Chapter 117: Pillars of Revelation! Undercurrents Surging! The Expansion of the Light Curtain! [6000 Words]
Under the overwhelming deterrence of immense martial power, Yi Shen’s communication with the opposing side proceeded relatively smoothly. Although it was unclear whether all the information provided was entirely truthful, at the very least, they managed to rescue the people of Peach Blossom Dock.
Yi Shen’s father remained in a deep sleep, seemingly trapped by a peculiar energy. According to the Moonlight Civilization, since they had previously functioned as a link between dimensions, it would take at least a day for him to gradually awaken. Everything had gone surprisingly well—almost too well to believe.
It was only after Yi Shen transported the crystal containers out of the black mist region that he realized, to his astonishment, just how much his strength had unknowingly grown. According to the agreement between Yi Shen and the Moonlight Civilization, the enemy would not launch further attacks on the human civilization’s front lines before the appearance of the scepter. They also hoped Yi Shen would refrain from attacking them again.
Yi Shen sensed that they likely had follow-up plans. However, anxious to protect his father and the people of Peach Blossom Dock, he agreed without probing further, reasoning that if they reacted later, he could handle it then. After all, Xiao Yu was still helping him gather resources, and his own power continued to increase daily.
At present, he still had to exert himself fully just to contend with the black mist. But in time, his attributes would surely rise significantly again.
Soon after leaving the black mist region, Yi Shen reestablished contact with Peach Blossom Dock. Several transport vehicles arrived to carry the sleeping members back to the Jingmen Safe Zone. This news caused a stir throughout the area.
Rumors had long circulated about the close ties between the Black Mage and the Peach Blossom Dock guild. Now it seemed the Black Mage had managed to retrieve many of the large group members who had disappeared from Peach Blossom Dock, confirming that their relationship was indeed extraordinary.
Moreover, the return of these long-lost figures would undoubtedly boost morale in the once-flagging Peach Blossom Dock. Some merchant guilds that had intermittently lost contact, as well as those who had gained benefits from Peach Blossom Dock, began to worry about their own positions.
Within the black mist region, after Yi Shen’s departure, silence fell over the core area of the semi-spiritual entities. Though Yi Shen had only been there for less than an hour, the southern region and the core city were nearly in complete collapse, especially since Yi Shen had directly used moonlight energy to damage the nodes and absorbed much of their stored energy, leaving the black mist unable to repair itself for the time being.
Various pieces of information circulated among the semi-spiritual entities, with some even beginning to move toward the Dimensional Gate. Soon, a blue semi-spiritual entity passed through the gate and entered the world of the Moonlight Realm.
This place was no longer the former teleportation area. Passing through the Dimensional Gate from Earth, it now arrived directly on a vast plain. The semi-spiritual entity entered a special zone on the plain, then vanished completely, reappearing in another large fragment of this world.
“I must communicate with the Master,” it transmitted upward through strange patterns.
This being was one of the holy spiritual entities that had entered Blue Star this time. If Yi Shen were merely a simple enemy, they might have sought assistance outright. But the power they sensed emanating from Yi Shen was the Master’s strength, which caused many soul beasts to avoid confronting him altogether. This explained why the semi-spirituals could not properly resist Yi Shen.
As the information spread, deep within the Moonlight Realm, a cluster of blue energy stirred faintly. It was not humanoid, but a spherical mass of energy. At their level, form was irrelevant; it was merely an expression of energy, and the spherical shape represented a naturally emanating chaotic body.
“Is the opposition a race capable of wielding dark light energy?” the sphere received the semi-spiritual’s message but quickly denied it.
Dark light energy was not especially rare; according to the semi-spiritual, the enemy had grasped the core “Holy Light” power, imbued with their own aura, which caused soul beasts to be wary.
Though the sphere had been dormant for a long time, its own power had gone unshared for over ten thousand years. If any other beings used its power, it would sense it. The unknown presence caused the sphere to swell slightly.
