Defiance of the Fall

Esmeralda looked incredibly affronted , and made a series of angry croaks . Of course , with her tongue still stretched toward Zac , they came out distorted .

Esmeralda isn’t a beast bred for battle like those Beast Tamers contract , - Lova said with a laugh . - Her expertise lies elsewhere . And don’t worry . She’s in a phase of rapid growth . Truthfully , the Esmeralda you see in front of you now is not her true form . She’s not even an undead creature . Eons ago , she had the reputation of being one of the best . . . infiltrators . . . of the Multiverse . -

Infiltrator? - Zac said . - A thief? -

Esmeralda excitedly nodded .

Wait , best in the Multiverse? - Zac said . - Does that mean . - ?

She could be considered a Supremacy , - Lova confirmed , making Zac look at the unassuming toad suspiciously .

Are you two messing with me? -

There was just no way this supersized toad matched the aura or power of the two Supremacies he’d just encountered in the Stand of Saeward . Esmeralda croaked with exasperation , then her eyes widened , and she disappeared in a puff . Before Zac could ask where she went , she returned , the parchment on her tongue replaced by another item : a box .

What? - Zac gasped .

It was the main item consecrated in the hidden temple across from his mansion , emitting the same hair-raising aura as when he first saw it . Zac had almost gotten himself killed getting his hands on the Lucky Beads] , and they weren’t even part of the temple arrangements . They’d just been lying on a pillow in front of the shrine . Meanwhile , Esmeralda took a few seconds to abscond with what probably was the best thing , barely breaking a sweat? Would she be able to do the same inside the Left Imperial Palace?

It took all Zac’s willpower not to welcome Esmeralda to his team right then and there .

63

ESMERALDA

Esmeralda thumped her chest as she wagged the box in front of Zac . Clinging to his doubts , he moved to a nearby window . Catheya was sitting on a bench in the pebble garden , occasionally glancing in his direction . She lit up upon seeing him , who waved at her assuredly and turned back into the room .

Catheya hadn’t noticed Esmeralda coming and going , by the looks of it , and neither was there any response from the ghost temple on the other side of the peak . There wasn’t even a Karmic ripple indicating they had been robbed .

Zac wondered if it were really Esmeralda who’d gotten her hands on it . He couldn’t help but look at Lova sitting by the neighboring window . It had been a deadly tribulation to enter the ghost temple for him , but for this mysterious woman . . .

I assure you , I had nothing to do with that box , - Lova said in response to his questioning stare . - She really entered the temple just now . Esmeralda’s unique bloodline allows her to resist or even ignore many forms of restrictions . That includes the Karmic suppression of the Sangha . Avoiding troublesome Karmic entanglements is a key skill for any good thief . -

Zac wasn’t sure what to believe . There was no way to confirm what was true and false , though his instincts told him Lova wasn’t making things up .

Besides , I killed too many monks in my heyday , - Lova added , looking a bit helpless . - I’ve spent four hundred thousand years reining in my killing intent and performing merit to whittle away the Karmic debt levied on my path . Esmeralda is a dear friend , but I wouldn’t undo my hard work by helping her rob one of their Lotus Pavilions . -

I’ve seen the things inside that temple . Will they come causing trouble because of this? - Zac asked .

What you see is not necessarily real , - Lova said , glancing toward the other side of the peak . - With the Dharma , the bounds between reality and fantasy are often muddled . Powerful belief can turn the unreal real , but it remains a rootless existence . Without sustained piety , creation will return to the bounds of illusion . This Lotus Pavilion was created from the belief of a powerful Arhat , but he is long gone .

The temples you see are echoes of memories that retain some of the original’s strength through the Karmic Link to the Sangha . The items within are in a state of perpetual uncertainty . They are real , yet they are not . By taking the items , you shift the needle toward certainty , but it was only possible by Akaniṣṭha sanctioning it . As to why the Sangha allows this , you should well understand . -

The backhanded nature of the Sangha’s gifts was nothing new to him . Every gift was a Karmic debt , every encounter a Karmic Link binding you closer to the Dharma . They were like a casino . Some would win when coming through the Sangha’s doors and walk away with riches , but the house always comes out ahead .

And everyone believed themselves to be destined for victory .

Was he any different? His eyes gleamed as he looked at the toad and the box she had her tongue wrapped around . - And you’re just giving this to me? -

Esmeralda shrugged and threw the box , and Zac’s heart lurched as he urgently grabbed it .

Esmeralda more enjoys the hunt than the prize itself nowadays . Outsmarting the defenses , breaking the restrictions , and seizing the item is an affirmation of her path , - Lova commented . - Oh , you probably shouldn’t open that thing . At least not unless you want to blow up this whole mountain . -

What! - Zac wheezed , his hand freezing just as he was about to open the lid .

The Sangha’s Lotus Pavilions are Dharmic cleansing arrays . The treasures consecrated within are usually calamitous items with immense fell Karma . Even if this is just an echo made real , it’s bound to be extremely dangerous . -

Why would the Buddhists consecrate something like that? - Zac asked , stuck between wanting to throw the box far away and not daring to let go .

The light shines the brightest after the darkness of the night , - Lova hummed , and Zac felt like she was talking about herself just as much as the box . - Eventually , the sin will be purified by the Buddhist Hymns and the soothing waves of the Brahma , and the calamitous item will become a Dharmic Instrument of great power . -

But until then . . . - Zac said .

Well . . . - Lova smiled . - The night is the night until daybreak arrives . Right now , you could consider it a bomb . If everything else fails , open the lid and run for your life . -

Zac warily looked at the box . When he first saw it , he’d thought it an incredible treasure considering its place of honor . Turns out those crazy monks put a doomsday device in their temple . Still , Zac didn’t throw the thing away . How many times had he survived by the skin of his teeth by blowing something up? You never knew when you needed a big bomb to get out of a jam .

Of course , it would be even better if you could continue the cleansing yourself , - Lova added . - The Lotus Pavilion has already done most of the heavy lifting , but I can tell the item within is not yet irrevocably bound to the Sangha . You might get a surprising prize if you continue to erode the fell Karma and resentment with your Dao . -

That got Zac’s attention . Even an echo of such an item , which Zac assumed was the same as a replica , had to be extremely powerful for someone at his level .

How long would I need to refine it? - Zac asked .

Not long , - Lova said . - A few centuries at most with providence as powerful as yours . -

Oh , - Zac grunted and stowed the box , though only after winding a rope around it a few times just in case .

A few centuries wasn’t long for someone like Lova , but it certainly was to him . There was no way he’d refine it in time for the war unless he found some way to supercharge the process . Perhaps Ogras would have an idea . After all , the process sounded very similar to whatever he had planned for his banner .

Esmeralda is clearly an amazing thief , - Zac said , getting an approving nod from the toad . - But she’s no Supremacy . And if she were , how would she even enter the trial? The age limit is 100 years . Surely you’re aware? -

We all struggle with the concept of death , and Esmeralda was growing old , - Lova said . - Truthfully , many grow more fearful the older they get . When you’ve lived for an eternity , it can be hard to face the fact the end is drawing close . They become increasingly desperate to break through and steal more longevity from the Heavens . Others try to supplement their waning lifeforce through other means . -

Lova looked at Esmeralda , who proudly looked back . - I’m sure you can appreciate how rare such treasures are , items that can provide a meaningful amount of longevity to those at the peak . Even if you get your hands on something , it usually only replenishes a few percent . Esmeralda managed to steal an item that functionally made her immortal . -

What! - Zac said with shock . - Immortality is real? -

True immortality? - Lova said . - Probably not? At least not yet . But a few aberrations have managed to mimic the effect to varying degrees of success . Esmeralda is one such example . The Primo of your Undead Empire is another , as are a few entities hidden in the depths of the Buddhist Sangha . Unfortunately , even false immortality comes with a price .

The item Esmeralda stole provides her with an unceasing font of longevity , but she has been forcibly reincarnated hundreds of times . She loses a sliver of herself each time , and the reincarnations are coming in more frequently . She needs to enter the Left Imperial Palace to find an item that can suppress the effect of the temporal treasure . -

Forced reincarnations? Like a curse? How would that affect me if she sets up shop inside my body? - Zac frowned .

It’s not a curse , - Lova said . - And the treasure has already become part of her body , it can’t affect others . Believe me , people have tried . Many have wanted to extract some of Esmeralda’s endless longevity and take it for themselves . Part of the reason she’s currently staying in the Perennial Vastness is to avoid being captured again . -

You’re pretty crazy , eating something like that , - Zac said to the toad , who responded with a smug look that said , - Worked out in the end , didn’t it?’

Zac would be lying if he said he wasn’t tempted . Even if she’d lost most of her memories and skills , she had a wealth of experience to draw on . The skills of a world-renowned thief would be incredible when looking for treasures and avoiding dangers .

Will she even be able to enter if she’s so ancient? - Zac asked .

A smile spread across Lova’s lips upon hearing Zac’s question . After all , it was a partial agreement . - She should . This Esmeralda is only three years old . And don’t worry . As I said , she’ll rapidly grow over the next few years . She should be at Middle Hegemony by the time the inheritance starts . She still won’t be able to fight the other contestants , but she will not drag you down . -

Three years? Zac gave Esmeralda a second look , now noticing small differences in the patterns on her skin . Esmeralda released a puff of familiar Dao in response : his own .

The kid? - Zac blurted , and Esmeralda nodded with a grin .

The pillar’s sudden ascent came as a surprise to us as well , - Lova sighed . - Esmeralda’s reincarnation cycle was at an unfortunate state , so she sacrificed her cultivation to birth a second incantation early . This way , she’ll be ten when she enters the Left Imperial Palace . It’s not optimal , but someone like Esmeralda will have to be careful about the restrictions . Better safe than sorry . -

Do you think others will do the same? - Zac asked . - Bringing reincarnators or something similar? -

Of course , - Lova laughed . - This is one of the biggest events in recent memory . I don’t know about reincarnators , but everyone involved is currently wracking their brains to figure out ways to gain an edge over the competition . -

Zac’s expression fell upon hearing that . It was bad enough being pitted against centennials from the peak factions of the Multiverse . If they also brought a bunch of cheats , how would he and his followers survive?

The Multiverse was never fair , - Lova said . - But you shouldn’t worry overly much about that aspect . The System is giving this matter an almost shocking level of attention , and it’s already indicated it won’t accept any foul play . You won’t encounter things like what happened inside the Stand of Saeward . The rule on age includes a series of hidden restrictions that even the strongest will have to work within . To break those rules would be to declare war against the Heavens . -

Zac shuddered at that thought , remembering the words of Sendor and Engo . The Thrones , the Seals , the Terminus Council , and the war for the direction of the Era . It almost felt like the hidden masters of the Perennial Vastness were holding their breath , just waiting for all hell to break loose . Sendor had assured Vastermal of his neutrality , but that could also mean he had his own plans and ideas .

Silence stretched , and Even Esmeralda seemed subdued by the heavy topic . Lova sighed and shook her head , taking out an Information Crystal .

I’m sorry . These are not matters you need to worry about . Just focus on yourself and your goals while following your heart . I’ve outlined the proposed terms of cooperation here . It would be a binding contract enforced by teacher and the System itself , should you accept . Neither you nor Esmeralda can renege after it’s signed . -

A quick scan confirmed it was a contract enforced under the ruleset of the Apostate of Order , and it was quite generous . Zac’s only obligation was to provide passage into the trial . Meanwhile , Esmeralda had to do her best to help Zac accomplish his goals inside the Left Imperial Palace , even after she attained her goals .

There was one problem , though . Esmeralda’s goals were identical to the Undead Empire’s . Was there a conflict there?

Zac frowned . - There might be a problem considering the specific treasure Esmeralda needs . I already have a similar agreement in place . If there’s only one⁠— -

Nine , - Lova said . - There should be nine utmost treasures beyond the true inheritance . Like the Heavens , the pillars were constructed following the rule of eight by nine . The one is the Eternal Heritages at their core , and the nine bound it to the Limitless Empire’s purpose . -

Still , Esmeralda is cultivating Death , and . . . - Zac hesitated .

You can see this as a small payment from me for helping my old friend , - Lova said . - I can somewhat guess what’s going on . The agreement you have is no doubt with the Undead Empire . It makes sense they wouldn’t dare aim for the grand prize . Their aim , if I had to guess , is the core of the Hollow Court . Esmeralda doesn’t want that item , so there’s no conflict . -

How do you know that? - Zac asked .

Not many would have the answer , but the followers of the Perennial Vastness are awarded unique insight . - Lova smiled . - Master has been around for a long , long time . He was even consulted on the grand undertaking back then and recorded some of the details . -

Zac raptly listened , afraid to miss a single word or inflection in case it was an important detail .

