Defiance of the Fall

The energy was soon reluctantly pushed back into his body as Zac looked at his perfectly intact hand with confusion . He’d been so occupied with the wealth of knowledge that he had completely failed to realize he was in perfect condition , with no hints that part of his body was previously missing .

How was this possible? Had the runes turned back time after realizing it had made a mistake? Had it replaced his left hand with something else? No , that seemed unlikely . No matter how many times he scanned it , he couldn’t find anything different from before . It was pretty unsettling , but he ultimately put the matter aside .

He was too stupid to figure out that mystery , and he only had another hour or two before he needed to get back to the barge . Possibly even earlier , considering how Kuru had just been turned into dust right in front of his eyes . He might face some questioning when he returned , but he could only take things as they came . Hopefully , the runes had so utterly destroyed the token that there were no clues to glean .

Zac closed his eyes again , slowly going over his insights . However , only five minutes passed until his eyes shot open as his mind screamed of danger . Extreme , mortal danger . The source wasn’t some angry Templar bearing down on him , but that didn’t make the situation better .

Something was happening in the center of the cave . A small ball emitting terrifying waves of Spatial Energy had appeared out of nowhere . It phased in and out of being as it flickered ominously , like it was trying to break into this dimension . Zac didn’t know what it was and if his absorbing of the rune was the cause of its appearance . It didn’t matter .

What he did know was that he needed to get away—and quick . With one step , he squeezed into the crevasse , and with another activation of Earthstrider] , he was out in the chasm . Adding some distance to the anomaly did nothing to quell the terror in his heart—his Danger Sense was still screaming at him to get away .

For the first time since taking the appearance of Gaun Sorom , Zac released the floodgates to the divine tree in his Soul Aperture , filling his movement skill with his Branch of the Kalpataru as he escaped as quickly as his legs would take him . By now , the whole lakebed rumbled , and it wasn’t the time to be picky .

Each step took him hundreds of meters away , leaving churning whirlwinds in his wake . Even then , his horror was only mounting as the frantic energies beneath him grew stronger . He shot out from the fissure like a rocket , heading straight for the surface with all the speed he could muster .

Eventually , reality shattered , and a shockwave pushed Zac to the surface and hundreds of meters into the air . Zac coughed out a mouthful of blood as the bones in his body groaned , but at least he was out of the waters . Becoming airborne gave him a good vantage as well , and he spotted the barges far in the distance .

Zac slammed into the waters a few seconds later , and he immediately got back up again . He couldn’t fly , but he could still run across the surface , and a minute later , he jumped onto the barge . Vai hurried over when she saw him , and he waved at her to show he was okay before he ate a Healing Pill . Two more had already surfaced before him , and three more followed within the next minute .

Looking around , Zac inwardly breathed out in relief . Those who’d just returned to the barges were worse for the wear , but it looked like Kuru was the only casualty . And with this big a calamity , he had the perfect scapegoat .

What is going on! - Teo asked as his gaze alternated between the still-wet Wandering Cultivators and the roiling waters .

A breach , - one of the warriors said breathlessly . - A breach is opening up at the bottom of the lake . -

He’s right , - another one added . - I couldn’t see it , but the spatial fluctuations were terrible . -

I think two oceans have merged , - one of the two remaining scouts said as he peered down into the depths , his eyes gleaming from some skill . - I can’t say for sure , but it looks like tendrils of purple mud or thick water is rising from the depths? -

Purple waters? - Tyla said thoughtfully . - Aphosis Eight? Or perhaps the Taosi Ocean in Kosdo Nine? -

Let’s hope it’s Aphosis , - Teo frowned . - Did anyone see any invaders? -

Invaders? - someone muttered with confusion .

Beasts that don’t belong , - Havasa explained .

Everyone shook their heads , but that did little to allay anyone’s worries .

Tyla , - Teo said .

I’m on it , - the vice-captain nodded and jumped into the waters .

Speed up . Everyone , stay alert! - Teo said .

Some arrays on the barges hummed to life as the Hegemons inserted more crystals into the arrays , and they sped toward the other shore . For a minute , nothing happened , until a frazzled Tyla breached the surface and jumped back onto deck .

Not water—Insects! - the vice-captain shouted , but her voice was almost drowned out by a deafening roar as a black tidal wave exploded from the waters , reaching over a hundred meters into the air in an instant .

Zac looked at the seething wave with incomprehension , until it clicked what the vice-captain had just said .

Insects?

Outside a lonely cottage in a shrouded forest , Kouzo wordlessly observed the kettle as its contents simmered over the fire . The bones formed an intricate dance as they swirled around in the broth , their movements mirroring the eight primordial truths . Suddenly , one of the bones snapped , prompting Kouzo to exclaim in surprise .

He threw out a handful of bones on the ground next to him to confirm , grunting upon seeing their placement .

The first candle is lit , - the old man muttered as his murky eyes turned toward the sky . - Ultom has found a candidate . -

Already? - a rumbling voice echoed as a middle-aged man stepped out from the stars .

The air could not withstand his presence , and cracks spread in his wake as he walked forward , like a cape stretching toward the heavens . Kouzo sighed as he felt the primal aura being emitted from his body—the mark of a true Primordial Dragon . It looked like the Patriarch was rousing from his slumber after millions of years if one of his generals stepped forward to take charge of this matter .

Kouzo had long since retreated from the arena of power , but he could still recognize it was Realmbane who neared . The solitary golden scale covering his glabella was proof enough that he belonged to one of the two dragon heritages that were held in the highest esteem despite not being purebloods .

After all , Realmbane and the Patriarch had a hint of the Beast Progenitor coursing through their veins .

Kouzo still didn’t understand . The Starbeast Alliance didn’t even contend for the first pillar , and only individual Ancestors contended for the three that followed . What was so special about the fifth pillar that it elicited this kind of response? Did his master know something? Was that why he exhausted his longevity? If so , why didn’t he impart what he knew before moving on?

We just got the report from the Worldwing Autarch , and someone has already been accepted? - Realmbane frowned . - How is this possible? Even if our activities were exposed to the Undead Empire , they still lack critical information . And while the Sangha’s means are unfathomable , there shouldn’t be more than one or two chapters who bother with this matter . -

No prophecy can account for every variable , not even my master’s , - the old man smiled .

Can you tell who it is? If it’s the Undead Empire , then fine . I doubt the Primo is willing to exit his seclusion this early , and we should be able to deal with his clones . But if it’s those undying Abbots , then it’s trouble , - the dragon rumbled . - The more pressure we apply , the more chapters would join hands . -

Kouzo turned back toward the simmering pot , and minutes passed in silence as he made his deductions .

It’s . . . messy , - Kouzo muttered . - I sense the Sangha , but I also sense the Abyss . And there is a hint of the Vigil . There is even something else as well , but it is too deeply hidden . I cannot grasp it from this distance . -

The Vigil is to be expected , - the general mused . - But they have never gotten directly involved in the conflict . But what’s with the conflicting hints? Is there someone who is obstructing you? -

I am far from Master’s level in this regard , - Kouzo sighed . - There are quite a few who can blind my eyes . But no , this seems to be something else . Only part of the tapestry is obscured , though I do not know what to make of the rest . Chaos runs rife through the threads of fate . -

Chaos? - the dragon said with a start .

My lord? - Kouzo asked , and he was met with a rumbling laugh .

The Sangha and the Abyss , you say? Chaos . . . - Realmsbane said before he released a booming laugh . - I think I know what we’re dealing with . -

Space flickered the next moment as a spear-wielding warrior appeared , his face almost covered in scales—proving his Atavism was just an early stage .

Ancestor , - the man bowed before repeating a slightly lower bow at Kouzo . - Sage Kouzo . -

A Mutant Voidcatcher just returned from a mission on the outside , - the general said . - You should be able to find him in the Sea of Salvation . Bring him to me . -

The warrior bowed again and disappeared , off to fulfill his task . Seeing the dragonling disappear , Kouzo turned back to Realmsbane curiously .

See for yourself , - Realmsbane snorted and waved his hand , prompting a series of images to flash through Kouzo’s mind .

The boy? - Kuozo exclaimed , suddenly remembering the report . - How is that possible? How could an E-grade child be qualified to get involved with these matters? -

The Left Imperial Palace has been without a controller since the Dark Ages . That’s more than enough time for it to have become influenced by the eternal intent of those ancient masters , - the general said . - Who knows what their goals were? This could be good news as well , allowing us to test the waters . Do we have any decent prospects among the younglings of the latest generations? -

I’m sorry , I wouldn’t know , - Kouzo smiled . - I secluded myself millions of years ago . -

I understand , - Realmsbane nodded . - I will have someone arrange a quick trial . I will need your assistance to find those whose fates shine the brightest , and augment them even further . If there is anything you can think of to increase our chance of success , let me know . This is the highest priority of the council . -

Of course , - Kouzo nodded , though he was still inwardly confused .

As far as he knew , only Emperor Limitless knew the true worth of the Ultom Courts , but one thing was for sure—some things were often more trouble than they were worth . Being rich was a sin if you didn’t have the strength to protect it , and the Starbeast Alliance wasn’t infallible . Judging by how fate was shifting , holding onto the Left Imperial Palace would come with a terrible price .

Was there something special about the Heritage from the Lost Era?

It was the same today as well—the shimmering wall of gold appeared when they came too close . A searing lance of fire slammed into it with enough force to incinerate a planet , yet it only rippled a bit before space calmed down . Iz’s eyes suspiciously turned to Kvalk , her silence speaking volumes .

Young miss , I wouldn’t lie to you! - the golem quickly said . - The seal is extremely powerful . Even if I sacrificed some of my cultivation , I wouldn’t be able to breach it . -

I heard it with my own ears . That Draugr girl and her master , who is a lot weaker than you , managed to visit this Sector and leave without issue , - Iz hummed .

Something must have changed for the Heavens to directly block us out like this , - Kvalk sighed . - Normally , only the agreements keep the upper realms away from the frontier . Even when there is direct interference , there is just suppression of providence or perhaps a seal on our strength . But this—a direct barrier barring entry? I have never heard of such a thing . This is the work of the Boundless Heavens . -

Iz gave the barrier a look of reluctance , wondering what to think and what to believe . Was it really the System that kept her out? Or was Uncle Valderak and his descendant trying to trick her again? Was there no choice but to turn back now that she was so close? She didn’t want to , but she’d been stuck here for weeks .

Suddenly , she felt the flames in her body stir , and she looked over at Kvalk just in time to see a familiar rune appear on its forehead as towering flames were released from its body .

Little girl , are you having fun on the outside? - Kvalk laughed .

. . . Grampa? - Iz hesitated before her eyes widened . - I knew it! Have you sealed off this Sector? -

How could I possibly be so bored? - Mohzius snorted , the sound a bit unnatural coming from the possessed golem . - But I am afraid things have become a bit complicated . -

You want me to return? - Iz frowned .

Your grandmother wants you to come home , she is worried , - the golem nodded . - But I am willing to give you a choice . -

What’s going on? - Iz said , realization that something big had happened flooding her .

The Left Imperial Palace of the Limitless Empire is rising from the ashes of history , - Mohzius explained . - And it looks like it will make its first appearance in this frontier Sector . -

Are the uncles or aunts coming to fight for it? - Iz asked with confusion .

We hadn’t planned on it , though things have changed , - Mozhius sighed . - It’s up to you now . -

Me? I’m only here for Mr . Bug . What’s that got to do with me? -

We first saw the signs a few days ago , and I convened with Old Man River to have him look for clues across the River of Time . It seems your little friend is either responsible for its emergence , or at least connected to it all somehow . -

Mr . Bug? - Iz exclaimed before her mouth slowly curved upward . - That’s so like him . -

Yes , well , - Mozhius snorted . - He almost reminds me of a younger and less dashing version of me . In either case , it seems the first stage of this emergence will contain some sort of inheritance aimed at the younger generation . -

I would compete with Mr . Bug? - Iz said , the thought birthing a sense of reluctance . - If he was the one who found it , I don’t want to take it . He’s so poor , I’d feel bad . -

It’s impossible to tell the specifics from the outside , - Mohzius said . - You might compete for the same prize , or you might need to team up to explore the opportunities . It all depends on the will of the ancients . -

What do you want me to do? This is such an important matter . I— -

At a certain point , the young need to spread their wings and fly , - Mozhius smiled . - Your grandmother would have preferred you stayed under our protection for a while longer , but I believe you’re ready to choose for yourself . And isn’t this what you wanted? To go on adventures with your friend?

It’s up to you to decide if you want to compete for this opportunity . If you’re ready , I will seal this child’s cultivation to Middle Monarchy , which should be enough for me to force you two inside . But as soon you enter , you two will be on your own—not even your grandmother can intercede this time . -

What about those other factions? Will it cause trouble for the family? -

Since when have the Tayn’s feared some trouble? - Mohzius laughed . - Just kill anyone who gets in your way . But if all you want out of this excursion is to meet up with your friend , I will bring you back . I cannot let you enter if you’re just here for a vacation . On the other side of the barrier , you will just be you , without the protections you have back home . You might even die . -

Iz slowly turned her gaze back toward the barrier , wordlessly weighing her options . Hearing she might actually die sent a stab of fear through her . Not that she would cease to exist , but rather that she’d waste all that her elders had sacrificed to give her a chance at life . But she could also tell that her grandfather hoped for her to take this risk .

Treasures and background could only take you so far . You needed more if you wanted to walk the road of Eternity . You needed conviction , you needed purpose . Her grandfather hoped she would find that in there .

She remembered how Mr . Bug struggled every day in the mirror . In many ways , he was more of a cultivator than she . Was this her chance? To test herself , to find purpose in her existence? If she succeeded , then great . If she failed , then she simply wasn’t fated . It didn’t seem like a bad deal .

I want to give it a try . -

41

NEGATIVE SPIRAL

Zac , like most of the other cultivators , released a pent-up sigh of relief as he stepped through the dimensional gate to the third Mystic Realm . They’d already been somewhat safe after reaching the waystation , but the way those frenzied cockroaches seemed able to absorb energy , he believed it was just a matter of time before the defensive arrays failed .

He was a bit apologetic that they’d been hounded for days without reprieve , but at least everyone was alive . Of course , if the others found out he was the reason that two-thirds of the squad members had painful bite marks across their whole bodies , they would probably pummel him to death .

Only the Hegemons and the strongest Half-Step cultivators were spared , which was saying something , considering most of the critters weren’t even E-grade . But when there were billions forming a swarm that blotted out the sky , even F-grade roaches could take you out .

It was a tide in the true sense of the word . Every critter would exhaust a small amount of your energy , and they were endless . Eventually , you would be drained , at which point the stronger roaches would breach your defenses and start ripping you open . This was a type of tide that many feared even more than Beast Kings , and Zac remembered Ogras telling him how a rat tide had taken out a whole capital on his home planet .

At least that was over with since there was no way the roaches would be able to hound them across layers . Unfortunately , the relief didn’t last long . Even if his mind was preoccupied with the churning sea of energy-feeding roaches , he still remembered to brace himself for another pulse . Even after waiting for half a minute , not so much as a whiff of that ancient aura greeted him .

There was only the ambient energy of a slight electric charge . A world of thunderstorms , perhaps? Of course , Zac didn’t really care what kind of Mystic Realm they’d arrived in . He was far more worried about the lack of guidance from the ancient remnants of the Left Imperial Palace . What now?

Seeing as the piece of rubble could guide him through multiple Mystic Realms , he’d assumed he would get another pulse leading him toward the next , especially now that he’d gotten a related quest . That had been too optimistic . Was there really only one piece inside the Void Star? Perhaps the next piece of rubble was too far , forcing him to explore more realms .

We won’t pass by the realm where those buggers came from , right? - a cultivator asked after everyone had taken a breather .

No , and we’ll not pass through this realm on the way back , - Teo grunted , clearly a bit annoyed .

Zac could understand the sentiment . Things kept going sideways for the poor captain . He’d been forced to continuously use his defensive skills for days to protect the group , and he was visibly pale from the energy expenditure .

With our dash , we’re ahead of schedule . We’ll rest here for half a day before continuing , - the leader continued before taking over a corner to rest .

Zac inwardly breathed out in relief as he sat down . It looked like the death of the dour scout had been pinned on the beast tide rather than him , with no one making any trouble . Teo had simply asked everyone who’d been in the waters during the breach if they’d seen Kuru , to which everyone shook their heads .

The relief didn’t only come from his activities not being found out—he truly needed the rest . His energy reserves were shocking for his level , but he was ultimately just an E-grade warrior . Without a core , he couldn’t compare to a Half-Step Hegemon in energy reserves . And since he was one of the warriors , he’d been tasked with protecting the researchers who only needed to keep running .

With his free hand , Zac took out the Book of Duality] and started to read through the first four chapters again . He found there wasn’t any need—after his epiphany , it was like the ideas and concepts were imprinted into his brain . There was no need to digest what he’d read .

Instead , Zac started to go over the last three chapters . He didn’t bother trying to comprehend the truths hidden inside . As long as he memorized every page , he would be able to decipher them in case he ran into another part of the seal . The hours passed , and when it was time to go , the pages were memorized and his energy was mostly restored .

Everyone else looked a lot better as well , with the bitemarks covering their faces healed , but the atmosphere remained subdued as they set out again . Thankfully , they only needed to worry about the weather in the third realm , with the occasional thunderbolt striking down at them . Though their force was nothing compared to real tribulation lightning , and they were easily dealt with .

After its initial hiccups , things started to return to normalcy—for a high-danger mission into a weird multi-dimensional star , that is . Days turned to weeks , and Zac’s worries became reality as not a single one of the realms they traversed contained any remnants or clues to the Left Imperial Palace .

The same was true for the naturally-appearing breaches they encountered on the way . Zac had been hoping to at least get some confirmation more pieces existed through the breaches , even if he wasn’t planning on jumping through . Unfortunately , the only thing pouring out of those spatial tears were more beasts .

Over the next eight Mystic Realms they crossed , they encountered huge spatial tears in three , and while none were as bad as the insect tide , they all contained shocking numbers of agitated animals . Zac felt it very odd—why were there always animals on the other side? It wasn’t like every Mystic Realm contained huge numbers of animals , only the wild ones did .

So why didn’t any tears open up , only for them to lead to some dead Mystic Realm? Neither was there any indication that these beasts were brought by the System—when it did , it always awarded the defenders quests . Was there something about these seemingly overpopulated realms that led to the breaches? Zac had no idea , and the Templars didn’t seem interested in sharing their theories .

Apart from the breaches , the squad also encountered a tremendous spatial ripple that left a vast convergence in its wake . It covered half the Mystic Realm , forcing them into a day-long and extremely confusing battle , where beasts kept popping up out of nowhere and disappearing a moment later .

Even among all this chaos , Zac spent most of his time going over the Void Vajra Sublimation] in his mind . In contrast to the chapters of the Book of Duality] , the epiphany had only illuminated the path for this idea . Actually creating a working method was terrifyingly complex . It would probably require another epiphany , but he wanted to solve some pieces of the puzzle before that .

It was just like eating a Dao Treasure—the more he managed to sort out beforehand , the more he could make of the opportunity . And the more Zac thought about the idea , the more certain he was that this was the right way to go . It wasn’t only about protecting his path either . Incorporating the concept of the Void into the method should drastically reduce the risk of the method clashing with his bloodline .

That was the biggest risk apart from having his path broken , and this idea would essentially turn the high-compatibility method into a Body Tempering Manual uniquely suited for only him . Unfortunately , he couldn’t try out his theories during the mission , so he could only mentally run simulations .

