The banquet lasted until the stars filled the sky. After the last guest departed, Jiang Shu politely declined Luo Venerable’s suggestion to rest and led a dozen young disciples to the observatory on the back mountain.

The observatory was carved from a whole piece of Star Core, with natural patterns on its surface echoing the All Heaven Stars.

Jiang Shu sat cross-legged in the center, with the other disciples seated in a fan shape around him, while Yu Tianming stood aside like a guardian.

"Thank you, fellow disciples, for attending today."

Jiang Shu began candidly.

"Since we are of the same school, it wouldn’t hurt to share some cultivation insights."

He pointed a finger, and a silver-blue Dao Rhyme transformed into a simple Star Map in mid-air.

"The entry-level understanding of Space Law begins with perception..."

The young geniuses held their breath, afraid to miss even half a word.

The most talented among them had barely comprehended two or three basic Laws, and now listening to Jiang Shu’s thorough explanation of space mysteries, many fell into a state of enlightenment on the spot.

Night wind brushed across the observatory, carrying Spiritual Energy unique to the Star Ruins Realm.

After explaining the fundamental essentials, Jiang Shu began addressing specific questions.

"Senior Brother,"

A young genius with a high ponytail hesitantly raised her hand and said,

"I’ve been trying to understand the Water Law, but progress seems difficult."

Jiang Shu pondered for a moment, then suddenly beckoned.

The water from a distant fountain flew into the air, forming a shimmering sphere above his palm.

"Watch closely."

The water sphere suddenly twisted and deformed, its surface resembling patterns of the Desolate Star Halberd.

Then, under the shocked gazes of the disciples, this ordinary water began to cut through the surrounding space, making a sizzling sound.

"No Law is superior to another."

Jiang Shu’s voice flowed like a clear spring,

"Water is gentle, yet it can pierce stone. The key is finding one’s momentum."

He flipped his palm, and the water sphere transformed into a rain of fine droplets.

The female disciple, witnessing this scene, felt a sudden enlightenment.

The Water Law dormant in her body suddenly became active, flowing merrily through her meridians.

The Q&A session continued until dawn.

When the first ray of morning sunlight appeared, the last genius reluctantly took their leave.

Only Jiang Shu and Yu Tianming remained on the observatory.

"Your Highness."

Yu Tianming handed him a cup of Enlightenment Tea.

"Zhan Feng, before leaving, mentioned that the Seventh Elder of the War Alliance has invited you to the Ancient Battle Realm for a meeting."

Jiang Shu took the tea cup, feeling the rich Power of Soul within.

It was specially brewed by Yu Tianming.

He took a sip and suddenly asked, "Tianming, do you think Bei Jue is trustworthy?"

Yu Tianming, hearing this, thought for a moment and said: "Your Highness, Bei Jue has approached you with a purpose ever since the beginning. Until now, she still has some small thoughts of her own. However, despite these thoughts, she managed to achieve what she did before, marking her as a competent gambler."

"But now, everyone knows she is with you, and as the Commerce Association and the Piaomiao Star Alliance become closer, we’re now people on the same boat."

"Therefore, I believe she is indeed worth trusting."

Yu Tianming had always been by Jiang Shu’s side, doing whatever he could, and now Jiang Shu could discuss such matters with her, showing that he had fully regarded her as someone trustworthy, going through all possibilities before reaching a conclusion.

Jiang Shu nodded gently.

Even though he had established some connection with the Black-Robed Man, he knew he would eventually have to confront the Doomsday Sect.

So he must plan early.

For a sect like the Doomsday Sect, feared by so many great powers in the Cosmic realm, there’s surely more to them than what is visible now. Thus, Jiang Shu must ally with enough forces in this period to prevent future complications.

Although the Piaomiao Star Alliance isn’t as powerful as the War Alliance, they are skilled in diplomacy, maintaining good relationships with many prominent forces.

"Your Highness, Bei Ye and the others have arrived, wanting to see you."

