerhouses?

Looking at it this way, was the disaster facing the Boundless Sea Star Domain partly his doing? "If your Fanyun Celestial Vein doesn't have a way, do no other powers?" Ji Changkong snorted. "Most don't. We tried the occasional means one or two factions had to contact their Heavenly Soldiers, but there was no response. That's why I am so persistent," Tuolei explained. Ji Changkong was left utterly speechless. "The 'Anchen' vessel then?" Tuolei pleaded, looking at him.

"Since you insist on courting death, I won't stop you. Come down; I'll tell you how to control the 'Anchen'," Ji Changkong said with a stern face, his true form descending from the sky and entering the "Anchen" below.

A short while later, he taught Tuolei the control methods for the "Anchen." After Tuolei confirmed he understood, Ji Changkong said, "Look after yourself."

Saying this, he ceased paying attention to Tuolei and exited the "Anchen." Seeing Heiluo approaching, Ji Changkong added, "If the Boundless Sea Star Domain faces further problems, you can send word to our Xuanyuan Valley. I will consider it." "Thank you!" Tuolei offered no excessive words, merely nodding gratefully. In the vastness of space, the two "Guangchen" vessels sailed slowly onward.

One "Guangchen" carried Ji Changkong’s demonic body, while the other carried Ji Changkong and Ji Haotian.

Before them were numerous strange artifacts, all taken from the two Zakk experts. These artifacts were metallic, some round, some triangular, and others resembling small beads.

Having witnessed the Zakk race's mastery of artifact crafting, Ji Changkong felt each one before finally grasping three silver spheres. "These things are what they use to unleash the spatial blades; they are terrifying."

Ji Haotian nodded in agreement. "Once these explode, even an expert at the Ten Directions Heaven Realm might not be able to withstand them." "Indeed. My second soul is digesting the relevant memories. In about three more days, I should know how to utilize these artifacts," Ji Changkong stated.

The demonic body, having absorbed the souls of the two Zakk experts, continuously utilized the power of the Soul Controlling Crown to search for crucial parts of their memories, hoping to discover information regarding the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern.' Its power had left a deep impression on him; he believed that if the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern' were truly unleashed, even Ten Directions Heavenly Soldiers would have to retreat hastily.

If they could obtain the usage method for the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern,' they would possess an extra layer of defense should the Solar Star Domain ever face an insurmountable crisis in the future.

Another day passed when Ji Changkong’s true form suddenly stood up. "I've found the hub that severs the connection with the Zakk homeworld!"

Saying this, his true form moved to the control console of the "Guangchen," pressing down on the disc. After a flash of dark gold light, a cyan stone, shaped like a goose egg, materialized in his palm.

In the center of the goose-egg-shaped cyan stone, water flowed sluggishly, and within the flowing water, strange luminous dots emitted a faint glow.

"This is it. By placing it in the center of that disc, they can transmit the exact location to the Zakk homeworld, allowing the homeworld to immediately know the position of this 'Guangchen'," Ji Changkong snorted coldly, pressing down hard. The cyan stone burst open, and the scattered points of light diffused into a damp sheen that splashed onto the floor.

Simultaneously, Ji Changkong's demonic body, aboard the other "Guangchen," found an identical object and swiftly destroyed it, just as the true form had done. "Does that 'Anchen' vessel also have the same thing?" Ji Haotian asked, momentarily stunned.

"It likely does," Ji Changkong nodded, hesitating slightly. "We've been gone too long, and returning previously took too much effort. Once we reach the Five Elements Continent, we will send word to have someone instruct the people of the Boundless Sea Star Domain on how to strip away this thing. Hopefully, Tuolei hasn't left the domain by then; otherwise, he can only blame his bad luck."

"Perhaps not. If he heads deep into the star sea, the Zakk race probably won't catch up. Once he finds those departed Ten Directions Heavenly Soldiers, he won't have to fear anything," Ji Haotian remarked. "Let's hope so," Ji Changkong smiled.

Two more days passed, and Ji Changkong learned how to control the artifacts and understood their purposes.

The smaller artifacts had limited power and didn't capture his attention. Only the silver spheres, capable of instantly tearing open space and launching numerous spatial blades, were subjected to his repeated study. After numerous attempts using his soul, he finally stored the three silver spheres, intending to use them when facing danger. If used well, they could even save his life in a critical moment.

