He bid farewell to Uther, and walked alone out of the protection of the Void Remains Shield.
The eerie scenes of the Twisted Jungle once again came into view:
Countless organ-like "trees" squirmed in the bloody mist, with the air filled with a sweet, decaying flesh aroma.
But this time, he did not linger here.
A gentle storm surged from deeper within, caressing his body like a soft, large hand.
The wind carried Nari’s unique scent—ancient, chaotic, yet warm enough to reassure.
Ron allowed this force to envelop him, as his body began to sink to the fifth layer.
Passing through the blurry boundary between layers, he felt a massive spatial transformation.
The environment here was completely different from the one he explored months ago using the Stand-In Puppet.
What should have been a more chaotic, twisted corner of the Sea of Darkness now revealed a stunning, strange beauty.
Endless deep-blue seaweed stretched all around, with water as clear as liquid Starry Sky.
Countless kinds of bizarre deep-sea creatures swam gracefully within:
Massive transparent jellyfish emitted aurora-like silken rays;
Schools of glowing fish like ribbons weaved complex light and shadow patterns in the water;
Even those once terrifying and hideous Abyss predators now seemed graceful and harmonious.
The most breathtaking sight was the majestic Crystal Palace in the distance.
The entire structure seemed to have naturally grown from the seabed, composed of vibrant living crystals in countless colors.
Each spire slowly rotated, the surface veins pulsing like blood vessels, emitting warm biolight.
The scale of the palace was dazzlingly grand:
The main building was at least several hundred meters tall, with a footprint stretching beyond sight.
Countless graceful arched corridors connected different areas of the structure, like a giant spider web, yet breathtakingly beautiful.
"Mom built this..." Ron murmured to himself, a complex mix of emotions surfacing in his heart.
He could imagine how much effort Nari had invested to construct this palace.
Every detail whispered meticulous contemplation of human aesthetics, every decoration an effort to please him.
A transparent Energy bubble enclosed him, carrying him towards the palace.
As the bubble passed through the grand entrance of the palace, the opulence inside was even more astonishing.
The expansive hall was three stories high, the floor paved with living tiles as warm as jade.
These tiles sensed the footsteps of visitors, blooming gentle light on the path like a starlit avenue for honored guests.
The walls were made of translucent coral, with countless tiny glowing creatures swimming inside, creating an ethereal visual effect.
The most captivating sight was the stunning figure at the center of the hall.
A girl who appeared sixteen or seventeen stood quietly there, like an Elf Princess from ancient legend.
Her waterfall-like jet-black hair cascaded down to her slender waist.
Her skin was as fair as the most pure pearl, reflecting a faint glow under the palace’s soft light.
Her facial features were as exquisite as a perfect sculpture:
A high nose bridge, full red lips, and eyes as dazzling as rubies.
She wore a magnificent long black dress, the hem deep as the night sky, adorned with star-like sparkling decorations.
The whole person exuded a transcendental quality, beauty akin to an outworldly presence.
"Welcome home, my child."
When the girl spoke, her voice was indeed as sweet and innocent as Nari’s Spirit communication, but with an unmistakable unnaturalness.
Like a perfect instrument playing a pre-composed melody.
Though melodious, it lacked the natural rhythmic change.