Defiance of the Fall

An Imperial Edict? - Zac said with a steely smile as his restrained aura exploded outward . - That’s funny . I have an Edict of my own . -

The air twisted under the immense pressure of Zac’s fully unleashed aura . Meanwhile , his Evolutionary Core was rousing from its leisurely swirl . It released massive amounts of Attuned Mental Energy , and it all went into the thing that had emerged from within the core .

The construct looked like a confusing gordian knot made of dozens of Mental Energy tubes . The moment it appeared , it began extracting large amounts of Mental Energy and Dao from the Evolutionary Core .

There were over fifteen entrances to the maze-like mold but only one exit . From it , a complex stream of intermingled Dao emerged and entered the pathways of Thousand Lights Avatar] . The Dao passed through Zac’s body with blazing speed before entering the Skill Fractal on his back , Primal Edict] .

It had proven fruitless to cultivate the Nine Reincarnation Manual] and Void Vajra Sublimation] during his downtime while traveling or resting . After passing the first major threshold , the energy demands were too high , so Zac had focused some of his free time on other projects . One of them was the Thousand Lights Avatar] , which greatly benefited from Zac’s evolved soul .

Cultivating the supportive technique had been effortless since forming the dual soul spirals . He just needed to urge the spirals to speed up , and they’d release large amounts of pure Mental Energy that could bolster his spiritual body . It still hadn’t reached the point he could perform spectral walks , but it was far more corporeal than when he entered the Perennial Vastness .

More importantly , he’d confirmed that his idea of making pre-arranged braids worked . It began by growing two permanent braids of Mental Energy out of the framework , each one using nine strings . When they were finished , he detached them and moved them to his Soul Aperture . From there , Zac added more and more , making the braid increasingly complex .

Unfortunately , it had proven easier said than done , forming a working mold for a Dao Array , even if he had a working blueprint for his Cosmic Core . And with his odd constitution , he found himself laughably bad at intuiting the correct path . Luckily , Zac found a solution that saved a lot of time . His two Soul Cores were now attuned , and they could nurture the molds on their own by leaving them inside the core .

It was a slow process , and he had to take them out and run Dao through them occasionally . Otherwise , the molds would be reabsorbed into the cores . In return , the Evolutionary Core had run its Dao through the knot tens of thousands of times , allowing it to grow increasingly complex over the past year .

The current iteration had gone beyond the classification of a Dao Braid , though Zac wasn’t sure it could be considered a Dao Array . For now , Zac called them his Dao Molds , and they provided roughly 15% greater power output compared to his old Dao Braids . Even better , they were incredibly convenient to use , making it easier for Zac to instill his attacks with his optimal strength .

The only downside was that the molds currently had only one setting : full blast . Meaning an expenditure of quite a bit of Mental Energy and Dao . That wasn’t a problem right now . Full blast was exactly what he needed .

A vibrant green haze poured out from Zac’s body as Primal Edict] activated , empowered by the Dao Mold . In return , the remaining ten enemies made their move . The soldiers steadily advanced , clearing the nearby trees without wasting much energy . However , none of them made any moves to target Zac .

He wasn’t surprised . Their energy wasn’t theirs to use . It belonged to their master . Besides , they clearly didn’t want to stray too far from Valsa . Both sides knew she was the key to the battle . As long as they didn’t spread out , they could collapse on him again . And with the trees being dismantled , it would be harder to force another ambush . Unfortunately for them , Ancestral Woods] had long since reached Peak-mastery .

The skill had been his next upgrade after Pillar of Desolation] , and he’d tried to accomplish the same thing inside the Orom World . He’d come up woefully short that time , yet he still managed to push a High-quality F-grade skill into a Peak-quality E-grade skill . Now that it also had reached Peak-mastery , it wasn’t so easy to get rid of , and new trees were constantly sprouting . The resilience of the woods had grown far greater . Technically , Zac could keep regrowing the forest as long as at least 20% of the trees remained standing .

The only downside was that each tree cost a little more Cosmic Energy than the one before . The cost would become prohibitive if the warriors were allowed to act as lumberjacks for too long . Even if he had the energy to spare , he couldn’t channel it fast enough to replenish what was lost .

The remaining mages remained like two statues , seemingly content to control what Zac assumed was the barrier . Of course , there was also the possibility of them preparing another nasty surprise like the one in the sky , so they were his main target .

Finally , there was Valsa . She radiated a blinding light like a celestial , and seven rivers of light emerged behind her . They ran through the sky above Zac’s head until they reached the other side of the dome . Zac felt a pang of danger .

They fell like raindrops—thousand upon thousands of daggers of light , stabbing toward the ground . No wonder Valsa waited to attack him until they reached this place . She had a Dao of Conflict to match her Dao of Light . Together , they formed intangible blades with incredible destructive capabilities .

In just a second , she had destroyed more ancestral trees than all her followers combined . Zac wasn’t much better off as a hail of projectiles harried him . No matter where he dodged , they followed . It looked like she could at least partly control the things that fell . Meanwhile , two alabaster wings covered Valsa and her followers , creating a dome within a dome .

Zac felt his domain crumbling and desperately tried to maintain enough trees—just a bit more . The emerald smoke released from his body had already permeated the whole dome , forming a beautiful moss that seemed able to live on just about anything . The ground was covered , as were the trees of Ancestral Woods] . Even sections of the energy dome made out of pure light gained a greenish tint as moss started growing on it .

Perhaps he shouldn’t consider it odd . Light was a common source of nourishment for Life .

The moss didn’t even need something to attach to . Floating clouds of green drifted about—for a second before getting ripped apart by the dagger rain . Even then , the surviving shreds formed the cores of new clouds and began growing . Everything was consumed , everything became nourishment . The only thing still pure were the rivers in the sky , as the falling daggers shredded any Dao or energy that tried to get close .

In a sense , the true alpha predators of nature weren’t the largest beasts that roamed the lands . The true terrors were the smallest members of flora and fauna . Mossy was a prime example of that , and the unique creature had been part of the inspiration for Primal Edict] .

Of course , creating a draining layer of moss was only the beginning .

Creaking sounds formed an ominous rattle before the world exploded with an exuberant hunger . Innumerable vines grew out from the moss , lashing out at anything that came close . They grew as quickly as Vivi’s vines , covering the whole battleground in an instant . The seven warriors found themselves under assault by a tide of vines , and their progress was greatly hindered .

The vines didn’t look quite like Vivi . For one , they were filled with as much Dao of Conflict as Dao of Life . As such , they weren’t fully smooth . They had three protruding equidistant ridges , each forming a natural edge with powerful cutting capability . They weren’t as strong as the blades of Nature’s Edge] , but the dome was already crawling with them .

The tip of the vines was extremely sharp , and they had three barbs with far greater hardness than the rest of the vines . If they managed to pierce someone , it’d cost a chunk of flesh to rip them loose .

The vines which sprouted close to Ancestral Woods] wound themselves around the trees , forming secondary armor before they shot toward the sky . Each vine was like the spear of an E-grade warrior , and Zac smiled upon seeing they were individually more powerful than the daggers . Between Adamance of Eoz] and his high Endurance and Vitality , they were extremely difficult to stop .

The vines shattered the raining daggers one by one until they were ripped apart , at which point they regrew . However , this came at a huge cost of Cosmic Energy and Vigor . The skill was already scaled to the point it could be mistaken for a D-grade skill , as were the seven rivers of light above . Zac wouldn’t stand there and watch . He was normally confident when it came to wars of attrition , but not when faced against an elite with a squad of walking batteries by her side .

Besides , Zac doubted his enemy would be content watching things play out like that . He was proven right as a cascading wave of light ripped through the domain . Unfortunately , the wave didn’t head toward him , but rather the four remaining pillars of Empyrean Aegis] . Zac sighed as he stepped into a tree , but he didn’t move over to protect the core of his defensive skill .

Instead , he appeared at a tree close to his enemies , where eight slashes of light greeted him . Zac growled as his arm turned to a blur , and Vivi aided as best as she could as he pushed toward the closest soldier . The golden world of Empyrean Aegis] trembled as he stepped within the winged domain and felt a noticeable weight on his shoulders . The moment his defensive skill failed , it would get far worse .

Still releasing emerald mist , more and more vines grew around him , making him seem like an avatar of nature . The additional vines drastically lessened the pressure from the onslaught of attacks , but Zac saw how the falling daggers were already moving toward his new location . A huge rumble erupted behind , and Zac realized he had lost another two pillars of Empyrean Aegis] from Valsa’s earlier attack . He didn’t have a lot of time .

Zac had felt just how powerful Valsa was . Truth be told , he had no confidence in dealing with her while she was powered with the array . He could gain another boost if he activated Arcadian Crusade] , but how could an imperial princess not have similar methods? He didn’t want to put her under too much pressure and would instead deal with her companions while barely hanging on . That way , he could burst out with full power and all his cards just as Valsa was at her lowest .

But killing all seven with their leader breathing down his neck was tough . Breaking the cage and moving the battle seemed a good first step . There were no guarantees the seal on his Specialty Core would work within this specific domain , and he’d have more options if he could use the haze to hide and ambush .

Unfortunately , his enemies had already cut him off from his targets . Furthermore , he could tell space was manipulated within the wings . He wasn’t confident Earthstrider] would take him where he wanted to go . And when would he have time to move toward them , with Valsa swinging her sword right at him?

Verun yowled with pain and anger when the weapons clashed , and Zac once more found himself at the losing end of the collision . A deathsworn took the opportunity to skewer him through his ribs , barely missing and puncturing his lung . He was forced back by an angry swarm of vines , but others replaced him as they nibbed at his heels without giving Zac a chance to finish them off .

The pressure from Valsa herself was also mounting . Zac barely managed to keep up enough pressure to prevent her from activating more skills , and she had more cards up her sleeve . It turned out he wasn’t the only one who used armaments to fight . Furthermore , hers was a much more complicated style than what Zac used . Forty-nine flying swords emerged from the back of Valsa’s Armor , forming a deadly sword array that bore down on him from every direction .

The celestial daggers raining from the sky joined them , but Zac was relieved to find out Valsa wasn’t controlling them any longer . Vivi furiously fought them back , aided by the new roots constantly sprouting around them . One by one , the swords were slapped away , which were unsurprisingly made of top-tier materials . Zac suspected they weren’t Spirit Tools but rather Supreme-quality Pseudo D-grade weapons controlled by an Armament Tool Spirit .

Zac felt himself suffocating under the pressure , but making himself a target had finally borne fruit . A small tree had grown right behind his enemies while they were busy attacking him , meaning it was time . Zac dipped into his Void Energy stores and unleashed a storm of fractal blades , swallowing Valsa and her weapons in a hurricane of violence . At such close proximity , even she had to focus on defense for a second .

Simultaneously , more than fifty vines burst out of the small tree , like deadly parasites emerging from their hosts . Their blade-like tips pierced toward the same target , and there was a palpable hunger for destruction in the air . The magical trunks of Ancestral Woods] were no longer limited to transporting just Zac . During his epiphany , he’d figured out a way to harmonize his two skills , allowing the vines to do the same .

The synergy benefited both skills greatly . Ancestral Woods] was no longer just a domain and teleportation devise . Each tree had become a deathtrap that could spring on anyone that got too close . He could just keep growing vines and trees on the other side of the battlefield . Any time a new tree sprouted on the frontlines , his enemies would find themselves overwhelmed by another wave of destruction .

Zac was still beleaguered from every side , but it was time he started turning things around on these imperials .

53

SACRIFICE

Just as the vine swarm was about to reach its target , a shimmer emerged from Zac’s axe . It pounced at the beleaguered warrior with perfect timing , roaring with excitement . The pressure became too much , and the deathsworn wouldn’t survive without using a skill . A twenty-meter scythe formed a band of death around the warrior , destroying vines and Verun alike .

Of course , Verun was an intangible Tool Spirit , and the vines wouldn’t give up now that they were closing in on their target . But they didn’t just keep growing . Instead , dozens of regions in the dome grew dull as moss died and vines withered . They’d been robbed of all their energy and longevity . In return , broken tips exploded with renewed vigor as new vines emerged from within , gleaming with a golden luster . It almost looked like a snake shedding its old skin , except what came out was not the same .

Rebirth through Creation .

Some vines looked illusory , as though they were made of light . Others seemed more metal than vine . A few had odd growths humming with unstable power , while some had grown axe-like protuberances .

Zac vividly remembered his first weeks in the Orom World , where he traveled through a forest filled with the Dao of Nature before passing into one governed by Life . They were nothing alike ; one was balanced and harmonious , while the other was a mad scramble for space and power . Seeing that place had really helped him better understand the Dao of Pure Life .

His attack ultimately wasn’t a punishment from nature , neither was his Evolutionary Stance . That wasn’t his path . His was a path of Death and rebirth , constantly remolding yourself into something better , something deadlier . How could his vines be any different? There was even a bit of Creation Energy required to run the skill , which allowed the vines to accept anything and make it their own .

As the Heart of Creation said , Creation was never over . So long as he had Cosmic Energy to spare , the vines would keep coming and only get deadlier . Zac could even sacrifice some of his vines to speed up the process . His control over these empowered vines was pretty bad , but that was fine . If Zac didn’t know how they would attack his enemies , how would they? And if they failed , something better would grow out of the ashes .

The man tried to destroy everything with another large-scale attack , but these weren’t so easily dealt with . He was drowning in waves of unpredictable violence , with a dragon hyena waiting to seal the deal . The other warriors moved to help , but that meant a second tree got a chance to sprout . Another swarm of vines joined the madness .

Zac didn’t bother with them . He used the chaos to get to the two mages , hoping to deal with them first . They still hadn’t moved a step , which on its own was incredibly suspicious . The vines that got too close were destroyed by flashes of light , though , proving they had some sort of protective domain .

An eruption of light almost threw Zac off his feet , and he inwardly swore as he felt a scream of danger . Valsa had shredded his outburst of fractal leaves , and she was coming at him fast . Then , the swarm of swords was upon him , and Zac found his progress halted as new wounds were carved into his body . In fact , he was even pushed back as the sword array forced him to surrender ground to avoid grievous wounds .

Meanwhile , Zac finally sensed a skill activation from the two mages . Were they preparing to flee? If things continued this way , there was no way he’d catch them . He needed to do something about the monster nipping at his heels . Zac had hoped to save this for a bit later , but it looked like he was out of options .

The familiar coffin appeared on his back , the rattling sound of chains joining the creaking of growing vines . A pitch-black swirl appeared above Zac’s head , and a viper-quick pitch-black chain shot out . Simultaneously , a second Dao Mold emerged from his Inexorable Core , and a stream of empowered Dao entered Love’s Bond] .

He had already called upon one of his Tool Spirits , so why not the second? Valsa was right in melee range , swinging that radiant sword to cut apart empowered vines like they were made of paper . But the powerful chain of Fate’s Obduracy] was unrelenting in a way that eclipsed even Primal Edict] . As she cut one , two attacked . When she cut those , she found herself attacked by four .

Not attacking wasn’t an option either . The chains were filled with death and corrosion , and even Valsa would be in trouble if she let herself get trapped . Between her forty-nine flying swords and the one in her hand , the initial lone link had turned into hundreds in no time . They were an unrelenting tide that tried to swallow her whole .

Zac used the opening to run toward the mages , but they’d already realized they were in trouble . They weren’t about to sit and wait for death like their two companions . The mages started to grow translucent , and the augmented vision from Ancestral Woods] showed how orbs of light lit up across the arena .

Teleportation points .

Zac frowned , though he was inwardly delighted . The two mages had similar paths , but their Dao fluctuations were a bit different . It wasn’t hard to tell which of the orbs belonged to which mage . There was no way he’d reach them in time , so Zac hurled Black Death] at the closest mage . Meanwhile , he sent a series of commands to the seething mass of vines that now covered the dome .

Valsa hadn’t given up on her rivers of light , nor had he on his evolving swarm of vines . They couldn’t . The moment one side gave in , it would be game over . Nothing would be stopping the knives anymore , and Zac would drown under a hail of projectiles . Similarly , the vines had reached a deadly mass , even to Valsa’s deathsworn . The vines would overwhelm her helpers if they no longer needed to counter the blade rivers .

At the command of Zac , some of the vines redirected to stab into the empty spheres of light . Meanwhile , Vivi and Alea slithered through the chaos , positioning themselves near the teleportation points inside the winged domain . The axe ripped forward like a cannon , leaving tears in the air .

The mage turned illusory just as the axe was about to carve a hole through her chest , and he felt a weak fluctuation to his side . Zac wasn’t deterred and lightly slapped the chain as he pursued . The axe turned under the manipulation of the links , making a beeline toward a nearby sphere whose energy was rising .

His armaments and Primal Edict] followed suit , and one point after another was destroyed . The moment the mage appeared , she was forced to disappear again . Two of the warriors tried to stop Zac as he barreled forward . But without Valsa , how could they bar his path? They narrowly avoided getting eviscerated as Zac followed the scent , and the mage was forced to make two more desperate jumps .

At which point , Zac rushed toward the next mage . He had finally forced the first mage out of the winged domain and into one of the spheres of the jungle . His jungle .

A scream echoed and was followed by a crunch as hundreds of vines from a dozen nearby trees ripped the mage apart when she appeared . The plan worked perfectly . Destroy some of the teleportation points and turn the others into traps . Eventually , she would have no choice but to meet him head-on or walk into a trap .

Three down , one to go .

The second mage hadn’t moved far and was currently hiding behind the twenty-meter ball of chains formed from Fate’s Obduracy] . Just as Zac began his hunt , he felt a second wave of Kill Energy enter his body . A victorious roar echoed through the cave , and Zac saw Verun holding the head of a warrior with a long scar running down his face .

Its form was already flickering , and Zac could feel deep exhaustion from the spirit . It had hidden behind the vines , waiting for a chance to pounce , but the enemies all had Dao Branches . Their strikes were harmful to the spirit projection , and it dissipated just after finishing its hunt . Truthfully , Zac was surprised it managed to kill one of the warriors at all—his goal had been to wound and stall .

The remaining warriors were in various states of disarray , where half fought the vines while the others moved to protect the final conjurer . None dared get close to Zac with their leader temporarily restrained , but a scream of danger indicated his window of opportunity was fast closing .

A seething ball of thousands of chains strained against their captive . Fate’s Obduracy] had held Valsa for almost two seconds . It was an incredible accomplishment , proving just how powerful Alea had become . Then again , Alea had always been far stronger as a Tool Spirit than when she was alive . For instance , she’d fared well in the Twilight Ocean while still an F-grade Spirit Tool .

Since then , Alea had eaten a plethora of treasures and evolved a full grade , leaving her right at the threshold of D-grade . However , two seconds was pushing it . Thousands of radiant streaks pierced the gaps between the links , like a sun was being born inside . Zac urgently ran past it , his eyes screaming murder as he stared down his next target . Their eyes met , and primal fear ignited in the mage’s eyes as his body grew intangible .

A scream of danger wasn’t enough of an early warning as the world turned white . Intense pain wracked Zac’s body as invisible blades carved deep cuts into his flesh . A searing Dao tried to consume him from within as he was flung toward the barrier . A fourth pillar crumbled while cracks appeared on the fifth , meaning Empyrean Aegis] was about to collapse . Thankfully , it had protected him from what would’ve been grievous damage .

And the winged domain would soon exert far greater pressure on him . He could feel a beast within the blinding light shooting toward him—an enraged Valsa . He only had one shot .

The world was still a sea of white , but the combination of Cosmic Gaze] and Ancestral Woods] provided him with the outlines of his enemies and vague hints of concentrations of Dao . Valsa had already launched another strike toward him while he was in midair . Zac gritted his teeth as he threw Black Death] .

Not toward Valsa but toward the spot where the mage reappeared .