Others weren’t so free that they could turn their sight inward and ponder on their path . The environment grew increasingly hostile as they progressed deeper into the Void Star . The first casualties , apart from Kuru’s unfortunate disappearance , since the initial convergence came when they encountered the second breach . An endless number of beasts , both flying and landlocked , poured out—including dozens of Beast Kings . Not even Teo and his vice-captains were able to completely control the avalanche .

There were simply too many beasts , and they hadn’t managed to force their way out from the encirclement even after furiously fighting for hours . The first-string cultivators were overwhelmed , and more and more beasts had to be let through their outer perimeter to be dealt with by the second-string cultivators .

Because of this , a dying Beast King managed to kill one of the defenders with its last breath before Havasa had the chance to take it out . Its final attack even ripped the arm of the researcher the Templar was protecting . One of the first-string cultivators fell half an hour later , and by the time they managed to escape , another two had such grievous wounds they would be unable to fight for weeks—even with Kantomir’s ministrations .

Like that , Zac got a second ward ; the nun whose arm had been ripped off . Zac was pretty much the most powerful second-string cultivator , so he had to take on a slightly greater burden . It wasn’t that he revealed more of his power—it was simply a result of having a Dao Branch . His Branch of the War Axe drastically increased his lethality , allowing him to kill most beasts in a single swing , while others required multiple attacks to inflict the same results against the sturdy beasts .

More than one Wandering Cultivator had approached him during their travels , hoping to glean some sort of insight from how he’d managed to form a Dao Branch after centuries of being stalled . Unfortunately , they could only leave in disappointment after Zac said he’d found a Natural Treasure that both increased his affinity and forced a breakthrough .

Five more members of the squad , four warriors and one researcher , had died by the time they closed in on their destination , and another three were so wounded they had to be carried . In other words , they’d essentially already reached a casualty rate of 20% , after less than half the mission was completed . From here , they would need to guard the spatial anomaly for up to a month and then return to the surface .

As things stood , Zac doubted they would be able to make it out within the advertised 30% casualty rate . With fewer and fewer warriors being fit to fight , the pressure on the others increased , creating a negative spiral .

Thankfully , not every Mystic Realm they passed was dangerous . One was completely void of enemies , while another had been cleared out by one of the large roving armies just two weeks ago . It was a shame they’d already moved on . If not for the mission taking so long to fill up , they would have been able to add to their roster from the massive army . But with their squad already running a bit late , they couldn’t spare the time to move two realms over and fetch new members .

Finally , after close to a month of traversing inhospitable realms , endless bloodshed , and weird spatial events , the squad reached their destination realm . Like a dozen times before , Zac prepared himself for a pulse as he stepped through the spatial gate , but just like every time since the events at Hako Lake , there was nothing .

By now , Zac’s disappointment had started to taper , and he’d somewhat guessed he would have to look for the other pieces of the seal elsewhere . Instead , he turned his attention to the bangle on his arm , and the news was a lot better there .

The ambient Spatial Energies had grown denser as the squad moved deeper and deeper into the Void Star . By now , it could be sensed on top of the ambient energy no matter where you went , and the environment had a startling effect on the escape treasure he got from the System .

Since Zac pushed a mote of Chaos into it , the bangle had been in an unresponsive state . Turbulent energies still lingered within , though they’d degraded from pure Chaos to all kinds of other concepts . Luckily , the bangle wasn’t some random item he’d picked up at an auction . It was provided by the System itself as part of a top-grade evaluation of his performance during the Integration .

After two months of dormancy , it was finally showing signs of recovery , and the Spatial Energies in the atmosphere were speeding up the process . As things looked , Zac wouldn’t need to find some artificer to repair it . It was just a matter of time before he could use it again .

That was great news for him since the Flashfire Flourish] was essentially only a superior version of an escape talisman . It put an enormous distance between you and your pursuers , but after that , you were on your own . Any pursuer that could force him to run for his life also had a decent chance of seeing through the obscuring effects of the item given enough time .

So long as the escape bangle was up and running , that problem would be solved . The feature that would instantly return him to Earth was still on cooldown for another decade , but he would be able to take out a mobile Teleportation Array and go anywhere he wanted . By the time his pursuers managed to catch up , he’d be long gone .

There were still some ways before the bangle reached a level where Zac would dare use it , but perhaps spending some time next to a spatial anomaly would speed up the process even further . Judging by the atmosphere , they’d be drenched in Spatial Energies for the foreseeable future .

That's it , - Teo said after the spatial gate closed behind them , while Havasa took out a large box . - Good job getting here , everyone . We will stay in this realm for a while , and there are some things you need to know . There normally aren’t too many dangers in the form of beasts in this realm , but there are some other things you have to be wary of . The Spatial Energies are quite strong , especially close to the anomaly , which leads to some odd phenomena . -

Next , the Templar captain took out a metal bracer from the box , showing it to the warriors before he attached it to his wrist . - These are Space Anchors , and they’ll be your best friend in this Mystic Realm . We didn’t distribute them before since they’re frankly quite expensive , and we need all of them back after the mission is completed .

They have two uses . First , it has an array that works a lot like the stabilization talismans we used to enter the Void Star . In case the weather gets bad , these things will protect you . -

The weather? - a warrior asked with confusion .

Spatial storms , - Teo clarified . - Waves of rampant Spatial Energies that can send part of your legs to the Void , your head to another Mystic Realm , while leaving your torso untouched . These things will make sure you guys aren’t split up . Literally . -

However , some storms are too powerful , and they can whisk your whole body away , - Havasa added as she equipped one of the anchors herself . - So if it suddenly looks like the whole world around you starts to twist and distort , immediately activate the array on these things . -

A shimmering blue band of energy shot out from a gem the next moment , stretching across the whole waiting room before slamming into . . . nothing . Five meters from the wall , spatial cracks appeared in the air while a deep energy barb had dug into the cracks . It really looked like an anchor , though it seemed to rather have the functionality of an ice pick .

This will hopefully keep you in place until the storm passes , - Havasa said before shaking her hand , prompting the anchor to dissipate .

After learning of the possibility of one’s body getting disassembled by a gust of wind , the warriors didn’t need to be told twice to put one of the bracers on . After activating it , Zac felt a thin film of Spatial Energy ensconce him . It didn’t cost him a lot of energy either , since it seemed to draw power from the surroundings .

Most people , Zac included , also activated the anchor function to make sure they hadn’t been given a dud . After that , they all set out , but they didn’t get far before they stopped to take in this new Mystic Realm they’d entered .

What the— - Zac muttered as he looked at the chaotic scene .

It felt like he’d entered a theme park’s house of mirrors , with dozens of disjointed vistas filling up his vision . Most of them depicted a magical forest with blue leaves and undergrowth , but they were disjointed . Like he was shown fifty different parts of the forest at once , along with some surrounding bushland .

The world isn’t actually fractured , - Teo said as he started walking forward . - It’s an illusion brought by the spatial anomaly and the dense Spatial Energies in the atmosphere . You don’t need to worry that a wrong step will teleport you away . You’ll know when an actual fracture appears by its powerful fluctuations . -

It was pretty nauseating to have your surroundings continuously twist and distort , but otherwise , the realm wasn’t that bad . They encountered three spatial storms over the next few days , but the Space Anchors worked wonders , allowing them to effortlessly tide them over . If anything , the bracers grew stronger in the middle of the storm as they absorbed the dense energies within .

There weren’t a lot of creatures in this weird world either , mostly some spectral-like flying beasts that didn’t seem interested in attacking the group . Still , this was the layer where he might run into his target—the Ferric Worldeaters , so Zac kept his eyes peeled .

Eventually , they crossed a large ridge , and when Zac saw a weird object far in the distance , he knew he’d have to go hunt for one during his days off .

Because they’d reached the spatial anomaly .

42

SPATIAL CORTEX

When the mission mentioned a spatial anomaly , Zac had envisioned something like a permanent spatial tear or perhaps one of those bubbles that he’d seen inside the Technocrat Mystic Realm . Only now did he realize his imagination was lacking . Then again , the description of the task along with the Templars’ comments were laughably downplayed , and judging by the scrunched-up faces of some of the other freelancers , they carried similar sentiments .

The first thing they saw were four rings of pure spatial turbulence , like the rings of Saturn , except they rotated at different degrees and distances from the anomaly itself . They were crackling with barely constrained power , which created a both harrowing and beautiful scene where they kept seeing flashes of distant worlds .

Apart from the glimpses into the beyond , they presented a different danger—they kept spitting out condensed balls of space storms at their surroundings like an automated defense . It made Zac infuse a bit of energy into his Space Anchor just to confirm it was still operational—he wouldn’t want to enter that area without it .

Within the rings , the anomaly itself hovered in the air on full display , and it was unlike any phenomena Zac had seen before . It consisted of thousands of strings that together formed a spherical , intricate mesh that hovered in the air . At least , Zac thought it was spherical . The strings kept moving to reform the ball , though Zac felt like he was looking at one of those images with impossible shapes .

It kept twisting in on itself at incomprehensible angles , almost making Zac’s brain short-circuit . Zac was by no means an expert in physics or the like , but he guessed the anomaly wasn’t a three-dimensional item . It worked in dimensions Zac had no method to process—perhaps you needed to be a Spatial Cultivator to understand what was going on .

Apart from the seemingly impossible shapes , the anomaly reminded Zac of the synapses in a brain , and there were even powerful spatial currents running through the threads like the electric pulses in a brain . Perhaps it could also be likened to a star chart , where each bulbous node at intersections represented worlds or Mystic Realms .

But what was it . . . A natural formation? An energy construct? A plantlike being? A beast? Zac honestly had no way to tell , no matter he tried to suss out the materials it was made from or its purpose . At least it didn’t look manmade , considering no runes or arrays were covering the threads .

This is called a Spatial Cortex , - Teo explained when he noticed the confused faces of the group . - Essentially , they’re natural formations born from the Void Star , and they play an essential role in our ability to control and traverse its layers . This one has been acting up lately , and we’re here to deploy a gap measure to stabilize it . -

Gap measure? - Uzu asked from the side with trepidation in his eyes .

Zac could understand the sentiment . No matter if you considered the eruption Zac caused in Hako Lake or the subsequent breaches they’d encountered , they had become all-too-familiar with the terrifying power of space . And now they were supposed to muck around inside this weird , complex , and terrifyingly energy-dense space brain?

That sounded like a recipe for disaster .

The Formation is perfect as it is , but with the Void Star releasing unusual amounts of energy , there are risks it will be overloaded . So , we will install a series of shunts that will divert excess energy into the Void , which should help stabilize the thing until the higher-ups have figured out the root cause of all these changes , - Teo explained .

We understand your worries , but these are not some hastily thought-up solutions , - a somber man said as he stepped forward .

It was Rakosta Kau , the chief researcher on this mission . He was a Hegemon himself , and Havasa had personally protected him during most of the trip , proving his status and value to the Void Gate .

These measures were invented and deployed hundreds of thousands of years ago when we faced a similar issue , and they have been further improved since , - Rakosta continued . - Of course , you aren’t expected to assist with the modifications either . This is the third installation I’ve overseen , and this cortex seems to be quite stable still . -

So what’s our job? - another cultivator asked as she looked around at the empty fields . - Not much to do here . -

It was true . There wasn’t a beast in sight , which wasn’t a surprise with those Spatial Rings . The local wildlife had probably figured out that this area came with a lot of danger and little reward long ago .

Our modifications will produce temporary bursts in energy , resulting in several temporary rifts , - Rakosta explained . - Essentially , we will find ourselves under siege . Of course , we have trained in this procedure to keep dangerous periods to a minimum , and we’ll know beforehand when these fluctuations are expected to peak . Still , until the whole array of shunts is installed , the cortex will be a bit erratic , so we always need to be alert . -

We’re setting up an outer perimeter around the cortex in the safe zone inside the rings , - Teo added . - Our task is not only to protect our experts , but also the cortex itself . It is quite resilient , and while the native beasts normally don’t approach it , that’s no guarantee . They can still be attracted by the smell of blood from the invading beasts we kill .

If everything goes according to plan , the process will take just over a month , with three checkpoints where we can temporarily stabilize the cortex for a few days . However , this process requires on-the-spot modifications . Depending on how the cortex reacts to its changes , we might need to perform further modifications . -

With that , they went to work , and the anchors quickly proved their worth . Calling the stretch between the rotating cortex and the rivers a safe zone was giving it too much credit , as it was continuously hit by the space storms . Conversely , if you released too much energy too close to the cortex , you’d risk a resonance where you got zapped by a tremendous wave of energy .

Thankfully , as long as you didn’t release your aura or too much energy , you were essentially safe beneath the floating construct . Apart from a constant hum being released from above , it made for a pretty good campsite—especially for Zac’s escape bangle , which continuously drew on the bountiful energies around them .

Of course , it was probably far better for a Spatial Cultivator . Any time Zac looked up at the rotating and continuously transforming cortex , he felt some part of the Dao of Space was on display within those movements . That didn’t help him though , and he soon joined the others at the outer perimeter while the researchers went to work .

Zac was shocked to see them actually climb into the cortex , jumping from string to string like nimble little monkeys . Seeing people inside the construct somewhat confirmed his hunch it didn’t exist in three dimensions . The researchers’ positions kept changing as their forms were twisted and distorted .

The Templars and the warriors formed two lines of defense like before , where the first-string cultivators formed a defensive line with one person every 100 meters or so . The second-string cultivators stood a bit behind , ready to back-up whichever side was attacked . And it didn’t take long for them to see some action .

Ready! - a shout from within the cortex echoed out , and the cortex released a pulse a moment later .

Zac’s surroundings twisted and bent , and he urgently activated the anchor in his bracelet to stabilize himself—just in time to see a large spatial tear appearing a few hundred meters away . Out of it , a pack of red-furred bearlike beasts emerged , each one emitting a both fiery and immensely heavy aura .

The bears almost felt like mobile gravity arrays , while their swipes seared space itself . Their numbers weren’t too great , but they all emitted the aura of Beast Kings . Thankfully , the tear didn’t last too long , and it closed after letting seven of the hulking beasts through—cutting the eighth one in half .

The invasion looked pretty troublesome , but Zac still moved forward with the other second-string cultivators , while first-string warriors joined in from the flanks . It even looked like the cortex itself was helping out , as a spatial storm shot straight toward the pack . Zac’s eyes dimmed when he saw two of the bears open their mouth to release a cascade of blue flames at the incoming storm , tearing it apart .

By that time , Teo , Uzu , and Ilka had appeared , while the other Hegemons maintained the other flanks . A furious melee followed suit , where Teo restrained while the others piled on attacks on the extremely durable bears , led by the two unattached Hegemons . Ilka used a soft sword as a weapon , and it moved like a snake among the beasts .

It was an extremely nasty weapon that could bend and extend at will—Zac had seen her stab the forehead of a Beast King from hundreds of meters away . Her actual skills were related to poison and water though , prompting others to often give her a wide berth . Uzu was a lot simpler—using a hefty broadsword and a sword-based Dao to launch somewhat slow yet devastating strikes .

The attacks of the bears were extremely powerful , and their hides felt like steel plates . Thanks to Teo , they were greatly restrained . Five minutes later , they’d all fallen while only leaving some of the warriors slightly burnt . During the fight , another tear had opened up , but the situation was kept under control by a group of warriors led by Havasa .

Remove the corpses before they attract the natives , - Teo said before returning to his position , and the carcasses were quickly collected , and three Templars spread some sort of dust over the bloody patches .

Zac could only helplessly look on as the blood and pieces of flesh and hide rapidly faded away . The battle was over too quickly , and the stench hadn’t lured over any Worldeaters . Thankfully , Zac did have quite a bit of valuable blood in his Cosmic Ring because of Verun . He could use this method later when his free day came around to see if he could catch at least one of the common Worldeater younglings .

From there , he’d try to upgrade to a space-attributed specimen , but he wasn’t holding his breath .

However , as the days passed , Zac started to wonder if he would ever get that chance . The researchers had to work around the clock , as the longer the process took , the more the energies inside the cortex would stabilize . That also meant there had to be warriors guarding the perimeter , and it seldom took more than five minutes before new beasts popped up .

The warriors worked and rested in shifts , but more than once , those off the clock would have to enter the fray when too many beasts appeared at once . Let alone a day off , Zac started to wonder if he’d even manage to get five hours during the downtime . At least the first checkpoint was coming up in a few days , which hopefully meant some would get to explore .

Another two days passed , and the intensity of breaches increased . The warriors were stretched thinner and thinner , and most were forced to keep crystals in their hands all the time to not get completely drained of energy . People’s eyes were almost glazed over as they mowed down the beasts with dull expressions .

It was at this point that disaster struck .

You! - an enraged roar echoed out as a huge shockwave of energy erupted at the other side of the Cortex .

Zac got a bad feeling , and he exerted some extra strength to instantly clean out the beasts around him before turning toward the source of the commotion—just in time to see Teo claw through the air , somehow dragging Ilka , the Wandering Cultivator Hegemon , to his position . She didn’t even have a chance to react before she was cut down by a furious swipe that created a scar that stretched for thousands of meters .

Had Teo gone mad? No , Zac recognized what had happened . One by one , corpses started to fall out from the Cortex , including Rakosta . Each one had a hole right through their foreheads , and most of them didn’t even seem to have realized they’d died . Zac’s heart was gripped with panic as he saw the one-armed nun among the dead , but he inwardly breathed out in relief when Vai wasn’t among the fallen .

Instead , she jumped out with the other survivors , her face pale as a sheet as she ran over to the dead . The aggressor was cut in two , barely clinging on to life by the looks of it , though Zac still smelled trouble . He attached a recording crystal to his belt as he looked around for other threats , and he spotted a problem . Something was wrong with the Cortex .

She destroyed some of the nodes! - one of the researchers shouted with a fearful face . - If we don’t do something , it will destabilize! -

The poor man only had time to give his warning before his head was pierced , and Zac looked on with shock as one of the corpses transformed into Ilka while the dying Ilka turned out to be a researcher looking up at Teo with confusion and pain . And while all this confusion took place , things rapidly turned from bad to worse .

Ilka released a tremendous wave of energy , unheeding of the effect it would have on the Cortex . She threw something into the heart of the Cortex , disappearing just before Teo could reach her . The other Hegemons were already moving to intercept as well . Zac couldn’t believe his eyes when Uzu’s aura exploded with ferocity as he hacked at Tyla with his massive sword , suddenly showcasing more power than ever before .

The vice-captain was quick to react , probably having expected that if there was one traitor , there might be two . She blocked the ferocious swing , though Zac was shocked to see that Uzu’s recently-evolved power was slightly greater than the Templar’s . Tyla’s head jerked to the side , barely avoiding a poisoned blade from Ilka who had appeared not far away .

But she was already dealing with two attackers , and couldn’t deal with a third . A lance of light punched a hole right through her stomach where her core should be , and from all places , it came from another dead researcher who’d been lying below the Cortex . Zac recognized the man well—it was the one who’d refused to greet him on board the Cosmic Vessel on the first day .

He should just be a Half-Step cultivator , yet he’d just released the power of a true Hegemon . Seeing the researcher attack one of his own was even more shocking than some outsiders rebelling . Just what was going on? Were they spies from another faction? But why attack this place , and why now?

Zac couldn’t fathom what these three possibly had to gain from this attack . Even if they succeeded , they’d be stuck in the heart of the Void Star . Were they planning on killing all witnesses before returning? That couldn’t be . The Void Star wasn’t stupid—how could they not get suspicious when not a single one of their Templars survived a mission?

