Defiance of the Fall (TheFirstDefier) читать бесплатно онлайн полную версию книги (ч. 61)

Therefore , Zac urgently dragged the energy out of his soul and into his body , wanting to waste as little time as possible . It pushed forward like a tidal wave , swallowing the invading energies and leaving not even ashes in its wake . It was risky circulating pure Oblivion , but as long as he controlled the energy , he could choose what it would target .

The wave of Oblivion destroyed the prison brand’s assault in less than a second before reaching the brand itself . Another wave of agony erupted on his arm , but he was shocked to see that the brand didn’t break from the collision . This was why he’d chosen to absorb Oblivion first—to get rid of his seal before taking on the Shard of Creation .

Instead , Zac found the rune protected by a thin barrier containing the same laws of space that made up the borders in this realm . Zac could sense it was weakening , but he also felt his control of the wave of Oblivion slipping through his fingers . If nothing was done , he’d end up disintegrating his hand .

At first , he planned on simply discarding the energy , letting it swallow a chunk of the island . However , things were heating up in the Orom World , both literally and metaphorically . The lotus flowers kept perpetuating , covering a larger and larger piece of the sky as they started to descend toward the ground .

Meanwhile , the chants had grown more invasive , and even if he was mostly insulated through the Remnant destroying all energy that entered his mind , the visions of all those statues kept appearing at shorter and shorter intervals . It’d become an ominous countdown of sorts , and Zac wanted to be gone before it reached the end .

The situation on Kaldor’s side was changing as well , though Zac didn’t feel any threat from their direction . Most of the tower that appeared had collapsed , leaving a metal framework reminiscent of those support structures for spaceships behind , but there was no vessel next to it . Instead , a huge femur radiating unreal levels of force was fastened inside .

It was massive , its shape clearly discernable even from this great distance . It had to be at least a kilometer tall , which was confusing since it emitted the same type of aura Kaldor did . Not that the bone belonged to the Reaver himself , but perhaps to some ancestor of his . After all , it seemed as though it might have belonged to an Autarch , making Zac wonder just how it had appeared in the Orom World without the Orom noticing .

The setup reminded Zac of a gargantuan wall-breaker aimed at the ground itself , and he shuddered as the huge femur started to rise as runes lit up across its surface . Any delay felt risky , so Zac chose to go ahead with Plan B . He flashed a few meters , appearing in front of the still-intact glass cage , and unleashed the torrent of annihilation right at it .

A wave of darkness flooded out from his hands , utterly drenching the area in impenetrable gloom . The scene lasted less than a second before the energy disappeared with a crackling sound , prompting a small tempest as air rushed to fill the vacuum the attack created . Left behind was only a cracked glass cage inside a ten-meter crater , and powerful tendrils of pure Creation radiated out from the fractures .

The cage was on the verge of breaking , so Zac jumped into the hole and seized the Remnant the moment the seal shattered , ignoring the bleeding gashes as he gripped the Shard of Creation . A primordial clap of thunder joined the chaotic scene above , but Zac didn’t have time to see whether the System had arrived . The visions had claimed him once more .

Zac became an unwilling compatriot to predecessors mixed up with the Shards of Creation . Over and over , he witnessed scenes of futile resistance followed by inevitable tragedy . Most of those who got themselves entwined with the Spark of Creation had done so not out of greed or megalomania , but out of a desire to help .

To protect their companions , to tame inhospitable surroundings , to make the impossible possible , and seize an opportunity for survival . But the road to hell is paved with good intentions , and the best outcomes in the visions were those who managed to kill themselves before they destroyed those around them as their desires drove them insane .

Yet Zac was different—he could feel it . He’d witnessed how he was chosen by fate , walking off with rich rewards in situations where anyone else would have died . Where these people failed , he would prosper . He only needed to grasp the power within and subvert the Heavens themselves . He just—

Zac shuddered and forcibly quelled the mad impulses and rampant hubris that spread to the core of his very being . He’d been prepared for his heart to be attacked after the previous encounter , yet he almost found himself failing right out the gate . Once more , he held onto his path , his goals . And more importantly , he held onto himself .

It was true he had his unique strengths , but being a genius didn’t matter in the Multiverse . Only power mattered . So what if he was stronger than most E-grade cultivators? Any Late Hegemon like Traprandar or Olgoroth could squash him like a bug on the outside without the prison brand to protect him . Even early Hegemons would be hard for him to take down if they possessed powerful-enough War Regalia .

What was there to be proud of?

Everyone who reached the later stages of cultivation had overcome innumerable challenges , succeeding where trillions failed . He couldn’t get complacent , thinking that some D-grade Remnant would allow him to bring about earth-shattering changes . It was better to rely on himself , to progress one step at a time until he held true power .

Soon enough , he was back in his own body , and his mind screamed of danger as he felt the Shard of Creation making a beeline for the trapped splinter . Above , thick lightning clouds were gathering , pushing away the flames and lotus petals alike . However , Zac’s eyes thinned when he saw the strings of Buddhist scripture rising toward the churning clouds .

Was Three Virtues trying to siphon power from the System itself?

Zac had no time to bother about the plans of the Sangha , and it wasn’t like the clouds above were tribulation clouds that could benefit him . He’d played with the idea of using these lightning bolts to temper himself as he had with the tribulation lightning , but remembering Uona’s end , he wouldn’t dare try something like that .

At least not before he became a Hegemon .

The two Remnants inside his body were going all out , and their energy reserves easily surpassed the two he’d picked up inside the Twilight Ocean . Was it because they’d been sealed all this time , accumulating energy while the previous set had been free to unleash waves of destruction on their surroundings?

Zac didn’t mind . Any extra energy was a welcome addition . Zac had even more to spare , and a snap echoed out in his mind as he forced open the gates to his Remnant prison . Four shimmering lights emerged from the hidden pocket dimension with wild abandon , joining their two brethren in a struggle for supremacy .

His soul cried as his eleven cores were drowned in waves of turbulent powers . There was no way for his Mental Energy to restrain all six Remnants , and he didn’t know what would happen first—his aperture bursting or his Soul Cores being destroyed . He could only open his mental seal to his aperture , and soon enough , the war spread to every corner of his body .

Zac’s skin shifted from opalescent splendor to oppressive gloom , all while new cracks appeared endlessly across his body .

The prison brand was still trying to kill him , but it was barely able to defend itself as it was engulfed in the battle between Creation and Oblivion , let alone striking out against Zac . Still , this couldn’t go on . Zac was already dragging torrential amounts of Mental Energy , Dao , and energy from the Remnants into the two pathway highways on his shoulders , as he had two times before .