Valsa didn’t bother with the mage as he was already phasing away again . Instead , she flew toward Zac , who was blinded and with his back against his wall . Zac crashed into the barrier , and Valsa’s follow-up strike ripped apart the final protection of Empyrean Aegis] before carving a deep wound across his chest . He didn’t care . Zac’s eyes were trained on the mage and his axe .

Just as the mage was about to teleport away , a shadowy figure appeared behind him as though out of nowhere . A projection of Alea . She gently embraced the mage , and he froze in place . Literally . His teleportation was interrupted as his energy stopped moving . Within their embrace , there was nothingness .

No past , no future . Fate was sealed , and the river of time ground to a standstill .

The effect only lasted a fraction of a second . Black Death] punched through the mage’s head . None of his protective measures had been activated . Alea’s avatar disappeared , looking like she’d shattered like broken glass . The mage crumbled , and a surge of Kill Energy confirmed the death of the final sorcerer . Yet Zac wasn’t happy .

I’m sorry , - Zac whispered .

Don’t be like that , ’ Alea admonished , her words growing fainter and fainter . - Getting hurt in battle is normal . I love that I can still protect you . . . But now . . . you’re on your own . . . ’

Zac sighed as the coffin returned to its necklace form on its own , and Black Death] changed into a hazed streak that returned to his side . As far as Zac was concerned , Fate’s Predestination] was a defective skill , even if its effect was incredible . To briefly seal every aspect of a person was Heaven-defying . A skill like that could reverse any battle—it almost went against the Law of Balance .

However , it came at a horrible cost . It harmed Alea’s soul rather than draining her energy . Even worse , the stronger the opponent whose Fate you wanted to seal , the greater the damage . This mage was at his level and would be considered an elite anywhere , but he was by no means a peak talent with superlative protections . Still , it would likely take Alea a couple of years to recover . Use it too many times , and Zac suspected her spirit would crumble altogether .

For weak enemies , there was no need to use it since he could defeat them on his own . For enemies that pushed him to his breaking point , he risked shattering Alea’s soul . Zac hadn’t even been able to activate the skill for a long time , as her soul hadn’t reached the minimum threshold of soul strength . But even after she reached that point , Zac had been unwilling to use the skill .

Now , he didn’t have a lot of options . Zac had nothing else to trap Valsa with , so catching the wizard again would have been incredibly difficult if he’d been allowed to teleport away . Now , it was time to make the most of the opportunity Alea awarded him . The mages were cleared out , and Zac was relieved to see the barrier start to flicker . It didn’t disperse outright , but it didn’t look like it would hold much longer .

The world of white faded , exposing a furious Valsa already upon him .

Zac had less than a third of his Cosmic Energy remaining because of Ancestral Woods] and Primal Edict] , and he was covered in wounds .

Yet , he welcomed her arrival . With the mages gone , it was time to wrap things up . Valsa was about to deliver a ruthless strike but skidded to a halt when a huge hand appeared out of nowhere . Not above her , but her remaining followers who were still besieged by a swarm of vines . Zac had retained two-thirds of his Void Energy . Of course , this was still a pretty big gamble , as Arcadia’s Judgement] would eat up a good chunk of that . This was the perfect opportunity .

Valsa was about to flash back and block the strike , but how could Zac let her come and go as she pleased?

Not so fast , - Zac said with a bloody grin as he swung Verun’s Bite] with enough force to cleave mountains .

A dense set of fractals had already appeared across his skin , and his body surged with power . The pain from the wounds was washed away , and the invading Dao snuffed out . He’d entered the crusade , and his enemy stood before him . The runes on the handle of Verun’s Bite] glimmered with sanguine desire , and the air screamed with primal roars of the wild .

Impudent , - Valsa frowned as the crown on her head released a brutal pressure .

Zac’s bones groaned , but he was filled with unstoppable momentum . Meanwhile , Zac pushed Conviction of Eoz] to new heights . He had long since realized this was the true power of the Hidden Node—combining it with Berserking Methods . He was already pushing his body beyond its original levels with Arcadian Crusade] , so extracting more force from the Hidden Node came at no cost other than his , admittedly waning , Vigor .

It became a multiplier on any berserking skill , and Zac was almost half as strong as his original form . Valsa was forced back by the strike , pushed farther away from her helpers . She tried to activate a skill , but another swing interrupted her . Zac’s current attributes pushed the boundary of what was possible in the E-grade , and not even Valsa could withstand his onslaught .

Another clash almost wrenched Valsa’s sword out of her hands while her flying swords cracked and were flung into the distance . He was about to level a finishing blow to her head , but a shield of light appeared as the gemstones on her crown lit up . The whole world shook , but not because of Zac’s strike . Not that one , at least .

Judgement had been meted out , and a huge cleft created a line of demarcation that cut through the whole dome . The controller-less barrier could not withstand the force of a crusade-augmented Arcadia’s Judgement] , and it crumbled as six streams of Kill Energy entered Zac’s body . Only two survived the initial blast , but a vine finished one off while the last was done in by the aftershock .

Only one enemy remained . Zac was running low on energy , but that didn’t matter . He thrummed with power , and his opponent was in melee range . It was just a matter of time before he broke through her defenses and finished her off . There was no way her War Regalia could save her now that her batteries were gone .

Yet , Valsa didn’t look alarmed . Rather , she appeared pleased . Zac didn’t stop his barrage , hoping to break through the light barrier . Something proved very wrong upon seeing fourteen motes of light rise from the corpses of the fallen deathsworn .

What? You thought this was over? - Valsa laughed , and Zac felt a sense of crisis as her aura rapidly rose . - That was the last one , right? Of your skills? -

What was going on? Why did killing her followers make her stronger? Zac’s eyes widened in comprehension . Sacrifice . The War Array had a sacrificial feature , where the death of the deathsworn provided a huge surge in power .

Pretty ruthless , - Zac swore .

Your aura is surrounded by a sea of blood , who are you to talk? - Valsa smiled , her eyes almost burning with hunger . - Every path requires sacrifice . For my ascension , no price is too great! -

54

PRESSURE

Zac was already high-strung from being targeted for weeks and forced to fight for his life . But for some reason , he was even more enraged over Valsa’s attempt to equate her callous sacrifice of her followers to the struggles he’d been forced to endure over the past years . It was not only an insult to him , but to his path .

There was no turning back from the grudge that had been formed . This woman thought herself justice , and thus all her actions were just . Someone like this wouldn’t shy away from any method to get what she wanted . She’d definitely target Earth if she managed to figure out his background .

The sudden rise in strength from her sacrificial array was an unwelcome surprise , but that didn’t mean he’d lost . Zac was still filled with unending power and was in good enough condition to bring it all to bear . He’d never been as strong as in this moment , and some spoiled false imperial wouldn’t be the end of his journey .

Zac shot forward , drawing a ruthless arc aimed at cutting off Valsa’s head . Verun was exhausted , but the Tool Spirit roared in encouragement as the edge drew closer . Valsa snorted as she moved her sword to parry , her aura stabilized at a level that was just above Zac’s . Fourteen soul lamps floated behind her , pouring light into the War Regalia .

Weapons clashed , and the haze outside the broken barrier was pushed hundreds of meters away . It sounded like a bomb had gone off , but it was just the opening salvo , followed up by a frenzy of attacks . The fused and refined Dao of his Dao Mold coursed through Thousand Lights Avatar] , illuminating the path of Death and rebirth .

Zac and Vivi worked in perfect harmony , turning into violent blurs that tried everything to break through his enemies’ defense . Valsa fought valiantly , and Zac sneered after a few seconds . As expected , her style was refined , but her strength was hollow . He could tell there wasn’t much life-and-death experience behind her strength .

The difference in their attributes was smaller now that they both used Berserking Methods , and she couldn’t overpower him in raw attributes like before . Without that , she was coming up short when faced with Zac’s experience and skill . Her greedy expression slowly shifted into one of fury and fear as Zac methodically started dismantling her sword array and technique .

She repeatedly tried to activate her skills , to leverage the fact she had far more Cosmic Energy remaining . Zac wouldn’t allow it , even if he had to take a small hit to disrupt her energy circulation . Finally , Zac broke through , and Verun’s Bite] bit into her side . The scene of blood and viscera raining onto the ground failed to appear . The War Regalia gained a nasty crack , withstanding a full-powered attack .

Of course , the attack wasn’t useless , even if Valsa avoided getting bisected . The princess groaned in pain and was launched farther out from the cage’s edge and the winged domain . He’d already realized her dagger rivers were mobile while the winged domain was not . The farther away from it he fought , the better .

He also hoped that moving away from the corpses would break the connection , but no luck so far . However , one of the fourteen soul lamps had winked out , and another one was already waning . It almost felt like a counter until she ran out of steam , though Zac hoped that wasn’t the case . After all , his Arcadian Crusade] would expire before the lamps did unless something changed .

The situation had become a race , where one side needed to end things quickly and the other needed to delay . Of course , that was unless Zac managed to change form . Zac briefly activated Void Zone] as he caught up to his prey , but it didn’t help . The odd seal held fast even after the light dome was gone and he’d left its area . It showed no hint of weakening , and flooding it with his nullification zone did nothing .

Just how advanced was this method? There was no way she could do something like this herself . He once more looked up at the star with suspicion . Was there really an insider working with Valsa? After all , there was no way Engo was the only powerhouse hiding in the Perennial Vastness . And it wouldn’t be surprising if a faction like the ancient imperials had some connections on the inside .

Hey , she’s cheating! There’s no way she conjured that star seal!’ Zac swore in his mind . - Is your boss just going to look the other way?’

I don’t . . . I’ll send a petition , - Null answered , though the guide clearly wasn’t optimistic .

It was annoying , but he couldn’t rely on some ancient entity to come to his aid . The Multiverse had never been fair , and the established factions had always possessed this kind of advantage . Why else would Valsa strut around like she was the arbiter of justice?

Since the Fetters of Desolation was off the table , he would just have to finish the job in his current form . Zac was already upon Valsa thanks to Earthstrider] , and the princess didn’t even get a chance to catch her breath before the storm of evolution tried to engulf her once more .

Their eyes met , and Zac’s disdain was met with towering fury .

Trash! - Valsa spat as one of the gems on her crown cracked , releasing a blast of light .

Zac’s mind screamed of danger , but he didn’t dare back away . He pushed forward and activated another hurricane of fractal blades with his faltering stores of Void Energy . Hundreds of blades dug into four forms , but only one was left bleeding—the original Valsa . She hadn’t managed to block out the point-blank burst completely .

Unfortunately , the protection of the War Regalia came more from its protective array than the armor itself . A shimmering barrier absorbed most of the damage , letting only a fraction pass through . It wasn’t enough for a lethal blow , but a bloody gash ran down Valsa’s face . Her left eye was completely ruined , while the other radiated a wave of almost unhinged anger .

Die! - she shrieked , and Zac finally knew why she’d been distracted .

The three forms he’d attacked just now were clones wrought from the light released by the broken gemstone . Each one held an impressive aura , reaching at least 70% of Valsa’s . Zac had no idea if this was a Tool Spirit skill or some other method available to the imperials , but it spelled trouble . He’d already seen how his fractal blades passed right through the clones as they formed without leaving any lasting damage .

Suddenly , four blades were trained at him instead of one , and the sword array tried to find an opening from above . Zac’s pushed his techniques to the limits , his attacks growing increasingly ruthless to counter his opponent’s swordsmanship . But two hands couldn’t fight eight , especially when the clones weren’t fully corporeal .

Using the same trick as on the Hero Souls to stabilize them didn’t work , and Zac was soon covered in wounds . If not for his upgraded constitution , he probably would’ve bled out already . The only good sign was that Valsa had an incredibly ugly expression as she almost maniacally tried to take him down . Conjuring these things probably came at a significant cost .

For the first time since entering the crusade , Zac felt some hesitation . Should he back down? He couldn’t even defend himself against this murderous quartet , let alone go on the offensive . But if he retreated , he’d waste the remaining time on his berserking skill . He still had his weakened phase to worry about , and he risked being left at the mercy of Valsa .

Not to mention Primal Edict] , which he still needed to use to counter the rivers that had followed Valsa as they shifted the battle . He was running low on Cosmic Energy while those soul lamps fed Valsa . He really wanted to blast her with an Annihilation Sphere , but he had no way to restrain her long enough to form one . Should he make one final attempt before risking activating Flashfire Flourish] to regroup?

The Edict of Candor couldn’t last forever . He was reluctant to leave this looming threat alive , but he didn’t have a lot of options . However , Zac sensed something with his Soul Sense just as he was about to create an opportunity to escape .

Sorry I’m late! - a familiar voice shouted as Kruta came into view , and Zac almost lost his composure upon seeing the wretched state his companion was in .

His right leg was simply gone beneath his knee . In place of a foot was a crudely attached inscribed bone that clearly was not Kruta’s . Blood flowed from a deep cut on his left thigh , indicating he’d almost lost both legs from a single attack . Kruta’s upper body wasn’t much better off , with wounds covering him from head to toe .

Wh— - Zac said , but his voice died in his throat as a golden lance pierced through the haze , narrowly missing the barbarian .

Kruta looked like a drowning man seeing a boat upon spotting Zac , and he used a movement skill to appear behind him .

I screwed up , ’ Kruta groaned in Zac’s mind . - Why did the reinforcements I stumbled onto have to be led by a champion? There are even three White Sigils in the mix! We need to run!’

Soon , ’ Zac answered , his eyes gleaming with determination and madness .

Hadn’t he just found himself at an impasse , unable to advance but unwilling to back down? It’d felt like he was caught in a game of deadly chess , knowing he’d be checkmated in twenty moves no matter what he did . Thank God for Kruta and his wretched luck! He’d arrived just in the nick of time , flipping the whole board over .

One form after another was already emerging from the haze , and even Valsa lost her composure . She tried to run away , but Zac endured a strike that ground against his ribcage , all to force her back toward the incoming puppets .

A-Are you crazy!’ Kruta stuttered as he continued to inch away . - This is a main army! There are hundreds of normal puppets as well! I barely survived running form . A—wait , what’s going on? Where are the others?’

Dead , ’ Zac answered as he went on a furious assault while releasing waves of murderous intent in the Golden Champion’s direction . - Almost there . ’

You lunatic! - Valsa shrieked as she tried to disentangle herself , but Zac only laughed as blood poured out his mouth .

Come on , Princess! - Zac goaded . - Where are your elders now? So much for your imperial bloodline . -

The champion had already turned its attention to them . It shot forward , lance creating a trail of spatial tears as it made a beeline for Valsa . The princess gritted her teeth and had her clones target Zac as she prepared to deal with the incoming champion . Just as the Golden Champion was about to reach them , an ancient aura spread through the surroundings . Not Zac’s , but Valsa’s .

A shroud of stars formed out of light appeared , moving to form some sort of sigil . It was similar to the stars in the sky , though at an infinitely smaller scale . Did these imperials have a bloodline related to the stars? Or did it create a galaxy under the laws of Taiji? It didn’t matter . This was his opportunity .

Zac forced his way through the barrier of clones , furiously blocking their strikes as Vivi dealt with the sword array . A flying sword dug into his shoulder , but he ignored the pain as he pushed on . Valsa had clearly expected Zac’s strike , but her eyes widened in shock when the Dao was suddenly removed from her surroundings .

The conjured stars dimmed , and the runes on the War Regalia lost their luster . Even the clones turned sluggish , though they didn’t wink out when exposed to Void Zone] as Zac had hoped . This was what he’d aimed for since the beginning . He had used Void Zone] a few times already , but never next to Valsa herself .

The two mages who’d been exposed to the odd domain had immediately died , bringing the secret of the nullification zone to their grave . It was all to catch Valsa unaware , and the appearance of the Golden Champion provided the perfect opportunity . He’d even goaded her into using her bloodline to deal with the puppets .

Zac still didn’t know what was going on with his ancestry . Was Laondio the true Limitless Emperor , or was Karz? Either case , the Void Emperor had to be a heritage that could suppress the bloodline of these false imperials . After all , they were only middling up-and-comers back then , clans that weren’t qualified to participate in the construction of the System .

No! - Valsa cried but was interrupted by a lance digging into her back .

She had put everything on the line to deal with Zac’s swing aimed at her head , but Void Zone] had rendered her Bloodline Talent useless . Blood poured out of Valsa’s mouth , and her aura flickered erratically . But she wasn’t dead . Zac tried to finish her off , but he swore as another gemstone on Valsa’s crown cracked .

A barrier appeared , pushing Zac back even with Void Zone] active . The Golden Champion was also thrown off , and its lance was destroyed . It left a huge bleeding hole in her stomach , which started to close as a third gemstone cracked . Zac inwardly sighed as he saw the four still-intact gems on Valsa’s head .

One had created the three clones that were taking up most of Zac’s attention . A second had created a barrier that could keep even him at bay . The third contained a powerful healing ability . Zac guessed that at least one provided soul protection , and the large gem in the middle reminded him of his Lucky Beads] .

But what about the other two? Another offensive and one for escape?

This was the headache of fighting with these elites . They were like cats with nine lives . He was one of the top five powerhouses of the Perennial Vastness , but he’d failed to kill over a dozen guests over the past year . They all had weird skills and treasures that got them out of death’s grasp . Three had even managed to escape Pillar of Desolation] somehow .

Zac wracked his brain , trying to figure out a way to seal the deal before Valsa could escape , but a scream of danger told him in no uncertain terms his window of opportunity was fast closing . The White Sigils had caught up with their leader , and Zac found himself sieged by two elite puppets and two light clones .

So it didn’t work . He underestimated these puppets , or perhaps overestimated them . Void Zone] completely erased his presence , which he’d hoped would make the puppets ignore him . It’d worked against that snake in the bottom of the Twilight Chasm , but it didn’t seem to have any effect on these things . Were they going by vision rather than aura?

Valsa also got her share of suffering from the Golden Champion and the final White Sigil . Both were trying to break through her barrier , but they were temporarily unable to handle it . Meanwhile , Valsa’s wounds rapidly healed , and Cosmic Energy Surged through her body . Zac grimaced , knowing he wouldn’t be able to interrupt her skill this time .

A celestial emperor appeared above Valsa’s protective bubble , its eyes already trained right at Zac . An immense pressure bore down on him , which lead to a series of wounds across his body . Of course , that wasn’t the extent of the emperor’s power , and he trained a sword in his direction . One circle of light after another appeared around the edge , and Zac felt a mounting sense of danger .

He had to waste what little Void Energy he had left to leave this place . But a drastic change occurred just as Zac activated Void Zone] to stall puppets and clones . A twenty-meter orc appeared out of nowhere , and plumes of bloodlust poured out of his cells . He carried a huge machete in his right hand and swung it at the sword with a roar that shook the whole region .

Machete and sword clashed , and the machete crumbled . It couldn’t withstand the pressure of Valsa’s super-charged blow . It did , however , forcibly push the sword to a side , and sweat poured down Zac’s back as a pillar of Pure Light ripped apart a White Sigil right next to him . He’d barely avoided being turned into toast , though he felt the skin on his left side crackle and tear as it was exposed to the immense energies in the strike .

The pressure from the emperor decreased after the strike , but the orc war chief didn’t give up either . He jumped at the opposing avatar with a mad laugh , radiating immense battle lust . For a moment , Zac was filled with visions of ancient battlefields . Of endless rows of well-decked soldiers encroaching on the lands of the tribes . City-dwellers who had come to the wilderness because of their insatiable greed .

They hadn’t expected the ferocity of the tribes or their willingness to bleed to protect their lands .

The emperor exhausted more energy to destroy the war chief , but a storm of intangible blades ripped him apart the next second . It was the golden puppet who had paused its assault on Valsa to destroy the skill , properly fulfilling its role as backup .

Unfortunately , Kruta’s stance wasn’t enough to turn the tides of war , though it had protected Zac long enough for Valsa’s barrier to collapse under the puppet’s assault . She was once more locked in a deadly melee , unable to send any more skills his way .

