Defiance of the Fall

This was the official story they’d settled on—blame everything on the System . In all honestly , Zac knew he was the most likely reason for the changes to Earth and why they were sent to Ensolus of all places . However , he couldn’t just go out and say that since it would damage the people’s faith in his vision for the Atwood Empire .

This way , his actions could rather be seen as destiny . The System had chosen this route , and as long as they followed through , they would be rewarded . Of course , Zac would still hold the ultimate responsibility for this direction , but they hoped that framing things this way would quell some of the unrest . The next step was to dangle a carrot in front of the leaders .

Besides , I have some important news on the issue you mentioned , - Zac said . - In the face of the upcoming war , the Undead Empire is calling a semi-permanent cease-fire on the living forces of the Zecia Sector . Instead , they are joining with the other top factions to repel the invaders . As such , the perpetual war between living and undead is ending , and we will not be caught in the crosshairs .

Ultimately , I believe this is an opportunity . During the past years , I’ve traveled across many worlds to temper myself . Out there , the world is not black and white . I even learned of a place in a neighboring Sector called Twilight Harbor , a so-called grey zone where undead and living lived side by side .

Because of its nature , the harbor has become a natural trading hub between the Undead Empire and the surrounding factions . This trade has made Twilight Harbor one of the most prosperous factions in the area . This is the future I want for the Atwood Empire , and I believe it’s possible thanks to the Undead Empire finally stopping their war against the living factions .

As such , some changes will take place over the coming months . New districts are being built in Port Atwood and many other settlements across Pangea . These districts will be filled with Miasma to give our undead citizens somewhere to live . Similarly , neighborhoods are being built on Elysium , places of pure Life where living cultivators can thrive .

Furthermore , we are opening our second planet , where vast resources are waiting to be extracted . In other words , millions of job openings will soon appear , opportunities that will allow you to rapidly accumulate Atwood Empire Contribution Points . It’s also possible for private ventures to open up shop in these new realms to help them grow .

This is not a small thing I’m springing on you , but I urge you to meet this change with an open mind . Ultimately , the only difference between the living and the undead is that one cultivates with Cosmic Energy and the other with Miasma . Among all the strange and inexplicable things in the Multiverse , such is barely worth mentioning .

Once again , I want to reiterate that these Revenants and Spectrals have no connection to the invaders that attacked us a decade ago . We will not tolerate attacks against our innocent citizens , living or undead . Any such actions will be considered terrorism and an attack against the empire , and the response will be swift . We are all in this together .

Remember , the enemies are the invaders , not your neighbors . -

With that , Zac covered the subjects that needed to be covered , and a flashing light indicated his speech was no longer being recorded and transmitted . What remained now was the actual work .

All the pertinent details will be sent out , and representatives will remain to answer any questions you may have , - Zac said . - I look forward to your cooperation . -

With that , Zac turned toward the door and walked away , giving no room for a Q and A . His departure was like the starting signal as a raucous clamor spread across the hall , with people shouting over each other for answers . Zac ignored the noise as he left the scene , but he could still see the situation through the eyes of his temporary clone .

Some were just shouting , whereas the more quick-witted were hurrying toward the neighboring conference area the elites on the scene were moving toward . They probably realized there would be a reshuffling of resources and power with such large changes to the Atwood Empire . Those who adapted quickly could get a bigger piece of the pie .

Zac didn’t head toward the conference hall , but he didn’t leave the venue either . He ascended a floor and entered a private meeting room that had already been prepared . A few minutes later , the doors opened before four figures entered : Ibtep , Rhubat , and two Anointed Zac didn’t recognize .

They were most likely two of the more powerful Anointed remaining after most of the Anointed Council had sacrificed themselves to kill Void’s Disciple .

Warmaster , it is good to see you , - Rhubat rumbled as they sat down in one of the prepared jumbo-sized chairs .

Chainbreaker , your aura has grown stronger yet again , - Zac smiled before turning to the others . - Welcome , please , sit down . Ibtep , I’ve heard you’ve been busy . -

Sometimes I feel the world grows more interesting by the day . The more I discover , the more I realize I’ve just scratched the surface , - Ibtep said . - It’s good to see you’re back . We were worried for a while . I should have known better than to doubt your resilience . -

That was some news you sprung on us just now , - Rhubat sighed . - Working with those tainted things? Did you call on us because you wanted to know the stance of the Hives? -

That’s part of it , - Zac said . - I don’t think I have met you two? -

This is Kezret and Adrotep , - Rhubat said . - I brought them today to get acquainted with your domain . They are new commanders of the Zhix armies , and I thought them suitable to be our contacts for the upcoming struggle . -

Zac nodded . - Of course . Let me know if the Zhix needs anything to prepare . I wasn’t exaggerating on how dangerous this conflict will be . -

You say there is war , but you never said why? - Kezret asked . - Conflict for conflict’s sake is foolishness . -

If I had a choice , I wouldn’t join this mess either , - Zac sighed , and explained the situation with the Space Gate , the Kan’Tanu , and their origins .

Unorthodoxy , - Androtep hummed . - You mentioned this word before . These Kan’Tanu walk the same path as the Dominators? -

I guess you could say that , - Zac said . - The leader of the Dominators and the Kan’Tanu are both unorthodox cultivators . They gain strength through taboo means such as sacrifice instead of cultivating by following the natural order . -

What is our role in this struggle? - Kezret inquired , prompting Zac to explain more in-depth how sanctioned conflicts worked .

Then we are forced into the conflict by the Heavens , - Androtep said . - To avoid it means punishment . To embrace it means death . -

That’s about it , - Zac agreed . - I can’t stop it , so I can only work to make my people stronger and minimize losses . That includes integrating the undead into my faction . -

My instincts tell me those things are not natural and that I should pierce my spear through their skulls , - Rhubat said . - That they represent a path that ought not to be traversed . -

This was obviously not what Zac hoped to hear , but he didn’t interrupt the de-facto leader of the Zhix as they mulled over the situation .

However , the Zhix have been forced to adapt to many realities that clash with the precepts over the past years . It has reached a point where it is hard to trust our senses , - Rhubat continued . - These unliving , how do you know they can be trusted? -

The Raun Spectrals is a conquered society , - Zac said . - Truthfully , I don’t trust them , not fully . But the native undead of this planet I trust with my life . They have proven themselves in the conquest of Ensolus , and I have a few other guarantees as well . -

Rhubat nodded slowly , glancing at the others . - I need to speak with Warmaster alone . - Once the others had left , he looked squarely at Zac . - These unliving on the other side of our planet . They did not appear naturally , did they? -

I raised them , - Zac confirmed . - In a sense , they are my children . That’s how I can guarantee they are loyal . -

I expected as much , though I don’t understand how you split your unliving side from yourself , - Rhubat said .

Just a small trick . - Zac smiled , not phased by the comment . Rhubat was present during the battle with Void’s Disciple , where Zac had been forced to use both his classes . They were one of the few outside Zac’s inner circle that knew about his situation .

Be careful . When you feel powerless , and the world is closing in on you , it is easy to make decisions that can come to haunt you in the future . -

Of course . -

I will talk with the Zhix . We will not be the cause of instability during this critical time , - Rhubat eventually said . - As for these unliving . They must prove themselves as warriors and trustworthy allies before the Zhix can embrace them . Your word alone is not enough . -

Zac nodded . - That’s all I ask . -

This Contribution Store , do you think it carries knowledge? - Rhubat asked , shifting the subject .

Knowledge? - Zac said before realizing what Rhubat was driving at . - For your Cultivation Manual? -

We have gone from a sprint to a crawl , - Rhubat sighed . - Before , we could at least make small amounts of progress , but we have been stuck in our research for over three years now . Our inquiries through your merchant have not yielded any results either . It’s frustrating . I know the Zhix can flourish even in this new environment , but the universe is not giving us enough time to adjust . -

Zac thought about it for a moment before making a decision . - I don’t know about the Contribution Store , but I may have another solution for the Zhix if you’re willing to take a risk . -

Ten minutes later , Zac and Rhubat left the room , where Rhubat called the other Zhix for a private meeting . A few minutes later , a Valkyrie would take them to the Ensolus Ruins for a chance at the inheritance . As for Zac , he had one more person he wanted to speak with before he left .

Henry Marshall .

53

UPRISING

Zac was planning on heading toward another conference room , but he stopped when he saw a familiar face below . It was Ibtep , looking out at a garden courtyard from a large window .

You’re still here? - Zac asked as he walked over . - Rhubat didn’t call you? -

No , I have no commitments apart from my farms nowadays . Did things go well? - Ibtep asked as they handed Zac a red larva that almost looked like a Jelly .

I think so , - Zac said , wryly smiling at the little grub struggling in his hand . - Is this one of your new breeds? -

It is , - Ibtep seriously nodded . - I’ve found tremendous joy in breeding new and exciting species on my farms . Unfortunately , my brethren have a narrow palate , and few of my latest inventions have had much success . So many interesting species and flavors have gone underappreciated , so I had an idea . If the Zhix refuse to expand their horizons , why not enter another market?

So , humans? - Zac grimaced .

Exactly , - Ibtep eagerly nodded . - There are so many of you! This is a new breed , designed with you humans in mind . I would love your input . -

Zac looked down at the larva with some resignation , then bit down . However , his eyes immediately opened wide as an explosion of a familiar flavor entered his mouth , prompting him to eat the rest of the grub in one bite .

Strawberries? -

Exactly , - Ibtep nodded eagerly . - It took some time , but I think I got quite close to the real thing . I would have kept going , but it turns out those berries are quite poisonous for us Zhix . I had to spend a week on the latrines while I taste-tested them . -

Well , the taste is there , - Zac smiled . - You might need to . . . repackage them , though . Humans aren’t used to eating larvae . -

What about these new races you’ve scrounged up? Do they enjoy tasty treats? - Ibtep said .

Well , the ghosts definitely don’t , - Zac said . - The demons probably will , though . -

What about the corporeal unliving? Do they eat? Do they poop? - Ibtep asked eagerly .

Only after reaching Late E-grade , - Zac said . - Undead enjoy scents , though . So if you can breed fragrant critters , I’m sure they would like it . -

Interesting , - Ibtep said with gleaming eyes .

Zac looked at the Zhix , remembering how he’d been a fount of inexhaustible curiosity during their first meeting and into the following days . Suddenly , a thought struck him , and he made an impromptu decision .

Rhubat is leaving Earth in a week or two . Most likely for a few years , - Zac said .

Oh? - Ibtep exclaimed . - Where to? -

The depths of this Sector , a place called the Million Gates Territory . If you want , you can join him . He’ll be traveling with most of the elites of Port Atwood . -

A reconnaissance mission? - Ibtep asked .

Among other things , - Zac said . - They will also explore hidden realms in search of ways to gain strength before the war arrives . I thought your talents might be useful in such a mission . -

I am just a worm farmer nowadays , - Ibtep hesitated , though Zac could see the Zhix was interested .

Zac smiled . - Well , think it over and discuss it with Rhubat . I have to go . Thank you for the treat . -

Good luck , - Ibtep bowed .

Zac nodded before turning toward his second appointment , and contacted Ogras through his communicator on the way .

Rhubat is joining you on your mission , - Zac spoke into his communicator . - Maybe Ibtep as well . -

You decided to clue those people in , - Ogras said on the other side . - But why the insect-peddler? -

I don’t know . Call it a hunch? - Zac said . - I felt that it’s not necessarily the strongest who will get the inheritances , but those with affinity to it . Ibtep has a rare mindset and a class based on discovery . I didn’t tell Ibtep about the heritage , though . I just felt Ibtep can be an asset to you , even if they don’t end up getting a seal . -

I trust your instincts , and we have more than enough room aboard the vessel , - Ogras said . - By the way , did your quest update from sharing the details with the big guy? -

No , - Zac grunted with annoyance . - I can’t figure out what’s going on with this thing . -

We’ll see how it goes , - Ogras said . - By the way , the Sino-Indian alliance left in a huff with some others soon after you left the stage . -

I saw . We’ll see how that goes as well , - Zac sighed as he walked into a meeting room closer to the hall where the ambassadors were getting debriefed on the transition .

He made another call with his communicator , and Henry Marshall entered a moment later , along with an Atwood Hall employee who brought a tea set and some water .

Your presence is something else these days , - Henry said as he sat down . - Have you entered D-grade already? -

Not yet , - Zac said . - This time , I want to shore up my foundations a bit more . But I’ll break through before the war starts . -

It’s hard to believe your foundations can get any sturdier , - Henry said with a shake of his head . - It’s almost like you’re a different species than the rest of us at this point . -

In a way , we’re all a different species compared to before the Integration , - Zac said as he put some rare herbs into the tea kettle . The leaves immediately dissolved , and a fragrant aroma spread through the room . - How are you? -

I’m getting along . - Henry smiled . - The family is doing quite well , thanks to you . -

It’s mostly your own work , - Zac said as he poured Henry a cup .

This little ceremony had been common while he lived with Thea . Henry had always served tea when Zac visited , and Zac reciprocated in turn when Henry visited Port Atwood . Henry had stuck to the teas of Old Earth , while Zac usually served interesting Spiritual Leaves he’d found through Calrin .

In a way , it reflected their mindsets , where Henry still had a foot in the old world while Zac wholeheartedly embraced the new .

The old man nodded in thanks , and a small smile spread across Henry’s face as he took a sip . - So , how was it? -

Perfect , - Zac said as he poured a cup for himself . - Thank you for agreeing to this . -

Just like in New Washington , - Henry said . - I wonder if this is to be my lot , to set up your sales pitches . -

Zac laughed , remembering the humble beginnings of Port Atwood . Back then , they were forced to set up a stall in a bid to get a few people to move to his island . But it was only after Henry Marshall confirmed his identity that they got anyone to join . Today , Henry played a similar role , though this time , it was at the behest of Zac .

And as I set myself up as an antagonist to this endeavor of yours , I’ll get approached by like-minded people , - Henry continued .

Perhaps , - Zac said . - What do you think I should do with these people who pull in a different direction? -

Does it matter what I think? - Henry said with a smile . - It took a while , but us old bones have started to come around to this new reality of ours . The one with the biggest fist makes the rules , and the rest have to figure out how to maximize their benefits within that playing field . If possible , we’d like to set up some ventures on both Elysium and your other planet . They will not clash with your consortium . -

Zac nodded . - Of course . The broad strokes are set in stone , but I’m always open to suggestions . -

Henry set his cup down . - Well , if you truly want my advice , it would be not to half-measure this change . I don’t know if you are right in choosing this direction , or if your strength and infamy have nurtured a hubris worthy of the Roman Emperors . What I do know is that there will be discontent , both with the undead and how you unilaterally have decided the future of Earth .

I have seen it . Some of us have managed to discard the trappings of old , while others are slipping back into routine thanks to years of safety . They whisper of democracy , of overthrowing tyrants . One whisper will birth three more , and opinion will eventually become fact . Many love to be the underdog , the oppressed . That way , they can rail with righteous indignation at the system holding them back . -

What do you think I should do? - Zac asked .

Strangle those whispers in their cradle . -

They talked for a while longer , with Zac sharing some of his experiences in the outer world while Henry provided suggestions based on his experience . The old Marshall Patriarch wasn’t as knowledgeable as himself or Ogras about cultivation , but he did have many insights into human nature thanks to his pre-Integration life .

Henry then left to take charge of family matters and create a plan for their expansion into Ensolus and Elysium . Of course , this would be done in secret . The official reason for their talk , which Henry would also leak , was that the Marshall Clan had tried to change Zac’s mind in private . Zac wanted to be done with this matter , but the constant barrage of messages in his communicator told him he couldn’t just up and leave .

Instead , Zac spent most of the day meeting with one group after another , mostly leaders of various subsidiary factions . The Underworld Council had no strong feelings about the undead . They were the ones who’d been least impacted by the undead Incursion , so they didn’t have any objections more than the inherent oddity of the situation .

In fact , they were interested in hiring a large number of Revenants to work in the Underworld . Even today , quite a few sectors were largely unexplored , and many were already filled with Miasma . Having undead explorers and laborers who could extract the rich materials down there was a good opportunity to increase profits , which was something everyone wanted with war looming on the horizon .

The Ishiate Tinkerers didn’t care much , either . They were more interested in exchanging insights with the Einherjar in hopes of weaponizing Miasma for their gadgets . For example , Zac heard one mention the possibility of creating cannons that could shoot out condensed Miasma , instantly turning the enemy ranks into mindless zombies . Zac knew it was possible , considering that exact thing had attacked him in the heart of the Dead Zone .

The shamans of the naturalist Ishiate were far less comfortable with the undead factions , but Zac didn’t care . They hadn’t accomplished much during or after the Integration , and their top cultivator , Starlight , had left Earth behind long ago . Thankfully , it looked like they would become more useful as time passed .

They had a generally high affinity with the Dao of Life and Nature , and more and more talented healers were appearing in their ranks of shamans . By providing access to some of the Blessed Lands and some manuals , he could likely gain a competent medical corps in time for the invasion .

Simultaneously , Zac held a private meeting between his puppet and the Raun Spectrals . They were relieved to hear that a deal had been struck with the Undead Empire . A few inquired about the possibility of joining the Undead Empire down the road , which Zac was open to . Ultimately , Zac doubted there would be many who showcased enough potential to get recruited , but the possibility might make the Raun military work harder .

Many more wanted to discuss all manner of topics with Zac , but he didn’t have time to spend whole days in meetings . He didn’t know any of the details of the Integration , and he had no time to micromanage everything . Instead , Zac retreated to his cultivation cave to continue his cultivation , though he had no intentions of using the Temporal Chamber immediately .

Zac had already decided to use it after getting the first set of treasures from the Undead Empire . He also wanted to finish the first layer of the Void Vajra Sublimation] before sealing himself for three years . Zac had made several improvements to his methodology over the past months , from adjusting the composition of the paste to the complementary arrays .

He wanted to go through the same experiments for the next layer before entering the chamber . Because according to Catheya , you couldn’t enter and leave as you pleased . You would be sealed away for three full years when you entered , so Zac needed to prepare .

Most importantly , he needed to let the chamber absorb Divine Energy from a Nexus Vein for a few months , or he’d have to use Divine Crystals to power everything constantly . Reyna Umbri’Zi had already filled it with both Miasma and Cosmic Energy , so he only needed to place the box in one of the Life-attuned veins to gather the missing element .

It didn’t take Zac long to put the matters of the outside aside as he entered an empty state where only his path and the Dao existed . Unfortunately , he only got to complete one session of the Nine Reincarnations Manual] before his communicator buzzed . Zac sighed as he looked at the Communication Crystal . He’d already told the others not to bother him with minor details , so something big must’ve happened .

Three factions are revolting , - Ogras said on the other side the moment Zac accepted the connection . - What do you want to do? -

Zac wasn’t the least bit surprised . The Atwood Empire hadn’t made any big moves on Pangea in years . He’d been gone for almost a decade while the strongest elites were busy dealing with Ensolus . Now , Zac had openly taken on the role of the ruler of Earth . Some were bound to be angry , and some were dumb enough to do something about it .

Who are they? -

A faction within the Sino-Indian Alliance led by some Guru Anaad Phakiwar . Apparently , he’s someone who used to be a big shot before you left him in the dust? The other two are the councils of two major cities situated near the Dead Zone , - Ogras said . - There’s also a few who put forward ideas like a world council that should decide certain matters through majority votes . -

As we expected , then . - Zac sighed . - Only humans , at least . Do you need my help? -

It’s just a bunch of weaklings living in the past . We’ll deal with it , - Ogras laughed . - It’s better if you don’t appear . It will damage your prestige if people see you running around personally putting out fires . -

Alright , thank you , - Zac said before putting away the communicator .

