Solitude, often heralded as an ethereal paradise, has been compared to Nexus, the solar system’s core, for its mystique and unparalleled beauty.
Originally, this continent floated untamed, devoid of mortals and cultivators alike. Its history transformed with the inexplicable emergence of mystical treasures, heralding the rise of Floria. Remarkably, this era birthed four of the ten divine paragons, while Nexus claimed the others.
True to its name, Solitude remains a sanctuary of isolation, devoid of cities or villages. Only reclusive palaces and ethereal abodes grace its shores.
Traditionally, only those of the Runeforged Embodiment Realm or higher could venture into this sacred land.
However, the rise of the Transcendence Alliance reshaped these ancient stipulations. Entry into Solitude now requires an invitation from one of the Alliance’s paragons. Such a mandate has shrouded the continent in even greater mystery.
The origins and founders of the Transcendence Alliance remain a mystery, known only to a select few. This obscurity is partly due to the Dong Clan’s efforts at suppressing the Alliance’s expansion and the challenges of accessing Solitude.
Outside the Runestone Solar System, knowledge of the Transcendence Alliance is scarce, a testament to the Dong Clan’s portrayal as the undisputed authority of the region—a narrative the Alliance has not contested.
***
Nestled in the heart of Solitude, an enigmatic palace stands, its spires reaching into the skies like silent sentinels. Its walls, veiled in the mist of secrecy, shimmer with an ethereal glow, compelling yet forbidding.
Nestled at the palace’s rear, far from the prying eyes of the outer world, stood a well, so narrow and unassuming, yet visible from almost every vantage point in the tranquil backyard. Its wooden frame, weathered and worn, bore the marks of countless years, telling tales of time in its silent, stoic stand.
Beside this antiquated well, a figure loomed - a fisherman, holding an ancient fishing rod with a grip that spoke of patience that seemed to transcend time. His gaze was not merely upon the water’s surface, as one might expect, but seemed to pierce deeper, into the very abyss of the well, as if in search of something far beyond the ordinary catch.
"Still fishing ?"
A serene voice echoed through the air, reaching the ears of the solitary fisherman.
Undeterred, the fisherman remained facing the water, his gaze unwavering.
"As the Master predicted, Unlike the other two,the Kun Peng Ancestor was already fully awakened from the beginning."
"For now, we can be content, as the likelihood of their awakening is minimal."
"And Red Lotus?" Silence hung in the air before the fisherman spoke.
"After diligent investigation, I have uncovered the majority of the details surrounding her actions."
"Enlighten me," Annoyance tinged the fisherman’s voice after a brief pause.
"The narrative is relatively straightforward. Red Lotus has enjoyed the patronage of the Kun Peng Ancestor since the moment she awakened her True Rune, a support that has extended to her ascension to a Divine . This, I believe, explains her curious refusal to accept our invitation."
"She has reaped the consequences of her actions. But how did she set him free ? Even Dong Jue could not fathom the sealing runes, let alone destroy them." A frown creased the fisherman’s brow.
"That is where the tale takes an intriguing turn. Red Lotus scoured the Domain relentlessly for a means to shatter the seal. Ultimately, she found it."
"In what manner?" The fisherman inquired, unable to conceal his surprise.
"Through an ancient unsealing matrix known as the Spirit Decoding Array."
The fisherman remained silent, his lack of knowledge evident.
"This array originates from the Nine Worlds Epoch and requires two elements: a True Formation Spirit and True Runes."
"Could it be that she..." The fisherman’s voice trailed off.
"Indeed. She indeed acquired a Formation Spirit. However, she also sacrificed numerous experts to obtain the necessary runes."
"Where?" The fisherman’s grip on his fishing rod faltered.
"Right under our noses. Can you guess?"
After a pause, the fisherman erupted in laughter. "Frostfell. And if I am not mistaken, the sealing formation on the portal, am I correct?"
"You have already discovered this?" the voice exclaimed, a hint of surprise in its tone. "That cannot be possible! If you possessed this knowledge, you would have acted immediately."
"You overestimate me. I merely deduced it now. The only other enigma in Frostfell aside from the three ancient beings is the portal." The fisherman chuckled.
"Yet, what remains enigmatic is why Red Lotus would expend such effort to free the Kun Peng Ancestor."
"Staring at this well all day and night has dulled your wits hahaha."
The fisherman’s expression darkened at these words, but he made no response.
"It was simple to uncover. She couldn’t really be blamed. The Kun Peng Ancestor had promised her that once he was free, he would take her with him to the Primordial Sea Realm,
"Primordial Sea Realm..." The fisherman’s eyes flickered with a momentary spark of interest, which quickly faded.
"You see, even you experienced a moment of temptation, which speaks volumes. Naturally, Red Lotus would be enticed, perhaps even more so. And frankly, even I might consider it, though I’d approach the situation with greater intelligence and caution, hahaha."
"And the one who finished her off?" The fisherman sighed, breaking his long silence.
"Not much to say. His name’s Liang. Been in seclusion until he broke through the Runic Mystery. First showed up in Nocturna, likely a local there."
"A solitary figure then?"
"Not entirely. Few years back, he rescued a girl from the Dong Clan. They might be lovers, who knows? If you want, I can put him on the red list for you."
"The red list? There is no need for such measures. Simply place his name on the passing board. We should not hinder the entry of a promising expert into Solitude."
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The voice probed with a hint of amusement, "Oh, a new strategy?"
"Not much," the fisherman replied, brandishing a half-smile as he reached for his weathered fishing rod once more. "Just trying to keep out of conflict with the Xuanling Palace Old Man. Although he claims neutrality, in the cultivation world, such a stance is practically a myth. Sooner or later, you’re forced to choose a side."
"Let’s forget about him for a moment. There’s still something that puzzles me," the voice added, prompting the fisherman to narrow his eyes in thought.
"You see, while Dong Jue couldn’t decipher the sealing runes, he managed to lay down the groundwork of the Celestial Integration Matrix right atop those seals. He’s essentially using these ancient beings as if they were living spirit stones. I can’t help but wonder why, after regaining his freedom, the Kun Peng Ancestor didn’t retaliate against the Dong Clan or dismantle the formation?"