Chapter 2729: Guidance

“Stop!” a sharp cry suddenly rang out.

The aftermath of the battle quickly subsided.

Pairs of eyes, filled with fear and apprehension, stared towards Lu Ye's direction. The cultivators, varying in height, all wore solemn expressions.

They had been resisting the Star Abyss invasion in their star system for ten thousand years. From initially being at a loss, they had become calm and composed, well-versed in handling the opening of the Star Abyss Gate.

They all thought this Star Abyss Gate would be no different from previous ones, but only now did they realize that this situation was completely different from before.

Only one cultivator had emerged from the Star Abyss, yet he had thoroughly overwhelmed their group.

Had he not deliberately held back, this place would surely be littered with corpses right now.

Lu Ye looked at the Master of the Supreme Treasure and nodded slightly. “Lu Ye of the Human Race, it’s a pleasure to meet you, fellow Daoist!”

It was this person who had just given the command. Lu Ye had only injured, not killed; with such clear actions, if he still couldn't see Lu Ye's lack of hostility, he would truly be blind.

“I have seen your human race…” The Master of the Supreme Treasure nodded slightly. “I have also seen cultivators from many other races, but none of them were as strong as you.”

If the star system had encountered such an enemy in previous invasions, it would have been unable to resist long ago.

Lu Ye mused inwardly, “The cultivators you encountered before were all from the Outer Realm invading the star system. At most, they were at the peak of Dao Fusion, so of course there were no true powerhouses.”

But now, with a Star Abyss Gate opening from the Inner Realm, the true brutality was just beginning.

“Chong Li, of the Juling Race.”

Lu Ye raised an eyebrow slightly.

There were also Juling in the star systems, but the ones he knew seemed a bit different from those before him.

He could be certain that although this group had significant height differences, they actually belonged to one large race, perhaps with some different sub-branches.

However, these were minor details. The beings in this star system called themselves the Juling Race; it was their naming of their own race, and no one could interfere.

“Are you also here to invade this star system?” Chong Li asked in a deep voice. In this short time, his vital energy had clearly recovered significantly, and his withered flesh showed signs of becoming plump again.

He was clearly secretly gathering strength. If Lu Ye’s answer did not satisfy him, an inevitable great battle might still ensue.

Lu Ye shook his head. “I have no interest in invading star systems, because my own star system is also under invasion!”

Upon hearing this, many Juling gazed at Lu Ye with astonished expressions.

Judging from their recent encounter, Lu Ye was an enemy they simply couldn’t defeat. Perhaps only if Chong Li wielded the Supreme Treasure would there be a possibility of fighting him, and that was just a possibility; who was stronger would only be known after a battle.

Yet, such a powerful individual came from a star system that was itself under invasion?

Chong Li narrowed his eyes slightly. “If that is the case, why did you not remain in your own star system to resist the invaders?”

His nature was extremely cautious, and he clearly would not lightly believe Lu Ye’s words.

Lu Ye said, “Trapped in one corner, one can hardly avoid destruction. I left my star system simply to find a solution.”

“And have you… found it?”

“Still searching.”

Chong Li fell silent, undoubtedly a little disappointed. In fact, he himself knew that since Lu Ye was here, it meant his home star system had not yet resolved its crisis.

After a moment, he spoke again. “There is one matter I wish to inquire about.”

“Please, fellow Daoist,” Lu Ye gestured with his hand.

“Previously, after a Star Abyss Gate opened, many Star Abyss creatures would invade. Why is it only you today? And…” Chong Li raised his eyes to look at the Star Abyss Gate, “I feel that this Star Abyss Gate is very different from the previous ones!”

The biggest difference was the intense aura of the Star Abyss.

It was a level of intensity they had never experienced before, which made Chong Li feel uneasy.

Instead of answering, Lu Ye asked in return, “How long has your star system been resisting the Star Abyss invasion?”

Chong Li sighed. “It has been ten thousand years.”

“Ten thousand years!” Lu Ye’s eyebrows rose.

For a full ten thousand years, under the Star Abyss’s invasion, this star system had managed to hold strong, and even given birth to so many powerhouses. It was almost unbelievable if not witnessed firsthand.

And judging by the current foundation of this Juling star system, their powerhouses clearly comprised more than just this small group. This undoubtedly meant that the Star Abyss invasion from the Outer Realm was no longer of great significance to this star system.

“Since it has been ten thousand years,” Lu Ye continued, “I presume you have some understanding of the Star Abyss.”

Chong Li nodded. “Indeed, we have gathered much intelligence on the Star Abyss, and some of our kin have even ventured into the Star Abyss to investigate. However, our knowledge is not exhaustive.”

This was normal. In the cultivation world, many matters simply cannot be fully understood without reaching a certain level.

“Then, fellow Daoist, are you aware that the Star Abyss is divided into an Outer Realm and an Inner Realm?” Lu Ye asked.

Chong Li’s eyes immediately narrowed. “Could it be that this Star Abyss Gate connects to the Inner Realm?”

He clearly knew about the Outer and Inner Realms. It made sense, as he had already advanced to the Dao Integration stage. Furthermore, after ten thousand years of various confrontations with the Star Abyss, the intelligence gathered, while possibly not exhaustive, would certainly not be scarce.

“Precisely!” Lu Ye nodded.

