Chapter 1124: Twenty-One Marks and the Way of Cause and Effect

"Kill... all the ancestors of the Azure Wolf Sect?" Elder Zhao's face turned pale.

"The ancestors of the Azure Wolf Sect aren't your ancestors, so it shouldn't matter, right...?" Mo Hua said.

"This..." Elder Zhao's face was bitter.

Because the ancestors disagreed with him becoming the sect leader, therefore...

**Beyond the Ancient Star Domain**After leaving the Ancient Star Domain, the four individuals did not rush back to their respective sects or families. They understood that although they had passed the trials of the Ancient Star Domain, this was merely a small step on their long journey of cultivation. The true path to immortality remained hidden in the more distant and profound depths of the universe.

"Where should we go next?" Lin Wan'er looked up at the endless starry sky, her eyes sparkling with anticipation and curiosity. "This vast cosmos feels like something is calling to us."

Chu Xingyun pondered for a moment before slowly speaking. "I once heard of a place in the far reaches called the 'Star River Ruins.' It is said to contain legacies left by ancient powerful beings, which might be able to guide us."

"Star River Ruins?" Su Yaoqin gently strummed her zither, her voice clear and melodious. "It sounds like a place full of danger and opportunity. But having chosen to pursue immortality, how could we shrink back?"

Li Qingfeng nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Moreover, according to the Star Compass, there are abnormally powerful energy fluctuations in that direction. Perhaps that is where we will find the key to our answers."

Thus, the four decided to journey to the legendary Star River Ruins. Along the way, they traversed countless star systems and encountered various peculiar sights. Sometimes, they beheld vibrant nebulae, unfurling like paintings before their eyes; other times, they navigated desolate and lifeless asteroid belts, where every step required utmost caution to avoid hidden dangers.

**Entering the Star River Ruins**When the four finally arrived at the Star River Ruins, the sight before them was astonishing. It was a fragmented starfield where countless shattered planets floated, as if they had endured some catastrophic disaster. Yet, despite the devastation, the area still emanated an ancient and mysterious aura.

"The aura here..." Chu Xingyun frowned, sensing the surrounding fluctuations. "It's more complex and dangerous than the Ancient Star Domain. We must be extremely careful."

"Exactly." Lin Wan'er surveyed her surroundings, noticing that the surfaces of many planets seemed covered with intricate array patterns. "These arrays appear incredibly ancient, surpassing anything we know. Approaching them rashly could lead to unpredictable consequences."

"Let's use the Star Compass to detect the specific situation first." Li Qingfeng took out his compass and carefully observed its changes. However, when he pointed the compass toward a particular planet, it began to tremble violently, emitting a piercing hum.

"What's happening?" Su Yaoqin asked anxiously.

Li Qingfeng's expression was grave. "The compass is sensing an extremely powerful force, but this force is too strange; even the compass cannot fully analyze it. It seems that planet must be hiding some important secret."

"Then let's go investigate!" Chu Xingyun gripped his Star Sword and stepped forward first. "No matter what lies ahead, we cannot back down."

**Trial on the Mysterious Planet**Upon entering the mysterious planet, the four were immediately enveloped by a strange force. Their bodies felt incredibly heavy, and every breath seemed to consume immense physical strength.

"What kind of power is this?" Su Yaoqin barely managed to play a melody, attempting to alleviate the oppressive sensation. However, her sound waves were swallowed completely by an invisible force as soon as they were released.

"Something's not right." Chu Xingyun's brow furrowed. "The power here seems specifically aimed at our cultivation. If we can't adapt, I'm afraid we won't be able to proceed."

Just then, an aged voice suddenly echoed in their minds. "Mortals, if you wish to obtain the power of the origin, you must accept the final trial. Are you ready?"

"Who's there?" Lin Wan'er cautiously looked around but saw no one.

"I am the guardian of these ruins," the voice responded again. "Only by passing my trial can you truly comprehend the essence of the Way of Stars."

Before the voice faded, the space before the four suddenly twisted, transforming into an entirely new scene. They found themselves in an illusory space composed of countless stars, each emitting a different light, seemingly representing a unique law.