You! - Valsa screamed with anger as she desperately fended off the puppets , glaring daggers at Kruta , who tried to look inconspicuous to the side . - You think I don’t know who you are , Kruta? -

I— - Kruta hesitated , but their conversation was interrupted by a swarm of Blue Capes who appeared through the haze .

Zac sighed at the incoming squad . Over twenty Blue Caps with their weapons already drawn . He was full of reluctance , but there was nothing he could do .

It was time to leave .

55

PLUNGE

The White Sigils were true killing machines , but even the high-quality versions were ultimately not his match , at least not when empowered by Arcadian Crusade] . He’d already crippled one of the two through sheer attribute advantage and skill , but dozens of Blue Cloaks were ready to take his place .

Arrows so fast they were invisible forced Zac to constantly bob and weave , and he already had two sticking out of his body . Even Arcadian Crusade] couldn’t hide the fact he was pushing the boundaries of what his constitution could bear , and he felt himself slowly drowning under the onslaught . The ground shook , and Zac inwardly groaned upon sensing the army rushing closer . Just like Kruta warned , there were hundreds of Red Caps .

Fifteen seconds left on Arcadian Crusade] .

Zac hatefully looked at Valsa . They were only separated by thirty meters—a single leap for an E-grade cultivator—yet there might as well be an unbridgeable chasm between them . He was filled with reluctance , but he released a burst of Nature’s Edge] to create a small window to flash over to Kruta’s side .

Let’s go , - Zac whispered , feeling like he’d been fed garbage .

Still , Zac was full of gratitude as he looked at his half-orc companion . He knew it hadn’t been easy for Kruta to go out of his way to antagonize an imperial . It was one thing for Zac , who lived in a remote corner of the universe on a planet protected by the System . Besides , he was already fated to butt heads with people like the imperials over Ultom , but Kruta wasn’t .

Kruta eagerly nodded , and he grabbed Zac’s shoulder while snapping a bone with the other . The surroundings shifted , and Zac swore as he found himself right in front of a Red Cap . Behind it were dozens more , including two Blue Cloaks .

What! - Kruta exclaimed as he kicked the puppet away from them . - Why from this direction? This region should be safe! -

To the river! - Zac urged as he ate a handful of Soldier and Satiety Pills for his almost depleted Vigor .

The world shifted again , and they found themselves at the edge of the haze , with an endless river filling up their vision . It was too wide to spot the other side . Zac would even have guessed it an ocean if not for the powerful current that created frothing waves .

Damn , what a mess . The path we took here is blocked , - Kruta sighed after confirming there were no puppets on their tail . - Is it the Golden Champion? Maybe they can summon puppets from far away . -

Maybe , - Zac nodded . - For now , let’s⁠— -

Zac said , but a pang of danger made him drag Kruta dozens of meters away with Earthstrider] . It barely allowed him to avoid a torrent of light that pierced a hole through the Edge . From the haze , Valsa appeared , her armor a mess , but her wounds fully mended . Valsa retained four soul lamps and had lost yet another gem on her crown . Was it to throw off the Golden Champion?

Seeing her appear made Zac’s battle lust surge , but he only had five seconds remaining on Arcadian Crusade] . Worse , Valsa was still channeling those rivers of light , and they were getting closer . He didn’t have the energy to counter it with Primal Edict] .

There was just no way .

Do you trust me? - Zac whispered while he took out a Void Core .

No! - Kruta groaned .

Well , too bad! - Zac said as he grabbed Kruta and jumped . - Hold onto me and I’ll get us through this! -

No! We’ll— - Kruta screamed , but his words were swallowed as they plunged into the frothing waters of the liquid mercury making up the river .

It was so full of energy it veritably vibrated . Zac groaned as thousands of invisible blades dug into his back . It felt like burning maggots were trying to burrow into the wounds , and the agony was enough to drive one mad . Then , the pain disappeared as Zac activated Void Zone] . The waters around them stilled , but his Void Energy was getting drained at a worrying pace .

Zac sighed before cramming the Void Core into his mouth , chewing at the rocklike resource to shave off energy-rich filaments to swallow . A storm of unstable energy soon coursed through his body , turning his insides into yet another battlefield . Most of it was unusable before Void Heart]’s purification , but some could be extracted and used for himself .

It wasn’t enough to recover his stores , but it slowed the loss considerably . A weak warning of danger made Zac look up just in time to see the surface getting pelted by thousands of projectiles . Unfortunately for Valsa , the daggers were almost instantly ripped apart by the dense energies in the river . The few that barely reached Zac were nullified and erased . The powerful current had soon dragged Zac hundreds of meters , and no more attacks came from Valsa’s side .

Zac prayed it was because the Golden Champion had tracked her down .

Kruta didn’t dare so much as blink out of fear he’d break whatever Zac was doing , so Zac had Vivi fasten the orc to his back while he scanned the river’s edge with his Soul Sense . It only took a few seconds before spotting what he was looking for—a small outlet that veered right . Zac urged his harried body to drag them into the channel , after which he let the current do its thing .

Their journey met an abrupt end ten seconds later as they slammed into a stone wall . That was their cue , and Zac carefully dragged himself and Kruta to the surface . They were in luck . He had expected the channel to lead them to the moat he’d spotted outside Saeward’s Castle , but they’d been ferried into the castle proper . By the looks of it , they’d been deposited at the bottom of a well .

What? Wh— - Kruta blubbered as he looked around with wide eyes . - What? -

Want me to slap you to wake you up? - Zac offered as he glanced at well’s mouth . - Well , shit . -

Zac couldn’t see what was happening within the castle , but the open well provided a perfect vantage of the night sky .

The huge Edict of Candor was still floating in the air . Just how long would that thing last? Would he have to leave the Stand of Saeward to free himself of its effect? He tried breaking the seal again but was rebuffed like his previous attempts . Not a great situation when you’d accidentally infiltrated a haunted castle full of Hero Souls .

Zac was absolutely wrung dry , and his ultimate skills would be on cooldown for a few more hours . He hadn’t noticed , but even his pathways had been damaged . Part of it was probably courtesy of the river and eating a Void Core , while the rest was because of the Dao infused into Valsa’s attacks .

Even worse , he never got a surge of Kill Energy after they jumped into the river . Her lanterns should have run out already , yet Valsa survived . That had to mean the large puppet army hadn’t managed to catch up to her . Was she returning to the teleportation array , or was she still lurking in the region?

Perhaps she even had a backup squad ready to go .

For now , he could only deal with things as they came . Zac indicated Kruta to be silent before having Vivi inch her way to the mouth . There was no response after a minute , so Zac had the Spirit Plant slowly drag himself and Kruta upward . They couldn’t stay much longer this close to the lethal waters . He was plumb out of Void Energy , and even hovering above the calm waters of the well felt like a steel bath .

He tried to sense any activity through his various senses , but he could find nothing except an incredibly energy-rich environment . Kruta shook his head slightly , confirming he couldn’t sense anything either . Peering over the edge , they discovered the well was situated in a remote corner of a flourishing garden .

There was a garden in the middle of an ancient battlefield?

It clearly wasn’t some wild plants having found a footing thanks to the energy-rich environment . The flowers and shrubbery , all of which emitted strong auras of Conflict , appeared to be carefully planted to create a good ambiance . The scenery made Zac’s depleted cells loudly complain with hunger , but he stilled himself as he searched for threats .

As far as he could tell , there were none . There were no puppets , Hero Souls , or any other people for that matter . Neither could they spot any suspicious energy patterns indicating a hidden array . The only arrays they could find were a set of arrays that covered the flowerbeds , which helped gather energy and infuse it into the plants .

Zac shrugged at Kruta’s inquiring look , and they crawled out of the well and moved into a hidden corner where they erected a set of arrays . Only after ten minutes did they breathe out in relief and move about . It really looked like they’d managed to break into the castle unseen . Had all the Hero Souls inside already been forced onto the battlefield? It was impossible to tell . The garden had to be covered in an isolation array since they couldn’t hear a peep .

With no outside threats around , Zac turned his sight inward . Purity of the Void] and Void Heart] were already fast at work expelling the foreign Daos of Valsa and the puppets . Immutability of Eoz] was still trying to expel the shield , but Zac managed to redirect its attention after a few tries . Thankfully , it looked like no curses or marks were left on him during the battle .

His body was still teeming with the Kill Energy from the deathsworn , and he activated Surging Vitality] while cramming food , real food , down his gullet . Satiety Pills were a lot like Soldier Pills . Those pills only provided a hollow energy boost and couldn’t be compared to normal recovery and a good meal .

You’re pretty relaxed after almost getting yourself killed , - Kruta commented , but he still followed suit as he took out a large box filled with grilled meat .

I’m pretty used to it , - Zac sighed before looking at Kruta’s stump . - Your leg . . . -

Ah? - Kruta said , glancing down . - Oh , don’t worry about it . This bone’s a specialty of my tribe’s shamans . It’ll help me grow a new foot in a week . In a month , it’ll be back to my old strength . -

Impressive , - Zac said .

Can’t have our warriors get crippled after every little dismemberment , - Kruta laughed , but his grin slowly turned into a grimace , and he stood , bowing deeply . - I’m sorry! I talked so big about helping fight off your enemies , but I ran at the first sight of trouble! I failed you! -

You didn’t fail me , - Zac assured as he tore into another strip of dried Beast King . - You brought the puppets and protected me at a critical moment . That’s more than I could ever ask for . I didn’t expect my enemies to have such a troublesome background . -

But you almost did them all in yourself . If I helped from the beginning , you wouldn’t be as cut up as a practice dummy , - Kruta said with a shamefaced expression . - It’s just . . . That was Valsa Planur from the first of the Seven Heavens . Our people’s tribes rely on the Fourth Heaven . I froze . -

Fourth Heaven? What’s that? - Zac asked curiously .

Zac had already heard some mentions of the Seven Heavens of the Ancient Imperials , but he’d never gotten the details . Few were willing to gossip about the top factions , and none would be so bold as to sell information packets on peak factions in Vastness City .

What? You don’t know about the imperials? - Kruta said . - Then why was she so mad at you? -

It’s complicated , - Zac shrugged . - I’ve told you before ; I’m from the frontier . -

Right , - Kruta slowly nodded . - Do you know about the imperials? -

Well , the short of it . Pretty powerful people . But I’m not sure why you’d be reliant on them? Is your tribe a subsidiary force? -

No , not really . Each Imperial Clan formed a powerful Empire , and we live closest to the Luaris Empire . We are not a subsidiary to them , but we still can’t defy them because they control the Fourth Heaven . -

And what’s a Heaven? -

It’s a special universe , - Kruta sighed . - You could consider it something beyond the classifications of Mystic Realms . They are frankly amazing . You can - ascend’ from almost anywhere if you have access , even outside the Luaris Empire . You’ll pop up out of nowhere inside the Heaven . Higher-grade permits can even allow you to send in just your consciousness or part of it .

Imagine the ramifications . People across dozens of regions able to suddenly appear right next to each other after paying the entrance fee . Thanks to the Heavens , they’ve become extremely important for trade , alliances . . . And breakthroughs . -

Breakthroughs? - Zac said with raised brows .

The Dao is clearer in the Heavens , denser . It almost feels like you’ve been transported to the beginning of the era when the Dao was wild and abundant . Thanks to that , it’s one of the best places to defend your Dao , and the imperials are selling slots in return for contribution , - Kruta grimaced . - But if we go against them . . . -

You’ll lose the opportunity to nurture Autarchs , - Zac sighed . - I get it . -

That’s an important reason why the imperials are standing strong to this day . Their networks are so vast because of the opportunities they can provide . And , of course , they have an excessive number of Autarchs and Monarchs among their ranks .

They don’t even need to lift a finger . They can just remove your access to the Heavens , and you’ll slowly see your faction die out while your enemies get your opportunities . People have tried to figure out what the Heavens are or if there’s more of them , but none have solved the mystery . -

Even a rich environment can’t have endless energy , right? - Zac frowned , remembering how even Draugr Clans had to carefully plan who to give a shot at Autarchy and when . The costs involved were simply so huge . - How can they afford to let outsiders defend their Dao in their backyard? -

That’s . . . - Kruta said , looking at Zac askance . - They borrow it from other places . . . -

Zac’s eyes widened in comprehension . He’d heard of this before . Ancient factions draining the frontier to improve their environments . These imperials were real thieves , one and all .

Well , that’s how things stand , - Kruta shrugged . - Now , can you explain where we are and why we’re alive? -

The first question is simple , - Zac said . - We’re inside Saeward’s Castle . -

WH— - Kruta roared , but he button up and lowered his voice to a whisper . - What? -

I noticed that the castle’s moat was made up of the weird liquid of the Edge , and the river was running in this direction . I figured they were connected , - Zac explained . - So , I jumped in , and here we are . -

That’s . . . That’s . . . so stupid , - Kruta said , his eyes as wide as saucers . - What if only a small offshoot led to the moat while the rest led us to some deadly region beyond what we’re supposed to explore? What if the path here was protected by a grate? -

I mean , staying behind would have been a death sentence , so I figured we’d take a chance . - Zac smiled . - And now , we get to look for treasure . -

Madness . . . Madness , - Kruta said as he blankly looked to the sky . - Making enemies of the First Heaven and still finding time to sneak into the heart of the zone . I’m not sure I can bear your fate . -

Now , don’t be like that . Though I guess I should tell you , now that things have come to this , I’m technically an enemy with all the Heavens , not just the first , - Zac coughed , which made Kruta’s face crumble .

Fine , whatever! - Kruta grunted as he ripped into his dinner . - The rice is already cooked , and that little witch will do whatever her kin will do . I guess I’ll just have to follow you to the end of this fever dream . I can’t die more than once . -

That’s the spirit , - Zac said .

By the way , I marked her with some bone dust when I brought the puppets . She won’t be able to ambush us again when we return . - Kruta grinned . - Well , unless she cleans her shoes , I guess . -

That’s good , - Zac nodded .

Anyway , you want to explain why we’re alive or why I felt my connection to the Dao suddenly getting cut off? - Kruta commented with a raised brow .

That one’s a bit more complicated , - Zac said . - I’d appreciate it if you forgot about it , honestly . -

Forget I asked , - Kruta said . - You know what? If I get out of this alive , I’m heading right into seclusion . I’ve had enough excitement and war for a while . I miss my tribe . I miss the song of the grass . -

We’ll see , - Zac laughed . - I think you’ll come back for more adventures soon enough . -

Kruta just snorted and continued to eat . Both spent the next three hours doing field repairs on their bodies and recovering energy . It wasn’t nearly enough time to return to peak fighting condition , but it was enough to deal with some Hero Souls if they ran into them . Hopefully , enough to leave this place in one piece . They planned on staying another hour , but Kruta’s eyes suddenly snapped open as he turned toward the castle wall .

I can sense her! She’s coming! - Kruta said with shock . - How is she moving through the army? -

Zac was just as surprised at Kruta . Valsa obviously knew they were alive from the lack of Kill Energy , but she actually dared to follow them into the castle? That was almost as surprising as her being able to do it . He’d seen that battlefield himself . Unless something had drastically changed , there was no way to pass through that chaos unscathed .

Then again , did the why and how matter? She wasn’t the only one unwilling to let bygones be bygones , and Zac refused to believe she’d recovered to a perfect state after that battle . Plans were already brewing in Zac’s mind as he got to his feet , and Kruta blanched when their eyes met .

You’re not . . . -

Of course I am . Let’s get ready to welcome her . -

56

DISAPPEARING ACT

Valsa ground her teeth as she slowly inched backward . Another attempt foiled by the shift in the battlefield . Two Blue Cloaks struck at her , but she deftly blocked them while infusing a command into the Master Medallion . Ten Hero Souls rushed over , heedlessly attacking the surrounding puppets to give Valsa a chance to disentangle herself .

It wouldn’t have been hard to destroy those two pieces of junk , and she was more than willing to after the previous encounter . But she couldn’t . If she made any big moves , her plan would fail . She didn’t dare activate any skills or even rotate her energy , what with the dozen Golden Champions hovering above .

The surroundings soon stabilized , and the usually mindless Hero Souls formed a small island halfway through the battlefield . Unfortunately , there weren’t enough nearby captains to call over , so she could only wait . These miscreations were just too stupid . They would long since have routed the puppets had they retained some of their brains after their deaths .

The protective circle wasn’t absolute . One errant attack after another crashed into her armor , eliciting another wave of fury as she was forced to mutely take it . She’d known someone picked by Ultom would be a tough opponent , but she still couldn’t believe things had gone so awry . They’d planned and surveyed for over a year , yet it all collapsed within minutes .

And that barbarian . She wouldn’t have been in this mess if he hadn’t meddled in her business and brought that golden puppet . She prayed she’d retain enough memories to track him and his faction down . She intoned the names and backgrounds of the two responsible parties every time a mark was left on her armor . Perhaps the royal uncles could fish the words out of her consciousness upon her return .

Anything to strike at those bastards .

Valsa grimaced as the dense waves of energy coursed through her body—leakage from the damaged Core Nucleus . The Planur Core] by her spine picked it up and converted it to enough raw power to destroy mountains , but she could only release it while stuck in the middle of the battlefield . The boost eclipsed even that of her War Array , but at what cost? Years of preparations were being undone in front of her eyes .

The Golden Champion must have intentionally chosen to target her that way . A strike meant to cripple , to create desperation and struggle . To set a deadline before your cultivation collapsed . Only then would the most Impetus be extracted to fuel the undertaking . Valsa only had six hours before the nucleus would break altogether . Her remedies hadn’t been enough to deal with such damage .

Saeward , ruthless indeed .

Furthermore , four of her Natal Fategems were sacrificed for some short-term gains . It would take a Fourth-Step Autarch to remold them and relink them to her cosmic pulse . Who among her ancestral uncles and aunts would bother if she returned in her current state? Defeated , humiliated , and crippled , shaming the First Heaven and their name . Valsa felt like the floor had been ripped out from under her feet .

Thank the Gods that bastard was still alive .

Valsa stroked the Spatial Ring on her finger , where the Transplanted Fate Array] waited . It solidly entered the unorthodox , but so what? Her ancestral father had already shielded the Heavens ; it would block out the backlash . And it wasn’t like her family hadn’t done the same before .

Initially , the thought of stealing someone’s foundations to power her path felt disgusting—it would sully her pristine heritage . But she was left with no choice . The Core Nucleus would already have collapsed by the time she reached the exit of this experiment realm . It would take at least three years to regain her current accumulations , considering she’d used up most of her contribution for this plan .

By then , it would be too late . The struggle for the Left Imperial Palace would be over , and she would have lost the window of opportunity to catch up . Even if the First Heaven somehow managed to get a foot through the door , it wouldn’t be her who’d lead the way . She’d be sent off to become a cauldron for another family’s heir or even gifted to an ally . All while her old competitors laughed at her fate .

But now , she felt empowered , and she could see the silver lining to her failure . That man’s bloodline was simply too overbearing , forcing the stars of Planur into submission . It had completely upended her plan , but it was only a delay of the inevitable . She’d seen his state , and knew what it meant to enter the River of Steel . The bloodline might have allowed him to enter Saeward’s altar somehow , but he should be at death’s door . Exhausted , wounded , and still sealed by the stars .

If she succeeded , she’d accomplish all her goals in one fell swoop . Use his foundations to repair and elevate her Core Nucleus . Seize his Fate and gain a ticket to the Left Imperial Palace . And if she managed to transplant that man’s Bloodline Talent into her own? Between being a Flamebearer and that , she was sure to become the Holy Daughter of the First Heaven .

The battlefield shifted again , and Valsa’s eyes lit up . She ordered a charge , and a riding captain came to their aid . Another fifty meters progressed while her private army had grown even greater . Not much longer now .

