The Lingxu Market was on high alert due to news of a possible attack from the east by the "Dark Alliance," but Lin Yang's doubts remained. He knew that the "Dark Alliance" would not so easily give up the powerful aid of awakening the ancient artifact. While intensifying defensive preparations, he decided to broaden his horizons and explore the wider world of cultivation in hopes of obtaining more clues to deal with the crisis.

The Linghe Chamber of Commerce's intelligence network across the entire cultivation world was fully operational, focusing not only on the direct movements of the "Dark Alliance" but also gathering intelligence on ancient artifacts and other mysterious forces. Intelligence agents penetrated deep into various cultivation domains, contacting informants from different races and sects. They traversed bustling cultivation cities, secluded valleys and caves, and even ventured to the edge of perilous wastelands, all in search of a single clue that might determine the survival of the Lingxu Market.

In the distant Starry Sea lies a mysterious cultivation region, composed of countless floating star islands. Spiritual energy surges between these islands, creating an atmosphere both mysterious and dangerous. A seasoned intelligence officer from the Linghe Merchant Guild, disguised as an ordinary rogue cultivator, landed on one of these islands, named "Linglan Island." This island is a hub for intelligence in the Starry Sea, where the eyes and ears of various factions operate.

In a tavern called "Star Pavilion" on the island, the intelligence agent overheard rumors about ancient artifacts. According to a drunken old cultivator, deep within the Star Sea lies a mysterious island shrouded in mist, called "Phantom Star Island." Legend has it that the island hides a mysterious magical artifact capable of suppressing evil forces, and is intricately connected to these ancient artifacts.

"That Illusion Star Island isn't so easy to get to. It's surrounded by vortexes of spiritual energy and all sorts of ferocious sea beasts. Moreover, it's said that there are powerful restrictions on the island, and only those with the right destiny can enter," the old cultivator said vaguely.

The intelligence officer's heart skipped a beat, sensing that this might be an important clue. He cautiously inquired about more details from the old monk, while secretly observing the reactions of those around him, afraid of causing unnecessary trouble.

Meanwhile, the Wanbaoge expedition team, while searching for a mysterious place related to ancient artifacts, arrived at an ancient ruin. This ruin, located beneath a desolate desert, was discovered through a vague record in an ancient book. The ruin was permeated with an ancient and mysterious aura, and its walls were covered with strange runes and patterns.

“These runes seem to tell a story about an ancient artifact, but they are too ancient to be easily deciphered,” a researcher from Wanbaoge said with a frown.

The team members, using various magical artifacts and spells, attempted to decipher the secrets of the runes. After several days of effort, they finally deciphered some of the information. It turned out that there were seven ancient artifacts, each representing a powerful force, and the artifact the "Dark Alliance" was trying to awaken was related to evil chaotic power. If awakened, it would trigger a catastrophe that would sweep across the entire cultivation world.

"We must find a way to control it as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences will be unimaginable," the expedition leader said with a solemn expression.

Upon learning this news at the Lingxu Market, Lin Yang realized that the situation was far more complex than he had imagined. He decided to send an elite team to the Starry Sea to explore the secrets of Illusion Star Island, while simultaneously instructing the Wanbaoge to continue its in-depth research into the runes within the ruins, striving to find more information about the ancient artifacts.

The Spirit Sword Sect selected a group of its most elite sword cultivators to form a Star Exploration Team. These sword cultivators were not only highly skilled, but also possessed a profound understanding of the "Spirit Concealment Illusionary Void Technique" and the "Spirit Concealment Demon-Controlling Sword Formation." They underwent final intensive training before setting off.

"This journey to the Starry Sea is fraught with danger. But we bear the heavy responsibility of protecting the Spirit Ruins Market and even the entire cultivation world, and we must not back down!" the sword cultivator elder leading the team shouted.

The sword cultivators shouted in unison, their morale soaring. They packed their bags, took the magical artifacts specially made by the Wanbao Pavilion, and embarked on their journey to the Starry Sea.

Meanwhile, the "Dark Alliance" was secretly pleased with their misleading plan. The Bloodblade Sect Master and the Netherworld Palace Master, along with other core members, were discussing their next move in a secluded stronghold.

"The Spirit Ruins Market has indeed fallen for their trap. Now their attention is focused on the defense of the eastern side. We can take this opportunity to speed up the search for a new awakening location and the preparations for the ceremony," the Blood Blade Sect Master said smugly.

"However, we cannot let our guard down. The Lingxu Market has been acting strangely lately, as if it is plotting something," said the Palace Master of the Netherworld Palace, frowning slightly.

"Hmph, whatever they're plotting, once we awaken the ancient artifact, everything will vanish. Send the order down, urging all forces in the region to act swiftly, without fail!" The Blood Blade Sect Master's eyes gleamed with greed and madness.

The Dark Alliance intensified its surveillance of the area surrounding the Spirit Ruins Market, while secretly preparing a ritual to awaken an ancient artifact. They gathered evil spiritual energy from all directions, searching for a suitable location to deliver a fatal blow to the Spirit Ruins Market.

The Star Exploration Team dispatched by the Lingxu Market struggled through the Starry Sea. Piloting specially crafted flying magical artifacts, they traversed the tides of spiritual energy, dodging attacks from ferocious sea beasts. Every step forward was fraught with danger.

"Look! A vortex of spiritual energy has appeared ahead! Everyone be careful!" a sword cultivator shouted.

A massive whirlpool suddenly appeared on the sea ahead, from which spiritual energy surged forth as if solid, forming sharp blades that hurtled towards the exploration team. The team leader swiftly commanded his men to unleash the "Spirit Concealment Demon-Suppressing Sword Formation." The formation shone brightly, forming a sturdy shield that withstood the spiritual energy blades.

"Charge! We can't linger here any longer!" At the captain's command, the sword cultivators worked together, activating their flying magical artifacts and rushing towards the center of the vortex. After a difficult struggle, they finally succeeded in passing through the spiritual energy vortex.

However, an even greater danger awaited them ahead. In the distance, an island shrouded in mist loomed in the distance—the very Illusionary Star Island they sought. But a powerful barrier surrounded the island, emanating a mysterious and dangerous aura.

Will the Star Exploration Team from Lingxu Market successfully enter Illusion Star Island and find a magical artifact to counter the ancient divine weapon? What kind of traps will the "Dark Alliance" set during their search? And while Lingxu Market strengthens its defenses on the east side, will it be able to uncover the true conspiracy of the "Dark Alliance"? The fate of the entire cultivation world seems to hang on to this tense situation, and a fierce battle between good and evil that transcends geographical boundaries is unfolding.