On the ancient ship, Hua Linglong was deeply immersed in thought.

Song Yan was slowly waiting.

The twilight light fell, presenting a quiet and gentle scene.

Hua Linglong suddenly spoke: "Thank you, Brother Song, for bringing me here. However, I know my temperament does not meet the requirements of such a great sect like the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace. Therefore, I want to see what lies on this Vast Sea."

Song Yan said: "If you go to my Secret Realm, you only need to follow the rules of the Sword Palace, and it will be much safer."

Hua Linglong smiled and said: "I'm beginning to believe that Brother Song is indeed a good person, but..."

She lowered her gaze slightly and said softly: "Brother Song should also know my character well. This time, the Nine Nether Blood Lotus Soup has helped me see the road ahead more clearly. This path... seems no longer to overlap with Brother Song.

If I stay, it would be akin to binding my own hands and feet, and it would also plant seeds of unease for Brother Song, an unmatched choice for both you and me. However, I will never forget Brother Song's kindness.

The name 'Hua Linglong' was merely to bring me closer to Brother Song; that's why I called myself that.

These days, I have delved into my memories and found my earliest name.

Brother Song, allow me to reintroduce myself, I am Yun Zhaoxuan."

Song Yan said: "Friend Yun, our varied fates, both good and bad, intertwined so complexly, that today's conclusion is quite fortunate..."

After some thought, he suddenly pulled out a broken sword.

The sword was entirely pale white, with black broken threads interwoven inside, precisely the previously broken Profound Dragon Sword.

These days, he thoroughly understood the "entering the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace" rules. After all... since Di Cunxin worked so hard to embellish himself, he could still guess a bit.

Di Cunxin likely went to the Star Raft market that day, probably handling his "ill-gotten gains" in exchange for some Elixirs.

If Di Cunxin could relinquish them, he also had to give them up.

Even though this sword held so much of his past, it too had to be abandoned.

If discarded, destroyed, he would have felt some reluctance, but handing it to the Celestial Venerable before him seemed somewhat an act of returning it to its rightful owner.

Song Yan looked longingly at the Profound Dragon Broken Sword and said: "This sword, though broken, was the beginning of our fate. Now the days are high and the path is long; who knows when we will meet again? I give it to you as a memento."

Yun Zhaoxuan slowly accepted the half of the Profound Dragon Broken Sword, feeling quite complex, as many memories involving this item flashed in her mind. Her body carried the Evil Corpse Vilampu that once pursued Song Yan to death for the "Changwang's Evil Treasure" within this sword.

She solemnly stored the broken sword away, saying: "Thank you, Brother Song."

Then she abruptly transmitted her thoughts: "Brother Song, although the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace is a colossal entity, and we are almost like ants to this force, I originally didn't want to mention the past again, but... I've thought it over and hope Brother Song remembers one thing."

Song Yan replied with his thoughts: "What is it?"

Yun Zhaoxuan said: "Be wary of Di Cunxin."

She promptly added: "Over the years, he's done many things. I was once very close to him, so I can feel it vaguely, but I don't know what exactly.

I never took it seriously, thinking it was just a card to play. But... even now, as the world crumbles, this card still hasn't been revealed.

Although Di Cunxin is but a minor figure in front of the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace, still... sigh... Brother Song, just know it's maybe I'm overthinking.

As the world now is vast, we three no longer need to fight to the death."

Song Yan smiled and said: "Be careful out there."

Yun Zhaoxuan smiled and nodded.

The two walked towards the exit of the ancient ship.

Suddenly, Yun Zhaoxuan stopped abruptly, quickly turned her head, her beautiful eyes staring intently, showing a mix of surprise and alarm.

Song Yan was affected by her, subconsciously turning his head to look with her, yet seeing only an empty wall.

Song Yan asked: "Friend Yun, what's wrong?"

Yun Zhaoxuan rubbed her eyes and looked at the wall again, then shook her head, but her thought was transmitted: "Brother Song, I had an illusion, there's something strange here.

You... you might want to test it out... forget it, everyone has their path, Brother Song need not concern himself with my idle words."

She didn't say, but Song Yan knew what she wanted to say.

Yun Zhaoxuan wanted him to test whether "Ning Yunmiao might let him go," but it was unnecessary, for the power disparity was too great. If Ning Yunmiao really focused on Song Yan, where could Song Yan escape to?

Song Yan sent a mental query: "What did you see in your illusion?"

Yun Zhaoxuan said: "The wall twisted, obviously close at hand, yet seemed as if through a watery mist.

If it were a mortal, it might be said the Yin Fiends invaded the body, causing an illusion. But here, in the area of the Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace, and I am not a mortal… do not mention this to Upper Envoy Ning."

While they spoke, they reached Ning Yunmiao.

Song Yan said: "Senior Sister, please send my old friend to a safe realm in the Vast Sea."

Ning Yunmiao said: "That's for the best."

A simple four-word phrase made Song Yan react with heightened caution once again.

Suddenly, he too wanted to escape.

Going to the Vast Sea realm with the Celestial Venerable and hiding there would indeed be quite unnoticed.

However, just as the Celestial Venerable said...

He had no choice.

If Ning Yunmiao bore him no ill will, there was no need to flee; if she did, he... couldn't escape.

...

...

Myriad Swords Star Realm.

Vast Sea Domain.

Vast Sea is a desert, yet here every grain of sand is a Secret Realm, and the mountains are realms themselves.

Celestial Wondrous Sword Palace is a palace, yet here every building, every peak, hides dimensions and has guardians.

Song Yan followed Ning Yunmiao, leaving the ancient ship and first arriving at a place known as the "Sword Palace Lower Realm," where he saw an elderly guardian.

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