“No wonder…” Chong Li’s expression turned solemn. He had previously been curious why they had encountered such a terrifying individual as Lu Ye this time. It turned out the other party was not from the Outer Realm, but from the fabled Inner Realm.

The other Juling all wore dejected expressions.

For ten thousand years, they had overcome obstacles and finally stabilized the situation in their star system. They had once thought that the Star Abyss invasion was nothing more than this, but today, they had been greatly shaken by Lu Ye. Only now did they realize that what they had encountered before were mere appetizers; the Star Abyss invasion from the Inner Realm was the main event.

“Are all cultivators from the Inner Realm… as powerful as you, fellow Daoist?” Chong Li asked in a solemn voice.

The other Juling also turned their gazes towards Lu Ye.

Just then, movement came from the Star Abyss Gate behind Lu Ye. A figure walked out, and before he had even stabilized, a voice filled with ecstasy rang out: “To think I would encounter a Star Abyss Gate in the Inner Realm in my lifetime, how incredibly fortunate! Oh, there’s the aura of a Supreme Treasure!”

As his words fell, he suddenly saw Lu Ye and the many Juling standing not far away. He couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. “Fellow Daoists, you arrived so quickly?”

He undoubtedly mistakenly believed that the Juling had all invaded from the Inner Realm, but he quickly paused, because he noticed that the aura of the Supreme Treasure he had sensed was currently being held by Chong Li.

Moreover, the positioning of Lu Ye and the Juling subtly suggested a standoff.

He was no fool; realizing something was amiss, he immediately grew wary and transmitted a message to Lu Ye: “Fellow Daoist, what is the situation here?”

Lu Ye tilted his head, glanced at him, and smiled slightly.

The cultivator was bewildered by Lu Ye’s smile. Before he could understand what was happening, a flash of saber light bloomed in his vision, followed by darkness, and he lost consciousness.

As blood splattered across the sky, Lu Ye had already sheathed his saber. He looked at Chong Li and said, “I should be considered, at best, among the stronger tier in the Inner Realm!”

When he had just advanced to the Dao Integration stage, he was not qualified to say this. But now, with his Sixth Level of the Minor World Secret Art perfected, he was indeed qualified.

Chong Li’s pair of massive pupils had now contracted to the size of needlepoints.

The Juling who had just fought Lu Ye and survived his attacks felt even more apprehensive.

During their previous encounter, they only knew Lu Ye was very strong, but they had no clear understanding of just how strong.

Until now!

The second cultivator who had invaded from the Inner Realm was undoubtedly a Dao Integration cultivator, just like Chong Li. Yet, such a Dao Integration cultivator, even with some precaution, was utterly unable to react and was instantly cut down by Lu Ye’s saber.

“Thank you, fellow Daoist, for showing mercy.” Chong Li slowly exhaled. Just moments ago, he had felt qualified to converse with Lu Ye as an equal, but after witnessing that earth-shattering saber strike, he knew he was not. Not even with the Supreme Treasure in his hand.

Because every time he used the power of the Supreme Treasure, he had to pay a huge price.

“You overestimate me, fellow Daoist.” Lu Ye nodded slightly. “As I said, my star system is also under invasion. I am merely looking for a solution to this problem. My arrival here was a coincidence; I have no interest in invading other star systems.”

From beginning to end, this group of Juling had maintained a strong sense of vigilance towards him, even though he had shown them mercy earlier.

He had no interest in invading star systems, but he was extremely interested in *this* star system. He wanted to stay and investigate. While he could forcefully remain based on his own strength, it would naturally be better if he could dispel their hostility.

A shared experience would undoubtedly bridge connections between people. That was why Lu Ye had reiterated multiple times that his own star system was also under invasion.

“I believe your words, fellow Daoist!” Chong Li nodded, acknowledging that given Lu Ye’s previous displays, if he had truly wished, probably none of the Juling present would have survived. “I must also ask, fellow Daoist, how should our star system respond to the current situation?”

Lu Ye spoke without hesitation. “The invasion from the Inner Realm is completely different from that of the Outer Realm. Your previous experiences and methods of dealing with enemies will be greatly limited. Now that this Star Abyss Gate has opened, the aura of the star system itself and the auras of numerous Supreme Treasures will inevitably attract many cultivators from the Inner Realm. Therefore, I suggest you quickly mobilize enough personnel. If possible, use the power of the Supreme Treasures to repair the flaws in the star system. Only then can you be free of future worries.”

The reason for the existence of Star Abyss Gates is because flaws have appeared in the star system's barrier. These flaws could be due to the invasion of Star Abyss aura, the actions of Star Abyss Mosquitoes, or other reasons.

And only the power of a Supreme Treasure can repair these flaws.

Supreme Treasures are born with the star system itself. Some of their inner essence is of the same nature as the star system’s barrier.

“I understand.” Chong Li nodded and gave a solemn bow. “Many thanks for your guidance, fellow Daoist!”

What Lu Ye mentioned might seem impossible for this star system to achieve, but it wasn’t actually difficult for them. Because in this star system, Chong Li was not the only cultivator who wielded a Supreme Treasure.

Ten thousand years of confrontation with the Star Abyss had caused heavy casualties in this star system, but had also, in turn, given birth to a large number of powerhouses. There were as many as five or six Masters of Supreme Treasures alone, all part of this star system’s foundation for resisting the Star Abyss.