Knowing Valsa was making her way over left both Zac and Kruta restless . Neither were in any mood to continue recovering .

Can you tell when she’ll get here? -

It’s not that precise , - Kruta said with a shake of his head . - I didn’t dare leave any obvious mark . I can only sense she’s entered my range . I’m not exactly sure where we are in the castle , but that should mean she’s entered the large-scale battlefield . I should sense it better if she gets within a few hundred meters . -

Zac nodded as he surveyed the garden . The dust wasn’t perfect , but it was much better than no warning .

What do you think? That one? - Zac said , pointing to a smaller door that seemed to be leading toward the innards of the castle .

Looks like a servant’s passage , - Kruta said . - That big gate feels like trouble . -

Agreed , - Zac said and the two set out , working hard to harmonize with the surroundings .

Zac only stopped when they reached a flowerbed filled with D-grade flowers infused with Pure Conflict . They were quite good specimens . . .

Don’t even think about it , - Kruta growled from behind , clearly understanding what Zac was thinking .

Maybe on the way back , - Zac sheepishly smiled .

The barbarian was right . The arrays under the flowerbeds looked benign , and Zac couldn’t tell if the plants were monitored . Their best guess since finding themselves in the garden was that a particularly powerful Hero Soul maintained this place . Perhaps Saeward himself or his right-hand man . Such a powerful memory fragment might contain enough memories and personality to maintain their hobbies .

It would be a disaster if they accidentally called them over because of some decent Natural Treasures .

Creeping over to the side entrance , it thankfully opened without blaring any alarms or triggering traps . As expected , they found themselves in a servant’s passage . Investigating the nearby rooms didn’t attract any Hero Souls . The castle felt very incongruent that way . It was flooded with so much Dao and Energy that even Zac had some trouble coping , yet no Hero Soul formed within the walls .

The wing consisted of simple sleeping quarters , a large kitchen , an indoor greenhouse , and two offices . There were some ledgers in the larger office , but Zac frowned as he picked one up . It was filled to the brim with notes , but Zac couldn’t make heads or tails of it . Either it was written in code , or someone had just written random words for thousands and thousands of pages .

Had the office owner become a Hero Soul and continued writing reports without understanding what he was doing?

Look at this , - Kruta said .

The tome Kruta held looked much older and wasn’t filled with random gibberish like the others . Instead , it contained detailed reports of operation . Most of it wasn’t useful , such as detailing the expenditure to procure foodstuffs , cleaning schedules , and notes on the garden and greenhouse .

This Saeward lived pretty good for someone staying in a battlefield fortress , - Kruta commented as he flipped through the pages .

Looks that way , - Zac said . - Doesn’t really mesh with someone having a desperate final stand . -

All kinds of weirdoes out there , - Kruta shrugged . - There’s a war chief of a rival tribe back home who always brings his wives to fight alongside him , even those multiple grades lower than him . He’s already held over a thousand marriages to replace those he lost . We’ve accepted hundreds of beautiful refugees—young flowers afraid they’ll get selected next . -

Pretty messed up , but it doesn’t look like you’re complaining , - Zac said , noticing the grin tugging at Kruta’s lips . - Did some of those beauties find the great Kruta a better match? -

Who wouldn’t! - Kruta laughed . - I already have six fiancés , though they have to become Late Hegemons before marrying me , and I a Monarch . -

Zac smiled as he kept turning pages of the tally when he found something odd .

Hey , so how’s things going with that black-eyed lass of yours? - Kruta grinned . - Not my style , but I can see the—what? -

Look at this , - Zac said , and Kruta leaned over . - It mentions Saeward’s disappearance . Not even the staff knows what happened . - Master has disappeared at stretches before , but never at a time like this . I fear . . . ’ -

Last entry two weeks later , - Kruta muttered . - The steward tried using his procurement channel to source medicines and supplies . They must have succumbed soon after? -

Or perhaps abandoned this fortress , - Zac offered . - This castle doesn’t look like it’s withstood a siege . -

It’s odd , - Kruta agreed . - Hey , look at this . -

Zac looked at a procurement tally from one week before Saeward’s disappearance . At a cursory glance , it didn’t feel special—just six lines with simple annotations of quality . But looking closer , it was very different from the previous entries , both the products and the quantities .

What the hell , - Zac muttered . - What’s this? Do you recognize any of these materials? -

Two , - Kruta said . - Tasstir Lichen . We call it Ancestral Moss , and our shamans use it for spirit journeys . The other is the Damchi Glass . It’s a type of glass made from Damchi Sand . . . Odd . -

What? - Zac asked .

Damchi Glass has many uses , but seeing the Ancestral Moss . . . The glass can be used to create various soul-stabilizing items . Such as a Soul Mirror . -

A what? - Zac asked .

Possessing a body is full of risks . One of them is remnant soul rejection . Shards of the previous owner’s soul can be trapped in the body , and it’ll make the body reject its new owner . A Soul Mirror can help fuse the two and minimize the side effects . -

You said your shamans use that moss to take a spirit walk . Do you think it can be used to drive a soul , or pieces of one , out of the body? -

That’s what I’m thinking , - Kruta nodded .

Someone possessed Saeward and had his people procure the materials to stabilize the takeover . When he’d stabilized , he left , leaving Saeward’s army to fend for itself? - Zac muttered . - Ruthless . . . -

Let’s hope that’s not the case , - Kruta sighed .

Why? -

Because then - Saeward’ is long gone , and there’s no trove to retrieve . -

Oh , - Zac grimaced .

It wouldn’t explain why the energy is rising , though . It also wouldn’t explain the war outside , - Kruta offered . - Let’s keep investigating . That lass is still some ways off . -

Sure , - Zac agreed . - But let’s look for good spots for an ambush . -

Kruta nodded , and they left the servant’s quarters . The rest of the castle was quite sparse . There were just endless corridors and stairs , with walls covered in lines and patterns . It wasn’t hard to figure out what was going on .

This is an array , - Zac said .

Sure , - Kruta agreed . - Battlefield fortresses usually are . Communication , protection , offensive . They can have all sorts of functions . From what I gathered , Saeward controlled a War Array to empower his soldiers from here . -

Hmm , - Zac hummed as he looked around .

What? - Kruta asked .

Don’t these patterns feel odd to you? - Zac said .

No . Then again , I have no talent for stuff like this , - Kruta shrugged . - What are you thinking? -

I don’t know yet . . . - Zac muttered . - Let’s keep going . -

After skulking through the castle for another ten minutes , they’d almost made a full circle around the whole thing . Still , not a Hero Soul in sight . Or a treasury , for that matter . The castle was essentially mirrored , with two gardens and quarters to the sides . However , while one wing was meant for the servants , stewards , and chefs , the other was reserved for officers .

They found a set of reports in those rooms , but they didn’t add much they didn’t already know . The generals were shocked at their commander’s disappearance and the loss of the War Array’s boost . They desperately tried to keep morale up and turn the tides , but the reports grew increasingly bleak .

The soldiers are tired , exhausted . Our blood has turned the earth red . Yet they stand . Yet they fight . Honorable men and women , not breaking under the impossible pressure . A general couldn’t ask for better fighters . Better brothers and sisters .

WHERE IS HE?’

It was the final notation in the report , written two days before the steward’s last entry . The papers bled fury and despair , and it permeated the whole room . They soon left , afraid the intense resentment would conjure the fallen general . Someone like that would have to be the equivalent of a Golden Champion . Definitely not something they wanted to deal with when an unhinged princess was on her way .

The rest of the outer section was essentially bare . They’d tried to locate Saeward’s living quarters or cultivation chambers , but they’d come up with nothing . As far as they could tell , the castle was a four-storied circular complex almost entirely comprised of these array corridors .

A third area held a courtyard leading into a main hallway . Thick array lines covered the tiled pathway , leading from the castle’s sealed-off innards to the courtyard and beyond . They hadn’t dared enter that particular hallway . For one , it contained dense enough energies that the floor was mostly covered by a haze that felt even scarier than the metallic water .

Secondly , they’d finally spotted some Hero Souls . The courtyard outside seemed to be a spawning point , and an almost constant stream of warriors were conjured there . They only waited until a full company had been formed , after which they set out through the outer gates . Endlessly .

It was possibly a good location to ambush Valsa , but he and Kruta had misgivings . Valsa still hadn’t reached them , but she seemed to be somewhere in the middle of the battlefield . As far as they could figure , that only had two explanations . Either she was invisible or had something which allowed her to control the Hero Souls .

The puppets clearly didn’t care about Valsa’s pedigree , but the stronger Hero Souls could be reasoned with or tricked . If she could utilize the soldiers on the squads , their previous tactic of using the Stand of Saeward’s locals to their advantage might backfire . They slunk back , returning the way they came .

They’d expected to find Saeward’s quarters in the final quadrant , opposite the entrance . Unfortunately , all they found were more corridors . Though it wasn’t hard to tell there were rooms they couldn’t access . After going up and down the confusing maze of paths for a few minutes , they vaguely mapped out a hidden section that was even bigger than the servant’s quarters .

Breaking in proved futile . The castle was made of incredibly tough stones and then further augmented by eons of channeling huge amounts of Dao and Energy . They barely managed to leave a scar on the walls . They might be able to open a path if they went all-out and used skills , but they feared creating a ruckus like that would backfire spectacularly .

The only other thing that set the fourth section apart was a large gate that should lead to the inner section . Perhaps a back door for the servants . Neither the officer’s lounge nor the servant’s quarters had something like this . Having explored the rest of the castle , they stopped before the entrance .

Zac had almost mapped out the whole array in his mind , and he’d dealt with enough patterns based on Conflict to find a few clues . One thing was for sure , things weren’t as they seemed . Something odd was mixed in , and the engravings didn’t match the usages Kruta described .

First of all , the patterns felt more like a gathering array than something for defenses or a War Array . It would explain the cloud above the castle’s center and the extremely dense Dao that permeated the walls . But that also wasn’t quite right . It felt more like an exchange . Much of the energy gathered by the castle went into forming new Hero Souls . But something was also taken back from the memories .

Zac frowned , slowly starting to form a hypothesis . However , there was no way for them to confirm while skirting the edges of the castle . If they wanted answers , they’d have to enter the heart . That’s where they felt the energy churn , and that’s where the Stand of Saeward’s upheavals originated .

You ready? - Zac said , and Kruta tersely nodded .

They carefully pushed open the gates , immensely thankful it didn’t creak . However , both froze when faced with the scene inside the large hall on the other side .

A puppet?

57

PUPPET

It turned out that the central section of the warfront castle was a large atrium with a diameter of over three hundred meters . The whole square was covered in dense scripts , and intense fluctuations of Conflict were released from the glowing lines . At first , Zac thought the whole array was illuminated and running , until he noticed that wasn’t the case .

There was a small section , no larger than a bedroom , which remained inactive . It was dim , though Zac could feel how powerful pulses of energy continuously pushed against the edges , leaving small motes of energy behind . It shouldn’t be more than an hour before the array was filled in .

There were also at least one hundred rune-covered pillars the height of a man with floating orbs hovering above . They were clearly man-made , a mix between orange glass and purple steel . Inside , Zac could vaguely see small fires burning . Looking at the setup , the pillars were no doubt the inner array flags to the formation that spanned the whole castle .

And in the heart of the array was a large dais , reminiscent of the altar Zac had seen in the Twilight Chasm . Atop it sat a five-meter puppet .

It looked like the thing was meditating . The complex array provided dense streams of Cosmic Energy and Dao , and a terrifying cloud of resentment swirled around it . Even Zac wouldn’t dare enter that cloud out of fear of losing his mind , yet the puppet somehow appeared tranquil . Untouched .

The puppet was completely different than the ones fighting outside . First of all , it was far larger than any of its brethren . Even the Golden Champions were no more than half a meter taller than Zac , but this one would tower over him even when he used Arbiter of the Abyss] .

Its quality was also on a completely different level . The puppet was made from the same purple metal as the floating orbs , and it was so vividly detailed that it looked more like a statue than a puppet . Its back faced them , but Zac could confirm it had human features . It even had a set of hair made of black wires , neatly held in a bun . Clothes fashioned from alloy were draped across its body , with both - skin’ and garments covered in runes that made Zac’s mind tremble .

It didn’t emit a speck of energy , yet Zac’s mind warned of certain death if they attracted the ire of this goliath .

Kruta nudged him , and they slowly inched back from the doorway , careful not to make a peep . They closed the door , yet they didn’t feel safe even after moving to another section of the castle . It felt like they were trapped in a cell with a monster .

What’s going on? - Kruta whispered . - I don’t know much , but I know that wasn’t a War Array . It gave me an extremely creepy feeling . And that puppet . . . -

That orange glass , was that Damchi Glass? And the fires inside . . . - Zac asked .

Aye , that was Damchi Glass and the flames of Ancestral Moss , - Kruta confirmed , his eyes thinning . - You’ve been studying these patterns since we entered the castle . You know what’s going on . -

I can’t be certain , but I think that was Saeward , - Zac sighed .

The puppet? -

Zac nodded . - The materials were meant to deal with possession , but not in the way we guessed . I think Saeward was trying to transfer his soul and Inner World into the puppet . Perhaps he still is . -

What? - Kruta said , his eyes widening in realization . - Then the puppets outside . . . -

I don’t think there were two sides to this - last stand . ’ I think it was all Saeward . -

Why would Saeward send puppets to slaughter his own— - Kruta said , but he quickly caught on . - Conflict breeds Conflict . -

Exactly . This whole castle is gathering . . . I don’t know exactly what , but something like the essence of war . There are hints of the Dao of Impetus hidden within as well . I think he used the resentment and desperation of his men to elevate his Dao and fuel a breakthrough . -

Sacrificial cultivation , - Kruta spat . - So he’s probably the one who arranged the Hero Souls to reappear after the war was lost . What a bastard! Using the deaths of his subordinates over and over to further himself . -

Zac sighed as he glanced in the direction the puppet resided . Yet another reminder of the length some people went to in the pursuit of power . Be it Valsa or this Saeward . They didn’t even consider their subordinates as faceless cogs of their faction . They were reduced to cultivation resources , probably to pass some bottleneck that had kept Saeward trapped for a while .

The revelation brought back memories of The Great Redeemer , a threat that loomed over him to this day . There was still no news of Voridis A’Heliophos’ capture or death , even with the Allbright Empire and the Kavriel Province looking for him high and low . Zac didn’t even know if his mad plan to enter Monarchy had succeeded . He’d simply disappeared from the face of the earth after the events in the Mystic Realm .

He probably got stuck one way or another , - Zac grunted . - Perhaps his original body had limited potential , and the solution he came up with was to transfer his cultivation into a Supreme-quality puppet . I have no idea how this is related to the array or the sacrifices , though . -

If what you said is true , then Saeward has succumbed to the unorthodox path . Even transferring your true self into a puppet is skirting Heaven’s Path . -

Zac nodded in agreement .

What a mess , - Kruta grimaced . - There’s no way a bastard like this would leave an inheritance for future generations . And a natural trove formed from the Inner World of such a twisted mind? Way too dangerous . -

Zac was of the same mind but a tempting thought unfurled . - The puppet! -

What? -

Saeward had to be a Monarch . So the puppet should be made from extremely valuable materials . -

You want to dismantle that guy! - Kruta shivered . - We don’t even know if his spirit lingers inside . -

Do we even have a choice? - Zac countered . - The energies are rising , and did you see the array within the room? Only a small corner isn’t lit up yet . I think all hell will break loose when the array has finished accumulating , and we’re trapped within this building . What are we supposed to do? Hide within the well? -

Kruta looked conflicted , his eyes turning to his left arm where his guide bangle was . - That little jerk on my arm only tells me to do my best . I guess this is still considered part of the Red Zone . There should be a way to deal with this mess . The Ruthless Heavens wouldn’t permit a situation of certain death in its trials . -

Zac nodded , and they quickly brainstormed a plan . They were running out of time , no matter if it was the array or Valsa’s imminent arrival . Furthermore , Zac suspected the war outside would end when Saeward awoke or collapsed . Both puppets and Hero Souls had accumulated large amounts of resentment and Dao of Conflict . If he were Saeward , he would have prepared a method to collect all that energy at a critical time .

If Valsa didn’t have a way to enter before , she would have at that time .

The two came to a decision . They ran through the corridors , leaving explosive arrays at certain junctures . Zac didn’t expect the array lines to blow up altogether , considering how sturdy the rocks were . It was more about disrupting the energy flow .

Soon they reached the main hallway , where the intense storm of Conflict raged .

See that spot where six lines intersect? - Zac whispered .

Got it , - Kruta said , two swords appearing in his hands .

Zac entered the grand hallway , pushing against the wall as he made his way closer to the closed atrium gates . He felt a raking pain as the clouds brushed against his legs , but he silently endured . Hopefully , it wouldn’t be long .

Right before the door was a second intersection of array lines , controlling a second set of runes . The array was way too complicated , and time was much too short for Zac to figure out a surefire array-breaking method . They were only left with the plan to hit the pressure points fast and hard and pray that something broke .

A fractal blade appeared before Verun’s Bite] , and he looked over at the barbarian . Kruta was ready , his two swords humming with destruction , so Zac began a countdown with his fingers .

Three , two , one .

The fractal leaf released two gusts of Life and Death as it crashed toward the intersection . Simultaneously , Zac infused his will into a small Array Disk , and the whole castle shuddered as over twenty explosions rocked its very foundations . The light radiating from the array lines flickered , and Zac could tell the array had grown unstable .

It worked .

The delimitation between the Abyss and Arcadia dug into the ground , carving a scar over two meters deep . It was even better than he’d hoped . The attack had utterly destroyed the runic lines he’d targeted plus a few more . A grin spread across lips , but it turned crocked as a storm of wild energies empowered by Conflict flooded out of the gash .

Zac was thrown into the wall , and new lacerations joined the angry marks from his barely healed wounds . It was a small price to pay to accomplish his goal . Kruta had also been successful , and a large cross had been carved into the ground . The first step was complete .

But the main array inside was still intact , and Zac could feel how Dao and Energy were still dragged over in huge quantities . If anything , the energies inside the atrium were rapidly rising . If they wanted to really throw a wrench into Saeward’s plans , they needed to do the same inside .

The wild fluctuations within the atrium made the closed gates creak , and Zac pushed himself to his feet . A scream of danger made him throw out a set of defensive talismans , but their hastily erected barriers all crumbled by a pulse released from within . Before Zac could even take one step toward the atrium , he was thrown out of the castle .

Zac felt like his bones had been rearranged as he slammed into the courtyard stones , and a vitriolic curse confirmed Kruta had been deposited not far away . A second warning of danger made Zac jump back to his feet , barely in time to avoid a spectral arrow aimed at his head . There were dozens of Hero Souls in the courtyard , and there was no hesitation as the unwitting cultivation cauldrons rushed toward them .

The ancestral avatar had already appeared behind Kruta’s back , and Zac released a stream of fractal leaves , each digging into the incoming soldiers . He almost lost his composure as he felt an incomprehensibly large surge of energy outside the outer walls . Resentment and pent-up Conflict rose like a tide , creating a wave hundreds of meters high . It almost blocked out the sky , and Zac’s hair stood on end as he felt the pull from behind .

He’d been right . Saeward was calling his soldiers home . If this immense wave of energy was allowed to reach the puppet . . .

Zac glanced at the castle , hesitant about what to do . The Hero Souls were almost upon them , and new ones kept spawning .

I’ll deal with this! Go! - Kruta urged as he took a defensive position in front of the entrance .

Zac nodded and activated Earthstrider] to flash back toward the atrium . Kruta didn’t have the ability to detect weak spots in the huge tapestry of the central array . Meanwhile , Zac would hopefully be able to figure something out , as he had with so many blueprints .

