Chapter 638 The Current State of Jellyfish, Who Rules the Stars?
With the help of Senior Sister Zhang's Heavenly Evolution Array Plate, Zheng Fa and the others have already flown to the depths of the Zhou Tian Star Array Remnant.
The situation here has stabilized, which is why Senior Sister Zhang has time to go to the Underworld for discussions, and she even has plenty of time—because time in the Zhou Tian Star Array is really special; one day here is almost equivalent to one year in the Xuanwei Realm.
For Zheng Fa, it was only a blink of an eye before Senior Sister Zhang returned to the Nine Mountains Realm, with the Nine Nether Emperor watching the spectacle by her side.
How are the jellyfish doing?
The Nine Netherworld Emperor stood beside the Heavenly Emperor and asked.
"She's trapped in... a, uh, black hole."
"What cave?"
Zheng Fa looked at the jellyfish.
It was a space devoid of any light, completely empty. All that could be seen was the starlight of the thirty-six surrounding stars, which, like ropes, pulled at the chaos.
Even with Zheng Fa's eyesight, he couldn't see the truth of the matter, but the hairs on the back of his head stood on end involuntarily, as if he had encountered a deadly beast.
But he knew that jellyfish were right in front of him—because the three of them, including Ni Chang Yuan Jun, were already excited.
"Lord Jellyfish is ahead." Ni Chang Yuan Jun broke free from Zheng Fa's claws, pointed ahead with absolute certainty, "We can feel Lord Jellyfish's call."
Zheng Fa looked at the two, the Moon Fairy and the Moon Fairy, and saw that they were both nodding, clearly agreeing with what the Rainbow Lady said.
He didn't doubt the three women's sensory abilities. After all, they all practiced the divine way of the jellyfish and were closely connected to it, so it was quite normal for them to be able to sense the jellyfish's presence.
The question is... where is it?
Zheng Fa looked around. The surrounding space was actually very stable, so they had probably entered the core of the great formation.
In other words, besides the jellyfish, the key to breaking the formation is probably also here.
But he couldn't see what was inside at all, so he didn't dare to go in rashly.
Just as he hesitated, Qingnu suddenly spoke up: "I'll try to communicate with the jellyfish."
The Moon Fairy paused for a moment, then nodded.
Zheng Fa looked at Qing Nu and saw her standing barefoot in the chaos, dancing. She flew and circled around the crowd, calling out, wailing, or praising loudly, all in a garbled, incomprehensible language.
"This is my method for summoning the gods from Yaochi," Ni Chang Yuanjun explained considerately.
Zheng Fa understood, but was still a little confused: "Why didn't we use it before?"
“Previously, our connection with the jellyfish was isolated by the Zhou Tian Star Array, which was very strange and intermittent.” Fairy Taiyin shook her head and added, “At that time, we were also afraid of affecting the jellyfish.”
Indeed, given the unclear situation of the jellyfish, they dared not act rashly.
Upon arriving here, they had a general understanding of the jellyfish's condition and seemed to feel more confident.
As Qingnu sang and danced, a figure suddenly appeared behind her head.
"Lord Jellyfish!"
This was the first time Zheng Fa had met the Queen of Yaochi. She looked to be around thirty years old, with a gentle and approachable demeanor. Even when trapped in the Zhou Tian Star Array, she still had a smile on her face and appeared very composed.
The jellyfish looked at everyone, especially at Zheng Fa, and asked, "Who is this?"
Ni Chang Yuanjun introduced, "This is Zheng Fa, the leader of the Nine Mountains Sect."
The jellyfish nodded slightly, seemingly puzzled: "How did you manage to get into this formation?"
"This is all thanks to Sect Leader Zheng."
The Moon Fairy began to explain to the Water Mother how they found this place, how Zheng Fa broke the formation, and even her agreement with Zheng Fa.
The jellyfish was even gentler than Zheng Fa had imagined. After listening to his explanation, she actually gave Zheng Fa a slight bow and thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your help, Sect Leader Zheng."
"Jellyfish, you're too kind." Zheng Fa cupped his hands in greeting and asked directly, "How can this Zhou Tian Star Array be broken? How can we rescue you, Jellyfish, from this predicament?"
Whether or not to save the jellyfish is not important. The problem now is that he and the three of them, including Ni Chang Yuan Jun, flew all the way to the Gate of Life, but they only got this far and failed to find the location of the array's core. This prevented him from getting out and returning to Xuanwei.
"Sect Leader Zheng only needs to find the Star Banner here to control the great formation."
The jellyfish explained.
"Star Banner?"
"The Star Banner is a treasure crafted by the ancient Heavenly Court to control the Zhou Tian Star Array." Jellyfish had studied the Zhou Tian Star Array quite thoroughly and spoke of it with great familiarity. "The core of this incomplete array is a Star Banner. These Star Banners can control these thirty-six stars and change the direction of the array."