The reason I can say with good authority that the Undead Empire is targeting the Hollow Court is that they were the ones who helped build it . -

What? How’s that possible? - Zac said . - They didn’t even exist back then . -

The ancient era was a different time . The star of the Limitless Empire was almost blinding , like an insatiable beast , consuming everything in its path . They had accumulated strength far beyond what you can imagine . Even today , nothing comes close . The emperor and his trusted generals traveled the dimensions , seizing one powerful treasure after another and slaying everything that had staked a claim on the Dao .

Some were powerful enough to resist their conquest for a while . But the Empire’s expansion could only be delayed , never halted . Even the greatest beings were forced to compromise . The Primo was one of them . He was forced to pay a painful price in return for the emperor looking the other way and turning his blade in another direction . -

Zac could barely believe what he was hearing . The very same Primo that ruled today lived before the System? No wonder he’d never heard any murmurs of the four Divine Races trying to seize control over the Founders . Messing with that kind of old monster was to ask for trouble .

Looking the other way? - Zac frowned . - What does that mean? -

The Dao is eternal , but the Heavens are neither inexhaustible nor incorruptible . Simply existing for someone at that level is bound to become a hindrance to the aspirations of others . -

Zac had already learned that peak beings impacted the Dao and what it meant . The struggle between the Buddhist Sangha and the Apostate of Mercy exemplified that . Zac didn’t know what made Laondio change from the idealistic alchemist in his Bloodline Vision to the ruthless conqueror he was known as today , but Zac could imagine his thoughts .

The Primo was undoubtedly the most powerful cultivator on the path of Death , possibly the most powerful cultivator of the Peak of Chaos . If Laondio killed him , a good chunk of the Heavens would be freed up .

I don’t know exactly what the Primo was forced to leave behind in exchange for peace , but it was extremely important to him . The events now are a chance for him to take it back , to become whole . -

Zac’s heart shuddered , feeling like he’d learned something he wasn’t supposed to . Who knew? It was possible that not even Tavza or Kator knew the truth of their mission .

Making the Primo whole , what did that mean? A raw powerup , or could it be related to his work with the Heart of the Empire? From what he’d gathered , the Undead Empire still didn’t have full control of that Death-attuned Eternal Heritage , even after all these years . Could the item in the Hollow Court be the key for the Primo furthering his control over the Heart?

A personal powerup of their strongest combatant , and possibly being able to extract more benefits out of an Eternal Heritage based on the Dao of Death . It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that not even the Ultom Courts could compare to that kind of benefit , and it didn’t even come with the risk of seizing a second Eternal Heritage . No wonder the Primo was willing to pay almost any price to enlist his help , going so far as to draft an unprecedented mandate to win him over .

Still , that knowledge made the pressure on him mount . Until now , he’d just planned to give his mission with the Undead Empire a halfhearted try before packing it in . But with such a personal stake for the Primo , would Zac dare slack off?

64

LOOSE STRINGS

Is there anything else you can tell me? - Zac asked rather than mull over the implications of the Primo and his connection to the Hollow Court .

Lova was proving to know more about the upcoming event than anyone he’d met before , except possibly Perala Janodrok . However , the Void Priestess had her own considerations and couldn’t divulge too much .

I’ve already bent the rules of what’s permissible by sharing this , - Lova rejected , dashing Zac’s hopes for further clarity . - And I have no answers to give except old anecdotes found in the corners of our library . Besides , knowing too much is not necessarily a good thing . It might fill your mind with unnecessary thoughts when you’ve entered the trial . Suffice it to say , Esmeralda is looking for something else , and you’re not even required to help her seize it . -

Which was another point that made Zac hesitate . The agreement was incredibly lopsided , and in his favor . For example , half of anything Esmeralda snatched on her own would go to him , while he didn’t have to share anything he helped extract . She wasn’t obligated to fight by his side , but that was fine , considering she wasn’t a combat beast .

I’ve said what needs to be said , - Lova said as a portal sprung up beside her . - Feel free to talk things over among yourselves . If you want my opinion , you should accept . However , please don’t feel any obligation on my or Esmeralda’s accounts . This is an offer of cooperation , not an order . We’ll look for someone else if you’re unwilling to bring Esmeralda . -

Wait! - Zac said as Lova made to leave .

Hm? - she said curiously .

Her gaze was gentle , but Zac’s heart still beat with trepidation as he remembered her offhanded mention of slaughtering a bunch of monks . Still , this was a rare opportunity , and he had a pressing issue he couldn’t solve on his own .

You’ve spied on me for a while , and now you want me to help your friend sneak into an Eternal Heritage . I’m grateful for the information about the Undead Empire , but one could argue you told me that to make sure I agreed , - Zac said , ignoring the chill that appeared in Lova’s eyes . - You’ve been spying on Valsa as well , right? You knew she would summon the emperor , yet looked the other way . It doesn’t seem right . It’s not balanced . -

And what would you say is needed to balance the scales? - Lova asked . The warmth in her voice was still there , but her smile gave Zac the chills .

Valsa might have had accomplices , other people in here who know the identities and details of my friends and me , - Zac said . - Seeing how motivated the imperials are , I’m afraid they’ll stop at nothing in an attempt to extract that information . If my cooperation with Esmeralda is to succeed , I need some assurances⁠— -

You should know that extracting anything tangible is nigh-impossible even for a Supremacy . This is not just empty faith in my teacher . The System itself is a guarantor for the rules put in place for the Cosmic Gallery . Vastermal’s attempt was an act of desperation , and you shouldn’t worry too much about such an eventuality . -

Still , - Zac said , unable to trust this stranger’s words for such an important matter .

Even if she was gentle and courteous despite their vastly different strengths , she clearly had an agenda .

Lova wordlessly looked at Zac for a few seconds . - The invasion of such a powerful consciousness can easily create dangerous turbulence in the realms used for the Cosmic Gallery . To ensure no one is hurt , we’ll disable the ability to leave the Perennial Vastness for two weeks . Everyone will have to visit Vastness City to reset their bracelets at a Temporal Obelisk by the teleportation square .

As for who knows your identity . . . Your new companion knows that better than me . -

Zac breathed out in relief upon hearing the decree . Lova was probably right in her assertation , but this was still a hidden danger that needed to be dealt with before Zac could truly feel safe . Vastermal’s descent had been something of a wake-up call .

He’d always known the powerful factions from the Heartlands were aiming for the Left Imperial Palace , but it had felt distant . Like the struggles between the Supremacies were kept apart from the competition between the younger generation . That feeling had been reinforced by the System sealing Zecia . He should have realized that didn’t mean squat when it came to such important matters .

Lova stepped through the portal the next moment , and Zac thoughtfully looked on as the gate closed . He wasn’t so naïve to believe her only goal in this meeting was to act as an interpreter for Esmeralda . When those kinds of people made a move , it generally involved their benefits or cultivation . The level of obsession that pushed you to Autarchy and beyond wasn’t something you just turned off .

Did she want to drive a wedge between himself and the Undead Empire by divulging dangerous secrets? Or was she perhaps helping the Primo? After all , Zac now felt a far greater pressure to make sure the mission succeeded . She seemed to have a conflict with the Sangha . Was this an - enemy of my enemy’ type of thing? It would explain why she used such a flaky excuse not to share anything beyond the details of the Hollow Court .

Zac shook his head and turned back to the toad . He ultimately had no way to tell what was going on . However , Lova had one thing right : he could only follow his instincts as he worked toward his goals . Everything else was out of his hands .

Do you really know who’s exposed my connection to the pillar? - Zac asked .

Esmeralda eagerly nodded and made a series of signs .

Not a single one escaped your notice? - Zac said . - Who are they? -

Esmeralda snickered , pointedly looking at the contract crystal in Zac’s hand . Zac glared at the toad , but she won the staring contest . Filled with helplessness , he resumed his inspection of the old parchment and the agreement .

Lova said he shouldn’t feel pressured and that they could always find someone else . But that on its own was a threat . After all , Esmeralda knew his identity , and Zac sincerely doubted Lova or this toad were bound by the same restrictions as normal guests . Now , they even held hostage the identities of potential informants while adding a deadline .

It made him warier about the whole thing , even if the underhanded method didn’t necessarily mean their offer wasn’t genuine . Esmeralda croaked with annoyance at the delay . She even produced an Information Crystal and waved it tantalizingly in front of his face .

Hey , don’t look at me like that . I still have two weeks , - Zac snorted . - Didn’t you spy on me for years before you decided to approach me? Why can’t I take my time? -

Esmeralda stomped her foot and made some signs .

Not the same? - Zac said with a raised brow . - I know . I’m doing things above-board while you snuck around in the shadows . -

Esmeralda responded by mimicking his words and expressions with a series of clearly sarcastic croaks . This creature was possibly the second oldest being he’d ever met after Sendor himself , but it was difficult to treat this oddball with that kind of deference . Whether it was her actions or weirdly human expressions , she felt more like a mischievous kid than anything else .

Of course , it might all be a guise to make him lower his guard . However , no matter how hard Zac looked , he couldn’t find anything amiss . The contract was quite generous , no matter how you looked at it . And while he couldn’t pierce the workings of the mysterious parchment of the Kanba , he felt what Lova said was mostly true .

The inherent instincts provided by years of bathing in the waters of the Lost Plane indicated it really was a very weak contract along with a spatial technique . He couldn’t sense anything like the hidden traps he’d run into before , like with the Essence of the Abyss] or the array for the Twinned World Cores .

There was even a section guaranteeing the effects of the Enshrinement of Kanba , and Lova personally guaranteed the effects to the System . If something went wrong , she’d be severely punished . Still , getting a second pair of eyes on the contracts wouldn’t hurt .

Is everything okay? - Catheya asked as she stepped inside , looking at Esmeralda with surprise . - This toa—ahem , Esmeralda , is still here? -

Esmeralda grinned and greeted Catheya with a wave . Catheya returned the greeting before turning to Zac , her face full of questions .

A lot of things have happened , - Zac exhaled . - The threat in the Stand of Saeward was related to that place . And the same goes for Esmeralda here . I could really use some advice . -

Let’s call over your shadow , then , - Catheya said . - He’s a bit annoying , but his scheming mind is quite useful . -

Zac agreed , and Ogras stepped through the teleportation portal a few minutes later .

Your mansion might be even worse than that frigid hellscape , - Ogras spat . - What’s going on? People are saying a treasure is about to be born in the Stand of Saeward , but you’re already back? And . . . what’s with the toad? -

Zac took a breath and brought them up to speed . Just like with Kruta , he skipped some details of his discussion with Sendor . He also didn’t mention the matter of the Primo and the Hollow Court , only stating their goals wouldn’t clash .

It wasn’t that he didn’t trust his girlfriend . They’d reached a tacit agreement that Zac wouldn’t talk about any schemes or plans that might go against the interests of the Undead Empire . That way , Catheya wouldn’t be put in an awkward position where she was stuck between him and her obligations to her clan and the Empire . Zac was also afraid he might trigger some secret safeguards in the imperial commandments if he divulged the Primo’s secrets .

Ogras took the news of his battle with Valsa in stride , and Catheya only shook her head with helplessness . They had long since grown accustomed to his uncanny ability to attract trouble . They also read the agreement and investigated the parchment , but neither found any pitfalls within . Even K’Rav made an appearance , but he wasn’t very helpful .

He was far more interested in the technique for research purposes , bringing up the prospect of fusing the enshrinement with Ogras’s Body Tempering Method . You’d turn the shrines into cages and set up a whole prison in your body . Each cage would house a beast , where you extracted benefits from hundreds of prisoners . Though each captive beast would only provide a fraction of the benefit compared to the creatures Ogras sealed the normal way , the method would effectively be replacing quality with quantity .

Esmeralda couldn’t listen anymore and lashed out with her tongue at the goblin . Zac gave the demon a pointed look , and Ogras sprung to action .

Bastard , thinking of such nefarious things! Senior Esmeralda has brought us such a marvelous plan , and you want to tarnish it with your wicked and unorthodox ideas? - Ogras swore , his face a mask of righteousness . - Back with you , right now! Don’t let me see your face for the next week! -

Esmeralda was startled by the outburst , looking quite pleased . K’Rav only snickered as he flew back into the demon’s sleeve . Esmeralda might have bought the act , but Zac and K’Rav recognized the greedy gleam in Ogras’s eyes as he glanced at the old parchment .