Another surge was followed by a pang of danger , but Zac was prepared this time . He rushed toward a pillar , putting it behind his back while Vivi wound herself around it . The pulse pushed through the corridor the next moment . Zac groaned as rampant Conflict dug into his body , but he didn’t get thrown out of the castle this time .

Once the pulse had passed , Zac used the relative calm in its wake to kick open the door . The cyclone of resentment that greeted him almost drove him mad , but the opening step of the Void Varja Sublimation] allowed Zac to center his mind long enough to activate Void Zone] . But ultimately , the Bloodline Talent was just an E-grade skill , and the storm easily eclipsed what it could nullify .

One good piece of news was that the puppet remained unmoving atop the dais , and Zac still couldn’t feel any energy within . It had either not yet awakened , or it was unable to move in the middle of the ritual . That meant the plan was still on , and Zac wildly looked across the atrium . Their previous actions had clearly agitated the central array . And while it still ran , the energy wasn’t flowing nearly as smoothly .

The situation was surprisingly reminiscent of the simulation array back in his manor . The array blueprint on the floor was being tested by an outside pressure , which exposed some things you’d normally not notice . Zac’s eyes soon stopped at a certain spot , and a small fractal leaf formed on his axe .

It wasn’t much larger than Verun’s axehead , but it was immensely condensed and filled with the Evolutionary Dao of his Dao Mold . Zac released the blade , and it tore through the air like a bullet . The raging resentment tried to corrupt the blade , but it was like a blazing beacon in the darkness . Tearing through the chaos and carving a line into the imperfection . Damaging one section exposed new weaknesses , and Zac’s arm was like a cannon as he shot out one fractal leaf after another .

Zac had soon damaged over a dozen loopholes and destroyed four array pillars , but he was increasingly filled with misgivings . Why didn’t it work? The energy was still building , and the blank spot was being filled in with speed visible to the naked eye . His eyes turned to the puppet , or rather the elevated stage it sat upon .

It had to be the dais . It somehow maintained operations like a backup generator . The first streams of the energy tsunami outside had already started to pour into it , and Zac was no longer sure it would help even if he ripped apart the whole array . Were they too late? Had the inner array already been completed to such an extent it could perform whatever it needed to do?

Zac wracked his brain for solutions . The dais felt like an impregnable fortress . Its energy emanations were as stable as a mountain ; there were no weaknesses . Not to mention the terrifying puppet that sat atop it like a silent guardian . What if it woke up when someone invaded its personal space?

Nothing ventured , nothing gained . Zac gritted his teeth and shot forward . If there were no weaknesses , he’d just have to create one .

Verun’s Bite] was deposited into Zac’s Spatial Ring as two energy streams entered his shoulders . Meanwhile , small motes of unfettered potential were extracted from Zac’s cells , joining the two streams that continued from his shoulders into his arms . A glistening light of possibilities appeared between his hands . Destroying the array hadn’t worked as he’d hoped , so Zac switched up his tactics .

If he couldn’t stop the process , he’d corrupt it .

The Origin Mark] greedily swallowed the immense energies in the surroundings , quickly growing to the size of a cantaloupe . Zac felt himself rapidly losing control , but that was fine . With a few steps , he appeared in front of the dais , the opalescent blob between his hands having paved a path through the storm . There was no time to look for an optimal spot , so Zac urgently pushed the Origin Mark] into a random rune .

And he was immediately filled with a sense of doom as the sky darkened . Zac’s heart hammered as he glanced up , horrified to see a huge metallic face expressionlessly gaze down upon him . Zac tried to flash away with Earthstrider] , but it was like time had stopped . The puppet didn’t seem to move quickly , but Zac had no time to react before it pointed at him .

A scream of mortal peril forced Zac’s body to move on its own , and he furiously leaned to the side . Blinding agony followed , and Zac howled with pain as his left arm and shoulder were shredded .

The puppet had just lightly tapped the air , but the force was enough to launch Zac like a cannon . He slammed into the atrium walls and his vision closed in . Then , there was just darkness .

An itching fire forced the darkness away , and Zac’s eyes shot wide open . Zac’s mind was mush , and he looked around with confusion . Kruta was there . The barbarian held a small vial containing some extremely pungent liquid under his nose , which had probably forced him awake .

Wh— - Zac groaned .

The spirits outside disintegrated and were dragged here , - Kruta whispered , but he didn’t look the least bit relieved . - Did it work? -

Zac blearily turned toward the dais while trying to sense the mark he’d left .

I don’t— - Zac stammered but was interrupted by the whole platform exploding . - Uh . . . -

Kruta and Zac blankly looked on as the puppet collapsed . Meanwhile , energy flooded out of the ground and shot toward the sky as though a pressure valve had broken . Zac could barely believe it worked , but joy turned to horror as the puppet slowly stood up despite the array’s apparent collapse .

Run! - Zac screamed , but it was too late .

Not because Saeward’s coming alive , but because a new player had entered the fray . The sky rumbled , and the world practically ground to a halt . An ancient and boundless wrath suppressed the air of resentment and bloodlust . The Dao shied away , leaving an exposed puppet staring at the sky .

The Heavens had descended , and it was out for blood .

58

IMPERFECTIONS AND TRIBULATIONS

The sky roiled , and the world was filled with an intense purple light that almost veered into a bloody red . The Tribulation Lightning was reflected in the puppet’s eyes , and Zac sensed something stirring awake inside .

The intensity of the tribulation was far beyond what Zac had felt during his own , and his hair stood on end upon sensing the boundless energy inside arcs of lightning that gathered above his head . Even an errant streak would maim and possibly kill him , and he was way too close to the puppet for comfort .

Luckily , the puppet , or Saeward , was too busy preparing for his tribulation to bother with the two intruders at the atrium’s edge . It was calling all the Red Zone’s energy home , and the cyclone of resentment formed a dense barrier around it . A barrier full of imperfections .

Zac finally understood what their previous sabotage had accomplished . There were over a dozen small holes in the barrier , matching the number and locations Zac had attacked before . Furthermore , there was a larger gap in the shield , likely because the tribulation was summoned before the array could finish forming .

A barrier was only as strong as its weakest spots . Even if the loopholes were filled in by the nigh endless amounts of energy in the atrium , so what? Those sections would still crumble under the Tribulation Lightning . Zac guessed he’d accidentally made Saeward’s breakthrough far more dangerous . What if he found out?

Zac tried to move , but the pressure was overwhelming . Void Zone] was no good either . The nullification zone was ripped apart , and some of that boundless wrath targeted him momentarily before returning to the puppet . Zac felt like he’d just had a brush with death . Did the Heavens take offense to him trying to rid a region of all Dao?

What do we do? - Zac said through grit teeth , arduously turning to Kruta , who also found himself stuck against the wall .

The barbarian didn’t look too worried , which alleviated some of Zac’s own misgivings .

It’s wrong , - Kruta said with a hoarse voice . - The tribulation is far from what it should be . -

Zac understood what the Kruta meant . The crackling lightning was terrifying , but he was just an E-grade cultivator . He’d seen a few examples of a Monarch’s might , and this light was far from reaching that level . Was the Perennial Vastness blocking out the ancient Heavens? Or had it somehow modified the tribulation to create a scenario more suited for guests?

We should be fine as long as we don’t do anything stupid , - Kruta added , giving Zac a pointed look . - Don’t try to mess with the tribulation . The tribulation will only target the puppet . Saeward isn’t defending his Dao , so it should be a Two-cycle tribulation that targets his Inner World . The fallout shouldn’t affect us . However , if we interfere , we’ll be dragged into the tribulation . -

What if the puppet targets us? - Zac countered . - It blasted off my arm with a simple gesture . -

Well . . . - Kruta coughed before smiling helplessly . - Everyone’s journey has to end one way or another . -

That’s just— - Zac said , but his words were interrupted by a deafening rumble as the world turned purple .

A scream of danger warned him , in no uncertain terms , that they weren’t quite as safe as Kruta indicated , and he urgently activated Empyrean Aegis] . A golden shimmer enclosed him and Kruta , and Zac was relieved to sense that the five pillars had been conjured outside the atrium . Kruta added another layer of defense by summoning a bone bulwark , and it rose before them just in time to block out a tremendous shockwave chock-full of Conflict and Resentment .

The bone wall was shredded , having absorbed most of the initial blast . Zac and Kruta only suffered some lacerations from the condensed Dao , but Zac barely noticed it as he looked at the scene ahead . A solid pillar of lightning seemed frozen in the air , cutting his vision in two . It contained boundless energy and that ancient , punishing will .

The lightning pillar didn’t quite reach all the way to the ground . Rather , it stopped just above Saeward’s head , where a steely portal swirled . Looking at it filled Zac with immense pressure , as though the overflowing energy in the atrium was just a small candle to the raging sun hiding within .

That gate leads to Saeward’s Inner World , - Kruta whispered . - The aura is wrong , just like the tribulation , but he should already have entered the Middle-stage going by the clues . -

Then why the tribulation? - Zac whispered .

Probably because of how he tries to break through . He’s not doing so well . He didn’t actually manage to prevent the first bolt from breaking in . Is he so confident in the stability of his foundations that he wants to refine his world? -

Zac wasn’t so sure . He’d heard a few things of tribulations among Monarchs . It wasn’t much different from previous ones , except that it was the Inner World that was mainly targeted . Like with other tribulations , one could hide from or defy the Heavens . By fully taking on the Tribulation Lightning , you could temper and expand your Inner World . Of course , that was incredibly dangerous .

Only the most daring and powerful scions would do something like that . Saeward , who chose such a cruel and desperate method to progress , was unlikely to have great foundations . Zac’s gaze shifted between the destroyed barrier and the broken shards of the crumbled dais , his eyes filled with suspicion .

The Tribulation Lightning had descended the second the dais crumbled . He’d already guessed he ruined Saeward’s outer defense against the Tribulation Lightning . Had he also destroyed Saeward’s method to delay and weaken his punishment? It was no wonder he was in a bad way .

The first bolt dissipated , yet it remained burned into Zac’s vision . Smoke rose from the puppet , and the engraved garments were covered in tatters . Whatever was going on inside Saeward’s Inner World had to be even crazier . Zac could tell the lightning within was weakening , and the barrier quickly reformed .

But the Heavens had already regrouped .

A second blast followed the first , this one carrying even greater force . A loud crash erupted next to Zac , and he shuddered upon seeing a piece of rubble from the dais had just barely missed him . Kruta was right ; the lightning didn’t reach them . Of course , the force involved in the strikes was problem enough . Looking at Saeward , Zac guessed they wouldn’t have to endure much longer .

The protective garment had been reduced to ash , and crackling fissures covered the puppet beneath . One of its arms was gone , and the spirituality it contained seemed to be on the verge of collapse . It had been pushed to the ground by the second blast , looking ready to throw in the towel . Yet it got back onto its feet , preparing to meet the next tribulation . It didn’t have to wait long .

The world shook as a bolt twice the size of the previous ones swallowed Saeward whole . Zac couldn’t see anything but felt a powerful impression of unwillingness from within . Saeward wasn’t able to hold on , but he was also unable to let go . Of course , the Heavens didn’t care about the will and opinions of cultivators , and a deep rumble reached the depths of Zac’s soul . The light faded soon after , displaying a fully scorched puppet lying prone on the ground .

The black hair was gone , and the purple alloy was now a mottled black that still released smoke . There was not a speck of spirituality left within the puppet or even the ground around it—almost like the Heavens had created a persistent Void Zone] . Only a few lingering arcs of lightning remained , and the clouds started to disperse .

Zac sighed as he looked at the desolate scene . He felt no pity for Saeward . If anything , he was happy he’d played an important role in his fall . But his demise was a stark reminder of the stakes involved when defying the Heavens . That was doubly true for someone like him , who’d have to withstand Tribulation Lightning every step of the way .

Whew , - Kruta exhaled as he ate a Healing Pill . - Three out of six . Thank the ancestors he didn’t manage to enter the second cycle . Those blasts would have been tough to deal with . -

Uh huh , - Zac hummed as he looked at the fading arcs of lightning .

What are you looking at? - Kruta asked .

Zac shot forward , stopping within a few meters of the fallen puppet . There were no signs of life even at this distance , yet Zac didn’t dare stay long . He grabbed a couple of arcs with his remaining arm and flashed back . The Tribulation Lightning didn’t seem to mind—it was happy to continue its mission of extinction . Unfortunately , it had encountered its match in Void Heart] .

Had it been the main lightning bolts , Zac wouldn’t have dared . But some lingering sparks now that the Heavens had left? He’d have to be crazy not to let his Hidden Node swallow some of that .

You’re stealing Tribulation Lightning? - Kruta said with wide eyes .

They’re pretty good for tempering yourself , - Zac explained .

Kruta was about to answer , but his and Zac’s eyes suddenly shot toward the hallway .

She’s here . -

Damn , she tricked me , - Kruta swore . - She erased the tracking mark at the last second . -

Zac’s heart thumped , and he urged the Creation Energy in his body to conjure another arm . It cost a chunk of lifespan , but he couldn’t hold back at this junction . What was with her aura? If there was one thing Zac was confident in , then it was his recovery ability . Yet Valsa somehow seemed stronger than when they fought .

Truthfully , Zac expected that Valsa’s source of confidence had come from being able to control Hero Souls . It would have explained why she could pass through the battlefield , and why she dared attack without her underlings . Except Kruta had a trick that would have immobilized the Hero Souls for a second—enough to turn the tables on Valsa and end things in one go .

Zac was even more confident after seeing Saeward extract all that energy from the battlefield . With Valsa’s War Array gone and Kruta fighting for real , they’d just might be able to finish the job .

As it turned out , they’d made a massive miscalculation . Valsa’s confidence didn’t come from outside aid but from her own power .

The princess stormed the castle with the force and momentum of a Primordial Beast . It’d be lucky enough if they withstood her opening salvo . Had she cracked another one of the gemstones on her crown? Or had she activated another berserking treasure? If so , she was really risking everything . Even Zac had a hard time using two such items in a row , and his constitution was beyond sturdy .

There was no time , so Zac gritted his teeth and activated his available skills : Ancestral Woods] and Primal Edict] . Unfortunately , both Arcadian Crusade] and Arcadia’s Judgement] were still on cooldown . They were in trouble . He hadn’t expected to be caught in a tribulation and wasn’t ready to meet her head-on .

Can you buy me a few seconds? - Zac asked .

Kruta had a serious expression as he nodded and rushed to the hallway’s entrance . The gate had already been blasted off its hinges , and the array on the ground had grown dim . Valsa had just passed through the outer gates , and her aura was a beacon to Zac’s senses . Thankfully , she was alone , but there were no Hero Souls to impede her path .

Kruta wasted no time as he stabbed his two swords into the ground . The castle shook as a storm of blades emerged from the rocks , turning the long hallway into a deadly gauntlet—a veritable maw of a Primordial Beast , filled with rows and rows of teeth . Together , they formed a powerful domain . Even Zac would have to be careful to enter that place .

A few ancestral trees prevented Valsa from simply jumping through , and the sword array was joined by the ferocious vines of Primal Edict] . Few guests could get through the hallway in one piece , but it wouldn’t be enough to keep Valsa at bay . He only needed a little bit of time .

Zac threw out an isolation and illusion array by the exit before enacting part two of his plan . Streaks of nothingness began pouring out from his Dao Spirals ; the purified Oblivion Energy extracted from the Remnant prison . Even then , Zac didn’t feel too confident . He’d planned on using his final ace to deal with Valsa since the beginning , but he hadn’t expected such a stark difference in power .

He would have to play it by ear .

Zac didn’t even get the chance to begin before a blast of light poured out of the gateway . It was like a solid block of destruction that carved a straight line through the atrium , even engulfing the puppet before it was finally stopped at the opposite wall hundreds of meters away . The overbearing power in the pillar almost destabilized Zac’s skills . He barely managed to retain their effect .

A deep roar erupted from within the beam , and a bloodied Kruta crawled out under the protection of his ancestor . He only managed to give Zac an apologetic look before falling unconscious in a pool of his own blood . His idea was a wash . Zac hadn’t even managed to begin conjuring an Annihilation Sphere] , and he could already hear Valsa’s running steps in the hallway .

Out of options , Zac took out a large seed and crammed it in his mouth . It was a Rageroot Oak Seed] that he’d harvested shortly before leaving for the Perennial Vastness . The Rageroot Oak had , like most local overlords on Earth , already entered the D-grade . It hadn’t been quite ready to bear new seeds just yet , but an array had allowed him to extract a half-ready seed—a powerful Pseudo D-grade berserking treasure .

Unfortunately , it was not nearly as good as Arcadian Crusade] , and the effect was limited since his body was so overdrawn already . It would have to do .

Zac was filled with delirious urges for blood and glory , but his Void Heart allowed him to stay clear-headed . However , a sudden spark of inspiration was born from reaching the heights of hubris , and he was unable to let it go .

The primordial roars of Verun’s Bite] were replaced by the abyssal rattle of Black Death] . A fractal leaf appeared in front of the axe blade , and Zac swung it toward Valsa in an overhead attack the moment she appeared around the corner .

Valsa sneered , and her armor blazed with imperial might as her sword rose to meet the attack . Simultaneously , her free hand pointed toward Zac’s chest , and Zac could tell she was channeling enough energy to blow a hole through the sky . Zac didn’t care , and his eyes gleamed with madness as he redirected the Streams of Dao and Oblivion energy into his Dao Mold .

All or nothing .

The winds of victory pushed her forward as she ran through the ruined hallway , and Valsa could almost feel how her river of Fate grew wider as the gate drew closer . Her gambit was successful , and it was time to collect . She pushed more energy into Lance of Judgement] as she glanced at the energy signature to the left of the entrance , careful not to overdo it . The Transplanted Fate Array] would work on a corpse , but the effect would be limited .

Crippled but alive was the way to go .

No one could say she didn’t give him a chance . This bastard could have tried to escape upon sensing her approach . There was no way the Undead Empire hadn’t provided him with some form of escape measure . Those things carried risks , but it would have been better than staying in this cage and waiting for death . If he’d succeeded , then Valsa would have truly lost .

Perhaps she would have been able to find something inside the castle that could mend her Core Nucleus , but that was a long shot . Saeward’s futile attempt at reincarnation was highly unlikely to have used resources that’d mesh with her path . There was also no way she’d be able to steal the foundation of a Monarch , even if it only remained as a discarnate soul .

Valsa knew Arcaz Umbri’Zi had likely reached the same conclusion as she . He’d felt she would be helpless without the War Array—that he and his wretched companion could overturn the Heavens . But he failed to realize the critical difference between them . She had spent years investigating and preparing . Six potential battlegrounds had been arranged , and every possible variable analyzed .

She had admittedly underestimated her opponent’s strength to some degree , and the powerful domain skill was a surprise . To her benefit , she knew the cooldown of his berserking skill down to the minutes , and their previous battle had already filled in the missing links in her understanding . He should have understood she wouldn’t have forced her way through the puppet army unless she was confident in victory .

She could clearly see it through that low-tier array . His recovery was almost miraculous , but it wasn’t enough . Whatever berserking treasure he’d swallowed only provided half the strength compared to his skill , while she was more powerful than ever .

It was game over . Valsa rounded the corner , her sword rising to block the ambush while she made sure her War Regalia was primed to block out his leaf explosions . The fractal leaf descended , and it couldn’t even shake the might of her crumbling Core Nucleus .

His Bloodline Talent wouldn’t be able to change anything . Its ability to quench Dao and suppress energy was shocking , but it was still within the bounds of the Law of Balance . It hadn’t been able to disintegrate her Fateward Clones , and it wouldn’t be able to fully suppress the amount of energy she currently carried .

Valsa effortlessly eviscerated the overhead strike , but the slippery bastard narrowly avoided the lance . She’d still managed to carve a large gash in his side , and his aura fluctuated precariously . Yet he came back for more with madness burning in his eyes .

