As Liang and Dong Rui ascended the stone platform, their surroundings dissolved into a blur, giving way to an uncanny stillness. They were transported to an ethereal realm, a boundless expanse stretching infinitely beyond their grasp. Darkness enveloped them like an oppressive cloak, but countless stars pierced through the void, their ethereal glow illuminating the emptiness.
Each star was a universe unto itself, a swirling vortex of primordial essence power. They pulsated and shimmered, casting intricate patterns upon the surrounding darkness. A relentless pull drew them towards the stars as if the primordial essence itself beckoned them closer.
Dong Rui extended her hand towards a nearby star. As her fingers grazed its surface, a surge of energy coursed through her body. It was akin to a jolt of electricity, yet infinitely more potent and exhilarating. Her power surged, her connection to the primordial essence deepening.
"Fascinating," Liang murmured, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. He could sense the boundless potential of the primordial essence, but he also acknowledged its inherent danger. Their time in this special realm was finite to one year, and they had to make the most of it.
Despite possessing the Yin essence and having formed four runes, Liang’s comprehension of their power was rudimentary. Nonetheless, they had empowered him to a level approaching the Divine stage. His focus now shifted to refining his understanding and control over them.
With this resolve, Liang closed his eyes and entered a state of meditation. He concentrated on his connection to the newly formed runes, seeking to unravel their profound mysteries. Time seemed to flow differently within the Origin Space. Days and nights blended into a seamless passage, yet Liang and Dong Rui persisted in their cultivation, oblivious to the relentless march of time.
***
In a secluded corner of the Origin Space, two figures sat across from each other, an aura of camaraderie and mutual respect gracing their presence. Their postures were relaxed, and faint smiles adorned their faces. A low table separated them, bearing two exquisite tea sets.
"I owe my progress thus far to Sister Yue Xin’s wisdom and guidance," Evana said, her voice laced with gratitude and admiration. She raised her teacup in a gesture of respect, her movements graceful and elegant.
Yue Xin shook her head modestly. "Our combined efforts have brought us here. Sister Evana’s skills and talents are equally commendable." She returned the gesture, taking a sip of her own tea. A gentle smile spread across her lips as she savored the delicate flavor.
"Sister Yue Xin, your modesty does you a great disservice," Evana protested. "It was your brilliant insight that revealed the true nature of those crystals."
Yue Xin dismissed the praise with a wave of her hand. "Surely, if Sister Evana had inspected them more closely, you would have come to the same realization."
Evana chuckled, amusement glinting in her eyes. "Nonetheless, your subsequent actions left me in awe. You selected the ideal targets. They were vanquished before they could even mount a defense. Each encounter ended with a single attack, without the need for our pieces’ special abilities."
"A stroke of luck," Yue Xin replied humbly.
Evana’s attention remained fixed on Yue Xin for a moment. "In confidence, my presence here is not driven by the pursuit of becoming a Paragon Disciple or any other honor. I serve a master," she revealed.
"Indeed?" Yue Xin’s eyes widened in surprise, though it was a feigned reaction. _Of course, I am aware of this. Your master is none other than the Divine Dusk Venerable._
With such an exceptional master guiding her, Evana has no need to seek another mentor. Under this guidance, she is destined to lead a stable and prosperous life even after her eventual ascension. In fact, it was quite astonishing for her, to witness Evana’s emergence as in her previous life Evana only emerged during the All Realms War.
Evana nodded. "I have come with a specific goal in mind, but I fear it will not be an easy undertaking. The individual I seek has grown substantially more powerful."
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Yue Xin’s brow creased slightly. For Evana to speak of someone in such terms meant that they possessed formidable strength. After some consideration, she decided to offer her assistance. "May I inquire as to the identity of this individual, Sister Evana?"
"Dong Rui, the current Saintess of the Dong Clan," Evana replied.
Yue Xin’s eyes flickered. To think that Evana would target this woman of all people... Based on everything she knew about Dong Rui and her destined path, Yue Xin found herself unwilling to be her enemy.
After some deliberation, she offered a piece of advice. "I urge you to proceed with caution, Sister Evana. The person you seek is a formidable adversary."
Evana’s eyes narrowed. For even Yue Xin to caution her...
"Perhaps it would be wise for you to share the entirety of the situation with me, and together we can determine the most appropriate course of action," Yue Xin suggested, sensing that Evana may have misunderstood her intentions.
Evana’s expression turned serious as she weighed the risks of revealing too much... After some contemplation, her eyes flashed with determination. She decided to confide in Yue Xin...
***
"Indeed, this presents a significant challenge," Yue Xin said thoughtfully. "But you must know that there are alternative methods to forming a seventh rune, aside from the one you desire."
"I am aware, but this particular rune would align perfectly with my existing runes," Evana explained. As a matter of fact, Evana was familiar with numerous techniques that could aid in the creation of a seventh rune, but this one held unrivaled synergy with her current set.
Yue Xin nodded. After giving the matter some thought, a playful smile spread across her lips. "In this instance, what appears to be a formidable obstacle may in truth be surprisingly simple to overcome."
"Pray tell," Evana said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. She now understood that she had made the right choice in seeking Yue Xin’s guidance.