And even if the trio were stronger than expected , Havasa , Kalo Taosa , and Teo had already descended on them like vengeful spirits , furiously trying to tear the traitors apart . Zac , along with most of the others , hesitantly stood rooted in place , unsure of what to do . His first instinct was that the uprising would be quelled soon enough thanks to Teo’s presence , but was that true?

Would they really choose to strike at this moment if they didn’t have some confidence in dealing with this situation?

It wasn’t just a matter of which side would win either—there was the Cortex to worry about . Rakosta , along with most of the experienced researchers , were dead , and the energy fluctuations kept getting more and more ominous .

Stabilize! - Teo roared , and the remaining Templars hurriedly took out one massive spike each and slammed it into the ground .

Attached to their tips were ropes that they threw into the Cortex . It looked like they were trying to tie the whole thing down , and the rapidly spinning strings were starting to slow down . However , Zac remembered the scene of Ilka throwing something into the core of the Cortex just seconds ago , and he wasn’t too convinced this would be enough .

Should he run , or perhaps expose his true strength and help Teo and the others take down the traitors? Should he just wait?

Suddenly , Uzu was hit by a ferocious attack from Havasa that almost ripped him in two . At the same time , Teo and his vice-captain joined hands to restrain the researcher who reminded Zac of the werewolf , Cervantes , swapping between light and corporeal as he fought . The sudden turn of the tides helped most of the Wandering Cultivators make their choice and they rushed toward the besieged traitors .

Zac wasn’t convinced , and his eyes turned to Vai who still stood beneath the Cortex with incomprehension in her eyes . These people could fight it out while they moved to safety . Two of Vivi’s vines shot over to pick her up , but his mind screamed of danger . He activated Earthstrider] to speed things along , but there was no time .

The enormous Cortex imploded , condensing into a shining bead of light in an instant . It was no bigger than an egg , but it emitted terrifying levels of energy that pushed Zac to his knees . He was unable to even breathe , and he could only look up with helplessness , knowing the traitors had won .

The egg cracked and it took the world with it .

43

IN-BETWEEN

As the egg broke , it sounded like the snap of a broken twig , yet Zac felt like he’d just witnessed the opening of Pandora’s box .

Run! - Zac screamed at Vai , while trying to follow his own advice . But it was hopeless .

Zac’s surroundings shattered and were swallowed by an unfettered maelstrom of rampant space which was no longer contained by the Spatial Cortex , and he almost puked from the nauseating blur . His mind was practically being twisted and bent just like his surroundings were , but Zac managed to activate the bracelet on his wrist . The energy-anchor shot out , though Zac grimaced when it was instantly ripped apart .

A moment later , the bracer completely cracked , the surrounding onslaught absolutely overloading what it was designed to withstand . Waves of agony came crashing down on him , and his pained scream in the heart of the storm was utterly drowned out . The collapse of a Mystic Realm was deafening , and there was nothing to carry his voice .

He didn’t have the luxury to worry about others , and neither could he hold on to his secrets or identity—Zac wouldn’t last a second being buffeted by this storm . An aura of antiquity surrounded him as he activated Void Zone] , which kept the mayhem at bay . Some Spatial Energies still made it through after being eroded , but channeling Innate Ward] with Void Energy was barely enough to withstand the weakened spatial storm .

Even then , he was continuously covered in shallow wounds that left behind dense bursts of Spatial Dao , proving he probably would have died if he didn’t also have the added durability he’d inherited from his Draugr side , along with Adamance of Eoz] , which synergized well with defensive skills like Innate Ward] .

His Void Heart was already fast at work swallowing the Spatial Energies , giving him a small breather . Unfortunately , it was just a temporary reprieve . Zac was still stuck in the middle of it , like a leaf caught in a hurricane . The surroundings were a confusing blur that continuously changed , trapping Zac in a psychedelic kaleidoscope that was being furiously spun .

The camp was gone—the whole area was gone . Even the ground had been swept away , leaving Zac floating in what he assumed were the broken remnants of the Mystic Realm . Vai was nowhere in sight , and neither was anyone else from the squad , traitor or no . He didn’t want to think about it , though it was likely they’d all fallen already .

Even he wouldn’t last more than a moment in this chaos without Void Zone] . The Templars might have something to deal with this kind of terrifying environment , but no way something like that was standard issue . Teo and the vice-captains possibly had a shot at survival , but everyone else . . .

Zac shook his head to clear his thoughts . He needed to focus on himself , and he sought out clues . The storm was in a stable state of constant flux—it was neither growing more powerful nor petering out . The most ominous thing were the white lines . They were the only unmovable fixtures in the whole realm , silently forming hundreds of horizontal strings that stretched as far as Zac could see .

It was thanks to them that Zac knew he was standing in place rather than being tossed about . Even then , the lines filled him with dread . His instincts told him that if he touched one of those lines , he’d be in for a world of hurt . They emitted a hint of finality , perhaps representative of the death of the Mystic Realm they were in .

And new lines kept appearing .

He needed to get out of here , and quick . Zac hesitated whether he should use Flashfire Flourish] or one of his escape talismans , but he ultimately decided against it . Space was too damaged around him . There was no telling what would happen if he used that kind of item . Most likely , he would be ripped apart during the transportation , especially if he was dragged through one of the lines .

As he considered his options , Zac infused some Void Energy into his Spatial Ring to take out a Peak-quality Pseudo D-grade Soldier Pill and a Healing Pill of similar quality . A surge of warmth and power coursed through his body , recovering some of the exhaustion he’d accumulated over the past days . He was desperately hungry as well because of Adamance of Eoz] , so he crammed some dried Beast King meat into his mouth . What to do?

A gleaming leaf appeared in front of the edge of his axe , but Zac didn’t even get the chance to launch it before it was ripped apart by the storm . Hundreds of leaves shot out from Zac’s body next as he activated the area attack of Nature’s Edge] , but the result was the same . His skill couldn’t affect , let alone break apart , the storm around him .

Zac considered trying Arcadia’s Judgement] , but he was pretty certain the hand would be destroyed before he could even finish his strike . Worse , they might conjure more of those white lines . Neither did Earthstrider] work . It couldn’t be activated in this weird pocket of space . For lack of better options , he could only try the same method he used in outer space or the Void .

He deactivated Void Zone] , and the storm came crashing toward him . Zac released an explosive burst of Cosmic Energy from his hands , and he felt a surge of victory as he was propelled backward . He reactivated his nullification zone the moment he gained a bit of momentum , but was still left with a couple of nasty lacerations to join the previous wounds .

The surroundings didn’t change at all from his jump , though Zac did notice something interesting—the storm around him was slightly weaker than before , especially in one particular direction . He didn’t believe it was thanks to him moving farther away from the explosion—he’d found an outlet .

This was exactly what Zac hoped for . A massive eruption like this should have created some tears in space , be they breaches , convergences , or good old-fashioned spatial tears . That was his best chance of getting out of this place alive , even if he got captured by a space fish like the last time he tried something similar .

Five jumps and a new cross-section of painful cuts later , Zac found it . It was a jagged tear that ran for around fifty meters , and it almost looked like it was pulsating as it swallowed one mouthful of Spatial Energies after another . It appeared stable , but he knew how spatial tears could suddenly disappear without warning .

Zac only looked back one final time before jumping into the tear . The roaring chorus of broken space was replaced by a deafening silence that felt like music to his ears . It didn’t look like he’d entered the Void , but rather a region that partly resembled outer space .

There were dozens of floating glistening spheres , creating dizzying patterns as they swam about . They weren’t planets—they weren’t that far away from him . Zac could vaguely see all kinds of familiar scenes from the bubbles as well , landscapes that looked a lot like the ones in the opalescent barrier when they entered the Void Star .

The spheres were Mystic Realms , or at least windows into them .

Lights of pure Spatial Energies stretched between the realms , and Zac frowned when he saw how some of them flickered . Suddenly , one beam was extinguished , at which point one of the windows dissipated into nothingness while the others continued their dance . Seeing the lights and the spheres , Zac’s thoughts were drawn to the Spatial Cortex with its nodes and strings .

Was this another facet of the Spatial Cortex , where this web of Mystic Realms was the planes it connected? More importantly , what would happen if these lights were all dimmed out? Would he be stuck in this no-man’s-land between realms? As the thought struck him , another pillar dimmed , which disconnected yet another realm from the shrinking network .

Zac didn’t want to stay and find out what would happen if he overstayed his welcome , so he flew toward the closest Mystic Realm . Even if these realms were to be disconnected , it was better to be stuck in a stable Mystic Realm than here . The bubble grew closer and closer , and Zac inwardly nodded when he saw a lush forest within . That realm seemed good enough to camp out in .

But just as he was about to jump into the window , he urgently stopped his momentum as his gaze shifted to another realm in the distance . He could feel it—the call of the Left Imperial Palace . There was no hesitation as Zac made a beeline for that other Mystic Realm , even if it looked pretty ominous . It was barely visible in the darkness of space , like it was a world without a sun .

Suddenly , a wide smile spread across his face , and Zac once again thanked the lucky stars for his massive pool of Luck . Not much was visible through the lens , but he was almost certain he’d seen a Ferric Voidwyrm fly past his vantage before disappearing out of view . If this wasn’t a sign he was on the right track , then nothing was .

A spatial talisman appeared in Zac’s hand , and a set of blue runes lit up around him as he pierced into the realm . There was no resistance as he entered the sphere , and after a brief bout of vertigo , he found himself falling toward the ground . Zac looked around , and there it was—a dozen Ferric Voidwyrms in the distance .

He couldn’t see where they were going , and a moment later they’d been swallowed by the darkness that spread out like a blanket across this Mystic Realm . Even then , Zac didn’t try to catch up to the beasts . He was wounded and exhausted , and he needed to recuperate before he tried to hunt any Beast Kings .

A minute later , he slammed into the ground , thankful there weren’t any beasts nearby . There was actually some vegetation in this sun-deprived plane , and he’d landed in a sparsely forested grassland . A sudden pulse welcomed his arrival , and Zac looked at the sky with a heavy heart . He’d finally caught onto a clue again , but it’d cost him a lot .

He wasn’t close to anyone in the squad except Vai , but most of the fallen were good people who only wanted to get by . Yet they’d died in such a horrific way , all because of that act of madness . Shaking his head , Zac walked over to a crooked tree and sat down with a grunt as a few of the wounds opened up again .

Luckily , Zac had a good chunk of Kill Energy left in his body after defending the Spatial Cortex for days , and his wounds started to rapidly close as he activated Surging Vitality] . While letting the skill do its job , Zac also took out a massive slab of meat and a Cosmic Crystal . He ferociously scarfed down the energy-dense meat as he tried to recover energy as quickly as he could .

The ambient energy of this dour Mystic Realm was almost as high as Earth’s , meaning the place could be crawling with Beast Kings even if he hadn’t spotted any from up above . However , he only managed to get a minute of peace and quiet before he looked up at the sky with mute incomprehension .

A few moments later , a pale Vai landed right next to where he did , and her eyes lit up when she saw Zac sitting not far away . Zac wordlessly stared at the researcher , so surprised he forgot to eat the massive club in his hand . How was this possible? Vai was even closer than him to the detonation , yet she was in even better condition .

Apart from some light wounds , she seemed to be in good spirits , at least physically . That alone was enough for Zac to become cautious . How had she made it through that terrifying storm? Without his Void Zone] , he would have died within a second or two . And why had she appeared here , hot on his heels? He’d chosen this place because of the signal—why had she?

You’re alive , - Zac slowly said as he stood up , the crystal in his hand once more replaced by an axe . - Who are you? -

What? - Vai said , her eyes wide with alarm and confusion . - It’s me . Vai . -

That explosion was enough to take out almost anyone in our squad , - Zac said . - I only survived by dumb luck . Yet you , an E-grade cultivator , is fine? And how can you appear here , of all places? -

Well . . . It’s not a coincidence . . . - Vai hesitated . - I-I followed you . -

How? - Zac frowned , the grip on his axe tightening .

Your token , - Vai said with a pleading look as she pointed at the token attached to his belt . - I— -

She didn’t get any further before the sky rippled again before it spat out another familiar figure—a bloodied and battered Uzu . The air around him was lit up by several odd barriers—most likely the reason he was still alive . The moment he passed through , he threw something into the air behind him which caused the area to shatter like a mirror before space congealed again . Zac guessed he’d destroyed the window .

Come , - Zac said with a low voice , and Vai scurried behind the tree as Zac cracked his neck .

Zac didn’t see it as a problem that a potentially hostile Hegemon came falling from the sky—he saw it as pretty good luck . It was an opportunity to get some answers , so Zac took a small step forward , making sure to release some of his aura . Uzu obviously sensed him , and he landed a few meters away soon after , smiling wide .

What a coincidence , - Uzu grinned as his eyes traveled between Zac and Vai . - Both guardian and ward , in one piece . I’m quite impressed . -

Why? - Zac asked with a somber and slightly fearful expression .

There was something odd about Vai , but Zac’s gut told him she wasn’t a traitor to the Void Gate . He rather felt her identity might not be exactly what she let on . Still , he took a few steps away from Vai and the tree just in case .

Does it matter? - the Hegemon said with a bloody grin as he ate a Healing Pill .

You’ve sabotaged a mission of the Void Gate . Of course it matters . An enmity with them will cause trouble wherever you go , - Zac said with grit teeth . - And now we might be stuck here . Even if we make it back to the surface , then what? You’ll be caught , and I’ll probably be implicated because I’m unattached . -

Who said I’m leaving that way? - Uzu snorted . - Did you really think that’s how the Void Star works? A balloon with smaller balloons inside? Nonsense . It’s a network that lets these people steal the opportunities of a whole Sector . Besides , they’ll have their hands full sooner or later . War is coming , and they won’t have time to bother about little people like you or me . -

War? - Zac said , and his eyes widened in genuine shock . - You’ve sided with the invaders? How? They should still be stuck in— -

I’m surprised you know about the outsiders , - Uzu smiled . - As for how , it’s not complicated . Like I said , these realm thieves have stretched their greedy hands all over Zecia , including the Million Gates Territory . But they overestimated themselves . -

Zac expected all kinds of justifications for Uzu’s betrayal , but they were based on the Hegemon working as a spy for other peak factions of Zecia who wanted to harm the Void Gate . To think he actually worked with the invaders , who everyone still thought were stuck in the deeper regions of the Million Gates Territory .

What if they were wrong? By the sounds of it , some sort of pathways connected the Void Star and the Million Gates Territory . His thoughts turned back to the bloody teleportation room back when they first entered the Void Star . Had infiltrators already appeared in the Void Gates , even in Salosar?

Likely , there were already invaders in Salosar . Where else would Uzu have made contact? As far as Zac knew , this was the Hegemon’s first mission , which meant he must have changed his allegiances earlier . Either that , or during the month-long trip onboard the Cosmic Vessel . But how could someone convince a Hegemon to take such a risk in that kind of situation?

No matter what the truth was , Zac got a sinking feeling . For the invaders to have infiltrated a faction like the Void Gate this quickly , their methods had to be incredible . Even worse , it seemed unlikely they stumbled into the Void Star by accident . They had a goal and a plan .

Until now , the invasion had felt abstract and distant . But suddenly , it felt all too real .

44

UZU

The news about invader influence deep in the Zecia heartlands was shocking , but Zac wasn’t as surprised that Uzu had betrayed the Void Gate—few Wandering Cultivators held any allegiances except to themselves . What did Uzu care about which sects controlled this Sector? If these invaders paid well enough , he was probably more than happy to sabotage the Spatial Cortex .

I’ve seen your potential . I can introduce you to my contact , - Uzu continued when he saw Zac’s thoughtful frown . - You wouldn’t believe the means of these people . Did you know? Their Sector is unified—ruled by a supreme expert at the level of the Eveningtide Asura . Zecia’s powers are doomed . Why fight for these corrupt factions that left you to fend for yourself? Join us , and we’ll seize a proper place in the new world order . -

Zac’s eyes thinned at that . A warrior at the level of the Eveningtide Asura? Uzu no doubt referred to an Asura at the level of when he came back to Zecia for vengeance rather than his far-greater power as the Twilight Lord , but it was still extremely daunting . That kind of power couldn’t be nurtured on the frontier . Even if you encountered some unique opportunity and rose above everyone else—why stay in the frontier?

Someone like that had a shot at Autarchy and should have set off for greener pastures .

They have so many methods—they can even help you reach Hegemony without risking everything , - Uzu continued with an enticing smile .

Hegemony without risks? - Zac said thoughtfully .

The law of balance demanded an equilibrium of risk and reward . Of course , that wasn’t to say the law couldn’t be broken . The impossible could be made possible so long as you were willing to pay the price . The Great Redeemer was living proof of that , where he progressed through the sacrifice of whole planets . But that was the ways of dark unorthodoxy , a path of evil .

The deep scar left behind by Havasa’s swing earlier suddenly got a new meaning . That attack should have left him half-dead , yet Uzu stood here with a decently stable aura . But from within that wound , a rank and sinister aura leaked out , and Zac could barely spot some dark-red strings keeping Uzu together , pulsing with malevolent power . Was this ability a gift from his new benefactors?

Were these invaders unorthodox cultivators? And if what Uzu said was true , that meant the whole Sector followed an unorthodox path . Wouldn’t the System strike down such a place , either directly or through lucrative quests?

Creating a real Cosmic Core is my only goal right now , - Zac said , drawing a gasp from behind . - What do you want in return? -

Simple—kill the girl . She’s dead weight and cannot be allowed to go back , - Uzu shrugged . - That way , you prove your allegiance as well . -

Ah , - Zac sighed as he glanced at the little researcher , who fearfully shrunk back behind the tree .

The next moment , she was thrown away by one of Vivi’s vines as an almost invisible sword beam shot out from a ring on Uzu’s finger . Zac looked like he barely managed to stumble out of the way , but the ground beneath him cracked as he shot toward the Hegemon with a ruthless gleam in his eyes .

Fool , - Uzu laughed as the massive broadsword appeared in his hand .

Zac had hoped to keep Uzu talking a bit longer , even if he knew the Hegemon was only stalling to recover his grievous wound . Zac had monitored Uzu since he tried to trick people into Hako Lake , and he’d long since realized his open facade hid a sinister schemer . Of course , until now , Zac thought his devious methods were only meant to take out the competition and gain a larger share of the bounties .

Now , it was clear he played an even bigger game . Zac wondered if his greedy personality was also a ruse to hide his true intentions . In either case , Zac knew there was no way Uzu’s offer was genuine . Why would Uzu risk his payout for a stranger , and potentially introduce someone these invaders would value more than him? He only wanted to sow a seed of doubt to create an opening .

Unfortunately for him , he was talking with Zac rather than the real Gaun Sorom , and the promise of breaking through only served as an early warning rather than a distraction . Zac didn’t need the help from some random frontier Sector to progress , and neither would he kill a friend just to join some shady organization of traitors .

Besides , his effective Luck was over 1 , 500 now . He’d sensed a subdued danger from the Hegemon since he appeared , a warning that had turned into a siren the moment he surreptitiously activated the offensive treasure on his finger .

Cascading waves of killing intent emanated from Zac’s body , and the common axe in his hand was replaced by Verun’s Bite] . The mission had failed and most of the squad was probably dead . Stuck in this Mystic Realm with a hostile Hegemon and invaders lurking about , the time for stealth was over . Time to get back to his roots—pure unadulterated violence .

