When Linde returned to that familiar sacred land of dragons' rest, the atmosphere was even more somber than before.
The chaotic energy, like a boiling pot of porridge, roared silently, its chilling aura seemingly capable of freezing the soul.
The energy emanating from the direction of the holy site appeared calm and solemn, as if a silent ceremony was being held.
Amarselak did not appear as a complete embodiment of will.
Floating in front of him was a strange energy body that constantly changed colors, with what seemed to be a nebula vortex inside, only the size of a fist, yet it exuded a chilling aura of antiquity and vastness.
Just by gazing at it, one can almost feel the call and weight of the starry sky.
This is a wisp of Amarshrac's core will and divine power separated from him, containing part of the dragons' understanding and blessing of the astral plane.
Along with this energy body were three seemingly inconspicuous, dark-colored dragon scales that flowed with restrained starlight.
They floated silently, as if they were one with the surrounding void, or as if they were a miniature universe of their own.
Each dragon scale is about the size of a palm, irregular in shape, with edges that have a natural, rounded feel as if they have been eroded over countless ages. They are cool to the touch, yet faintly pulsate with the earth beneath one's feet and the distant stars, giving one the strange feeling that they are both inanimate objects and possess some kind of dormant life.
"This item is called the 'Star Scale Boat'."
Amarsera's will emanated from his energy body, directly explaining to Lind, his voice carrying the faint sound of starlight, "It is not a creation, but rather the remains of an ancient dragon, an extremely rare species among dragons, born with an affinity for the astral plane. When its lifespan ends and it returns to the sea of stars, its reverse scales, illuminated by the power of specific stars, undergo ten thousand years of sedimentation, naturally condensing into..."
Each word seems to carry the dust of history and the weight of stars.
Lin De's gaze sharpened as he carefully sensed the three dark dragon scales.
He could sense that it contained not just simple energy, but a kind of... solidified "rule," a fundamental characteristic related to astral travel.
They are like three keys, corresponding to three hidden paths in the sea of stars.
"They are not powered by themselves, nor can they provide protection."
Amarselak continued, his tone candid and serious, "But they are the 'anchor' and 'rudder' that enable you to lock onto your coordinates in the vast sea of stars and make stable long-distance journeys."
The ever-changing energy slowly drifted towards Lind, like a fledgling returning to its nest, gently merging into the three star scales in his hand.
In an instant, the restrained starlight on the surface of the star scale seemed to be ignited, flowing more actively, and a vast and profound flow of information, accompanied by warm astral energy, surged into Lind's mind.
"I have sealed some of my deep perceptions of star map coordinates, as well as the secret astral navigation techniques inherited from the Dragon Clan, here. When you infuse them with power to activate them, they will guide you along those invisible yet relatively stable 'pathways' in the astral plane to your target coordinates. This will minimize the risks of conventional space travel and conserve your power."
This was undoubtedly a timely help, greatly increasing Linde's chances of survival.
“But remember,” Amaserak’s voice carried a solemn warning, like the tolling of a final bell, “the Starscale Ship can only guide you and provide a relatively stable route. You will still have to deal with the specific dangers along the way yourself. Furthermore, each activation and maintenance of the ship will continuously consume your own power.”
These three star scales correspond to the coordinates of your three destinations on this journey. Each use depletes the navigational energy they contain, requiring a very long time to naturally recover.
This means he has no way back, and every use must be a carefully considered decision.
Linde understood.
These Starscale Ships are like three one-way "interstellar tickets" to a specific destination. They can take him there, but he has to bear the bumps along the way, the bandits he might encounter (astral dangers), and the cost of the "tickets" themselves.
This is the starting point of a road of no return.
This is currently the most reliable means of interstellar travel available.
Compared to his own blind attempts to tear through space, the success rate was more than a hundred times higher.
He gripped the star scale tightly in his hand; its icy touch brought him a strange sense of security.
"That's enough."
Linde carefully put away the three star scales, feeling the profound astral resonance within them, as if he were holding three miniature stars in his hands. "I will remember this assistance." This kindness transcended simple cooperation, carrying a sense of entrustment.
"You came back alive, child of the odds."
Amaserac's will began to slowly fade, and his voice became distant and ethereal, as if from beyond the stars, "The continent of Tyre needs your power. The storms of the future... need all hands that can wield weapons."
The final words of advice dissipated in the wind, and the energy body vanished completely, as if it had never existed.
Lind stood alone at the edge of the abyss, the wind whipping his robes, making them flutter as if countless spirits were seeing him off, or as if they were trying to dissuade him from stepping into the unknown darkness.
Beneath my feet was turbulent chaos, above me lay a desolate night sky beginning to dot the horizon with stars.
He glanced down at the three seemingly ordinary star scales in his hand, which carried the path to the unknown and danger. There was no fear in his cold purple eyes, only a deep determination, like the calm sea before a storm, and a kind of awe-inspiring determination to break free from the cage and face the ultimate truth.
The secrets beyond the stars, the truth about the extraterrestrial evil gods, lie ahead.
Whether it is an abyss of despair or a glimmer of hope, he will go there in person to find out.
He turned, his figure disappearing into the shadows, and returned to the Starfire Base. His steps were firm, and his silhouette against the vast天地 (heaven and earth) appeared lonely and resolute.
Next, he needs to make the final and most thorough preparations for this unprecedented journey to the stars.
This is not only to seek the truth, but also to... gain even the slightest advantage and chance of victory for the continent of Tiel before the ultimate wave of the future arrives.
Will his departure mark the beginning of another legend, or the prelude to the final chapter? Only the stars can provide the answer.
The journey is about to begin amidst the stars.
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