Some things were inevitable , just like Henry said , and it wasn’t just about him controlling Earth . The Undead Empire had caused so much damage to Earth , all but destroying some of the most populous countries . That wasn’t something you could just forget in a couple of years . Hell , if Zac himself hadn’t gotten to know Catheya , he might have felt the same way , even if he had a Draugr half .

In a perfect world , Zac could have allowed time to heal the wounds and met their anger with compassion . Unfortunately , Earth wasn’t ready for a galactic war . Too few had the skills to survive in an all-out clash against an experienced cultivator army , even if Zac equipped them with superior gear . He couldn’t have people casting doubt on his plan , slowing down the transition of the population .

These early voices of discontent would have to become the sacrifices that kept the others in line .

Zac resumed his cultivation , completing another rotation of Void Vajra Sublimation] . As far as Zac could tell , he was one-third through the first layer of the method . Quite a few golden flakes were dancing in his cells even before he started , with more being added every session .

It even felt like his cultivation speed kept increasing as his body grew increasingly accustomed to Life . Calling it an exponential speed increase would be an overstatement , but he didn’t think it would take much more than another month to complete the first layer . Continuously reinforcing his Dao Heart also helped . The quicker he entered the right state , and the deeper he delved into the depths of the Void , the greater the effect of the Void Vajra Sublimation] .

By the time Zac finished , another report had been sent over . Everything was already over . Ogras had led a few Demons and Valkyries to the settlements , and not a single agitator managed to escape . The rioters hadn’t realized how to usurp a town properly . They hadn’t bothered killing the appointed mayors and snatching the Nexus Nodes , allowing Ogras to pop up right in their midst .

So just like that , the original second-place-holder of the Dao Ladder had died , quashed like a bug by Ogras .

54

THREE YEARS

In just an hour , three powerful factions on Earth had disappeared without leaving so much as a ripple behind . This would all be kept away from the general population , but those who needed to know would learn of it one way or another . Zac shook his head and started up the second rotation of his Body Tempering Method .

The days passed this way . The world outside was rapidly changing while everything remained the same in Zac’s cultivation cave . He got a few more notifications about the Integration , from scuffles erupting to another outright mutiny . Ogras dealt with the dissidents from the shadows while Vilari toured Pangea as an ambassador of peace .

Days turned to weeks , and Zac soon reached the point where his Thousand Lights Avatar] was fully recovered to the level before it was destroyed . Part of it was thanks to the Moss Crystal , but it was only upon returning to Earth that he’d seriously cultivated the Eidolon Manual for extended periods . He’d occasionally practiced it in the Orom World , but he spent most of his time focusing on his techniques back then .

At this rate , Zac judged he’d be able to finalize the avatar inside the Time Chamber . Of course , this was just the first layer where he’d form a complete spiritual body that would be able to emerge from his body for short durations . There were further layers in the technique where one would drastically strengthen the avatar , and even allow it to survive indefinitely outside his body .

Zac wasn’t sure if there was any point to that , though , not with how he planned to use the Thousand Lights Avatar] . He’d have to see if the first layer was enough to use it as a delivery system for his Daos . If not , he’d keep going until it was .

His soul was getting along as well , with his fifth set of Outer Cores already nearing completion . This was years ahead of schedule , though he hadn’t planned on cultivating the Nine Reincarnations Manual] this much before breaking through to the D-grade . Until getting the Moss Crystal , he’d thought reaching the third reincarnation before heading to the Perennial Vastness was a fool’s hope .

Now , there was a window of opportunity .

Zac was even using Soul Crystals during every cultivation session since returning from the Kaldran Strait , something that was only possible thanks to his recent negotiations with the Undead Empire . Soul Crystals were impossible to source in Zecia , but the Undead Empire obviously had its own channels . He already commandeered any Soul Crystals Catheya and the others carried with them , and larger batches would start arriving soon .

His Void Vajra Sublimation] was also closer to a breakthrough . In a perfect world , Zac would have wanted to stay inside his cave until he reached the first layer , but there were a few more things he needed to deal with . First , he needed to send the others to the Million Gates Territory , and he’d just gotten a message that they were ready to set off .

Fifty people stood just outside the Nexus Hub when Zac arrived . Most were the core combatants of his faction . Rhuger and Vilari would lead ten more Revenants . And two Raun Spectrals , apparently . Had they heard about Ra’Klid and a Mavai Shaman joining the mission and petitioned for two slots as well? Then again , spectral cultivators had a couple of unique advantages , and they made great scouts .

Joanna brought eight Valkyries and a couple of human warriors Zac somewhat recognized . There was the archer who’d left some impression on Zac in the battle between the Raun Spectrals and the Ensolus army . Next to him was a demoness , along with six more Torrid Demons .

Ten people didn’t emit as bloody an aura . They were the support staff , which included the administrators who helped steer the Yphelion during the previous mission . Among them , there was a familiar face Zac hadn’t seen for years . He hadn’t anticipated Sui , the little healer who once saved his life in the depths of the Dead Zone , to join the mission .

Zac had almost forgotten about her , but it turned out she’d reached Late E-grade . Judging by her almost holy aura , she continued down the path of a healer . She would no doubt take up the role of medic on the mission . There was also one Ishiate and one Volor Stoneturtle among the support staff . They were most likely technicians who would hopefully be able to perform some field repairs on the Starflash in case something went wrong .

Finally , there was Rhubat , Ibtep , and two more elite Zhix warriors .

The Starflash could obviously house a lot more people , but Zac could only send one person over at a time . Furthermore , he was under the same restrictions as the Space Gate Guild , which meant he couldn’t just activate the Nexus Hub and transport a whole army to the other side of the Sector .

If he wanted to accomplish something like that , he would have to first seize the destination planet and hold it long enough to lock in the ownership . Better yet , he could have the Allbright Empire gift him a world , avoiding the headache . Apparently , that was exactly what was happening right now in the Red Zone , where most C-grade factions were given planets to allow for mass transportation and Cosmic Vessel production .

I won’t waste your time with empty speeches . You are all the best of the best our planets have to offer . I hope you find opportunities on the outside . But remember , you only have one life . Coming back in one piece is the most important , - Zac said , then turned to Ogras . - Is everything prepared? -

Would have been ready a week ago if not for the bastards who refused to face reality , - Ogras snorted with annoyance . - You should’ve just let me put their heads on pikes to wake the others up . -

Well , from what I hear , things have already stabilized , - Zac said . - But thank you for your help . All of you . -

It was our pleasure , - Vilari smiled . - It was nice to finally see the other half of our home world , even if the environment was a bit unpleasant . -

Is everything dealt with in that regard? - Zac asked .

Both main ship and the backups have been refitted with Holy Beacons and barriers , - Vilari confirmed . - We will most likely need to temporarily disable them when we jump through dimensions , but that shouldn’t be a problem . We have more than enough Miasma Crystals as well . Enough to last us two decades , if need be . -

Zac nodded . - Good . Still , be careful . From what I’ve heard , there are very few Death-attuned worlds in the Million Gates Territory . Most places you will traverse will be toxic . -

We’ll be careful , - Vilari said , a grin beginning to spread . - And who knows , some suffering might help me advance my soul faster . I have been much-too-comfortable as of late . Oh , by the way , don’t forget about Lily . I will not be able to keep tabs on her after I leave . -

About who? - Zac said with a blank look .

The pet keeper with a bonded Ayn Hivequeen . Of course , it’s more apt to say she’s become the pet while the Hivequeen is holding the leash , - Vilari said .

I thought it was handled? - Zac frowned .

It is , in a sense . I forced the insect queen to leave Lily’s mind , but the two were bonded in a way I couldn’t deal with . I felt it was fine after I had a talk with the Hivequeen . It will work for you , and the girl will act as your liaison . Of course , you can always kill the queen , but that would damage the girl’s soul , - Vilari said . - But I think they can be an asset in the war , provided you can speed up the hive’s growth . -

Alright , - Zac sighed before turning to Rhubat .

Anything? - Zac asked .

Not yet , but I will keep searching , - Rhubat rumbled .

Zac nodded , not overly surprised . Finding another seal in the Ensolus Ruins felt like a long shot . But walking among the ruins of the Limitless Empire might have helped him gain some Karmic Links to the Left Imperial Palace , so Zac didn’t think it a complete waste of time .

Finally , Zac turned to one more person who stood to the side from the others—Calrin , who was accompanied by two Peak E-grade warriors with powerful foundations . Of course , Calrin’s safety mostly came from the shocking amount of defensive and offensive treasures he was decked in . Seeing as the little Sky Gnome was a Hegemon himself , he could throw those things out indefinitely and create utter mayhem .

Are you prepared? - Zac asked .

I have everything I need . - Calrin nodded .

Perfect , get me a good deal . -

Calrin obviously wouldn’t join the others on their adventure to the Million Gates Territory . A ship belonging to the Peak family was already waiting for him on the other side , which would take the gnome to the closest War Fortress , where he could showcase and negotiate the wares . Zac ultimately chose to send Calrin for the negotiations rather than dealing with the matter himself .

With the region currently so hectic , Zac didn’t feel confident negotiating in person as he did with the Undead Empire . It was better to send a representative , someone who had experience in negotiating trade deals . Calrin didn’t mind either since this was a great opportunity to make connections and offload parts of the huge stockpiles of raw materials Zac had brought back from Twilight Harbor .

Alright , let’s get started , - Zac said as he put his hand against the Nexus Hub .

Zac spent the next week sending one member after another to the Million Gates Territory . He didn’t head over himself , just simply activated the hub and let the others enter . He had to wait almost five hours before he could trigger a teleporter to the same world again , so he kept up most of his cultivation in-between , except for the Nine Reincarnations Manual] , which took up too much time .

The world Zac was sending his squad to was called Crimson Edge . It wasn’t quite as dangerous as it sounded , though it was by no means a safe world . The name simply came from the fact that it was a world at the edge of the Red Sector , bordering the Million Gates Territory . A lot of mercenaries , pirates , and adventurers passed through Crimson Edge on their way to the lawless lands beyond .

As such , the order had never been particularly good , and battles in the street were a common occurrence . The war had changed that , though . Tens of millions of soldiers were now stationed on the planet . They didn’t interfere with the unattached cultivators , but few dared to cause a stir with such a force nearby .

Calrin had already bought a large plot of land through some sort of dummy corporation , giving the Atwood Empire a small base of operations in the region . Zac hadn’t visited himself , but there were already barracks and hangars where they could set up their Cosmic Vessels without anyone spying on them .

The week passed until Ogras was the last one remaining .

Three years , - Ogras said .

Don’t get yourself stuck in some Mystic Realm again , - Zac smiled as he shook the demon’s hand . - I’m not sure how many times I’ll be able to fish you out . -

Ogras grinned . - My ring is full of escape treasures . I’m not sitting around for another decade . -

Have fun then , - Zac said as he activated the Nexus Hub one final time . - And if you get the chance , recruit some capable fellows? -

I’ll mention the boss is filthy rich , trick a few of them , - Ogras laughed . - Good luck on your end . -

A moment later , Ogras was gone , and the array winked out . Zac sighed as he looked up at the sky . He wouldn’t have minded exploring the vast beyond in the Yphelion , but he had work to do . Zac returned to his cave and resumed his cultivation . Every day , his body was annealed with the inexhaustible flame of Life , pushing him closer and closer to a tipping point .

Zac could feel it build up inside him , even if his body hadn’t yet changed in any noticeable manner . His skin hadn’t taken on a golden or bronze hue , at least not a lasting one , and he didn’t seem to recover any faster from wounds . He hadn’t gained any attributes either , making it almost seem like the golden flakes in the depths of his cells were completely useless . But he felt full of life and verve even when not cultivating the Void Vajra Sublimation] , to the point he managed to add even more rotations every day .

Then finally , he reached the tipping point .

Even from the first stance , Zac could tell this one was different . The moment he stamped down on the ground , the whole underground forest around him shuddered , and a golden glow spread across the area . Like radiant pollen had been released from the leaves , but it was the Life-attuned Energies being kindled by Zac’s aura .

Zac wouldn’t lose his composure at such an important junction , and he smoothly transitioned into the next expression of the Void . He actually feel the illusory seal forming even as he moved away . It became a fixture that marked the starting point of the sublimation . And that was just the beginning .

One mark after another was imprinted in the small clearing as Zac progressed . They hovered in the air like gateways into the Void . They didn’t even contain a smidgeon of Dao or Cosmic Energy , and none but Zac would ever lay their eyes on these runes . Yet they were as real as could be , confirmed with utmost veracity by his heart .

Thirty , fifty , seventy . The seals grew more numerous , and Zac felt he was closing in on something . On their own , they were just breaches into the Heavens , small pathways where he could siphon Life for his benefit . But as Zac expertly went through the motions , he felt he was creating something greater—being shown a constellation after only having focused on individual stars .

The rune .

It was the illusory rune that always formed inside his body , only to disappear the moment the session was over . At the same time , it was different , almost inverted . Zac couldn’t figure out the details in the middle of his breakthrough , so he pushed all errant thoughts aside and became one with the Void .

One seal after another was added until Zac finally returned to the origin . As he looked through the meadow , the seals seemed chaotic and disorderly . In reality , they were anything but . They were just missing the final piece of the puzzle , the key that would allow it all to click into place . Zac took a final controlled breath , and his hands clapped together .

A tremendous shockwave erupted from his body , and the trees around him were pushed back so far that their crowns almost touched the ground . It was like time was put in reverse as the shockwave was dragged back toward the heart of the glade . And in the wake of the implosion , a storm of Life followed . It was like the shore receding from an impending tsunami before it all came crashing back .

Left behind were the trees that made up the natural formation of life . They were still bent , but now they bowed toward him , like subjects showing deference to their sovereign . And from them , even more Divine Energy was released , dragged out from the depths through their roots .

Zac welcomed it all with equanimity . He was the Void , there was no limit to how much he could absorb , and the innumerable vortices in his cells had begun a feeding frenzy . For a moment , it almost looked like he would drag up the whole Nexus Vein by its roots , but things soon changed . One by one , the illusory runes started vibrating , beginning to absorb the abundant energies as well . Gradually , they lit up with golden splendor , turning into radiant lanterns of truth .

The first seal to light up was the opening step on the ground , and it rose by itself and entered Zac’s body . The pain was unreal , far worse than when the paste burrowed into his skin , but Zac couldn’t back down now . He had to withstand the whole process without flinching , or the foundation for his future Body Tempering would be imperfect .

Zac stood frozen in place like a statue , holding on to his Dao Heart to withstand the agony . Meanwhile , the first seal superimposed on the large illusory pattern that always formed when he practiced the Void Vajra Sublimation] . A corner of the fractal lit up , dragging it to the surface of reality from the illusory world of his Dao Heart .

One by one , the fractals entered his body and Zac started to radiate a blinding gold . The grass grew with a mad zeal , and the branches of the neighboring trees stretched toward the warmth of his existence . Unfortunately , Zac could barely register the changes around him as he desperately held on to the Void . When the final seal slipped out from between his palms and entered his chest , it formed a perfect whole .

Life .

Once more , the pattern receded into the depths of his body , but it was different this time . It wasn’t just a truth made real by his heart . The pattern contained immense amounts of Divine Energy , which endlessly filled every cell in his body . By this point , his body had already swallowed a terrifying amount of Divine Energy , to the point the black holes were no longer black . They’d become golden vortices filled with everlasting Life .

As the mysterious force from the rune of Void Life joined the vortices , like reality shifted . What was temporary was now permanent , on a deep , irrevocable level . A smile spread across Zac’s face as he knew he’d passed the first hurdle . He had perfectly passed the first layer of the Void Vajra Sublimation] .

The agonizing pain was soon swept away , replaced by a vibrant warmth as his cells adapted to the new energy at their centers . The process continued for a full day , where Zac felt he’d returned to the womb . There were no thoughts or problems , just warm Life and the protection of the Void .

Eventually , Zac’s mind return to normal , and he slowly opened his eyes . This time , he could tell something was different with his body , even if his skin hadn’t changed color . But just as Zac was about to open his Status Screen to check things out , a voice broke the silence of his cultivation cave .

The voice of a woman . A voice all-too-familiar .

You’ve improved . -

55

TRAPPED

The etherstorm is descending , - Onandar said as she glanced at the crimson horizon . - End them . -

They’re just children , - Thea entreated , looking down at the huddled captives , her hand shaking—both from the mental strain and the rampaging intent coursing through her veins .

It was getting harder to control . She’d been drinking out of the tainted well of the Blessed Kin for years now . Thea wouldn’t be able to prevent the madness from seeping into her Dao for much longer . She was so tired , having been forced to stand guard against the liquid every moment . And in this place , she was constantly tested .

By this point , Thea only felt a hollow numbness thinking back to horrors she’d come across roving the Stoneshatter Valleys as part of the Hallowed Mother’s scavenger squads . Of course , scavenger was a relative term when most of their resources were - scavenged’ by slaughtering rival camps , bandits , or other unorthodox factions hiding in the valley .

Usually , Thea didn’t mind . The Blessed Kin were evil people slaughtering other evil people—on the Goldblade Continent , there were few innocents outside the distant citadels . That was doubly true for fallen regions like the Stoneshatter Valleys . Anyone not equipped with ruthlessness and strength would have died before long in this place .

If anything , slaughtering these monsters helped Thea release some of the budding madness before it infiltrated her intent and twisted it . Still , it accumulated in her body , like a monster constantly nourished by that alchemic concoction . There was nothing Thea could do about it . She’d tried everything to rid herself of the vile mixture without any result .

And Thea knew there would be no going back if she gave in .

The vile brew of the Hallowed Mother allowed her and the Blessed Kin to push at a mad pace , but it came with a terrible price . It drained you in exchange for pushing past your limits . Drained you of longevity , of thought—even your humanity . And as soon as you stopped struggling , you’d become an addict . The moment it infiltrated your soul , you wouldn’t survive without it for long .

The rest of the scavengers had given in to the Hallowed Elixir , including Onandar . They were all addicts , madly roving the valleys for loot they could exchange for more elixir . That was how the Hallowed Mother ensured her underlings were loyal and productive . It was a treadmill of suffering and depravity .

She still didn’t know why the Hallowed Mother , a terrifying Monarch of the Unorthodox Path , had bothered capturing her three years ago .

Thea accomplished some small feats after being dropped off at a desolate corner on this nightmare of a continent . She had quickly realized that her chances of survival in this place were almost nil , no matter what her status back on Earth was . It was simply too chaotic . Just three days after arriving , she’d stumbled upon a battle between two Peak Hegemons .

Dozens of miles had been devastated by their battle , and Thea had almost succumbed to the poisonous mists one of them conjured . By now , that encounter was more like a small greeting by the Goldblade Continent . It took her two months to recover and capture someone weaker than her to get a lay of the land .

And from there , a plan formed . She needed to get to the Cloudsoar Terrace , a famed Sword Sect at the continent’s center . The environment there was apparently beyond comprehension , and the Sect’s foundation was immense . From what she’d managed to piece together from various sources , it probably surpassed any of the factions in the Zecia Sector .

More impressively , this was on a continent without the System . These masters had reached the levels of Peak Monarchs without the aid of the System—their foundations and insights into the Sword had to be immeasurable to accomplish that . If she could enter the tutelage of one of the Sword Saints of the Terrace , while still retaining the System’s features , a limitless future would await her .