Uzu seemed a bit surprised at the density of Zac’s killing intent , but he maintained a confident demeanor . Even if he was wounded , so was Zac . And one was a true Hegemon while the other had a failed core . A storm of blades shot toward Zac as Uzu swung his broadsword , creating a cone of utter desolation that continued for hundreds of meters .

Zac had no time to worry about Vai , figuring she’d be fine as she’d made it here in one piece . A storm of leaves spread out from his body as Zac released a horizontal swing . Nature’s Edge] was not only imbued with the Branch of the War Axe this time , but also the Branch of the Kalpataru in one of his self-made Dao Braids .

The combination resulted in a terrifying force that effortlessly warded off the innumerable blade beams inside Uzu’s attack .

Wh— - Uzu exclaimed with surprise at the unexpected strength in Zac’s attack .

Zac wasn’t about to give the man any time to adapt , and clouds of dense Life and Death were unleashed with two rapid swings . The Abyss and Arcadia made their appearance and conjured the signature delimitation that cut through everything as it flew toward the Hegemon . Uzu had just been about to soar into the air , but Zac’s Branch-empowered Rapturous Divide] forced him back on the ground as he countered with a herculean swing of his own .

His broadsword was covered in a radiant swordlight which blocked the incoming spatial divide . Zac was slightly surprised that Uzu managed to perfectly block it . However , Uzu’s face turned a shade of green as bursts of blood shot out from his open wound . Blocking Zac’s strike had clearly worsened his condition .

More importantly , the skill kept the Hegemon landlocked . If Uzu took to the skies , the odds of Zac killing him were pretty low . Competing with skills at a distance against a Hegemon wasn’t a good idea—even a recently ascended D-grade cultivator like Uzu should have at least one or two D-grade skills that could make proper use of his enormous energy pool .

But now , Zac was already upon him , having forced the man into a melee—Zac’s forte . The air screamed with keening bloodlust as Verun left chaotic whirlwinds in its wake , the axe heading straight for Uzu’s head while Vivi’s vines attacked Uzu from the flanks like bloodthirsty packs of hyenas .

The cage that kept him restrained over the past month had finally been broken apart , and both his soul and Verun sang with freedom as Zac entered his Evolutionary Stance . Vivi’s vines were already stabbing at Uzu’s vitals while Zac’s unpredictable barrage completely overwhelmed a flustered Uzu , who found it difficult to deal with the surprising amount of force contained with every swing .

Suddenly , Uzu threw away his cumbersome broadsword as two thinner scimitars appeared in his hands . His large and heroic swings were replaced by a ruthlessly efficient technique where his two arms felt like six . His swords seemed to work independently from one another , creating an unpredictable tempo as Uzu attempted to break through Zac’s stance .

The technique was leagues beyond what he’d showcased over the past month , proving once more there was more than met the eye to this cultivator . However , Zac felt it was just a small delay of the inevitable—even if Uzu’s technique showed both proficiency and experience , he was barely in the Formation stage .

If the Hegemon had a vastly superior attribute pool , it would have been one thing , but Zac guessed his own effective attributes were actually higher . Uzu’s raw strength was noticeably worse , while his speed was slightly better . And since Uzu no doubt was a more conventional warrior , without a slew of attributes to prop him up , it meant his other stats were significantly lower .

Uzu’s real advantage lay in his vastly superior energy reserves , but how could Zac let him make use of that? His Cosmic Gaze] was continuously running , and Uzu’s every attempt at activating skills was met with a near-death experience that forced him to abort and respond . Uzu managed to avoid any killing blows , but his face was locked in a pained grimace as smaller cuts kept joining his big wound .

Zac received the occasional cut himself , but he didn’t care . He was swept up with the joy of returning to his path . In every moment , his technique was reborn , creating something better suited to break through Uzu’s defenses . Zac’s soul surged with each swing , and he once more felt that mysterious state of harmony as his Dao spread through the framework of his Thousand Lights Avatar] .

A sudden pang of immense danger broke Zac’s rhythm , and he instinctively dove to the side just as a thorn filled with malevolent energy struck out from the wound in Uzu’s chest . Zac narrowly avoided the ambush , and by that time , he realized he was in trouble . During their fight , Zac had pushed Uzu farther and farther back , but it looked like that was a planned retreat by the Hegemon .

Unbeknownst to Zac , the massive broadsword has silently floated up into the air and was now hovering right above him as Uzu had created some distance .

Die! - Uzu roared as the sword shattered , turning into a pillar of terrifying sword energy .

Zac was extremely surprised—the broadsword Uzu had used for so long was an offensive treasure rather than a conventional blade , one instilled with a powerful Sword Intent Zac doubted belonged to the Wandering Cultivator . He found himself under tremendous pressure from the combined domains of Uzu and the self-destructed sword .

Even with the drastic turn , Zac wasn’t overly worried , as a golden laurel appeared on his head . The dusky Mystic Realm was illuminated in empyrean splendor as the defensive domain of Empyrean Aegis] swallowed not only Uzu , but the whole descending beam of empowered Sword Intent .

Uzu ferociously growled as he unleashed two cross-slashes with his scimitars , but his eyes widened when he found himself stumbling . Zac inwardly snickered , seeing that the man’s feint had backfired . It was the immense suppression brought by the golden domain—the Hegemon had actually tried to fly away rather than attack . Therefore , his circulation of energy had prompted the defensive domain of Empyrian Aegis] to knock him back down .

By this time , the beam of Sword Intent had already descended , its unyielding latent will forcing its way through the golden domain . Even then , Zac didn’t bother with it as he lunged toward his enemy before he figured out he could force his way through the restrictions . A moment later , the beam descended like Heavenly judgement , swallowing Zac whole .

Deep tears stretched for thousands of meters in every direction as the beam exuded a terrifying cutting intent , and space shuddered as it was on the verge of breaking apart . It was impossible to see what was going on within , though the savage energy waves proved it was an unrelenting meatgrinder . One of the golden pillars of Empyrean Aegis] immediately crumbled as cracks spread across the second .

At this time , a bloodied Zac crashed out from the beam , his eyes giving no hint of pain as a flickering golden barrier around him died out . Uzu was dismayed to see Zac survive his finishing blow , but he could only keep going .

By this point , Zac was already right in front of Uzu again , and the four vines of Vivi wrapped around the Hegemon’s arms , temporarily locking them in place .

Uzu broke the vines apart , but Verun’s Bite] , now illuminated with glowing , sanguine runes and two Dao Branches , slammed into his shoulder . A barrier containing hints of the Dao of Swords appeared to shield the Hegemon , but it broke apart in an instant . The barrier shattered , leaving Zac with another set of shallow wounds as the shield turned into an attack .

Even after the surprise attack , the edge of Zac’s Spirit Tool continued unabated until it bit into Uzu’s body . A thick calcified layer appeared on his skin at the last moment as a second layer of defense , but it was nothing in front of Zac’s furious momentum . The Branches of Kalpataru and War Axe were empowered by Spiritual Void] , and Verun itself was imbued with its runes for sharpness and heaviness—the swing currently contained the power to cut through almost anything .

A pained groan escaped Uzu’s lips as Zac finished what Havasa started—a second deep scar ran from shoulder down to his hip . With Havasa’s attack , a gory - x’ had been carved into Uzu’s chest , though Zac’s attack bit far deeper—it cut through the Hegemon’s whole body , including his Cosmic Core .

A second lightning-quick backhanded swing destroyed Uzu’s head , a lesson engraved into Zac’s body after his time in the Orom World . A tremendous surge of energy entered Zac’s body , proving this wasn’t another trick . Uzu was well and truly dead , and his maimed and bisected body fell to the ground , leaving a panting Zac above .

Zac ate another Healing Pill as he thoughtfully looked down at the fallen warrior . After his abrupt victory over the Raun Ghost King , this battle was a good reminder that no real Hegemon was a weakling . Even a Wandering Cultivator like Uzu had a couple of last-ditch measures that were quite lethal . For example , his Peak-quality Empyrean Aegis] had barely managed to protect him from the Sword Intent Uzu had sealed in his weapon .

There was also that thorn Uzu had released from within his body , which was even scarier . That malevolent energy felt extremely threatening . Zac would probably have been grievously wounded if it managed to stab his forehead as Uzu planned .

With that over with , Zac began his customary looting by snatching a bloody Spatial Ring from Uzu’s finger .

He kept searching through pockets for anything of value or anything that could shed some light on these unorthodox invaders . However , a sudden pang of danger screamed for him to watch out , and he urgently shot backward with Earthstrider] .

It was too late , as a gristly explosion erupted from within Uzu’s corpse , completely destroying his body . From within his chest , a tangle of hundreds of malevolent thorns burst out , and sharp spears shot out in every direction . To Zac’s horror , the attack was far quicker than he was , and he felt a sharp pain as one of the spurs dug into his gut .

A storm of malevolent energy flooded his body , and the other parts of the tangle rapidly withered away . Zac had no idea what this thing was , but it acted like a parasite trying to swap hosts . For an instant , Zac felt himself unable to even breathe as the foreign energy somehow sealed his movements and circulation .

But from within , a ferocious thud of ancient voracity echoed out from his heart as Void Heart] woke up with newfound vigor .

The node had undergone a subtle change after swallowing the mysterious light released by the seal of the Left Imperial Palace . It never spat anything back out as it did with tribulation lightning . Instead , it grew slightly larger .

Now , it emitted a stronger pull than it ever had before , while Purity of the Void] similarly released a cleansing pulse with more efficacy than ever . The combined effort of the two temporarily broke the seal on Zac’s body , and he urgently conjured a bladed leaf to cut off the thorn before it transferred any more of its energy into his body .

The parasitic tangle tried to reattach to Zac , but it was rapidly withering away . It looked like it couldn’t survive for long on its own , and a moment later , was gone . Meanwhile , Zac saw a small brand appear by his Specialty Core , formed by the malevolent energies that managed to invade his body .

It didn’t even have time to properly form before it was broken apart and swallowed by Void Heart] , extinguishing the threat before it had a chance to take root .

There was still some remaining energy , but it lost direction after that brand broke . Some of it was eradicated by his Daos , while the rest was dealt with by his nodes . Just half a minute later , it was completely removed . Zac breathed out in relief , but he also felt a bit reproachful over his mistake . Death could really come at any time and in any form in the Multiverse .

With the body destroyed , there was nothing left to investigate , and Zac turned around to see Vai running toward him with panic in her eyes .

It’s a Blood Curse! I’m so sorry . Because you wanted to protect me , you were afflicted by this horrifying thing! - Vai cried with tears pooling in her eyes .

She immediately started rummaging through her Spatial Ring , and one odd contraption after another appeared . - Try to fight the pain , and try not to move—it will slow it down . I’ll try to form a small spatial tear inside your body . According to our research , if I can destroy the main seal quick enough , it will not be able to take root . -

No need , I’m fine , - Zac said as he took a step back , prompting the frenzied Vai to look up with confusion .

You—You’re not in pain? You can move? - she blurted , her eyes glazing over from confusion . - That’s . . . impossible . -

45

STRANDED

I’ve already destroyed the seal and the energies have mostly been expelled , - Zac shrugged as he took out his dried meat , inwardly praising the efficacy of Ryan’s and his associate’s creations .

Every mouthful felt as filling as stuffing his face with a couple of kilos of meat , saving him a lot of time and effort . He’d been hungry for hours by this point , and the last fight had pushed it to the point it felt like his ribs were digging into his stomach . It was a somewhat annoying side effect of Adamance of Eoz] , but it was worth it .

In a heated battle , the node increased the durability of his Cosmic Energy by over 20% , which allowed Empyrean Aegis] to withstand Uzu’s treasure sword . Looking a bit silly and gluttonous was a small price to pay for such a boost .

What are you—No , you can’t just— - Vai said as she scurried closer with a set of unfamiliar gadgets in-hand . - That Blood Curse had been nurtured by a Hegemon . There’s no way you can just remove it yourself . -

Not so fast , - Zac grunted as he levied Verun’s Bite] at Vai while he continued eating .

Please , let me check on you! The longer you wait , the worse it will get , - Vai said , tears once more pooling in her eyes from the anxiety .

Not before you tell me your real identity and why you know about Blood Curses of all things , - Zac countered . - You’re hiding something—you might even be another traitor like that friend of yours . Unless you can dispel my fears , we’ll be parting here . -

No , I’m not! I-I—You , - Vai sputtered , her brain seemingly short-circuiting from trying to both defend herself and urging Zac to let her treat him .

Eventually , her eyes shone with determination as she took out a small crystalline sphere from her Spatial Ring . It looked like a little ball , but emitted Spatial Energies that contained a level of Dao that was far beyond anything Zac had seen before in the Void Star , even from the Cortex . It was crammed full of energy , and feeling like a hundred Void Balls] had been pushed together into one terrifying megabomb .

What’s that? - Zac frowned as he flashed over fifty meters away with Earthstrider] .

Thankfully , Vai didn’t throw the thing at him . Instead , she infused a bit of Cosmic Energy into the ball , prompting a dense spatial wall to spring up around her . It looked extremely sturdy , almost like it had created a pocket dimension completely separate from this layer of space . It reminded Zac a lot of the methods the Orom used to create nigh-impenetrable barriers .

I’m really part of the Void Gate , - Vai said after she deactivated the bubble . - This is how I survived the chaos . It’s a sphere that holds a finite amount of a Monarch’s energy . -

Zac slowly nodded at her to continue , inwardly realizing he’d forgotten an important danger in the Multiverse . Most of his excursions were controlled by the System . The Tower of Eternity , the Twilight Ocean , the Sovereignty-quests—they all had restrictions on the equipment trial takers could bring , while the Orom World had its own set of rules that were even more stringent .

This was the outside where anything could happen . Zac still remembered how he’d almost died to Salvation long ago because he had an amulet with a wisp of the Great Redeemer’s soul . That weird Blood Curse just now could also be considered that kind of outside tool that wouldn’t necessarily be limited to the level of his enemy . Going forward , he needed to be more careful about these kinds of things .

Certainly , these self-contained items generally required time and effort to create—a Monarch would have to cut off a piece of their soul to keep that massive amount of energy in check . They wouldn’t do something like that just to make a little bit of money , but they might leave something for a promising descendant .

I’m not a descendant of a Monarch , I came from the outside , - Vai explained when she saw Zac’s expression . - When I was accepted by the Void Gate , my only blood relative—my sister—was moved to one of the mortal worlds of the Void Gate instead . She had no talent for cultivation , unfortunately , and passed away just sixty years later .

Her constitution didn’t even have the capacity to reach E-grade , - Vai sighed . - The same was true for her children and grandchildren . When they passed , I distanced myself from my mortal descendants . It was too painful to see one generation after another die . -

Zac inwardly sighed hearing her story . This was the fate of cultivators , and a reason so many at the top became detached . They stopped looking at the young of their clans as individuals because they couldn’t deal with the constant deaths . 90% of those they saw on the streets would die during a single retreat of secluded cultivation . One day he , too , would possibly reach a point where he barely recognized any of his subordinates .

Learning about Vai’s origin was interesting , and it explained why she’d been so angry when she thought he was planning on stealing donations to the public schools . However , it didn’t explain why she was running around with an extremely powerful treasure ball that only the most treasured scions would get to use .

Much later , a distant descendant of my sister was born , and she had far-greater talents than I . When she was born , thousands of spatial creatures came to greet her , and she was immediately adopted into the Void Monastery . Today , her name is Leyara Lioress . -

What? - Zac exclaimed . - You’re lying . -

Vai quickly shook her head and took out another item , this one an Information Crystal . However , there weren’t words recorded , but pictures . In the first picture , Vai and a young girl were sitting in a garden . The girl appeared to be around ten years old , though Zac could still make out some familiar features .

One image after another followed the first , all of them showing Vai and Leyara as the latter gradually grew into the stunning beauty he met in the Tower of Eternity . Zac looked at the transition with marvel . The long lifespans of cultivators made for some odd imagery . The first picture made it seem like Vai was the big sister or perhaps even a young mother , but the last image made it look like Vai was the younger sibling . She was a constant while Leyara kept changing .

Of course , that was just a small , fleeting observation drowned out by the surprise of them having a common acquaintance .

The world was truly full of coincidences . Zac had chosen to avoid contacting Leyara out of security concerns since he had no way to contact her without exposing his identity , and he feared he would be killed long before his message ever reached her . But now , it turned out he’d been traveling with Leyara’s great aunt for months?

I didn’t even know she existed , but she first visited me around two decades ago , - Vai said with a smile as she carefully stowed the Information Crystal . - She was a bit lonely , I think , so the Void Monastery sent her to me . So , when little Lara heard I was entering the Void Star , she sent me some things to keep me safe . That sphere was made by the Void Priestess herself . -

If you had such a backer , why did the others treat you almost like a secretary? - Zac asked with confusion , remembering how Vai seemed to be solidly in the lowest social rung among the small group of researchers .

I didn’t talk about it with my colleagues . - Vai weakly smiled , before her eyes once more widened in alarm . - Ah , the curse! Please , let me help you . You cannot imagine how damaging a Blood Curse is . -

What about the Blood Curse? Why do you know about that? - Zac asked , ignoring her panicky and urgent expression .

Three years ago , our chapter was sent a large number of tomes on various sacrificial rituals and curses , - Vai said with helplessness , her face scrunching up with disgust . - We didn’t understand why—our research was focused on the Void Star . We figured some unorthodox cult was causing trouble in the region , and we needed to figure out how to expose cultists and help those who’d been cursed . -

How did it go? - Zac asked .

Well , the research is still in progress , so I can’t break the curse with an array breaker , - Vai said with worry . - That’s why we need to try and blast it into a spatial tear . Now please , let me help you . -

Alright , alright , - Zac finally relented with a smile . - See if you can find something . -

After having seen the pictures , Zac was almost certain Vai was neither a traitor nor a spy . Her story meshed with his gut instinct as well , except he’d thought she was a descendant rather than an ancestor of a Void Gate bigshot .

Seeing that Zac finally gave the go-ahead , Vai eagerly ran over with a circular glass pane . She infused some Cosmic Energy into it , prompting a blue rune to light up in its center . Zac looked on curiously as she placed it in front of his navel , but nothing happened to the tool even after ten seconds and multiple energy infusions .

Huh? - Vai muttered with a frown as she moved the glass disk all over Zac’s body . - What’s going on? Where is it? -

I told you , I destroyed it . - Zac shrugged and took out Uzu’s Spatial Ring . - More importantly , can you check this thing if there are any more traps on it? -

It didn’t look like Vai even heard him as she kept muttering about permutations as she took out one tool after another , trying to find the already-extinguished brand .

Did you really destroy the Blood Curse with your own energy? - Vai eventually asked with skepticism after having exhausted all her investigative trinkets .

I ground it down with my Daos , - Zac nodded .

That’s impossible . Those things are designed to be extremely resilient against that—even Middle Branches wouldn’t be powerful enough to break the brand before it settled in your body , - Vai said as she looked at Zac like he was pulling her leg .

Well , I have some other means , - Zac shrugged as he waved the ring . - Now , the ring? -

Still , Vai didn’t make any moves to scan the Spatial Treasure , peering wordlessly into Zac’s eyes . - You showcased at least two Peak-quality skills and two Dao Branches just now , along with a strength that was almost double that of before . You are not Gaun Sorom . -

I guess I’m not , - Zac smiled , making no effort to hide it .

Even if Vai was a bit ditzy and inexperienced , she wasn’t a fool . There were too many differences to simply handwave away with a vague explanation of having found a trove . Even showcasing one Dao Branch and Vivi was pushing it , yet that was just the tip of the iceberg .