Zac sensed a wave of fear emanating from the veteran Remnants , but it was much too late . The process had started , and it wouldn’t end before a Glimpse of Chaos had been born .

LITTLE CHAOS

The first wisp of Chaos formed when the two streams of energy from his shoulders couldn’t resist the mounting pressure , but it wasn’t stable . At least in the sense that Chaos was stable , anyway . For better or worse , the Remnants had plenty of energy to spare . They’d already ceased fighting in his aperture , now more interested in fleeing than vanquishing their foe .

Unfortunately for them , they’d become part of something greater as their energy returned to its origin .

As bad as the Remnants had it , Zac wasn’t much better off . It almost sounded like someone was ripping dried parchments as painful cracks kept opening across his body , starting from his forehead and covering his whole torso . The more energy that was dragged into his shoulders , the more damage he had to withstand .

The painful process was pretty much running on autopilot now , with the small wisp of Chaos growing in both size and depths of its truths . Soon enough , it would be seized by the System above , and he could already feel its consciousness descend on the Orom World , filled with greed and jubilation .

He could no longer move , yet this was his window of opportunity .

As the ball of unadulterated Chaos formed in his chest , he roused a huge amount of Mental Energy and sent it over . Since the System didn’t want to bargain this time around , he would simply take what he needed . The moment his chance presented itself , Zac pounced , dragging out a small wisp of Chaos from the accumulating ball .

It put up a ferocious struggle , the small mote resisting being controlled on a fundamental level . It was Chaos , uncontrollable and unpredictable by its very nature . Having dragged the small wisp out from the growing pattern , it wouldn’t last long . Soon enough , it would slip through his fingers .

He urgently pushed it through his pathways , ignoring the damage it wrought on his body as it moved toward the prison brand on his arm . This was a test of sorts , and Zac looked on with anticipation .

The spatial barrier that protected the prison brand from the Oblivion Energy might as well not have been there as the mote of Chaos passed through without issue . Zac couldn’t comprehend the concept of its movement at all . It both formed a bridge and annihilated the space between at the same time , something that made no sense .

A moment later , the pattern on his wrist started to twist and transform . Some parts simply disappeared into nothingness , whereas others mutated in unpredictable ways . It realized it was being tampered with , but between the lack of ambient energy and Void Zone] , it was having problems rousing a proper response . Thanks to that , it simply fell apart before it could do anything .

Zac breathed out in relief , previously afraid the brand would explode just before getting destroyed . He’d been prepared to lose his arm if need be and regrow it later , but he wouldn’t have to worry about that after all . As the mark faded , Zac also felt his body erupt with power , his aura rising to an unprecedented degree .

Gone were the chains sealing his strength and sapping him of momentum . He was unburdened , unhindered , and free . But a golden bolt of lightning slammed into the ground , reminding him that his task was only partly done . Zac took a steadying breath before controlling the wisp of Chaos in his arm , once more channeling it through his body .

Between his limiters being removed and the little mote shielding him from the pressure above , he could somewhat move again , just like back in the City of Ancients . However , every second he stayed in this state was more damage wrought on his body , not to mention the growing ball of Chaos he could only delay for so long .

Thankfully , his escape was both planned and prepared , so Zac infused some energy into a ring on his hand , taking out an odd contraption from within . It was a tightly bound ball of crystals , held together by rope and talismans . It shone with four different colors : aquamarine and gold from Divine Crystals and Miasma Crystals , along with pale purple and mottled black from Temporal and Spatial Crystals .

A bomb that would render even the mad Ishiate Tinkerers weak in the knees .

Dozens of attuned Cosmic Crystals rigged to blow was enough to fill a Hegemon with trepidation , but there was no way it would be able to actually harm the Orom . That wasn’t Zac’s goal anyway , though he still wasn’t sure his idea would work .

He was running out of time . The Remnants in his mind were almost completely drained , and the anomaly in his chest had begun stabilizing . The urgency in the sky had grown even stronger , and lightning was incinerating lotus leaves by the thousands . If he didn’t take the Glimpse of Chaos out soon , Zac was afraid the System would simply blast his chest open and take it .

Before that , he needed to use it to enable his escape .

He’d considered various ways to use the uncontrollable energy of Chaos to leave the Orom World , and had essentially come up with two solutions . The first was to stall the formation of the glimpse as long as possible while finishing one of the teleportation arrays . With the Glimpse of Chaos , he would then distort the spatial laws around him and teleport away , perhaps even infusing the array itself with the power of Chaos .

If it worked , he would be gone , and Zac doubted the Orom would dare follow after the System had made an appearance .

The second idea was to cause a weakness in the fabric of space , blasting open a tear to another dimension with the power of Chaos . After having escaped , he would then quickly teleport away before the Orom caught up .

The moment he saw the fiery sky , he’d chosen to go with the second option . Teleporting from within the Orom was risky , but he figured the System’s presence in the Orom World would keep the space fish in check . However , something was clearly going on outside the Orom , and Zac didn’t dare enter a teleportation array in these kinds of conditions .

It would be a truly ignoble death , being ripped to shreds the moment he activated the teleporter because space all around the Orom had become too unstable to support teleportation . Instead , Zac would make his way to a neighboring dimension before using the array , reducing the risk that the spatial turbulence of two Autarchs fighting would take him out .

Zac tried to stem the drain of energy from the Remnants as best as he could while he activated the talisman array on the crystal bomb . At the same time , he forcibly snatched a second wisp of Chaos from the growing ball in his chest while infusing the bomb with the old one he was fast losing control of .

Turbulent waves of energy started to radiate from the shimmering ball of crystals . Zac ran for his life , using the Chaos-influenced Earthstrider] to phase hundreds of meters away . Even then , he was flung into the air while it felt like reality itself broke . Life and Death clashed with Time and Space while the wisp of Chaos fanned the flames , forming a singularity of incomprehensible might .

What little remained of the poor island was ripped to shreds from the tumultuous waves of raw energies , and the very laws of physics were disintegrating . Zac slammed into the waters just before a blade of temporal turbulence whipped past his previous position , and he almost lost control of the budding Glimpse of Chaos in his body .

Another bolt of lightning confirmed Zac had very little time remaining , so he roused himself and breached the surface of the waters before returning to the spot the island once stood . There was no spatial tear at the heart of the explosion—more of a wound in space itself that radiated unpredictable waves of power .