So , what do you think? - Zac asked . - You’ve been busy , - Ogras said with a shake of his head . - I guess it was about time you created a mess . You’ve been too quiet for the past two years . At least it’s mostly good news this time . -

I can’t believe a Supremacy acted so desperately to tip the scales in their favor , - Catheya muttered . - Makes me wonder if the Undead Empire has more plans beyond what we’ve already seen . -

Esmeralda laughed , clearly indicating her thoughts on the matter . Zac had to agree after learning the true nature of the Primo’s goals . It wasn’t a matter of if but a matter of what . Zac wouldn’t even be surprised if his involvement and the mission given to Tavza and Kator were just backup plans . The Primo was getting that treasure one way or another , even if he had to turn the whole frontier upside down .

Let’s put the matters of those imperials aside for now , - Ogras said , and Zac groaned when he saw the gleam in the demon’s eyes .

Ogras was looking at Esmeralda like she was an unparalleled beauty , or perhaps a mountain of treasures . He could have been an official standing by their emperor’s side . Judging by his ingratiating smile , he was only one step away from taking out a fan and tray of fruits .

An expert explorer wants to join our camp , and we don’t even need to provide a seal? What’s the problem? Don’t keep Senior Esmeralda waiting . Hurry up and sign it . -

Esmeralda grinned widely at Ogras’ stamp of approval and even patted his shoulder while giving him a croak full of assurance .

Then I’ll be under your care , Senior Esmeralda , - Ogras said with a smile . - With you at the helm , we can rest easy . How can a trial for some juniors stump an erudite master such as yourself? -

Esmeralda was looking more and more pleased by the second .

Should have known , - Catheya snorted , but she didn’t dissent . - I also think it’s for the best . We undeniably lack experience , and the terms are quite good . I don’t think the Undead Empire would have any objections . -

I guess that’s it , then , - Zac said , looking at the toad . - Welcome aboard . -

Esmeralda huffed like it was about time he came to his senses . Both signed the agreement , and Esmeralda handed over the Information Crystal . Zac briefly scanned its contents before throwing the crystal over to Ogras .

Zac was about to infuse his energy into the Enshrinement of Kanba , but Esmeralda stopped him .

What’s wrong? -

Esmeralda made a series of signs , and Zac soon snorted in exasperation .

There’s no point in creating the shrine right now? You’ll come find me in Zecia before the event starts? - Zac said . - Were you just trying to trick me before? -

Esmeralda looked back at him innocently , and he decided not to push the matter . - Whatever , suit yourself . -

He also preferred not to use the method right away , even if Lova said it wouldn’t affect him . It would give him more time to make sure it was safe . The best thing would be getting Iz to take a look at it , though he didn’t want to always come running to her with problems . Besides , he didn’t want another subspace inside his body , further complicating things when forming his Cosmic Core .

Wait! - Zac said just as Esmeralda was about to leave , making the toad look over curiously .

Can you help me with this? - Zac asked as he took out Valsa’s ring .

Esmeralda’s eyes sharpened as she looked at the ring , and the odd vats on her back started churning . A hint of antiquity spread through the room , but the feeling disappeared after a few seconds . The toad slowly nodded , making a few signs .

Three years? - Zac asked , hesitating a bit before agreeing .

Esmeralda’s tongue flashed , and the ring disappeared from his hand . Zac looked on with confusion as Esmeralda literally swallowed it . He was about to ask what the hell she was doing when he spotted a glimmer on her back . The Spatial Ring had been moved to one of her vats , and complex runes appeared on the translucent membrane . Was it a natural array breaker?

Zac glanced at Catheya and Ogras , who just shook their heads , indicating they also had no idea what was happening .

Remember , I got that thing on my own , - Zac added . - The items inside are mine . You can consider it a test for our upcoming partnership . -

Esmeralda made a sign that said she had no interest in some treasures of an E-grade brat . The toad was gone the next second , her movement technique not even leaving a ripple in her wake .

You keep collecting weird things , - Ogras commented as he took out a bottle of wine .

Like you’re one to talk , - Catheya laughed . - If it’s not ghosts , then it’s shadow creatures . -

Well , we don’t all have powerful empires to help us out . We commoners have to get our hands dirty if we want a shot at the good life , - Ogras shrugged .

Yeah , poor you , - Catheya said , her voice dripping with sarcasm . - Show me the imperial in our generation who wouldn’t get green with envy upon hearing all the lucky encounters you’ve stumbled onto since meeting Zac . -

Alright , you two , - Zac groaned . - You guys keep bickering like an old married couple , I’m starting to get jealous . -

Like he’d ever survive being married with that mouth , - Catheya muttered . - We have time to discuss all these issues , but I think we need to figure out what to do with Valsa’s subjects . -

Isn’t it obvious? - Ogras said . - They need to die . I admit I don’t know the next thing about Supremacies , but I don’t feel comfortable trusting that the seals of the Perennial Vastness will keep us safe . -

Honestly , I think the risk of someone like Lova exposing your identities is far greater than Supremacies breaking through the System’s seals to extract the information , - Catheya sighed .

Agreed , but we can’t do anything to them , - Ogras shrugged . - The deathsworn is a nuisance we can deal with . If nothing else , it’ll help us in the short-run . We’re lucky no new batch of guests has arrived over the past week . But I wouldn’t be surprised if the Seven Heavens sent another princeling into the Perennial Vastness to recoup their losses . After all , they now know there’s a Flamebearer in here . -

Zac sighed upon hearing the demon echo his thoughts . That was exactly his worry and why he’d asked Lova for assistance . Sendor already said he wouldn’t bar the young generation from entering the Perennial Vastness . How would they be able to focus on their Core Formation if a constant stream of imperials came out of the woodwork?

Killing the deathsworn won’t change that fact , but it will make their work harder . They’ve failed once and know we’re on guard . They’d have to make the second attempt count . I would be hesitant to launch an all-out strike unless I knew with certainty who to target and how Valsa failed the first time , - Catheya said .

And if we kill all the helpers and destroy all evidence , they’d have to start from scratch , - Ogras added . - Not just the investigations , but echelons , non-public intelligence of zones . You name it . We could just stay in high-echelon zones for the rest of the gallery , and they wouldn’t be able to touch us . -

Alright , - Catheya said as she took the Information Crystal from Ogras . - You two stay here , I’ll deal with it . It’s time those - helpers’ of ours put some work in . -

65

GETTING STRONGER

Neither Zac nor Ogras were surprised Catheya chose to take on this bloody mission . She was simply the best suited for it .

There are nine names , and there’s even fourth-echelon cultivators among them , - Ogras commented . - Dealing with them will be . . . Expensive . -

Zac grimaced at the thought . He remembered his encounter coming to Catheya’s aid just after entering the Perennial Vastness . He’d lost over 500 Mana killing the leader . Wiping out the whole group inside Vastness City would levy extraordinary fines on the killers . And it was easier said than done to lure them into a Red Zone .

Valsa struck me as someone who’d rather sacrifice all her deathsworn to empower herself than leave safeguards for others . I can’t believe so many people remain , - Zac said .

She probably would have if their strength were up to snuff , - Ogras agreed .

It doesn’t matter , - Catheya said . - It’s exactly for this type of thing they sent reinforcements . -

In this case , - they’ referred to the Undead Empire . The Eternal Clan siblings he met back then had already left the Perennial Vastness , but over a dozen new undead had cropped up over the past years . Two had just stumbled upon tokens , but the rest were sent with an explicit mission to shore up their position inside the trial .

Oddly enough , not one of those entering was a member of the Divine Races . They were all Revenants , Spectrals , and Corpselords , seemingly from completely different parts of the Undead Empire . What they had in common was incredible strength , easily surpassing the average guest . Zac had once found them highly suspicious , even suspecting they were part of the hidden threat .

Now that the threat was gone , the reinforcements came in handy .

Make sure there’s no trail leading back to you , - Zac said . - People will be talking about this for a while . -

Don’t worry , - Catheya smiled . - You two just don’t go creating any more problems before I’ve cleaned up this mess , right? -

Catheya left , and Ogras turned to Zac . - So , you got another sealbearer . You think he can be trusted? -

I think so . -

Still , having his seal wakened was a mistake . He’s a far bigger threat than those people on the toad’s list . What if he gets greedy upon his return? The knowledge he holds is worth a lot of money , and he doesn’t need you anymore . -

Kruta would never do that willingly , - Zac said . - If anything , he’ll keep our secrets out of self-preservation . He knows how these Imperial Clans act . If word gets out about his seal , his whole tribe will get implicated . They’d extract all knowledge before killing him to move the seal onto one of their own . -

Fine , - Ogras sighed . - I doubt you’re willing to kill him even if we found the opportunity . -

Of course not , - Zac glared .

Then we’ll just have to see where the pieces fall , - Ogras said . - At least you’ve completed your cycle now . That’s one problem dealt with . By the way , did the brute really gain an epiphany? Your girl said that wasn’t the case . -

The seal was thrumming with that weird energy , - Zac confirmed . - Maybe it’s because it was from the Indomitable Court? -

Either that or it’s Fate , - Ogras said . - You have to admit , that particular court is perfect for him . He’s also connected to you , the walking seal magnet . He has far more affinity to the Left Imperial Palace than some random guy who’s killed a sealbearer . -

Affinity , - Zac muttered . - That might be it . -

It made sense if you looked at it from a suitability perspective . If the deathsworn had held a seal of the Daedalian Court like Ventus , such a pairing wouldn’t have been suitable .

Guess we’ll find out during the war , - Ogras said . - It’s good news for us , at least . Means we might be able to gain epiphanies even if we find our final pieces inside the bodies of the Kan’Tanu . -

That is good news , - Zac said . - Unfortunately , I have some bad news as well . -

Zac explained the connection between the Primo and the Hollow Court . The demon didn’t have Catheya’s conflict of interest and needed to know , especially when what would happen during the trial was up in the air . What if Ogras appeared inside the Hollow Court and consumed whatever treasure was within?

Nine treasures , and my court’s ultimate prize just had to belong to an old monster who’s still around? What kind of greedy bastard sticks around that long? Just pack it in and let us youngsters live our lives , - Ogras swore , his face scrunching up . - Did you siphon off all my luck? Is that what this is? -

Hey , you’re not under a contract , - Zac smiled . - Feel free to go for it . -

And have some undying monstrosity breathe down my neck for the rest of my days? - Ogras spat . - I’d rather marry a Barghest . Still , it might be an opportunity . If those undead imperial hotshots get turned around , and we get the thing on our own . . . -

We’d have an undying monstrosity owing us a huge Karmic debt , - Zac concluded .

Ogras leaned back into the sofa . - Well , this is all premature . There are a lot of roadblocks to pass before talking about bartering with the Primo , these deathsworn being the most immediate issue . Are the undead up to the task? -

It shouldn’t be a problem , - Zac said . - Our forces are greater , and we have the element of surprise on our side . -

Zac was soon proven right . Twenty minutes later , news of a shocking event spread through Vastness City . The Undead Empire had gone mad and attacked a smithy , killing everyone within . Eight people died , two of them from the Undead Empire . One Revenant had been expelled from the Perennial Vastness after landing three of the killing blows and running out of Mana .

The news barely had time to land before a second piece of explosive news dropped in the form of a global message . One from the Perennial Vastness itself . Lova had held up her part of the bargain . The Perennial Vastness was sealed for two weeks , and a large obelisk humming with Temporal Energy had appeared next to teleportation square .

The timing was perfect , to the point Zac guessed it was intentional . If Lova had sent out the message right after leaving , the six deathsworn would’ve likely left the smithy or gone underground . Now , they caught most of their targets in one go .

One day later , two more warriors were executed by undead death squads , and on the thirteenth day , a hooded man was killed as he appeared on the teleportation square . His death allowed Zac and the others to breathe out in relief , as his was the last name on the hit list .

A few days later , Esmeralda showed up and spat out a Spatial Ring . Zac first thought she’d unlocked Valsa’s ring grossly ahead of time , except it wasn’t the same one . Say what you want about Esmeralda , she was thorough . The toad had uprooted hidden depositories left behind by Valsa and her followers . The ring contained both coded and uncoded Information Crystals . Some were about himself , but his heart shuddered upon finding detailed accounts of both Catheya and Ogras .

There was also quite a bit of information about various Red Zones , insider info only the larger coalitions would hold . A surprising amount of the intelligence covered zones Zac recognized , zones well suited to his Daos . Valsa had probably felt it too risky to follow him into one of the random environments while he hunted for treasures of the seventeen Dao Peaks , and instead opted to research regions he’d eventually visit .

It was just a coincidence the showdown took place in the Stand of Saeward . Similarly , there were reports for zones suitable for Ogras and Catheya , though those missives were far less detailed . The meticulous plans and data left Zac’s back slick with sweat . Thank the Heavens he had his early warning system . He might have been in trouble if things played out just slightly differently .

Now , the wealth of information turned into a useful tool . He still had some treasures to pick up for his Omnitool , and the next step was to grind Mana as quickly and efficiently as possible . The reports would help out a lot . After all , raw strength often wasn’t enough to accomplish the missions in the Red Zones . You also needed to figure out tricks or hidden rules to reap the maximum rewards .