It was odd . Why was he so confident that he dared fight her in a melee? He wasn’t a fool . Was it because of some misguided attempt to protect his companion , or did he actually think he could defeat her? Valsa was aware she lacked in true life-and-death experience compared to her enemy , but she wouldn’t allow the billowing waves of murderous aura to plant a seed of doubt in her heart .

Another clash resulted in another grievous wound , but the annoying chains of his weapon prevented her from landing a crippling blow . Blood poured out of a new gash on his throat , but there was no pause as he moved for a third attack , this one too aimed at Valsa’s head in a seeming attempt at mutual destruction .

Then , she realized the problem . It had barely been visible before , but something was off with the small golden cracks on his face . She’d assumed it was the result of being trapped within Saeward’s tribulation or a side effect of his berserking treasure . But there was a weak hint of an unfamiliar energy that reeked of danger . And why was he using that axe?

Something was wrong .

Only with her enemy dead could she be sure there weren’t any more unwelcome surprises . However , lack of information had almost cost her life before . She needed to disengage . She needed to⁠—

Thoughts and plans withered and died as the fractal leaf collapsed unto itself . Replacing it was a blade of utter nothingness , of extermination . Mortal peril screamed at her to run , to dodge . To do anything that would take her away from that executioner’s edge . Yet it felt like time had ground to a halt as it drew closer .

A primordial sense of preservation cracked the Fategem of Peril , and a flood of relief filled Valsa as she felt herself be summoned away . But relief turned to horror as the light was extinguished , her very being erased . She only needed to endure a little more , just a little . . .

Then there was only darkness .

59

FALLOUT

Zac panted as he looked down at Valsa’s corpse , or rather the gathering of light that had started to dissipate . His hands were shaking with strain as he forcibly quelled the errant tendrils of Oblivion in his body , his pathways frayed and teetering on the brink of collapse . Yet , he was thrilled . To the point he didn’t care about the possible ramifications of killing a princess from the old Imperial Clans .

It actually worked . Zac remembered the first time he envisioned what he’d just pulled off , way back when he was still experimenting with the - brown flashes . ’ To channel the taboo powers of the Remnants into his skills , turning them into delivery systems of that ancient madness and destruction .

His Origin Mark] and Annihilation Sphere] were ultimately the crudest form of energy control . They were just raw blobs of unstable energy that he had to push into his enemy at melee range . They took time to charge , and it was getting harder and harder to land a blow . The Dao Mold had proven to be the key .

Instead of channeling his Dao and the Oblivion Energy into his shoulders , he’d crammed it into his Inexorable Mold . Through its complex pathways , Oblivion and Conflict fused into something that had been just stable enough to briefly infuse into Nature’s Edge] . The result was shocking , far beyond the level of what an E-grade cultivator should be able to wield .

The blade of Annihilation had destroyed all the defenses the princess put up . Her Supreme-quality sword was cut apart , barriers broke the moment they touched . Her , admittedly damaged , War Regalia proved utterly incapable of stopping the descent . Zac had even seen the blank look in her eyes , confirming the skill had managed to erase her thoughts mid-fight .

That alone was a terrifying ability that could turn the tides of almost any battle . You couldn’t afford any distractions when you walked the tightrope of a life-and-death battle . She’d managed to rally and crack a fifth jewel on her crown , but her response had been delayed . The gemstone had transformed her into a streak of light to drag her away , but the edge of Annihilation had carved a hole of nothingness right through her .

It’d been enough to finish the fight—the enormous surge of Kill Energy and influx of Mana proof of that . She should be truly dead unless the Supremacies of the Planur Dynasty chose to drag her soul back from the cycle of reincarnation . If that were even possible , considering where she died .

Zac had long since learned of the possibility of reverting time and dragging cultivators back from beyond the grave . It was a common reason for cultivators to push toward the peak . However , it went against the natural order , and even Supremacies would have to pay the price . Furthermore , there were many limitations . Where and how the cultivator died played an important role . Using Oblivion to kill Valsa would probably make it harder . That it happened deep inside the Perennial Vastness was likely to complicate things further .

The battle lasted less than a second , but it came at an even steeper cost than their previous fight . The effects of the Rageroot Oak Seed] had been mostly erased by channeling Oblivion , but that wasn’t the real problem . Zac sighed as he looked at the cracks that covered his Dao Mold . It would likely take over a year to repair the damage . It simply wasn’t sturdy enough to withstand Oblivion Energy .

He never intended to channel Oblivion through his two Dao Molds . At least not until a theoretical future where he’d naturally evolved his Daos from Pure Life and Death to Creation and Oblivion . He considered manually adding new Mental Energy pathways to the two energy highways formed from the remnants of Cyclic Strike] , using the Dao Molds as inspiration . Installing something like that would hopefully allow him to fully control at least the refined Creation and Oblivion Energy .

That was a project he hadn’t even begun , though . And this preliminary test indicated that pathways created with his Mental Energy still weren’t sturdy enough to channel the Remnants without damage .

The good news was that the Dao Mold hadn’t completely crumbled . It was even possible to implement something that could withstand the Remnants sooner rather than later . Perhaps he could find some treasures or tools that reinforced the molds , allowing them to hold on a few seconds longer . And even if not , he at least had a new ace in case his life was on the line . Damaging his molds was far preferable to being cut down .

Zac’s heart thumped at the possibilities laid out from the experiment , but he forced himself to focus . His new set of wounds weren’t a big deal , but Kruta still hadn’t woken up and was still bleeding all over . They were also still in the middle of a Red Zone , and Zac had no idea what would happen now that Saeward’s ascension had failed . He wouldn’t be surprised if there were dozens of people rushing toward their location now that the puppets and Hero Souls were gone .

Those considerations were suddenly drowned out by a startling realization—the looming sense of danger still hadn’t disappeared . If anything , the feeling rapidly worsened , as though Damocles’ Sword was finally descending . A rumble in the sky made Zac’s heart drop , and Valsa’s treasures flew into his hands as he rushed toward Kruta .

Zac glanced at the sky and couldn’t help but swear . The stars were moving again , but it didn’t take a genius to know that wasn’t a good thing . They were no longer spelling out the Edict of Candor . Instead , the stars had formed an enormous face . It stared down at the Stand of Saeward . Neither Zac nor the realm could withstand the attention .

The situation was rapidly going out of control—Zac felt like the laws of the universe were unraveling . The world shook , and Zac’s mind blanked out from his danger sense overloading his mental faculties . It wasn’t telling him to run or hide . It essentially told him it was over and tried to desensitize his frayed mind from his impending doom .

The pressure mounted , and Zac could not so much as blink as the castle disintegrated . Then the ground beneath his feet . Zac trembled as a whole world winked out of existence . This wasn’t Annihilation or Oblivion . It felt like a rejection . The face in the sky didn’t condone the world , so the world simply wouldn’t be .

He and Kruta were only alive because of a translucent barrier that sprung up around them . Soon , there was just nothingness . It couldn’t even be considered the Void , more like Zac had been pushed out of the bounds of reality . His mind had ground to a crawl , unable to conjure any escape paths . He just blankly observed the end of his path as the translucent barrier started to fray .

Was this how Valsa felt as she gazed upon the falling edge of Annihilation?

A sigh rippled through the boundless nothingness , and time moved in reverse . The disintegrated lands reformed , and the castle rose to enclose him . Even Saeward’s puppet and array were restored to a pristine state , as though he’d never endured the Heavenly Tribulation just moments ago .

The only proof the events of the past minutes were real was that he still held onto Valsa’s broken crown and Spatial Rings . The Kill Energy also remained in his body , though it was suppressed just as he was . There was also the enormous face in the sky , whose brows had scrunched together in a frown .

A world-ending force blotted out the Heavens , and Zac felt nothing . In fact , the pressure on him had completely disappeared , thanks to the shield enclosing him growing much sturdier . Zac had an inkling of what was going on , and it was soon confirmed as a powerful voice cut through the rumbling sky .

I looked the other way when you sanctioned a mark to be summoned inside my domain . But this cannot stand . -

The voice was calm , like the mounting pressure , and its aura of rejection couldn’t even be considered a minor inconvenience . More surprisingly , it came from just next to him . Zac looked over and found a man standing just a few meters away . There had been no hint of his appearance . He just was .

The man didn’t look much older than Zac , but there was a palpable sense of antiquity to him—one that even surpassed the feeling of his bloodline . There was an unmatched transcendence to his bearing and aura , as though he’d fully severed any connection to the emotions and desires of mortals . He was beyond the vicissitudes of time , radiating unquenchable stability . Of all the people Zac had ever encountered , none so perfectly encapsulated the air of an immortal cultivator .

His appearance was more elven than human , though his skin veered toward a pale blue . He was decked in a simple white robe with wide sleeves , its lack of details and runes made it seem even more exquisite . His eyes looked like a vast starry sky , and Zac couldn’t look at them for long without feeling his soul being sucked in .

Zac turned his gaze toward a set of antlers on his head , but the thrums of power they released almost broke his mind . He barely managed to observe that one of the antlers had nine tines while the other had eight before he was forced to avert his gaze . Each had naturally formed patterns that struck at the heart of the Dao . It was like the man wore a crown of the Heavens themselves .

It was too much . The Daos sealing the Dimensional Seed in the heart of the Research Base had been bad , but this was infinitely more overbearing . The screams of danger were overwhelmed by the crashing waves of Dao . Looking away or holding onto his Void Self wasn’t enough . His path was being overwhelmed and eroded by a far greater truth .

But just like the erased world reformed , so did Zac’s mind . Suddenly , the man next to him didn’t seem so bad . He didn’t emit a speck of Dao or aura , almost like the overwhelming sensations just now had been an illusion . But was it? Zac’s heart shuddered , and his mind spun . Had he just died and been reformed? Zac had no way to tell , and there was no time to come to terms with the situation as the face in the sky spoke .

The elven man’s voice had been calm and steady , but the constellation’s voice was like stars colliding and worlds being ground to dust . They were a force of nature rather than speech that somehow formed words . Zac could tell the world would have collapsed again if not for the newcomer’s protection . Worse , what the face said was even more terrifying than how it said it .

Someone killed my daughter . -

Zac had been working under the assumption that someone like Lord Engo had been helping the Planur Dynasty accomplish its goals inside the Perennial Vastness . But the conversation indicated that to be wrong , or at least not the whole truth . The face , just like the Edict , belonged to an outsider rather than a disciple of the Perennial Vastness .

There was no way some Autarch would be able to , or even dare , force his way into the Perennial Vastness . He was dealing with a Supremacy from the First Heaven .

So they did , - the man next to Zac said without so much as a ripple on his face when the heavenly pressure mounted .

The threads are obscured , and the timeline is sealed , - the sky rumbled . - You’re preventing me from seeing the truth . Daoist Sendor , are you breaking the pact of non-interference? -

I am precisely protecting the neutrality of my realm , - the man next to Zac countered , the answer confirming his identity .

The face had called him Sendor , but it was the Perennial Vastness in the flesh . Zac had suspected as much since his sudden appearance and the ability to reverse the destruction of a whole world , but it was possible he’d sent one of his disciples .

You and your daughter brought the conflict of the Fifth Pillar to my doorstep . I acceded , as it’s inevitable that outside struggles will reach the Cosmic Galleries . But you went so far as to supplant the Heavens inside my domain! - Sendor continued , a hint of steel appearing in his voice . - Your offspring made her play , going so far as to summon your Edict to achieve her goals . It failed , resulting in her demise . -

Impossible! - the sky roared , and the world flickered like a candle in the wind .

Greed has always been the downfall of your kin , - Sendor sighed as he stabilized the Stand of Saeward .

There was a sense of helplessness in his voice , like an elder witnessing the mistakes of the younger generations yet unable to make them listen to reason .

Your great-grandfather’s generation ignored my warnings when they discovered the Sealed Mausoleum , and the fallout cost you six Supremacies . The Seventh Heaven already has a Flamebearer . To hunger for a second was to tempt Fate . -

A snort rumbled through the world , but the face made no attempt to refute the claim . Zac mutely listened , memorizing every word . It even felt like the Perennial Vastness intentionally provided him valuable information . Zac had never heard of the Sealed Mausoleum and inwardly vowed never to go there .

Zac wasn’t too surprised the imperial families managed to seize a seal , even a slot for a Flamebearer . They likely had a lot of inside information , and their resources were staggering . The fact it was the Seventh Heaven was news , though . The problem was , would he even remember that fact upon leaving the Perennial Vastness , or would it be sealed along with his memories of Valsa?

The conflict for the pillar cannot be allowed to taint the gallery any further , - Sendor continued . - I will not discipline the young or bar them from entering future galleries . They are mere tools for the larger struggle . I will , however , seal the ripples of the Left Imperial Palace within my domain . You will have to continue this conflict on the outside . -

Fine , - the sky acceded after a short pause . - Let me extract my daughter , and we’ll forget this matter . -

Zac’s heart dropped upon hearing the demand . The Planur Supremacy wanted Valsa’s soul . Zac had been fairly confident his secrets were safe just moments ago . However , between the display just now and his lingering sense of danger , he wasn’t so sure . Would the imperials be able to piece together Zac’s identity if Valsa was returned?

Worse , Sendor didn’t immediately reject . Instead , he slowly nodded as a mysterious ripple spread through the realm . Zac tried to plead for the Perennial Vastness to change his mind , but something prevented him from speaking or sending mental messages . Then , the sky shook , and boundless wrath rained down from above .

You! - a raging roar echoed through the universe , but Sendor shattered the sky with a wave of his sleeve .

Bastard , that’ll teach you to play around inside my body , - Sendor snorted , his disposition completely different .

The face in the sky dispersed , and Zac was finally rid of the looming sense of danger that had followed him for weeks . He thoughtfully looked up at the stars rearranging themselves to their normal state . Was that the key? A Supremacy had been involved in the scheme against his life . Such beings created powerful ripples on the river of Fate , which could explain why his danger sense had been triggered weeks in advance .

Zac’s eyes soon turned back to the avatar of the realm he stood inside , and Zac’s heart thumped upon seeing the man looking back at him .

Thank you , - Zac said , his mouth no longer sealed . - Uh , what⁠— -

Vastermal Planur wanted to resurrect his daughter . Except , he didn’t care about her life . He only extracted her memories , sacrificing her soul and body to circumvent my rules . I guess he wanted the identity of you and the other sealbearers she had exposed , - Sendor explained as a mischievous grin spread across his face .

Unfortunately for the arrogant little brat , I manipulated the flow of time , tricking him into extracting the memories from six years ago . Long before you even entered my trial . Now , he got nothing useful and still has to deal with the Cosmic backlash . Do these grasshoppers think they can pull one over on me? I was already ancient when their clans were nothing but insignificant households . -

Zac could barely believe what he was hearing . For one , it sounded like the Perennial Vastness was even older than the Limitless Empire and the System itself . Zac couldn’t even begin to comprehend how long Sendor had existed . It far surpassed the nigh-inexhaustible longevity of Supremacies .

But why did he look like a kid who’d just pulled off a prank? It was completely different from the previously transcendent aura he exuded . The more old monsters he ran into , the more it felt like they all had a couple of screws loose . Still , it was undeniable that Sendor had not only saved his life but angered a powerful Supremacy to protect his identity .

However , the question remained why the avatar looked at him with such an unsettling gaze .

60

SENDOR

Sendor’s starry eyes bore into Zac , and the pressure made it difficult to gather his thoughts . He’d been put under the magnifying glass , his fate to be decided by the whims of the giant wielding the glass . Zac was previously annoyed by the lack of interest in his Specialty Core and bloodline when he first entered the Perennial Vastness , but he now desperately longed for that kind of disregard .

At the same time , Zac was excited . The man said it himself , Sendor was ancient when the Limitless Empire came around and most likely already a powerful entity . Did he know the secrets of his bloodline? Had he met Emperor Limitless? Did he know the truth about Laondio and Karz?

The scrutinizing gaze relented , and Zac released a tense breath .

You’re a pretty interesting brat , - Sendor grinned as he gave Zac a thumbs-up , the image once more clashing with the transcendent master who’d just stared down the Heavens . - Not bad , killing one of those little imperials . Always walking around in my domain like they own the place . -

No thanks to you , - Zac muttered and immediately regretted it .

Sendor’s lacking energy and laid-back demeanor made Zac momentarily forget that he wasn’t just some cantankerous old man . He was an entity at the level of Supremacies who’d lived far longer than most planets . Thankfully , it didn’t look like the Perennial Vastness minded Zac’s lacking manners .

I guess that’s my bad , - the avatar laughed . - I was curious what would happen with the seal in the air . The storms the pillars generate can lead to surprising outcomes . I didn’t get anything useful , but you still performed valiantly , even if your final blow was a shortcut . How about this? I’ll make it up to you . What do you want? -

Zac inwardly complained , even if he didn’t dare show anything but deference after his previous faux pas . Was he a magnet for weird and shameless old monsters? Or were they all like that? Reaching the limits of cultivation wasn’t accomplished by measured and reasonable people .

One second , - Zac said .

He desperately wanted answers , but there were more pressing matters , so he hurried over to Kruta’s side . The barbarian was growing increasingly pallid from the blood loss , and he seemed unable to expel the force of Valsa’s light when unconscious . However , just as Zac was about to take out his Healing Pills , he heard an impatient grunt .

With that , the wounds were just . . . gone . Even the bone stump had been replaced by a proper leg . Not only that , Zac felt his own body heal in a process that was even more effective than when he used Creation Energy . Even the Dao Mold in his mind was repaired , and the motes of Oblivion stuck in its cracks were ejected into his Soul Aperture .

The only thing that wasn’t restored to its original state was the energy he’d spent , both his own and the Remnants’ . His longevity hadn’t recovered from reforging his arm either . Still , his Dao Mold getting repaired saved him over a year and would allow him to head out again immediately without worry about not being in peak condition .

Zac hadn’t sensed any energy , just like when his Duplicity Core was sealed . It was like reality just changed per Sendor’s will . Perhaps he’d rewound time , returning their bodies to a previous state? Either case , it was an incredible ability , especially since it seemingly worked on anything , from wounds to recreating a whole world . Zac’s eyes turned to the unmoving puppet atop the dais .

It didn’t emit any energy , but it hadn’t been the first time Zac saw it either . Was Saeward back? If so , would it remember him interrupting his breakthrough?

He won’t jump at you again , - Sendor said , grinning at Zac’s hesitance . - Don’t feel bad , kid . He would have failed whether you came crashing into his array or not . Like he’s done a thousand times . He’s never gotten past the fifth bolt , even when aided by one of you brats . -

What? -

Zac suddenly felt like time was going out of control . He took a few shaky steps to distance himself from the puppet , but the whole atrium was affected . In seconds , Zac witnessed the puppet stand up on the dais and face Heavenly Tribulation dozens of times . The details differed slightly each time , but the end was the same : a scorched , broken puppet unmoving on the ground .

Saeward hoped to trick the Heavens and reincarnate using the captive souls of his followers in a loop of war and despair , - Sendor smiled . - This scenario was actually his eighth - final stand , ’ and the one where he’d finally accumulated enough Impetus to make his attempt . Alas , he fell one step short of success , and the Heavens disintegrated his soul . -

Then this world . . . - Zac said .

Saeward’s choices , this thread of Fate . . . It has potential . Perhaps not with the Heavens in its current state . Perhaps not with the variables introduced in this gallery . But it has the potential to show me something interesting . So , I disentangled the scenario from the river of time . I freed the suffering souls and replaced them with my own creations . Every Cosmic Gallery , the scenario starts anew . -

Sendor looked back at the puppet , and Zac shuddered as he saw the look in the man’s eyes . He still had a playful expression as he looked at Saeward dying repeatedly , but there was a terrifying coldness within that gaze . Not the coldness of hatred or animosity . It was the chill of complete and utter indifference to life and death .

