Deep within the boundless star ocean, cloaked behind layers of temporal veils, there stood a hidden cosmic gate.
The gate seemed as though the stars themselves bent into its frame. A vast, circular construct of shifting astral stone and shimmering runes, giving off an ancient and profound aura.
Beyond this gate lies an ancient elemental planet that no one has discovered, and even if they can reach this place, they won’t be alive to tell the tale because this part of the star ocean is very close to the Universal Boundary, and coming here is nothing but suicide for even Legendary Kings.
The elemental planet’s surface was like a paradise sculpted by nature—glittering rivers of light streamed across emerald valleys, mountains of crystal rose proudly into the heavens, and luminous flowers bloomed in colors rarely seen even on cosmic continents.
The air shimmered with mana so dense it felt almost liquid, suffusing every corner with vitality and grandeur. One couldn’t even imagine such an elemental planet would exist in the desolate corner of the star ocean.
At the very center of this magnificent world stood a colossal pagoda, towering like a divine axis that tethered the skies to the earth. Its structure radiated awe-inspiring majesty; golden pillars entwined with flowing runes supported countless silver tiers, each one shimmering with arrays of starlight.
Its spire seemed to pierce the very heavens, while its foundation glowed with a lattice of laws that chained it to the planet itself. This wasn’t any ordinary pagoda, as it seemed like a bastion, a sacred pillar of order and might.
Suddenly, space warped violently before the pagoda. Reality folded like silk as the Myth of White Swordsman emerged, his arms still cradling the pale and weakened form of the Myth of Secrets.
His gaze remained calm, but the weight of urgency burned in his eyes. Behind him, the folds of space twisted once more, and the Shattered Star Cruiser was dragged out, shackled within a cocoon of white sword-light, struggling futilely against its fate.
At that very moment, the great pagoda responded. From its highest tier, a beam of pure white light shot outward, descending like a thunderbolt. It twisted in the air before condensing into a golden-robed figure.
Yet this figure had no face, no eyes, no hair—its surface was smooth and featureless, like a mannequin sculpted from pristine jade. Despite this, its presence carried unimaginable pressure. Dense runes shimmered faintly across its robe, pulsing with restrained might.
This was a Runic Puppet of Legendary King Rank! A puppet capable of wielding the strength of a Legendary King, bound only to obey commands without fail.
Furthermore, this kind of puppet was scarce in the entire Legendary Plains, and the method to produce them was long-lost, just like a Soul Puppet. Only by chance can someone get them from ancient sites or forbidden regions!
The Myth of White Swordsman didn’t even glance twice at the runic puppet as his commanding voice cut like steel, "Custodian, imprison them. Do not allow a single rat to escape this vessel!"
The mannequin, clearly named Custodian, clearly recognized the Myth of White Swordsman as it bowed silently, its form glowing as countless runic chains erupted from its body, weaving into the Shattered Star Cruiser like an unbreakable web.
The next moment, screams of panic echoed faintly from within the pirate ship, but the puppet’s presence crushed any hope of resistance, which was evident in its prowess.
Without another word, the White Swordsman turned away. His sword-law propelled him forward, and he shot straight into the pagoda’s gates, carrying the Myth of Secrets in his embrace.
The interior of the colossal pagoda was no less awe-inspiring because this was none other than the Main Headquarters of the Mythical Coalition, the most sacred and guarded stronghold of the Quasi-Myths!
Its halls stretched endlessly, walls etched with flowing cosmic runes, and each floor was dedicated to one of the coalition’s many needs, like cultivation, research, medicine, and even divination.
The White Swordsman descended swiftly through the golden stairways, ignoring the countless glowing halls and restrictions. Since he was one of the senior members of the coalition, except for the top three floors, he wasn’t restricted.
He rushed until he arrived at a floor where the smell of medicine and potent herbs filled the air.
Rows upon rows of alchemy equipment, bubbling cauldrons, glowing crystal arrays lined the chamber, and there was even a herb guardian within a barrier, which apparently had scarce herbs. The space throbbed with the rhythm of refining, brewing, and pure nature.
At its center was a hunched figure—a gnome dressed in long alchemist’s robes, his beard tied with ribbons to keep it from falling into the cauldron he was painstakingly attending to. His wizened hands trembled with meticulous precision as he stirred, his concentration absolute.
All of a sudden...BANG!
The doors swung wide as the Myth of White Swordsman barged inside. The gnome jolted violently, nearly spilling his concoction.
His wrinkled face flushed red as he whirled around, voice sharp and furious, "Damn it, you reckless elf! Do you have any idea how delicate this potion—"
But his words cut short the instant his eyes fell upon the limp form in the swordsman’s arms. His gaze widened, and the anger on his face melted into pure shock.
"That...Myth of Secrets?!"
His body trembled as he knew it wasn’t the time to inquire about the story behind the Myth of Secrets’ current situation. His expression turned grave, hardened by countless years of experience.
After all, he was probably the number one Alchemist of the Legendary Plains in the field of healing, potion making, and pill creation. This elderly gnome has many legends and achievements under his belt!
With no need for further explanation, with a sharp wave of his small hand, runes etched into the floor and walls suddenly flared to life.
A web of intricate glyphs spread outward like veins of silver fire, converging in the middle of the chamber where a circular platform rose with a low hum.
There was a mystical formation on this platform, pulsing with soft emerald and azure light, each rune breathing like the heartbeat of life itself.
The gnome’s gravelly voice broke the silence, carrying both urgency and authority,
"Quickly, put her on the Healing Formation! I need to stabilize her!"
The White Swordsman did not hesitate, and adjusted his grip on the unconscious Myth of Secrets in his arms, her body limp and her life single were extremely vague. His eyes, usually cold as steel, flickered with rare worry as he moved swiftly across the glowing floor.
The moment he stepped into the radius of the Healing Formation, the runes began to shift and rotate, rearranging themselves like cogs in a machine. The swordsman knelt, carefully laying her down upon the center, where the luminous circle expanded and wrapped around her frame like an embrace.
At once, beams of gentle light cascaded upward, enveloping her in layers of protective warmth. The sound of faint chimes filled the chamber, resonating with her weakened life force, pulling threads of vitality back into her frail body.
The gnome stepped closer, eyes glinting as his fingers twisted through a sequence of mudras, further stabilizing the array.
His voice dropped low, almost reverent, "I’ll handle it from here, and I think you should go and report this to Coalition Master, and you also owe me an explanation!"
"I’ll leave her in your care, Myth of Alchemy!" The Myth of White Swordsman solemnly nodded as he knew he couldn’t do anything now and could only trust the Myth of Alchemy.
Furthermore, just as the Myth of Alchemy said, he needed to report this to the Coalition Master because this wasn’t a simple matter; he turned into a white streak and hurried towards the top floor of the Coalition Pagoda!