Beneath the surface of Soul Star, complex and interlacing tunnels led deeper to cities buried underground. These subterranean cities were built by the aristocrats of Soul Star over a thousand years ago. Even the nobles themselves did not know exactly how many such bases existed beneath the surface of Soul Star.
Originally intended for emergency use, these cities became refuges when the Soul Tribe, once used as fuel by the aristocrats, rebelled. Now, those with physical bodies on Soul Star were primarily descendants of those nobles, including members of the Ascendant Faction, who all bore the original sin of enslaving their kin.
Among these underground cities was the City of Light, one of the few strongholds of the Ascendant Faction. Due to the faction's unique position, they were opposed by the Slaughter Faction, the Husbandry Faction, and other inhabitants of Soul Star. Maintaining a few deeply hidden cities was no small feat.
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng, experienced in navigating these pathways, made their way down to the gates of the City of Light.
"Captain Yun Qi of the Dark Cloud Squad."
"Member Zhao Sheng of the Dark Cloud Squad."
"Requesting reentry to the City of Light."
Kneeling before the grand gates, Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng bowed respectfully. From small openings on either side of the gate, two pale blue creatures emerged. These creatures, formed from souls and not tangible bodies, looked round and endearing enough to invite affection from anyone.
However, Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng remained still, their gaze filled with pity rather than warmth. These weren't mere creatures but "Inspectors," tasked with ensuring that those returning did not carry traces of the Slaughter Faction, the Husbandry Faction, or the Rectitude Hall.
These inspectors, likely once human, had volunteered or been made to serve in various capacities, including as inspectors, to keep the city running. Tentacles from the inspectors' mouths gently probed Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng.
After a moment, both inspectors bowed their front limbs respectfully.
"No issues detected. You may enter, Ascenders."
In the Ascendant Faction, the status of Ascenders like Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng was second only to that of the Queen. Almost all logistical roles within the faction existed to support the Queen and the Ascenders, meaning these roles were low in the survival hierarchy.
In the event of an attack by the Slaughter Faction, the Husbandry Faction, or others, the Queen and Ascenders would be the first to evacuate, while the logistical staff would cover their retreat, facing almost certain demise.
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng entered the City of Light. Along the way, all the logistical staff promptly greeted them with deep respect.
"Greetings to the Ascenders."
"Your meals have been prepared."
"Welcome back, Dark Cloud Squad."
"Captain Yun Qi, your friends from the Blackstone Squad returned this morning. Would you like to visit them now?"
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng were long accustomed to such treatment. Initially, they felt as though they were stars held aloft by the moon, thinking highly of the Ascendant Faction as a benevolent place.
But now, all they saw were mechanical, programmed expressions and false smiles. It seemed the residents of the City of Light had forgotten what emotions were.
In the center of the City of Light stood a grand palace. To call it lavish was only relative to the modest, low-rise dwellings around it.
Compared to the highly developed cities of old on Soul Star, this was no palace; it was barely a den.
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng proceeded unimpeded. The Queen's guards also gave them standard smiles as they passed.
Soon, they were in the palace, standing before the Queen. She was a petite woman, barely reaching 1.4 meters—a small figure even by Blue Star's standards. Her appearance was plain, but a mysterious aura about her attracted all males.
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng respectfully announced, "Your Majesty, we have brought back the soul of the extraterrestrial guest."
The Queen frowned, quickly rose from her throne, and approached to personally help them to their feet. "Only you two Ascenders remain? Have the others..."
Yun Qi sighed, "They died, in the Torrential Flow City. I will recount everything that occurred there."
He detailed the events at the Torrential Flow City, emphasizing the encounter with the extraordinarily powerful soul entity. The Queen looked intrigued yet visibly pained.
"Each Ascender is invaluable, crucial to the Ascendant Faction. I shall erect monuments in their honor; they sacrificed their lives for the salvation of Soul Star. The people of Soul Star will remember them forever and ever!"
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng bowed deeply, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
The Queen suddenly inquired, "Captain Yun Qi, what is your opinion on the individual with the powerful soul?"
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng exchanged a glance and then shared their analysis thoroughly.
Concluding, Yun Qi respectfully added, "That senior could not possibly belong to the Slaughter Faction, otherwise he would have killed us as well. He likely isn't from our Ascendant Faction either, as he would have communicated with us normally. I suspect he might belong to the Husbandry Faction. And possibly a more moderate member of that faction."
The Queen nodded in agreement, "Captain Yun Qi makes a sound argument." She then looked towards the box in Yun Qi's hand, "Is the soul of the extraterrestrial guest inside there?"
Yun Qi nodded, "Indeed, it is."
The Queen smiled, "Let him out then. Our Ascendant Faction is about to welcome another Ascender."
Yun Qi unlocked the box, and immediately, a figure burst forth.
"Ah, I was nearly suffocated in there! What in the world is going on? How did I get captured by a bunch of ghosts the moment I arrived? Eh? And where is this? Who are you all?"
Ma Nanshan looked around, bewildered and confused. His distinct Pegasus Star accent almost brought tears to Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng's eyes—it was all too familiar.
"Buddy, I didn't expect to find another from Pegasus Star here!"
The Queen explained the situation of the Ascendant Faction with a smile, "Honored Ascender, you are Ma Nanshan from Pegasus Star, correct? What a coincidence, these two Ascenders beside you are also from Pegasus Star. You must have a lot in common."
Ma Nanshan, visibly delighted, exclaimed, "Oh my! Fellow countrymen!"
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng also showed rare expressions of joy.
The three compatriots from Pegasus Star joined forces in the same squad—a truly fortunate event.
The Queen smiled, "Gentlemen, I'll leave it to you to help our new Ascender familiarize himself with the City of Light."
Yun Qi and Zhao Sheng nodded earnestly, "Absolutely, we are honored to undertake this task."
As the trio departed, the Queen pondered, "Such a powerful soul, comparable to a Soul King, doesn't just advance suddenly unless... an extraterrestrial guest…"