But a C-grade continent is just too vast . For years she traveled toward her destination , narrowly avoiding death on a daily basis . But her luck finally ran out when she passed the Shatterstone Valleys . The Hallowed Mother herself suddenly plucked her from the sky and marked her by a seal that prevented her from escaping .

The old hag never explained herself , nor had Thea ever seen her after being abducted . The only hint that her status was special , was that she’d been given a house of her own and a larger share of cultivation resources . But she was forced to drink the Hallowed Elixir all the same , just like the war-slaves and common members of the Blessed Kin .

And now , it’d finally come to this . She could feel herself right at the precipice . Circumstance and accumulation had put her at the limit of what she could endure . Thea was losing control over the concoction in her body , and her very sense of self frayed at the corners . The elixir egged her on and told her to just embrace the realities of the Goldblade Continent .

But she couldn’t .

This ragged group of children were just between five and twelve years old . They hadn’t even embarked on the road of cultivation yet . From the looks of it , they were the remnants of a collapsed clan fleeing from whatever took them out . Even the light in their eyes was different from the murky or red-rimmed orbs of the Shatterstone natives . They hadn’t yet been twisted by life in this place .

Are you questioning the Hallowed Mother? - Onandar said as her eyes thinned . - I knew it was a mistake to give all those resources to a half-formed outsider . Cannot be trusted , cannot be depended on . Weak of will and weak of intent . A waste of the precious elixir . Mother dotes on you , so you will get a final chance . Kill them , or I’ll cripple you and bring you back for judgement . -

The pressure built as Thea resisted the murderous intent . Her heart beat so hard it might just break out from her chest , like a volcano about to burst . Her whole body twitched , and veins started to pop out all across her body . She couldn’t move . She could barely think . Thea was like a small raft on a raging sea , just trying to hold on a bit longer .

I have to say , it’s my good luck finding this group of cattle , - Onandar said with a twisted smile on her face . - It will make your surrender much more enjoyable . -

Thea wasn’t able to answer . The sharp intent she’d honed for the better part of a decade was being overrun by madness and synthetic killing intent , and the walls of her Soul Aperture were starting to show cracks . Thea could only settle for giving her captain a murderous glare .

That’s right . I knew , - Onandar sneered . - You thought yourself better than us , resisting the Hallowed Elixir? Fool . Most of us never even tried to fight it . Why would we? The concoctions of a Nascent World Alchemist are almost impossible to get for commoners like us . Where do you think our members come from? They travel far and wide to join the Hallowed Mother’s protection and receive her blessings . Your little struggle amounts to nothing .

It’s just been a source of entertainment to see how long you would hold on . I have to admit , I’m a bit annoyed . I lost six Bloodeye Rubies betting that you’d only last a year . But now , Mother’s patience has run thin . You’ll come back as a good daughter , or you’ll come back as a cripple . -

Anger .

Searing fury cut through the madness of the Hallowed Elixir , threatening to replace it with a different type of insanity . Thea remembered the nights of bitter training , of tempering herself to withstand the burning pain of the elixir . Of breaking down in tears in the corner of her home after having been forced into one bloody struggle after another with the other scavengers . Of the constant emotional and spiritual toll she’d endured these past years .

It was all a joke? To you and the goddamn Monarch hiding in the shadows? Then I might as well lash out and satiate my hatred against one of you! Even if the brew consumed her , even if she died , she should at least drag Onandar with her down to hell .

Purpose gave her a new wave of strength . Her struggle , her conviction , and her path , they all converged as Dao and purpose became one . It cut apart the madness and severed the chains of the Hallowed Elixir . It danced through her body like a cleansing wind .

But it wasn’t enough .

I— - Thea said hesitantly , except her hands didn’t share the hesitance . They were filled with intent so strong it could pierce the sky .

Aigale tore through the air , though not toward the children . Years of frustration had crystallized into a Sword Intent of absolute sharpness , and it headed straight for Onandar . She didn’t need Cosmic Energy or a skill to carry her Branch of the Clouded Sword . They would only slow down her ambush .

Space tore apart , and Onandar didn’t even have time to circulate her Cosmic Energy before the Sword Intent passed through her body and continued into the sky .

Wha— - Onandar said as a sanguine shield sprung up around her .

The barrier only managed to form for a second before it fizzled out . A sloshing sound followed as Onandar fell apart , cleanly cut in two .

Thea stared at the corpse while panting , barely believing her eyes . She’d never moved that quickly before , and she had never managed to conjure Sword Intent that pure . Not even the intent Irei had left her could compare . She’d put everything in that strike , and it had been enough to kill a Middle-stage Hegemon instantly .

Of course , Onandar would no doubt have won in a real fight , especially considering Thea wasn’t sure she would be able to conjure that level of Sword Intent again . It’d been fueled by years of suffering , and that wasn’t something she could just pull out of a hat . Still , it was a monumental first step .

She might not be able to freely conjure that kind of intent right now , but she would be able to in the future . Now that she had accomplished it once and gotten a feel for it , she would be able to work her way toward it . Not only that , but Thea could feel that the Hallowed Elixir barely affected her . It was still there like an unwelcome passenger , but it was almost completely restrained .

Now , she only needed to figure out how to get rid of the prisoner seal . But just as Thea dared dream of freedom , a void plunged her right back into the pits of despair .

Good , child . You had me worried there for a while , but you really didn’t let me down . -

The next moment , Hallowed Mother appeared in the sky , looking just like the last time they met . An elegant yet severe woman appearing to be in her fifties . Her slightly greying hair was pinned up in a simple bun , and a few crow-lines could be seen when she smiled . If not for the fact that her left arm was an oversized monstrous claw with six gaping mouths , she would have looked like any random middle-aged lady back on Earth .

I’m only on the sixth iteration , but it looks like this mixture can stimulate one’s heart and even nurture intent , - the woman said . - Of course , there is something off about you . Perhaps I chose a subject with too strong a providence . Before I can draw any definite conclusions , I will have to study your body and the secrets it holds . -

Thea looked up at the crazy alchemist with a sense of anger and helplessness . So that’s what it was . For the other scavengers , her struggle was a joke . For the main culprit , she was just an experimental subject to test her drugs . She wanted to scream , she wanted to cry . She was so tired of old monsters appearing in the sky to mess up her life . Most of all , she wanted to send out another sword beam and cut that mad scientist in two .

Only , it was hopeless . The Hallowed Mother was a genuine Early-stage Monarch , or a Nascent World Stage cultivator as it was called on the Goldblade Continent . Even if her Sword Intent had evolved just now , it wasn’t enough to kill that kind of being . Besides , she didn’t have it in her to send out another one .

She still had all of her Cosmic Energy and a decent amount of Mental Energy remaining . The problem was her emotional state . She’d infused everything into that swing , leaving her numb . Intent was ultimately a fusion of Dao and Heart , where your convictions took corporeal form . And with her heart exhausted , the power of her intent was drastically diminished .

Pl . . . ease . . . Mother , - a gurgling voice said from the ground .

Thea was shocked to find Onandar had actually survived being cut in two . One of the halves lay unmoving , but the other desperately grasped toward the sky .

This was one of the downsides of cultivating on an unintegrated planet . Thea might have the System - installed’ on her body , but others didn’t . The most noticeable consequence for her was that she didn’t get any Cosmic Energy from kills . Because of that , reaching Peak E-grade had taken at least two years longer than it should have , and the lack of kill confirmation could result in surprises like this .

Not that it mattered now , with the Hallowed Mother appearing in person . Thea knew she was doomed no matter whether Onandar lived or not .

You are just a useless prop , but I suppose you fulfilled your task admirably , - the Hallowed Mother muttered .

The next moment , one of the mouths on her arm spat out a green blob that landed on the dying Hegemon . Thea stepped back with shock-filled disgust as the green goop started to wriggle and writhe . Initially , Thea thought the vile-smelling concoction would fuse the two halves , but that was only partly true .

The mixture dragged the two body-halves closer , but it more so seemed to turn into greenish flesh that replaced what had been cut off . A new creature resembling a mutated conjoined twin formed in just seconds . It was more than twice as wide as the original Onandar , and the midsection was a green horror show filled with tumors and boils .

A-Ah , - the left half of Onandar’s face gurgled before her remaining good eye rolled up into her socket . The miscreation crumbled , and Thea was certain she wouldn’t get up again .

Hm , heads are still out of reach , - the Hallowed Mother muttered , then glanced at the children , who looked up at the sky with abject horror .

Wait! - Thea shouted . - Spare them , and I will go with you willingly . -

Thea was done for . There was no escaping a Monarch . She might as well try to overturn the Heavens . But if she could save these children , then at least something good would have come from her death .

Your willingness does not matter . Sooner or later , all your secrets will be laid bare whether you like it or not , - the Hallowed Mother calmly said . - And leaving stragglers like this can have unexpected consequences . -

Run! - Thea screamed as she rushed in front of the group of huddled refugees .

Dying for some random trash . - The Hallowed Mother smiled with a shake of her head . - What foolishness . -

Better than to become an old monster who has lost everything but her power , - Thea spat as she gathered everything she had for a final strike of defiance .

Thea’s actions were undoubtably futile , but she wouldn’t just stand by . It was like her heart had been reignited , and an even greater Sword Intent was formed . Thea looked at it with marvel as it flew toward the sky . It was the most beautiful thing she’d ever created , and a sense of accomplishment washed through her , even if it was just empty bluster in the face of a Monarch .

Blessings , blessings , - a sudden sigh echoed through the world .

Thea didn’t have a chance to react before her sword beam lit up with golden splendor , and it shot forth with impossible speed as it expanded through infinity . For a moment , it looked like the whole sky would be cut in two . The scene only lasted for a moment before it turned into something even odder .

The blade of Sword Intent was suddenly gone , and in its place were two enormous hands pressed together in prayer . Thea’s heart shuddered , and her instincts told her to kneel in obeisance to the holy aura it emitted . She felt like she was looking up at the actual hands of God , descended to the mortal realm to shield the innocent .

Benefactor is right , - the voice continued . - Life and death are but fleeting moments . Mara is forever . To sully oneself is to sully the Cosmos . -

56

CONNECTED BY FATE

The golden hands radiated a holy light , and Thea could almost glimpse something inside the radiance—a vast ocean where all the answers to cultivation existed . In front of that ocean , her Sword Intent was nothing , a small parlor trick not worth mentioning .

No , it wasn’t! Thea shook her head , her awe at the hands replaced with fear . It was almost like she’d been hypnotized , led astray by another’s path . Zac had described something similar that happened when they reached the Dimensional Seed , but this was more targeted , more intentional .

The next moment the hands disappeared , and Thea’s eyes widened in shock upon seeing the state of the Hallowed Mother . She was completely drenched in blood , and her demonic arm was simply gone .

Who! - the bleeding Monarch screamed , not even waiting for an answer before she disappeared .

Thea wasn’t surprised in the slightest . If she had learned one thing over the past eight years , it was that concepts such as victory and defeat were luxuries that only existed in the minds of men . When the thin veneer of civilization had frayed , there was only life and death . Honor and mercy didn’t exist in the wild .

That was why the Hallowed Mother ran for her life when faced with a mysterious cultivator with the strength to cripple her . The only benefit to staying was to figure out who attacked her , but what did that matter compared to surviving the ordeal? Running was the best option in this kind of situation .

Yet it was futile .

Two monks and a nun suddenly appeared out of nowhere . One of the monks seemed to be a hairless dwarf or a very fat gnome , while the other two had the same statures as humans . Thea couldn’t see the features of the female , though , as her face was hidden by a veil . None spoke . They just looked in the direction of the fleeing Monarch with an eerie calm .

Thea could no longer see Hallowed Mother . She’d turned into a streak of light , escaping thousands of miles in no time . However , the veiled nun simply waved her sleeve , and the Hallowed Mother was suddenly right in front of them . At first , there was confusion on her face , but it was soon replaced by horror .

Wait! - she screamed . - I have— -

Too much sin has accumulated , - the tall monk sighed as he lifted the staff in his hand . - To send you into the wheel of reincarnation like this would be doing you a disservice . You shall be given a chance at redemption . -

The staff slammed into the ground and the dozen golden loops on top of the staff sang . Thea didn’t know what she expected after the monk’s proclamation , but it wasn’t a massive explosion of gore . What chance at redemption? The Hallowed Mother had been splattered all over the ground .

Thea swore with surprise when she noticed a young woman appear where the Hallowed Mother once stood . She looked a lot like the Hallowed Mother , but there was a sense of hollowness to her that Thea couldn’t quite explain . She almost seemed like a humanoid puppet , albeit an incredibly lifelike one .

What is your name , child? - the staff-wielding monk asked .

This one does not now , - the naked woman said with a bow .

You will return with us and recite the Avalokiteshvara Mantra . - The monk nodded as the nun handed the woman a simple robe . - When you have found your self , you can begin your journey of redemption . -

This one understands , - the reformed Hallowed Mother silently moved to stand behind the nun . There was not a ripple of emotion in her eyes , just a sea of tranquility .

Thea just looked on with incomprehension . What just happened? Rebirth? Was such a thing even possible? And why had these people appeared here? They were clearly Buddhist monks . Was there such a faction on Goldblade Continent? Thea didn’t know what was going on , but her heart shook when the four turned toward her .

Benefactor , the past years have tested you , - the short monk sighed . - This poor monk is happy to see benefactor has managed to hold onto their humanity even after becoming subject to the sorrows of the world . -

Thea’s eyes widened in alarm upon hearing his words . She could tell . The monk hadn’t said it outright , but they knew . They knew she wasn’t a native of this place .

Thank you for saving my life , - Thea said . - Can I ask who you are? -

This poor monk is but a passerby , traveling the cosmos in search of enlightenment . - The small monk smiled . - Karma pulled us toward each other , benefactor . We are connected . Benefactor , you carry great destiny on your self , and it was too early to enter the Samsara . Lending a helping hand was just the will of the cosmos . -

Thea frowned as she looked back and forth between the monks . The small monk’s words seemed genuine , and he was clearly incredibly powerful . But why were his eyes so shifty? Then , she noticed something in the cherubic monk’s hand , and Thea’s eyes widened in shock as she reached for a hidden pocket in her sleeve .

It was gone .

The small Spatial Stone she’d found during her travels was currently in the small monk’s hand . It contained a few cultivation resources and some other things she managed to embezzle over the past years—a go-to bag in case she ever managed to escape from the Hallowed Mother’s grasp .

That stone— - Thea couldn’t help but blurt .

Blessings , blessings , - the monk smiled . - A beautiful pebble indeed . This monk will keep it as a memento of our chance encounter . -

Thea blankly looked at the diminutive monk , her mind trying to comprehend the events . Had a powerful Buddhist Monarch really just stolen her backup stockpile and refused to give it back? Its contents couldn’t be worth more than a few hundred E-grade Nexus Coins . Why did he need it?

I . . . Uh , thank you for saving my life , - Thea said again with a bow , dropping the matter . Some random cultivation resources were ultimately a cheap price for her life . - I hope you can care for these children . As you saw , I don’t have the strength to protect them . I will not disturb you any longer . -

With that , she resolutely started to walk away . Her instincts told her not to get mixed up with these monks . Her track record when running into powerful Monarchs was horrible , and the Buddhist Sangha weren’t just some altruistic do-gooders . She might not have as strong a danger sense as Zac , but she had developed a nose for trouble—and these people reeked .

Thea would much rather resume her journey to the Cloudsoar Terrace . Its existence had been a source of inner strength for years now . That one day , she’d escape from the Shatterstone Valleys and continue on her path . And today , that moment had finally come . The seal on her heart had dissipated the moment the Hallowed Mother was gone , and nothing was holding her back anymore .

And today , the odds of making it to the terrace were a lot higher .

Even if it was just for an experiment , the years with the Blessed Kin had undeniably made her a lot stronger . It wasn’t a coincidence the Hallowed Mother and many other unorthodox factions had settled in the Shatterstone Valleys . It was one of the most flourishing spots in the region , and there was no local force powerful enough to claim it all on its own .

The environment far eclipsed that of Earth . Between the constant life and death battles the scavengers had thrown her into , and the forced progression of the Hallowed Elixir , she’d already pushed her Branch of the Clouded Sword to Middle Mastery . Now , she just needed to form a Pure Wind Branch to complement her Pure Sword Branch , and she would essentially be ready to tackle Hegemony .

After breaking through , with her unique access to the System’s benefits such as titles , she should be able to fight even Late-stage Hegemons here on the Goldblade Continent . As such , she would be approaching the top level of the Wandering Cultivators here . The only problem was that she didn’t know how much of her potential and lifespan the Hallowed Elixir had stolen .

Thea estimated it was centuries , though , which meant there was no time to lose .

A subdued whisper dragged Thea out of her thoughts , and she was shocked to realize the group of children was still right next to her . Somehow , she’d been moving in place , rather than running away from these Monarchs . She fearfully looked back , only to see the monk smile at her .

Benefactor has a benevolent heart , - the monk continued , pretending he wasn’t preventing her from leaving . - Neither fire nor wind , life nor death , can erase one’s good deeds . They can’t be seen , but they will nurture you . This poor monk has already benefited by lending a helping hand . It just so happens , I could use benefactor’s assistance . -

There it was . These monks hadn’t just saved her out of the good of their hearts . They knew she was an outsider , so were they after the secrets of her body? A body reforged by the System . Unfortunately , she didn’t have any way to integrate others on this continent—she’d already tried all sorts of things when she arrived .

I’m not even a Core Formation Cultivator . I’m afraid I can’t help vaunted beings such as yourselves , - Thea said , almost with a pleading look on her face .

Benefactor underestimates herself . It just so happens a few of our young Acolytes are about to leave their monasteries on a pilgrimage , most of them for the first time in their lives . They are unaccustomed to the dangers of the mortal world and could use a guide . A guide with a benevolent heart , but who still is aware of the Mara in the world . -

You want me to guide your disciples? - Thea said with confusion . - You three are so powerful . What need do you have for me? -

It’s not proper for us old monks to look over the shoulders of our disciple-nephews . We would become like the tall oaks , our canopies covering the ground in shadows , - the other monk said .

Thea inwardly groaned as she thoughtfully looked at the three . - Where are you going? Toward the center of the continent? -

No , benefactor , - the smaller monk said . - They are heading into the stars . Is benefactor ready to leave this world behind? -

Leaving the Goldblade Continent? - Thea said with surprise .

Perhaps she shouldn’t be that surprised . This place didn’t have the System’s teleportation arrays , but these three appeared to be Late Monarchs . Perhaps they had other means of transportation , which would mean they might have access to all kinds of places . Like integrated space , or the distant Heartlands of the Goldblade Continent where the Terrace still waited .

I could guide your Acolytes , - Thea said . - But I get to pick where you drop me off afterward . -

Of course , - the small monk said as his smile widened . - This poor monk is called Three Virtues . We will be in your care . -

Zac was in the depths of a mountain , hidden and protected by multiple layers of arrays . More importantly , he was on a planet shrouded by the System itself . Yet she’d popped up out of nowhere when she should be on the other side of the Sector right now .

Iz , what are yo— - Zac said as he spun around , but his voice rose an octave upon realizing he was still stark naked .

He dove toward the ground , thanking the gods for the tall grass that just sprouted as he hurriedly put on a robe . Only then did he dare look up again , and he was immensely relieved to see that the fiery golem wasn’t with her . Zac wasn’t sure he’d have survived if that were the case . Still , Zac didn’t feel safe , and he warily looked around .

