Chapter 1453: Dream Moon

Regardless, witnessing the scene before him, Xu Yang genuinely felt that whoever created this dreamlike realm must possess a fascinating soul, far beyond simply being a devout follower of the Supreme God or a mere tool for condensing spiritual energy.

This was the fundamental reason Xu Yang became genuinely interested and started to view the person in a new light. Even a devout temple guardian should possess their own distinct personality; otherwise, they would be no different from a tool created by the Supreme God.

Xu Yang quickly released a wisp of his aura, attempting to connect with this dream space, and soon received a response. He noticed that as his aura drifted through this sea of stars, it attracted countless marine creatures.

The creatures drew close to his aura, as if engaging in a delightful interaction, which allowed Xu Yang to quickly integrate into this vast, empty space. He instantly developed a strong sense of goodwill towards the impending opponent.

Then, Xu Yang projected a solid stream of his unique spiritual energy across the sea, effectively using this method to draw out the creator of this dream space.

Soon after, the magnificent sight of a bright moon rising from the sea slowly emerged. When Xu Yang saw the moon's silhouette in this dream, he finally made a firm decision: this individual would be the first member he would recruit into his ranks, outside of his personal team.

Anyone who still harbored a pursuit for the "Age Without Moon" would earn Xu Yang's high regard. This single gesture made it difficult for Xu Yang to feel any hostility towards this person.

Once the perfect silhouette of the moon appeared, the true source of this illusory dream slowly emerged. Xu Yang looked closely and was surprised to see that this person possessed a face strikingly similar to a companion from hundreds of thousands of years ago.

That individual had not played a significant role in Xu Yang's life journey; he could not even recall her name. However, upon seeing the woman's appearance before him, the corresponding part of Xu Yang's memory was profoundly stirred for an instant.

His past from hundreds of thousands of years ago, when he first embarked on the path of cultivation, became vivid. It also reminded Xu Yang of the time he founded his very first sect.

Back then, he was naive and youthful, seemingly full of aspirations for the cultivation race, a stark contrast to his current mindset, now that he secretly stood at the very pinnacle of the continent.

Yet, for some unknown reason, seeing this person stirred in Xu Yang a desire to return to his original aspirations. That ethereal and beautiful feeling was deeply comforting to him.

Little did he know that at this moment, it was already difficult for him to harbor even a shred of hostility towards the individual before him.

"Welcome to my dream. You are now a part of it, and my friend, even though a battle between us is likely unavoidable.

But at least before a victor is decided, we can leave each other with a pleasant memory. And if I am fortunate enough to win, I will not take your life; you may depart safely.

However, due to the constraints of my expectations and aura, you will never again be qualified to set foot in the Temple of Heavenly Eyes Divine Path for the rest of your life."

Hearing the woman's voice, as gentle as flowing water, Xu Yang seemed to grow even more interested in her.

"Very well, let's call it a friendly contest. Since your dream consists of stars and the sea, let us use a drop of water from this sea as a medium. Each of us will use one drop to engrave a mark, and we shall see whose mark can reach the other's heart."

Upon hearing Xu Yang's suggestion, the woman immediately revealed a touching smile. For in Xu Yang, she saw not a soul driven by the desire for victory, but rather a spirit capable of truly appreciating dreams and sharing life's beauty with her. It would not be an exaggeration to say they felt like old friends meeting for the first time.

"May I know your name before we begin?"

"Meng Yue."

The woman spoke her name in just two short words, yet a smile remained on her face, and her gaze towards Xu Yang seemed filled with admiration. Immediately after, she gently waved her palm, condensing an incredibly pure drop of water that landed before Xu Yang.

At the same time, Xu Yang also responded, but without any physical movement. With merely a glance, he conjured a drop from the vast ocean, forming the purest and most exquisite outline, which then flew to the woman.

Meng Yue appeared deeply astonished by Xu Yang's power, simply from this small detail. What seemed like a casual gesture was, in fact, incredibly difficult to achieve.

Perhaps this subtle movement alone had already sealed Meng Yue's conclusion regarding the final outcome of this battle.

She had clearly perceived that Xu Yang's personal strength surpassed her own, and the gap between them was not small; it was an insurmountable chasm.

Soon, Meng Yue began to sketch her own mark. She outlined an incomparably dazzling star. Under the compliments of the moon in the sea, this star became exceptionally pure and radiant, like a bright beacon guiding all beings to hope in the darkness.

Upon seeing this shining star, Xu Yang was truly moved. Then, with a gentle sweeping motion, the drop of water before him instantly transformed into an incredibly brilliant and spectacular galaxy.

Under the vast expanse of the galaxy, they shimmered in mutual radiance, and Xu Yang's creation perfectly enveloped the beautiful star Meng Yue had conjured. One must remember that a galaxy serves as the foundation for stars; no matter how brightly a single star shines, it ultimately appears too young when compared to a vast galaxy.

Nevertheless, Xu Yang's masterful stroke in that instant truly profoundly shocked Meng Yue's powerful mind.

"How vast must this person's inner world be to create such a beautiful scene? And the source of it all was merely a single drop of water from the vast ocean. His strength and realm are simply beyond my imagination. Who exactly is he, and what is his purpose in coming to the temple?"

Such thoughts arose in Meng Yue's mind, but before she could fully compose herself, she found Xu Yang standing before her.

"I know I have won this battle, which would typically mean you lose control of this entire dream space you possess. But I do not wish for that to happen. Everything here will still belong to you alone. I will only take the most beautiful star you created for me.

At the same time, I will also leave you a dream, which you can consider a puzzle. If you are able to solve it, that will signify that our destiny is not yet complete, and there will ultimately be a time when we meet again."

As Xu Yang spoke, he sent a soul imprint into Meng Yue's mind. He was certain he had to recruit this woman into his team, as she would be a crucial guide for him in leading the entire continent back onto a spiritual path.