Yunxi agreed with Xun Kun's deduction and nodded. "I believe Xun Kun's reasoning is correct. This way, the success rate of activating the Five Elements Reincarnation Array will be much higher."
Han Lian joined the discussion. "Yun Chen's arrangement of the formation is flawless. The arrays he set up earlier have already begun operating with the help of spirit stones. The last and most crucial step is to link the five main arrays with the four auxiliary ones. Each of us needs to guard a main array and maintain sufficient cultivation to power the formation until it knocks open the Gates of the Underworld."
"Amitabha. Han Lian is right. Based on my calculations, the cultivation of the four of us must at least reach the late stage of Divine Transformation to ensure smooth operation of the entire array.
If we could break through to the Out-of-Body stage, that would be ideal. But haste makes waste. I don't recommend rushing our cultivation. Even without bottlenecks, we must not push forward recklessly without proper accumulation."
Yun Chen intoned a Buddhist chant, finally voicing his concerns.
Han Lian sighed. "This is indeed a dilemma. We need to raise our cultivation quickly to ensure a link with the Underworld, but time is limited. Even if we push hard, it still takes time. After reaching Divine Transformation, cultivation isn't only about accumulating spiritual or demonic energy; comprehension of Heaven and Earth's Laws is essential.
But as you can see, this environment's Dao are so weak they're almost nonexistent. Even the Underworld abandoned this place. The people of Azure Star have truly outdone themselves, bringing themselves to the brink of extinction."
At that, all four fell silent, exasperated. They had never seen mortals so stubborn, driving their own planet's ecosystem to ruin. Of course, they understood the importance of biodiversity, but understanding was useless when they no longer had the power to stop it.
The atmosphere aboard the flying boat grew heavy. Yunxi stroked Li Li's little head and said,
"Let's set those worries aside for now. We need to focus on the task at hand. Once the Five-Star Reincarnation Array is fully arranged, we can turn our attention to improving cultivation. Azure Star's reincarnation system should hold out a while longer."
Twenty days later, the group arrived above the film city in District W. It was still a bustling hub where countless people made their living. Many film sets were in full swing with scenes being shot for upcoming dramas.
Yunxi precisely located the street where she had descended earlier and spoke to Yun Chen.
"I was lucky. When I arrived in this small world, I was still conscious, though my spiritual energy was completely depleted and my divine sense suppressed. So, I stayed here for a while.
At that time, they were shooting a supernatural series. My sudden appearance startled them, but they assumed I had wandered onto the set by accident."
Yun Chen nodded, already calculating the precise location of the formation's core to begin setting up the array.
Yunxi spotted an acquaintance and exchanged a few words with her companions before heading over to greet them.
Thanks to the drama July 7th, Xia Mengmeng had soared to stardom, becoming one of the top-tier actresses. It was no exaggeration to say she was "red across half the sky." She knew this success was entirely thanks to Master Ran Xi. The single iconic, uncut shot from the series drew countless viewers, who then discovered her exceptional acting, beauty, and well-crafted character, making her the quintessential breakout supporting actress.
The drama's female lead had thrown plenty of shade her way, but Xia Mengmeng couldn't care less. She had fame, fortune, and, most importantly, freedom from a toxic ex-boyfriend—all thanks to Master Ran Xi. Her career was thriving, with directors lining up to cast her as a leading lady.
Not long after her rise, members of the Wei Lan family questioned her about Master Ran Xi. Though she didn't know the details, she spoke carefully, protecting her benefactor. She simply claimed it had been a business transaction handled entirely by her assistant Lan Lan, insisting she had merely provided payment.
Later, Xia Mengmeng discovered that Lan Lan was the youngest child of the Wei Lan family, which only emboldened her further. After all, Ran Xi's phone was registered under Lan Lan's ID, severing any connection to herself. She had simply paid for services rendered.
After finishing a scene, Xia Mengmeng stepped into her RV to rest, only to find Master Ran Xi seated on the sofa with Li Li nestled in her arms. Xia Mengmeng nearly gasped but instinctively clapped a hand over her mouth. She turned and stopped her new assistant from entering.
"Xiao Song, I'd like an iced coffee to wake me up. Order one for the whole crew too, and deliver it straight over."
"Sure thing, Sister Xia."
The assistant hurried off.
Xia Mengmeng closed the door and approached with a smile. "Master Ran Xi, what a surprise to see you here."
Her eyes flicked from Ran Xi to the gleaming little panda in her arms, feeling that she alone was the one aging.
"I just wrapped up some matters and thought I'd drop by to see you. You're doing well." Yunxi smiled warmly.
Xia Mengmeng's grin widened. "All thanks to you, Master. I've made it to the top now. Busy, but fulfilled."
Her expression then sobered. "Master Ran Xi, after you left the film city, the Wei Lan family approached me."
She recounted their interrogation and added, "Are you in trouble? If there's anything I can do to help, just say the word."
Yunxi smiled faintly. "It's nothing serious. But I do have a favor to ask this time."
She handed Xia Mengmeng a notebook with the title Reincarnation on the cover.
Xia Mengmeng accepted it curiously. "Master, what's this?"
"A script I wrote in my spare time. I'd like you to deliver it to Director Lian Tao. You might even consider vying for the female lead."
Xia Mengmeng's eyes lit up.
"Did you write this especially for me?"
Yunxi cleared her throat lightly. "There's a character based on you, but I think your temperament would suit the one based on me even better."
Xia Mengmeng beamed, hugging the script to her chest.
"Can I read it first before passing it on to Director Lian?"
"Of course. I'll be waiting for good news."
With that, Yunxi rose, Li Li in her arms, and disappeared into thin air within the RV.
Xia Mengmeng's eyes shone with admiration for her enigmatic benefactor. She immediately opened the script and began to read carefully.
When Yunxi returned to the flying boat concealed high above, Han Lian couldn't help but ask, "Ran Xi, did you go through all that trouble just to expose Azure Star's reincarnation system to the public?"
"More or less. Those who already suspect something will see the truth through this film. Those who don't will just enjoy a supernatural sci-fi flick. But those in control of the reincarnation system will recognize Azure Star's fate. I want to see how they react when they realize destruction is looming."
"You're ruthless. I bet they'll be sleepless and on edge."
"That's exactly the effect I want."