With that , all the safehouses were plundered , and those with damaging intelligence were slain . If the Empire sent new people to investigate , the clues would point to the Undead Empire rather than him personally . It wasn’t the best of disguises considering his Draugr persona was quite well known , but it was better than nothing .

So , what now? - Catheya asked as the trio reconvened .

Five days had passed since the last name on the hitlist had been struck , and things were calming down . An unusually large batch of arrivals had appeared two days prior . These newcomers had been stuck in the waiting room where Zac first met Null until the lockdown ended . The job of dealing with agents of the First Heaven had been pushed onto the Undead Empire , and so far , none of the newcomers appeared suspicious .

The same thing we’ve been doing , - Zac said . - Gather Mana and opportunities so we can break through . -

Good , - Ogras said , springing to his feet . - Feels like I’ve been stuck in house arrest . We’re heading out . -

We? - Zac asked .

Not you , - Ogras said , then turned to Catheya . - The goblin has calculated another event . Should be a good one , and a lot of people are still busy trying to break into the empty vaults in the Stand of Saeward . -

Zac looked over with interest , only to be met with two tepid stares .

Don’t even think about it , - Ogras spat . - Who knows what kind of catastrophe you’ll attract? Let us make some money in peace . Go play somewhere else . -

You better stay out of our way . - Catheya laughed then kissed his cheek . - See you in a bit . -

They were gone the next second , leaving Zac alone in his mansion .

Whatever , - Zac muttered as he walked into his study . - I guess I can sit one out . -

Truth be told , he didn’t mind . He had a lot on his plate , and his short stint in the Stand of Saeward added a significant boost of Mana . He’d killed fifteen people in his battle with Valsa , adding 3 , 000 Mana in those few hours . Then on his way out , he’d killed one and defeated three , cementing having earned more than most months , even without a quest to supplement his income .

Zac spent the next hour standing in front of the huge simulation array , his mind churning as he looked at the intricate paths of his blueprint . At a nearby desk , he took out a stack of notes covered with various thoughts , ideas , and plans he’d come up with since he started studying his blueprint in earnest , along with the Warstone] .

Hours turned to days while Zac studied every aspect of the Conflict-attuned Supreme treasure , using everything he’d learned during his blueprint studies and the insights awarded from Cosmic Forge] . Its energy signature was analyzed , as were the truths locked within , and new pages were added to the stack one after another .

Other treasures joined the Warstone] : the Void Engine] , the Calamity Core] , and even the Hollow Core] . Zac studied what happened when their auras interacted , and he breathed in relief . The items couldn’t be considered perfectly compatible , but they had no irreconcilable clashes . In other words , he’d gathered all the materials he needed .

His blueprint was also ready , having received some upgrades over the past years . Almost nothing was left on his checklist . His breakthrough was drawing closer , and even his momentum stirred , pushing him forward .

He still had some things to accomplish inside the Perennial Vastness . There was also the process itself to worry about . He’d already come up with a general idea on how to form his Cosmic Core when inventing his blueprint , but even Ultom hadn’t been able to provide him with an exact solution .

After all , he hadn’t known what materials would be used for the nucleus back then . Zac couldn’t just cram these items together inside the Hollow Core] and hope for the best . He needed to consider their specific properties and the best way to extract , refine , and fuse them . That was the only way he’d create anything better than a Low-quality core . The only way he’d form a core at all , really .

Finding Cosmic Forge] had opened his eyes to all kinds of new possibilities , and he would be a fool not to take those into account . He wasn’t planning on using the technique on his Cosmic Core , but how it fused the essence of different materials was absolutely ingenious .

The biggest problem for mortals when it came to Core Formation , was the need for a large number of treasures and materials to use as a foundation . It made the cores heterogenous and poisoned them with external Daos . Just like infusing Cosmic Cycles into equipment with Cosmic Forge] , you had to ensure the fodder fit . Picking the wrong essences or fusing them in the wrong order prevented you from adding more than a couple of layers to a piece of equipment .

That was well and fine when practicing on a training axe . He couldn’t be so flippant when it came to his core . The cost of failure was either death or a broken core . With a foundation as heavy as his own , Zac feared it’d be the former . The amount of energy in the treasures he’d use was enough to blow him up ten times over . And even if he survived , there was no way he’d be able to make another attempt in time for Ultom .

There were various techniques to alleviate the issue of incompatibility and heterogeneity . Still , it was generally a huge problem for mortals to progress through the ranks in the D-grade with their mottled cores . Galvarion , the mortal Monarch , had tackled the issue by only focusing on the Dao of Water and remaining as weak as possible for his grade . The smaller and more condensed the foundation , the fewer treasures Galvarion needed to use . That allowed him to arduously make his way through Hegemony and eventually form an Inner World .

That obviously wasn’t an option for Zac , forcing him to figure out various methods to solve the problem . Even then , the results weren’t optimal , and the Core Formation process was fraught with danger and risk . Luckily , the theories within Cosmic Forge] allowed him to improve various aspects of the process , removing some dangers while creating a better product .

With his materials secured , an actual plan was finally starting to form . It was a marvelous feeling . Perhaps it was the Mana-powered domain , perhaps it was thanks to being able to visualize the end of this long project . A decade of hard work was fast crystallizing into a personalized primer for Core Formation , and time lost all meaning .

Until a specific message dragged him out of his reverie . Zac blinked and looked around , seeing the thousands of pages strewn about . Three full months had passed , where Zac hadn’t left his mansion once , not even to look for free Mana through duels . But the message he’d just received wasn’t one he could ignore , so Zac freshened up and activated the teleporter .

You’re leaving already? - Zac asked as he emerged atop a huge skull .

No point in sticking around any longer , - Kruta grinned . - Kruta’s foundations are as stable as mother earth . The eighth echelon is enough for me . The Stand of Saeward was already meant to be my last mission , and I walked away with more than I could ever dream of . The epiphany even allowed me to fix some issues with my ancestral link . -

Still , one year in here is just one month on the outside , - Zac said .

I’ve exhausted my potential in the E-grade , - Kruta shrugged . - One extra month on the outside as a Hegemon will be more useful than one year in my current state here . Besides , I might enter another Time Chamber to gain the levels I lack for the upcoming trial . The less time I spend in here , the better . I need to get a whole lot stronger and quickly . -

I know the feeling , - Zac sighed . - I know it all too well . -

66

FANTASY

Kruta’s decision made sense . There was no point in sticking around when the opportunities had dried up . Even breaking through early made sense in some cases , where you traded perfection for momentum .

I’ll do my best to come over , - Kruta said , his eyes gleaming with ferocity . - I’ll show those heart curse cultivators what’s what . -

I’m looking forward to it , - Zac laughed .

They set up a line of communication in case Kruta managed to reach Zecia , similar to his relay with Catheya . Kruta also provided Zac with a teleportation token that would take him to his tribe , though it would only work while on the Ralphi Continent . He’d also gathered all the intelligence he could remember of the Seven Heavens onto an Information Crystal .

Unfortunately , besides general knowledge , Kruta didn’t have much intelligence about the other Heavens . He knew a bit more about the fourth , which the Luaris Dynasty controlled . The barbarian did share some rumors that people generally didn’t dare speak about loudly .

For one , Zac had long known that one of the Imperial Dynasties had already fallen . The Dianthis Dynasty that once controlled the Third Heaven . It happened soon after the Imperial Clans reemerged after the System awoke . According to Kruta , there were many indications that the Third Heaven had been invaded by all the other families .

Too much time had passed , and outsiders had no way of knowing the details , but the general belief was that it was related to the Limitless Empire . The seven clans had looted the inheritance of their masters in the chaotic aftermath of the System’s birth , before hiding in secluded corners of the Multiverse during the Dark Ages .

When they emerged , they created the Seven Heavens and set themselves up as the Imperial Dynasties that stood to this day . Perhaps the Dianthis Clan had managed to get something too tantalizing from the vaults of the Limitless Empire . Some even believed it was the Dianthis Clan who seized the method to create the Heavens .

If that were the case , the betrayal made some sense . The Heavens were the foundation of the Imperial Clans’ influence and might . If one of the seven held the key to creating more Heavens or even destroying those of the others , the Imperial Clans would always have a threat looming over their heads .

The Dianthis Dynasty was essentially strangled in its infancy , and there simply was no Third Heaven . The Seventh , Tobrial Dynasty’s Heaven and his foremost competition in the upcoming trial , could also be considered the Sixth . Kruta had no idea why they retained their current numbering , though .

The fate of the Third Heaven was just an interesting tidbit . More useful was the information about the dynamics of the remaining six . On the outside , they seemed like a powerful and solid alliance , where the imperials stood as one against outside pressures . Eons of intermarriage between the dynasties had kept their families close .

In reality , turbulent currents hid beneath the calm surface . According to Kruta , the First Heaven had essentially become the informal leader of the six after they gained a sudden burst of power in the distant past . He and Kruta now realized it was likely related to the First Heaven seizing the second pillar when it emerged .

Since then , there had been a hidden struggle for dominance . The Second Heaven was reportedly under the Planur Dynasty’s thumb , and the goal of the first was to improve their position even further . Perhaps to even turn the other five into outright subjects . Of course , the other Heavens weren’t just going to let that happen . An outright war would weaken both sides too much , but hidden struggles for resources and power remained a constant .

The Fifth Pillar was a chance for the other Heavens to gain an Eternal Heritage of their own . Zac could only imagine what would happen if a faction got its hands on Ultom and managed to extract that amazing energy from within . No wonder the First Heaven tried everything to get Ultom for themselves , with Vastermal going so far as to break into the Perennial Vastness .

Perhaps they could use that information to their advantage in the future .

Zac stayed for another two hours , not to plan or scheme , but to have a feast .

My friend , meeting you here was my greatest fortune , - Kruta said as he shook Zac’s hand in goodbye . - We’ll see each other soon . -

Likewise . Take care , - Zac nodded . - Don’t force it if you can’t reach the frontier . Don’t let the imperials find you . -

Zac emerged from Kruta’s storefront , sending out a message as he set course for the teleportation square . Since he’d emerged from seclusion , he might as well knock another goal off his list . Zac stopped in a secluded street not far from the square , and he only needed to wait ten minutes before the shadows stirred .

The brute is gone? - Ogras asked as he stepped out of the darkness .

Well , secluded anyway , - Zac said . - Don’t know why you were so against meeting with him . It would have been good for our cooperation to go through a mission together . -

There’ll be time for that if he manages to reach Zecia , - Ogras said . - Until then , I felt it best if some of us kept a distance . With his mouth unsealed , there’s just no way of telling what’ll happen . -

I know , I know , I’m a big-mouthed fool , - Zac said with a roll of his eyes .

And we all suffer for it , - Ogras said with a melodramatic expression , though his face soon lit up . - You ready to put in some work? -

Let’s go , - Zac said . - I’m curious to see what kind of nightmare you plan to cram into your body . -

You know what? I’m actually not that curious , - Zac muttered as his axe tore through a bend in reality .

Ogras glanced over in time to see a powerful wave of Dao shred the anomaly , and an eerie laugh echoed through the region before reality stabilized . Gone was the twisted face spewing out nightmares , now replaced with some shrubbery . The action would only delay the inevitable . The world was stirring , and the ambient energies were rising fast . They only had an hour at best before a great reset swept through the area .

Eight hours , and you already want to pack it in? - Ogras grinned , though he was merely trying to hide his own unease .

Even as someone who treads the line between real and imaginary , this realm was decidedly unsettling . It wasn’t natural , walking inside the dream of an unknown creature . A creature that possibly wasn’t even alive , going by how warped and unstable the dream had become . It felt like they could get twisted and bent from a moment’s carelessness . Or worse , what if the creature woke up?

Would it turn its dream , and them with it , into a figment of its imagination? They had little choice . The Shifting Dreamgeist was the most suitable beast Ogras could find after scouring hundreds of scrolls and intelligence reports . Meanwhile , Zac needed something from the Peak of Fantasy for his weird hammer . Win-win , provided you survive .

You sure about this? - Zac asked as he kept enforcing his Dao to quell the surging surroundings .

The missives were clear , - Ogras grunted as he extended his shadow network through the ground . - If we don’t anchor ourselves for the dream shifts , then we’ll get dragged Heavens know where . Could be the beginning , could be one of the unstable regions . But this shouldn’t be too bad . You should be able to tide things over with your Mana and Dao alone this far from the center . -

That doesn’t mean you can slack off , - Zac commented .