Right now , it was just turbulence rather than a gate to another dimension , though that’d been Zac’s aim from the start . He arduously pushed against the Heavenly pressure to reach the epicenter of the blast , the single wisp of Chaos finding it harder and harder to withstand the mounting pressure from above . By this point , the System’s desire had almost turned into a corporeal form , its patience having reached a limit .

At that very moment , a second pressure swept over the area . Zac stilled his aura before igniting the mote of Chaos , forming a small shimmering sphere around himself . He didn’t know why he knew how to do something like that . It was like he inherently understood a lot of things with Chaos when in touch with it . Yet the moment the glimpse left , his comprehension would quickly fade .

It was just in time . The presence was too powerful , and he didn’t have any other means to hide than relying on Chaos . That little bangle on his arm would definitely fail in hiding him from the gaze of an Autarch . Thankfully , the scan passed him by after stopping a moment on the spatial wound , seemingly not having found what it sought .

The energy left in the Remnants was all but a trickle by this point , while his mind was drained and his body was covered in lacerations . However , Zac had formed his third Glimpse of Chaos , this one surpassing the previous two in intensity . Zac pushed the turbulent Chaos out from his chest , though he kept two final wisps behind by force . That scan scared him straight , and he needed them to move in either case .

The benefits of his empowered soul were quickly showing themselves . Last time , Zac had been forced to bargain with the System for just two wisps , yet this time he was able to rip four from the glimpse before he reached his limits . Who knew , the next time he might be able to seize eight and further temper both his soul and body .

With two wisps of Chaos using his body as a playground , the pressure was greatly alleviated . Even then , Zac found himself faced with another threat—the endless mysteries hidden within the glimpse itself . It was right there , no more than a meter from his face , its ever-shifting form hinting at something amazing . Something that didn’t even exist in the current cultivation world .

It followed no rules , not even its own . Yet it held supreme power to both create and destroy , to subvert fate and make the impossible possible . Not only that , it contained clues to elevating both his Daos and techniques to unfathomable levels , where he would walk unopposed among everyone in his grade . With this—

A bolt of lightning cut his reverie short , and Zac’s heart threatened to jump out of his mouth as a golden pillar slammed down on his position . The bolt tried to wrest control of the blob hovering in front of him , yet Chaos resisted , unwilling to be contained . Unable to , even , based on its most fundamental nature .

Thankfully , the collision didn’t actually harm Zac , and there almost seemed to be a tacit understanding between the two supreme forces . Eventually , the System reluctantly gave up , but a second strike was already brewing above . Taking advantage of the lull , Zac enacted his plan—if you could call it that .

He stretched out his hands and willed the Glimpse of Chaos into the spatial wound .

There was no explosion as Zac expected . Instead , there was just a ripple before an enormous gray swirl appeared , stretching over fifty meters into the air . It managed to steal terrifying amounts of energy from the neighboring realms , and both the enormous femur and the golden Boddhisatva dimmed as a result .

Even torrential streams of Life and Death were dragged over from the depths of the Orom World , once more drowning the parched surroundings in ambient energy . Seeing as that energy was previously siphoned by the Orom itself , it had probably been robbed as well , and an angry earthquake indicated his guess was correct .

The swirl kept growing , but a second blast from above blinded Zac as the System repeated its attempt to swallow the glimpse . This attempt too was met with failure , and Zac inwardly celebrated having stored all his energy for years to give the Chaos Pattern an extra kick . Perhaps that would be the difference between success and failure with this mad scheme .

Not only did the golden bolt of lightning fail to absorb the Glimpse of Chaos , but some of its energy was swallowed by the growing swirl . Along with everything else it siphoned off , the chaotic anomaly had finally formed . His exit looked completely different from anything he’d seen before , not resembling a spatial tear or a teleportation array in the slightest .

It was impossible to guess its shape , as it was constantly shifting . But more importantly , the construct didn’t seem to exist in the same three dimensions as Zac did . Just shifting his gaze made the whole thing twist on itself , like he was looking at it from a completely different angle .

It was odd and resisting comprehension , but Zac inherently knew it would work . Being temporarily in tune with Chaos , he had a slight understanding of what this thing would do . It could best be described as a Chaos Gate , existing everywhere and nowhere at once . Spatial turbulence couldn’t restrict it since it didn’t actually move in the same sense as teleportation did .

Just as Zac was about to step inside , a shimmering pillar of gold slammed into the Glimpse of Chaos , threatening to rip the gate apart just as it formed . Zac’s world turned white and he rapidly blinked to regain his vision . Once more , the Heavens had been rebuffed , but Zac felt the glimpse would only resist one or two more blasts .

Before anything else , Zac threw a small bead into the shifting vortex of Chaos . He had no idea where he’d end up on the other side , so he felt it was best to accomplish Heda’s mission this way . Zac also wanted to see how a seed fared upon entering the Chaos Gate , but his eyes widened when the seed rapidly grew , forming a familiar figure .

Thank you , little Chaos . Your display will live on in my dreams forever . I hope we meet again , ’ Heda’s voice echoed in his mind . - Please take care of Vivi . ’

With that , Heda was gone , whisked away God-knows-where . At least Zac believed that was the case . At the same time , Zac could sense fate congregating at his location . Were people rushing over because of the massive anomaly? Was someone coming to stop him or was it that powerful presence returning , most likely the Orom itself?

With an instantaneous burst , Zac activated Earthstrider] , and the chains of Coffinbox] picked up the teleporter from where he left it on the shores before returning in an instant . He once more stood in front of the anomaly , and he couldn’t help but feel hesitant as he looked at the growing ball of Chaos . Even if his instincts told him that the thing was decently safe and Heda seemed fine , what did he know?

Was this yet another case of the Remnants filling him with hubris?

However , what choice did he have? Stay here and be converted , cooked , or recaptured? Absolutely not . Risks would be involved with any scheme to free himself , and he stepped forward before something changed , taking his chances that his Luck and his temporary understanding of Chaos would pull him through .

Just as Zac entered the odd anomaly while pushing the Glimpse of Chaos in front of him , he felt the ballooning blob of Chaos dislodge from its position , slowly drifting toward Kaldor’s tower . Zac hesitated , then tried to impose his will , having it instead turn toward the Life-attuned side . Rather than impacting Kaldor and Pavina , the shifty monk could deal with the fallout .

He'd been within a hair’s breadth from falling to their scheme , where he almost turned to the heart-cleansing sutras to overcome the Splinter of Oblivion’s surprisingly difficult tribulation . Zac had a strong suspicion that the moment those sutras took root in his heart , he would forever have a connection to the Sangha and be unable to completely extricate himself from their control .