He had considered giving two to Ji Haotian for self-defense, but Ji Haotian refused them all, stating he preferred not to rely on external objects for combat.

Ji Changkong did not press the matter, discussing the latest developments on the Five Elements Continent with Ji Haotian, while the demonic body's second soul continued to explore the memories of the two Zakk experts.

Half a month later, the second soul of his demonic body finally learned the secret of the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern.' He discovered it was the most formidable artifact of the Zakk race, capable of annihilating even average Ten Directions Heavenly Soldiers with the waves it projected.

Regrettably, the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern' required the exceedingly rare Purple Gold Star Crystal. According to the Zakk race, this crystal was scarce and immensely precious; only in the essence of stars within tens of thousands of living stars might a piece the size of a fist of Purple Gold Star Crystal form.

This time, the Zakk chief had only received a piece the size of a walnut, allowing the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern' to last only three seconds. It was originally intended for use against the Ghost Demon King but had to be deployed against the Hidden Demon race due to the troublesome arrival of the latter.

A walnut-sized piece of Purple Gold Star Crystal activated the strange artifact within the 'Guangfan,' instantly dissolving the souls of the three Hidden Demon experts. Even the light-hole he manifested was first frozen and then shattered, demonstrating the terror of the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern.'

Upon learning the bizarre nature of the 'Ice Magnetic Wave Pattern,' Ji Changkong sighed. He did not know what a Purple Gold Star Crystal looked like or where one might be found, feeling a measure of disappointment.

"Wait, didn't you say you knew people from the Dark Star race? The Dark Star race can transform dead stars into living stars and are greatly dependent on Star Essence. Perhaps they know where to find Purple Gold Star Crystals," Ji Zhengtian, an outside observer, reminded him.

"That's right!" Ji Changkong's hope reignited, and he laughed. "Indeed, the members of the Dark Star race control too many living stars. Their understanding of Star Essence far surpasses that of many higher races. They might very well know the location of the Purple Gold Star Crystals!" "Yes, you can ask them once you return to the Solar Star Domain," Ji Haotian advised.

Ji Changkong nodded and said no more, piloting the "Guangchen" onward toward the Solar Star Domain, discussing matters of the Five Elements Continent with Ji Haotian.

Ji Haotian’s hatred for Cao Xuanqi was deeply entrenched, and he was determined to seek revenge. However, when he heard that Cao Xuanqi had vanished onto some unknown star, he could only set the thought aside for the time being. The journey proceeded without incident; after reuniting, the father and son shared the emotions of their long separation aboard the "Guangchen."

Fortunately, both were individuals of firm will, having endured countless trials and tribulations. Regardless of the topic, they maintained a semblance of composure as they journeyed toward the Solar Star Domain.

On a distant, enormous life-bearing planet, atop towering, jagged mountain peaks, stood many ancient and majestic temples.

Inside one of these temples, upon a circular, flat platform, numerous strange crystal lamps were lit. Within these crystal lamps were imprinted images of grotesque beings, some with three heads and six arms, others with four heads and six arms, seemingly trapped in a deep slumber.

Suddenly, three of the strange crystal lamps slowly dimmed, and the three figures within the crystals slowly faded away. A Hidden Demon expert with four heads, seated cross-legged among the crystal lamps, suddenly opened his tightly shut eyes. Each orb shot out a chilling light. He gazed at the three extinguished lamps, pondered for a moment, and then slowly closed his eyes again.

Moments later, Hidden Demon experts arrived from afar. The leader, a six-armed, five-headed Hidden Demon, stood a meter taller than the others. Upon reaching the platform, the four-headed expert immediately stepped down and stood respectfully, murmuring an account.

The five-headed Hidden Demon leader displayed a look of savage fury on his faces. He reached out and grasped the three crystal lamps tightly, allowing faint, strange rays of light to flow from the crystals into his palms.

This five-headed leader seemed to be searching for something. After a short while, sheer rage twisted all his faces, and he issued a series of commands.

From the mountain peaks, numerous terrifying Hidden Demon warriors soared into the air and rushed toward the vast star fields. In a sea of crystals, the Heavenly Alligator race knelt, engaged in worship.

Suddenly, upon a hexagonal platform at the center of the Heavenly Alligator gathering, a massive phantom clad in dark gold armor flickered into existence. As this phantom appeared, the Heavenly Alligator experts prostrated themselves repeatedly, showing signs of utter panic.

