The Ziwei Star was situated at the center of the cosmos, and compared to the myriad of dazzling stars, its faint purple glow appeared somewhat dim.

To ordinary people, the Ziwei Star was inconspicuous. Yet for cultivators, it was the master of the stars, with a status of utmost importance.

All secret techniques related to Star Power and Star Phase must commence with the Ziwei Star.

Previously, Gao Xuan had no research on Star Power. When refining the Future Star Constellation Pearl, he established a profound yet stable connection with the Ziwei Star.

This connection was extremely important, equivalent to Gao Xuan leaving an indestructible stable coordinate in the cosmos.

Through this coordinate, Gao Xuan could determine his own location.

The Immortal Realm was vast and boundless, but with this Ziwei Star coordinate, Gao Xuan would at least not lose his way and be able to decipher most space divine techniques.

On the other hand, combining his aura with the Ziwei Star, he felt the invisible line of destiny connecting him also altered.

Simply put, his line of destiny connected with the Ziwei Star, and from then on, even if powerhouses calculated his fate, it would be obscured by the Ziwei Star.

Of course, he was not the master of the Ziwei Star.

The Ziwei Star was the master of the heavens’ stars, gathering boundless power of the stars. As long as one had the means, anyone could establish a connection with the Ziwei Star.

According to Gao Xuan’s understanding, the Ziwei Star was like a large server where his personal data was stored. Others wanting to check his data would need the highest authority of the Ziwei Star.

Generally speaking, this was impossible.

If someone truly had such capability, they could easily crush him without needing such effort.

Gao Xuan deeply experienced the change of Star Power for the first time, sensing the vast power of the heavens’ stars.

In his understanding, the heavens’ stars were countless cornerstones of the Immortal Realm. These cornerstones defined the scope, state, and even all the rules of the Immortal Realm.

Star Power could completely be seen as a special form of Primordial Qi; merely more complex, ancient, and obscure.

Through the Future Star Constellation Pearl, Gao Xuan could deeply feel the Star Power. He may not see the future in the change of Star Power, but the endless Star Power revealed even greater and broader formidable powers.

Gao Xuan soon immersed himself in the endless sea of stars, having no time to contemplate the matters of the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch.

Meanwhile, numerous powerhouses on Celestial Dragon Island witnessed the anomaly of the Ziwei Star.

The Ziwei Star was the master of the heavens’ stars, making establishing a connection with it far from easy.

Though the Cyan Celestial Realm was vast, only the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch could resonate with the Ziwei Star.

Due to the protection of the Ziwei Star, even though the Celestial Hatred Demon Monarch, a Demon Sect leader, was notorious for his malice, no one could subdue him.

At this moment, the Ziwei Star underwent an anomaly, casting starlight directly at Celestial Dragon Island.

Although the powerhouses didn’t know what was happening, they were all filled with vigilance.

"What is Celestial Hatred up to?"

In the Purple Bamboo Forest, Jiang Yumei gazed at the center of the starry sky at the Ziwei Star, with an expression of gravity on her dignified and beautiful face.

Across from her, Bai Yunsheng, Sect Leader of the Jade Cloud Sect, also looked up at the starry sky, pondering for a moment before saying, "The starlight of the Ziwei Star twists and sways, seeming to indicate a phase of transference and alteration."

Bai Yunsheng had a refined appearance, wearing a jade-colored Daoist robe, and carried himself with a suave grandeur.

He possessed considerable expertise in Star Phase and was well-versed in Innate Divine Numbers and other calculation techniques, discerning some aspects of the Ziwei Star’s changes.

"Transference and alteration?"

Jiang Yumei inquired with some confusion, "What does this signify?"

"It seems like someone is becoming the master of the Ziwei Star."

Bai Yunsheng shook his head and said, "As for specifics, the star phase is complex and refined, beyond my comprehension."

"Is it related to Celestial Hatred?" Jiang Yumei asked again.

"I don’t know..."

Bai Yunsheng said, "Celestial Hatred operates Star Power solely relying on the Future Star Constellation Pearl, this exotic treasure. With such a treasure, he excels at Star Phase far more than I."

After pondering, Bai Yunsheng added, "On Celestial Dragon Island, gathered are numerous powerhouses; despicable people like Celestial Hatred, cannot be significant figures nor undertake plots. It’s not worth paying too much attention to."

Jiang Yumei agreed profoundly, nodding, "Celestial Hatred is not a concern. The key is how we, the Daoist Sect, should position ourselves in this Celestial Dragon Dharma Assembly."