Why are you hiding your real identity? - she asked .

I got into a conflict with a scion of a powerful C-grade clan . He died , which enraged the elders . Now , I have a big bounty on my head , - Zac said . - Even if I don’t think the Void Gate would care , I couldn’t be sure how individual Hegemons would react . -

Of course , that was just part of the reason , but it was a good enough excuse .

A bounty? - Vai exclaimed . - What clan? Maybe Lala can help . -

Tsarun , - Zac shrugged .

Those people are no good , - Vai muttered . - A lot of the research materials had been confiscated from a research base believed to be theirs . -

The Tsarun is working with the invaders? - Zac exclaimed .

No , not that we know of , - Vai said . - Those materials were confiscated thousands of years ago , and we simply used them as a reference for the methods of these new curses and sacrifices . What happened to the real Gaun Sorom? -

Zac wasn’t sure why Vai cared about the real Gaun , but there was no need for him to hide the truth . - We made a deal . I borrow his identity , and he got a Teleportation Token from me . -

And you’re really not part of these traitors? - Vai continued .

No , that doesn’t have anything to do with me , - Zac said with a shake of his head . - I don’t have any grudges with the Void Gate . I’m just here looking for a few things . -

Alright , - Vai nodded . - I believe you . -

Just like that? - Zac said with raised brows .

If you wanted me dead , I would have died already , - Vai said with a small smile . - I trust you . Can you tell me your real name? -

You can call me Zac , - Zac eventually said after some hesitation . - Zac Atwood . -

The more they talked , the more Zac realized the jig was up . He simply couldn’t figure out a way to accomplish his goals and get out of this place without using his real identity . The Cortex had blown up and most of the members were no doubt dead—the moment he stepped out of the Void Star he’d be captured and questioned unless he somehow managed to escape .

Since his identity would be exposed sooner or later , there wasn’t much point in keeping it a secret from Vai .

Atwood? - Vai said , her brows furrowed together . - Why does that sound a bit familiar . . . Are you part of the families of Salosar? -

Something like that , - Zac coughed with a crooked smile , feeling a bit embarrassed .

He’d expected an exaggerated reaction to the grand reveal that he was Zachary Atwood—the Deviant Asura who reached the ninth floor of the Tower of Eternity and brought the Stele of Conflict to Zecia . But the little researcher obviously had no idea who he was , judging by her confused expression . Perhaps she’d heard Leyara mention his name sometime but promptly forgot it after .

So much for fame and notoriety .

Alright , so I’m a bit stronger than I openly displayed , and you have a wealthy descendant . Until we manage to leave this place , I’ll stay on as Gaun , alright? - Zac coughed , eager to change the subject .

Okay , - Vai nodded . - I will help you keep your secret , and I will talk with my niece . She knows a lot of people who might be able to help! -

I’ll rely on you then , - Zac said . - More importantly , the situation is still a bit of a mess . Do you know where we are? -

No , - Vai said as she fearfully looked around , seemingly just now remembering they were in a foreign Mystic Realm shrouded in darkness . - But I think we’ve been transported deeper , where the more dangerous realms are . -

Perfect , - Zac said . So much for the second piece he sensed being at the surface as well . - With the Cortex blowing up like that , are we stuck here? -

The Cortexes do not control the gates between realms , - Vai said . - They simply help stabilize the system . A few realms might have been pushed out of place because of the explosion , but it will take much longer for the network to collapse altogether . -

Was Uzu’s explanation true? - Zac asked curiously . - Are we actually not inside the Void Star right now? -

Well . . . yes and no , - Vai said after some thought . - Both the official model and Uzu’s explanations are true . The Mystic Realms are both here and in various corners of Zecia . Space is split , duplicated in a sense . It’s hard to explain without some understanding of layered realities .

But we aren’t stealing Mystic Realms! - Vai quickly added when she saw Zac frown , clearly mistaking what he was worried about . - The realms we connect and harmonize with the Void Star are hidden far from the main dimensions . Most of them would probably never appear in Zecia . -

So all those beasts in the breachers might come from the Million Gates Territory , or even from the other Sector? -

It’s possible , - Vai conceded . - But it doesn’t make sense . We’ve always stayed away from that region because of the turbulence . We knew that connecting the Void Star with such a chaotic patch of space would wreak havoc on this system . Something must have gone wrong for these kinds of bridges to form . -

Zac thoughtfully nodded , but he inwardly wondered if things were that simple . Certainly , the region had seen a fair share of spatial turbulence lately , which was the reason the Space Gate to the other Sector had appeared in the first place . But it felt too coincidental . Were the Void Gate perhaps advancing their positions to deal with the invaders , but it had backfired?

Or was it related to the Left Imperial Palace?

Had the Void Priestess perhaps finally found the clues she sought somewhere inside the Million Gates Territory? Was that where the piece of rubble he found came from , along with the invaders and beasts? It made sense—for a prize like the Left Imperial Palace , the Void Priestess was probably willing to risk anything , including the Void Star , and perhaps even Zecia as a whole .

I guess it doesn’t matter why the Void Star and the Million Gates Territory are connected , - Zac said . - Why would the invaders want to blow up the Spatial Cortex? -

I think . . . if it’s an invasion , they want to reform the Void Star , - Vai hesitated . - Normally , the only entrance and exit are where we came from , but something has gone wrong . The invaders have found a way to enter the system from the Million Gates Territory . I think they want to destabilize the Void Star and open new exits across Zecia . -

Is that possible? - Zac frowned .

Yes , the Void Gate has occasionally done it when we need to move a large number of people a long distance—it’s expensive , but a lot quicker than using transport vessels , - Vai nodded . - You need to pick a Mystic Realm that isn’t too far from the surface though , and have the tools to force open a channel . -

But if they succeed , swarms of invaders could essentially pop up anywhere in the Zecia Sector? - Zac grimaced .

I think so? - Vai slowly nodded .

Well , that’s just great . -

46

WORLDEATERS

The thought of hordes of unorthodox cultivators popping out of nowhere among unsuspecting citizens was extremely troubling . These kinds of cultivators didn’t have any scruples , and whole worlds risked getting sacrificed for their rites .

I’m sure the Void Priestess will stop it when she finds out , - Vai said . - She is immensely powerful , and she understands the Void Star better than anyone . This might even be a trap and she’s planning a counter-strike against the invaders . -

Zac nodded in agreement . Given the Void Gate’s strength , they should be able to deal with these infiltrators—and perhaps even use them to find the Space Gate hidden in the depths of the Million Gates Territory . If not , they should at least be able to thwart their plans before things escalated .

Ultimately , it was out of Zac’s paygrade . He’d try to take out any infiltrators he could and hopefully rack up some merit , but he wouldn’t delve into the depths of the Void Star and risk his life to destroy the pathway they used . He had enough on his plate as is , and the Void Gate didn’t lack powerful warriors who should be dealing with this mess already .

Do you have any way to contact your niece? Or at least any armies or squads that are in this area? - Zac asked . - They might not know all the details we have . -

That’s . . . - Vai hesitated , looking a bit conflicted .

We’re well past secrets by this point , - Zac snorted .

Well , normally we would be able to send for aid at the waystation , - the researcher relented . - But there’s a problem . It doesn’t work . -

Sabotage? - Zac asked .

Probably , - Vai nodded . - Remember when you asked me what was going on after we entered the second Mystic Realm? The battle scene? The leaders realized that something was wrong with the communication arrays back then . I think they first guessed the communicators had broken down during that fight , but that wasn’t the case . I saw them fail to contact other waystations multiple times since then . -

Zac almost felt it was for the best they couldn’t communicate with the other squads . After all , the next piece of the seal might be in some restricted area , and it was better to ask for forgiveness than permission .

Alright , so we’ll leave notes at every waystation we visit , - Zac shrugged . - That way , we might be able to help combat the invaders . -

Do you think we’ll be fine? - Vai asked with worry .

The invaders can’t send any real dangerous people through the Space Gate so far , from what I’ve heard . Early Hegemons at the worst , so it should be fine , - Zac said . - This is even an opportunity to rack up some contribution . -

Not that , - Vai whispered . - What if they really have someone like the Eveningtide Asura? That man killed so many people , and the elites of the Sectors were almost helpless against him . -

That’s for the bigshots to worry about , - Zac said . - I’m sure they’ve prepared some measures since the Asura appeared last time , right? -

And the others , do you think they’re alive? - Vai asked as she looked up at the sky .

Maybe? - Zac ventured . - Teo was a defensive Hegemon , and he might have been given some special items as a leader of the squad . He might have managed to lead some to safety . You saw how Uzu destroyed the entrance behind him—they might have been hot on his heels . -

You’re right! - Vai nodded , her eyes lighting up . - I’m sure they are fine! -

Zac nodded , though truthfully , he wasn’t too convinced of his theory . Uzu seemed to only care about himself , and he wouldn’t be surprised if he destabilized space to kill or trap Ilka rather than escape his pursuers .

Alright , we should move . Nothing is gained by staying here , - Zac said as he turned toward the dense brushes in the distance . - Besides , I don’t think they’ll allow us to just sit around here . -

Wh— - Vai said , but her words got caught in her mouth as dozens of grotesque creatures came running out of the bushes .

They were bipedal creatures that were essentially just two legs and an oversized mouth , followed by a feathery tail that stretched out twice their length . They didn’t have any eyes , but they clearly knew where Zac and Vai were . Zac picked up the researcher with one of Vivi’s vines while he unleashed a barrage of Dao-infused leaves in the direction of the beast .

Zac didn’t even look to see the result of the attack as he rushed in the general direction he saw the Ferric Voidwyrms fly toward . However , he soon slowed down as he peered into the darkness with confusion . Zac expected a drawn-out hunt , but was surprised to see the beasts stopping almost immediately .

A few of the creatures had been killed by Nature’s Edge] , and the remaining beasts had immediately given up on their pursuit to instead feed on their fallen brothers . So much for camaraderie in this place . Was prey that scarce in this world that they even fed on their own?

The beasts weren’t stronger than Middle E-grade on average , but Zac had no reason to stay on and kill them all . If these things had been attracted , it might mean that nastier things were on the way . He let the beasts feed on the carcasses as he disappeared into the darkness , each step taking him and Vai hundreds of meters away .

Only a couple of minutes later did Zac slow down after having almost fallen into a tar pit . There was something about that bubbling darkness that made Zac’s hair stand on end , and he quickly created some distance . Still , the visibility was an issue . It was almost impossible to see in the darkness , and even Cosmic Gaze] was suppressed . The next thing they might run into could be a powerful Beast King instead of some tar .

Zac kept moving until he found a secluded spot , at which point he stopped and threw out an illusion array that covered them .

This place is a bit troublesome , and I’m not too good at scouting . Do you have any way of spotting dangers? - Zac asked .

Vai’s head immediately bobbed as she took out a glass bowl that held shimmering lights within . - This treasure can spot energy signatures around us , even those that are hidden . -

Another present from your niece? - Zac asked with a smile .

In case I got lost , - Vai admitted with a small blush .

It looks pretty useful . Can it detect all kinds of signatures? - Zac curiously asked as he looked at the lights within . - Including treasures? -

Ah? Yes , well , - Vai hesitated . - I think so? It’s difficult to discern what every signal represents . It’s usually a powerful beast , plant , or natural formation . -

Perfect , - Zac said . - I’ll carry you with Vivi while you keep watch . If you see me running toward something dangerous , stop me , alright? -

I’m not very . . . - Vai suppressed a small whine as she looked around .

You’ll do fine . Adventuring is just like researching . Except with more blood , I guess , - Zac said .

A—Well , if you say so . . . - Vai’s expression said she wasn’t too convinced . Still , there was determination in her eyes as she nodded . - I’ll do my best! -

Alright , first thing’s first , - Zac said . - Can you check this ring now? It might explain why Uzu chose this realm . I don’t want to stumble into a hidden base crawling with infiltrators . -

Of course , - Vai nodded before taking out a few of her tools again . - There doesn’t seem to be any arrays or self-destruct functions on the item . -

Move back a bit , just in case , - Zac said .

A moment later , Zac infused a wisp of spiritual energy into the Spatial Ring . There weren’t any traps , but his face still scrunched up into an annoyed grimace . Clearly , there was one thing Uzu hadn’t lied about—the man was flat broke . Apart from the Longevity Pearl , there was barely anything inside the ring .

Just some daily wares , a few dozen cheap pills , a small stack of High-quality Nexus Crystals , and a single Cosmic Crystal that seemed to be mostly exhausted . Zac poured all the random items onto the ground and started rummaging through them in hopes of finding at least one useful thing .

At first , there was simply nothing , until he felt something was wrong with one of the robes . A moment later , he dragged out a stack of documents hidden within the lining . The bottommost document was made from a different material than the others , and Zac curiously took it out to inspect .

There was nothing on it , except fifty-odd paintings of different runes . Zac didn’t recognize them at all—as far as he could tell , some didn’t even follow the basic rules the Apostate of Order’s patterns were based on . However , Zac froze when he saw one of the runes listed among the others on the bottom half of the parchment .

The seal of the Left Imperial Palace .

Having seen the real thing in his vision , Zac could tell it wasn’t perfect . There were some errors in the way it was drawn , which somehow made it lose all of its inherent meaning . Even then , there was no mistaking it . It was at least 80% identical to the real thing . Why was something like this un Uzu’s possession?

This is likely written by the invaders , - Vai said in a low volume as looked at the parchment with interest . - The characteristics in the penmanship and the type of ink are the same as in some of the manuals we researched . But it doesn’t seem to be anything—the runes don’t form a system , and neither are they a message . Do you recognize this script? -

No idea , - Zac muttered as he stowed the parchment in his Spatial Ring .

In reality , he had a worrying hunch ; he might not be the only one looking for the seal . The parchment almost looked like a bounty—Uzu’s contact had probably given it to him with orders to report back if he found anything of the sort . As for the other signs , Zac guessed they were either decoys or perhaps related runes that might lead to the real thing .

How was that possible? Had someone among the invaders managed to get the quest as well? Was the Left Imperial Palace hedging its bets? Or was the System arranging some sort of Battle of Fates? There was no way to tell , but it was a good early warning . Seeing this parchment , Zac knew the odds of him running into invaders had suddenly gone up .

Zac turned his attention to the stack of papers for more clues , but it became obvious the two weren’t related . The notes were a bit disorganized , and the parchments were covered in spatters of blood . Most of them seemed to be blueprints , with some sections having dozens of iterations . At first , Zac thought they were Uzu’s research into forming a blueprint for his core , but it didn’t look like it .

Can you tell what’s going on? - Zac asked before handing Vai the documents .

Uzu wanted to break the Blood Curse , - Vai said as she looked at the diagrams . - But his foundational knowledge was too shallow . His idea was to form an array in his pathways that would automatically be powered by his Cosmic Energy . It would slowly destroy the brand on his core . Internal arrays are extremely complex , and the Blood Curse would have erupted long before he managed to break it . -

Apart from that , there wasn’t much else in the Spatial Ring , including any clues as to why Uzu had chosen this place . Had he simply followed Vai to silence her , perhaps? There was no way to tell , and Zac ultimately burned , purified , and erased all the items and the ring itself with the help of a Void Ball] , much to the confusion of Vai .

Just a precaution , - Zac smiled . - Can’t be too careful out here . -

A-okay . . . I have looked at my token , the closest waystation is in that direction , - Vai said as she pointed to their left . - But I cannot tell whether it leads outward or farther inside . -

We’ll head there soon , - Zac nodded . - But first , I need to find a Ferric Worldeater . -

A Ferric Worldeater? - Vai said with confusion . - Why? -

Ironically , to fight the outsiders . -

Fighting the outsiders? - Vai muttered before her eyes suddenly widened in realization . - You are building a Cosmic Vessel! -

How’d you know? - Zac exclaimed with surprise .

The only useful thing on Worldeaters are their Cores , - Vai said . - As far as I know , they’re mainly used for three things ; Array Cores for local Teleportation Arrays , a few types of Spirit Tools , and Cosmic Vessels . The first is useless for fighting invaders , and you wouldn’t use the kind of tools you can create with them . That means you’re building a Cosmic Vessel . -

Quite the researcher , - Zac smiled .

You should give up , - Vai urged . - The models that use Beast Cores are sometimes called Living Ships—vessels that almost have an intellect of their own . -

Like Tool Spirits? - Zac asked curiously .

There likely are Spirit Tool Cosmic Vessels as well , but those are not the vessels I am talking about , - Vai said with a shake of its head . - It’s more of a passive consciousness that makes controlling the vessel easier . Those ships don’t require highly skilled pilots who can control the complex arrays that make the ships work . You can control them with simplified arrays and thoughts alone .

In return , they are much more expensive and difficult to build . Therefore , few are made—it’s much easier to train pilots . -

Oh , - Zac nodded . - Well , do you have any way to pick out a Worldeater in that bowl of yours? -

You . . . ! - Vai stuttered before she sighed with resignation . - No , but I think I can attract one . I can build an array that copies the energy signature of a Spatial Natural Treasure . It might attract other Space-attuned beasts as well though . -

So we should be somewhat close to a Worldeater’s domain , - Zac nodded . - I saw a few Voidwyrms earlier , so there should be some adults around as well . -

Fifteen days later , two figures sat hidden in an igloo made from what Zac hoped was mud , waiting for their prey to take the bait . One had a calm expression , while the other was holding onto a bellyful of grievances . The mud was something they stumbled onto the second day in the Mystic Realm . It stank to high heavens , but it somehow blocked out both their auras and smells without the energy fluctuations of an isolation array , making it the perfect portable hiding tool .

For Zac , this was nothing—he was more than accustomed to being covered with all kinds of disgusting things . And compared to the Celestial Clay] , this mud smelled like the sweetest perfume . Vai , on the other hand , had a far harder time acclimatizing to the less glamorous parts of adventuring , and there were two dark circles under her eyes as she occasionally looked at Zac with reproach .

This is the last one , I swear . If this one is useless as well , I’ll settle with it and we move on , - Zac smiled . - Besides , you were the one who taught me about the ridges . -

One hundred meters away from them , a shimmering ball hovered in the air , emitting enticing pulses of Spatial Dao . It was the bait that Vai had set up , though it wasn’t the first one . This was the sixth time they tried to attract a Ferric Worldeater . It wasn’t that Vai’s method didn’t work—except for two accidental stampedes that left them running for their lives , the other four hunts had attracted the right target .

However , after Zac was flush with excitement after catching the first one , Vai had informed him that he’d essentially caught the dumbest possible specimen . The way she could tell was that it only had one ridge inside its maw . It wasn’t an exact science , but more ridges generally meant greater potential and a more powerful soul .

Settling for a common Worldeater without spatial affinity was already a compromise for Zac , so he refused to create his tailored Cosmic Vessel with subpar materials . In the end , he’d dragged Vai all across the whole Mystic Realm and through various packs of starved nightmarish beasts in search of a better specimen .

Unfortunately , beasts were just like cultivators , in that most of them were relatively untalented , with only the occasional genius emerging .

Okay , last one , - Vai sighed with relief as she applied some more fragrant salve under her nose . - Though you said that last time as well . -

Well , - Zac coughed . - How does it look? -

Nothing yet , - Vai muttered as she looked into the bowl . - We might have found them all . Worldeaters aren’t that common . It takes both talent and a lot of energy for them to be born . -

Let’s wait a while longer , - Zac sighed .

Another hour passed where the only visitors were the occasional F or E-grade beast that Zac scared away with a burst of killing intent . But finally , Zac saw how a brighter star appeared in the bowl .