I know , - Ogras said . - Just you watch as I bend this world to my will . -

Time was running out , so Ogras stopped his shadow tendrils when they’d stretched three hundred meters in every direction . It was for the best , he already felt himself growing hollow . It was sometimes easy to forget that the shadows weren’t a bloodline ability or something that could be fueled with Cosmic Energy .

The shadows were his actual body , thanks to getting Asshole fused with his body and then practicing the Spiritlock Physique] . He only had so many shadows to go around , and he couldn’t accumulate more beyond a certain point . Still , three hundred meters should be more than enough to create a safe harbor in the upcoming storm .

His Branch of the False Truth spread through his tendrils , anchoring the world to his vision . Ogras shut out all distractions as he pictured the scene , and he his Dao slowly formed a resonance with the surroundings . Minutes passed , then it came like a tidal wave .

Ogras’ mind was assaulted by hundreds of foreign impressions , and the mental world he’d crafted distorted from the influence . Though not to a point where he couldn’t fight back . Ogras furiously quenched the unfamiliar images and stole their essence to stabilize his illusion . Every impression he subverted stabilized his own , and the resonance between Dao and world converged until they were one .

A minute passed and the dream shift was gone . Ogras could tell it was a success . The shift hadn’t managed to fuse their auras with the dreamworld , making it impossible to teleport them away . Ogras even managed to influence the dream and remold it to his liking , and he opened his eyes with anticipation . But the grin turned crooked .

What he imagined was mostly there , except the details were wrong . Decidedly wrong . He could have just stepped into his own nightmare , narrowly dodging toxic spittle from a scantily clad devil with a snake’s head .

What the hell? - Zac swore as he found himself grappling with a courtesan’s empty silk dress .

Meanwhile , six dancing bottles released a toxic plume that rapidly filled the small chamber that had sprung up around them .

Don’t breathe the perfume! Let’s go! - Ogras urged , and they crashed through a door .

On the other side , a mad feast was taking place with hundreds of guests . Nightmarish courtesans , faceless patrons , and animated tools of the four arts created a surreal atmosphere full of debauchery , joy , and horror . The wordless reproach in his companion’s eyes was palpable , and Ogras coughed as he started clearing a path toward what he hoped was the exit .

Well , the information packages said the better you could envision the harbor , the stronger it would resist the dream shift , - Ogras explained . - And I spent a lot of time in the Fragrant Orchid Teahouse in my youth . -

And how much time did you spend memorizing the interiors? - Zac countered as he peppered the aggressive patrons with a storm of fractal leaves . - Why does it seem like you wanted to see if you could dream up a harem? -

Yeah , well . Now we know that doesn’t work , - Ogras said , unable to hide his disappointment . - Unless your tastes veer into the bizarre . -

Things didn’t work out with that Hissa girl? - Zac commented .

The lass from the Primal Council? - Ogras said . - They worked fine , but those brutes are so territorial . Some meatheads started grumbling , and she wanted me to fight them . Stake my claim , prove myself , you know? Too much of a headache . -

And now you’re resorting to creating a literal dream-girl? Using a brothel as a model? - Zac sighed .

Genius , right? - Ogras laughed as he shredded the final nightmare courtesan blocking their path .

Whatever , let’s go . -

Unfortunately , more chambers and distorted guests waited on the other side of the screen door . After ten minutes of fighting their way out of the bizarro teahouse , the two mutely looked on as it dissipated soon after they emerged . The dream would always revert to its natural state without outside influence powering and reinforcing the change .

No more teahouses , - Zac muttered as he turned toward the dream’s center .

Fine , - Ogras shrugged . - Though I doubt my other harbors will be much better . -

Four days passed , and the dream and its denizens grew increasingly intense . Ogras even began pitying the creature whose mind they’d entered . What kind of life had it led to be haunted by so many nightmares in its sleep? He’d lost count of the number of odd creatures they’d fought , how many insidious death zones they’d dismantled or avoided .

Ogras hated that almost nothing was real . He’d never realized what a great source of comfort the gift of the Ruthless Heaven was , the surge of energy that confirmed your enemy was well and truly dead . Certainly , there were many ways to enact revenge upon your killer from beyond the grave—life-linked arrays , Karmic trails that would allow your clan to find the perpetrator , and so on .

That was far preferable to not knowing whether you destroyed a dream denizen . Their bizarre appearances and abilities didn’t help either , and many could reform . Ogras’s nerves were constantly frayed , never knowing what was dangerous or safe .

The few dream residents who formed a true soul were a great solace . Feeling that Kill Energy’s surety when your spear pierced their heads didn’t just confirm they were real . They reminded Ogras himself that he was as well . It came to the point he actively sought out anything possessing spirituality , turning into a reaper who destroyed the native motes of reality to fuel his own .

Still , the pressure mounted , and Ogras couldn’t take it . He glared at his companion as he methodically destroyed a flock of teethy balls of fur .

How are you so damn calm? -

Huh? - Zac said , looking over with that dull look of his .

This place , - Ogras waved with exasperation . - How is it not stressing you out? My nerves are on fire and I’m losing my mind! -

Really? - Zac said . - It’s not too bad compared to some of the other zones I’ve visited . These dream beasts are on the weaker side , and I have you to deal with the shifts . We’ve eradicated the imperials , and the others are afraid to mess with us after the rampage inside Vastness City . I think things are pretty good right now . -

Why does it feel like you’re cursing us when you say things like that? - Ogras muttered . - Asking for trouble . -

His composure was aggravating , but Ogras had to admit the man had a point . The Undead Empire had become scapegoat and shield , and guests took a wide berth around Zac and his girl when they appeared . No one wanted to be the next one to appear on the Undead Empire’s hit list . Even the powerful coalitions opted to look the other way after the Undead Empire confirmed it was a matter between two warring factions .

Why get involved in that kind of mess?

Ogras continued until he noticed Zac had stopped . Did he have something more to say? Or was it . . . ? Ogras shuddered and prepared for the worst . Had this fate-touched bastard really brought down a Calamity on their heads with his words? He should have known better than to taunt the Heavens .

No sudden dream shift swept through the region , and no horror popped out to make their life miserable . Zac was simply staring off with a small frown . Ogras glanced in the same direction , but there was nothing there . Apart from the rippling opalescent clouds that made up the ground and sky , there was just a small pond and a couple of trees .

As far as the Shifting Dream went , it was quite calm . Too calm , perhaps?

What are you looking at? - Ogras asked with confusion .

I . . . think we should go in that direction , - Zac said , distractedly fiddling with his invisible beads .

Ogras laboriously held back a sour comment , opting for magnanimity over jealousy , even if that uncanny Luck was enough to ruin one’s day . He had to focus on the positive . They were in his world now , and there was a good chance anything the Heavens threw Zac’s way would end up in his pocket .

Veering off their original course , they moved by instinct . Both used every tool in their arsenal to find anything of interest . It took ten minutes , but then it finally paid off .

Hmm , - Ogras said , vaguely sensing odd ripples from far off .

It was minute , to the point he wouldn’t have given it a second look if not for his buddy’s uncanny nose for treasure . But as things stood , it was worth investigating .

Do you see something? - Zac asked .

Might be nothing , - Ogras said , hating the sense of defeat that had snuck into his voice .

Let’s go , - Zac grinned .

Two hours later , Ogras blankly looked on as his buddy gleefully infused a shimmering wooden figurine into his hammer . He’d been the one almost driven mad unraveling the illusory layers protecting the thing , yet there wasn’t even a stalk of grass he could use inside . He should have known the Heavens wouldn’t steer its chosen one off-course for the sake of someone else .

Don’t look at me like that , - Zac said with that infuriating smile . - All the Fossilized Dreams for the quest will go to you . And isn’t there that creature as well? -

Ogras slowly exhaled , steadying his mental state . - You’re right . You’re right . There’s still the Dreamgeist . -

Continuing into the realm , they soon reached depths neither would have reached alone . Zac would never have managed to stop the shifts , and he would never have been able to withstand the nightmarish onslaught that followed . Every figment was at the D-grade . They’d even sensed a Late D-grade aura .

They soon managed to unearth one quest target after another . They were odd anomalies , dreams that had failed to form spirituality yet had become more than an illusion . Instead , they’d turned into rocklike formations that contained dense deposits of the Dao of Dreams . They couldn’t quite be considered Natural Treasures , but they held far greater truths than Dream Crystals . And there were quite a few of them .

They spent two full weeks in the heart of the dream , fighting dozens of waves of beings brought from the depths of Ogras’s mind and then twisted by the dream . Then , they finally found what they were looking for . What he was looking for , anyway . Hiding far in the distance to ensure they weren’t discovered , Ogras’s cheeks burned as Zac slowly turned to him . He studiously avoided meeting Zac’s gaze , but he could guess the kind of thoughts they held .

That’s . . . That’s the thing you want to fuse with? -

67

KARMIC DEBT

Well . . . - Ogras said , his voice trailing off as his perfect plan suddenly felt in need of revision .

Zac’s voice held an unmistakable mix of disbelief and mirth , and Ogras couldn’t blame him . The description of the Shifting Dreamgeist had painted a vivid picture , yet it paled to the real thing .

The Dreamgeist was only one meter tall , looking like an incredibly fat floating baby . A baby born from the unholy union of an ogre and a de-feathered rooster , with three tentacles instead of stubby legs . The thing had thin purple eyes whose pupils moved independently of each other as it took in the surroundings , and a wide , flat beak that seemed perpetually locked in a brainless smile .

No feathers or scales adorned it . Rather , it seemed born from the clouds that made up most of the Dream Shift . Except the clouds were more condensed , like they’d been crammed into a container too small a size . Its whole body shuddered and rippled like it would erupt at any moment . Altogether , it looked one part ugly and two parts stupid—a far cry from the intimidating creatures Ogras had first considered for the next layer of the Spiritlock Physique] .

Won’t you turn into that thing if you fight? - Zac said , looking at him askance .

Not necessarily , - Ogras coughed . - I can choose which aspects I use when activating the lock . Besides , I don’t want this thing for its appearance . I want it for the affinities and Bloodline Talent . I walk the path of the Illusory Shade , but my affinity to the Peak of Fantasy will hold me back unless something changes .

The two beasts provided by master drastically improved my affinity to Shadows , and the Dreamgeist’s bloodline is far greater than both . Its Bloodline Talent is also a perfect match to my flag . Who cares what it looks like? -

Ogras normally wasn’t one to share the details of his path , but what could he do? This odd bastard would ruin his good name if he didn’t clarify things . A little bit of pillow talk and that obsidian-eyed vixen would have ammunition for the next couple of years .

If you say so , - Zac said , clearly holding back a laugh .

Whatever , - Ogras spat . - Just help me deal with its minions , and I’ll do the rest . Be careful not to harm it . -

That bastard Rez hiding in the Towers of Myriad Dao obviously had a plan with his soul-grafting experiment , even if his execution had been laughably crude . The Umbra had been an assassin , and he’d picked creatures useful for his own craft . The planeswalker was a shadow elemental who excelled at moving unseen . Its enemies were dead before they had a chance to realize someone was targeting them from the shadows .

The Umbric Recluse was a silent hunter , using shadows to bind and weaken their enemies . The moment its prey stepped out of the sun’s protective rays , they were already doomed . Its unique shadow manipulation allowed an assassin to force an opening without so much as a Cosmic Energy ripple that could be exposed .

Both were useful , and things worked out well in the end . Although , that was no thanks to his dear master , who never intended to leave a true inheritance . To do so would potentially have exposed his techniques , and a paid dagger couldn’t have that . So , the Towers of Myriad Dao was filled with random things he’d picked up , along with a few mad ideas he never dared try on himself .

Ogras had no plans to come knocking at that bastard’s door again . Rez had nothing of use , and Ogras wasn’t interested in his teachings . If Ogras ever stepped into the Umbra’s domain , it would be to snuff out the soul remnant for the same reason there was no true inheritance . Couldn’t have some unreliable soul remnant know his secrets .

Either way , it was time for him to pave his own path .

He’d already acquired a new Cultivation Manual to replace the Grey World Mudra] in exchange for 2 C-grade Nexus Coins and a supreme material he got with the numerology book . It could take him much further , and it better accommodated his new broader path . There were only two problems with it , apart from not having been fully tuned to his path just yet .

The first was its exceedingly high requirements when it came to affinity . He passed the mark when it came to the Dao of Shadows , but his illusory affinity was not yet up to par . This Dreamgeist should solve that problem in one fell swoop .

The other problem was trickier . Altering the method to suit his unique constitution . But he had already made good headway in that department . The manual should already be workable , providing greater cultivation speeds , multipliers , and energy circulation than Grey World Mudra] . Any kinks he failed to work out could just be fixed with the final piece of his seal . Ogras could see his path widening , and the Shifting Dreamgeist was the key .