Saying that, Jiang Yumei glanced at Withered Wood True Monarch. This Five Elements Sect leader was older than Xuan Ye of the Celestial Lotus Sect. He could be regarded as the top powerhouse of the Daoist Sect.

However, his character was like withered wood, indifferent to everything and rarely taking action.

With the Daoist Sect’s forces waning, part of the responsibility lay with him.

Jiang Yumei did not appreciate Withered Wood’s approach, but at critical moments, the attitude of this top Daoist power was essential.

Withered Wood True Monarch was thin, his skin dried like withered old trees, and he sat there with closed eyes, unmoving, resembling a corpse devoid of vitality.

Hearing Jiang Yumei’s words, Withered Wood True Monarch remained motionless.

Bai Yunsheng said helplessly, "True Monarch, it’s time for you to make a decision."

Only then did Withered Wood slowly open his eyes, his pupils dry and lifeless like an elderly man on the brink of death.

He spoke with a voice harsh and unpleasant, causing the listener to want to cover their ears.

He stated, "What decision can I make except to respond to change with constancy."

Bai Yunsheng and Jiang Yumei exchanged silent looks, as this was hardly a strategy.

Withered Wood True Monarch continued, "I know you see an opportunity for transformation, but what can we gain from joining in?"

Bai Yunsheng thought for a moment and said, "At least we can take the initiative, choosing whether to advance or withdraw."

Jiang Yumei nodded, "Even if we don’t engage, we should first set up a response strategy to avoid chaos when the time comes."

In truth, Jiang Yumei was very conservative, unwilling to actively intervene. However, she believed they should prepare contingency strategies, ready for any situation.

Withered Wood True Monarch remained passive, indeed not changing, but how could they respond to changes?

"This game is too large; even Ao Dongcheng and Xuan Ye cannot act first, merely fanning flames from behind. Your ambitions are indeed considerable."

Withered Wood True Monarch coldly stated, "That Gao Xuan, whose origins are unknown, has domineering and strong means. His arrival in the Eastern Province signifies something unknown. We should keep our distance while watching, to avoid being implicated."

He addressed Jiang Yumei, "Just protect your precious disciple. Speculating strategies here is laughable."

Withered Wood True Monarch spoke with an eerie tone, leaving Jiang Yumei speechless.

Bai Yunsheng was still somewhat reluctant. He said, "Gao Xuan is close to our Daoist Sect. Even if we don’t let him enter, at least we can express goodwill to Gao Xuan and build a relationship. It’s always the right thing to do."

"How do you propose to express goodwill?" Withered Wood True Monarch countered.

"How about giving a Divine Artifact?"

Bai Yunsheng had thought this through. He said, "Our three sects once acquired a Shenxiao Thunder Emperor Painting together. This treasure is special, and dividing it into three parts doesn’t have much use. Why not combine it into one and give it to Gao Xuan to forge a great friendship."

The Shenxiao Thunder Emperor Painting was an ancient treasure left behind from ages past. Back then, several Daoist Sect powerhouses joined forces to seize it and eventually divided the painting into three parts.

The Jade Cloud Sect, Divine Moon Sect, and Five Elements Sect each held a part. Despite having fragments of the painting, each sect could decipher little from it.

The three families had discussed collaborating to delve into the secret technique of the painting. Unfortunately, after several attempts, although each gained something, none trusted the others.

Through the collaborations, the three families also discovered some mysteries of the painting. It actually recorded a powerful Thunder Skill.

However, one had to rely on the painting to begin cultivation.

The three major sects trusted no one and couldn’t bear leaving the painting unused. Later, they jointly trained three apprentices to comprehend and cultivate the Shenxiao Thunder Emperor Painting.

In the end, when the three apprentices reached the Spirit Immortal level, they all succumbed to the backlash of the Thunder Skill.

All three sects suspected foul play, but no evidence was found. Ultimately, the collaboration stalled.

Bai Yunsheng suggested giving away the Shenxiao Thunder Emperor Painting because it was useless to the sects but very valuable.

No matter how high Gao Xuan’s cultivation, receiving this treasure would make him indebted to the Daoist Sect.

Giving such a gift was beneficial without cost. The three sects wouldn’t suffer any real loss.

Withered Wood’s expression remained indifferent, remaining silent.

Jiang Yumei thought for a moment and found the idea favorable. The three sects gifting together showed their stance without any loss to themselves.

The Shenxiao Thunder Emperor Painting was indeed an excellent item, even deemed a top-tier Divine Artifact in this realm. However, divided into three, it was ultimately useless.

"Fellow Daoist Bai’s suggestion seems good."

Jiang Yumei looked at Withered Wood: "What does the True Monarch think?"