"This is... the Star Origin!" Li Qingfeng exclaimed in surprise. "So, this is the core of the Way of Stars!"

"But how do we obtain these Star Origins?" Lin Wan'er asked, puzzled.

"It's simple," the guardian's voice resounded again. "You must conquer your inner demons and prove yourselves worthy of this power."

**Trial of Inner Demons**As the guardian's words fell, the consciousness of the four plunged into chaos. Each faced their own inner demons—the fears, obsessions, and desires buried deep within their hearts.

**Chu Xingyun:**Chu Xingyun stood in a pitch-black space, where scenes flickered before him: the grief of loved ones' deaths, the despair of friends' betrayals, and the frustration of countless failures. These memories pierced his soul like sharp blades, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

"Give up," a low voice whispered in his ear. "You can never reach the realm of immortality. All of this is futile."

"No!" Chu Xingyun gritted his teeth, wielding his Star Sword to sever the fragmented memories that plagued him. "Even if the path ahead is difficult, I will never retreat. Because I believe that as long as I persevere, I will surely find my own way."

**Su Yaoqin:**Su Yaoqin found herself caught in self-doubt regarding her strength. She saw herself in a mirror, no matter how hard she tried, always unable to surpass others. That profound sense of inferiority nearly broke her.

"Why must I constantly chase after the footsteps of the strong?" she whispered to herself. "Perhaps I'm just an ordinary person."

Just as she was about to give up, a gentle zither melody arose from within her heart. It was the tune she had played with dedication for years, and it was the truest reflection of her soul. "Music is not just a weapon; it is part of my soul. As long as I stay true to myself, I am already strong enough."

**Li Qingfeng:**Li Qingfeng's inner demon was the fear of the unknown. He feared that he would never be able to unravel all the mysteries of the Way of Stars, ultimately living a life of mediocrity.

"Why insist on exploring?" a cold voice echoed in his ear. "Some things are destined to remain unknown. Why waste your time?"

"Because I want to make this world a better place!" Li Qingfeng declared firmly. "Even if there's only a glimmer of hope, I am willing to give everything for it."

**Lin Wan'er:**Lin Wan'er's inner demon was the fear of loneliness. She feared that one day she would lose all the important people in her life and face the endless darkness alone.

"No one will stay with you forever," a gentle yet sorrowful voice said. "So, why not stop now and enjoy fleeting happiness?"

"No!" Lin Wan'er closed her eyes, recalling the moments she had fought side-by-side with her companions. "It is precisely because of you that I do not feel alone. No matter what the future holds, I will continue forward."

**Obtaining the Star Origin**When the four successfully conquered their inner demons, they regrouped. At this moment, the surrounding stars began to slowly rotate, forming a brilliant pillar of light that enveloped them.

"Congratulations, you have passed the final trial," the guardian's voice resonated once more. "As a reward, you will receive the power of the Star Origin. Remember, this power belongs not only to you personally but also carries the hope of the entire universe."

As the guardian's words ceased, the Star Power within the four individuals surged to an unprecedented level. They could clearly feel their connection with the stars becoming much tighter, as if they had become a part of the cosmos itself.

**Resuming the Journey**After bidding farewell to the Star River Ruins, a newfound determination and composure shone in the eyes of the four. They knew this was merely a small milestone on their path of cultivation, and the challenges ahead would be even more arduous.

"The Ancient Star Domain and the Star River Ruins are just the tip of the iceberg of the Way of Stars," Chu Xingyun said, gazing into the distance with confidence in his voice. "I believe that as long as we continue to explore, we will one day uncover the ultimate mystery of immortality."

"That's right," Su Yaoqin smiled. "Let us journey forth hand in hand and write our own legend!"

"No matter how many difficulties lie ahead, I will walk with you," Li Qingfeng said, gripping his Star Compass, his eyes sharp.

"Then let us strive for even higher goals!" Lin Wan'er lightly patted her array diagram, her voice filled with excitement and anticipation.

And so, the four embarked on their journey once more, heading towards the unknown shores of the stars. Their figures vanished into the vast star sea, and their story would forever be etched into the long river of time.