Suddenly , it didn’t seem so ugly . It was almost a bit cute .

Come here , you little rascal , - Ogras grinned as a pulse shook the proverbial spirit lock hidden in his chest .

Pain wracked Ogras’s body as it was remolded into an avatar based on his Ka’Zur Planeswalker and the Umbric Recluse . He hated this part , but it was hard to say no to the extra attributes the transformation provided .

The Dreamgeist shrieked upon spotting intruders , and a powerful purple glow radiated from its previously unfocused eyes . Its body faded , but the world suddenly turned black . A deathly swirl closed off the region while a pillar that elicited a primal dread rose from the ground . It was a good reminder . Most of the time , Zac seemed like an above-board and straightforward guy . Then he went and created something twisted like this . The guy had range .

The cage slowed the Dreamgeist’s shift but failed to cancel it . It was enough time for two shadowy tendrils to slap it away , leaving binding marks on its body . That was enough to tether the beast to the region , which the Dreamgeist realized . The whole cage flickered as hundreds of beasts appeared , each with a Hegemon’s strength .

Ogras didn’t bother with those things . The pillar behind him was already sending out a net of chains . The captured minions could shift in and out of reality after having been reforged by the Dreamgeist , but it was enough to keep them busy . Zac was in the thick of it , chains and blades dancing around him as he contained the beast tide .

Leaving the Dreamgeist exposed . Its ability to capture beasts and turn them into illusory dreams under its control was terrifying , but its own combat ability wasn’t anything special . With his buddy paving the path , the beast was ripe for the plucking .

You can only blame yourself for being too talented . Who asked you to toy with a whole coalition on your own? -

I give , - Thea panted , her heart full of reluctance .

Don’t look so glum . You’re making great strides on your technique , - Amanthi said as he removed his staff from her shoulder .

Not enough to leave even a cut on your kasaya , - Thea muttered as the two flew down to the ground .

You’re just a kid , and it takes time to build a temple that can withstand the test of the ages , - Amanthi smiled . - Besides , your variegated background left you with gaps that needed to be mended . You will improve even quicker now that you’ve found a more cohesive plan and some proper techniques . -

Thea nodded . She had to admit the Sangha was treating her exceedingly well in her position as a - guide . ’ The number of resources provided for her cultivation was nothing short of shocking , and she was allowed to peruse the enormous repository in the spacefaring pagoda freely . Body Tempering , Soul Strengthening , Intent Molding , all kinds of magical methods and skills she didn’t know existed .

All hers for the taking , should she desire them .

It felt generous to the point it was beyond suspicious , and she hadn’t dared touch anything for over a month . Thea still felt the whole situation surreal , but she had long since caved when it came to helping herself to the various amenities . There was obviously something weird going on , but she was just Thea Marshall , a random Early Hegemon with decent talent .

If the Buddhist Sangha wanted to deal with her , they easily could have . She’d seen them turn an unrepentant Monarch into a devout nun . What resistance could she possibly put up? And there wasn’t much else to do on the ship than cultivate . Her - job’ barely took up any of her time , and if she had to listen to another debate on the Dharma between those insufferable monks , she’d go mad .

She couldn’t believe these people could spend weeks discussing things like the Karmic relationship between a stalk of grass and a raindrop . Amanthi was one of the few people not driving her up the walls . As a Dharmic Guardian , his role seemed more like that of an elite soldier than a spiritual cultivator .

A bell tolled , and Thea looked up with a frown . It was time .

Just get it over with , - Amanthi said .

Why not just tell me what that thing is? -

It’s out of my hands , - Amanthi said . - I’m just here to swing my staff around . You’ll have to convince the little arhats . -

Thea grumbled as they walked to the top level of the multistoried pagoda . It was fifty meters across , and the myriad stars of the cosmos were on full display above . Sixteen young monks and nuns were already sitting around the golden array in the middle . A few looked over with kind smiles . Most ignored her existence , fully consumed by intoning one scripture or another , having closed off their surroundings .

Benefactor , we hope you can light up the path once more , - a nun said as Thea walked over .

Thea looked at the golden array that hummed with vigor . It exuded mysterious ripples , like it held the universe within . Thea couldn’t stop a pang of desire as she looked at the intricate patterns . That feeling of stepping onto the array was indescribable . Of being connected to all creation , one with the cosmos . But it was a false sensation , and she was filled with greater reluctance every time she was brought back to reality .

She didn’t know why , but today was the day . Years had passed , and she’d finally reached her limit .

No , - Thea slowly said .

Her volume was low , but it felt like her rejection shook the whole hall . The silent chanting stopped , and sixteen pairs of eyes locked onto her .

No? - the nun repeated , looking up at her with confusion .

No , I won’t , - Thea said , taking a step back . - I’m not stepping into that thing again until you tell me what’s going on . This weird cult shit has gone on long enough . -

I assure you the array is perfectly safe , - Amanthi said from the side with a troubled look .

I don’t care . You people are way too suspicious . Why me? I know I’m not anyone special . I’m weaker than everyone here , - Thea said , glaring at her sparring partner . - The only thing I can come up with is my background . My home planet , my⁠— -

Thea stopped in her tracks . She couldn’t call him her partner anymore . Over a decade had passed , and he thought she was dead .

My loved ones , - Thea continued . - I’m not stepping onto this goddamned thing again until I get some answers! -

Benefactor’s train of thought has merit , - an unfamiliar voice echoed through the halls . - But it is but a part of the tapestry . -

You! - Thea said , her eyes wide with shock at the new arrival .

This poor monk didn’t expect fate to bring him back to this region so soon , - Abbot Everlasting Peace smiled .

Well , it’s safe to return now that Zac ran himself ragged to deal with the mess you left behind , - Thea glared .

The abbot gave no rebuttal and only turned to the youthful monk sitting at the central position . His name was Crystallized Enlightenment , and the de-facto leader of his group as far as Thea could tell . She didn’t know much about him , though . He never joined the debates or made any move to converse with her . His aura felt as vast as an ocean , bottomless and unfathomable . Just the thought of fighting him filled Thea with despair .

This is not what we agreed upon , - Sacred Insight said , his voice seemingly coming from both the future and the past .

A small frown of displeasure appeared on his usually impassive face , and she felt a weak pull like reality was being twisted . Dread attempted to consume her when a calming wind swept away the sensation of doom . It had only lasted a moment , but Thea’s back was already slick with sweat .

You said you wouldn’t impede the search . -

This poor monk believes he is aiding it . Forcing fate will only steer us toward a sea of regret , - Everlasting Peace said .

Your attachment to your past life is an anchor , - Sacred Insight said . - Karma binds you , clouds your judgement . The Dharma will forever elude you unless you free yourself . -

If this poor monk had severed Karma , he wouldn’t be standing here , - Everlasting Peace smiled . - That is not my path . Whatever Karma I create , be it good or evil , I shall bear to the end . -

Eh , why not just tell her? - Amanthi added from behind , his calm voice cutting through the tension . - Might even improve the outcome . -

Sacred Insight said nothing , staring at Thea before closing his eyes . Thea’s heart beat in excitement . It felt like acquiescence .

Benefactor , follow me , - Everlasting Peace smiled .

What’s going on? - Thea asked after they entered a side chamber . - You’re back? Why? -

This poor monk was truly supposed to cut ties with Zecia . But great events are taking place , and fate brought me back , - Abbot Everlasting Peace said . - Our mission is one piece of the puzzle . -

That doesn’t explain anything . -

The monk smiled and formed a mudra . A golden sigil appeared before him , and Thea gasped as hundreds of threads sprung from her body . Some were thick , others were so thin they were barely visible . A few filled her with dread and hatred , others warmth and longing . The latter mostly pointed in the same direction , stretching impossibly far .

It didn’t take long to figure out they were her Karmic Threads , the intangible links to those who’d crossed her path over the years .

Just as benefactor guessed , this all relates to that young man , - Abbot Everlasting Peace nodded . - The Super Brother Man . Zachary Atwood , the ruler of the Atwood Empire . -

Atwood Empire? - Thea muttered with disbelief , a small smile spreading across her lips .

She could almost picture Zac’s reluctant and anxious expression as he was pushed higher and higher on the multiversal hierarchy . Was he still grumbling about all the missives that kept appearing on his doorsteps? Did he still sneak into the wilderness just to swing his axe around for a few days?

How is he doing? - Thea asked . - Is he okay? -

That man is a shining beacon of providence , - Abbott Everlasting Peace said . - He has advanced by leaps and bounds , surviving great tribulations . He’s ushered in an era of prosperity for Earth while steadily advancing on his path . -

Thea took a steadying breath . He was okay . Her thoughts were a confused mess . Earth had seemed so distant since she stepped foot on the Goldblade Continent . Now , it all came crashing back , and she found herself overwhelmed by longing .

That young man triggered the whole chain of events that made the Dharma stir , - Abbott Everlasting Peace continued , shaking his head like he still couldn’t believe it . - That’s what brought us to you . -

Just like she thought .

So those monks appearing before me on the Goldblade Continent wasn’t a coincidence , huh? - Thea said , her voice dripping with sarcasm .

Few things are coincidence . Fate and Karma binds us all , - Everlasting Peace smiled . - In fact , my master had met benefactor Atwood shortly before meeting yourself . -

Your master? - Thea said , remembering Zac’s description of Lord 84th . - I don’t think I’ve met him? -

This poor monk is referring to His Eminence Three Virtues , - the monk explained .

Thea’s heart shuddered at the name . The scene of that chubby little monk dominating the Hallowed Mother still lived on in her mind . He could have squashed her like a bug if he’d wanted to . Yet , her most vivid memory was Three Virtues’ shifty expression as he stole her treasures , all while talking about Fate bringing them together . So that weirdo was Everlasting Peace’s new master .

Benefactor Atwood is like a stone dropped in a tranquil pond , - the abbot continued . - His actions have created ripples of fate . For most , they are just that . Ripples . But with the right tools , with the right people , they can become a map . -

A map to what? - Thea asked .

It is a long story . -

I have nothing but time . -

The abbot smiled and began unraveling the truth of the meandering journey she’d been on for years . These monks weren’t so free as to simply gallivant around in space for fun , but the truth far exceeded her wildest dreams . Eight pillars of the System and Eternal Heritages from previous realities .

The Left Imperial Palace , nine outer courts . A trial for the younger generation , where the winner would be able to help their faction seize the main prize .

And Zac triggered all that? - Thea asked with disbelief .

His fate is like a mighty river , - Abbot Everlasting Peace nodded .

And how do I fit into all that? -

You have an immensely powerful Karmic Link to him , - Everlasting Peace said . - And there’s Karmic debt . -

He doesn’t owe me anything , - Thea said . - What happened between us was out of his hands . -

He doesn’t feel that way , - the abbot said . - Karma is a tricky thing . Perception can greatly affect its nature . He believes he is responsible for your fate , and thus Karma is sown . -

Thea sighed . She could guess the thoughts running through his mind . Seeing his mother do something like that . . . It had to mess with your head . To carry that on your shoulders for years . . . She still couldn’t believe Leandra Atwood could be so callous . Poor Kenzie , being stuck with that lunatic .

The Boundless Sea Array allows you to use that link to harmonize with his fate . Benefactor Atwood is the originator of the event . Thus , he has some fate with every seal released into the cosmos . We use that fact to pick up some pieces before they’re dragged toward Zecia . -

So you’re using my Karmic Link to steal Zac’s opportunities? - Thea frowned .

Not at all , - Abbot Everlasting Peace rejected . - Hundreds of seals have been released , and our young friend is only fated for a fraction . Any more would do more harm than good . How many from our old home can withstand an event like this? -

That was obviously not the full truth . The monks weren’t doing this out of benevolence . They wanted the Eternal Heritage , so they were doing everything possible to snatch as many tickets as possible . Though she admitted the monk was right . What could some earthlings accomplish if ancient factions were entering the fray , sending their most powerful centennials?

Even if Zac managed to provide the best opportunities and resources , so what? How could the frontier compare to the Heartlands? She’d seen how vastly superior the Goldblade Continent was , and that was just a C-grade continent outside the System’s purview .

The people of Earth hadn’t even cultivated for two decades and were supposed to compete with people who’ve cultivated for over eighty? Going against people like Sacred Insight? Even Zac would be in trouble . The thought alone made her sick with worry , and her thoughts rapidly spun .

You’re talking like you’re trying to help , but you’re just trying to sneak in the backdoor . Using me as the key , - Thea concluded , looking at the abbot with an even stare . - Looks like nothing has changed . You guys really are a shameless bunch . -

We assure you we have no designs on benefactor Atwood . If anything , we have a good relationship . Furthermore , using the Boundless Fate Array leaves us with great Karmic debt to benefactor Atwood . To even out Karma , the Sangha will do its utmost in protecting him and his people inside , - Everlasting Peace said . - The more people miss can guide into the trial , the better his position will be . -

Thea tried to discern what was true and false on the abbot’s face , but it was just as inscrutable as with all the other monks . Minutes passed , and Thea reached a conclusion .