After a pause, a denser semi-spiritual entity emerged from the sphere. After transmitting information, it took over all the permissions of the blue semi-spiritual.
Whether it was the loss of the scepter or the appearance of unknown powers tied to itself, it seemed it had to investigate personally.
The blue semi-spirituals around it trembled slightly. Since their birth, the Master had always remained distant, controlling everything from afar. It was unexpected that this time, the Master would send an incarnation in person.
---
At the Jingmen Safe Zone, on the northern battlefield.
“The Black Mage’s strength is ridiculous—he pulled some people out of the black mist?”
“Not sure. The energy inside is far stronger than expected, and the source of the moonlight energy is very rich. The boss probably needs this kind of power.”
“I’ve also detected energy fluctuations. Seems a new secret realm might be forming here.”
“Notify the boss. I think he’d be interested in the Black Mage.”
Though the group led by Old Five was stunned by the Black Mage’s power, they had not forgotten their original purpose: to obtain materials and, more importantly, to explore the special secret realms near the Jingmen Safe Zone.
Under the current grand rules, most safe zones held priority rights over secret realms nearby, effectively reducing conflicts over resources.
This time was different. The Jingmen Safe Zone not only had a special secret realm emerging but also became entangled with a new civilization, causing many to rush over under the guise of “support.”
Old Five’s team primarily came to assess the monsters’ strength and the potential rewards. From the intelligence gathered, aside from the Black Mage’s unexpectedly high power, the conditions met their exploratory requirements.
Soon, a woman in the team produced a communication device to contact their gathering area. Their network was separate from that of the safe zone, operating independently and outside its jurisdiction—a “special faction.”
The woman conveyed much information and transmitted images back. Finally, the device responded.
“All right, I’ll finish current matters and come quickly.”
---
In the central district of the Jingmen Safe Zone, in an upper-floor room of a grand hotel, five distinct figures communicated. They radiated a crimson glow, and strange bloodstains marked the room. All five knelt in an unusual posture.
At last, amid the red glow, a strange shadow appeared. It resembled the shadows seen on the red giants encountered when collecting fire element materials, but was clearly purer.
The shadow waved its hand, scattering dozens of scarlet pills. The kneeling figures scrambled to gather them, ingesting some of the higher quality ones.
“Notify all blood seedlings in the city to remain on standby. No movements or departures from the Jingmen Safe Zone for now,” the red shadow intoned in a strange voice, red aura swirling around it.
“In three days, the key will activate. Then, all blood seedlings must hide among the crowds, with no aura leakage.”
“At that time, the Holy Lord will appear and bestow blessings upon you.”
Having spoken, the red shadow disappeared swiftly, leaving only strange blood and powder on the floor.
---
In the Hanzhong Safe Zone.
As Yi Shen moved against the black mist again, senior members of some major guilds received information simultaneously.
A man, half of whose body had become mechanized, sat in his office, seemingly contemplating something. He then sent a message: “I won’t participate in this operation. You all handle it.”
“I just have a feeling there will be trouble around the Jingmen Safe Zone.”
---
Northern Huaxia.
Kyoto.
At a special information management office.
“News from the Jingmen Safe Zone indicates energy will peak in approximately 78 hours. A special secret realm is suspected to open. Over 100 explorers above level 65 have registered and are heading there, about half of whom are local.”
“Is anyone from the Unified Coordination Bureau going?”
“The Bureau’s agent has gone. They said they registered because of the Black Mage. It’s possible they’ll send others.”
“Okay. Hanzhong Safe Zone will probably send people too. We’ll mainly coordinate with Hanzhong.”
---
After bringing back the Peach Blossom Dock members, Yi Shen realized it was already the last day of April. Outside, a heavy rain fell, as if cleansing the entire city.