A Beast King is closing in , - Vai confirmed . - It’s coming from that mountain—I think it’s a Worldeater . -

Alright , - Zac nodded as Verun’s Bite] appeared in his hand . - Same tactic as before . Don’t worry if it doesn’t work . -

I-I’ll seal it this time , - Vai said with a mix of determination and fear .

A few minutes later , Zac could see it—something that looked like an enormous river in the sky was floating toward them . It was the Ferric Worldeater who’d finally been lured out from within its burrow where it fed on a Nexus Vein . It drew closer and closer , and Zac got ready to jump out .

These beasts weren’t stupid , and the Worldeater would soon realize that Vei’s array wasn’t actually a recently-born Spatial Treasure .

Wait! - Vai suddenly exclaimed . - A second one is—ah it’s so fast! It’s already here! -

47

BLACK HEART

The sun covered half the sky , and its warm rays felt like a caress on her skin . For a moment , it was almost enough to forget that the Heavens were shrouded in this corner of space . But the illusion broke as the sound of a door opening broke the tranquility .

I am sorry for the interruption , but I have gathered the information young miss requested , - Kvalk said as he stepped onto the terrace .

Oh? - Iz exclaimed with anticipation as she opened her eyes .

As young miss had gathered from your , ah , research sessions , there is indeed a war that is about to break out in this Sector , - Kvalk said as he handed over an Information Crystal . - For now , it is contained to a semi-integrated corner of the endless storms that the locals call the Million Gates Territory . A Space Gate is currently forming there , but it’s hidden by the Heavens . -

What about the other Sector? - Iz asked .

They are a Dark Sector ruled by the Kan’Tanu Cult , - Kvalk said .

An Unorthodox Cult? - Iz asked with a frown . - I have never heard of them . -

Neither have I . They are likely some small faction that has taken over either a declining or a remote Sector . Unfortunately , with the restrictions , I cannot find out more , - Kvalk sighed . - For them to control a whole Sector , they are most likely part of a larger faction . Otherwise , some local B-grade force would have stomped them out already . -

I never met a heretic . I hear those people can be quite strong? - Iz asked curiously .

They break convention for power . Those who survive the rites and the backlashes are usually stronger than common cultivators , - Kvalk nodded . - Of course , they are still just ants with a crooked path compared to young miss . -

These natives did not have much information , so I cannot be certain , - the golem continued . - The invaders all seem to carry a somewhat familiar Blood Curse . If I have to guess , then these Kan’Tanu are a branch or subordinate organization of the Black Heart Sect . Perhaps , one of their outer disciples found their way to the frontier . -

I think I’ve heard of them , - Iz said .

The Black Heart Sect are ruthless to others , but more so to themselves . There are seldom more than a million members of their sect because of their standards and recruitment method , and almost all of them are outer disciples . Each candidate is placed in a harsh environment with ten thousand others , each one implanted with a nascent Heart Curse . Every warrior they kill will strengthen themselves , and only one candidate will walk out alive .

To become an outer disciple , a candidate has to survive two rounds , with the second being a battle against 10 , 000 other candidates who survived the first gauntlet . To become an inner disciple , you have to survive a third round in a slaughter-fest among outer disciples . -

A trillion deaths for one cultivator , - Iz sighed . - Why? -

Part of the reason is to find true elites , - Kvalk said . - But more importantly , it’s to strengthen the Heart Curse . With every death , the curse will siphon a small part of the strength and talent of the fallen . With a single round , it will not amount to much , but by the third , an already talented individual will have been pushed a whole tier higher . -

Stolen talent cannot come without a price , - Iz muttered .

It is just as young miss says . The reason it’s called a curse even if it increases your talent is the tremendous fell Karma it carries . It is like an unrelenting Heart Demon that eventually turns most of the members mad . Even those who can resist will find their personalities gradually twisted , - the golem explained . - The curse will also cause them to be beset by terrifying tribulations . -

Ruining their fate for power , - Iz said with a shake of her head . - How pointless . Are all of the invaders like these? -

No , only the elites will have these kinds of curses , and in this area , they will probably have some inferior version , - Kvalk snorted . - To steal providence is incredibly difficult and costly . The common warriors will have simpler brands that will provide power and durability in exchange for their longevity . They are essentially battle-slaves whose lifespan is cut down to a tenth . -

Hm , - Iz nodded .

She was a bit curious if there was any relation between this invasion and the competition her grandpa warned her about , but these natives had no idea what was going on . There wasn’t any point trying to find the answers herself though—there was a much easier solution . She simply needed to find Mr . Bug , and he’d lead her straight into the eye of the storm where the answers waited .

What about the incongruous readings? - Iz asked .

It had been extremely frustrating to finally break into this sealed Sector only to find she couldn’t find Mr . Bug . The image hadn’t been restored since he conjured that ball of Chaos , and now even the tracking feature was acting up . One day the signal would indicate one direction , and the next day it said he was in a completely different part of the Sector .

They’d even tried visiting one of the locations the mirror indicated , only to find absolutely nothing there . Had Mr . Bug figured out some way to avoid detection? That didn’t seem possible . He was far too stupid for something like that . It felt like she was stuck at the finish line , where she’d settled in the hometown of some local family called Dravorak .

They weren’t very powerful , but they did have access to all the local information networks .

These natives haven’t heard of young miss’s associate for years . Instead , I chose to look for clues to the Left Imperial Palace . Since your associate is related to its awakening , I figured we should be able to find him that way . And with the odd readings of the mirror , I have a theory , - Kvalk said as he handed Iz a second Information Crystal .

Void Gate? - Iz muttered as she scanned the contents .

I believe the Void Gate is a branch of the Vigil , - Kvalk added .

Ah! - Iz exclaimed as she stood up . - Mr . Bug is off causing trouble in that spatial anomaly! -

The guardian of the Void Gate is quite powerful , - Kvalk hesitated . - If she’s a part of the Vigil , I fear I’m not her match in my restricted state . -

If this Void Priestess is a part of the Vigil , she will not interfere with the process , - Iz countered as she started packing away her furniture . - Let’s go . -

The local dynasty was wondering if young miss was interested in visiting their inheritance realm , - the golem added . - I think their young master wants to use the opportunity to court young miss . Should I test their fate? -

Don’t bother . What fate can they have? Just ignore those people , - Iz waved her hand as she hurried toward the door . - Come , let’s find someone to teleport us over . -

The thick layer of ash on the ground kicked up the occasional dust cloud in the large hollow . However , the creatures who gathered in ritual obeisance seemed to not even notice the layers that covered their bushy coats of black fur . They simply stared at the ancient temple in the center of the hollow with the dull gazes of fanatics .

How the hell would he do this? There were ten thousand of these bastards , with the weakest of them being Late E-grade . More than two weeks had passed , and none of them had moved an inch .

You still insist on keeping the details to yourself? - Ogras muttered from his hidden chamber in the mountain wall , his aura and words shielded by dense layers of shadows . - No matter what , I am taking whatever’s inside . My guts tell me the most valuable treasure in this godforsaken realm is in there . -

Why the hell should I help you? - K’Rav snickered as he appeared opposite Ogras .

If I die , I’ll be sure to throw you right into the hands of one of the alphas , - Ogras spat . - Have fun slowly getting swallowed and digested by these freaks . -

The goblin glared at Ogras , but his eyes thoughtfully turned to the temple as it released another of its weird ripples .

These buildings might come from the Lost Plane , - K’Rav relented . - I’m not sure how they were dragged to the surface dimension though—we never managed to bring back anything more than energy beings . -

The Lost Plane? The same place as those crazed familiars of yours came from? - Ogras frowned . - Bastard , even now you’re lying? Do I look blind? In what way are those pulses anything like the nightmare plane of the Qriz’Ul? -

He sounded annoyed , but in reality , Ogras was actually inclined to believe the Tool Spirit . Why else would the mysterious brand on his arm urge him forward and respond to every pulse? Besides , finding this place had been exceedingly easy—these temples had called for him since the day he stepped into the badlands .

If not for the worry this was yet another trick by K’Rav , Ogras would have arrived at this place two whole months earlier . And along his circuitous route , he’d spotted three similar ruins , each one surrounded by these humanoid beasts . However , none of the others had called to him as this temple did .

Of course , he still wasn’t convinced this wasn’t a trap , and it took all of his self-control to ignore the beckoning pulses from within .

Ogras was almost certain this was the last piece of the puzzle . Upon finishing the sixth key for his quest in the Ra’Lashar Kingdom , the six tattoos had turned into this singular brand on his hand that still hadn’t shown any use . Initially , Ogras worried he’d lost his opportunity when the bastard of a Tool Spirit activated the self-destruction of the whole tower , but he no longer believed that to be the case .

The brand itself was the reward for managing to pass all six trials of the quest , but it was still a key to a repository . However , it wasn’t the Ra’Lashar Treasury the brand would give him access to , but rather this mysterious ruin that not even these powerful beasts dared enter .

What do you know , fool? - K’Rav snorted . - A little tadpole questioning the vast knowledge of the Ra’Lashar? -

I’m questioning you , you wailing ghost , - Ogras said with a roll of his eyes . - Everything that’s come out of your mouth since we met has either been outright lies or modified truths . Why should today be any different? -

Then why did you ask , you wretched thing? - K’Rav spat . - Now , will you listen or not? -

Go ahead , sing your song , - Ogras said with a generous wave .

Bastard , - K’Rav muttered before the spirit took a calming breath . - The Lost Plane is ancient , and even we didn’t know much about it . We stumbled upon it by accident through a small crack leading into that domain . Our explosive growth was thanks to the few things we managed to extract from that place . -

And your demise , - Ogras pointedly added .

Well , yes , - K’Rav shrugged . - We got too greedy , but don’t think you would fare any better . For one , the truths that place contained beggared comprehension—we only managed to gather some scraps at the edges , and we turned into what you call a C-grade force in a few short millennia . Problem was , something corrupted the Lost Plane long before we found it . -

The Qriz’Ul , - Ogras muttered , his eyes widened with realization as he looked at the thick layer of dust covering the area .

He hadn’t made the connection over the past week simply because the auras of these ruins and the rune parasites were so different , but there was a similarity . Everything those purple scars touched was reduced to dust , just like these ancient buildings seemed to have destroyed all that surrounded them with their pulses .

Those bastards are just a symptom , not the cause , - K’Rav said . - In a way , we believed the Dao itself was the corruption . -

What? - Ogras asked with a raised brow . - The Dao is the Dao . -

Well , I don’t have all the answers , - K’Rav muttered . - We were busy strengthening ourselves—who would bother to look a gift horse in the mouth? I’m sure there was more to it . In either case , these temples might be related to the Lost Realm—an expression of its power without the taint that turned the realm into a nightmare . -

Even if you’re right—so what? - Ogras grunted . - How does that help me? -

These dumb brutes don’t dare to go inside , and there is a big pile of dust right by the gates . Entry means death for these things , - K’Rav snickered before he pointedly looked at Ogras’ arm . - But not necessarily for you . -

Let me guess , I should just rush through these beasts and jump headfirst through the gates in the hopes the brand on my arm will keep me safe? - Ogras asked with a roll of his eyes . - What’s next , should I slather myself in grease and tasty Natural Treasures for good luck as well? -

You asked my opinion , so there it is , - K’Rav said . - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again—nothing great will come without taking some risks . If my idea works , you will pass through in one piece and get your hands on a true relic of the Lost Plane . If it fails , you’ll quickly and probably painlessly turn into a pile of dust .

And don’t tell me there isn’t logic to my plan . You didn’t so much as glance at those other temples we passed , including the one that looked a lot fancier than this one . You clearly believe this place is related to you . -

Why are you being so helpful all of a sudden? - Ogras said with thin eyes .

I can’t reason with a paranoid rogue like you , - K’Rav spat as he flew back into the flag in Ogras’ robes . - Do what you want . I almost hope it fails—that way I’ll finally get some peace and quiet . -

Unless I haunt you in the afterlife , - Ogras snorted as his gaze turned to the valley full of beasts sitting in reverie .

Even if the goblin’s idea worked , there was still the issue of getting through the sea of creatures . These things weren’t like the dumb zombies they’d lured away with some Miasma Crystals back on Earth—these things were pretty hard to trick because of their energy sensitivity . There were also the leaders at the front—six Beast Kings as far as he could tell , each possessing strength well above the average power of a Beast King .

Even then , with all he’d accomplished over the past decade , it should be possible—as long as he dared enter that courtyard .

He pondered any alternatives a while longer , but Ogras ultimately steeled his heart . It was just like the long-nosed little bastard said . Power or death , there was no in-between . If he died , he died—just another forgotten warrior on the path of cultivation . As far as he knew , everyone on the outside believed him dead already , so what did it matter?

Ogras turned to shadows as he slithered down a crack in the mountain wall . He slowly inched his way closer to the outer perimeter of the beasts , wanting to advance as far as possible before he was exposed . Eventually , a few of the humanoids started sniffing the air and looking around , realizing something was amiss . That was his cue—and Ogras exploded into action .

Two rapid teleportations left him in the heart of the horde , but when he tried to flash forward with Darkside] a third time , the dense auras from the beasts barred his path . Even then , it was better than Ogras dared hope for , and a sea of darkness spread out with himself as the epicenter .

Since Sea of Shadows] had been upgraded to E-grade and pushed to Late Mastery , its lethality was simply tremendous , and wails echoed out in every direction . However , the domain didn’t even last a second before it was ripped apart by the sheer number of enemies , exposing six identical copies rushing toward the gate of the temple .

One by one they were struck down , but when the final copy was about to fall , it took out a spear and swiped in a wide arc around him . Over a hundred E-grade beasts were felled in one go , and the void allowed Ogras to activate his movement skill once more . Now , there was only one barrier between himself and the temple—the Beast Kings and their direct underlings .

Ogras waved the Shadewar Flag] , and screams from the depths of the underworld echoed through the hollow as over a hundred specters appeared . They formed a vanguard as Ogras melded into the shadows , his eyes never leaving the closest Beast King who blocked the gate with a massive Dao Field .

The ghosts swarmed the humanoid beasts with wild abandon , but they were being torn to shreds at a rapid pace , unable to withstand the sharp claws of these things . Ogras didn’t care—the moment the spirits were released , he’d already resigned himself to the loss . He could collect new souls for the flag if he made it through this .

A lance of hyper-condensed shadows , surrounded by circles of esoteric runes , shot toward the final guardian , the force contained in the attack far surpassing the F-grade Shadowlance] it had evolved from . The brutal-looking beast wasn’t worried though , and it unleashed a cascading shockwave with a roar .

The attack destroyed everything in its wake as it swallowed Ogras’ skill , but a pained screech echoed out when a lance of darkness pierced through its body—from behind . With Mirage Lance] , real was false and false was real . The Beast King’s keen energy perception had worked against it—instantly realizing that the attack from behind was an illusion .

However , as a fusion of smoke and mirrors , reality was malleable with his evolved skill , where real and illusion switched places just before they struck . Ogras knew the attack was far from enough to deal with these incredibly durable bastards , but the infusion of his Dao had momentarily interrupted the Beast King’s Dao Field .

And a moment was all Ogras needed .

With a flash , shadows swapped places , and Ogras found himself right next to the wounded humanoid beast . Even if it was in pain , it reacted instantaneously with a ferocious swipe that left spatial tears in its wake . The claws tore straight through his body , or rather the body of the mirage that had replaced Ogras the moment he appeared .

As for Ogras himself , he appeared in front of the temple , where his appearance kicked up a cloud of dust . There was no time for hesitation or second thoughts—the Beast Kings had already destroyed the specters and were bearing on him with madness in their black eyes . He leaped through the gate and landed square inside the temple’s courtyard .

The cobblestones beneath his feet oozed antiquity and the solemn atmosphere quieted Ogras’ beating heart in an instant .

The ethereal state didn’t even last for a second before his mind screamed of disastrous danger . Two of the Beast Kings had actually jumped through the gate in their fury , and their claws were about to strike him down .

Ogras was set to evade the attacks , but a sudden pulse from within the temple froze him in place . He briefly felt an odd ripple on his arm and his mind blanked out , overloaded with a rapid succession of images . The first Beast King descended on him a moment later , its claw going straight for Ogras’ forehead .

While there was death , there was no blood . The instant the claw touched Ogras’ forehead , a shudder went through the Beast King and it was reduced to dust in a flash along with its brother . Ogras was fine , and he took a shuddering breath as he woke up from his stupor . It worked—the Voidbrand had granted him access .

He threw a teasing smile at the furious beasts stuck on the other side of the gate , but by the time he turned his gaze toward the decaying temple , his eyes were full of solemnity . The images that had suddenly crammed into his head were scattered and hazy , but one thing was clear ; this place had far surpassed his expectations .

It had far surpassed his realm of comprehension .

Ultom . . . -

48

DOUBLE THE TROUBLE

Zac didn’t have time to react to Vai’s exclamation of a second target before the first one pushed through the darkness , its true form becoming visible . As expected , it was another Ferric Worldeater—a monstrous mix between a flying lobster and a worm .

This specimen was almost two hundred meters long , making it the size of a Cosmic Vessel . Its face was mostly a large maw made from six flaps , like a disgusting , fleshy flower bud opening , an image that was only reinforced when you saw that its mouth was filled with thousands of odd tendrils that looked like pistils .

Ferric Worldeaters didn’t actually have any teeth . Instead , those tendrils had the ability to extract almost any energy from materials it swallowed before it passed as mundane rubble from the other end . Everything from World Cores to Cosmic Crystals and sturdy metals were drained and turned into useless scrap in no time .

Just behind its maw , four claws were attached , reaching roughly twenty meters ahead of its mouth . Two of them were designed for digging , similar to an excavator bucket and a long spike , while the other pair was more like traditional lobster claws . The claws looked a bit odd and misplaced , but Zac had felt firsthand just how quick and lethal those things were .

Thick plates like rusty iron covered their whole body , which was where the - ferric - part in the name came from . In reality , the plates were more like extremely sturdy clay than metal . They had very powerful defensive capabilities , but their real use was the extraordinary isolation effect they provided .

It was these plates that allowed the Worldeaters to dig their way into the center of a planet and withstand the pressure , heat , and powerful energies as they slowly fed on the planet’s core . In contrast to what Calrin’s report had said or what their name implied , they didn’t solely feed on World Cores .

They were happy to eat any powerful source of energy , and they more commonly fed on Nexus Veins , slowly draining and destroying them . Of course , the odds of actually turning into a Beast King without access to a World Core were extremely slim , and they had to replace quality with quantity . Their ever-voracious nature made them a headache , and if not for the useability of their Beast Cores , they would be hunted and eradicated like an invasive species .

Then again , they were quite difficult to get rid of altogether . With the unique isolation capabilities of their plates , they could survive in the Void for years . Not only that , but they possessed a bloodline ability that allowed them to dig open a hole into the Void , where they would hide until the danger passed . Furthermore , their young were often nurtured inside their own bodies , where they received part of the energy their parents extracted , making them hard to target .

This ability for survival was the reason there couldn’t be any hesitation—two of the previous Worldeaters had managed to flee into the Void before Zac could incapacitate them . This time , the situation was even more complicated , with a second Beast King looming in the shadows . Odd thing was , even with Vai’s early warning , Zac couldn’t locate the beast at all .

That didn’t mean Vai was wrong—Zac’s instincts told him something else lurked nearby as well . Thankfully , years of fighting against all kinds of beasts in the Orom World had given him a wealth of experience , and he’d already adjusted his battle plan as he shot into the sky with a herculean leap .