Kvalk is not in this solar system , - Iz calmly said . - He wasn’t able to force his way inside . The shroud was surprisingly dense around your planet . If not for my uncle preparing a backup method , I wouldn’t have been able to make my way here . -

Zac sighed in relief before looking at her suspiciously . - How did you manage to find me? -

Every day , the echoes of Chaos around you weaken . The tracking seal on you is working again , - Iz said as she walked over . - As for the arrays . . . Well , they weren’t very impressive . -

They weren’t made to stop people like you , - Zac said , giving her a weak smile . - Now that we know each other , how about you remove that mark of yours? -

Removing a mark empowered by a Supremacy is beyond my abilities , - Iz said , but the smile on her face showed she wasn’t too broken up about it .

Forget it , - Zac muttered as he took out a canteen of water . - Well , welcome to Earth , I guess . -

Just now , what did you practice? - Iz asked . - Those seals— -

What? - Zac blurted as the water went down the wrong pipe . - Just how long did you look? -

Long enough to see your Body Tempering Method contained some very odd concepts , - Iz said .

That’s not what I— - Zac coughed as his eyes darted to the side .

Your nakedness? - Iz said , her eyes widening a bit in realization . - Do not worry . You have quite a good musculature . As for the— -

Let’s just drop it , - Zac groaned .

No , this is my mistake . I admit , my social experience is lacking , - Iz said as she thoughtfully looked at Zac before looking down at herself .

You aren’t— - Zac said , his heart suddenly beating a lot quicker . Surely she wasn’t planning on balancing out Karma that way?

Zac was soon filled with a mix of disappointment and relief as a small bottle appeared in her hand . For a moment there , he almost thought this would turn into a sitcom scenario , and he wasn’t sure his fate could withstand something like that .

This is a tonic called Wreathstar Nectar] . It is normally meant to be used after breaking through to D-grade , but it should be helpful after your current breakthrough as well . It will stabilize your foundations and even set your body in a - hungry’ state that will allow you to quickly absorb more energy , - Iz said as the vial floated over .

Zac’s eyes lit up , grabbing the bottle . The nectar didn’t sound too impressive from Iz’s description , but every single thing she’d produced since they met had been a unique treasure that you’d never get your hands on in the frontier . There was certainly more to the Wreathstar Nectar] than she let on . Otherwise , she wouldn’t have been carrying it around .

Showing some skin in exchange for a supreme tonic that would allow him to quickly move on to the next layer of the Void Vajra Sublimation] felt like a worthy trade , even if it was disconcerting how she could just find him like this . She’d mentioned Chaos , could he perhaps get a jammer that used the energy of the Remnants?

Oh , only drink three drops or you’ll explode , - Iz added with a small smile just as Zac was about to chug the whole thing .

Zac barely managed to stop himself from turning into a bomb , and he carefully swallowed three drops of the Wreathstar Nectar] . A powerful gust of wind swept through his body , and Zac shuddered as small pebbles of grey goop were squeezed out from his pores . Meanwhile , Zac’s body quickly stabilized like he’d broken through months ago rather than just now .

The process lasted only a minute , yet Zac suspected the drops had saved months of cultivation . It wasn’t just the impurities that were removed and the foundation that got stabilized . It felt like the gust of wind had somehow pushed the Life-attuned Energies deeper into his cells and condensed them . That left room for more , and he could feel how his body almost screamed for more nourishment .

He would have to practice the next layer to be sure , but Zac suspected his cultivation speed would be drastically improved until the condensed cells were filled up with Life again .

You have almost impossibly few toxins in your body for someone on the frontier , - Iz commented with interest . - I thought you would at least have accumulated some by that water you collected . -

My body is pretty good at dealing with toxins . - Zac shrugged . - And the Tribulation Lightning helps as well . Besides , the lake water doesn’t seem to leave any impurities . -

You ought to be careful . Impurities can take many forms , including spiritual , - Iz said after some thought . - I managed to contact my grandpa before I entered the Eternal Storm . Do you know what that corruption is? -

I just figured it some sort of spiritual rot from the Lost Plane , - Zac said .

You’re right , in a sense . It’s the corpse of a previous Heaven , - Iz said . - When an era ends , the Dao collapses and is then slowly reformed . Except someone seized a corner of the Heavens and put it inside the realm you call the Lost Plane . It became cut off from the Dao , separate from the natural rise and fall of the eras . -

The Dao couldn’t escape , so it started to decay? - Zac frowned .

The Lost Plane is incredibly old , - Iz said . - It is most likely one of the oldest Eternal Heritages that remain . Its ancient Dao has long lost its source and has mostly dissipated , and what little remains has been twisted in unexplainable ways . No one can know what the effect of prolonged use is , so tread carefully . -

I’ll be careful . - Zac nodded as he looked down at the grime covering his arms . - I’m sorry , give me a second , will you? -

Of course , - Iz said , and Zac flashed away .

He didn’t go far , entering a secluded side room that was a small living space . There , he took a quick shower to rid himself of the dried Life-attuned paste and the expelled impurities . He also scarfed down a bunch of dried Beast King meat , which helped him satiate the sense of hunger that the Wreathstar Nectar] elicited .

He was done just a few minutes later , but before returning to Iz , he first opened his Status Screen to look at the result of his breakthrough . There wasn’t any new line on the main screen , and neither did he find one for his constitution . However , when opening his Bloodline Panel , Zac saw that a new line had been added .

Life] Void Vajra Sublimation (First Layer) : Base Attributes +5 , Vitality +10 , Endurance +5 . Vitality +5% , Effect of Vitality +5% .

57

WHAT DOESN’T BELONG

The gains weren’t earth-shattering , but Zac was still happy with the result . Getting attributes at all was usually a sign of a High-quality constitution , and he actually got efficiency from the first layer . That almost made the entry layer of the method equivalent to a top-tier title , which wasn’t anything to scoff at . The flat attributes were useless now , but Zac suspected he’d get a noticeable boost when the method caught up to his cultivation level .

Besides , the Body Tempering Manual provided other benefits than just raw attributes . It was just that the System didn’t showcase them . Zac could absolutely feel a sense of vibrancy in his body , though his Branch of the Kalpataru didn’t seem to gain anything from it . The Dao felt the same , confirming his affinity hadn’t changed .

With his bloodline , that was to be expected , and Zac was confident the same thing would happen after using the Essence of the Abyss] . The vibrancy in his body was rather that of a powerful life force . Zac couldn’t be sure , but he’d probably regained a good chunk of the years he lost to Creation Energy and other encounters .

Iz had warned him that using life force as a source of energy would hollow one out , robbing you of your fate and potential . Conversely , getting a longevity boost was equivalent to reigniting your momentum and potential . Zac wasn’t sure if the rule fully applied to him with his unique cultivation system , but who would say no to living longer?

The original method also provided resistance to toxins , certain curses , and a faster recovery speed . Zac guessed these boons were still there , even if he had altered the method . After all , replacing - Boundless - with the - Void - mostly changed the absorption process rather than the end result , with the notable exception being the difference in Heart Cultivation .

As to why the System placed the information together with his bloodline , Zac wasn’t sure . He guessed it made sense considering the connection to the Void , and his Draugr-node was also there . In a sense , it was almost good news since it hopefully meant there weren’t any clashes of compatibility between bloodline and Body Tempering Method .

Now , he was just missing the equivalent line on his undead side . In fact , Zac wanted to check whether the attributes transferred to the other side . He couldn’t be certain that Quantum Gate] would fully transfer these gains . However , with Iz waiting outside , Zac skipped turning into a Draugr for the time being .

Iz wasn’t waiting where he left her , but Zac soon found her standing by his central prayer mat , curiously looking at Yrial’s statue .

My master , - Zac said with a weak smile when she looked up at Zac . - He’s also the one who made the escape treasure and penned that poem . He’s a bit . . . eccentric . -

I didn’t know you had a master , - Iz said with surprise . - What force is he from? -

None . He’s a soul wisp from a Dao Repository I got from the System , - Zac explained . - He’s also an Edgewalker like me , though with Fire and Ice . -

Hm , - Iz said as she looked up at the clashing elements above her . - A world of Life and Death . It’s odd . Life and Death are part of the natural cycle of a world , yet this seems unnatural . -

I’ve inconvenienced everyone with changing this planet’s direction , - Zac sighed .

To progress is to cause ripples . If others can neither rise above the waves nor adapt to them , then they simply aren’t fated . - Iz looked at Zac curiously . - But that method of yours , the one from before . It contains something different . It’s a method of the Sangha , yet it is not . Can you tell me what it is? -

It was a Body Tempering Method I got from a monk belonging to the Sea of Tranquility . It didn’t suit me , though , and contained hidden traps . So I reformed it using the insights of the seals . -

My uncle says the Sangha is incredibly difficult to deal with , - Iz commented . - Then again , that goes for all established factions for someone unattached like you . -

I’ve come to realize that as well , - Zac grunted , then he froze , looking up at Iz speculatively . - Are you able to discern whether items are tampered with? -

I might , - Iz said after some thought . - But a price must be paid to maintain balance . -

Zac nodded , mentally preparing himself to be scalded again . Though things took a different turn .

I don’t need to test your fate . I know you are fated . Instead , I want an answer , - Iz said . - I’ve asked twice now , but you skirted the answer I sought . Your method contained a concept that felt familiar yet distant to me . It is not often I fail to discern the true nature of things . If you can tell me what that was , I will do my utmost to resolve any hidden traps in your treasures . -

Zac hesitated . He obviously knew what she’d been digging at before , but this was closing in on some of his secrets—secrets he had no way to gauge the importance of . There was simply no information on the concept of the Void of Dao in a Sector like Zecia . Who knew what people from the Multiverse’s Heartlands thought of it?

Still , Zac didn’t immediately refuse upon remembering the trap hidden within the Boundless Vajra Sublimation] .

He had all kinds of justifications for why it should be safe , but it would ultimately be risky to drink the Essence of the Abyss] or jump into the Temporal Chamber blindly . His instincts told him the Undead Empire wouldn’t harm him before they could extract all value from him , such as assisting them inside Ultom in seven years . But the Boundless Varja Sublimation] showed him that being killed or crippled were not the only things he needed to look out for .

Now that Iz was right in front of him , he had a rare opportunity that might allow him to forge ahead with peace of mind . And if he had to ask himself whether he felt Iz was more trustworthy than the Undead Empire , his instincts said yes . If anything , she and her family seemed so far above him and his secrets that it didn’t matter if he divulged them .

It’s the Void , and not just the Void of Space , - Zac said . - I used the seal to replace the Buddhist Sutras with the pull of the Void , dragging Life into my body . Don’t ask me how , though . -

Interesting , - Iz said , and a smile bloomed on her face . - I wonder what those old things would think if they knew . A few have tried to grasp the peaks by plunging into the depths , but I don’t think anyone has ever succeeded . Just extracting some benefits from the other side of the coin is incredibly difficult , yet a barbarian at the frontier communes freely with the Void , upending convention . -

Uh , please keep it between us , yeah? - Zac said , deciding to forgo objecting to being called a barbarian . After all , being a barbarian beat out being a bug .

I’m not so lowly as to gossip about the matters of my friends , - Iz said , her eyes shifting away slightly .

Thank you , - Zac said . - It’s not easy to find trustworthy people in this world . -

Iz nodded slightly , then looked up at the clashing energies .

You are forming a Life Constitution to match your undead half , - Iz mused . - Balance between Pure Life and Death . Forming a core on a path that only converge at the peak . . . difficult . Are you prepared? -

Zac sighed as he followed her gaze . Iz had hit the nail on the head with that comment . He’d realized this more and more as his understanding of Duality , and the nature of Cultivator Cores , had increased .

The Elemental Daos held a relationship of restraining and enkindling one another , but that wasn’t the case with Life and Death . It all led toward Chaos , and Chaos was split into two , Creation and Oblivion , which gave birth to the concepts such as Life and Death . By their inherent nature , they were each other’s opposites , only fusing into one when they returned to their origin .

To fuse the two concepts into one Core at the D-grade was to put the cart before the horse , a paradox . Still , Zac wouldn’t give up . Henry Marshall might be right , that he had nurtured hubris worthy of the Roman Emperors . But Zac still believed he could accomplish it thanks to his unique encounters and bloodline .

He just needed to find the key that would make the impossible possible .

Your heart is steady , - Iz nodded before changing the subject . - What do you want to inspect? -

Give me a minute , - Zac said , taking out a table before flashing away .

A while later , Zac returned with the sealed Temporal Chamber and placed it on the table next to the Essence of the Abyss] . The chamber had been left at an offshoot to the Divine Vein beneath the cave to charge while Zac cultivated . Iz didn’t have any particular reaction to the two items and only nodded before taking out a fiery crystal .

The gemstone was similar to a normal Fire Crystal , but Zac felt some palpitations from the aura within . Iz took the crystal , and Zac looked with amazement as a drop of fire formed on her finger . Looking at it was like seeing the true face of Fire for the first time in his life , and only the light of Primal Dao could compare .

However , that Primal Dao had been spread out , diluted by holding so many truths . In contrast , this drop was pure flames , unblemished by anything else . The drop landed on the crystal , and Zac looked on with interest as it cracked . It didn’t shatter and turn into dust , just looked more like an egg hatching .

And that turned out to be exactly the case . A small bird made from pure flames emerged , resembling a golden crow . Except it had three legs and an additional eye on its forehead . The whole thing emitted an incredibly ancient aura , almost like the aura Zac felt when using Void Energy .

Please find what doesn’t belong , - Iz said .

The crow shook its wings , bouncing over to the two items on the table , leaving fiery runes in its wake . First , it jumped a few times around the box before its third eye opened . Zac’s mind screamed of danger , forcing him to quickly look away . He’d barely seen a glimpse of the golden swirl , but it had almost felt like he had been dragged back to the beginning of time .

Inside that eye , there had been a sky set on fire , and Zac knew it wasn’t some illusion . The whole cave shook from the pressure as sweat started pouring down Zac’s face . The feeling soon passed , and Zac carefully glanced at the table and was relieved to see the crow had closed its eye .

The Temporal Chamber seems to be unproblematic , - Iz said as the crow jumped over to the vial and started the same procedure .

The same ritual repeated itself , and Zac realized the crow wasn’t just bouncing around randomly . The runes its jumps left in its wake formed an intricate array around the item , though Zac couldn’t figure out its purpose . The runes were too archaic , reminding Zac more of the markings on the Stele of Conflict than anything created under the System’s purview .

Once more , the crow opened its eye , prompting Zac to avert his gaze . Something was different this time , though . When Zac looked back at the crow , he found it angrily staring at the Essence of the Abyss] , and Zac’s eyes widened in alarm when it stabbed forward with its beak .

Wai— - Zac’s words were caught in his throat as he saw the crow’s beak somehow pass straight through the vial before dragging something out in a lightning-quick motion .

It looked like a ball of black mud , but Zac only caught a glimpse before the crow gobbled it up .

What’s going on? - Zac said with bewilderment .

The next moment , the crow flew right into Iz’s forehead and disappeared , and she shuddered before slowly opening her eyes .

Something akin to a curse had been added to the mixture , - Iz said . - It would seek out Life and convert it to Death . I’m not sure if it would have worked against you , though . After interacting , your situation appears somewhat unique . It’s as though you carry two different bodies in one , completely separate . Normally , you should have Death hidden deep in your cells right now , but that’s not the case at all . -

Still , better safe than sorry , - Zac said as he looked at the vial with some trepidation . - Thank you . -

So , there was a trap after all . It wasn’t as nefarious as the one Three Virtues left him , but it was still extremely dangerous . It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together after learning about the curse attached to the Essence of the Abyss] . As Catheya said , they didn’t care about him being an Edgewalker . They were much more interested in his bloodline .

Meaning , they wanted to kill his human half .

Zac had to admit it made sense . He could probably break through to the D-grade in a month if he only had to worry about one of his two halves . His path was infinitely more difficult , and there was a real risk of failure . Better they sweep the problems aside and open the path for him to progress as a normal Draugr .

Perhaps it was even a precautionary measure . They feared he’d give up on his path and discard his Draugr side . After all , he was ultimately born human .

It was nothing much , - Iz said . - I’m afraid I have damaged the vial’s seal , though . The actual tonic will slowly lose its efficacy . I recommend you take it within a month . -

Zac wasn’t too bothered , since his Body Tempering Progress was better than he’d originally expected .

However , he soon looked up at Iz suspiciously . - Wait , if you had that crow , why wouldn’t you be able to remove the mark left by your elder? -

That crow wouldn’t dare peck at something my grandpa created . - Iz smiled . - After all , it’s just a sentient wisp of his Dao . -

Oh , - Zac muttered .

Is that it? - Iz asked , and Zac absentmindedly nodded in response as he stowed the two treasures . - Good , then it’s time to fulfill our agreement . -

Ah , what? - Zac said before he looked up with alarm . - Ah , there’s no need , no need . How about I give you a tour of my planet instead? -

But Zac shook his head in resignation when the Stone of Celestial Void] appeared in Iz’s hand .

Some things are inevitable . As your poem said : Heaven’s Path won’t be denied , - Iz said . - Now , do you want to spar here , or shall we relocate? -

Follow me , - Zac sighed , leading her toward the teleportation array , where each step felt like walking toward the gallows .

I thought I’d have another year to prepare , - Zac added as he helplessly looked at Iz . - I figured you’d be deep inside the Million Gates Territory by now . -

I was fortunate . It did not take me a lot of time finding the piece I marked , - Iz explained . - I had no reason to stay in that region after that . In fact , it took me more time reaching your planet than searching for the seal . -

You’re going home after this? - Zac asked .

I need to work hard on my cultivation for the upcoming trial , yes . My grandfather will guide me over the next years . -

Can I ask? Someone like you , what did you figure out with the insights the seals provided? - Zac asked . - It’s okay if you don’t want to answer . -

Someone like me? - Iz asked with a raised brow .

Rich , - Zac said with a roll of his eyes . - I feel like I’d need twenty seals to cover everything I’m lacking , but that’s because I’m kind of making things up as I go . So I was just curious what someone with a proper background would ask from the Seal of the Left Imperial Palace . -

I focused on my Core . Like you , I have a heavy foundation and many pieces that need to fit together . Without its insights , it would take me years to figure things out . -

Won’t your elders provide you with a working core? -

They could , but it would ultimately harm me , - Iz said . - For one , any seemingly perfect solution my grandpa creates might not be the most suitable for me . Some answers need to come from within , and a slightly imperfect start to your journey doesn’t mean it will be shorter . As long as it is truly yours and you fully understand every aspect of it , you can work on the imperfections as you progress .

Conversely , if I rely on my elders too much , I might not even be able to defend my Dao properly . At that time , my grandpa would have to step in , and I’d be stuck as an Earth Immortal . -

Zac stopped , confusion overcoming him as he looked at Iz .

A what?

58

EARTH IMMORTALS

Zac had never heard of the concept of Earth Immortals before , and believed this to be a rare opportunity to learn some new things without getting blasted by Iz .

A what? - Zac said with interest .

If you fail to build a ladder to Heaven , you still have a chance to conjure the chains to the Earthly Planes and become an Earth Immortal , or a Fallen Autarch . You are weaker than true Autarchs , and you will be assaulted by increasingly ferocious Heavenly Tribulations every ten thousand years , - Iz explained .

It’s a false realm , in a sense? - Zac asked . - Like a Half-Step Hegemon . -

Both yes and no , - Iz said after some thought . - It can mostly be considered a false stage . Though technically , one can sever the chains to progress . If you manage to break all seven Earthly Chains , you should theoretically have a chance at Supremacy . And a Supremacy who rose through this path should be no worse than a true Supremacy who walked Heaven’s Path . They might even have unique advantages . -

Zac slowly nodded , despite not quite understanding the difference .