With increasing aid arrivals and the Moonlight Realm’s beasts maintaining a defensive stance, the Jingmen Safe Zone was unusually calm—perhaps the most peaceful period in recent times.
Ordinary people remained unaware of the undercurrents beyond, only hearing that the Black Mage had achieved another great victory.
Some chatted with friends relocating from the safe zone amidst the rain’s rhythm; others stared quietly out the window; some finally enjoyed a restful sleep; small shops reopened, sheltering patrons from the downpour.
---
“Is your father really all right?” At Peach Blossom Dock’s base, the atmosphere was far livelier.
Today, the people Yi Shen brought back were members of the large group, once core to Peach Blossom Dock. Though the guild had undergone restructuring and many members had changed, the authority of these veterans remained. Some were widows or friends of these members, naturally eager to learn the situation.
“Yes, he should be fine,” Yi Shen nodded. The moonlight energy within his father’s body hadn’t harmed him, only lingering without dissipating. Since it concentrated near his father’s brain, Yi Shen dared not act rashly, following the semi-spirituals’ advice to wait for the energy to fade naturally.
“Only these people?” Lin Putao quietly asked in a separate room.
Though the Black Mage had brought them back, few knew Yi Shen was the Black Mage. Even Lin Putao had been incredulous; others were even less likely to suspect this young man was the legendary figure.
“Just these. There are others I don’t know well, couldn’t bring them back yet. Maybe in a few days.”
Yi Shen understood his mother’s meaning. Peach Blossom Dock’s losses extended far beyond a dozen people to hundreds, including logistics personnel, severely affecting the guild’s structure.
Today, Yi Shen had only brought back ten people from Yi Qinfei’s group, two of whom had stopped breathing. Lin Putao naturally had to inquire further.
Outside, muffled cries could be heard—women weeping joyfully to see their husbands alive. The two members who had stopped breathing appeared to have lost their families long ago. Zhao Nanxing had yet to handle their bodies, hoping to ask the Black Mage if rescue was possible.
The rain continued relentlessly.
---
Around six the next morning, Yi Qinfei stirred slightly. Yi Shen sensed the moonlight energy within him gradually fading, cellular vitality swiftly recovering.
Upon seeing Lin Putao and Yi Shen, Yi Qinfei seemed dazed, unsure why he was lying there. He vaguely remembered the chaos and peril, the chaotic energy everywhere. To buy time for escape, he had held off the realm’s lord monster, then recalled a strange white light before losing consciousness. When he awoke, Lin Putao was gazing at him with tears in her eyes.
---
It took over an hour for Lin Putao to explain the entire situation to Yi Qinfei, who remained somewhat shaken and incredulous to see his husband again.
“So, Peach Blossom Dock has been restructured? Zhao Nanxing is now chairman, and Anqing has died?”
“And Yi Shen is very powerful, known as the Black Mage? He rescued us from those monsters?”
“And the Jingmen Safe Zone is at war with another civilization?”
One revelation after another left Yi Qinfei unprepared, struggling to grasp these changes.
“Technically, it’s not ‘a’ Black Mage, but the title ‘Black Mage’,” Yi Shen explained. “I don’t know why they call me that, but the name stuck.”
Looking at his father, his expression was strange. He had thought that after rescuing his father, their relationship would be calm. But now, having grown stronger and interacted with Qi Lei, Zhan Yu, and other civilizations, his mindset had shifted.
He once revered his father as a top leader of a major guild, himself a privileged heir of the Yi family in Peach Blossom Dock. Now, though he still respected his father, the admiration had lessened. From his perspective, Peach Blossom Dock wasn’t so impressive, and the notion of a grand heir seemed almost a joke.
“Uncle Lei advised me not to reveal my identity, fearing trouble,” Yi Shen said. “I’m also worried my affairs could implicate you all. With so much happening in the Jingmen Safe Zone recently, you should take good care of Mom.”
After speaking, Yi Shen felt his tone was off, unlike what a son should say to his father.