He was still some distance from the Worldeater , which had stopped in hesitation from Zac’s sudden appearance . The Worldeaters were somewhat skittish , but they wouldn’t immediately flee upon the appearance of a human , especially not one with multiple aura-hiding measures in place . Between his aura-hiding bracer and Spiritual Void] swallowing his Dao emanations , he should look like a mortal who somehow gained the ability of flight .

This charade wouldn’t trick anyone for long , but it didn’t need to . A short hesitation was all Zac was after as a storm of fractal leaves shot out from his body , each one of them imbued with large amounts of Mental Energy and his Branch of the War Axe . The innumerable blades raked through the air , forming an inescapable net that stretched for hundreds of meters in every direction .

The forest below was reduced to splinters , and the mud hut was destroyed as well . Even then , Zac wasn’t worried—Vai had moved out of harm’s way the moment he jumped into the air . Not only that , but a new forest rose to replace the one that had been destroyed—a primordial forest conjured with his Ancestral Woods] .

The upgraded version of Hatchetman’s Spirit] had its limitation when fighting in the sky—for example , its teleportation abilities were landlocked . Still , the trees provided him with a series of other advantages , from the attribute boost to the damage-soaking capabilities and improved vision .

A rattling echoed through the air as dozens of blades slammed into the thick plates of the Worldeater , and it screeched in anger at the assault . Shallow marks were left on the surface of the rusty scales , but Nature’s Edge] was far from being able to cut through the plates . Zac didn’t care in the slightest—the attack had already accomplished its goal .

Six deep thuds echoed out the next moment , sounding almost like underwater explosions . The sound came from a set of array flags Zac had thrown out during the chaos , which had then been activated by Vai . Each of the flags created an odd swirl in space that together formed a large cage of destabilized space . It didn’t target the Worldeater though , but rather an empty patch of space .

Part of the reason Zac activated Nature’s Edge] and infused it with his Dao was to hide the array flags . The Worldeaters were quite sensitive to Spatial Energies . Without a diversion , they would probably have noticed something was wrong . There was a second reason as well though—to sound out the hidden threat .

The hundreds of fractal leaves hadn’t managed to actually hit the invisible target , but between the omniscience of Ancestral Woods] and the feedback from the blades , he’d managed to find what he looked for . It was around this area Zac had thrown out his trap , and the results were almost immediate . With space destabilizing , the hidden beast had been forced to the surface—and it was another Worldeater .

It was only 120 meters long , a far cry from its brother . Even then , it looked quite impressive . For one , its shells were a mottled dark blue , reminding Zac of a night sky . Instead of stars , there were small runic patterns that seemed to be natural expressions of the Dao of Space . Finally , it had a 50-meter-long tuft of steel-like hair on its head that swayed in the wind like it was unaffected by gravity .

A Space-attuned Worldeater .

This was exactly what Zac had hoped for , but he stilled his surging heart as he proceeded with his plan . A high-pitched shriek was emitted by the trapped Worldeater , and Zac could tell the array wouldn’t hold for more than a couple of seconds . Hopefully , that would be enough .

Golden runes spread across Zac’s skin , and his aura rose to unprecedented degrees as he activated Arcadian Crusade] for the first time in years . The fires of war coursed in his veins , and Zac was filled with a holy vengeance . Every muscle shuddered with barely contained explosive power , and his rapid heartbeat was a drum calling him to battle .

A huge wooden hand filled with an aura of antiquity appeared out of nowhere , with not so much as a whiff of Cosmic Energy to warn of its arrival . Both the hand and the axe it gripped were covered in golden runes of Arcadia , and its blade descended toward its target—the common Worldeater that was furiously flying to save its brother .

The beast didn’t even flinch from the incoming strike , despite having come out of nowhere . Its attention was fully on the trapped Worldeater , and Zac wasn’t surprised . The Space-attuned Worldeaters were not only valuable to cultivators , but also to Worldeaters themselves . They could lead swarms of their brethren through the vast emptiness of space , finding planets to feed on .

They were the shepherds of their race , almost holy existences according to Vai’s booklet . The Worldeaters would do anything in their power to protect these beings . Zac needed to quickly get the guardian out of the way before he captured the Space-attuned one . That’s why he was going all-out from the start , even using Void Energy to speed up and hide the activation of Arcadia’s Judgement] .

The huge axe descended , empowered by his Dao Braid of War Axe and Kalpataru , his Spiritual Void] , and Arcadian Crusade] . It was the most powerful strike Zac was able to unleash without using something like his Annihilation Sphere . If this couldn’t deal with the beast , nothing in his repertoire could .

One of the Worldeater’s claws rose to intercept the incoming swing . The plated crusher was even bigger than the axe , but the Beast King overestimated its defenses after millennia of being impervious if it thought that was enough . Edge and claw collided , and a loud snap echoed out as the axe cut straight through the pincer almost unimpeded .

That was the weakness of Worldeater plating . It perfectly withstood damage to a certain degree , almost completely nullifying both Dao and energy . But the moment its threshold was surpassed , the plating cracked and lost most of its insulating capabilities . Now , the Worldeater realized its mistake , but the axe of Arcadia’s Judgement] was already descending toward its head like a headsman’s execution .

A series of runes lit up across its plates , showering the area in a bronze hue that managed to impede the axe’s descent . Zac inwardly swore upon seeing that the Beast King learned a defensive bloodline talent . Not all Beast Kings awoke the same Heritage Skills , and only one other Ferric Worldeater had used this talent until now .

With all the power in his swing , Zac believed he’d be able to push through the repulsing domain , though he wasn’t confident the skill would retain enough momentum to kill the beast in one go . Meanwhile , two flags restraining the Space-attuned specimen had already cracked . He was running out of time .

Zac grit his teeth and flashed forward , using one of his aerial steps with Earthstrider] to close in on the Worldeater while the huge axe was still pushing down . A pang of danger prompted him to desperately swing his axe to the side , narrowly avoiding being skewered by one of the Worldeater’s pincers .

A throbbing pain indicated his arm had been wounded by the clash , and he was being thrown away from the Beast King from the backlash . Zac took two consecutive steps through the air , urgently squeezing through the narrow opening he’d forced by cutting off one claw and pushing back another . Suddenly , he was right on top of the Beast King’s head , with his own attack bearing down on him .

There was such a thing as friendly fire with skills , and Zac felt a sense of impending doom as the axe of his own making hung over him . Still , he didn’t have any plan to cancel the skill . Instead , he activated Void Zone] , and his surroundings grew dim as the runes on the Beast King’s plates were extinguished . Unfortunately , the domain only disrupted the skill locally—the rest of the Beast King was still illuminated .

Zac prayed that would be enough .

Just an instant later , the axehead was upon the Worldeater with the resistance gone . Zac quickly deactivated Void Zone and pushed away with Earthstrider] , narrowly avoiding the strike . A tremendous eruption of energy threw him out of the distorted space of his movement skill , and Zac grunted with pain .

A groaning sound followed as more than a dozen ancestral trees withered from soaking up the damage he’d been forced to endure . A second shockwave followed the first , subjecting Zac to even more agony as he was thrown away like a ragdoll . The damage-averting capabilities of Ancestral Woods] could only do so much . Zac’s mouth tasted like iron and a couple of his ribs had been broken judging by the stabbing agony in his side .

Even then , a smile adorned Zac’s face as he crashed to the ground . A torrential current of energy had already entered his body , proving that his gambit worked . The defensive ability of the Ferric Worldeater hadn’t managed to recover in time , allowing the axe of Arcadia’s Judgement] to destroy its whole head and kill it in one fell swoop .

A tremendous earthquake followed as the dead Worldeater crashed into the ground . Zac wanted to close his eyes and activate Surging Vitality] now that the Beast King was dealt with , but there was no time . After seeing its kin getting killed in an instant , there was no way the Space-attuned Worldeater would stick around .

Spatial tears were already appearing around it as the Beast King tried to force open a pathway into the Void . Through his unique vision from Ancestral Woods] , Zac also saw a pale-faced Vai desperately holding on to the array control crystal with blood running down her nose . That was the reason he’d even dared to use his bloodline abilities in the first place . The researcher already had her hands full maintaining the seal .

With Void Zone] not giving off any aura at all , it should be nigh impossible for Vai to figure out what happened .

Another array flag snapped as Zac scrambled to his feet—time was running out . Luckily , Earthstrider] had reset by his landing , and there was still plenty of time on his berserking skill . Even if his body groaned in objection , Zac swallowed a Soldier Pill and leapt into one of the ancestral trees , which instantly teleported him to a tree crown right beneath his real target .

With a push , Zac shot into the air , this time with a golden laurel adorning his head . In his wake , a golden domain rose toward the struggling Worldeater , like a cape made from divinity itself . Facing him was an increasingly turbulent patch of space , which descended into total chaos as the Worldeater destroyed the cage .

Zac’s eyes widened in alarm when he saw the Worldeater starting to phase out again , and he urgently threw out a D-grade talisman . Forcibly activating even an Early D-grade talisman at his level cost him almost 70% of his Cosmic Energy , but space congealed the next moment . It was one of the talismans he’d bought from the Void Gate before setting off , and it solidified space in an instant .

That kind of talisman had all kinds of uses in a turbulent region like the Void Star , from stabilizing convergences to suppressing spatial beasts . In this case , it was the latter , and Zac breathed out in relief upon seeing the Worldeater fail to phase away . Still , a single talisman wasn’t a match for a determined Beast King , and the new seal was rapidly deteriorating .

Thankfully , Zac was already upon the beast , and a series of Dao-infused fractal edges rained down on the carapace . The bluish plates didn’t lack defensive capabilities compared to the normal ones , but it didn’t matter . Zac was doing everything in his power to infuse and cover the beast in his Dao , which would hopefully make it harder for the beast to teleport away .

Together with Vivi’s vines , which had already looped around the beast , and the Arcadian Domain of Empyrean Aegis] , it left the Worldeater unable to open a proper channel to escape . Still , it pelted the surroundings with thousands of spatial tears , and Zac felt extremely grateful for his new defensive skill .

With him being able to form up to nine strings of Mental Energy , he had long since conquered his limitation of only infusing one skill at a time with his Dao . Thanks to that , the golden barrier managed to withstand every tear that slammed into it , though the two pillars on the ground were rapidly being whittled down .

Between the initial blitz and activating the talisman , Zac was running dangerously low on Cosmic Energy even after swallowing a Soldier Pill , but he had no plans of slowing down . This was the best way to deal with Beast Kings—utterly overwhelm them before their almost endless stores of Cosmic Energy could wear him down .

Not that he had an option . Zac’s heart hammered as he landed on top of the beast’s head , just by the large tuft of hair . He could feel how enormous amounts of Spatial Energy churned within the beast , and the forest below him was starting to twist and distort . All his measures weren’t enough—the beast was about to jump away .

Still , Zac stayed on , and a meter-long leaf appeared next to the edge of Verun’s Bite] . The next moment , dense runes covered the leaf as it was infused by Rapturous divide] . Just like last time , Zac flashed his Void Zone] for a moment to rebuff any energies inside the Beast King , after which he unleashed his skill .

Since learning to form his crude Dao Braids , Zac no longer needed to swing twice to activate his skill . Instead , gold and black instantly converged and formed the impassable divide , cutting deep into the head of the Ferric Worldeater as Zac used all his remaining power he had available . The result was a clean incision that exposed both the Beast Core and a good deal of brain matter .

Arcadia’s Judgement] destroyed the brain and extinguished the soul of the first Worldeater , but this was more of a surgical cut . It had almost completely severed the head and its pathways without killing it . The beast spasmodically started to thrash as it fell toward the ground , the damage making it temporarily unable to draw energy from its core . Zac saw the ground rapidly draw closer , though his job wasn’t done .

One huge spike after another appeared in his hand , and he pushed aside his disgust as he inserted them deep into the brain of the beast . It was like the spikes had a life of their own , and they burrowed deeper into the massive head of the Worldeater after getting infused with a burst of Cosmic Energy .

The two were almost at the ground now , but Zac’s full attention was on successfully attaching a red crystal to the Beast Core . A subtle shudder spread from the core , and Zac breathed out in relief . A moment later , the beast simply disappeared , and Zac landed on the ground with a grunt . A quick look into his Beast Pouch confirmed that the bluish Space-attuned Worldeater was lying next to the other one he caught last week , proving the capture was successful .

As usual , things had refused to follow the script , but he’d finally managed to get the last component for his quest—and a Space-attuned Worldeater at that .

49

DEEPER

Even if Zac succeeded , he did feel a bit conflicted upon seeing the motionless Ferric Worldeaters in his Beast Pouch . Neither of them were actually dead—not really , anyway . At the same time , they weren’t quite alive either . The spikes he’d embedded into the beast’s brain had essentially extinguished its soul and dispersed its consciousness , keeping only a small unconscious shred behind . Meanwhile , the crystal he’d attached to the Beast Core would keep energy circulating through its body , making sure the body would stay alive .

It was a bit macabre , but it was a common practice . Some materials from beasts needed to be freshly harvested when used in crafting , and this was a way to accomplish that without needless suffering . With the help of the arrays , the beast bodies could be kept in suspended animation for decades before they expired .

A series of shuffling steps dragged Zac out of his thoughts , and he turned to Vai who was walking over with a somewhat unsteady gait . She was no longer bleeding from her nose and ears , but she was still deathly pale . It wasn’t a surprise—if anything , it was a huge accomplishment for a Peak E-grade hybrid cultivator to contain a Beast King like Vai had .

Are you okay? - Zac asked as he ate a Healing Pill .

My soul was slightly overtaxed , but I will be fine in a day or two , - Vai weakly nodded . - Are we done with the hunts , then? -

We are , - Zac said . - Thank you for your help . Without you , it would have been impossible to succeed . -

You’re welcome , - Vai nodded , though she looked a bit conflicted . - However . . . that specimen . . . It’s . . . -

A good , but absolutely common , specimen , - Zac said with a blank expression .

Ah? - Vai's eyes glazed over for a second . - No , that’s— -

Let’s get away from here before any more Beast Kings comes to investigate , - Zac interjected as he walked away . - Can you collect the mud while I harvest some of the meat from the other Worldeater? -

Ancestral Woods] was still running , and Zac smiled a bit when he saw Vai speechlessly open and close her mouth a few times before shaking her head with resignation . He’d already realized the little researcher was unable to deal with that level of shamelessness , and she could only reluctantly head over to harvest the acrid aura-isolating mud .

Meanwhile , Zac harvested the claws and a few easily-accessed pieces of meat from the dead Worldeater . The Beast Core was unfortunately destroyed , a result of Zac intentionally targeting it . That way , it guaranteed he’d take the beast out of commission .

As for the meat , it was travel rations . The Worldeaters looked a bit weird , but their meat was absolutely delicious . Not only that , but it was chock-full of energy since the Beast Kings spent most of their time siphoning energy from Nexus Veins . It was a perfect ingredient for dealing with Adamance of Eoz] , even if it lacked the further refinement of a professional chef .

They set out just a minute later , rushing toward a nearby cave they’d previously scouted . Vai reluctantly covered the entrance with mud while Zac sat down to properly heal his wounds with Surging Vitality] . His body released creaking sounds as his bones were set and mended , and in short order he released a shuddering breath .

He still wasn’t in perfect condition , but it was close enough . The Healing Pill he ate earlier would finish the job over the next couple of hours . Vai had sat down to recuperate as well , and it looked to be a while longer for her . It gave Zac some time , and he thoughtfully turned his attention toward a node in his head .

Over the past month , he’d fought throngs of Peak E-grade beasts and even some Beast Kings . His next node had long since reached the threshold , and there was more than enough energy left from the previous battle to finish the job . At the same time , he was in a weakened state from his berserker skill .

Zac hesitated until he made a decision .

We’ll leave in an hour instead , - Zac said , prompting a somewhat surprised Vai to nod .

The original idea was to leave after half an hour , but Zac needed more time if he was to break open another node . He patiently waited another fifty minutes to let the sense of weakness leave his body before he erected the layers of Mental Barriers around the node in his head . From there , he infused more and more of his Kill Energy , until the node burst open .

The air around him shifted as Stone of Hope] activated , averting a good half of the damage . From there , the rest was dealt with by his layered defenses , only leaving Zac with a splitting headache and some minor damage to the pathways . Zac took a shuddering breath as he opened his eyes , and he found Vai looking at him with a gaping mouth .

You . . . You are not a Half-Step warrior? - Vai blurted . - But you used a D-grade talisman . No , before that—You forcibly opened a node? What? Wha— -

You know , it’s generally considered impolite to dig into the details of the cultivation of others , - Zac smiled as he ate a Soulmending Pill .

No , I’m . . . I— - Vai stuttered , looking like her brain was overheating from trying to reconcile his strength and previous actions with a Late E-grade warrior .

The act of activating a D-grade talisman alone was almost unheard of in the E-grade . Even Zac wouldn’t have been able to accomplish that if a single one of his advantages were missing—using Void Energy for Arcadia’s Judgement] , or having extra stores of energy thanks to his Draugr side , for example . Even now , he was pushing it .

Don’t worry about it too much , - Zac said as he redrew the broken pathways around the node .

Even if the damage wasn’t too bad , Zac knew he wouldn’t be able to exert more than half of his maximum strength for a few days until his newly-opened node had stabilized . It was a calculated risk . He and Vai had traversed this dour Mystic Realm for over two weeks now , and he was almost certain no lethal threats were hiding in the dark . As long as they made use of Vai’s scouting bowl , they should be able to reach the waystation just fine .

A thousand questions were visibly swirling in Vai’s head , even more than after finding out he’d hid his identity . She managed to restrain her curiosity with a shuddering breath , and looked at Zac with worry . - You’re really fine? I hear forcibly opening nodes is quite dangerous , especially the last ones . -

I’m used to it , - Zac shrugged as he stood . - Let’s get to the nearest waystation . -

Vai slowly nodded , and they set out . There was still an oppressive silence shrouding the forest , an unsurprising effect in the wake of the powerful fluctuations from his battle . Of course , sooner or later some of the starving beasts nearby would take the risk and investigate the smell of blood , which would probably be the start of a stampede .

Zac and Vai would be long gone by then as they made their way through the forest—with Zac running while carrying Vai in a vine seat by his side , guiding him and keeping watch for threats . It was a bit reminiscent of a similar situation way back , and it filled Zac with mixed emotions . However , Vai wasn’t Leviala , and he believed he could trust Vai even when push came to shove .

By the time they reached the waystation a few days later , Zac was already back to almost prime condition . It was perfect timing , as there was still the small chance of invaders hiding in there , even if they still hadn’t seen any indications that would support that theory .

Thankfully , they found the station deserted , though there were signs that someone had passed through the area not too long ago—steps that had kicked up a thin layer of dust . They made a proper sweep of the compound , but there were no real indications if it had been invaders or Templars who’d left the imprints .

Seeing as the failing maintenance arrays hadn’t been reset , Vai suspected the former . The fact the dust wasn’t being swept likely meant the base was running low on power . Templars would have added a set of crystals to make sure the waystation kept functioning until someone could investigate why the base didn’t draw energy from the Mystic Realm . At least the mapper was in working order .

I don’t recognize this at all compared to the last one we looked at . Can you tell where we are? - Zac asked , prompting the researcher to take out one of her tomes .