Withered Wood True Monarch closed his eyes: "So be it."

He didn’t think gifting was necessary; someone like Gao Xuan might not care about the gift.

Nevertheless, a gift was still a gesture. On the other hand, Gao Xuan was a mortal enemy of the Dragon Court and the Buddhist Sect.

The stronger Gao Xuan became, the more detrimental it was to the Dragon Court and the Buddhist Sect. This was a great advantage for the Daoist Sect.

In addition, if Gao Xuan were to be defeated, perhaps there might be a chance to take back the complete painting.

Bai Yunsheng was greatly encouraged: "Our Daoist Sect has endured for tens of thousands of years; it’s finally our time to rise..."

As the three Daoist Sect powerhouses were meeting and discussing, Ao Jiuni was visiting the Seventh Grade Celestial Master Lin Jianghong.

Lin Jianghong resided in the Cyan Pine Pavilion, a simple yet naturally elegant structure carved out from a massive pine tree.

This pine tree, having lived for hundreds of thousands of years, was extremely mystical. Living and cultivating within it had numerous benefits.

Generally speaking, the Cyan Pine Pavilion was reserved for high-level Dragon Race members for closed-door training. It was not meant for outsiders.

This time, it was arranged for Lin Jianghong to indicate the importance they attached to the matter.

Ao Jiuni had just shared a meal with Lin Jianghong and sent him back to the Cyan Pine Pavilion, intending to discuss further issues while the other was in good spirits.

As they conversed, they noticed the Ziwei Star shining brightly in the night sky.

Even though Ao Jiuni wasn’t versed in star phases, he knew the significance of the Ziwei Star was extraordinary.

Lin Jianghong, with profound knowledge of star phases, was suddenly taken aback by the anomaly of the Ziwei Star, instantly sobering up.

"Celestial Master, the Ziwei Star moves, what does it signify?" Ao Jiuni humbly inquired.

Lin Jianghong, with long eyebrows and slender eyes, a pale face devoid of beard, inherently appeared somewhat sharp. Now, with a stern expression, he seemed even more austere.

After observing for quite a while, he withdrew his gaze and told Ao Jiuni, "The Ziwei Star indicates a shifting trend, yet it’s unclear what initiates the change."

Ao Jiuni inquired further, "Is it good or bad?"

Lin Jianghong shook his head: "That’s hard to say. It might not even relate to us."

Ao Jiuni thought similarly; the movement of the Ziwei Star indicated nothing conclusive.

He took a crimson Treasure Pearl from his sleeve, in which a tiny golden snake slithered unpredictably.

"This Six-winged Golden Snake is an ancient, archaic species, extremely poisonous. It’s a perfect match for the Celestial Master’s Five Poison Divine Gang Banner."

Ao Jiuni smiled: "I hope the Celestial Master would accept it graciously."

Lin Jianghong displayed a trace of uncontrollable delight, taking the pearl for a close examination: "Yes, it’s indeed the Six-winged Golden Snake."

In the past, he slew a Giant Demon to seize a Five Poison Divine Gang Banner. The banner, when activated, had a strong Divine Gang force, and the Five Poison Qi within was exceedingly insidious.

However, the potency of the Five Poison was insufficient and posed little threat to the strong.

For thousands of years, Lin Jianghong wandered far and wide searching for the most toxic poisons.

The Six-winged Golden Snake, a relic species from the Ancient Wilderness, was notoriously venomous. If able to refine the Six-winged Golden Snake, the power of the Five Poison Divine Gang Banner could increase tenfold.

He hadn’t expected the Dragon King to be so generous, gifting him such a precious poisonous creature.

Suppressing his immense joy, Lin Jianghong calmly said to Ao Jiuni: "Thank you for the grand gift, Dragon King; it’s a gift I’m undeserving of."

"As long as the Celestial Master likes it, that’s all that matters."

Ao Jiuni smiled slightly: "Only, regarding Gao Xuan, I hope the Celestial Master will give it due consideration."

"A mere Ninth Grade Celestial Master dares to be presumptuous."

Lin Jianghong confidently said: "Please rest assured, Dragon King; I will discipline Gao Xuan properly."

Ao Jiuni sincerely said: "Thank you, Celestial Master."

He then reminded: "Gao Xuan is an arrogant and ruthless individual. Celestial Master should also be wary of any unexpected moves he might make."

Lin Jianghong said calmly: "I am a Seventh Grade Celestial Master, under whose jurisdiction are all Celestial Masters of the Cyan Celestial Realm. No matter how strong Gao Xuan is, would he dare defy the orders of the Celestial Court? That would be courting death..."