This giant phantom, clearly identifiable as a member of the Zakk race, began issuing instructions to the Heavenly Alligator tribesmen once it materialized.

The Heavenly Alligator tribesmen nodded repeatedly, signaling their understanding.

The massive phantom nodded once, and its figure gradually vanished upon the hexagonal platform.

After a while, those members of the Tian'e tribe conferred, and several large meteorites began to detach from the sea of asteroids. Above these meteorites were several masters of the Tian'e tribe, who burrowed inside, and the meteorites then flew towards the Solar Star Domain and the Meteor Sea Star Domain, respectively. The Solar Star Domain.

Two 'Guangchen' vessels suddenly materialized within a dead star field, where countless dead stars stretched as far as the eye could see, seemingly without end.

The two 'Guangchen' traveled for a long time before spotting a faint light amidst the dense field of dead stars. A strange stellar force emanated from ahead, and living stars were beginning to appear within the suffocating expanse of dead celestial bodies.

Three members of the Dark Star tribe were busy with some task on that living star. Upon seeing the two 'Guangchen' vessels suddenly approaching, all three Dark Star tribesmen’s faces twisted into menacing scowls, and they flew aggressively toward the newcomers. “Who goes there? How dare you intrude upon the forbidden ground of the Dark Star tribe? Are you here to harvest the essence of the stars?” one of the Dark Star tribesmen immediately bellowed.

“You are people of the Zack tribe, aren't you? Do you not know this is the territory of our Dark Star tribe? Take another step, and don't blame us for showing no mercy!” another Dark Star tribesman, clearly possessing more knowledge, roared angrily.

The scales covering the bodies of the three Dark Star tribesmen began to ripple, and strange stellar waves manifested across their whale-like armor. These three masters of the Dark Star tribe looked ready to strike at any moment. Clearly, the moment they saw the 'Guangchen' vessels, they had treated the arrivals as enemies.

For years, only the masters from Xuanyuan Valley had occasionally visited this forbidden zone; no other outsiders had entered. Even the Nine Palaces Heavenly Scholars from the major powers of the Meteor Sea Star Domain only observed from a distance, never venturing deep inside. “Relax, I am Ji Changkong.” A voice, neither too high nor too low, emerged from one of the 'Guangchen' vessels.

Upon hearing that the visitor was Ji Changkong, the expressions of the three Dark Star masters eased slightly. One of them inquired, “How can you prove yourself?” He still seemed somewhat uneasy, perhaps concerned about what might be concealed within the 'Guangchen' vessel. “Heh heh, have Dick come over. I have business to discuss with him.” Ji Changkong smiled, and the Demonic Body emerged from one of the 'Guangchen' vessels, materializing in the starry void.

The Demonic Body could adapt to the manifold powers within the star sea, and the 'Guangchen' had not yet landed on the living star; the surroundings were filled with the inherent dangers of the stellar expanse.

As soon as the Demonic Body appeared, the three Dark Star tribesmen examined it closely, then relaxed completely, stepping aside in unison and willingly inviting Ji Changkong to land the 'Guangchen' on the living star.

The surrounding, once utterly desolate stars were slowly beginning to recollect cosmic energy through the efforts of these Dark Star tribesmen. At this rate, it was estimated that in not too long, the essence of the stars within these living worlds could be harvested. “How have things been lately?” Ji Changkong asked with a smile after descending from the 'Guangchen'.

“Not bad. Over five hundred dead stars have been converted into living stars. Among them, over a hundred living stars will yield some stellar essence within a few decades,” the Dark Star tribesman replied frankly, revealing the recent situation without reservation.

Ji Haotian approached, his gaze sweeping over the living stars, showing an expression of intense interest. “Don’t worry, once we return to the Five Elements Continent, I will find a suitable place for you to cultivate,” Ji Changkong said with a smile.

He naturally knew what Ji Haotian was thinking. A powerhouse at the Nine Palaces Heavenly Realm who had not yet fully refined all the acupoints within his body would inevitably have the same thoughts upon seeing so many living stars. Ji Haotian let out a soft “Mmm,” and said no more.

A moment later, Dick’s figure materialized in the star field and quickly arrived there, asking, “Ji Changkong, what brings you here?”

“Do you know about the Violet Gold Star Crystal?” Without preamble, Ji Changkong asked directly.