He pushed deeper into the Chaos Gate with his teleportation array fastened to his back , narrowly dodging a blast of golden lightning from above . He wasn’t trying to steal the ball of Chaos from the System , he simply needed it to pave the way . As long as he carried this thing , he should be untraceable for everyone except the System itself .

However , a scream of danger made him turn around in fright . The bolt of lightning he narrowly avoided hadn’t actually dissipated—it followed him into the Chaos . Zac felt the laws around him furiously resisting , but it couldn’t withstand the barrage of the System itself . It might be Chaos , but it was just a small corner of that peak Dao .

Zac prayed it would resist a bit longer , and he sacrificed one of the wisps to stabilize his surroundings . The Orom World had already disappeared in the rear window , replaced by an endless gray . The farther the Chaos Gate could take him , the better . However , it was like the gate had a consciousness of its own , and it had another idea—expel the reason for the lightning hounding it .

Something pushed him , and the gray expanse shattered as his surroundings were replaced by a golden radiance .

What! - Zac blurted , looking around with alarm .

Out of all places in the Multiverse , why had he been sent to a place like this!

RIPPLES IN HIS WAKE

The air rippled , exposing the two warriors who had been standing at the shores of the small lake , just as the young man entered the twisting sphere of Chaos .

Amitabha , Amitabha . How marvelous , - Three Virtues smiled , though there was clearly a sense of helplessness on his face as he saw the anomaly drift toward his domain .

That’s what you get for being too greedy . Virtue through indulgence—the hubris required to attempt something like that , - Kaldor laughed . - Couldn’t help yourself seeing all that fate accumulating , could you? -

There is no limit to the number of paths Buddha’s boundless heart can contain , - the monk answered before turning to the sphere , putting his two hands together in prayer .

A thousand-meter-tall deva appeared behind him as waves of unfettered Divinity streamed toward the anomaly . Thousands of lotus flowers bloomed in an instant , yet they were ripped apart one after another one by Chaos . However , the monk was undeterred , chanting mantra after mantra until a golden vase formed around the anomaly .

The surroundings grew lush as Dharmic prosperity radiated through the world . More importantly , the greyish sphere finally stopped , its momentum exhausted . Three Virtues nodded in satisfaction and dispelled his skill , but Kaldor could see how the flowers in the sky had waned , and the chants had lost some of their mystery .

Kaldor inwardly snorted , knowing the monk had been forced to sacrifice quite a bit of his stockpiled merit to prevent Chaos from ruining his plans . Ultimately , any bad news for the Buddhist Sangha was good news to them , even if they’d become allies by necessity inside the Orom World .

However , Kaldor was more satisfied with what the brat’s final act signified . He’d taken a stance , and it was clearly in favor of the Undead Empire .

I’ve never heard of anything like this thing , - Kaldor muttered . - One moment it feels like I can see through it , the next it is utterly foreign . Do you know how it works? -

All is connected , - the monk smiled . - A gate of Chaos is a doorway without limits . Alas , the details elude this poor monk as well . -

Whatever , don’t tell me , - Kaldor snorted . - Doesn’t matter . -

The window has not yet closed , old friend , - Three Virtues said as he looked over at the Reaver . - One step for liberation . One thought for transformation . -

Trying to tempt me? - Kaldor said with a raised brow . - I am not done with this place . What about you? You’ve been here a lot longer than me . Even someone cultivating the heart must grow weary of this place . -

Amitabha , all is one . As long as my heart remains pure , my path is satisfied . Alas , the fate between this poor monk and Lord Orom is approaching its conclusion , - the monk said .

So , will you tell me now why you were so adamant about altering events? - Kaldor asked , unable to contain his curiosity . - Those on the outside are definitely here for the kid , and fate would have reached a tipping point as long as the brat stayed trapped . You had me waste five million Purchase Points to hasten his escape by a few minutes? -

The young Almsgiver having the Remnants is important , though I cannot delve deeper when that place is involved , - Three Virtues explained .

Kaldor frowned thoughtfully . He’d already guessed the mysterious Edgewalker had some connections to that place since this scheming monk approached him , but he still couldn’t figure out how . And why involve him and the Undead Empire? Was the Sangha that confident?

Even if you wanted him to have the Remnants , you could have just bought them yourself and gifted them instead of arranging this scheme of yours . In the end , your plans only seemed to have driven a promising Edgewalker toward the Undead Empire while driving a wedge between him and the Buddhist Sangha , - Kaldor said with a shake of his head .

Children will often not realize the purpose of the teachings of their elders . Yet one day , it will crystallize into something that will bear fruit and positive Karma . - The monk smiled .

I guess we’ll see , - Kaldor said . - You’re playing a dangerous game involving the empire in your schemes . Grasp all , lose all . -

Can it not be a parting gift from this poor monk? - The monk laughed as he looked up at the Reaver’s expressionless face . - Lighting a lamp— -

I know , I know , - Kaldor groaned . - No need for your diatribes . You wanted a Karmic Debt , right? Well , I guess I’ll take the gamble the brat’s that important . -

His fate is beyond what I can estimate . It leaves ripples in his wake . One day , those ripples will turn into a storm . Some will drown while others will be raised to the Heavens . This is as far as I can go . -

Well , he certainly smelled like trouble . This big bastard is already suffering from his appearance , - Kaldor laughed . - Well , that’s the Abyssal Shore’s problems now . He is destined to join the empire . -

Destiny is a tricky thing , - the monk laughed before he turned away . - This is the second to last time we meet . -

The Izh’Rak Reaver was temporarily rigid in surprise agreement . - On the outside . . . -

Such is fate , - the monk nodded as he disappeared . - Good luck finding what you’re searching for . -

Goodbye , old friend , - Kaldor sighed as his gaze turned to a spot beneath the waters .

A bone spur shot out from his finger , and a huge eruption ripped space and time apart , utterly annihilating any lingering Karmic threads or other clues of the one called Zac Piker . A second spur shot out , entering the swirling anomaly . Hopefully , the beacon would work even with a gate as weird as this .

A moment later he was gone as well , leaving just a broken world and a burning sky .

Unless the whispers of Chaos had lied to him , the ball of Chaos should have been able to take him almost anywhere . So why did he find himself in front of a face so big , he first mistook it for a burning mountain? A face whose flames were all-too-familiar . It was amplified a hundredfold out here in the emptiness of space , but there was no doubt in Zac’s mind .

The flames released by this monstrosity were the very same as the flames in the Orom World .

