Chapter 456: Star Element Stone

After Ji Wu arrived, two more streaks of light descended one after another.

At this time, including Qin Sang, there were a total of thirty-three people on Stargazing Island, comprising all the top Foundation Establishment stage experts from the Disordered Islands water domain. Most of these individuals were from various sects, large and small, within the Minor Cold Domain. The remaining few rogue cultivators also had some connection to Yin Mountain Pass.

All were human cultivators; there were no demon cultivators from the Heavenly Demon Mound. During the three-year standoff, no demon cultivators were seen either. At most, some spirit beasts tamed by cultivators were observed, mostly belonging to disciples of the Spirit Taming Sect. One such disciple present was Mu Zhige, whose spirit beast was a golden eagle, said to be a descendant of a Heavenly Demon Mound demon king. Qin Sang, however, was unaware of how the various forces in the Minor Cold Domain were playing their game.

When the last person arrived, the stone gate of the main hall suddenly opened on its own. Everyone stopped their chatter, looked at each other, and silently walked in together.

The floor was paved with golden bricks, and luminous pearls shone brightly. Inside the resplendent hall, there were only a few majestic dragon pillars and no other furnishings. Two people stood in the golden hall. It was none other than Granny Snake and Deputy Island Lord Xiao, both present!

Such a scene was uncommon. After recognizing the two Island Lords, everyone was secretly surprised, and their faces showed respectful expressions, their demeanor becoming even more cautious.

"Greetings, Island Lords!"

Granny Snake walked over, leaning on her snake staff. Her face was aged, and her triangular eyes gleamed with a somewhat sinister gaze, bearing some resemblance to the snake-bodied man. Though he knew Granny Snake had no ill intent towards him and wouldn't pay attention to such a minor character, Qin Sang's heart still tightened as he felt her gaze sweep over him.

"You are all outstanding talents who have emerged from this great battle, each with remarkable military achievements..."

For the first time ever, they heard praise from the mouth of a Core Formation cultivator, and from the Island Lord of Stargazing Island no less. Everyone exchanged glances. Some secretly rejoiced, wondering if they were about to receive rewards. Granny Snake's speaking pace was not fast, but everyone remained patient, no one showing any sign of impatience.

"...There is one thing I need you to do."

Granny Snake's tone carried an unquestionable authority. As she spoke, she paused slightly and looked deeply at Qin Sang and the others.

"Please instruct us, Island Lords!"

Qin Sang and the others bowed without hesitation, accepting the order. There was no reward, but rather a new task. While disappointed, everyone also grew apprehensive. With the two Island Lords personally appearing and summoning all the renowned experts, this task was surely not simple and might involve great danger. Yet, their movements were swift and uniform. Having been in war for years, they were already accustomed to obeying orders. Especially when the orders came directly from Granny Snake and Deputy Island Lord Xiao, who would dare to object?

Seeing this, Granny Snake nodded in satisfaction.

Mu Zhige of the Spirit Taming Sect, being bolder, asked, "Dare I ask, Island Lords, is it only us? Or everyone in our smaller teams as well..."

"Only you."

Granny Snake's gaze swept over them. As if seeing through their thoughts, she let out a chuckle of unclear meaning. "This journey does indeed carry risks. However, for some of you, it might well be a great opportunity."

Hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up, and they looked at Granny Snake with faces full of anticipation. Unexpectedly, Granny Snake's tone shifted, and she said, "Many of you should be aware of the existence of Heaven-Pointing Peak. It is located beneath the beam of light from last night's battle, currently sealed by a restrictive barrier. Once the barrier opens, you will need to enter and collect a rare item called Star Essence Stone."

"Star Essence Stone!"

Before Granny Snake had finished speaking, someone suddenly exclaimed, disregarding their status, and eagerly pressed on, "Senior, are you referring to *that* Star Essence Stone? The rare item born from the power of the stars, capable of drawing upon the stellar essence of the cosmos, a treasure rarely found in this world?"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice, only to see that the speaker was a disciple of the Primordial Mirage Sect, known as Nine Formations Master. These individuals knew each other to some extent. Nine Formations Master was known for his cold and arrogant nature, and even on the battlefield, he had never been seen so flustered. Nine Formations Master's face was filled with shock, as if the Star Essence Stone was something extraordinary. Qin Sang recalled carefully, confirming he had never heard of the Star Essence Stone.

Granny Snake frowned, casting a cold glance at Nine Formations Master. "Is there a second type of Star Essence Stone in this world?"

"Please forgive me, Island Lords, this junior was impolite."

Nine Formations Master hastily apologized, then looked around shrewdly, beginning to explain on Granny Snake's behalf. "Fellow Daoists, if you do not specialize in the path of spirit formations, you might not be familiar with Star Essence Stone. There exists a type of spirit formation that can draw down the stellar essence of the cosmos, possessing immense power. The Star Essence Stone is an essential component for setting up such formations. Currently, such spirit formations are almost extinct and cannot be set up, precisely due to the lack of Star Essence Stone. In ancient times, there were legends of powerful beings plucking stars and seizing the moon. Within these legends, there were records of methods to cultivate Star Essence Stones, but unfortunately, these methods have long been lost. I also only knew of the legend of Star Essence Stones from my elders, and I always thought it was false. I never imagined that Star Essence Stones were not lost and could be found in Heaven-Pointing Peak. I was momentarily shocked, which caused my impropriety..."

A rare item for formations? Qin Sang's heart stirred, and he felt a little surprised. He had originally thought that Heaven-Pointing Peak contained some rare natural treasures or miraculous elixirs. The Heaven-Traveling Alliance and the Minor Cold Domain had engaged in a major conflict, even drawing in Nascent Soul cultivators, all to contend for Star Essence Stones. He wondered what grand formation both sides intended to set up.

"As expected of a highly skilled disciple of the Primordial Mirage Sect, you are clearly well-versed even in the secrets of Star Essence Stones... Your sect must possess many ancient formations of this kind, correct?" Granny Snake's eyes narrowed slightly as she glanced at Nine Formations Master.

Nine Formations Master's heart trembled. He quickly bowed and said, "Island Lords, please forgive me. This junior's cultivation is too low to be privy to sect secrets, so I am unaware if the sect possesses any ancient formations."

Granny Snake snorted coldly, letting Nine Formations Master off the hook without pursuing the matter further. Nine Formations Master secretly breathed a sigh of relief, only then realizing that his back was drenched in cold sweat.

"These artifacts are called Spirit-Locking Bracelets. Take them." Granny Snake took out a large handful of silver bracelets and threw them to Qin Sang and the others. "These Spirit-Locking Bracelets are extremely difficult to refine. You will need them to obtain the Star Essence Stones. Remember not to damage them, or you will return empty-handed."

Qin Sang caught a Spirit-Locking Bracelet and examined it closely. This was an artifact whose grade could not be measured by conventional standards. Such artifacts have unique uses and are not for combat, and the Spirit-Locking Bracelet was no exception. The Spirit-Locking Bracelet appeared as an extremely slender silver bracelet with a tiny crystal embedded in it. Qin Sang examined it for a while but couldn't identify the material of the crystal. The crystal was pure and flawless, shining with a clear light, like a star descended to the mortal world. It looked like nothing more than a pleasing decorative item. One couldn't help but worry that a slight force would break it.

After carefully listening to Granny Snake explain how to use the Spirit-Locking Bracelet, Qin Sang cautiously put it into his mustard seed bag. However, his mind was still on the reward Granny Snake had mentioned earlier.