Yu Tianming spoke again.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shu merely waved his hand slightly, and Bei Ye, waiting outside with the others, felt it and proceed to greet Jiang Shu.

"Bei Ye, greetings, Your Highness!"

A young male with a Single-Horn and wings knelt on one knee in front of Jiang Shu, speaking loudly.

Before entering the Deep Space Sea, Bei Ye was severely injured in a clash with geniuses from the Piaomiao Star Alliance, almost losing his life. According to Bei Jue, it was not the Piaomiao Star Alliance’s doing,but someone else behind the scenes.

Jiang Shu initially suspected this was the Doomsday Sect’s doing, but it now seems unlikely to be the Black-Robed Man’s deed.

The reason is simple: although the Black-Robed Man was rather crafty, his vision is focused on the grand cosmic stratagem, and despite Bei Ye being a genius, he does not yet qualify as a pawn for cosmic maneuvering.

As harsh as it sounds, it is the truth.

It is most likely a warning from a certain faction to the Jiuyu Commerce Alliance, done discreetly, with no findings on the culprit yet.

"It seems your injury has recovered."

Jiang Shu looked at Bei Ye with a smile.

Those who came were mostly geniuses traveling with Jiang Shu to the Inner Circle, dispatched to various places for training after leaving the Deep Space Sea, hence their belated arrival.

Among them was also a youth with a simple appearance.

He was an ancient oddity from the Jiuyu Commerce Alliance, who had accompanied Jiang Shu to the Deep Space Sea, even meeting the Sword Madman.

When Jiang Shu’s gaze landed on him, the youth didn’t dare act overly familiar; he greeted Jiang Shu with a traditional gesture, a perpetual smile on his face.

When Jiang Shu was just starting, he dared compete for the Young Alliance Master’s position, but as Jiang Shu demonstrated extraordinary prowess, he realized their disparity, voluntarily stepping away from contention; today, he came as a gesture of reconciliation.

Bei Ye chuckled and said, "All thanks to Your Highness for granting the elixir; otherwise, I might not be able to walk even now."

"I heard Your Highness ventured through the Eighth Floor of the Eternal Tower, which prompted me to rush here from headquarters, although unfortunately, a step too late. Nonetheless, meeting Your Highness is fortunate enough."

In speaking, Bei Ye produced a small box from his sleeve containing an elixir reminiscent of a starry river, emitting a subtle fragrance.

"Your Highness, this is a gift from me, not much, but it represents my intentions."

Though he spoke humbly, this elixir was extremely precious, even benefiting someone in the Venerable Realm.

It was prepared by a certain Elder in Bei Ye’s family for stepping into the Venerable Realm, but now offered to forge ties with Jiang Shu.

Jiang Shu accepted it straightforwardly, easing Bei Ye’s mind.

His greatest concern was that His Highness might reject the gift.

"Your Highness, rumor has it you’re now the Young Alliance Master of our Commerce Alliance."

Bei Ye smiled.

"With Your Highness, our Alliance rising to become a top force in the Inner Circle seems within reach."

In his youth, the idea of the Young Alliance Master’s seat wasn’t unheard of.

As he accompanied Luo Venerable to the Inner Circle, this idea grew stronger.

However, with Jiang Shu’s remarkable emergence, such thoughts vanished; his only wish now is to follow Jiang Shu’s lead in elevating the Jiuyu Commerce Alliance to the peak.

If anyone tries to block the way, they must overcome him first.

In saying this, Bei Ye discreetly glanced at the ancient oddity of the Jiuyu Commerce Alliance, mulling over his thoughts.

Their conversation didn’t last very long; matters still required attention, and soon they rose to depart, leaving through the Star Gate Vortex.

As the Star Gate Vortex’s residual glow lingered, Zhan Feng’s Bronze Battle Axe at his waist suddenly emitted a tremble akin to a dragon’s roar.

The axe blade’s dormant ancient battle patterns began glowing sequentially, projecting nine stellar shadows into the Void, each star’s surface undulating with blood-colored battle scars.