Zac desperately backed away after confirming he could still control the shuddering Glimpse of Chaos . Holding onto that thing was his only source of safety in this situation . This small change in distance was nothing to a supreme being like this , but it at least gave him a chance to understand what he was dealing with . A gargantuan golem floating in an endless expanse of flames .

Behind it were five sets of burning wings , each one longer than the golem itself . As they lazily beat , the Dao rippled and space shuddered . Zac’s felt his soul almost combusting upon looking at the patterns the wings drew , unable to contain even a corner of their might . More shocking , the three sets of Remnants retreated into their prison on their own accord , fleeing the terrifying pressure the golem exuded . The prison still lacked a gate , but they made no attempt to escape . They even gathered together for support , unable to withstand the flames on their own .

Zac had never encountered a being as powerful as this—neither the Orom nor the Havarok Autarch could compare . The only ones who might come close were A’Zu and Be’Zi , but Zac honestly doubted those two were a match to this golem , even if they teamed up . Was this a Peak Autarch or an actual Supremacy in the flesh? It was too far beyond him . He had no frame of reference .

The good news was that the golem didn’t seem to have any intention of killing him . At this kind of proximity , it would have to actively restrain its aura to not blast Zac into nothingness , and Zac doubted even a Glimpse of Chaos could save him from that kind of ending .

However , there was someone in the area that was even more powerful .

Zac arduously turned his head , unsurprised to see Orom thrashing in the distance . The Primordial Beast dwarfed the golem in size , yet it felt like a flea in front of its Dao . It had already lost a good chunk of its innumerable tentacles , and grotesque scorch marks covered its body . It was releasing awe-inspiring bursts of Spatial Energy , but it was futile . Sixteen pillars of ultimate fire incinerated the Orom’s attacks and attempts to form spatial tears the moment they appeared , before carrying on with scorching the beast like it was a dish to be prepared .

The Orom’s predicament was a source of no small amount of joy . Zac had been trapped for over four years in that bastard . It wasn’t much for most people in the Multiverse , but it was over a tenth of his whole life until now . And he was one of the lucky ones , where most simply got swallowed and chewed up .

But the Orom’s plight was a small comfort in the face of the predicament he found himself in . His plan would have worked pretty much no matter where he appeared from the Chaos Gate , so why did he have to end up here? Even if the System’s bolt of lightning had gotten him thrown out , shouldn’t he still have been transported more than a few hundred kilometers?

Was it the domain of flames that impacted his escape? No , if that was the case , why was Heda nowhere to be seen? Zac wondered if the golem actually targeted him , perhaps here for the Chaos as well . There was no time for him to get to the bottom of things as the roiling clouds of thunder had caught up , appearing out of nowhere right above him .

Take it , you asshole! - Zac roared as he pushed the Glimpse of Chaos away from him . - But remember , if I don’t get out of here , no more glimpses for you! -

A clap of thunder was all the response he got . A pillar of lightning slammed into the pattern , draining the universe of all color . The final sliver of Chaos left in his body wasn’t enough to resist the Heavenly pressure , and Zac found himself locked in place as he gazed upon the Terminus .

With the System restraining the chaotic pattern , Zac finally got a true glimpse of the truths within , yet he didn’t know whether it was a blessing or a curse being shown this thing . His soul was so much more powerful compared to before , but he still felt utterly insignificant compared to what hid inside the Glimpse of Chaos .

His mind was overwhelmed by a torrent of insights , and trying to turn the flood of concepts into an epiphany was a fool’s errand . As long as he didn’t go insane or break his soul , he’d come out ahead . Zac could only hold onto his sanity until the System finally dragged that cursed thing out of this place .

Even the fantastical golem was unable , or at least unwilling , to contend with the System’s pressure , and it looked like the world was frozen for what felt like an eternity until the bolt of lightning dispersed . A moment later , the System left , though Zac felt a new rune appear in the prison of his mind , once more sealing the drained Remnants inside .

Zac released a pent-up sigh of relief , but the sigh turned into a pained grunt as the slightest movement filled him with agony . The glimpse was gone and the Remnants were dealt with , but the havoc they caused in those few short minutes left him in almost as bad a state as after his fight with Uona .

The only difference this time was that his soul was in a better state , and he didn’t have any wounds on his body except for those left by Creation , Oblivion , and Chaos . Unfortunately , it was those wounds that were the hardest to deal with , though Zac had prepared for this day . In his ring was a slightly inferior , but portable , version of the type of healing array he used in the Orom World—his largest purchase when he made his preparations before making his first attempt at escape with an Annihilation Sphere .

Of course , that thing wouldn’t help him with his current situation , something Zac was immediately reminded of as he felt a new presence lock onto him the moment the System was gone . It was the golem .

Uh , don’t mind me , senior . I’ll just get out of your way , - Zac said as he started pushing himself through space with Cosmic Energy , away from that terrifying golem and the Orom itself . After some hesitation , he added , - There are people inside that fish’s body , prisoners . I hope senior can be gracious and spare them . -

The golem didn’t seem to have come to kill indiscriminately . Otherwise , he would already be dead , no matter if you considered the flames in the Orom World or the fires that surrounded the Orom without harming a hair on his body . That small reminder might save those within , though that was as far as Zac could go .

He flew away as quickly as he could while maintaining control of the final wisp of Chaos . What he could use it for , Zac had no idea , but it was better than being unarmed . He would only be able to hold onto it for a minute or so , but that should be long enough for him to move some distance away .

Perhaps far enough to leave the golem’s fiery domain unless it extended its breadth .

Mr . Bug , do you think it’s so easy to leave after I’ve come all this way? - a crystalline voice echoed through the void , dashing Zac’s hopes in an instant .

The massive burning mountain was a woman? No , there was no way the hulking golem was the source of the voice . More importantly , he recognized it , though he couldn’t quite remember from where . Then it came to him , and the hair on his body stood on end . It couldn’t be , right? What were the odds?

Then in a burst of flames , she was there—Iz Tayn .

Zac looked with horror at the incoming figure . Just like him , she was a small speck in front of the apocalyptic golem . Yet he remembered that orange-golden hair that danced behind her as she approached , those sapphire eyes whose pupils were slightly vertical—full of indifference like she was a goddess looking down at the mortal realm .

Apart from the three odd lines drawing graceful arcs across her cheeks and down her forehead , she looked completely human—and was no doubt the most beautiful woman Zac had seen in his life . It wasn’t only the pristine features , it was like her very being was in tune with the Dao itself , with every feature containing the truths of the Heavens .