But practically , it’s not a feasible path of progression . Severing a chain barely improves your strength ; you’re still bound to the Earth . Also , breaking each subsequent chain will become more and more difficult . Even breaking the first is more difficult than stepping into Late Autarchy . And all the while , you must deal with the recurring Tribulation Lightning . - Iz sighed . - I’ve never heard of an Earth Immortal who managed to break more than three chains before a tribulation annihilated them . -

Sounds like a broken path , - Zac muttered .

That’s because it is . Heaven’s Path is to form a ladder toward Heaven where eight is peak and nine is perfection . The system of Earthly Immortals isn’t part of this . It’s the path of a previous Heaven , and the method was discovered in an Eternal Heritage shortly after the System was created . Some hoped to use it as an alternative path to the Peak , so they adjusted it to work with our Dao . Ultimately , it’s not part of this era . -

More suffering and less strength , - Zac said with bemusement . - Are there any benefits to it? -

Certainly beats dying when you fail to defend your Dao . - Iz shrugged . - Today , it’s mostly used as a backup if your Dao Defense fails . -

Then why haven’t I heard of it before? -

You need a decently powerful Supremacy to guard your ascension and fight back the Heavens when you fail to build the Heavenly Ladder . - Iz smiled . - Just suppressing the Heavens for the time it takes to summon the Earthly Chains is quite taxing , even for a Supremacy . It can also be extremely dangerous because of outside intervention . Finding an A-grade cultivator in such a vulnerable position is not easy . Therefore , Earth Immortals are quite rare , even in the central regions of the Multiverse . -

No wonder , - Zac said .

It made sense . Why would a Supremacy take such a risk in normal situations? To risk their very lives for some Monarch who wasn’t powerful enough to become an Autarch on their own? Especially when the end result wasn’t that great . Perhaps if it were their child . But they definitely wouldn’t stick their neck out for some random junior of their faction . Better to wait a few dozen millennia for another promising Monarch to appear .

Less stalling . Where are we going , - Iz said , and Zac grimaced when he saw her eager expression .

It was just like when they traveled through the Dimensional Seed together . She had offhandedly dropped a bombshell piece of information , such as the background of the Kan’Tanu . But any time he’d asked for more details , she looked at him with that face while talking about testing fates .

Of course , - Zac said with a crooked smile as he activated the teleportation array . - Let’s get this over with . -

A few moments later , they appeared on one of Zac’s private islands . There were a few beasts around even though the island was a rocky plateau without any vegetation . None would dare get close after sensing the auras of him and Iz . He led her to a flat vista some distance away from his small camp , where they could fight without worrying about damaging the teleportation array .

Is this really necessary? - Zac sighed , trying once more to avoid the inevitable .

I never go back on my words , - Iz said , while a smile crept up her lips . - Besides , aren’t you curious? The distance between us , compared to the first time we fought? -

Zac reluctantly admitted he’d be lying if he said no . He felt he had made tremendous progress , and his foundations were far deeper today than when he ascended the Tower of Eternity . If he climbed an E-grade variant of the tower today , he was almost certain he’d be able to conquer the whole thing .

At the same time , Zac doubted Iz’s family would have just let her laze around all day during her prime cultivation age . It was just hard to know what kind of methods someone like her practiced . Zac made it this far while cultivating Soul , Technique , and now Constitution . There was no way Iz didn’t have similar accomplishments .

Unfortunately , he only caught glimpses of her fight inside the Void Star . Having been too busy dealing with the oversized Qriz’Ul goblin to figure out anything new . She was a fire mage , though he suspected the truth was far more complex .

How about we don’t use any skills? - Zac ventured , hoping he could leverage his Integration Stage techniques to level the playing field .

That would put you at a disadvantage , - Iz said as an array of intensely bright fireballs appeared above her head . - I do not think you possess the ability to utilize Cosmic Energy without guidance fractals . -

Nevermind , - Zac grunted . - Just wanted to make sure I don’t accidentally— -

Zac didn’t get any further , as Iz looked at him like he were an idiot . - Don’t worry about me . I’ll be fine even if you hit me with a blast of Hollow Chaos . Let’s go . -

Alright , alright , - Zac said with a roll of his eyes . - Do you want to fight my undead side or human? -

I shall leave that up to you . -

Zac gave it some thought , then ultimately chose to stay human . His Draugr side would be a better match , especially if you included Vivi’s weakness against fire . But this wasn’t a fight to the death , and Zac wanted to push his human constitution to the limits to see if his Void Vajra Constitution improved his combat strength in any way .

Any errant thoughts were thrown out the window as an enormous eruption of fiery energies blanketed the area . Iz had flown back , creating almost a mile’s distance between them , and was already preparing her skills . It almost looked like Earth’s core had been dragged to the surface as a small sun rose beneath Iz’s feet , and the six-winged demonic angel soon followed . Zac wasn’t surprised by the scene—having witnessed Iz use this combo multiple times .

The whole island appeared to be fried by Iz’s domain , and Zac wasn’t ready to be outdone . Thousands of swirls appeared in the air as Zac unleashed a Dao Field powered by the Branch of the Kalpataru and the Branch of the War Axe . An area covering over a thousand meters became a battleground even more ferocious than the environment in his cultivation cave .

Zac found his domain suppressed and contained . But as long as it wasn’t ripped apart , he’d accomplished his goal . A clash of domains wasn’t a matter of pride and vanity , but a strategic struggle for the upper hand . Whoever managed to take control of the environment would have a home-field advantage . And since Zac could at least prevent his domain from buckling , the environment wouldn’t empower her attacks .

Of course , Iz wasn’t relying on her apocalyptic Dao Field , even if it exerted constant , overbearing pressure . The thing that really made Zac’s danger sense wake up was the six archaic arrays that appeared around the demon’s head like a nimbus . A stream of pure flames shot toward him with the speed of a falling meteor , but Zac was no longer the helpless person from back in the Tower of Eternity .

A huge fractal blade shuddering with barely contained Dao appeared on the edge of his axe , and Verun’s Bite] keened with fighting spirit as he swung the weapon at an upward angle . The blade tore into the beam , only splitting its front in two . A lone leaf was not enough to completely bisect this beam of unfettered fire .

Of course , the fractal leaves of Nature’s Edge] rarely traveled alone .

A storm followed in the first fractal blade’s wake , and they ripped the beam apart like a swarm of piranhas . A few leaves even managed to continue toward Iz , who calmly stood atop the sun like a goddess . The huge Demonoid swatted them away like annoying flies , allowing Iz to calmly spectate the battle without moving . Even when imbued with Zac’s Branch of the War Axe , the leaves only managed to leave shallow scars on the Demonoid , which soon closed in a flash of flames .

Zac wasn’t deterred by something like that . That demon creature was one of Iz’s staple skills , just like his Pillar of Desolation in his other class . It wouldn’t fall so easily , especially not from a simple attack like this . The sun-and-demon pair were like a summonable array turret . Trying to beat Iz at her own game with Nature’s Edge] was a fool’s hope .

The ground cracked beneath Zac’s feet as he shot forward like a rocket , easily avoiding a second beam that followed the first . Zac found himself caught in an apocalypse , with fiery rays and molten rock assaulting him from every direction . He was already moving based on the concept of his Evolutionary Stance , each step finding a path of life in a sea of fiery death .

The pressure mounted as he drew closer . The beams were incredibly fast and unending , and Zac got less and less time to react to their trajectories . Just dodging wasn’t enough after two hundred meters , and he was forced to fight fire with fire . His right arm turned into a blur , and he kept launching fractal leaves to either destroy Iz’s barrage of strikes or put some pressure on Iz herself .

Even now , Iz hadn’t moved so much as a muscle , appearing content to let her avatar duke it out with him . Zac almost felt like he was playing a video game facing a two-stage boss . He needed to take out the guardian before he could face the real challenge . And Zac had a plan to accomplish just that .

The whole battleground was soon destroyed beyond recognition . Some of the fire beams slammed into the ground between them , redrawing the landscape , and Zac kept ripping up huge swathes of stone in an effort to obscure his pathing and create an opening . Vivi’s vines were also helping by grabbing massive boulders and hurling them at Iz . Normal stones couldn’t withstand the beams of flames for long , but they could delay them for a fraction of a second , allowing Zac to pass through or launch a fractal blade at a tricky angle .

Zac soon noticed that any time he made the avatar block one of his fractal leaves , there would be a brief pause in the beams . Seeing a path to close the gap , Zac focused even more attacks on Iz herself , which allowed him to advance even faster . Finally , Zac judged he was close enough for the next step , and pushed from the ground while activating a torrential storm of leaves from Nature’s Edge] .

Two beams were already bearing down on him the moment he launched into the air , but a simple step moved him over fifty meters closer . Waiting at his destination was a flying boulder Vivi had hurtled just a moment earlier , and Zac used it to reset Earthstrider] . At the same time , huge amounts of Cosmic Energy entered his arm .

A giant wooden hand appeared in a crack of reality , just one hundred meters away from Iz Tayn and her demonic avatar . It ruthlessly swung down in a bloodthirsty arc just as Zac forced the avatar to block out a series of attacks on Iz . It prevented the Demonoid from instantly changing targets , but it still managed to fire off three of its arrays at Arcadia’s Judgement] .

Blinding pain almost made Zac fall to the ground , but he gritted his teeth as he pushed the skill downward . The hand burned like a pyre , and space itself broke apart in the face of the immense sharpness contained in the axe head . Iz looked up with a thoughtful glance , and moved for the first time since the battle started .

A stream of flames rose from the depths of the raging sun , slightly weakening its radiance to form a massive barrier above Iz’s head . A moment later , edge and shield collided . The whole island shook , and billowing waves of cutting flames pushed away the clouds . Zac furiously tried to push through , but the barrier seemed completely inexhaustible .

Not only that , the defensive shield further scalded the wooden hand , rapidly weakening its structural integrity .

Close , - Iz commented just as Arcadia’s Judgement] was about to collapse .

At this point , Zac floated in the air , assisted by Vivi’s vines .

Was it? - Zac smiled as the ground started to heave even harder .

Wh— - Iz frowned before looking down with surprise .

She didn’t get the chance to prepare her next move before the second half of Arcadia’s Judgement] came crashing from below . This was the beauty of his ultimate skill . The wooden hand and its humongous axe were so dangerous , it forced most opponents to activate their strongest defenses or counter with an all-out strike .

However , that left them vulnerable to the judgement of the earth , and the skill would pincer the enemy like the closing jaw of a Primordial Beast . Zac suspected Iz’s sun would be able to withstand this much , but he had some outside assistance this time around .

What— - Iz started again , the rest drowned out by a tremendous explosion that threw Zac hundreds of meters away .

Zac barely had time to land and steady himself before a wall of superheated mist slammed into him . If he hadn’t been prepared for this , he would possibly have been thrown clean off the island . Thankfully , he’d already secured his spot with Vivi . His robes were frayed , and he was drenched in water like a drowning cat , yet a wide smile spread across Zac’s face .

There was no coincidence he chose this particular island , this particular spot , out of all the possible locations they could fight . Visibility was almost zero , but he could vaguely see a geyser of shimmering water break apart a few hundred meters into the air , showering the parched island in torrential rain .

This wasn’t some new addition to his skill , but it was only made possible thanks to the powerful eruption of Arcadia’s Judgement] . The earthquake had created an outlet for a spiritual spring containing huge amounts of Spiritual Water . This water wasn’t like the Cosmic Water back on his island , but F-grade water imbued with the Dao of Water .

Life and Death weren’t the only elements on the planet , even if they became increasingly dominant . There was still the huge Fire Crystal Mine in the Underworld , along with several other attuned resources . This island and its subterranean spring was one such example , though it hadn’t been excavated .

There simply wasn’t that much use for the Water-attuned spring on Earth , at least not water that could only be considered F-grade . It wasn’t even useful to nurture Spiritual Plants . It was more efficient to infuse clouds with Cosmic Energy and feed the plants with gathering arrays instead . So the island had been sealed off and its resource listed in a ledger until Port Atwood found some use for it .

And today , the water had finally shown its worth . Its Dao was obviously far inferior to Iz’s sun , but the volumes were tremendous . Between the force of it bursting out from the depths and the slight attunement , it defeated quality with quantity .

Zac couldn’t even see the hand in front of his face because of the mist , but he still shot forward at full speed . He didn’t need his normal vision to figure out where Iz was . She was like an almost blinding beacon to his Cosmic Gaze] . Two steps with Earthstrider] placed him right behind her , and Zac’s axe was already descending for her shoulder .

A hint of worry filled his heart when he saw Iz fearfully look back with shock , and his hand slowed down a bit from hesitation . Was he going overboard? What if he actually hurt—

No .

A teasing smile appeared on Iz’s face , and Zac yelped as a conflagration swallowed him . It wasn’t an attack . Iz herself just up and exploded . A flash of heat left him toasty , but the force of the eruption wasn’t enough to actually wound him . Zac still scrambled out of the way as he warily looked around . If his target was a fake , then where was the real Iz?

You’re pretty shameless . - A laugh echoed behind him , and Zac swirled around only to cut apart a plume of scalded water .

Nothing shameless about taking advantage of your surroundings , - Zac said , trying to find the source of the voice . - You could consider it as a lesson in practical combat . -

Iz giggled , her voice coming from every direction . - You sound like my uncle . Well , it’s more fun this way . I guess I can be a bit shameless as well . -

Uh . . . - Zac said with a sinking feeling as the island started to rumble .

59

WINGS

Zac was rendered a bit helpless as he tried to figure out where Iz was hiding and what she was up to . The huge geyser was supposed to help him suppress Iz , but it instead filled the battlefield with scalding mist that helped obscure her location . Meanwhile , Zac could feel something was changing in the surroundings as the temperature was rapidly rising .

Iz was unleashing a domain skill , but the lack of clear accumulations of Cosmic Energy left him uncertain . What Zac did know was that he couldn’t just stand around or swing his axe blindly in the air . He activated Ancestral Woods] to get a better understanding of the situation .

Thousands of ancient trees sprung from the ground , and the haze lifted a bit as they swallowed the mist around them . Zac’s vision expanded to a radius of over three hundred meters in every direction , and Zac immediately found the source of the changes . Hundreds of small flowers were growing out of the ground .

Zac couldn’t tell if the red and purple flowers were real or made from flames , but they emitted searing heat and an apocalyptic aura . It was almost as if a little bit of the Dao of Oblivion was mixed in the flowers , giving them a more powerful destructive tendency than normal flames . Of course , Zac could tell the source of the ruinous aura didn’t actually come from Oblivion .

This aura had a different flavor , where the flowers almost felt like they had a desire to bring about the apocalypse and the end of days . Thankfully , they didn’t seem to cause much trouble yet , except they managed to suppress the geyser that was fast-losing steam . But it didn’t matter , as Zac had found his mark .

Just at the edge of his forest , a two-meter cocoon had appeared . It didn’t emit any energy fluctuations at all , appearing like a crystallized flame from the depths of hell . It had the same colors as the flowers , and Zac could vaguely see a humanoid shape inside . Zac wasted no time as he jumped into the closest tree , appearing just a few meters away from the cocoon .

This wasn’t some tv-show . Zac wouldn’t wait around for Iz to transform into some Giga-Iz . If he could stop her mid-transition and eke out a quick victory , that would be for the best . Unfortunately , just as Zac made to destroy the cocoon , it erupted in a hailstorm of sharp shards that pushed Zac back . He rapidly found his footing and pushed through the shrapnel to attack , but he stopped upon seeing his opponent .

A pixie? - Zac exclaimed , trying to make sense of her transformation .

Zac had seen Iz use a set of six wings a few times now , wings of pure golden-orange flames that felt almost holy . Iz emitted an inherent pressure when she wore those wings , like an empress looking down at her subjects . This was something else entirely . Instead of six wings , Iz only had one set , and they looked nothing like the empyrean pure-flame wings .

Two small butterfly wings had formed on her back . They were partly translucent , reminiscent of soap bubbles that shifted in deep red and purple colors . Iz’s skin had a similar effect , though it wasn’t as apparent as her wings . Most notably , Iz held a weapon for the first time . At least , Zac guessed it was one .

She bore a large flower of a different species than the smaller things that grew across the forest . It reminded him of a purple and black sunflower , with the stalk cut to be around two-thirds of a meter . The flower was almost the size of a plate , and its weight made the stem slump slightly . The scene would have both been a bit comical and incredibly cute if not for the terrifying aura of infernal destruction the flower emitted .

The air twisted around the flower . She may as well have been holding something plucked from the depths of hell .

What are yo— - Zac hesitated , but he got no further before Iz attacked .

She didn’t conjure any fireballs or other skills Zac would have expected . Instead , Iz flashed forward with incredible speed , swinging the flower like a club . The experience of a thousand battles kicked in . If Iz wanted to infight with him , that was fine . Great , even .

Because that was his domain .

Zac pounced like a Primordial Beast , unwilling to surrender even an inch of territory . This was the principle of the primal wilds , where it was only eat or be eaten . Verun’s Bite] howled with mad glee as Zac slashed up at the incoming flower , while Vivi’s vines had already begun their suffocating dance .

Only , the scene of Zac cutting off the flower halfway up the stem didn’t occur . An overbearing pressure formed on his right arm as edge and branch collided , and he was almost pushed into the ground . Iz was surprisingly strong , and the flower incredibly sturdy . Verun’s edge didn’t even manage to leave a mark on the stem , but that wasn’t the only problem .

The collision released pollen from the flower , which turned into a terrifying hellfire threatening to submerge him . Zac was in no mood to get scorched , but that didn’t mean he would back away . He leveraged the fact that his raw Strength slightly surpassed Iz’s to tilt her arm to the side while he pushed forward for a frontal collision .

Iz nimbly dodged Zac’s rush with a flutter of her wings , and another wave of her flower unleashed a second cascade of flames . That sunflower doubled as a melee weapon and a wand , with each attack releasing a fiery outburst with power comparable to the fireballs that almost cooked him alive in the Void Star . Taking too many of those waves would be more than his body could handle , and he didn’t want to go out like that .

But now that Zac knew how the flower worked , he wasn’t overly bothered . It was just another variable to work around . A sharp cut split the wave apart , leaving Zac only slightly burnt as he rushed into melee range once more . Zac furiously tried to break past her defense , while Iz created cascading curtains of flames with her expertly aligned parries .

Simultaneously , Vivi’s vines slithered around , trying to tie Iz down and prevent her from utilizing her wings . And it soon became apparent the odd sheen on Iz’s body wasn’t just there for looks . It was a thin film of incredibly destructive flames , preventing Vivi from holding onto her for more than a fraction of a second before a section of her vines burned off .

Zac swapped to standard suppressive use , where the vines aimed at Iz’s vitals like eyes and heart . Zac was like a hurricane of violence , using not only his axe but his free fist and legs to drown Iz in strikes . It was clear this wasn’t Iz’s first rodeo . Fighting her felt like fighting a dancing flame , where he continuously failed to land any real strikes and instead came away scorched .

But it wasn’t all bad . While Iz was a surprisingly competent fighter , she wasn’t at the Integration Stage as far as Zac could tell . She was just using a top-quality set of techniques that probably belonged to her family . Neither were Iz’s attributes geared toward infighting like his were , so Zac had completely seized the momentum after Iz’s initial ambush . As long as things kept going this way , Zac would be able to force an opening before his burns became too much to handle .