It was beyond the morbid detachment cultivators gained as they walked over the corpses of their enemies on the path of cultivation . It was akin to the unfeeling callousness of the System , where right and wrong didn’t matter . Saeward’s soul being locked into that puppet in an eternal cycle of suffering wasn’t even a punishment . It was just an experiment that may or may not produce results .

Saeward’s soul will continue to toil until he provides me with an answer . A solution that moves the tapestry closer to completion . -

Zac slowly nodded , putting two and two together . The origin of the various zones and the role he and the other guests played finally came to light . The realms of the Perennial Vastness were seeds of potential collected by Sendor . The guests of the Cosmic Galleries would enter the realms , introducing variables of randomness to the experiments . And because the Heavens were still healing and moving toward perfection , the experiments had to be continuously performed .

What happens when you get the answer? - Zac asked .

The Stand of Saeward will be retired , replaced by another scenario . -

Then , the Quarry? - Zac ventured .

It’s functionally the same , - Sendor nodded . - You closed the loop by accepting the inheritance and desire of Solevur . The Quarry will no longer appear in future Cosmic Galleries as it has no more potential to extract . -

Saeward eventually stopped moving in the distressing cycle of despair as the castle returned to the state where he’d failed his tribulation , just before Valsa arrived . The rubble from the broken dais reappeared , and Zac could even feel his Dao inside the marks on the ground . From within Saeward’s broken frame , two lights flew up . One moved to Zac , while the other stopped over the still-unconscious Kruta .

Your prize for reaching the end of the scenario , - Sendor explained .

What’s this? -

It’s the remains of a Natural Treasure . Saeward called it the Embryo of the Wargod , which is both inaccurate and a bit boastful , - Sendor laughed . - I call it a Warstone] . Saeward stumbling onto this thing is how he cooked up this scheme . If you use this shard as a basis for your core , it will naturally generate a bit of energy as you fight . A pretty useful feature for someone walking a path full of Conflict . -

Zac curiously looked at the small stone in his hand and felt the waves of Pure Conflict from within . Just holding it almost made Zac feel like he’d eaten another Rageroot Oak Seed] , even if his mind remained completely clear . Still , his Dao Avatar stirred , and it began its dance between his two cores , swinging its axes in deadly arcs .

The truths of his Branch of the War Axe soon coursed through his veins , which made the stone release even more energy . It was like the resonance between two tuning forks , where the frequencies empowered each other . Thankfully , it only took a thought for the Dao Avatar to stop and sit down , and the Warstone] calmed soon after .

Conflict breeds conflict , - Zac muttered , placing the stone into a box and stowing it away .

Exactly , - Sendor said as the stone hovering above Kruta’s body shot into the Spatial Ring on his hand .

Unfortunately , no quest had been triggered , but Zac believed the barbarian would still be happy with the sudden windfall . Mortals were the only ones who required precious treasures to form their cores , but that didn’t mean cultivators couldn’t benefit from them . The Warstone] perfectly complemented Kruta’s path , and infusing its essence would elevate the resulting core .

Getting the Warstone] and securing the final item he needed for his Core Formation was exactly what he’d hoped for when setting the course for the Stand of Saeward . Still , it wasn’t enough to forget the real opportunity that had presented itself . Zac turned to Sendor before he could change his mind or flash away .

You said you’d make it up to me just now . I’d like some answers , - Zac said , the words spilling out of his mouth . - You’ve seen my bloodline when you inspected me . Can you tell me more about it? How is it related to the Limitless Empire? Is it the bloodline of the Limitless Emperor or someone else? -

As expected , - Sendor nodded . - Honestly , I couldn’t believe my eyes when I sensed the aura of the Void Emperor on you . Of course , it’s oddly inverted , but the truth couldn’t hide from me . What do you⁠— -

Sendor’s words were interrupted by another rumble in the sky . It wasn’t the imperial who had returned , but the new arrival was still someone familiar . The gathering clouds crackled with power , and Zac felt a vast presence lock onto the area . Time had frozen , yet that wasn’t entirely the case . Zac couldn’t move , but he saw Sendor scratch the base of his antlers as he looked up .

You don’t want me to speak? - Sendor said as a mischievous smile spread across his lips . - What are you scheming , you troublemaker? Still , I’ve never been one to⁠— -

A loud rumble far surpassing the roars of the Planur Supremacy shook the Stand of Saeward , perhaps all of the Pennial Vastness . For all Zac knew , it could be across all creation , judging by the unfettered force gathering in the clouds above . The stars shattered , unable to withstand the presence of the descent .

Zac had never seen the System gather so much energy , not even close . Even Alvod Jondir’s ascent to Autarchy didn’t create such a scene . And this was just the start . An enormous swirl appeared above their heads , but it didn’t unleash a torrent of Heavenly punishment upon the lands . Instead , a seemingly innocuous item descended from its center .

It was a blue silk scarf , two hands wide , no longer than two meters end to end . There were no runes or engravings on it , but a spatter of dark spots covered one of the sides . It didn’t look like anything special , but that only meant Zac was too ignorant to understand what was going on . Odd fluctuations rippled around it , creating scars that made Zac’s hair stand on end .

It wasn’t space that was being frayed , creating spatial tears . Reality itself couldn’t withstand the piece of cloth and crumbled in front of Zac’s eyes . Zac could tell even the Dao was twisting and turning as eternal truths were coming undone . Meanwhile , cracks spread across the ground , and it looked like the Stand of Saeward would face a second Calamity .

Fine , fine! - Sendor screamed with alarm as a hairline crack appeared on one of his antlers . - Take that thing away . Are you trying to kill your dear friend! -

Zac still wanted answers . But as things stood , he far more desired for the System to take that thing away . The scarf was far scarier than any Tribulation Lightning . It wasn’t a trial to be overcome—that seemingly unassuming scarf held the Armageddon within its threads .

Thankfully , the System didn’t seem intent on going to war with the Perennial Vastness , and the scarf was dragged back into the swirling vortex . The unfathomable aura of catastrophe lingered for a few seconds like an unspoken warning before it and the clouds dispersed .

Damn , so touchy , - Sendor swore as he looked up at the sky , once more donning the expression of a disappointed elder . - Too few of us old hands left for you to go around waving those things around . And you know the others all have a few screws loose . Who are you going to reminisce with if I’m not around? -

That’s . . . - Zac said , finding his voice no more than a whisper . - What was that? -

Oh , just some old thing the System keeps around . One of its safeguards to make sure people play by its rules , - Sendor said with an annoyed wave , looking at Zac with mixed emotions . - Sorry , kiddo , looks like I can’t put my hand into this matter . The Terminus Council is mostly forgotten , but their will and Karma still spread through all creation like a web . That scenario is far from over . -

Terminus Council , - Zac muttered .

The words were almost like a spell , and Zac felt a storm of Fate crashing down on him . However , the feeling was stopped by the receding clouds gathering for one final bout of fury . Karma was erased and Fate subverted , and the clouds drifted apart . The System was leaving , but it imparted Zac with a final message before it was gone .

Beware the Terminus

Zac didn’t dare speak the words again , his heart hammering from the series of events . Just what was going on? Why didn’t the System want him to know the truth? Was it an enemy or a friend? Truthfully , it felt like the System protected him this time around .

It seemed too early to dig into the truth of his origin , but Zac still felt he was a few steps closer . For one , Sendor confirmed the existence of the Void Emperor without Zac mentioning it . The revelation further indicated that his original theory was off . Karz wasn’t the Limitless Emperor . Still , Zac’s instincts told him the two were connected .

Was the Limitless Empire perhaps run by two people , where one stood in the light while the other moved in the shadows? That was entirely possible when remembering Karz’s temperament in his Bloodline Visions . Or was Karz a member of this Terminus Council? If that was the case , why did Zac need to be wary of it? Were they the reason history seemed to have mostly forgotten about a cultivator who could infinitely improve his affinities?

What a mess , - Sendor muttered as he drew a finger across his antler , which dragged Zac out of his thoughts . - That’s all the information you’ll get for now . Sometimes , scary things come crawling out when you turn over old stones . Ask for something else instead . -

Zac nodded in agreement , noticing that the antler was already whole . Zac didn’t know why , but it felt like Sendor was partly pretending when looking so frazzled at the scarf’s appearance . Still , there was a nugget of truth to the fear in his eyes , and Zac decided to put the matter aside . He could slowly pull on these threads later . There were still benefits to be had .

His gaze turned to Valsa’s Spatial Ring in his hand . A princess sent on an important mission by a Supremacy surely had to be drowning in wealth . However , his experience with Uona’s Spatial Ring made him afraid to infuse even a sliver of Mental Energy into the Spatial Tool . What if Vastermal Planur had marked it? He didn’t even trust K’Rav to deal with this thing .

But if anyone could remove its hidden traps , it would be the man in front of him .

The Imperial Clans have targeted me , and I think the key to figuring out their plots is within this ring , - Zac said . - With your unfathomable means , perhaps you could help me unlock it? -

Nice try , - Sendor said with a roll of his eyes . - Do I look like a graverobber to you? -

He’d been rejected outright , but Zac wasn’t about to give up . - The events just now were outside the bounds of Lord Sendor’s trial and affected my ability to gather Mana . How about some . . . -

I would , but the System won’t allow me to give things out left and right . You saw how stingy it is . I must follow the framework , - the avatar interjected with a clearly disingenuous smile .

Then . . . There are two Remnants in⁠— -

Go find them yourself . You have the strength , - Sendor lazily said , his enthusiasm clearly waning . - I can give you a small hint related to them , though . Combine their energies , and you’ll be awarded 25 , 000 Mana . -

Zac inwardly grumbled at how stingy this guy was , but he refused to give in . - You saw how the imperials acted because of my seal . They’ll probably keep cheating on the outside . If you can’t help me with the ring , then could you leave me with my memories of their identities intact? Or perhaps teach me a way to hide the aura of my seal? -

I guess I could edit your seal only to guard the secrets of my realm , - Sendor shrugged . - I don’t really care if you start messing with the other guests after you’re gone . However , a little brat like you can’t hide the winds of Fate the Seals of the Left Imperial Palace radiate . That array inside your body will trick even Autarchs , though . Of course , it’ll only work if you keep it running . -

Kruta’s seal too , - Zac quickly added . - He also suffered from this injustice and deserves to understand the threat upon leaving . -

Fine , but that’s it . -

Zac nodded in thanks . It didn’t completely solve the issue , but it was a start . Zecia was already sealed , so Leandra’s array would be enough during the war . He had only been discovered inside the Perennial Vastness since he didn’t even know it was possible to expose sealbearers . He’d never bothered keeping Leandra’s array active inside the Perennial Vastness either since he constantly shifted between his forms .

On the outside , he always ensured it was active when going off-world , so he didn’t need to change anything . And with Sendor allowing him to remember all the names and faces of the other guests , he would be far-better off than before . Still , Zac felt it insufficient . This shameless old man let a Supremacy plot against him just because he was curious about what would happen . The name of a council he had no way to investigate , and a small adjustment to his seal didn’t feel like enough of a restitution .

Unfortunately , Sendor saw through Zac’s thoughts and waved his sleeve at Zac with annoyance . - Brat , didn’t you hear me when I talked with Vastermal? You can’t get too greedy . Ai , I need to go into seclusion . What was the System thinking , bringing that inauspicious thing into my body? -

Sendor was gone before he finished his sentence , preventing Zac from asking for anything else . However , his voice returned a second later . - Oh , if you want to pick that thing up , you’d better hurry . The other guests will soon sense it . -

Zac was about to ask what Sendor was talking about , but he felt his vision shift . It stretched out from the castle gates and across the now-desolate battlefield and into the isolating shroud where he fought Valsa the first time . There , he spotted a dozen corpses lying among dried weeds . There was also the deep crack from Arcadia’s Judgement] , from which a floating sigil had emerged , releasing increasingly powerful ripples of truth .

An outer court seal .

61

ONE BY NINE

Zac only caught a glimpse of the seal before he was back in his own body , where he was greeted by a groan as Kruta finally stirred . Then , the barbarian shot to his feet , eyes wide as he looked for threats . None remained , and Valsa’s body had fully dissipated already , so Kruta turned to Zac with a confused look plastered on his face .

You’re up , - Zac smiled .

Uh , - Kruta said as he looked around . - Did I beat that wench? -

Something like that , - Zac laughed , but his thoughts were still on that seal .

Who would have thought one of Valsa’s followers held an outer court seal? Had they ambushed another guest in the same manner as him? Perhaps a trial run using one of her followers before getting the real thing? The seal’s appearance made him worry for Catheya and Ogras for a second , but the unclaimed seal thankfully belonged neither to the Hollow nor Daedalian Courts .

It belonged to the final court yet not within his cycle : the Indomitable Court .

Wait , when did I get healed? - Kruta said as he looked down at his fully-restored body . - What’s going on? -

Zac briefly recounted what just transpired , skipping over the System’s entry or the matters regarding his bloodline .

Those imperials have always been shameless , - Kruta sighed . - But to think she actually summoned Vastermal the Benevolent . -

Didn’t seem that benevolent to me , - Zac muttered .

The dynasty of the previous emperor was very turbulent . The Planur Dynasty waged a series of ruthless wars , both as aggressor and defender . It reached a point where Vul’Zerdo Planur was called the Blood Emperor , - Kruta shrugged . - When Emperor Vastermal took the throne , he donned the epithet of benevolence to indicate the Empire’s future direction . And things have been relatively stable under his rule . -

Zac nodded , though managing the Planur Dynasty had nothing to do with Vastermal . That job was left to the younger generations . The Supremacies only bothered with the titles because they brought tangible benefits : faith . Ancient factions’ A-grade Emperors and Sect Leaders were essentially gods lording over their domains . That gathered Faith Energy , which was apparently quite useful even to the top dogs of the Multiverse .

Still , can’t believe the big boss himself came down to heal me , - Kruta grinned . - I guess Kruta the Great is too handsome to stay down for long . I must be fated for greatness . -

Fated . . . - Zac muttered as he thoughtfully looked at his companion .

Why are you looking at me like that? - Kruta shuddered . - Giving me the creeps . -

You have a decision to make , - Zac said . - A decision that will have a great impact on your future . -

What? - Kruta said , his expression sobering upon hearing Zac’s words . - Is it related to the imperials? -

Both yes and no , - Zac said , collecting his thoughts . - Something big is happening on the outside , something that has made many of the peak factions stir . A small part of that struggle has been turned into a trial for the younger generation . It starts in three years , where the cut off point is 100 years of age . Valsa targeted me because I have one of the tickets to that trial . -

Why did you suddenly decide to tell me this? - Kruta asked .

Because it turns out one of her followers carried a ticket as well . It’s currently left where we first fought Valsa . No one has found it yet , but it’s just a matter of time , - Zac said . - You have to decide whether you want to seize the opportunity . -

A trial important enough to have an imperial emperor barge into this place , - Kruta mused . - What can you tell me? -

I’m not sure if I should divulge the event’s origin , but it has made the ancient factions go mad . The Seventh Heaven is already involved , and the First Heaven tried to sneak in by killing other guests and me . More peak factions beyond the imperials are also involved , but I don’t know who . One thing’s for sure : the dangers will be far beyond the Red Zones , and it’ll be crawling with people like Valsa . Powerful factions will send their most talented people . -

Kruta’s eyes glimmered with desire and battle lust , but he reined himself in . - Will that mean I’d compete with you for the inheritance? What kind of trial is it? -

No one knows what will happen inside , but there are indications that teams will be formed . I’m not aiming for the main prize . Some real monsters will join the contest . I’ll let the peak factions fight it out over the inheritance . I plan to grab some random goodies before escaping with my life . -

Kruta’s eyes lit up at that . - Good! I knew I made the right decision grabbing onto your thigh! -

So , you’re in? - Zac smiled .

When has Kruta the Great ever shied from some danger! - Kruta said , grandly slapping his chest . - What are we waiting for? Let’s go! -

Zac nodded , and they stood before the seal five minutes later . It looked exactly the same as in the vision . It was a replica of the Seal of the Indomitable Court made of pure energy . Zac guessed only the unused fragments would be found in things like rocks or statuettes , while those seized through battle would be more obvious .

The ripples it released were filled with the truth of the Lost Plane , of Ultom . It didn’t hold as much energy as the unused seals , but it was much more than Zac expected . It was almost certain to provide Kruta with an epiphany .

This . . . - Kruta said hesitantly as he looked at the floating seal . - I’ve never seen energy like this before . It’s not Dao . It’s . . . I don’t know what . -

It’s unique , - Zac nodded . - Just joining the trial is an opportunity in itself . It should give you a powerful epiphany . It can’t help with your Dao , but it’ll provide a moment of utmost clarity and comprehension . It can be used for all kinds of things , from upgrading your blueprint to techniques and manuals . The sky’s the limit . -

Anything? - Kruta said .

It’s how I came up with my trickster core , as you call it , - Zac smiled .

Well , I don’t know if I want such a weird Cosmic Core , but there are a few things I’ve been wracking my brain over , - Kruta muttered . - Alright , here I go . -

Zac stepped back as Kruta touched the seal , and it was gone in a flash of light . Kruta’s eyes closed , and he stood immovable for over ten minutes . Zac looked on , feeling a pang of desire as Ultom’s aura drained from the area . That blissful state of total comprehension was almost like a drug . Even a weakened seal would have to be far beyond what the tainted lake water provided .

What would happen if he claimed outer court seals during the war? Could he claim the insights but discard the ticket?

Eventually , Kruta’s eyes opened , and he looked at Zac in shock .

This . . . this . . . - Kruta said . - Not even the greatest tribes can provide inspiration at this level . I doubt even the imperials can . -

Yeah , it’s something else , - Zac agreed .

Indomitable Court , - Kruta said , his eyes veritably burning . - You’re really my good brother! -

Zac was happy he could provide Kruta with the opportunity , and not just because the Indomitable Court was the only missing piece to his quest . Finding companions you could trust with your life was difficult , and Kruta had proven his mettle inside the Stand of Saeward .

Can you tell me what’s going on now that I’m tied to your chariot? - Kruta grinned .

The phrasing piqued Zac’s curiosity , and he opened his Quest Screen .

One by Nine (Unique , Inheritance) : Form a full cycle of Sealbearers . Reward : Entry to the Left Imperial Palace (9/9) 1343 days] (COMPLETE)

NOTE : Multiple cycles can be formed

Zac nodded with satisfaction as he closed the Status Screen . With Kruta and the Indomitable Court , he had a full set with some spares . When he first saw the requirements , he wondered how he’d ever complete the quest . Now , it didn’t seem impossible to form a second cycle through the war .

With that out of the way , Zac explained the broad strokes to Kruta as he had to his followers and the theories he and Ogras had come up with so far .

You weren’t kidding , - Kruta exhaled . - Left Imperial Palace of the Limitless Empire? An Eternal Heritage that’s also a pillar of the Ruthless Heavens? -

Are you okay? - Zac asked .

If I’m okay? - Kruta said , an almost deranged grin spreading across his face . - This is the kind of opportunity that cultivators dream of . The kind of opportunity that can completely reforge one’s fate and leave a mark on history . -

It’ll be extremely dangerous , - Zac commented .

So what! - Kruta roared as his aura exploded toward the sky . - I’d rather die aiming for greatness than live a safe but ignoble life! Besides , let the others fight for the Eternal Heritage . I just want the soup! -

Zac nodded in agreement . You’d never reach the peak without putting it all on the line . That was a fundamental truth of the Multiverse , to the point it was hard-wired into the System itself . And even if he wanted his friends and followers to stay safe , they had the right to take a chance on themselves in their pursuit of the Dao .

What now? - Kruta said , his surging momentum causing the haze around them to stir . - How do I find the other pieces? -

Ah , - Zac said , his eyes glazing over .