However , her mesmerizing appearance wasn’t enough to calm the burgeoning panic over the situation . He remembered those terrifying flames of hers , of how he had been utterly humbled the last time they met . The worst thing was , he could feel that nothing had really changed , even after all he’d been through .

Zac’s mind screamed of danger . He couldn’t be certain , but judging by the regal Dao that exuded from her , she most likely had multiple Middle-stage Dao Branches . Perhaps even Late-stage . Zac had no confidence at all dealing with this kind of peak genius , especially not in his wretched state .

And even if Zac wanted to , did he dare actually attack her? She was clearly connected with the monstrous golem , their Daos almost perfectly aligned . They shouldn’t be family , but perhaps they came from the same sect . Perhaps the golem was even her master . He had a strong suspicion he would be reduced to ash the moment he even thought of using his last wisp of Chaos to deal with this girl .

Zac’s exhausted mind railed at the unfairness of the situation . He’d planned for years and risked everything to escape through the Chaos Gate . So why the hell had this crazy woman appeared here! Was it bad luck? Worse , had she actually hunted him down , instructing the golem to ruin his escape somehow?

He was too dog-tired , and this wasn’t a variable he was prepared for . He was drawing a blank on what he should do .

Crazy stalker , - Zac muttered as he tried to rouse himself for a fight , but he immediately regretted airing the subconscious sentiment .

What was that! - Iz exclaimed as three sets of wings burst out from behind her back .

They were nowhere near as grand as the ones the golem used to cover half the sky , and neither did they contain even a fraction of their concepts . Still , they held some sort of purity Zac could only remember seeing once before . The white light he’d tried ingesting back in the Twilight Chasm .

Seeing the wings of untainted flames , and remembering her shocking display while still at F-grade , Zac wondered just what kind of heritage this woman had . Seeing how her master or Dao Guardian was such a terrifying being , Zac knew he shouldn’t be too surprised by anything she displayed .

His mother should be the equivalent of an Autarch , and she had thrown more wealth in his direction than Earth would be able to generate on its own in centuries . And that was just to sever Karma with him .

What if a faction with actual Supremacies wholeheartedly wanted to nurture someone? Zac didn’t even dare imagine what kind of treasures this annoying woman had come in contact with . Yet one more reason he regretted blurting those words , but his mind was simply too exhausted by the glimpse and overwhelmed by the situation to filter himself .

There was only one entity he could turn to for help right now .

You better help me! - Zac roared at the sky , which prompted Iz Tayn to stop , confused . - You left like a bandit , you bastard! What about your Law of Balance? You got the glimpse , I got screwed over! Is that balance? -

What are you— - Iz is exclaimed . - I’ve come here to show— -

Zac just waved at the girl to stay quiet , forgoing courtesy out of necessity . His soul was utterly drained , yet it was suddenly crammed full by a burst of information . It was the fifth layer of the Nine Reincarnations Manual] , and that one tome contained as much information as the previous four combined .

That wasn’t the only gift , as Zac felt his wrist heat up . His mind was in chaos , but he still spotted the golden runes dancing around his escape bangle , and he knew what he had to do . He moved the final wisp of Chaos and pushed it into his bracelet .

Space and Chaos converged in an instant , and the terrifying surroundings were replaced with darkness as he was whisked away by teleportation . A few minutes passed without change , and only then did Zac dare relax . By now he should have moved millions of miles already . The System’s idea worked .

He was going home .

EPILOGUE

FURNACES AND TROUBLEMAKERS

Iz looked at the spot where Mr . Bug once stood , her heart filled with unwillingness as space smoothed out following the burst of chaotic turbulence . This wasn’t how it was supposed to go . How did he escape? Was she set up? Her eyes thinned as she turned to her surprised-looking uncle who appeared next to her .

Lord Valderak , I thought you locked space? - Iz asked with a calm voice .

Ai , child , why do you use such distant language? - Valderak sighed . - I swear , this was not something I arranged . -

Then what happened? - Iz frowned . - How could he simply disappear? -

That little madman hid some Chaos in his body , and he infused it into a rudimentary escape bangle on his arm . I can lock down space , but I know too little about the Dao of Chaos . I feared that if I blocked his escape , he’d be rendered into a mist of blood as he was ripped out from whatever concepts dragged him away , - Valderak explained .

More importantly , he carried the mark of the Boundless Heavens . It mostly stabilized the spatial tunnel for him . Who knows what the result would be if I tried to meddle , - the golem continued . - You know the situation of most of your grandpa’s disciples . A shift in the Heavens can be lethal while they are accomplishing their tasks . -

And you are not just saying this to placate me? - Iz said , not completely convinced her uncle hadn’t simply looked the other way , happy to be done with this matter .

When have I ever lied to you? - Valderak said with an innocent expression .

All the time , - Iz muttered .

Well , - Valderak coughed . - Not this time . -

Alright , where is he now? -

One second . - Valderak closed his eyes , only to quickly open them again with a shake of his head . - Chaos is truly a mysterious path . I can sense him , but in multiple directions . All are true , yet none of them are . We will have to wait a bit to know for sure . -

We missed him then . . . - Iz frowned . - By the way , what’s a stalker? -

It’s . . . Someone good at tracking down people . Like how you managed to track him across the Multiverse in a few short years . He was most likely impressed , albeit begrudgingly? - the golem offered after some hesitation .

A backhanded compliment , - Iz nodded . - Well , I’ll still beat him up for good measure when I catch up . -

As you should , - Valderak nodded before he stopped with a frown . - Wait , catch up? You’re not thinking of— -

I’m not going back . Definitely not , - Iz said resolutely . - Not before I’ve accomplished my goal . -

Ai , all this for that troublesome brat? - Valderak sighed . - I cannot stay in these lower realms much longer . I have already tempted the Heavens by dealing with this fish . Someone might take notice if I linger and use it against your grandfather . -

A failure might affect my Dao Heart . If you’re okay with me having such a failure hanging over my head while forming a core , then we can go home , - Iz calmly said , eliciting a groan from the golem .

When did you become such a naughty girl? Is it because you’ve watched that brat? -

I don’t know what you’re talking about . - Iz smiled , but a scowl returned to her face when she looked at the still-burning Voidcatcher . - All because this troublemaker of a fish refused to spit out Mr . Bug . He said there was no such person in his world , that he’d scanned to make sure . What a liar! -

The guts of a lion , - Valderak nodded . - I’ll burn him a bit more . -

The heat of the surrounding area rose , and the dimension itself started fraying as Valderak no longer had to worry about incinerating a certain E-grade cultivator .