However , the situation in his forest was deteriorating . The first flowers had fully matured , and a silent flame burned from their petals . Dozens of trees had been burned down already , and it was just a matter of time before his domain collapsed . If that were the only problem , it would have been manageable . He didn’t really need Ancestral Woods] right now .

The real issue was the small butterflies that each flower seemed to birth when they bloomed . They looked a bit drunk just after being born , and Zac glimpsed one accidentally knocking against one of the trees . The tree instantly disappeared in a puff of flames , leaving not even a wisp of his energy behind . If Zac had any hair left , it would have stood on end at the prospect of hundreds of those little firebombs flying over to blast him .

Zac would have to step up the pressure and end things faster if he wanted to avoid being overrun . Seeing that Iz had time to grow hundreds of little kamikaze pilots while fighting proved she wasn’t at her limits , even if Zac held a small advantage . It meant he could stop holding back .

Until now , a part of him had been afraid to wound her , leaving his strikes hollow . Such a mindset was anathema to the brutal technique of the Evolutionary Stance , which fully focused on killing one’s targets . Zac finally accepted reality . Thinking he could grievously wound Iz Tayn without any of his hidden trump cards was simply overestimating himself .

A fiery storm soon raged through the forest as Zac and Iz turned into a blur . Zac was pushing harder and harder , his axe and vines working in perfect harmony to suffocate Iz and restrict her movements . She found herself increasingly unable to fight fire with fire , and was forced to continuously use her wings to avoid leaving any openings .

Unfortunately for her , Zac completely controlled the trajectories she could back away in , which allowed him to simultaneously dodge the deadly butterflies . He was relentless , refusing to give Iz even the smallest of breathers . Neither did he unleash any skills or massive strikes that would slow his tempo . He was content in whittling at his opponent’s momentum , like a pack of hyenas dragging down a wounded lion .

Zac was amazed at Iz’s combat awareness , even if she found herself on the losing end . To this point , he hadn’t managed to land a real hit . A few kicks and lashes from Vivi had connected , but they’d been neutralized by Iz deflecting most of the force with her free hand . Most enemies he’d fought would have made a mistake and left some opening by now , but Iz remained steady as a mountain even as she spiraled closer to a loss .

Suddenly , Zac felt a pang of danger , forcing him to dive to the ground . He barely had time to close his eyes before the whole forest exploded . Zac only got a short vision of hundreds of butterflies exploding simultaneously , creating a wave of flames that scorched his back while tearing Ancestral Woods] apart .

Zac swore in annoyance , scrambling to his feet . He’d been so close to victory . In less than ten strikes , he would have been able to break through Iz’s meticulous defense and leverage his edge against her neck . Zac guessed she figured that out , forcing her to take drastic measures . Still , that would only delay the inevitable , and Iz was now without her restraining butterflies .

But as Zac burst through the curtain of flames to resume his siege , he found his opponent had transformed once more . A second set of wings joined the first . The second set weren’t like the pixie wings she still wore , they were golden wings like the ones on the three-legged crow from before .

It should have looked odd with two sets of such different wings , but it was somehow natural . Iz herself had undergone a small change once more . Her opalescent skin was the same , but it’d gained a greater golden hue , while some of her hair had been replaced by golden feathers . Simultaneously , she brandished a new item in her previously free hand—a small sun that drenched the area in golden luster .

What were these transformations? Zac didn’t get it . He’d barely sensed Iz rotating any Cosmic Energy , yet the effect was almost as pronounced as his ultimate skills . Was this her actual appearance , while she usually kept herself sealed? Or was this some form of cultivation that didn’t exist on the frontier? Zac had no idea , and Iz wouldn’t give him any time to figure things out .

She was already upon him , and he wasn’t overly surprised to find her speed and strength having gained a boost after adding another set of wings . Simultaneously , Zac saw nine golden suns gradually phase into reality above his head and immediately felt a vague sense of danger from them . It was almost like a dangerous beast was glaring at him from above .

At the same time , new infernal flowers were already replacing those that had been incinerated , and he didn’t have Ancestral Woods] to keep track of the situation any longer . And to make a bad situation worse , Zac soon found the small sun in Iz’s hand wasn’t just an ornamental object .

The orb kept spewing out arcs of flames so hot they looked like plasma . Zac wasn’t even sure if Iz was controlling it , but it both helped her block his strikes while sending out attacks on its own . Zac was suddenly fighting two people rather than one , and the pressure tested the limits of his Evolutionary Stance .

Still , Zac refused to give in , and managed to at least give as good as he got . He didn’t have an advantage anymore , but neither did Iz suppress him . With his monstrous endurance and energy reserves , he would have a chance to turn things around again .

A pang of danger forced Zac to back away just as he was about to launch another attack . His danger sense narrowly allowed him to avoid a golden crow that dove at him from one of the suns above . It just missed Zac’s face , but it still left a trail of primal flames in its wake that obscured his vision . Zac growled in annoyance as he cut apart the trail , only to be forced to dodge a solar flare from Iz’s hand .

Two sets of flames raged around them as Zac desperately fought , pushing his Evolutionary Stance to the limit . Verun’s Bite] was a blur as it fought off the flower with its infernal flames and the constant barrage of solar flares . It was lucky Verun had swallowed a small lake’s worth of Dragon’s Blood . Without it , the Spirit Tool would probably have been damaged by this point .

Vivi was much worse off , her vines in a constant cycle of destruction and regrowth as they tried to help as best they could . Zac sensed exhaustion through his link . These terrifying flames were too draining , and she wouldn’t be able to keep fighting much longer . If he forced it , Zac would be damaging her already waning vitality , and he definitely wouldn’t do something like that for a duel .

The pressure kept mounting . One three-legged crow turned to two as another one emerged from a sun in the sky . Zac was forced to fight the critters off with his free arm , relying on his durable body and recovery to constantly heal his burnt skin . Even then , the situation wasn’t sustainable .

He was already drowning under Iz’s assault . And since two of the suns had birthed powerful helpers , Zac guessed it was just a matter of time before there were nine of them harassing him . Zac fought with all the ferocity and tenacity of a Primordial Beast , but some things couldn’t be defeated with guts and grit alone . Iz Tayn was a natural calamity that had descended upon his domain . Fighting her was like fighting nature’s wrath .

Zac would either have to activate Arcadian Crusade] to bring things back under control , or go for a Hail Mary before more crows and butterflies emerged . Since Vivi was tired and this ultimately was just a sparring session , Zac went with the latter . Using Berserking skills or treasures felt like breaking some unspoken rule , so he’d rather give it one last hurrah before throwing in the towel .

The next moment , Zac’s combat style slightly changed . It became more frantic , almost to the point it could be seen as suicidal . Zac completely ignored a solar flare hitting his chest as he violently slammed the infernal flower to the side . From there , Zac once more made to slam into Iz in a full-frontal collision . Like before , she expertly created enough distance with the help of her wings , but this time Zac didn’t follow in her wake .

Taking a solar flare straight on his chest hurt like hell , but he ignored the pain as he pushed Cosmic Energy into the Skill Fractal for Empyrean Aegis] . He’d kept his ultimate defense in his back pocket until now , and it was finally time to use it . Iz’s eyes widened in surprise upon sensing Zac’s energy churn , but she smiled a bit as she followed suit .

But how could Zac let her do as she pleased?

He had a head start already , and with a small infusion of Void Energy , he cut the casting time down by another 30% , allowing him to summon the golden pillars before Iz activated her own skill . Zac hadn’t initially planned on using Void Energy in this fight , but he also didn’t want to lose without giving a proper performance .

A golden radiance swallowed the fiery domain , and Iz shuddered as the suppression of Zac’s defensive skill interrupted her skill activation . Zac was already charging his second skill , and he launched it the moment it was ready . The Abyss and Arcadia sang as the world was split in two , and the delineation between Life and Death headed straight for Iz .

Vivi managed to catch Iz’s ankles , thanks to Empyrean Aegis] temporarily weakening her burning film . She wouldn’t be trapped for long , but Zac didn’t need more than an instant . He was ready to forcibly deactivate his skill if Iz threw in the towel , but he knew there would be trouble as she shoved her miniature sun forward with a wide smile on her face .

Zac urgently activated a barrier to block the fallout . As the world turned white and eerily calm , Zac heard the sound of three pillars instantly crumbling before he lost consciousness .

60

THE BUSINESS OF WAR

Not bad , - Calrin said with a small nod as he worked hard not to seem impressed .

It wasn’t easy .

The scene outside was far from anything Calrin had ever witnessed , even if he was toiling under a fate-touched oddity like the little Lord Atwood . That troublemaker might have visited amazing places , but Calrin had been stuck in the offices of the Thayer Consortia most of his life . He hadn’t even gotten to travel much since his clan had already lost most of its businesses by the time he started rising through the ranks .

The War Fortress was as large as an E-grade planet , and thousands of vessels flew in and out through its gates like bees running errands for the hive . While impressive , seeing so many Cosmic Vessels in one place filled Calrin with worry . The production capacity of Lord Atwood was only a few vessels a week .

Even if the shipyard worked night and day until the war started , they still wouldn’t be able to construct this many ships . And this was just one of many War Fortresses , along with the actual planets that had been turned into military bases . Would he be laughed out of the offices when he presented his demands?

Worse , would he be made captive to lure out his boss?

Calrin’s intestines turned with regret as the War Fortress drew closer . He’d taken the bait hook , line , and sinker . So what if the lord had offered him a 10% commission on the difference between the calculated asking price and the actual price? In that moment , Calrin forgot one needed to be alive to enjoy his riches . He could only see the tens of thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins that would potentially enter his pockets .

Besides , through the conversations with the crew , Calrin knew he might be in for some rough negotiations even if they didn’t scheme against him . Time was running out , and there were a million things that needed to be purchased . The Allbright Empire was already stretching itself thin and had been forced to increase taxation twice over the past three years .

At the same time , Calrin’s wares were simply problematic when put in context to the Zecia Sector . Sure , the vessels in his Mercantile Space were better than the buckets he saw flying outside , but the price was also in a league of its own .

Here in the Red Sector , you could get an Early D-grade Cosmic Vessel for around 1 , 500 to 2 , 500 D-grade Nexus Coins . If you dared use one of the Salvaged Scrap Vessels from the Million Gates Territory , you could go as low as 500 D-grade Nexus Coins . And those were procurement prices , not production prices , in a time when many forces were building their own .

Meanwhile , the models of Lord Atwood ranged between 18 , 000 and 32 , 000 D-grade Nexus Coins per vessel . It was more than ten times the average purchase price in the region . Add in sales taxes , System-enforced import tariffs , and a profit margin , and you were looking at twenty times the price . For every vessel the War Coalition purchased from the Thayer Consortia , they would be giving up on a small fleet .

Lord Atwood’s goal was to make at least five C-grade Nexus Coins before the war started , which meant each vessel would have to have an average profit of almost 6 , 000 D-grade Nexus Coins . Certainly , such a margin was , in fact , quite modest considering the production prices , just 25% compared to the average of 50% .

Their only chance was that the unique features and technology would be deemed powerful enough to price the vessels as the equivalent of Medium-quality Middle D-grade Cosmic Vessels . Even if the speed and durability of the ships were better than any Early D-grade vessels in Zecia , there was ultimately a small gap from them being true Middle D-grade vessels when it came to fundamental specifications .

Still , Calrin was ready to fight for his nest egg as the Cosmic Vessel drew into one of the many hangars . Outside , a group of ten people waited , and Calrin got a sinking feeling when he saw the man in the lead . This man had the aura of a practiced miser , and an air of authority around him indicated he would have a say in the negotiations .

Like that , the nest egg sprouted wings and threatened to fly away . No! Calrin wouldn’t give up after having come so far .

Esteemed friends , heroes of the Vanguard , it is my very utmost honor to make your acquaintance , - Calrin said with a wide smile as he walked over . - This one is called Calrin , and I represent the Thayer Conso— -

Tsymo Sendroska . - The haughty man cut Calrin off without so much as looking up from the docket in his hand . - I am a senior quartermaster of the Sixth Procurement Division , and I will be in charge of measurement and quality control of your wares . Along with the potential brokerage of a trade agreement , should the wares be deemed genuine and of use to the Alliance . -

Master Sendroska , a pleasure , - Calrin said with a bow . - Pardon my ignorance . I was under the impression I would be met with a representative of the esteemed Peak family? -

The Peak Clan is one of the foremost fighting forces of the Allbright Empire , - Tsymo scoffed . - They do not have time to deal with small trade agreements , so they handed the matter to the Sixth . Now , where are the wares? Looking at the specifications , it will take roughly a week to test the products , so we should start as soon as possible . -

Calrin’s smile became increasingly strained , but he couldn’t give in now . This man was trying to bulldoze them . If he just bent over here , they would definitely get a bad quote , if one at all .

The War Coalition should have been sent the specification sheet already , - Calrin said with as pleasant a voice as he could . - And as I mentioned , we come recommended by the Peaks themselves . Our specifications may seem like grand exaggerations , but this one can guarantee— -

The fact you come recommended is the only reason we are wasting our time on this at all , - Tsymo said , finally looking up from his clipboard , only to give Calrin a withering look . - And we should just take the word of a small workshop that proclaims their wares are better than any other shipwrights in the Sector? There has been no lack of wartime profiteers who have tried to defraud the Alliance , heedless of the fact that every coin misspent will mean lives lost . -

I assure you , there are no problems with our wares , - Calrin said . - Master Sendroska , you should be aware of who I am representing . The young lord is a million-year genius , which comes with certain unique advantages . -

Climbing towers does not make one a shipwright , - Tsymo snorted . - Now , take out the vessels for inspection , or is their portability a lie as well? -

Calrin blankly looked at the presumptuous quartermaster . Sometimes he wondered if he’d strayed down the wrong path . Sometimes , he dreamt he could be like the young lord , swinging his axe to make all trouble disappear . Was the pursuit of wealth that important? It would feel infinitely more satisfying to throw out a handful of talismans instead . He was even willing to sacrifice a few D-grade Nexus Coins with Curse of Mammon] if it empowered the talismans enough to blow this bastard to kingdom come .

A gnome could dream .

These vessels contain some proprietary arrays , and I have not been permitted to freely expose these things without a contract in place , - Calrin said , though he still conjured two huge cubes that thumped behind him . - Out of respect for the Peak family , I will hand over the IL-28 Starburst and the IL-32 Farsight for the Sixth to inspect . With my lord being a personal friend of Miss Pretty Peak , I trust I can count on your discretion . -

We will take it from here , - Tsymo said as he took the two control spheres . - Lead our guests to their quarters . -

You do not want us to oversee what you’re doing to our vessels? - Calrin frowned , no longer able to pretend to be pleased with the situation . - It sounds like you are confining us . -

This is a strategic base for the upcoming war . We cannot have civilians running amok , - Tsymo said as he nodded at the guards behind him .

Calrin sensed his two guards tense up , and could only sigh with resignation . - Then we’ll be in your care . -

From there , they were whisked away to a decent group of rooms far from any important people and resources .

What should we do? - Tina , one of the two human lasses Lord Atwood had sent to accompany him , asked after they were alone . - It almost seems like this guy has it out for us , and now we’re essentially on house arrest? -

Most organizations have these little barons who let their authority go to their heads . It’s but a small bump in the negotiations , - Calrin assured . - Luckily , our wares speak for themselves . Some little quartermaster isn’t enough to shroud the Heavens . -

Still , it’s odd , - Tina muttered .

That it is , - Calrin said . - No force is without its internal strife , and a shared base like this is even worse . I fear this Tsymo might belong to one of the lord’s enemies . After all , he killed quite a few scions in the Tower of Eternity . -

Then what should we do? - Jennifer , his other guard , interjected .

Worse comes to worst , we will have to create a scene that will force some higher-ups to come , - Calrin said . - That way , we can plead our case to a new party . And the lord has prepared a few things for us in case the situation goes south . -

But what if they steal the technology of our vessels? - Tina asked .

I asked the young lord about that scenario , - Calrin said . - According to him , they won’t get close to unlocking the secrets of these ships even if they had ten thousand years . I say let them have at it . When they realize it’s futile , we’ll be put in a better position for the negotiations . Don’t worry . Ol’ Calrin has the situation under control . -

As the days passed , Calrin became less and less confident . They were essentially treated like prisoners on lockdown , except their items weren’t taken . Being away from the consortia , Calrin didn’t have access to the Mercantile System either , making it impossible to contact anyone for help .

Had their preparations been insufficient? Would he really have to pull that card?

After one long week , they were finally called to a conference hall . By that point , Calrin’s nerves were frayed , and he didn’t have the energy to pretend to be satisfied upon seeing that they still had to deal with the insufferable Tsymo Sendroska . At least there was one more person in the room . A stern middle-aged woman with a stack of diagrams and schematics in front of her .

A technician , perhaps? Or an Array Master?

Sit , - Tsymo said as the three were led into the room .

Being witness to the hospitality of the War Coalition has been a unique experience , - Calrin commented . - I pray my lord and his benefactors will not see it as a slight against their prestige . -

An army has its rules and regulations . No one is above it , - Tsymo said without a care . - Now , we’ve tested the vessels . While they barely meet the specifications you listed , there are multiple problems . For one , it is impossible to properly gauge many of the technologies you spout . And even if they work , the cost-to-benefit ratio will be abysmal . As such— -

Excuse me , what do you mean by benefactors? - the woman interjected , drawing a displeased look from Tsymo . - The Peaks? No , that can’t be right . They don’t have the skills to manufacture these types of vessels . They are much too advanced . -

Calrin glanced at Tsymo , and he knew he didn’t have an option . Someone bought this bastard off , and this technician was his best chance at getting fair treatment . The other option was to blow up the whole chamber to attract the leaders . Although negotiating from the position of a terrorist was an uphill battle Calrin didn’t feel confident in emerging victorious from .

While my young lord is on friendly terms with multiple people from the Peaks , they are only the sponsors for this meeting . The lord’s benefactor is someone else , though you might not have heard of him , - Calrin said , adding a pause for effect . - He has gone by many names , but my lord knows him as Alvod Jondir . -

Jondir? - the technician slowly said , her eyes widening in shock .

The Eveningtide Asura? - Tsymo scoffed . - Are you trying to threaten us with the name of a dead man? As I suspected , you are up to no good . As such , I see no option but— -

I hope I am not interrupting , - a calm voice interrupted .

Calrin was both shocked and delighted to see a scholarly-looking man appear out of nowhere . He had no aura yet somehow exuded an innate pressure that almost made Calrin bow in deference .

A Monarch .

Your Royal Highness! - the technician and Tsymo exclaimed . Calrin was delighted to see Tsymo’s face go deathly pale as he shot to his feet .

My young friend , I am sorry to have left you waiting so long . I wanted to personally welcome you after my friends told me you were coming , but I was forced to deal with some matters inside the Million Gates Territory , - the man said with a warm smile before turning to the quartermaster . - Tsymo , is it? Why are you just standing there? Why have you not offered our guest some refreshments? -

Of course , - Tsymo hurriedly said , his haughty demeanor long gone .

After you’re done , you can present yourself to the Wartime Tribunal . Your employers might be an important sponsor for our endeavor , but they are not above the law . -

Calrin’s face remained impassive as Tsymo served him tea with a constipated look , but his heart wasn’t as calm . This was an even bigger fish than he expected . Calrin didn’t know if this Allbright princeling was telling the truth or if he had been forced to act because of the threat of the Eveningtide Asura . And Calrin didn’t give a hoot . He only cared about what the shift in reception meant for him and the Thayer Consortia . There were profits to be made here .