Zheng Fa then asked, "Where is this Star Banner?"
“Originally, I didn’t know where this thing was either, otherwise I wouldn’t be trapped in the formation.” The jellyfish shook its head and said, “But I’ve been studying it here for some time and have managed to deduce it.”
Where?
The jellyfish smiled and transformed into a blue-winged butterfly, dancing gracefully in front of Zheng Fa and the others.
The group exchanged glances, realizing that the jellyfish seemed to be guiding them, and followed the butterfly that the jellyfish had transformed into.
A group of people groped their way forward in the darkness, and before long, a yellow light appeared ahead.
This is a high platform, cast entirely from brass metal, engraved with hundreds of ancient demon gods, and with traces of blood in the patterns.
This bronze platform seems to be a veteran who has survived countless battles.
A long banner stood majestically on the platform, covered with stars, surrounded by starlight.
"That is the Star Banner."
Zheng Fa was somewhat surprised that he had found the array's core so easily.
Qingnu and Taiyin Fairy seemed to be a little excited as well. They suddenly looked at each other and their expressions were a bit awkward.
Seeing their expressions, Zheng Fa understood. The question now was, who would own the Star Banner?
Zheng Fa had helped Yaochi and the other two, but he didn't think they would give him such a treasure as the Zhou Tian Star Array.
This great formation now seems to have endless uses, and they may have only seen a tiny bit of its potential.
It was also extremely tempting for a Golden Immortal like the Moon Fairy.
To put it bluntly, if it weren't for coveting the Zhou Tian Star Array, the jellyfish wouldn't be here.
Moreover, with this Star Banner, one can control the life and death of everyone here—for Yaochi and the other two, they would naturally prefer to keep this thing under their control.
For a long while, no one spoke.
"..."
Ni Chang Yuanjun looked left and right, as if she had also figured out the problem. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't say it.
Suddenly, Qingnu rushed towards the high platform without saying a word.
"Lady Qingnv..."
Ni Chang Yuan Jun murmured softly, seemingly wanting to stop her, but Qing Nu ignored her and rushed towards the high platform. She couldn't wait any longer and reached out to grab the Star Banner.
Just as she was about to leap onto the high platform, a howling wolf carved on the platform suddenly roared to the sky, revealed its form, and stretched out its claws to strike at Qing Nu!
Qing Nu was completely absorbed by the Star Banner and was caught off guard, unable to dodge in time.
The Howling Moon Wolf was unexpectedly strong; it slashed at Qing Nu's chest with its claw, sending her flying backward.
When everyone looked over, they saw that Qing Nu had three wounds about the length of an arm on her chest, indicating that she was seriously injured.
"this……"
The Moon Fairy looked at the Green Maiden lying at her feet, her face paling, and her expression towards the high platform showed even more fear.
“This is probably the spirit of an ancient demon god…” The jellyfish reappeared, its expression somewhat unpleasant, but it seemed to have discerned the truth. “This high platform is to protect the Star Banner and prevent it from falling into the hands of outsiders.”
It wasn't that simple after all...
Zheng Fa carefully examined the Star Banner. This thing was the key to the Zhou Tian Star Array, and even served as the command center in a major battle.
How could we not have any defenses?
Although Qing Nu is a Golden Immortal, in the ancient primordial world, the cultivation level of a Golden Immortal was not as rare as it is now.
After a while, Qingnu stood up. Her face was pale, and she had not fully recovered. Her eyes were filled with anger and rage as she looked at the high platform.
She asked the jellyfish, "How can we break through the restrictions on this bronze platform?"
The jellyfish slowly shook its head.
Suddenly, the Moon Fairy seemed to realize something and said, "So, the restrictions here must be for identifying people."
That makes some sense.
Everyone couldn't help but look over.
"In ancient times, this Zhou Tian Star Array belonged to the Heavenly Court, meaning that only the star officials of the Heavenly Court could enter it..."
Upon hearing her words, Zheng Fa's heart stirred slightly, but considering the attitudes of the two Golden Immortals from Yaochi earlier, he remained silent and simply continued to observe the actions of the Taiyin Fairy.
“My path is inherently aligned with the Taiyin Star.” The Taiyin Fairy looked at the star banner on the high platform and said with narrowed eyes, “Perhaps it is worth a try.”
Zheng Fa couldn't help but agree with him.
The idea of the Moon Fairy is quite possible, as the Moon Laurel Tree is indeed closely connected with the Moon Star.
The Moon Fairy radiated a jade-colored light, with the shadow of a laurel tree appearing behind her, and flew towards the high platform.
Although she spoke with confidence, her movements were extremely cautious and slow, as if she were afraid that the demons in the sculptures might suddenly attack.
Fortunately, her earlier idea seemed to be correct. Until she landed on the bronze platform, the demon gods did not react and remained quiet.
Both the Green Maiden and the Jellyfish were invigorated.