After much explanation, Yi Qinfei finally understood the full story.
“Yeah, Qi Lei is right. You need to watch your safety.”
“You’re because…”
“Forget it. Just keep your secrets well. Don’t tell anyone about your strength. Your power seems beyond normal.”
Yi Qinfei examined Yi Shen repeatedly. Though sensing something was amiss when he first awoke, he hadn’t expected his son to have changed so drastically.
Still, he remained doting. Patting Yi Shen’s shoulder, his eyes held a strange look.
After Yi Qinfei’s awakening, others gradually regained consciousness. He comforted the members of Peach Blossom Dock.
It was confirmed Zhao Weimin had died. Even the semi-spiritual entities only gathered residual information, consistent with what Yi Shen learned from his mother—that the realm’s damage was not accidental but caused by the scepter’s emergence, destabilizing that world and fracturing the dimension.
At that time, besides the Blue Star Civilization, another unique aura appeared but escaped detection by the Moonlight Civilization, arriving directly on Blue Star.
The return of Peach Blossom Dock added a new layer of mystery to the Jingmen Safe Zone.
Yi Qinfei was motivated. Upon learning the guild’s state, he began reorganizing Peach Blossom Dock the next day and quickly contacted old friends for detailed information.
Under Yi Shen’s facilitation, Yi Qinfei even spoke with Qi Lei—a surprise to himself, since their contact had dwindled after Peach Blossom Dock’s founding and Qi Lei had been missing in the safe zone for years, with only Zhan Yu and a few others able to reach him.
Unexpectedly, Yi Shen was already calling him “Uncle Lei” casually.
---
In the following two days, Zhao Nanxing, aided by Yi Qinfei and other veterans, systematically restructured Peach Blossom Dock.
Due to Zhao Weimin’s status, all agreed Zhao Nanxing should become chairman, while Yi Qinfei reluctantly took on the role of temporary leader of Peach Blossom Dock’s first group.
Officials issued warnings that energy fluctuations north of the Jingmen Safe Zone were intensifying, with a new dimensional gate likely to appear soon.
Some guilds prepared eagerly, ready for battle. The emergence of special secret realms brought not just danger but opportunity—some sought unique powers, skills, equipment, or hidden bloodlines; others sought fame and resources.
Yi Shen also communicated with Qi Lei, sharing Moonlight Civilization’s information about the scepter. But current knowledge remained too scant; only when the “scepter” activated would the true outcome be known.
---
Early May.
The heavy rain persisted for three days without pause.
Experts predicted a massive light curtain had appeared north of the Jingmen Safe Zone, with energy steadily overflowing. Yi Shen had approached it before. This power did not belong to the moonlight energy system but bore spatial characteristics.
The black mist in the Moonlight Realm had remained unusually quiet during this period, which Yi Shen found strange. After all, they had come for the scepter—why no movement? Were they waiting for the secret realm’s opening to unleash all their monsters at once?
Or, if they truly sought only the scepter, why had they deployed so many troops initially?
Finally, on the afternoon of the second, as everyone watched, the answer revealed itself.
The light curtain’s power overflowed, instantly expanding thousands, even tens of thousands of times in scale. A strange beam of light shot directly into the sky.
There was no secret realm entrance, no spatial turbulence—just continuous expansion until the entire battlefield, the Jingmen Safe Zone, surrounding forests, and even nearby mountain ranges were enveloped.
The scepter had not opened a spatial gateway; it transformed the entire region into a spatial domain.
From Jingmen upwards, the sky was no longer visible. All communication with the outside was severed. Strange, lightning-like networked energies drifted through the heavens, emitting eerie creaking echoes.
The colossal pillar of light stood between heaven and earth. Mysterious mirror images appeared on the plains—half resembling cities within the Jingmen Safe Zone, half resembling structures from the black mist, yet unlike anything Blue Star’s explorers had ever seen.
(End of chapter)