We seem to be at the edge of the Cortex’s domain , - Vai said after studying the map . - We’ve skipped over five layers , it looks like . But that isn’t the real problem . We might be stuck here for a while . . . -

What’s going on? -

Our region has been cut off by the Cortex failing , - Vai said as she pointed at a large section of dark circles . - And there doesn’t seem to be an easy way to double back . The realms might reconnect after the area calms down in a month or two , but it might not . Depends on how far the Mystic Realms have been moved , and I don’t have any way to measure that . -

So there’s no way out? -

Not the way we came , - Vai said with a shake of her head , looking a bit fearful . - We would have to keep traveling and explore the map for alternative routes , hoping infiltrators haven’t ruined those paths as well . And I’m not confident I can calculate the correct path with all these unstable factors taking place . . . I . . . -

Well , I’m not really heading out , - Zac shrugged . - So that’s not a problem . -

What? - Vai blurted . - No , we need to get out , or at least find a captain! These are the inner parts of the Void Star—this place is extremely dangerous! You’re strong , but there are Late-stage Beast Kings and terrifying environments . -

Zac was a bit conflicted as he looked at the frazzled researcher , not sure what the best solution was . Even if there were dangers , he was adamant about following the signal of the Left Imperial Palace . Bringing Vai along would be for the best as well . Not only did she have that superpowered defensive bubble , but she was also his best bet of getting out in one piece .

But he also felt he was asking a bit much of her by dragging her along on this dangerous mission .

Should he try to bring her out first? According to her , it was quite a journey , and it might even take him in the wrong direction . There was no guarantee he’d be able to make his way back to the pulse with how these Mystic Realms shifted . The same was true if he managed to hand her over to some elite squad—they wouldn’t just let him run off on his own .

Alright , here’s the deal , - Zac said . - I can’t leave this place just yet , and I can’t guarantee I’ll be heading in the direction we need to get out of here . -

What? - Vai said with confusion written all over her face . - Why not? -

Like I said earlier , I need to find something , - Zac explained . - It’s extremely important . -

Something in the inner regions of the Void Star? - Vai slowly muttered as she gave Zac a deep gaze . - Do you know where it is? I can check the map and— -

I don’t , - Zac interjected . - That’s why it’s dangerous . You’re welcome to follow me if you want , and I will do my best to keep you safe . But it might be a better idea for you to stay here and wait for rescue . -

That’s crazy! Even if you can survive the environment , how would you even find it? - Vai said as she looked at Zac like he was a madman .

Don’t worry , I have my methods , - Zac said .

Vai calmed , and thoughtfully looked at Zac until she finally spoke again . - Will you taking this thing harm the Void Gate? -

I don’t think so? - Zac said after some thought . - If anything , me removing it from this place will probably save the life of anyone stumbling onto it . -

Alright , I’m coming with you , and then we’ll leave together , - Vai nodded with a determined expression .

You don’t have to force yourself , - Zac said . - Staying here— -

Those invaders might appear at any moment , - Vai countered . - I’m not safe here either . Besides , how would you even get where you want without me? -

What do you mean? I’ll just use the gates? - Zac said with confusion .

The token of yours will only provide limited access to a small number of waystations , - Vai said with a roll of her eyes . - Our pathways might not normally be locked , but what about now , when there are invaders in here? You might find yourself suddenly stuck in the depths of the Void Star , trapped for years . -

I could borrow— - Zac muttered as he looked at Vai’s token .

Doesn’t work , - Vai interjected . - They’re marked with blood . -

Alright , I guess I’ll be depending on you , then , - Zac said with a weak smile as he turned off the mapper .

Can you tell me what you’re looking for? - Vai asked as they walked toward the gates .

Zac stalled before answering . - I can’t tell you exactly what it is , it’s dangerous . But I have a quest to gather something . -

Did you get the quest here? - Vai asked .

No , - Zac lied . - But I found one part on the way . -

You did? - Vai said with confusion . - When . . . Hako Lake! The breach! -

Zac was impressed by how quickly the researcher put two and two together . He was about to compliment her , but Zac almost stumbled when he saw an extremely indignant expression on her face . Zac wryly smiled , suddenly remembering the bite marks that Vai had suffered . He’d tried his best to shield her , but with billions of critters , some were bound to pass through the net .

I didn’t know taking that thing would conjure an insect tide , - Zac coughed . - Next time , we’ll be prepared . -

Fine , - Vai muttered , obviously holding onto a ball of complaints as she stepped over to the control console . - Which tunnel? -

Zac thought back to the map earlier , which indicated this waystation had access to two different Mystic Realms , each one leading farther into the Void Star .

Uh , can you open both? That way I’ll step through and check it out , - Zac asked .

That’s why you looked so weird every time we entered a new Mystic Realm! - Vai exclaimed . - You always stopped and looked like you had stomach pains . -

Well . . . - Zac grimaced , realizing he hadn’t been quite as circumspect as he’d thought .

A moment later , two of the gates activated , showing almost identical rooms on the other side . Just from his vantage , Zac couldn’t feel whether one was better than the other .

Zac picked the one on the left first and stepped through , and a pulse of confirmation told him this realm was closer to his target than the other . He visited the other one just in case , where a second pulse greeted him . However , this one was weaker than the shrouded Mystic Realm , meaning it was even farther away .

This one , - Zac said , pointing to the left gate as he stepped back to where a curious Vai waited for him .

The researcher nodded and closed the second gate before they passed through . The new realm didn’t seem to have any special attunement , but its energy was quite dense—a clear Middle D-grade realm at that . There was also no sign of anyone having visited this waystation for quite some time , meaning no squads had pushed this deep as far as they could see .

This one might be a bit dangerous , - Zac said as he felt the dense energies swirl around them . - Do you have any notes on these places? -

I don’t have a complete tally of all the Mystic Realms here , - Vai said with a shake of her head . - The inner regions are normally only visited by the elites . I just have some books about interesting phenomena in various realms , places worth studying . -

Zac nodded before taking out his attention-averting cowl . - Here , wear this . It’ll hopefully make any beasts ignore you . -

What about you? - Vai asked with worry .

I’ll be fine . I’m not so easily killed , - Zac smiled . - Besides , I have other , similar treasures . -

It was true , his bracer had a comparable function , which had allowed him to pass through the Coral Forest in the Twilight Ocean almost unimpeded . The only beasts that bothered him were those who attacked him out of malice , while most didn’t care about a small creature that didn’t emit any spirituality or energy .

They left the waystation a while later and found themselves at the edge of an odd jungle that stretched as far as the eye could see . There were no suns , yet there were thousands of small orbs of green light on top of some of the tree crowns . In contrast to the previous Mystic Realm , it was almost blindingly bright , though the atmosphere wasn’t sweltering .

The shimmering orbs didn’t seem to radiate heat , and instead contained massive amounts of nature-attuned energies that created a refreshing atmosphere that had to be perfect for a flourishing jungle .

It’s a primal garden , - Vai whispered with wide eyes . - This place is dangerous , it’s full of— -

A deep roar so powerful that it felt like an earthquake interrupted Vai’s warning . Even Zac’s hair stood on end when he felt the enormous power contained in the howl . There was no way it came from an Early D-grade Beast unless it had an exceedingly powerful bloodline . Unless the roar was all bluster , Zac definitely wasn’t confident in taking it on .

But that small hope was soon dashed . Something else in the jungle had been angered by the Beast King’s outburst , and a piercing screech answered the roar , this one containing just as much power . The two soundwaves clashing even kicked up a storm , and Zac wondered if he were about to witness an apocalyptic battle .

Let me guess , - Zac sighed . - It’s full of Beast Kings? -

50

PRIMAL GARDEN

A primal garden? What’s that? - Zac asked with a low volume as he looked around for threats .

The most valuable plants can rarely be manually cultivated , - Vai whispered . - There is something about domestication that kills the inherent spirituality of plants . Still , we can’t just rely on chance encounters to provide for our needs . So , factions set up these kinds of wild worlds that are mostly untouched . We only modify the environment slightly to suit certain types of plants , and then leave them alone between harvests . -

What about the beasts? - Zac asked .

You should know there is a symbiotic relationship between beasts and Natural Treasures , - Vai explained . - They’re needed to protect and nurture the plants . -

So they have their domains? - Zac said . - Then we should be fine as long as we keep away from their lairs and the treasures they guard . -

I-I guess? - Vai said as she fearfully looked at the vast forest . - Unless there has been a breach to destabilize the power equilibrium in the garden . -

I guess we’ll find out , - Zac said as he formed a vine chair . - Keep a lookout . -

They set out , but they didn’t get any farther than a few hundred meters before Zac stopped again . It wasn’t because he’d sensed any dangers or another pulse from the Left Imperial Palace , but rather a surprising shudder from the spatial tube on his back—specifically , from the wooden ring he’d attached to it .

For some reason , the still germinating Heavenrender Seed had reacted to something around them .

What’s wrong? - Vai whispered , but Zac didn’t immediately answer as he tried to get a sense of the situation through Link of Demeter] , his plant-taming skill .

Vivi , what is it? - Zac asked , which prompted two of the free vines to point toward a certain tree .

It was one of the plants with a shimmering green orb atop its tree crown—though it could be more accurate to say the enormous flower it had in place of branches .

Haro wants these trees? - Zac mused thoughtfully as he went over what Vai just said . Perhaps it wasn’t a coincidence these odd sun trees grew in this place . - What are these things? -

Ah? - Vai said as she looked at the glowing orb on top of the plant . - They are called Repeater Rafflesia] . They extract a lot of energy from the soil and air to form those nature-attuned beacons . They can help speed up the growth of Natural Treasures . -

Can they be planted in a Worldring? - Zac asked .

Vai hesitated to answer . - Beast Pouches and Worldrings slowly draw energy from their surroundings with their gathering arrays . Most of it is used to nurture the beast or plants inside , while some is set aside in case you visit energy-starved areas . -

Sure , - Zac nodded .

This wasn’t any news—it was one of the main differences between a Spatial Ring and tools like Worldrings , with the other one being that space was stable enough to house living beings . Worldrings demanded a constant supply of energy . Depending on what and how much you’d planted inside , the gathering arrays might not suffice .

From there , you’d either have to get a higher-quality ring that could provide a better environment , or you’d have to supply a supplemental source of energy like Beast Cores and crystals . Luckily for him , the Worldring that Heda gifted him was quite High-quality , to the point it would be able to accommodate Haro well into the D-grade .

Of course , the more energy Haro got , the quicker Haro would grow , so Zac was constantly supplying the Heavenrender Seed with Beast Cores . Apart from that , the main body of Vivi had moved into the Worldring , though Zac still kept the tube on his back . He’d tried wearing the wooden band on his hand , but he was simply more used to having the vines coming from his back since getting Love’s Bond] .

The process of these trees is quite energy-demanding—without them , this Mystic Realm would most likely be a whole tier higher , - Vai explained . - They demand a lot of energy , so it would be very expensive to put these kinds of measures inside a Worldring . -

Will the beasts get mad if I take a few of these things? - Zac mused as looked into the depths of the jungle .

You want to steal our repeaters as well? - Vai exclaimed with wide eyes .

Steal? I’m just plucking a couple of flowers , - Zac coughed . - As long as the beasts are okay with it? -

I—Ah . . . Maybe not? The Beast Kings should understand these plants help their treasures grow , - Vai hesitated .

Oh well , - Zac muttered as he walked away , though his eyes never left the tree .

They didn’t dare delve deeper into the jungle , opting to stay close to the edge of the Mystic Realm . It would cost them a few days extra , but it was better than pathing through wilderness controlled by Middle-stage Beast Kings and their underlings . Thankfully , there was a small trench that ran along the edge of the jungle , a manmade path at that .

It was most likely created for the same purpose as they used it for—for the farmers to move between regions safely . According to Vai , there should be some sort of hidden tunnel system as well , but they couldn’t find the entrance . Even if they did , they wouldn’t dare use them—those kinds of paths were sometimes discovered by the Beast Kings and turned into dangerous traps . And with this place abandoned for at least a couple of years , that risk only increased .

Like this , their travels went without issue , though Zac’s gaze often turned in the direction of the sprawling forest and the riches it contained . If he could only find an opportunity to do some harvesting of his own . And finally , after two days of uneventful travel , an opportunity presented itself . A tearing sound echoed out through the realm before the jungle was flooded with foreign energies .

It’s a breach! It has to be! - Vai exclaimed as they climbed up to the edge of the trench .

Zac nodded in agreement . Even if they didn’t physically see the spatial anomaly because of a haze covering most of the jungle , there was no mistaking the energy signatures in the distance . The energy was just like the breaches they’d encountered previously , except this one could possibly be even more dangerous . His normal vision might not be able to see the breach , but turning on Cosmic Gaze] almost blinded him from all the energy the breach unleashed .

Whatever world was on the other side , it might be of an even higher grade than this primal garden . And it wasn’t uninhabited either—it only took a few seconds before they could both feel and hear enormous clashes between Beast Kings . It was no doubt the native ruler and its subordinates who fought against the invaders .

Do you think this means the Natural Treasures are unguarded? - Zac muttered as they looked on .

No! You can’t! - Vai exclaimed while scowling indignantly at Zac , just like when they first met . - E-Even if they are , those are private . I-I’ll tell on you! -

Alright , alright , - Zac smiled before he flashed away .

The next moment , he appeared in front of one of the Repeater Rafflesia] at the edge of the jungle . With a grunt , he started pulling with every ounce of his strength , while Vivi gleefully helped . At first , nothing happened , until a deep groan resounded as the powerful roots were forcibly dislodged from the soil .

The next moment , the whole tree was gone , thrown into his Worldring where Vivi arranged for it to be planted a few hundred meters away from Haro . Unfortunately , the huge glowing orb above the flower had destabilized and dispersed the moment the tree was uprooted , but it looked like it had already started forming a new one once it appeared in the pocket world .

What are you—! - Vai shrieked as she fearfully looked around .

They have their hands full . I can’t take the treasure , but I should at least be able to borrow a few of these things , right? You have so many , and they’re not listed as strategic resources , - Zac grunted before he uprooted two more of the supersized flowers .

He was about to snatch a fourth one , but an exceedingly powerful mental wave passed through the area , making Zac look up with alarm . It looked like the king of the region kept a watchful eye over its domain even while fighting against the breach . The powerful ripple also confirmed that it was a Middle-stage Beast King , and not a weak one .

We’re done for , - Vai cried as she glared at Zac with tears pooling in her eyes . - You’ll get us killed . -

Don’t worry , this is quintessential adventuring , - Zac laughed as he picked up Vai before running for his life . - Keep watch of the surroundings . -

Of course , it wasn’t blind greed that prompted him to uproot the trees . Over the past hours , he’d gotten a decent grasp of the situation in the forest thanks to Forester’s Constitution] and ample experience in the wilderness . Judging by what he’d seen , there was a good chance the local emperor would fall from this invasion . The fight was already extremely intense judging by the distant eruptions , and the breach showed no indication it was about to close .

Even if the local Beast King won , they’d be too busy licking their wounds and protecting their domain to pursue him and Vai—provided the beast could find them . By the time the situation stabilized , he and Vai would be long gone . Still , that knowledge didn’t do much to help mollify his skittish guide .

You know , cultivation is to grasp every opportunity that comes your way , - Zac smiled as he glanced in her direction . - The moment you let fear and hesitation take control of you , it’s game over . -

You seem to have a lot of philosophical beliefs that are ultimately excuses to justify wanton looting , - Vai said with a roll of her eyes .

Well , that’s what cultivation is , - Zac laughed . - Some go at it alone , while others join factions to improve their looting abilities . -

I don’t know about that , - Vai muttered , but she didn’t press the issue any further .

In total , they spent twelve days in the primal garden because of a bout of bad luck . First , they encountered a shockingly large rhinoceros , that for some reason watched the shimmering edge of the Mystic Realm . To pass it , they would either have to walk below its fifty-meter-wide head or traverse deep into the jungle .

Ultimately , they backed away and built another mud hut , in which they stayed for three full days . Finally , the Beast King lumbered toward the depths of the realm , opening the path again . The second delay appeared when they reached the next waystation . It turned out that the lone pathway connected to the station didn’t lead them closer to the Left Imperial Seal , forcing them to search for another station .

Finally , they reached their destination after circling almost two-thirds of the realm . If they’d chosen right instead of left upon arriving in the primal garden , they would have saved more than a week . Still , that didn’t dampen Zac’s excitement upon feeling the mysterious pulse grow noticeably stronger upon stepping into the next world .

Excitement gradually turned to confusion attempting to exit the waystation . The reinforced tunnel just kept going and going . Finally , they saw the end of the path ; an opening through which they could see a beautiful starry sky . And nothing else . This was an odd one , and Zac was a bit stumped as they stopped at the exit of the base .

The tunnel ended at a seemingly bottomless chasm . It wasn’t that they were far up on a mountainside either—there simply wasn’t any ground . It was just an almost sheer mountain wall that stretched as far as he could see in every direction . Was it a floating mountain? If so , just how big was this place? And how were they supposed to find the next waystation?

I recognize this place! This is the Ramsi Wall , it’s extremely famous . I can’t believe we’re here , it shouldn’t be accessible , this is— - Vai exclaimed with excitement , only for her face to scrunch .

What’s wrong? - Zac frowned . - Are we stuck? -

Ah , that’s . . . No , it’s not that . We should be fine , - Vai said . - You taught me that one couldn’t hesitate , that one had to grasp opportunities . . . -

I did , - Zac nodded .

I-well , - Vai said with a blush . - There is a unique type of plant here— Stargazer Camelias] . They can help one get in tune with the cosmos , to deepen one’s understanding of space . If I could get just one , ah , just two . . . I could perhaps solve some matters that have bothered me over the past centuries . It-It’s not for me . It’s only for research! -

Only for research , - Zac nodded with a small smile . - Well , let’s go . -

Four days later , Zac found himself fighting off a pack of infuriated flying marsupials as Vai picked her sixth Stargazer Camelia] , flushed from excitement rather than embarrassment . He was currently hanging from the sheer cliff wall , using Vivi to move him about and block the Peak E-grade beasts that tried to get to the researcher .

In fact , this was how they’d traversed the wall over the past week since there was simply no better method available . The creatures that lived inside the complex cave system of this enormous cliff weren’t joking around , and he’d been forced to use Arcadian Crusade] two times already . Scaling the wall was actually safer , even if a drop would mean you would keep falling until you dropped into the Void .

Vai’s newfound love for looting cost them a couple of days and left Zac with a new set of scars . Still , Zac didn’t mind . Helping Vai gather some resources on the way was the least he could do in return for all the help she provided . Besides , with the researcher getting into the spirit of things , it would get easier for Zac to snatch any interesting items he found while they searched for the next piece of the seal .

After all , this was the inner region of the Void Star , where the Void Gate kept their best things . There were bound to be all kinds of treasures in this place .

For example , the flowers weren’t the only valuable thing here . The Ramsi Wall was a cultivation haven that was only accessible for a short stint once every few centuries . The explosion of the Cortex must have pushed it into place , giving them exclusive access . Normally , it would cost the Hegemons of the Void Gate quite a few contribution points to access it and ponder on the Dao of Space .

Vai worked with practiced ease , nimbly cutting off the stem before placing the flower in a vat that she filled with space-infused water . A moment later , the water froze , sealing the medicinal efficacy within . The flower looked quite mesmerizing while ensconced in ice , and there wasn’t any question about where the name came from .

The large flower really resembled Abby’s eye . Its purple-and-blue petals formed a spiraled pattern that looked like a nebula , and in its center was a pitch-black bulb that represented the black hole . It was the bulb that contained the medicinal efficacy , according to Vai .