The Moon Fairy's face lit up with a slight smile as she reached out and touched the Star Banner.
Immediately afterwards, her figure flew backward and landed with a thud at Zheng Fa and the others' feet, swift and clean, much faster than when she left.
"..."
Zheng Fa looked down and saw that the Moon Fairy also looked somewhat bewildered, as if she were confused.
"Taiyin? Are you injured?"
"I asked with concern," Qingnu asked.
“No…” Taiyin slowly shook her head, frowning as she said, “This Star Banner doesn’t seem to want to hurt me.”
"Um?"
The Moon Fairy's expression was a bit strange: "But it seems to be looking down on me and doesn't want me to touch it."
"..."
Judging from the expression of the Moon Fairy, although there were no physical injuries, her heart was probably deeply wounded.
The group exchanged glances, and the jellyfish seemed to have figured it out.
“This carved demon god is used to distinguish friend from foe, which is why you, Qing Nu, cannot ascend the high platform, but Tai Yin can.”
Qingnu nodded gently.
"But that Star Banner requires a certain status? Otherwise, you can't even touch it?"
The Moon Fairy said in a low voice, "I think so."
Ni Chang Yuanjun blinked as she listened, then suddenly remembered something and asked, "Didn't you say before, Sect Leader Zheng, that this Zhou Tian Star Array... came from the ancient Demon Court?"
A slight smile appeared on Zheng Fa's face, and he nodded gently.
"Is that so?"
The three jellyfish looked at each other, seemingly unaware of the origins of the Zhou Tian Star Array.
"Golden Crow is from the Demon Emperor clan! Its status should be sufficient!"
Seeing Zheng Fa nod, Ni Chang Yuan Jun became even happier and said loudly.
"What Golden Crow..." Fairy Taiyin frowned. "Is it Lu Yao? Do we have to ask Lu Yao for help?"
"Sect Leader Zheng possesses a transformation technique, which the two gentlemen have just witnessed."
"That Golden-Winged Roc?"
“Exactly!” Ni Chang Yuanjun said excitedly, “When we escaped from Yaochi, Sect Leader Zheng transformed into a golden crow, even deceiving the Peacock Emperor, who said it had pure blood.”
The three jellyfish exchanged glances, their eyes filled with surprise, and then looked at Zheng Fa.
Zheng Fa thought for a moment, then transformed himself into the form of a golden crow.
Everyone watched as he flew toward the bronze platform.
When Zheng Fagang had flown to within an arm's length of the platform, the demon god in the sculpture suddenly moved again.
"Sect Leader Zheng!"
"Ni Chang Yuan Jun called out with some concern."
Zheng Fa was also startled. Just as he was about to transform into a rainbow and retreat, he saw the spirits of the demon gods appear one after another, lying on the ground as if welcoming the return of the demon emperor.
"..."
Qingnu looked at the Howling Moon Wolf, who was tucking its tail between its legs and burying its head in the ground with utmost respect, then looked down at the wound on her chest and remained silent.
Zheng Fa felt relieved, landed on the bronze platform, and walked towards the Star Banner.
He extended a claw from his abdomen and grasped the Star Banner.
The Star Banner trembled slightly, its body wrapped around Zheng Fa's wings, making it look like a clingy puppy.
The Moon Fairy lowered her head, looked at her own hand, then at Zheng Fa's claw, and pursed her lips.
...
"Sect Leader Zheng's transformation technique is truly wondrous." Jellyfish sighed and said, "It seems that the Star Banner has indeed mistaken Sect Leader Zheng for the Demon Emperor clan of yesteryear."
Zheng Fa, holding the Star Banner, looked at the demon gods who were still kneeling on the ground and shouted in the ancient language, "Get up."
The demon gods actually understood and stood up one after another.
The three jellyfish looked at each other, and Qing Nu asked bluntly, "Then can you control this Star Banner? Can you bring the jellyfish out?"
“Yes, that’s possible.” Zheng Fa paused, then said, “But not now.”
"..."
The Moon Fairy and the Green Maiden exchanged a glance, guessing that their attitude had displeased Sect Leader Zheng. Just as they were about to speak, Zheng Fa said:
"This Star Banner is an ancient treasure. I'm afraid my current strength isn't enough to fully refine it."
"You mean..." The Moon Fairy seemed to understand.
"I think we need to advance to the next level before we can rescue the jellyfish."
"..."
The Moon Fairy's lips twitched, but she saw Zheng Fa staring intently at her, his eyes devoid of any smile.
Because of the matter of Venerable Tianhe, Zheng Fa had little trust in Yaochi to begin with—even though he was deceived by the fake Fairy Lingxi, Yaochi's distrust of the Tianhe Sect did not accumulate overnight.
Moreover, Qingnu's actions just now did indeed make Zheng Fa somewhat wary:
The Yaochi people's trust with him was almost gone, so he needed to collect payment first before starting any work.
(End of this chapter)
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