Only then did Zac realize the logistical issue of adding a follower from the other side of the Multiverse . Kruta belonged to the Redleaf Tribe of the Everwind Steppes , which was actually a vast region on a B-grade continent . Apparently , the steppes were the size of a large C-grade continent , far larger than any frontier continent , which was almost impossible for Zac to comprehend .

Crossing the steppes from one side to the other would take a Hegemon millennia , if they even survived the journey . The region was filled with dangerous beasts , and even Beast Emperors couldn’t be considered too rare . There were also tens of thousands of danger zones , odd anomalies created by the tremendous energies and Daos released by a B-grade world .

More importantly , the Everwind Steppes’ continent was extremely far from Zecia .

Directions were iffy with the confusing dimensional composition of the Multiverse , but the steppes and the Seven Empires could be considered on the - other side . - The distance between Zecia and the Undead Empire was much shorter between the Everwind Steppes and the Undead Empire .

Kruta getting to Zecia was incredibly difficult , and even his Autarch elders would be hard-pressed to accomplish that feat . The cost alone would be utterly staggering . And it wasn’t even a matter of resources and willingness . You needed connections to cross such vast swathes of space . Zac doubted that a B-grade tribe could cross multiple multiversal quadrants and empires , at least not in a few years .

What’s going on? - Kruta said , noticing Zac’s silence .

Honestly , I’m not sure you need them to enter the inheritance , - Zac said . - Though getting the full seal is obviously much better . -

Zac wasn’t just making things up . His followers getting just one piece of the seals was enough for his quest to progress . With Kruta , he’d already formed a cycle , even if no one had a full seal . He and Ogras believed a fragment would be enough to enter , but a full seal would be required to enter the main parts and trials .

But I won’t find them here , - Kruta surmised , his eyes glimmering with understanding . - You said you’re from the frontier . -

The exact location of the inheritance is still unknown , but it’s probably at the edge of my home Sector and the Endless Storm , - Zac said . - The whole Sector is sealed , and only Monarchs and lower can enter . Representatives from the Multiverse Heartlands are currently turning the place upside down in search of seal fragments . -

I can’t believe the kind of luck you have , - Kruta said , looking at Zac with wonderment . - One of the greatest inheritances of the Limitless Empire popped up in your backyard? -

Zac wryly smiled . He wondered what Kruta would think if he heard it wasn’t a coincidence . According to the Void Priestess , Ultom had picked him as an inheritor . Without the System’s interference , there wouldn’t have been a contest for seals or any trials .

That alone filled Zac with mixed emotions . It felt a bit like he’d been robbed of his good fortune , while at the same time benefitting him from someone else’s hard work . He ultimately hadn’t done anything to deserve the attention of the Left Imperial Palace . His mother’s clan had somehow found and stolen the bloodline of the Void Emperor for their experiments .

Zac wasn’t a true descendant , and he sometimes likened himself to a thief and an impostor . It was another example of his fate being decided by things outside his control . Ultimately , he’d reached the same conclusion as he had with the Remnants and the System’s interference . He wasn’t in a position to say no to opportunities and power just because he didn’t like how he got them .

Still , that’s a problem , - Kruta frowned . - Just leaving the Ralphi Continent without going through the Heavens is almost impossible . Me reaching the frontier? I can’t see a way . Even if my elders tried to plot a path with the help of porters , I fear the imperial families would catch wind of it . If they’re even sending people into places like the Perennial Vastness in search of tickets , they’re looking high and low . -

Zac nodded , sighing with regret . But then it hit him . Didn’t he know someone who might be able to help?

Have you heard of the Tayn Family or Dynasty? - Zac said . - They should be pretty famous . -

He initially hadn’t thought of this option because of the rules governing the Perennial Vastness , but that had completely changed now that he and Kruta’s confidentiality seals only affected the details of the realm itself .

Pretty famous? That’s the understatement of the century , - Kruta guffawed . - Those lunat⁠— -

Stop , - Zac said with a wave of his hand . - I don’t want to know . -

Ah? - Kruta said , looking at Zac with confusion . - Then why did you bring it up? -

Zac knew he wasn’t being rational , but he really didn’t want to know the details of Iz’s background . Her identity was no doubt terrifying , her unfathomable strength alone was proof of that . Still , Zac felt something would change with their relationship once he learned the specifics of her family . He wanted to hold onto the simple friendship he’d formed with Iz for as long as possible , even if he was sticking his head in the sand .

It’s complicated , - Zac said . - Suffice to say , I’m friends with Iz Tayn . She’s part of the younger generation of that faction . -

Kruta’s expression told him that the clarification was entirely superfluous and that he absolutely knew who Iz was , but Zac powered on .

If you can contact Iz and mention my name , they might help ferry you over to the frontier . They might not , though , or demand something in return . I don’t know . I don’t think Iz would mind , but I haven’t really dealt with anyone else in her family . -

You’re friends with Iz Tayn? - Kruta said , looking at Zac like he’d suddenly grown three heads and six arms . - And you’re not messing with me? Is this some test to have those lun—ahem . To have the esteemed Tayns test my Fate? -

Do I look that bored? - Zac said . - Didn’t you just say you’d die a thousand deaths in pursuit of greatness? -

Not much greatness in getting your whole tribe turned into ash , - Kruta muttered , but he took a steadying breath . - Fine! I’ll have my elder convey the message when I return . I’ll mention your name front , back , and center . If it fails , I’ll just see you inside the trial . -

Sure , - Zac smiled .

I guess we’re done here? - Kruta said . - I can’t believe that bastard extracted all the spirituality from the puppets . Not even the champions are worth their weight as scrap now . -

I know , - Zac said , his intestines twisting at the loss . Then he remembered Sendor’s words and looked at Kruta hopefully . - Do you know how to open Valsa’s Spatial Ring without triggering any seals or traps? -

Kruta answered with a resounding laugh , dashing that idea .

Never mind , - Zac sighed . - Well , there’s at least some good stuff in the castle . -

Kruta nodded , but Zac had one more thing to do before returning . He swept through the battlefield , looting the fallen warriors . He didn’t expect a bunch of deathsworn to carry any wealth worth mentioning , he was more interested in their bodies . Six were damaged to the point he couldn’t motivate the expenditure of Creation Energy , but the others would become the next generation of Einherjar’s elites .

There was a whisper of caution in the back of his head , of the danger of using bodies with such a troublesome providence . But he’d already made the decision . He needed citizens and believed in Sendor’s ability to thoroughly erase any Karmic Threads upon exiting the Cosmic Gallery . If anything , his confidence only increased after seeing Sendor toy with the Planur Supremacy .

What? - Zac said when seeing Kruta’s odd look .

It’s easy to forget you’re also a Draugr when you walk around in your human form , - Kruta said as Zac stowed the final body into his Corpse Sack . - Doesn’t it feel weird , raising your enemies to fight for you? -

Not really , - Zac said after some thought . - I guess it would have been awkward if they retained their memories . The Revenants who awaken don’t mind either . After all , my conflict with these people allowed them to be born . Besides , aren’t you kind of the same , summoning the ghost of your ancestor to help you out? -

That’s different! - Kruta rejected , but his brows slowly scrunched together in thought . - That’s . . . Huh . . . Am I actually a Necromancer? -

I have some Lich techniques if you want them , - Zac laughed , and they set course for Saeward’s Castle . - Let’s see if there are any goodies left . -

62

PARTNERSHIP

Zac and Kruta were exhausted despite Sendor healing their wounds , but the thought of loot brought a spring in their step . It took them thirty minutes to break the arrays , then they carefully harvested the Conflict-attuned flowers and herbs in the garden , not even sparing the Spiritual Soil . It wasn’t every day you found D-grade War-attuned soil , at least not soil that wasn’t sullied by blood and resentment .

Next , they turned to Saeward himself . They hadn’t dared pilfer his remains right away , afraid lingering Tribulation Lightning or remnants of Saeward’s consciousness hid within the puppet . Unfortunately , the metals that were once supposed to hold the consciousness of a Monarch had been reduced to nothing but scorched refuse that crumbled from the slightest amount of exerted pressure .

Zac even doubted the material had ever been as good as whatever Saeward used in his original attempt . Seeing as Sendor had meddled with the power of the Tribulation Lightning , he’d most likely brought the puppet itself down to a reasonable level for the scenario . Still , they managed to gather three fist-sized clumps of mostly unscathed metal Zac estimated to be at Early D-grade , bordering Supreme-quality .

It looked as fragile as paper when faced with Heaven’s wrath , yet Zac wasn’t able to twist it at all when straining . Better yet , it contained a strong attunement to the Dao of Conflict , and there was even a hint of the punishing aura of the Tribulation Lightning locked within .

I want this , ’ Alea’s voice echoed in his mind .

Alright , ’ Zac agreed . - Some of those array orbs are still mostly intact . I thought their materials might suit you . ’

You know just how to treat a lady , ’ Alea laughed as her consciousness receded into the necklace .

Do you want this? - Zac asked .

No good , - Kruta rejected while furiously searching for a Spatial Ring within the rubble . - The material has gained a hint of tribulation , and would be harmful to my ancestor . You keep it . -

Zac nodded in thanks and had soon swept the whole area for anything in decent shape .

They unfortunately didn’t find any Spatial Treasures . Their original goal had been to find Saeward’s inheritance , but it looked like Saeward took his hoard to the grave when the Tribulation Lightning ripped apart his Inner World . There were weak spatial fluctuations around the puppet , but neither Zac nor Kruta had the skills or tools to open a pathway to its crumbling fragments .

And even if they did , would they dare enter? The fragments of Saeward’s world were likely extremely dangerous and unstable .

With the atrium and outer sections picked clean , they attempted breaking into the hidden compartments of the castle . But no matter what they did , they couldn’t find a way inside . A new array had awakened , which rendered their attacks useless . Zac even swapped to his Draugr form and used everything but Pillar of Desolation] .

They managed to carve some decent scars into the stone , but it healed in seconds . Worse , they’d spotted another defensive array empowering the stones .

Damn , the chambers were probably set up to seal shut when the arrays lost their mental connection to Saeward , - Kruta said , glaring at the puppet . - A thoroughbred bastard to the end . -

There’s nothing we can do? - Zac asked .

I doubt it , - Kruta grunted as he swung his blade at the wall once more . - These types of arrays are a pain in the ass . We’d have to besiege it , exhausting more energy than it can absorb from the environment . -

And that’s easier said than done , - Zac said , looking across the atrium with a grimace . - The energy density is almost unbearable with Saeward’s array gone . -

That’s not the only problem . Someone like Saeward would have installed fallbacks . Breaking the array might release a deadly attack or destroy everything inside . Perhaps both . -

And an unorthodox cultivator like Saeward would probably keep anything of value on himself , - Zac agreed . - You never know when you’d have to run . -

Ultimately , they decided to be happy with what they had . Neither wanted to wait for the rest of the guests to arrive and besiege the inner chamber , which could take months . Zac had already accomplished his goal by getting the Warstone] and dealing with the hidden threat . As a bonus , he even gained some important information and good materials for Alea .

That fact alone indicated there probably wasn’t anything worthwhile inside the inner chambers .

Kruta’s mood vastly improved after stumbling onto the Warstone] inside his Spatial Ring . Zac had completely forgotten to mention the treasure because of the seal appearing , but Kruta had laughed so loud the castle walls shook upon finding it . That jubilation only grew upon learning Zac possessed his own piece . Between the Seal of the Indomitable Court and the Warstone] , Kruta really came out ahead .

Haha , a good day to be Kruta! - the barbarian said .

There’s still Valsa’s treasure as well , - Zac added . - If we figure out a way to open that thing . -

Keep it , - Kruta said with a generous wave . - How could some E-grade cultivator’s resources compare to the gift of the Indomitable Court? You know what? Here . -

Zac looked over curiously and gasped when the barbarian produced three pieces of bone . Each one was a different color , and they all emitted incredibly ferocious auras and thrummed with bloodline power . It was like staring at three Primordial Beasts rather than bones . At first , it appeared they were engraved , but Zac soon realized they were naturally formed patterns .

Emperor Bones? - Zac whistled .

Refined fragments of them , - Kruta said . - You didn’t find anything for your beautiful Beastcrafted axe . C-grade bones would destroy it , but my tribe has extracted most of its energy . What remains is far purer than what you’d find from Beast Kings . They should be the perfect nourishment for your companion’s next step . -

Verun’s desirous roars in Zac’s mind confirmed Kruta’s words . The Spirit Tool vibrated inside his Spatial Ring , to the point Zac believed it would try to break out . Of course , he couldn’t let Verun consume something like that in the middle of a Red Zone , so Zac appeased the spirit before turning to Kruta .

Are you sure? - Zac said .

What are a few bones between friends? - Kruta grinned .

Zac nodded in thanks and accepted the bones . He was in high spirits as they left the castle , where they performed a cursory sweep of the battlefield before heading toward the exit .

The Stand of Saeward felt quite desolate now that the native inhabitants were all gone , even if the lands were still teeming with energy . With the hidden threat dealt with , they made better time on their return trip . The only interruptions were a few encounters with other guests , which provided some loot and Mana .

It turned out that none of the other cultivators experienced the destruction and subsequent reformation of the realm , and neither had they seen the face in the sky or the System’s arrival . They had only felt a series of powerful surges of energy coming from the heart of the zone , after which they’d realized all Hero Souls and puppets were gone .

As expected , many were moving toward Saeward’s Castle in search of answers , but the lack of a quest meant many guests remained cautious . Most believed the energy surges were just the kick-off to the event , and Zac heard plenty of Kruta’s old theories as they interrogated people .

A few coalitions were still trying to guard the exit , but making a bloody example out of a group quickly opened a path .

I’m going into seclusion for a bit , - Kruta said as they appeared in Vastness City . - I need to digest all this stuff . -

We’ll talk later , - Zac said .

Kruta waved , and they returned to their respective storefronts . Zac sighed in relief as he appeared in his mansion . The familiar fluctuations from within the walls provided a sense of security , bringing attention to the ball of stress he’d held all this time . It was no wonder . He had mostly become accustomed to life and death on the battlefield , but it was something else entirely to be targeted by a Supremacy .

There was nothing that could be done when faced with that kind of threat—he wasn’t even an ant to beings like that . Valsa had only summoned a whisp of her ancestor’s true power , and that sliver had been enough to disintegrate a whole world .

Suddenly , Zac felt very alone , and he sent out a message . It didn’t even take ten seconds before the teleportation array activated and Catheya emerged . She breathed out in relief upon seeing he was okay and hugged him tightly .

Thank the Heavens! - Catheya sighed . - I’ve had a bad feeling for days , but we couldn’t find anything . What happened? -

It’s a long story , - Zac said as he led her into his living room . - I⁠— -

Zac’s words caught in his throat as a large shape blocked his vision . A toad .

What the hell? - Zac exclaimed , his mind trying but failing to figure out how this odd toad managed to track him down all the way from the Calamity .

Catheya yelled in alarm , and a wall of frigid ice appeared to shield them . However , as a gentle voice spoke , the ice melted like snow in spring .

Her name is Esmeralda . -

Zac did a double-take at a woman sitting by the window reading a book . She was human , wearing a simple white linen dress . Her strawberry-yellow hair was fastened in a practical bun , and she didn’t wear any tools of jewelry—not even a Spatial Ring .

Her unadorned appearance and utter lack of aura could make one mistake her for a village girl , but that obviously wasn’t the case . The Dharma was partly muted thanks to his Mana , but it was still enough to drive any F-grade cultivator mad . Of course , there was also the fact that not even a guest would be able to find this place , yet she’d made it her home . And with Esmeralda’s lacking strength , she had to be the one who brought the toad here .

This stranger was undoubtedly another old monster , even if she didn’t appear as intimidating as Lord Engo or his master . The pressing question was where her allegiance lay . Was she another disciple of the Perennial Vastness , or related to Valsa? Was it both?

She smiled . - Dear , would you let us borrow your friend for a few minutes? -

A-alright , - Catheya said after giving Zac a look . - I’ll go take a walk in the garden . -

Zac nodded . Esmeralda was content to sit and look haughty while the youthful woman gave Zac a mysterious smile , setting the book down . The silence stretched until Zac couldn’t take it , even if there wasn’t any pressure like when Sendor observed him with his creepy gaze .

Uh , I’m Zac . -

I’m aware . It’s nice to meet you . You can call me Lova . Don’t mind me . I’m just here to facilitate your meeting and translate . -

Translate . . . for the toad? - Zac said , glancing at his old traveling companion .

Esmeralda seemed annoyed at Zac’s demeanor , and began croaking while forming a series of signs that Zac , for some reason , felt were insults .

Esmeralda has been very impressed with your performance over the past years and wishes to extend an offer . -

She said that? - Zac said , looking suspiciously at Esmeralda , who in turn glared at the woman .

Well , in so many words . -

What kind of offer? -

A partnership . -

To do what? - Zac asked , when what the mysterious woman had said before struck him . - Wait , you’ve been spying on me? -

On occasion , - Lova said . - We’ve also followed a few other candidates . But Esmeralda picked you since you killed Valsa Planur and cemented your status as a Flamebearer . Personally , I think it’s for the best . Valsa Planur’s fate was limited . The current generation of the First Heaven is much too disappointing . To think that girl was a direct descendant to Vurkos Planur , who seized the second pillar in such a domineering fashion . I expected more , even if she lacked her Imperial Faith . -

Zac glanced at Esmeralda . Her strangely human expression said he’d just won the lottery by being graced by her attention . The toad had been a bit lofty even back in the Calamity , but it was nothing compared to now . Was it because she’d brought a powerful backer?

Were you there in the Stand of Saeward? - Zac asked , unable to prevent the hint of steel from appearing in his voice .

No . It would be troublesome if Emperor Vastermal discovered us . We did observe her extensively the past days , though , - Lova said , not the least shamefaced by their actions .

Zac took a steadying breath to control the anger bubbling beneath the surface . He’d drive himself into an early grave if he blew a gasket whenever he was used or manipulated by these selfish old cultivators .

A partnership for what? - Zac asked again , suspecting he knew the answer .

Esmeralda needs to enter the Left Imperial Palace , so I’m hoping you could take her . -

You’re a sealbearer? - Zac said , indignity partly replaced by surprise , but the toad shook her head .

Only cultivators and beasts who have reached Atavism can become sealbearers . But that’s fine . There are other paths to entry , - Lova said as she took out an ancient-looking parchment . - The Enshrinement of Kanba . It’s from an interesting society deep in the Eternal Storm . They consecrate beasts in a faith-based cultivation system . This binding will make you the speaker for the Beast Deity . -

Uh , what? - Zac was decidedly unenthused by the idea of becoming the priest of a toad god .

Well , that’s just in their society , - Lova laughed . - In practice , it means Esmeralda could temporarily create a shrine—a subspace—in your body and join the Left Imperial Palace that way . It will also create a mental link to allow you to communicate better . It will even temporarily allow you to use part of Esmeralda’s skills and abilities . -

No offense , but why use some weird method from the Endless Storm? - Zac said with suspicion . - There are many ways to contract beasts . -

It’s for your benefit , - Lova explained . - For one , Esmeralda is more unique than you can imagine . No Hegemon can bear a conventional binding with her . Secondly , the enshrinement will not leave a mark on your path . It’s more of a temporary housing agreement and will not affect your pathways , combat effectiveness , or System evaluation . The only detriment is that you must expend some Cosmic Energy to maintain the shrine . Not much is needed , though , and it will not impact you after forming a core . -

Esmeralda eagerly nodded , and her tongue lashed out to grab the parchment , bringing it to Zac , though he didn’t accept it .

No offense , but I’ve seen you in action , - Zac said as he took a step back . - You’re fast , but I’ll be even faster by the time the trial starts . And your aura is even weaker now than when we last met . What can you bring to the table? -