The only question was how far he could push things based on a lie .

Ow , shi— - Zac swore as he woke up with a start , surprised to find that he didn’t actually hurt at all .

He lay prone on the ground , looking around with confusion , trying to remember what just happened . He remembered Iz pushing her Golden Sun toward the incoming slash of his Rapturous Divide] , followed by an incredibly bright light . It felt like it had consumed everything and completely engulfed him , yet both he and his surroundings were fine .

At least , as fine as one could expect after such an intense battle . The whole area was scorched and marred beyond redemption , and echoes of his and Iz’s Daos were engraved into the ground . Cracks reached deep into the ground , an effect of Arcadia’s Judgement] and the geyser eruption . If this little island had been a barren rock before , then it was now a truly desolate wasteland .

How are you feeling? - Iz asked , and Zac turned over to see her sitting a few meters away from him .

Your face! - Zac exclaimed with shock as he saw a small cut that barely missed Iz’s eye .

Don’t worry , - Iz said as the wound started burning . A moment later , it was gone , not even leaving a scar behind . - I just wanted to let you see how far you had come . -

Zac wryly smiled as he got to his feet . A small nick wasn’t much of anything , but it still felt like an accomplishment . So his Rapturous Divide] hadn’t been completely overwhelmed at the end .

What’s going on? - Zac grunted , trying to figure out what kind of attack had knocked him out . - What happened at the end there? Did you cheat and throw out some treasure? -

That depends on how you define cheating , - Iz said after some thought . - I didn’t use any treasures or outside help . I fused two Aspects to allow my Golden Sun to unleash a wave of the Abyssal Star . Its effect is disruption . It breaks apart most skills , and it even disrupted your consciousness for a moment . -

Isn’t that too powerful? - Zac muttered .

Not really , - Iz said . - You wouldn’t have lost your consciousness had you blocked your sight in time . And if you had avoided letting the light of the Abyssal Star enter your eyes , you would have been able to hold onto your skill better . It would have broken down regardless , but that’s because my heritage has an inherent advantage over certain concepts that particular skill is based on . -

I guess it was a valuable lesson . - Zac smiled . - There are only so many kinds of heritages that exist here on the frontier . Getting exposed to new things will help me shore up my weaknesses . But what did you mean when you said you fused Aspects? Is it Dao , or those forms? Something I can do? -

Zac wouldn’t mind getting a transformation like that based on his Daos . Just the thought of getting Aspects to match his two stances sounded incredibly powerful .

It has some natal prerequisites , - Iz said with a shake of her head , instantly dashing Zac’s hopes . - Bloodline , Inheritance , Dao , Energy Control . You could consider it akin to Dao Intent and Atavism , but slightly more complicated . Truthfully , I don’t think it’s a path suited for you . -

That’s fine . I have my hands full anyway . Still , those forms of yours were amazing . Though I have seen more than enough of that terrifying flower . -

It didn’t manage to keep you contained . - Iz smiled . - And its flames only left some small blemishes . -

So why am I fine? - Zac muttered as he looked at his body . - Is my new constitution that amazing? -

Of course not , - Iz giggled . - You looked a bit pitiful when you were knocked out , so I poured some elixir on you . -

Never mind , - Zac coughed as he dragged his hand over his once again bald head .

Still some ways to go .

61

A LONELY PATH

Zac overestimated his new Void Vajra Constitution for a moment there , but it wasn’t all bad . Zac believed his constitution wasn’t just for show during the fight , even if it hadn’t given him unique healing capabilities just yet . He’d been constantly inside or adjacent to incredibly powerful flames , but his skin resisted the onslaught better than expected .

The vibrant life in his body had sped up the healing process by letting his damaged cells die , and new ones be reborn . That didn’t just allow his body to endure more punishment but even helped expel Iz’s Dao faster . The constitution wasn’t powerful enough to provide a significant advantage in a battle with someone like Iz , but that would eventually change .

By the time he reached Minor Sublimation at the third layer of his technique , he would no doubt be immune to Daos and attacks beneath a certain threshold , where his body automatically healed faster than the environment or enemy could damage him . And this effect would have great synergy with his Eoz durability , where the sum would be greater than its parts .

So , are you satisfied now? - Zac asked .

Yes , I feel much better . - Iz nodded seriously as she handed him the Stone of Celestial Void] . - Like an annoying sound in the back of my head has been quieted after a decade . -

That’s nice , I guess , - Zac said with a roll of his eyes before he looked at Iz suspiciously . - By the way , why the hell are you so strong? I thought you were a mage . -

My transformations convert and add Strength and Dexterity , based on my Intelligence and Wisdom , - Iz explained . - Besides , I never said I was a pure mage . It’s simply more convenient to use my World’s End] and Dao to deal with annoying matters . Also , using these forms have some implications , so my elders don’t want me to use them on the outside . -

Well , your secret’s safe with me . - Zac took out a piece of Beast King meat .

Adamance of Eoz] had been working overtime throughout the fight , reducing the damage he took while buffeted by Iz’s unrelenting flames . Now , it felt like a black hole had opened in his stomach , and he was only satiated after gobbling down over five kilos of D-grade meat in a physics-defying feast .

By the way , you still have another transformation you could add on , right? - Zac said . - For six wings total . -

Iz nodded slightly , and Zac sighed . - So , I couldn’t force you to go all out . -

I think you weren’t going all out either . I didn’t add my third Aspect , while you didn’t use your third Dao Branch . And I know your bloodline is incredibly powerful . I can’t sense it anymore , but I could feel it back in the Tower of Eternity , - Iz said . - Who knows how far you would have pushed me if you had used all your cards? The distance between us is much shorter today than ten years ago . -

How is that possible , though? I am by no means an expert , but I can tell you have incredibly high affinities . Not only that , but you’re rich enough to give others Heart Demons . How am I catching up to you? Don’t you enjoy cultivation? -

Iz ruminated over the question for quite a while before she finally answered . - Do I enjoy it? I don’t know? I think I do , and I want to live up to my family’s expectations . They sacrificed a lot to give me an opportunity . I’ve worked hard on my cultivation , even if it might not seem like it from your perspective .

Your ascension would be considered rapid anywhere , and I think you have experienced more than most in our age cohort . But an important reason you are progressing relatively quickly compared to me and others like me is urgency and timeframes .

You have been desperately pushing yourself to protect yourself and others . You have been forced by environment and circumstance to target short-term gains , things that will directly improve your combat strength . It was only when you were stuck in the Voidcatcher and forced to slow down that you had the chance to focus on a long-term project such as your techniques , no?

People from older factions generally do not have that urgency . We have no deadlines to meet , no looming threats that require us to rise to the occasion . Nothing has changed for my family over the past million years . The way we cultivate is a bit different because of that . I have less reason to focus on quick gains—I will still be considered a junior even after reaching Monarchy .

Instead , we spend the earlier grades purifying our bodies and communing with the Heavens , steadily shoring up our foundations . You could say that we are both floating down a stream , but you have been swimming to speed up your progress even further , - Iz said . - Meanwhile , people like me have been conserving our strength and gotten to know the river better . In the future , we will be better prepared when the river turns more dangerous and unpredictable . -

You’re improving yourselves in various ways that will help you pass the future bottlenecks? - Zac asked .

The road of cultivation is long , and you can only direct the river of fate when you reach the peak , - Iz said . - And only when we become Autarchs or higher can we be of real assistance to our factions . So that’s what we plan for , what we train for . Some things are better accomplished early , even if it delays our progress by a decade or two . Because it will create a ripple effect of positive changes for the rest of our journey . -

What about momentum? - Zac asked .

In the grand scheme of things , a few years , decades , millennia even , doesn’t matter . If you rush headlong toward the future , you might miss some clues along the way , - Iz answered . - As long as we progress one way or another and don’t dally too long at every grade , we will retain our momentum . -

There was truth to her words , and he had multiple examples of just that in his own situation . His ascent to E-grade was extremely rushed . He would have been far more powerful if he had just spent a few more years shoring up his foundations . He could have gotten more titles , higher Daos , and figured out his path better before evolving .

Ultimately , Zac felt no need to worry about it overly much . Everyone had their road to walk . There were no guarantees a slower path like Iz’s would have benefited him more in the long run . He might have missed out on other opportunities instead , such as Twilight Harbor and the Orom World . Progress was progress , and there were usually ways to shore up one’s weaknesses down the road .

Life wasn’t a video game . There was no such thing as min-maxing and getting 100% completion . You could only work your hardest and stay true to your heart .

I’m not saying this to minimize you or your accomplishments . The path you’ve taken is incredible , - Iz added after a short silence . - I’m saying this because you need to be careful about underestimating your competition in the upcoming trial . -

What about them? - Zac asked .

There are still some years before the competition for the Eternal Heritage begins . The candidates of the respective factions have most likely already entered a different phase of their training . One more akin to your progress where they use their steady foundations to climb in strength quickly . That way , they will be able to exhibit far more power during their trial . It will be the same with me after I return . -

I know . I’ll keep working hard , - Zac said . - Anyway , we need to get out of here . Do you want me to take you to the Nexus Hub? -

I’m not in a hurry . Kvalk will require another two days to reach our assigned meet-up spot , - Iz said . - How about you show me around your grand empire? -

Sure , - Zac grinned . - But you’ll have to hide your presence . Your looks will create some waves , and your presence here might leak to the outsiders . It’ll be hard to extract resources from the various factions if people think I work for you . -

You’re playing a dangerous game , - Iz smiled . - But that’s what I like about you . -

They toured Earth and Ensolus over the next two days , visiting the various species and towns under his umbrella . Iz mostly asked about his process of conquest and how he had incorporated the various factions rather than the people themselves . It seemed to be a result of her family’s upbringing . Other people weren’t fated , so they didn’t matter to her .

She was much more interested in how the Integration and the subsequent years on Earth had influenced him and his path . She hadn’t participated in an Incursion herself , so she was curious about the struggles and how they helped him grow .

Instead of an Incursion , Iz had undergone various tests and trials that provided similar titles and boons . Not to mention , she was already a Countess from the System’s perspective , which apparently was the highest rank you could attain in the E-grade while mostly relying on your background . You needed to be an actual Autarch to become a Duke and enjoy the various benefits such a rank provided .

Not only that , but you also needed to accomplish various feats . Unsurprisingly , conquering unintegrated territory seemed to be the most effective way to rise through the ranks , but there were other ways you could prove yourself to the System . Similarly , Iz had needed to complete a series of quests similar to his own Sovereignty-questline to get the rank and titles that her family’s status awarded .

Ultimately , Iz didn’t say much about life in the Heartlands , and Zac didn’t feel comfortable prying . He felt like something would change if he did , and not for the better . One thing was clear , it was a very different environment to the chaotic and lawless struggle for power that allowed Zac to climb the ladder of success .

The two also discussed various aspects of cultivation , and it was almost like they were in a world of their own . Even when strolling the busy streets of Port Atwood , they were like ghosts . Zac didn’t even need to use his cowl or bracer . Iz had some sort of treasure that had a much greater effect—it even made people unconsciously move around them .

Zac and Iz sparred a few more times , though they didn’t use skills in the bouts . They fought using just techniques and Dao while restricting their attributes to be roughly the same . As expected , Zac held a small edge when it came to technique , but Iz was infinitely better at infusing her strikes and movements with her Dao .

That way , it balanced out . Her application was slightly worse since she couldn’t perfectly fuse her Dao into her movements and attacks . Conversely , the empowerment from her Dao was greater since she always used incredibly powerful Dao Arrays .

The two days passed in a flash , and they eventually returned to his compound . Iz had asked to visit his favorite spot on the island , and he’d taken her to the pergola overlooking the sea after some hesitation . He rarely visited this spot anymore , but Triv always kept it nice and tidy .

Your citizens seem happy , - Iz commented after sitting down .

Well , I try my best , - Zac said with a smile , though it wasn’t without some mixed emotions as he sat with another woman in this spot .

Don’t you find it a hindrance to your path? - Iz asked curiously . - To be fettered by billions of lesser fates? -

I don’t look at it that way . My empire and my followers make me work harder so I can better protect them . Besides , I’m not some benevolent ruler who spends every waking moment fretting over the betterment of Earth . I know I’ll continue into the Multiverse one day unless I get myself killed first . At that point , they will have to pave their own path . -

They overlooked the ocean for a while longer until Iz spoke up again . - It is about time I return . -

It’s been nice having you , - Zac said . - Apart from the beatdown , I guess . -

I don’t know about that . I’ve seen the happiness in your eyes when we’ve fought , and it shone the brightest during our first bout . Your path is best expressed on the battlefield . It’s where you’re closest to the Dao . - Iz smiled as she stood . - I have enjoyed myself as well . It’s like your poem said : the road to power can be a lonely one , even if you are surrounded by people . Occasionally getting a break is not bad . -

I know what you mean , - Zac sighed .

Zac could tell she was in a similar situation as himself back home , where status and potential created a wall around her . If anything , it was most likely more exaggerated in her case . From what little he could gather , Iz’s family wasn’t one with trillions of descendants like some of the ancient clans .

It was rather one of the small factions with incredibly powerful individuals . Like the Peak family , only far more exaggerated . Being the little princess of such a faction as an E-grade cultivator was most likely quite lonely . Those around her were either old monsters like her - uncle , ’ or servants .

It wasn’t quite that bad for Zac just yet . Even then , he could tell how his relationships had shifted as the gap in power and status increased . Lacking fate , Iz would call it , where most of his followers weren’t destined to walk down the same path as he . Some , like Nonet and Sap Trang , had already indicated they’d reached their limit , and they were just the first .

Iz and her family dealt with it by avoiding Karmic connections and keeping a distance . Zac still tried to hold onto his mortal side , but it was getting harder as he pursued the Dao . Would he one day sever his connection to individual citizens and look at the Atwood Empire as an abstract machine?

Zac wasn’t ready to face that issue , so he turned his attention to Iz . - When are you coming back to Zecia? -

Just before the trial , I expect , - Iz said . - My elders will want me to train for as long as possible if they’re to let me participate . I will only arrive in time to pick up the last piece before I head into the Left Imperial Palace . -

Just as expected . Which made Zac reluctant about a gut feeling before he made his decision .

There’s one more thing , - Zac said as they walked toward the teleportation array . - I have some information that I think is important for you . -

Oh? - Iz said curiously .

Zac waved his hand , and the Quest Screen for Ultom appeared .

Nine Sealbearers , - Iz muttered . - I do not know that many people . This is troubling . -

I figured you should know , considering you’ve been dealing with this alone , - Zac said . - Of course , I’m not sure if everyone gets this quest or if the rules differ for different people . I was just afraid that you wouldn’t have time to assemble a cycle if you returned at the last minute . -

This is too much , - Iz said as she seriously looked at Zac . - Balance has been eschewed . What can I give in return? -

It’s fine , - Zac said with a wave of his hand . - You’ve already helped me a lot since the Void Star . -

No , my elders will not allow it , - Iz said . - This is a gift affecting fate . -

Well , - Zac said after some thought . - The Undead Empire is getting me Death-attuned treasures to nurture my Draugr side . I’m looking for some Life-attuned items to balance myself out . Are you able to manufacture a certain array for me? -

Array? For your soul? - Iz asked .

Exactly , - Zac said as he imprinted the fourth and fifth schematics onto an Information Crystal .

He’d gotten the second and third sets of array disks in Twilight Harbor , but they’d lacked the raw materials needed to create the fourth . Getting the fourth and fifth Death-attuned arrays from the Undead Empire shouldn’t be a big problem , considering their desire to push him toward Death . That left the Life-attuned side , where Iz was his best bet for a quick solution .

These things are incredibly simple to manufacture , - Iz commented .

Zac wryly smiled . - Well , throw in some Life-attuned treasures for nurturing my Soul and Constitution until you feel fate has been balanced . -

Iz’s brows scrunched up in thought , then her eyes lit up . She took out an item , to which Zac blankly stared with confusion . It wasn’t a vial , pill , or some other sort of treasure . It was a plushie resembling a large fireball with a wide grin .

This . . . - Zac hesitated .

This was a present from grandpa when I was young , - Iz said . - Grandpa has an identical one back home . In a sense , they are one , even if they are apart . I don’t have any of the items you need on me , but I can place them in the mouth of Ballie back home , and it should appear in Flammie’s mouth instantaneously . -

Something like that’s possible? - Zac exclaimed . - A quantum-entangled plushie? -

That sounds like some Technocrat invention , - Iz said with a shake of her head . - In reality , the toys contain a unique stone found inside a Spatial Anomaly . They’re the reason this works . The transfer can only be used a few times more times , though , since Grandpa used to send me candies with it while he was cultivating . A long-distance transfer like this will likely expend the last of their energy , so don’t put anything in Flammie’s mouth , or you might break it . -

Thank you , - Zac said with a smile .

Iz really came from a prodigal family . Those kinds of spatial stones were undoubtedly incredibly valuable , and they used them to sneak sweets .

It’s just what I should do . -

How will you deal with the quest? - Zac asked curiously .

I’m not sure , - Iz said . - I do not like the idea of having the fates of nine strangers hang onto mine , even if my uncle sends some subordinates into this Sector . Perhaps I can capture nine people after returning and let them go on their own business after the inheritance has opened . -

That might not work , - Zac countered . - What if the whole cycle is needed to progress through the inheritance? -

If I cannot attain the inheritance by following my beliefs , then I am simply not fated , - Iz said .

I guess that makes sense , - Zac nodded before he thought of something . - Those guys who invade us , the Kan’Tanu , seem to be capturing candidates and selling them to you outsiders . You might be able to get access that way , while freeing some people captured by those lunatics . -

Perhaps . . . -

Zac could tell she didn’t like the idea of trading with the Kan’Tanu .

I’m going , - Iz said a moment later , the teleportation array flashing to life .

Zac smiled . - Work hard on your cultivation . Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if a barbarian on the frontier caught up with you? -

I don’t think it would be so bad , - Iz said . - I’d say - stay out of trouble , ’ but I know you wouldn’t listen . I will see you in a few years . -

With that , Iz was gone , headed toward a border town of the Zecia Sector where Kvalk was waiting . Apparently , it was quicker for Iz to make a few jumps until she reached a special wormhole a few sectors over , which would take her back home instantly .

The shimmering lights of the teleportation array soon dissipated , leaving Zac alone in his compound . It had been a fun diversion to have Iz visit . Like Iz said , even the beatdown provided him with multiple insights . But now , it was time to continue his cultivation .

It was time to see what other Hidden Nodes his undead side had .

62

ONCE MORE INTO THE DEPTHS

Originally , Zac planned on using the Essence of the Abyss] some time after using the Temporal Chamber . Now , he didn’t have that luxury . He wasn’t ready to seal himself off for three years , and the elixir would start losing its efficacy soon . Zac would have to activate his Draugr heritage immediately , which was why he’d asked Iz for Life-attuned treasures rather than something else .

Any item Iz sent over would undoubtedly be absurdly powerful , far surpassing what Calrin might get his hands on . And with his cultivation of Void Vajra Sublimation] being faster than he’d expected , he felt it was safe enough to drink the Essence of the Abyss] early without risking the balance between Life and Death .

When Zac returned to his cave , he transformed into his Draugr form . A smile spread across his face since he still felt the sense of vibrancy in his cells even if there were no golden flakes to be seen . In other words , the intangible benefits of his new constitution were still there . Not only that , but a quick calculation confirmed that he retained the bonus attributes , even if the line in the Status Screen was gone .