Please wait , young miss , esteemed master! - a new voice shouted as a humanoid cultivator appeared in front of the gargantuan Voidcatcher , surrounded by gigantic feathers crackling with lightning that were able to block out the flames .

White arcs of lightning continuously flashed around her , and her eyes shone with white radiance , matching the long feathers she had instead of hair . The next moment , an old man appeared next to her , his body covered in scorch marks . Obviously , the latter was the avatar of the Voidcatcher himself , the old man who lied to them just a minute ago .

Iz looked with surprise , while her uncle snorted and waved his hand , dragging the two cultivators to their side .

Finally willing to show your face? - Valderak grunted before he looked at the young girl with some surprise . - A Thunder Roc? What’s a little brat like you doing inside a Voidcatcher? -

I humbly apologize if my Dao Guardian did something to upset Lord and the young miss , - the feathered woman said with a deep bow . - Our elders will make reparations if we have overstepped any bounds by mistake . -

Your elders? - Valderak asked , though understanding gradually formed in his eyes .

Iz wasn’t quite following , but she understood the gist of it when the Roc spoke again .

Lord Orom was assigned to accompany me by the Starbeast Alliance . -

Valderak didn’t react at all to the mention of that powerful organization , though Iz’s brows slightly furrowed . She wasn’t too versed in politics , with her uncle always telling her it was unimportant . He always said to do what you wanted and if someone disagreed , just test their fate . But even she knew the situation had become a bit thorny .

Grilling the fish would bring some trouble to her grandma , and she had enough on her plate with the System trying to hunt her down .

Besides , the Starbeast Alliance was pretty powerful , even if they only had a couple thousand official members . After all , the minimum requirement to join was to be a Primordial Beast . Not only that , they only took in the big guys whose bodies were so massive , they couldn’t reside on planets , perennially drifting among the stars . This so-called Lord Orom was probably one of their smallest members .

This Roc was just a child , but by the time she reached adulthood in a few millennia , her wingspan would be enough to cover a planet upon taking her beast form . Iz looked at the young girl curiously and found she was fearfully looking back at her before averting her gaze . As far as Iz could remember , this was the first Roc she’d ever met , though there were some other beast cultivators at her last gathering .

Seeing the two here was also a bit confusing . Iz wasn’t an expert on Starbeasts , but they really shouldn’t be this close to the frontier . They needed so much energy just to sustain their oversized bodies , these desolate regions were almost lethal . It might be somewhat able to sustain itself by swallowing enough treasures and cultivators , but it would still be better off staying in one of the regions controlled by the alliance .

You must be a promising one to reach Atavism at early D-grade , though I still wonder why they assigned a Primordial Beast to guard you , - Valderak said before his eyes thinned . - More importantly , the Starbeast Alliance have really become overbearing as of late , with your guardian swallowing humanoids left and right . Its fell Karma is almost blinding me . -

Only second-tier warriors and below , - the young woman hurriedly said . - The alliance remembers the agreement , and we make sure to stay within the limits . Sometimes a mistake might occur , but we always offer reparations when that happens . -

Then what are you doing in this region? You should know the rules of non-interference , - Valderak said .

It’s my fault , - the young Roc said . - I said I wanted to visit the wild regions , dragging Lord Orom with me . -

Uncle , let’s go , - Iz said , no longer interested in staying since she couldn’t grill the fish and Mr . Bug was already gone .

One second , - the golem said with a smile before he turned to the old man . - Give us the Stone of Celestial Void] . -

Iz looked at her uncle with confusion , and the two beasts were startled as well . Even then , space flickered and a small stone appeared in the hand of the old man .

Is this the thing Lord is talking about? - Orom said hesitantly . - It should only be a D-grade material , if Lord wants , I have many— -

This is what I want , - Valderak interrupted as the stone flew into his hand . - Child , let’s go . -

Iz nodded , and the next moment they disappeared in a puff of flames , leaving the beasts to their own devices .

Ai , - the old man sighed as he turned around , looking at the state of his body .

Mister , how bad is it? - Til’Siri asked .

I am ashamed . I could not resist that master at all , - Orom said , fear still lingering in his eyes . - But I should be fine in ten thousand years or so . -

Audacious , - the Roc said with a frown . - Such an attack , for what? An E-grade cultivator? -

That golem . . . It should be the sixth disciple of Mohzius Tayn , - the old man said .

The Tayns? - Til’Siri exclaimed with fright . - We’re lucky to be alive , then . -

I’m sorry for implicating the young miss , - the old man sighed . - It’s all because of my oversight swallowing that troublesome brat . -

You were just following orders , mister , - Til’Siri said with a shake of her head . - The providence on that batch was unprecedented , and I think he must have been a big part of it . Did we get what we needed before he escaped? -

That’s . . . - Orom said hesitantly as he frowned at his body .

What’s wrong? - the Roc asked .

The monks have banded together to spread their gospel , and the undead are digging toward the corpses . If I allow it to continue , the result will not be as good . The array still needs to charge for another few years . I am afraid I cannot completely restrain them in my current state . -

A throne , the Sangha , and the Undead Empire . All at the same time . It cannot be a coincidence , - Til’Siri muttered , her brows furrowed in thought before her eyes lit up and she turned to the Voidcatcher . - Do you think . - ?

The old man clearly understood what she was referring to , and a smile spread across his face . - It is fractured , but it really looks like it might be in this region . -

Millions of years of searching , it’s finally coming to an end . The alliance will reward you richly for your contribution , - Til’Siri said , her eyes veritably radiating . - Just let those people on the inside take what they want . Just put up enough of a struggle to make it believable . We’re going back . -

Your father doesn’t want us to confirm? - Orom asked .

Normally , yes , - Til’Siri hesitated . - But now . . . I have a bad feeling after meeting those two . -

Too many coincidences at the same time , - the old man agreed .

Hopefully , the Tayns just came for that boy , - Til’Siri muttered . - And perhaps those inside are only after the bodies . But we shouldn’t push it . Let’s return . The Starbeast Alliance has a head start thanks to the prophecy , but the other factions will find out sooner or later . We need to maintain the lead as long as possible if we want the best chance of seizing that thing . -

Ultom Courts , Left Imperial Palace , - Orom whispered with longing in his eyes before they disappeared .

Orom opened up a rift in space , eager to leave this wretched area behind . He’d deal with those buggers inside his body as soon as he managed to hide in a spatial fold . However , just as he was about to pass through , Orom found himself slowed to a crawl . His movements , his Dao , his thoughts . They were all decelerated , as though swimming against the current of the river of time itself .

