Chapter 2338: Su Yan's Gift

Su Yan undoubtedly possessed a wealth of secret knowledge. Given her Phoenix lineage, this was hardly surprising; such a noble and ancient race naturally possessed unique inherited knowledge within their bloodline.

Initially, she must have intended to eliminate this generation's Son of the Star Abyss. To achieve this, however, she would first need to become the Son of the Star Abyss herself, as only the last survivor would have the opportunity to act. If she had partnered with anyone else to secure victory, Su Yan might not have hesitated to strike. However, Lu Ye's handling of the Four-Eared Realm affair had earned her deep respect and a sense of camaraderie, making it impossible for her to harm him.

The Phoenix race is noble and sacred, but also benevolent. Those who harbor kindness should not be treated unkindly. Thus, she never truly made her move against him.

When Qi asked where they wished to go, Su Yan unhesitatingly chose to accompany Lu Ye. Her sole purpose was to share the information she possessed and warn him. After that, she intended to part ways with Lu Ye. This had been her original plan. Yet, to her surprise, Qi had left behind such a hidden stratagem, leading to a ridiculous turn of events.

Glimpsing the half-human-tall phoenix egg before him, Lu Ye sighed inwardly. Soon, however, he immersed himself, focusing his mind on examining the Talent Tree. During the earlier chaotic events, he had keenly sensed a strange change in the Talent Tree, but at the time, he was too preoccupied to investigate. Not until now did he have the chance.

Upon careful observation, the Talent Tree appeared unchanged. Yet, recalling his sensation from that time, he was certain it wasn't an illusion. As he meticulously probed, Lu Ye's consciousness suddenly converged on a specific pattern.

The Fire Phoenix Dao Pattern!

This was one of the early spirit patterns Lu Ye had acquired from the Talent Tree. After multiple derivations, it had eventually evolved into its current form: the Fire Phoenix Dao Pattern. However, for him, this pattern no longer served a significant purpose. Strictly speaking, it was a spell; though powerful, it required an excessively long charge-up time. In battles at the Integration Realm, he simply wouldn't be afforded such an opportunity to charge, unless, as before, he and Su Yan were swallowed by a Mud Star Beast. The last derivation had occurred within Splendor, where he had transformed all his spirit patterns into Dao patterns capable of carrying True Essence.

But at this very moment, this pattern had undergone a significant transformation. As his consciousness focused on it, the various mysteries hidden within the Dao pattern instantly became clear to him. Lu Ye was utterly astonished! Because if he hadn't misinterpreted it, the effect this Dao pattern could now achieve was utterly heaven-defying. Why had such a change occurred? He hadn't actively derived this Dao pattern, yet the Fire Phoenix Dao Pattern had undergone a complete transformation from its previous state. This change must have been triggered when he broke through the internal barrier within Su Yan... Was it due to the Phoenix Primordial Blood? Considering this, only this explanation made sense.

Regardless, this was ultimately a beneficial development for him. Moreover... not only had the Fire Phoenix Dao Pattern fundamentally transformed, but he also discovered that after that absurd incident with Su Yan, his comprehension and mastery of the Dao of Space had also advanced unimaginably. While within the spatial fragments, Lu Ye had spent two full months seeking guidance from Su Yan on the intricacies of space, gaining considerable insight. Yet, compared to the Phoenix race, who inherently commanded space, the gap between them remained vast. Even now, a significant disparity persisted, but compared to before, Lu Ye felt as if he had experienced a sudden enlightenment.

With a mere thought, the Void Dao Pattern on his Talent Tree rapidly began to undergo derivation. Ingenious new ideas flooded his mind, allowing the Void Dao Pattern to be swiftly simplified and optimized.

Several days later, Lu Ye opened his eyes, which shone with vibrant energy. It must be said that his gains were truly substantial. The fundamental transformation of the Fire Phoenix Dao Pattern was significant, though he hoped he would never need to use it. Its activation implied an inescapable life-and-death crisis. His proficiency in the Dao of Space had vastly improved, and the Void Dao Pattern was refined and optimized. Lu Ye had many more ideas he wished to try, but there was no rush; he could experiment with them later.

Furthermore, there was another pleasant surprise... Lu Ye sensed a significant increase in his efficiency at refining True Essence. It felt as though his very being now possessed a greater affinity with the True Essence pervading the surrounding void, making its refinement far easier and simpler.

Was this a benefit of becoming the Son of the Star Abyss? He had long known that becoming the Son of the Star Abyss would not only greatly enhance the efficiency of one's cultivation but also significantly increase the likelihood of receiving blessings from the Star Abyss. For any cultivator, both were tangible advantages. Increased cultivation efficiency meant less time spent training, and given the immense duration required to advance through each realm, any boost in efficiency was profoundly beneficial. As for the Star Abyss blessings, their value was self-evident. They enhanced a cultivator's foundation; though each individual blessing might be minor, their cumulative effect over time could be substantial. This particular change confirmed to Lu Ye that, while he hadn't received any explicit mark, he had indeed become the Son of the Star Abyss. This was a direct blessing from the Star Abyss's will upon him! Su Yan, too, must have experienced the same. That will did not discriminate against them despite their caution and slight antagonism. This was rather amusing and indirectly affirmed that the will itself possessed no true consciousness, functioning more like an intrinsic rule.

For the next half-day, Lu Ye thoroughly examined himself multiple times, confirming there were no other significant changes to note. With this, the contest for the Son of the Star Abyss officially concluded.

Moments later, Lu Ye emerged from his hidden spot, soaring into the air with a phoenix egg secured to his back, his spirit invigorated. It was time to embark on his journey home. Once he returned to Splendor, he could finally begin his advancement to the Integration Realm! It hadn't been easy; five years had passed since he left the Starry Sky, and he had finally reached the peak of the Dao Initiation stage.

Five years might be but a fleeting moment for most cultivators at his level, but for Lu Ye, it felt like an eternity. No matter where he was, even amidst the bustle of Splendor, he always felt profoundly alone. For his true home was not in Splendor. His home would always be the Starry Sky from which he originated—a place where his friends, family, and beloved partner awaited him. In these five years, the Starry Sky likely hadn't undergone drastic changes. The opening of its gates was a gradual process, and any creatures from the Star Abyss that had currently infiltrated it shouldn't be overly powerful. Even if it took him a few more years to return, he would still have ample time.

Guided by the subtle pull of Splendor, which he sensed from a great distance, Lu Ye pressed onward. His flight speed surpassed that of Splendor, so by consistently pursuing in this direction, he was bound to catch up. However, the contest for the Son of the Star Abyss had lasted eight months, meaning Splendor had drifted for that same duration. By his estimation, it would take him at least another six months to catch up.