This was exactly what he’d hoped to see . Until now , Zac had been worried that his mother’s clan planned on using his second half as a - feeder class - that would pour a bunch of benefits into his outwardly normal human form . Thankfully , it looked like the benefits were bidirectional , creating a huge advantage for both sides .

Hopefully , this meant he could fully stack the benefits of two constitutions just like he gained the benefits of his Branch of the Pale Seal in his human form without really using it . And judging by what Catheya told him about Eoz , his Bloodline Constitution would match his Dao .

The only regret was that he was becoming more and more lopsided . His survivability was shocking as it were , and it would only get more absurd when tacking on his constitutions . Meanwhile , Zac felt his speed falling behind , even if he poured all his free attribute points into Dexterity .

Until now , he’d been the bane of speedy cultivators like assassins . But as Iz said , he couldn’t underestimate the elites of the Multiverse . His only way to deal with powerful rogues was to trap them and whittle them down with his domains . Except he wasn’t confident he’d be able to hit them with his attacks .

And if the enemy was fast enough , his danger sense wouldn’t be enough to save him from a powerful finisher . His body could only move so fast to avoid those kinds of strikes . Zac thought it over before he chose to send Catheya a message . He wanted to ask a few confirming questions about the Constitution of the Eoz bloodline and whether one could somehow make it provide Dexterity and speed rather than durability .

The response came within a few hours . Just as expected , the bloodline of Eoz focused on Endurance and Survivability , and it couldn’t just be swapped over for something else . Bloodlines were fixed among the Draugr branches . The only difference between the descendants was how pure their bloodlines were and how many pieces of the bloodline they managed to awaken .

There were no such things as mixed bloodlines among them either . If two people of different branches married , the children would either have the father’s bloodline or the mother’s . The difference in bloodline purity and cultivation level could skew the result in either direction , but it was still a bit of a toss-up . Therefore , Draugr generally married within their branch to avoid familial complications .

Though there was good news . Draugr was ultimately a top-tier race , and the benefits would become more and more obvious the further you awakened your bloodline . Even a defensive bloodline like Eoz would provide comprehensive benefits , including strength and speed . Not only that , but Eoz had Hidden Nodes that weren’t just defensive .

The exact details had been lost with time , or at least unavailable to the people in Zecia . The Monarchs were certain the Eoz possessed a means to become temporarily faster . Ultimately , he would have to use the Essence of the Abyss] and figure out the details himself according to them .

They’d already sent a general Bloodline Method , Abyssal Revolutions] , that would help him better control his Draugr Nodes . They had also promised to petition the Abyssal Shores to see if any of the original Eoz manuals remained . Unfortunately , they had already indicated those things might not be possible to send to Zecia in the short run .

Zac guessed that was just another way for them to bind him to their chariot . Perhaps they’d take them out in a few years in return for him providing some sort of additional help . At least , Zac hoped that was the plan . It was hard to figure out all the ways these people could be scheming against him . Zac smiled wryly as he put the Communication Crystal with Catheya’s recording away . He wondered what she would think if she knew the top-tier treasure she so proudly displayed for him was laced with a Life-erasing seal .

Not that it mattered . It was just like Iz said . He wasn’t convinced that something like that curse would work in the face of his Technocrat Duplicity Seal . In a sense , Zac felt his body was a lot like Iz’s toys . It was almost like his Duplicity Core had created two separate bodies superimposed on each other , and these bodies were then connected by Quantum Gate] . If he swallowed the Essence of the Abyss] in his Draugr form , there wouldn’t be any Life to latch on to unless it somehow managed to pass through the mysterious tunnel in his chest .

That wasn’t quite how it worked , but it also wasn’t so simple as his Duplicity Core holding a bunch of Miasma and a spare set of pathways . It wasn’t like his pathways emerged from the core itself when he swapped races . It was more like his human side sunk to the depths while his Draugr side rose to the surface . The bodies were one , yet separate .

Zac shook his head as he took out the small vial . The mysteries of his body were something he’d have to excavate gradually and investigate over the coming years . For now , Zac just wanted to see what his bloodline had in store for him , so he decisively drank the tar-like concoction in the vial .

Immediately , any errant thoughts were washed away . Zac’s vision closed in , like a darkness crept closer . It felt like death but also a warm embrace . Zac didn’t try to fight it , as he recognized the feeling . This was just like what he’d experienced during his first Draugr vision . The embrace of the Abyssal Lake .

Soon , his surroundings were gone , replaced by endless darkness .

It was joy and sorrow entwined .

Returning into the depths was to come home , in a way the buildings above could never match . The buffeting streams of the Abyss were the caress of a parent , welcoming and familiar . At the same time , it was different . Back then , before time , before thought , they’d been one . Since he woke up , there was an unbridgeable gap between them .

Was that why it resisted his will all those years ago? Because it knew it was hard to take back an arrow that had left the string?

Eoz occasionally wondered if it had been a mistake for them to wake up . They had been safe , content . And while the boundless sky outside was marvelous beyond compare , it was also dangerous . Mez saw it in the stars . A great darkness was coming to the cosmos , and they had little time to prepare .

The others looked to them for leadership , but Eoz didn’t have the answers . He couldn’t see the will of the Heavens like his elder sister , nor could he call on the Abyss like Azol . He would become a shield for the children of Draug , the Vanguard that would lead them through the coming calamity .

Except he wasn’t ready .

He’d seen it with his own eyes . Not even his eldest brother had traveled as far as he . If what Mez said was true , that they soon would lose the protection of the Abyss , there weren’t many places for them to go . They were created in the image of the Abyss , but most of the cosmos was not . So Eoz had come back , to beseech Abyss for the strength needed to carry out his task .

Deeper and deeper he went , far past the Pools of Rebirth and the Temples of Eschatology . The blessings inside were not enough . The Thirteen Fates , the Seven Grottos . Even the Sea of Unknowing passed by as Eoz pushed farther than the children had ever gone . Toward where the true power of the Abyss hid .

Part of him wanted to bring with him the sacred spaces of the Abyss , but Eoz understood he could not . They were a gift of the Abyss , or perhaps from those who came before . Before time , before the Heavens . Those who they’d only found whispers of in the deepest sanctums , who had pressed against the edges of reality and chosen war . It was not their place to take them—the Abyss made that clear .

Eoz still hadn’t reached his destination , yet the weight of the universe was already bearing down on him . Existing was a struggle . Moving meant pushing the boundaries of what his body could withstand . If not for his body’s endurance , he would have succumbed already , yet it was not enough .

Will became strength , determination became speed . He pushed against fate and his limitations as he followed the path in his memory . He was getting closer to the beckoning call he’d felt upon first awakening . A call similar to the other unexplored mysteries of the depths , but one uniquely tuned to him .

He could only pray that it would still accept him . Eoz’s muscles tore , and his soul cracked , but he kept going . His faith and his purpose shattered the fetters that chained him down and allowed him to push back against what had given him life . And just barely , it was enough to carry him to the journey’s end .

The obelisk towered in the dark .

The Abyss hummed , and a wave of terrifying disassociation hit him . For a moment , he was unsure who he was as he gazed upon the ancient pattern on the pillar . Was this real , or was it a dream? Was that short and confusing life an illusion or a warning? Was he Eoz , or was he Zac?

The world shuddered and twisted , and Eoz shook his head as he looked at the swirling maelstrom in the distance . There had to be a sanctuary within , judging by the streams of Death in the confusing mesh of energies . But the taboo power expelled from its core was strange and terrifying , and he was so tired .

Twenty thousand years had passed since he’d left the last sanctuary , and he could feel how the weight of the Heavens was wearing him thin . Entering this anomaly to scout and stabilize it would carry a real risk .

What choice did he have? If he was suffering , the fates of the children were far worse , and both Azol and Mez were needed to sustain their people .

Once more into the depths .

Zac slowly woke up , but he didn’t move an inch . There were a lot of impressions to digest from the vision , and he was reluctant to give up the feeling of warmth and security that the Essence of the Abyss] provided . More importantly , there was a huge amount of energy from the elixir remaining , and it was all burrowing into a hidden spot by his navel , just over his Specialty Core .

This sensation wasn’t anything new . A Hidden Node was being cracked open .

Unfortunately , not even half a day was enough , and the energy from the elixir was finally waning . Meanwhile , the node seemed unwilling to pass the threshold and awaken . Had Iz’s investigation damaged the treasure more than she’d realized? There was no time to cry over spilled milk . Zac had to figure out how to turn the tides .

A quick test confirmed Miasma Crystals and random Death-attuned treasures didn’t cut it . They entered his body , but they barely affected the node . There was something about the energy of the Essence of the Abyss] that made it far more efficient than normal Death-attuned items . It was based on something deeper , more profound , than the items Zac had sourced in the Zervereth Sector .

The situation was worsening by the minute , and Zac could even feel the Hidden Node recede . The window of opportunity was closing .

Zac suddenly had an idea . He swallowed a few normal Node-breaking Pills to buy some time as he flashed over to the inner sanctum of his Death-attuned cave . Right in the center , a black pedestal held a small black sphere .

It was the Seed of Undeath] he’d taken from the undead Incursion years ago . It was once the heart of the Realignment Array but had since been turned into a battery for his cave . Because of its inherent nature , it had also strengthened the Miasma Veins beneath the mountain , allowing the transition to be completed far earlier in Port Atwood than elsewhere .

The egg had used up most of its energy before Zac got his hand on it , and it was almost running on empty now . However , even if just a small amount of Death remained in the tank , it was pure and concentrated . Zac still didn’t know exactly how these things were made , but he suspected it had something to do with the Heart of the Empire , the Eternal Heritage the Undead Empire had found .

The Death in these things was so pure and potent without being High-grade , and the only similar thing he’d encountered was Ultom and its light of truth . That would also explain why these things had to be sent over from the Heartlands rather than produced locally by the Kavriel Clan . No matter how impressive its origins were , it was mostly useless by now .

With Earth already becoming a real Death-attuned world , there wasn’t much purpose to holding onto this thing . Zac took it and cracked the sphere open , prompting a huge cloud of Death to erupt in the cave . If any living being had stood in the chamber at this moment , they would probably have been instantly converted to Revenants .

The seed didn’t actually contain a deadly gas but a few drops of turquoise liquid that were rapidly vaporizing . Zac hurriedly swallowed the remaining liquid , and a storm of Death joined the waning energy of the Essence of the Abyss] . The energy was extremely chaotic , though , and billowing plumes of aquamarine clouds poured out of his pores to join the vapor in the room .

But as much as he lost , there was even more remaining . Zac forcibly took charge of the rampaging currents and slammed it into the half-opened node before it could recede into the depths of his body . It was like a tsunami crashing into a small floodgate , and the result was instantaneous . The node was blasted wide open , along with most of his midsection .

Black ichor poured on the ground , but Zac didn’t care . Mending flesh wounds and some broken pathways was easy . Getting another Hidden Node was not . The injury was agonizing , yet Zac couldn’t stop himself from eagerly opening his Status Screen to see what he’d just gained .

Bloodline : E – Corrupted] Void Emperor

Talent : Force of the Void – 50% , Void Zone

Bloodline Nodes : E] Void Heart , E] Spiritual Void , E] Purity of the Void

Nodes : E] Quantum Gate , E] Adamance of Eoz , E] Conviction of Eoz , E] Immutability of Eoz

Zac blankly looked at the screen , wondering if the pain was making him see double .

There were actually two of them?

63

THE FIRST DRAFT

Zac thought the node in his navel was the only Hidden Node he’d get , but it turned out he’d already opened one during his vision . It explained the odd shift where he saw Eoz of two different epochs . One moment , Eoz stared up at a mysterious obelisk in a pre-System timeline . The next , he’d floated in space overlooking a terrifying vortex as large as a galaxy , presumably during the great migration .

He’d believed the shift resulted from the obelisk rather than his second Hidden Node . That thing was mysterious , terrifyingly powerful , and something at the level of the Stele of Conflict . Almost like time had twisted , where he and Eoz had been one . In fact , Zac really suspected that was the case . He truly may have missed out on something because of his second node opening .

Then again , Zac wasn’t certain he’d be able to see what Eoz did with that obelisk even if Immutability of Eoz] didn’t appear . He couldn’t remember a single detail of the dense scripts that covered its surface . He only vaguely recalled that the pillar contained ancient and tremendous power , eclipsing even Eoz . Of course , the obelisk might have been powered by the Abyssal Lake itself , which would explain the power it emitted .

Though the details of the obelisk were vague , Zac still remembered the other parts of the vision . The Temples , the Fates , the Grottos . The memories were also oddly detailed , even if he hadn’t physically seen the holy sites of the Draugr race during the vision . He even remembered some hidden paths Eoz explored in the millennia before the vision .

It wasn’t the first time this happened . His visions with Karz were the same , where he , for a moment , became his supposed ancestor . What they saw , he saw . What they thought , he thought . With Karz , it didn’t much matter since he was still just an orphan turned outer disciple , with little valuable knowledge to impart .

With Eoz , it was different since he was a being at the peak . Zac was certain Eoz was a Supremacy , though Zac had no idea how the Draugr progenitor would compare to the System-empowered Supremacies of today . Unfortunately , Eoz didn’t think about the Dao during the visions , or perhaps those thoughts were removed , just like the details of the obelisk . What remained was still incredibly valuable .

If Zac ever managed to get to the Abyssal Lake , and things hadn’t changed too much , he would come into a windfall . A few distracted thoughts as Eoz headed to the depths had exposed multiple secrets and opportunities that could drastically speed up his cultivation in the D-grade .

As for the origins of those ancient structures beneath the surface , Zac wasn’t sure . But it didn’t seem they came from this era unless it was from a civilization much earlier than the Limitless Empire . Did that mean the Abyssal Shores were an Eternal Heritage? Or could natural phenomena be powerful enough to survive the end of an era?

Zac was unsure what to make of the situation . He supposed it didn’t matter . At least not for some brat like himself . But it was hard to forget the sense of awe Eoz had felt when he thought about those people . People who seemingly reached the very limits of cultivation and - chosen war . ’ War against what? The Heavens?

Zac shook his head , putting the matter aside . It was yet another mystery one could not so easily unravel . Instead , Zac refocused on the gains . He’d gained two new nodes but no constitution . The former was a welcome surprise , while the latter was expected . Catheya essentially told him as much when she gave him the Essence of the Abyss] . It was a bit of a letdown not to get a single attribute point , though .

Still , Zac could feel that his body had drastically improved . He was holding almost 20% more Miasma than before , which would transfer over to his other side , thanks to Quantum Gate] . His pathways had improved , not by growing any thicker , but like the paths had been swapped out with higher-quality wiring , allowing for faster energy transfer .

Dragging an edge across his skin confirmed it’d become noticeably more resistant without losing its elasticity . In other words , all the inherent benefits of being a Draugr had been boosted even further . If he were a cultivator , his attunement to Death would most likely have skyrocketed , though Zac could tell his Draugr side had the same limitations as his human side . His affinity was still zero , and he hadn’t even gained any of that Dao-given beauty Iz , and now Catheya , possessed .

While his affinity hadn’t changed , Zac felt much closer to the Dao of Death . If his human side had formed whirlpools with golden flakes , then each of his Draugr cells now held a bottomless abyss . Peering into the depths of his body felt like looking into the netherworld , and there was a strong accumulation of Pure Death . It was a phenomenon far more palpable than the first layer Void Vajra Sublimation] .

Pushing his Branch of the Pale Seal through his limbs was noticeably smoother , almost like it blended with his body . And almost as fast as letting it pass through the pathways of Thousand Lights Avatar] . All energy moved smoother in his body since the upgrade , to the point he might be able to match the energy rotation of a mid-tier cultivator .

The thought made Zac release a huge cloud of Miasma before he took out a Supreme Miasma Crystal . Soon , new Miasma replaced the energy he’d sacrificed . As expected , his recovery rate of Death-attuned energy had almost doubled thanks to his constitution . It wasn’t at the level of the elites of Port Atwood , let alone the many Heaven’s Chosen of the Multiverse , but it was a start .

Zac guessed he’d gain something similar from his Life-attuned Constitution sooner or later . With two constitutions improving the base functionality of his body , yet another one of his weaknesses would eventually be shored up .

With the gains of his body covered , Zac turned his attention to his new Hidden Nodes . Zac had a pretty good idea of how Conviction of Eoz] worked , and it was easy to test . He closed his right hand into a fist and tried to flex his muscles as hard as possible . Normally , one would be able to push their muscles to a certain point based on their attributes , after which one wouldn’t be able to exert more speed or strength .

This time , it just kept going . Zac felt like someone was inserting needles into his bicep , but he had no problem noticeably flexing his muscle harder . The same thing happened when he tried to leap forward as far as he could .

Conviction of Eoz] had essentially upped the limiters on his body at the cost of damaging his limbs . Almost like a hidden Berserking Method , but the drawback wasn’t very punishing . It hurt your muscles and could probably damage your bones , but Zac had incredibly high Endurance and Vitality . For someone like him , it couldn’t really be called a drawback unless you were forced into an extremely pitched battle .

Even then , it wasn’t a problem . Zac had pushed his techniques to the Integration Stage , and he had nigh-perfect control over his body . He had no trouble controlling his movements to avoid overdoing it . He wouldn’t even need to use a Bloodline Method to turn the node off . The real risk was if he was forced to overextend himself against a powerful enemy .

At that point , he’d risk entering a negative spiral where self-inflicted damage weakened him to the point where he was forced to use the Hidden Node even more to keep up .

After testing things out for a couple of minutes , Zac felt he could push his speed and strength by roughly 3-4% without any drawbacks except the prickling sensation . It felt a bit uncomfortable , but his natural resilience and recovery fixed his muscles faster than they could be damaged . Not only that but the effect could be doubled if he was willing to harm himself .

Less than 10% wasn’t special , but Zac could tell this wasn’t the limit of the node . Even when running the node at full blast , the damage to his body wasn’t too bad . Ultimately , it came down to the name—conviction .

He remembered Eoz’s conviction as he pushed toward the depths of the Abyssal Lake . He was fighting against the weight of the universe , ready to risk his life to reach the obelisk . Sitting around in his cultivation cave wouldn’t allow Zac to bring out the mental and emotional state needed to fully awaken the node .

The other node , Immutability of Eoz] , was a tougher nut to crack . The second vision showed Eoz floating in space , looking at a vortex . But since its name indicated it was a defensive node , Zac started to try various things . Two days later , he had a preliminary answer .

It became apparent the node didn’t provide any physical resistance like the Adamance of Eoz] did by strengthening his Miasma . Instead , it was more like Purity of the Void] . While his Void Emperor Node cleansed impurities and foreign energies , Immutability of Eoz] protected against and cleansed intangible things .

To reach this conclusion , he’d been forced to call upon a wide variety of cultivators from the Atwood Army , from normal Elementalists to Poison Masters and Hexers . The node had been useless against the former , but against the latter , the node had finally awakened .

When the Hexer tried to inflict him with a curse of weakness , Zac felt his node automatically heat up . That prompted the curse to fail , and the Hexer had even been hit with a small backlash . Part of it was probably because the Hexer was only Early E-grade , but it hopefully meant that it would at least weaken the curses of powerful adversaries .

The same thing happened when a ranger tried placing a tracking mark on him a few moments later . In other words , it looked like the node protected against various detrimental afflictions . This was an amazing node , and Zac liked it even better than Conviction of Eoz] . The Multiverse was filled with dangerous and unpredictable environments , and there was almost no limit to the weird skills that existed .