It took us some time tracking you down , - a snort echoed through the Void as a woman appeared out of nowhere . - Looks like you’ve run into some trouble . -

She was as small as a speck of dust , but Orom shuddered as he saw space freeze for thousands of miles in every direction . Even those terrifying flames that threatened to consume him moments ago were stopped in place as temporal ripples spread in every direction , dragging a moment in time toward eternity .

Had someone been attracted by the commotion , making their move now that he was weakened? He refused to give in , knowing he was right at the finish line . He’d signed up for an eternal task with the Starbeast Alliance , all for the chance to remove the imperfection in his bloodline . Finally , he’d accomplished it , having found the clues to the Left Imperial Palace .

He pushed his harried body to the limits , but every dimension he connected to was an eternity away , locked by millions of years of death . If he dared pass through those barriers , his remaining lifespan would be used up before even getting close .

See what they want!’ Til’Siri said from the safety of her courtyard , and he inwardly swore at this brat .

He hated showing obeisance to this little bird , just because her father was a bigshot . Worse yet , he was afraid she’d try to take credit , even if she’d only been here a few years . She hadn’t done a thing so far , and only spent her time using up his resources and studying the Emptiness Array] to understand his method of searching . It was he who spent most of his life scouring the edges of the Multiverse for clues .

Still , he could only follow the little Roc’s orders . At least this new arrival didn’t directly attack upon arriving .

Orom conjured an avatar again , appearing some distance away from the humanoid woman reeking of antiquity and death . He shuddered when he saw those two abyssal orbs for eyes , and was filled with trepidation upon remembering he’d consumed some half-bloods recently .

A second tremor shook him to the core upon remembering the description he’d heard just a moment ago . The brat who managed to escape . - An E-grade human with an axe . He sometimes looks like a Draugr . ’

It couldn’t possibly be . . . Right?

I have come to collect one of your furnaces , - the woman said without preamble . - He is a pureblood Draugr wielding an axe and chains , but he might sometimes look like a human . -

Oh no . . .

Why did you want that thing? - Iz asked curiously as she looked at the small stone in her uncle’s palm .

They’d found a nearby sun to reside on while waiting for Mr . Bug to pop out , the scorching heat helping her uncle alleviate some of the pressure .

Girl , don’t you remember? - Valderak smiled as he threw the small ball over to Iz . - Your little friend wanted to buy this thing , but he was coming up short . -

He’s not my friend , - Iz muttered , but she still grabbed the treasure .

Then , don’t you want to become friends? - the golem asked . - Isn’t that what you’re missing? Friends to go on adventures with , to deal with the boredom brought by eons of cultivation . -

Iz thoughtfully looked at the stone , sensing the odd energies within . She didn’t know why , but it reminded her a bit of that guy . Was it bloodline related? She played with it a bit as she considered what her uncle said . Perhaps this was why she’d come all this way .

She’d always stayed on her private planet since young , where only the most trusted attendants could reside . People who served for generations without ever coming in contact with outside factions to minimize the risk of betrayal . The only exception was her uncle , and the other disciples she had yet to meet .

While the attendants on the planet were friendly , Iz knew enough to tell they weren’t friends . There was an unbreachable distance between them , one ingrained into their very cores . Besides , they lacked talent , meaning they weren’t fated . Even if she managed to get closer to one , they would eventually drift apart .

Her uncle had said that one’s perspective of time and people would change as you rose through the ranks . Those who couldn’t keep up weren’t fated , bound to an ignoble existence . As for those young masters she’d met on her few outings , they weren’t friends either . A few might have the potential to keep up with her cultivation pace , but they were just sent by their elders in an attempt to build relations with her grandparents .

Was this why she was so interested in Mr . Bug? A weird aberrance at the edge of the universe containing a bloodline that put pressure on her own . Someone who didn’t even know about the situation in the upper realms or who she or her grandparents were , yet held the potential to reach the true realms of cultivation and ascend beyond being an unfated transient existence .

Are you good at making friends? - Iz said with surprise . - I have never seen you with any . -

Bah , that’s just because I’ve been guarding you for the past few decades , - Valderak snorted . - I have a lot of friends . -

Are you referring to the other uncles and aunts? - Iz asked suspiciously , wondering if being disciple-brothers and sisters were really the same thing as friends .

Anyway . You catch more flies with honey , - Valderak said after a few seconds of drawn-out silence . - You should beat him up to prove you are stronger than him . That brings respect , and it will encourage him to keep getting stronger . Then you can give this thing as a present . That will show you are generous and kind of heart . -

Uncle actually knows about these matters as well , - Iz nodded .

I’ve been around for six million years , what don’t I know? - Valderak boisterously laughed . - Just listen to your uncle and you can’t go wrong . You can also take out the stone if he’s about to escape again . The brat seems pretty greedy , and seeing this thing should stop him in his tracks long enough for you to catch him . -

Alright , I’ll listen to uncle , - Iz smiled . - Can you sense anything yet? -

Not yet , - Valderak said with a shake of his head . - It might be a while depending on how far he teleported . -

Iz nodded , and simply closed her eyes in cultivation .

Oh , there we go , - Valderak said after two weeks had passed . - He’s out . -

Let’s go! - Iz said with glee .

There’s a problem , - the golem frowned . - He’s in a sector at the utmost border , and the Heavens have restricted it for some reason . My perception got extinguished in an instant . -

Then what do we do? - Iz frowned .

Let me talk with your grandfather , - Valderak said after some hesitation and closed his eyes .

Two minutes later they opened , just as a second golem appeared next to them , this one a Peak Monarch .

Ancestor , - the golem said with a bow .

Accompany my ward to a frontier sector to gain experience , - Valderak said . - She comes to harm , and fate for you and your line ends . Accomplish the mission , and I will personally assist you in confirming your Dao . -

I understand , - the golem said with a bow . - I will accomplish the task without fail . -

Grandpa is letting me go? - Iz said , actually a bit surprised . After hearing her uncle couldn’t go , she would have thought her grandfather wanted her to return .

Go , have fun , - Valderak smiled . - Make friends , fight some people , go on adventures . I’ll teleport you as close as I can , but it will take you a while longer to reach the sector . -

Uncle is the best! - Iz said , her smile widening even further . A few moments later the two were gone , leaving Valderak behind .

I guess I should check out what has all these factions in a tizzy , - Valderak muttered . - It looks like a storm is about to descend on the frontier . -