I can continue to help you . But I won’t step into that array until you agree with two of my conditions , - Thea said . - One , every single one of you will swear a Dharmic oath in front of me that you will not target Zac or his followers . -

It will be done , - Everlasting Peace said , and Thea felt he even looked quite happy with the proclamation .

Secondly , I am getting one of those seals . -

68

GLORIOUS RETURN

A small needlepoint of green lit up in the distance , and Kruta sighed in relief upon the journey finally coming to an end . Traveling inside the Perennial Vastness Token’s claustrophobic bubble hadn’t been any better this time around . It was like a coffin , and the oppressive darkness of the Void didn’t make things any better .

Kruta’s heart sang upon seeing the emerald vortex grow larger , and he could almost smell the rustling grass of home . He was finally back , and a grin spread across his face from the anticipation . He could picture his grandma’s shocked look when he told her about the Left Imperial Palace and how he’d heroically seized a slot , bringing honor and glory to the ancestors .

Even the old shamans hidden in the depths of the Ancestral Valley would probably emerge when they heard the news . Being invited to the elder’s council was almost a foregone conclusion .

Wait . . . - Kruta muttered , his eyes gleaming .

What if something happened to him? He was such fine stock , yet he would soon enter an incredibly dangerous threat without an heir carrying his blood . Perhaps he should petition the elders to move up some of his marriages . . . It was only right .

Kruta shot through the gate , and he groaned with contentment as he felt the soil’s pulse beneath his feet . He was finally whole again and smiled upon feeling the spirit thread’s gentle caress . Kruta pitied those who couldn’t hear the voice of the world . The people he’d met in the Perennial Vastness would never understand the beauty of the steppes , where the ground was filled with the forefathers’ love .

The token had dropped him off right where he set off , in front of his grandmother’s tent . He stood unmoving , taking in the sounds , smells , and sights of the tribe . It had been so long . Before spending nine years in the Perennial Vastness , he’d never left the steppes for more than a few weeks at a time .

Part of Kruta wanted to make the rounds and visit all the people he hadn’t seen for almost a decade . But it would have to wait . The news he brought home was too explosive . Kruta stepped into the tent but was surprised to find a barrier blocking his entry . Since when did his grandmother keep her door closed?

Kruta went to the small drum beside the entrance . He infused his full cultivation base into his fist and slammed it with all the force he could muster . The hide didn’t release so much as a whimper , but a gong would alert his grandma of an urgent issue .

Even then , nothing happened after minutes of waiting . Kruta’s brows scrunched together . There was no way she hadn’t noticed his return . He was bringing back earthshattering information , yet Balka Greenleaf couldn’t be bothered to see him? A few more minutes passed , and the veins on Kruta’s forehead twisted as the grand tale he’d woven of his exploits were stuck in his throat .

It was unbearable , and one punch after another crashed into the drum , the attacks fueled by fate and frustration .

What’s that ruckus! - an infuriated roar shook the sky .

Kruta’s expression fell at the outburst . Was Grandma in a foul mood? Was the Dancing Blade Tribe causing trouble again? Shouldn’t be . It had only been eleven months on the outside since he left . It was also impossible she’d entered seclusion . Balka would have removed the drum if that were the case . Kruta was no longer in any mood to enter , and the open flaps to the tents seemed like a ferocious beast .

He didn’t get the chance to retreat before someone emerged , and Kruta frowned at the stranger . The dense swirl of ancestral will around him proved he was of the tribe , but Kruta had never seen him before in his life . Of course , that wasn’t anything odd considering the vast domain they controlled , but he had come out of Balka’s private tent .

Oh , it’s you? - the buff man grunted as he emerged . - You’re back already? -

Who’re you? - Kruta asked .

Fiesty brat , - the man grinned . - I’m Udro , but you can call me Grandpa . -

You’re one of Grandma’s husbands? - Kruta ventured , getting an affirmative nod .

Been guarding the Mystra Destolates the past couple of centuries . Just got back last week , - Udro said . - Heard the missus adopted a kid while I was gone . Well , she heard you loud and clear . Go on in . -

Wait , - Kruta said , his eyes widening in comprehension as he saw the bleeding scratches on Udro’s chest and the mix of annoyance and relief in his eyes . - I’ll just come back later . Uh , have fun . -

You little shit , you’re trying to ruin your gammy’s good time and then just run off? - a rough voice echoed from within the tent . - Come , let me take a look at you . -

Good luck , - Udro grinned as he took out a flagon of spirits .

Kruta inwardly cried , but he didn’t dare ignore the order . The last time he’d interrupted his adoptive grandmother’s time with one of her husbands , he’d been sent to oversee the mating season of their warthog hordes . Kruta shuddered at the memory—the squeals still haunted his dreams . Then again , trying to hide from Balka another time had led to him being sent into the Kussak Dreadmines for a month .

Taking a deep breath , Kruta stepped inside . The surroundings blurred , and he found himself inside the huge trophy valley of Balka Redleaf’s world tent . Everything looked the same . The towering peaks of the surrounding mountain range greeted his arrival . Of course , they were the remains of the Primordial Beast Balka slew to claim her seat as one of the seven Grand Elders at the Tribal Council .

The latent pressure of the sacrificial bones crashed into him , and he groaned as his vision started swimming . Vast amounts of energy poured into his body , and he was relieved to feel his channels easily withstand the pressure . The first time he had almost gotten killed . Now , it was just a bit painful . Kruta felt his grandmother pull him over , placing him in front of a roaring bonfire .

Not far away sat Balka , looking the same as always . A heroic warrior in the prime of her life , with her huge broadsword lying to the side . If not for the monstrous killing intent roiling off her body , you could have thought she was one of the young blade masters of Kruta’s generation .

Not bad , - Balka nodded after a while . - In fact , pretty good . I can feel how your connection with my great-grandfather has grown much deeper . You are nurturing each other in a way I haven’t seen before . There’s no way you’d manage to figure that out on your own . I guess that place deserves its reputation . -

It’s all thanks to Grandmother giving me the token , - Kruta said , remembering the steel in her voice before .

It didn’t help .

Still , that’s no reason to bang on the gong so loudly . - Balka glared . - I haven’t seen my Udro for almost a century . Ruining our sweet reunion deserves some innovative punish⁠— -

News! - Kruta shouted , the squeals of rutting hogs burned into his mind urging him on . - I have super important news , earthshattering news! I couldn’t wait . -

Oh? - Balka said with a raised brow . - Then let’s hear it . -

Kruta took a deep breath and recounted his experiences inside the Perennial Vastness . Seeing her impatient look , Kruta , unfortunately , had to skip the prepared parts detailing his accomplishments before meeting Zac . He’d save those tales for his little wives .

You fool! You killed an imperial? - Balka wheezed when Kruta reached the point with Valsa . - Do you want to bring a Calamity onto our heads? How can you betray the ancestors like this! -

Well , it was kind of my buddy who finished the job , - Kruta coughed . - I got knocked out within seconds . I just put my finger on the scales a bit . -

The excuse didn’t help him much . Waves of power crashed into him from Balka’s glare , threatening to disintegrate his body . What did the improved constitution of a Hegemon matter when faced with an Autarch’s wrath?

Vastermal was rebuffed by the Perennial Vastness , and the confidentiality of the realm will keep my identity safe , - Kruta croaked . - That guy I mentioned even went and had all imperials killed . No one even knows I was involved . -

What do you know? Nothing is absolute in this world . There is no such thing as a perfect seal and no secrets that can’t be excavated . Not even the Heavens are infallible . - Balka snorted , but she relented . - Well , it does seem like there’s nothing wrong with you , and I can’t find anything inside your body . But remember , don’t mention this to a single soul . You never know who’ll use that information for their own gain . -

Kruta quickly nodded .

What audacity , - Balka sighed . - No wonder you wanted to see me immediately . We’ll have to keep our eyes out , but I think we are safe . -

No , that wasn’t the important part , - Kruta said , his heart shuddering when the bonfire was almost extinguished from a burst of his grandmother’s killing intent .

You better have some honey with that spice , - Balka said with a murderous smile . - I don’t think my heart can handle much more bad news . -

Kruta jumped into the next part of the story , adding some embellishments to protect his hide . No , to paint a clearer picture for his dear grandmother! Who’s to say there won’t be treasures that could become the tribe’s hidden reserves inside the Left Imperial Palace?

Good , good , good! - Balka laughed , her demeanor completely different from before . - Bold and ambitious! That’s how my grandchild should act . Go , go! Get gammy something nice . -

About the princess . . . - Kruta ventured .

Who cares? It doesn’t matter! What , some junior got herself killed inside a trial? Things like that happen every day , - Balka said with a lazy wave . - That old goat , Vastermal , has working hips and over fifty wives . He’ll make new ones . So , what happened next? -

Seeing how well things were going , Kruta decided to add some more honey . It wasn’t about avoiding punishment , it was about having a positive outlook . And it wasn’t really a lie to say that friendship could blossom between him and the Tayn successor thanks to Zac . After all , Kruta was handsome and great company .

Why wouldn’t Iz Tayn want to become his friend?

Friendship with the young princess of the Tayns? - Balka said , her smile growing even wider . - If you can pull that off , forget about the inheritance . Who’d dare mess with us when people learn we have such a backer? Even the Luaris Dynasty would have to treat us with respect . I knew I was right in adopting you . I really have an eye for things . -

Unfortunately , Balka barely had time to finish her sentence before a deep rumble shook the whole world tent . It felt like a Primordial God was using the steppes themselves as a drum , and Kruta’s eyes widened with horror . This wasn’t the sound of the audience drum he’d hit before . This was the Ancestral Wardrum crafted by the founding chieftain himself . A drum Kruta hoped he’d never have to hear in his lifetime .

A Tribal Calamity? - Balka wheezed , angrily pointing at Kruta with fires burning in her eyes . - You troublemaker! -

I—You said , - Kruta stuttered , but he got no further before he found his mouth sealed .

I said nothing! - Balka glared , and they disappeared .

The next moment , the two floated far above the tribe . Kruta could see the citadel stretch out across the horizon , where one powerful aura after another rose to the sky . But what did it matter? Kruta could see the fear in his grandmother’s eyes as she looked up at the intruder . The steppes shivered at their mere presence , and the ancestral threads had dug deep into the ground .

The whole sky had been replaced by fire , stretching as far as Kruta could see . Their citadel held the families of over twenty million elite warriors , but it felt like a speck in front of this burning curtain . Inside the inferno were thousands of anguished faces , each the size of a city . They were indistinct and made of the flames , but were a darker , almost purple fire filled with resentment and despair . It looked like they were trying to break out only to be pushed back in .

A flash of light made Kruta look to his side , where he found two newcomers . One was the war chief of the whole tribe . The second was another of the Grand Elders and the chief earthly shaman , Prata Redleaf . The war chief looked up at the burning sky , his back giving off a desolate aura . There was no fight in his eyes , only defeat and sorrow .

Is this the end of our tribe? - he sighed . - I have failed the ancestors . -

Don’t worry , I have a solution! - Balka said , looking up at the hellscape with a heroic expression as her hair danced in the wind .

You absolutely cannot attack! - the ancient shaman screamed in horror , going so far as to summon four ancestors to hold Balka back . - You fool , look at those flames! They are ratified by the Empyrean Throne! That’s the Thousandflame Galley . We might be able to save some of our tribe through diplomacy , but not if we anger the esteemed one inside . -

Don’t you think I know that? - Balka huffed , pushing the ancestral guardians toward the ground .

I—Uh , - Kruta stuttered , his mind muddled with confusion .

How did they know? He’d just returned , and they hadn’t even sent out the message , yet one of Kolsara Tayn’s disciples had come knocking at their door . Had Zac somehow sent word back? No , that was impossible . He was still inside the Perennial Vastness . The Tayns must have figured things out some other way . Was it because of the seal he’d picked up?

Either case , it saved a lot of time and lessened the odds of his tribe’s involvement in this matter being exposed . At most , it would seem like he stumbled into a lucky opportunity but was captured before the tribe could report it to the Heavens . Not even the Imperial Dynasty could fault them for that , and the horrible reputation of the Tayns should keep the tribe safe .

Who’d dare target the family of someone the Tayns had - recruited - ? There was no way the Heavens wanted that mess on their hands , especially not when an Eternal Heritage was up for grabs . They had enough enemies without adding that band of lunatics to the mix .

But why did it have to be her?

Only three direct disciples of the Empyrean Throne remained since she hadn’t taken any new pupils since the Extinction . All three were Supremacies and absolutely insane . Even Mohzius Tayn’s unhinged followers seemed measured in comparison .

The Thousandflame Eccentric had hunted her master’s enemies for over a million years after the Extinction . Anything Thousandflame Tayn felt responsible for her master’s predicament was targeted with utmost prejudice . Clans were eradicated down to the chickens and dogs , and their allies were decimated . The lands they once ruled were incinerated . Even today , whole sectors remained impassable deathtraps because of her Empyrean Sinflames .

Not even those with terrifying backers were spared . Anyone shielding her targets became targets themselves , and even Supremacies had sacrificed whole branches of their line to keep the Calamity at bay . Everyone who fought back was killed and stuffed into the terrifying warship above .

The rumors said that a thousand Autarchs had been killed to create the hull of the Thousandflame Galley . That was likely an exaggeration , but at least a few hundred had been thrown into the inferno . More terrifying were the Heavenly Territories of three Supremacies that had become the core of this warship .

The Multiverse had collectively breathed out in relief when the Three Scourges of the Empyrean Throne finally ran out of targets to kill . Since then , they hadn’t been seen very often , presumably having returned to the Empyrean Quadrant to cultivate or whatever old monsters did with their free time . Yet they still lived on in the collective psyche of the cosmos , an unseen threat hiding in the dark . And now one of them was here .

Kruta shook like a leaf . Thousands of faces were looking straight at him , boring into his soul . Why had he listened to that troublemaker? He should have rejected him outright! He should have said , - No , thank you! I don’t need a ride ; I will see you inside the inheritance!’

Now it was too late .

Kruta looked at his grandmother with imploring eyes and found that she looked back at him with an extremely suspicious smile .

My sweet Kruta , I’ve been thinking . Staying inside the safety of the tribe will harm your future . A true chieftain isn’t raised inside a tent . He is forged under the harsh sun of struggle! It’s time for you to make a name for yourself , just like I did in my youth , - she said as she put her hand on his shoulder .

Kruta was about to plead for mercy , but found himself unable to speak or move as Balka covered him in a layer of impenetrable energy . She leaned over , a tearful look in her eyes .

Remember , if anyone asks , You’re Kruta the Great from the Dancing Blade Tribe , alright? -

Kruta wailed as he shot toward the sky like an arrow released from a bow . From the ground , he heard the final parting words of his grandmother .

All yours , great mistress! - Followed by a much lower , - Hurry , you old toad , activate the barriers! -

You old crone , - Kruta swore upon realizing he’d become a sacrificial offering . - I’ll remember this when I rule the steppes! Permanent hog duty! No , I’ll—AAAI! -

Kruta’s complaints turned into a high-pitch shriek as one of the faces descended with impossible speed to gobble him up .

69

DRIFTING SNOW

The islands looked like glimmering jewels , slowly bobbing about on the horizon . With the perpetual snowfall , they created an ethereal scenery . Of course , these small isles were actually the backs of huge beasts , transformed into death traps meant to capture and harvest the snow spirits . The Everfrost Titans were a type of Ice-attuned tortoise , but they shared quite a few similarities to some insectoid species .

Atop their shells were the islands , while a huge hive hid inside , which was where its descendants lived . The titans even birthed different types of creatures , only a scant few of which were true Everfrost Titans . Most were different types of helpers who took care of the titans’ every need , allowing them to stay in a torpid state where they communed with the Dao .

Between each titan was a sea of black pebbles , each emitting an intense chill . It was a shame almost all of these things were useless for cultivation . It was the environment that was magical , not the stones . Only a few pebbles managed to turn the icy Dao of this world into something permanent , but finding them was like looking for a needle in a haystack .

Catheya sat unmoving , releasing her Dao while Miasma cycled through her body . Her thoughts were empty as she turned herself into a beacon of ice . The falling snow was changed as it entered her proximity , transformed into sharp ice holding the chill of death .

It was odd . Not the transformation of the Dao around her , but how the world reacted . It didn’t try to rebuff her , more like it wanted to commune . It was a fleeting sensation , coming and going . One moment , she was Catheya , and her Dao was the Dao . The next , she was the vast ocean , stretching toward infinity . Ancient , powerful , vast .

Eruptions occasionally rocked the island , but Catheya barely noticed . She was trying to make sense of the feeling . Initially , she feared she’d been led astray by the powerful Dao inside the Red Zone , prompting her to push toward the next stage of her Dao . That wasn’t the case . She’d long since sealed her mind from the distorted truths of the Temporal Chamber . This was something else , an opportunity .

She just needed to figure out the root of the sensation .

The island tilted as an incredible shockwave almost threw Catheya into the ocean . The outburst scared away whatever truth hid inside the area , and Catheya looked toward the inner regions of the island with helplessness . A minute later , Zac emerged , having transformed back to his Draugr form .

That’s all of them , - Zac said as he stepped through the arrays . - What’s wrong? Are you okay? -

Catheya realized her expression was a bit off and donned a smile . - More than okay . I think I just figured something out . -

As long as you’re alright , - Zac said , handing over a sack . - Only two of them this time . -

Thank you , - Catheya said and stowed away the quest item . - It’ll be a bit before the next one gets close enough . It must have fed recently . It hasn’t responded to my signal at all . -

These lumbering hives usually only drifted about on the pebble sea . If you waited around for two to get close enough on their own , you risked being stuck on the same island for days . The best way to speed up the process was to turn yourself into bait—broadcasting your Dao to make yourself look like a particularly tasty morsel .

If everything worked , it would make the Everfrost Titans curious and instinctively swim closer to investigate . Of course , the practice had borne a different kind of fruit today .

Guess we’re taking a break , then , - Zac said as he took out a set of furniture , adding an environmental array to the dampening array .

The very breath of the titans created a deep hum that carried a hypnotic effect . It made the snow spirits lethargic as they dropped on the island , and it had a similar effect on cultivators . Even powerful warriors risked falling asleep without dampening arrays to counteract the hum . And that was a nap you likely wouldn’t awake from .

This one was pretty stingy , so I had to use a lot of force . It shouldn’t be able to send out any more workers for a couple of days . -

I heard , - Catheya laughed . - I thought you would finally sink one of these guys . -

I can’t believe how deep their sleep is . - Zac smiled . - I cut into its back with Arcadia’s Judgement] , and it only stirred for a few seconds . -

Seems almost impossible to wake them up as long as you stay out of the tunnels , - Catheya agreed . - I guess this zone would be too dangerous if it were any different . -

They talked for a while , then turned to their own matters . Zac continued going over his Core Formation Method while she tried to clear her head and recapture that feeling . But her thoughts weren’t as calm as her face let on , making it hard to enter a meditative state . The notes in Zac’s hands were a constant reminder of the inescapable reality they faced .

How many left now? - Catheya asked , breaking the silence of the past half hour .

Of what? - Zac said with confusion . - Mutated Chillhearts? As many as we can find . -

No , - Catheya said , gazing at the sunset . - Things for your tool . -

Oh , - Zac said . - Just two . This one and one from the Peak of Chaos . -

Which you can get any time you want , - Catheya sighed , feeling a bit lost .

Hey , what’s wrong? -

You know . . . We’ve never talked about what we’ll do later . On the outside . We just keep skirting the subject . Three years have passed , and you’re getting ready to rush for the finish line . -

Zac froze . Catheya could tell he was about to play stupid again , but he surprised her by shaking his head .

Then let’s talk about it , - Zac said .

Are we kidding ourselves , playing house inside a Time Chamber? - Catheya asked , and it felt like the chill of the world crept into her heart . - Does our relationship have an expiration date? -

I don’t⁠— -

How would it even work? - Catheya pressed , the words she’d held back over the past year spilling out of her like a broken dam . - You can’t even visit the Kavriel Province because someone might target you . And I’m constantly afraid I’ll be forced to act against you or hide things . I’m just a pawn .

And even if everything works out , would it change anything? I can’t keep up . I’ve tried . I’ve tried so hard , but it feels like you’re getting further and further away . I’ve crushed both my and my family’s expectations of me , but so what? Most of my accomplishments are thanks to my leaning on you . The Abyssal Shores . The Left Imperial Palace . The Perennial Vastness . All of it . -

Catheya felt drained after unloading the misgivings in her heart .

I don’t want to be a blip on your journey before you move on to bigger and better things , - she whispered . - But I can’t see this ending any other way . -

Catheya didn’t dare look him in the eyes . It felt like an eternity passed . Then , she felt a thick arm wrap around her and drag her closer .

I keep worrying about the future as well , - Zac sighed . - I’ve been wracking my brains , but I don’t have any answers or solutions . -

I’m sorry , - Catheya whispered as she leaned against Zac’s shoulder . - I wasn’t planning to⁠— -

I only know one thing : I’m not satisfied , - Zac interjected , and the determination in his words made Catheya shudder . - A few years with you isn’t enough . I want more . Centuries , millennia . I’ll do anything in my power to make that happen . -

Chill turned to warmth , and Catheya found herself unable to say anything . She just wanted to sit like this forever .

I’m not satisfied either , - Catheya eventually said . - What do we do? -

Well . We just need to get through the trial in three years , - Zac said . - After the Undead Empire has what it wants and some ancient faction has claimed the Eternal Heritage , my identity as a Flamebearer will be useless . It’ll give us the breathing room to figure these things out . Perhaps we can go to the Abyssal Shores? -

It doesn’t change the fact that you’re progressing with terrifying speed , - Catheya said . - And I feel that the gap between us will only increase inside the Left Imperial Palace . -

Then , continue to lean on me , - Zac said . - My accomplishments are not because I’m especially hard-working or talented . Part of it is dumb luck , and another is because people have helped me out or paved the way for me . You said many of your accomplishments are because of me . So what? That’s how it’s supposed to work . -

Still , our fates⁠— -

The universe has its plans , but we make our own fate , - Zac said . - Only we can decide what this is and how it’ll end . Even if I would progress faster than you , who cares? It would allow me to protect you . And there’s no way the only successful couples out there are those whose cultivation level is at the same stage . What , it’s impossible for a Late-stage Hegemon to love a Monarch? -

Catheya took a steadying breath , her messy thoughts calming . That’s right . So what if he grew stronger than her? What was wrong with having a powerful partner to lean on? Couldn’t she live with his avatar inside his Inner World if his cultivation left hers behind? There were plenty of couples living that kind of lifestyle . With his dual races and mysterious ability to shield the Heavens , he could even bring her to the kind of regions she’d always dreamed of seeing .

Besides , it’s not because of your strength I love you , - Zac added , a mischievous smile spreading across his face . - It’s because of your big—Ow! -

Pervert , - Catheya huffed as she retracted the icicle from his side , but a small smile spread across her face as she straightened her back .

It felt like a knot in her heart had been undone , a weight on her shoulders lifted . He wasn’t satisfied . It wasn’t just a fling . She’d merely been influenced by his almost insane drive as he conquered one Red Zone after another , making her focus on their cultivation rather than their relationship .

Of course , that didn’t mean everything was solved . If nothing else , there was the issue of them being apart for years . They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder , but it also brings danger . Accomplished men never lacked women trying to sneak into their hearts and into their bedchambers . She trusted Zac , but she didn’t trust all the little skirts around him .

The biggest threat was obviously Iz Tayn . She had a terrifying background , and the bits and pieces she’d managed to extract from the demon indicated she was beautiful beyond compare . Her sheltered upbringing seemed to have left Iz naïve to the matters between men and women , but it was just a matter of time . What if that seed of friendship bloomed into something else?

Catheya would have to sear her image into her man’s mind , so all the temptations on the outside would only make him think of her , of their time together in this place .

She resumed her cultivation , releasing her Dao into the surroundings . It didn’t take long for that feeling to return . Catheya didn’t know what changed , but it was even closer . Clearer . And she didn’t reject it . Catheya opened her heart and let the world connect .

Vastness , power , and stability filled Catheya as her Dao resonated with the world . The falling snowflakes started to rotate , and their gentle swirl soon turned into a massive vortex that spread farther and farther . Soon , it covered the whole island , yet it hadn’t reached its limits . She could sweep through the whole world for a moment , but a painful sense of exhaustion prompted her to drag back her consciousness .

The connection was cut , yet Catheya felt she could reinstate it whenever she wanted . She looked up at the dissipating winds with interest , not caring that she’d just lost more than half her Miasma .

What was that? - Zac said with shock . - Was that you? -

Harmonization , - Catheya muttered to herself before turning to Zac with a grin . - You’re really my lucky charm . I really should repay you . -

Zac looked confused , but a smile spread across his face as he glanced at the titan far in the distance . - You said he’d just fed? -

We have some time . -

Zac stepped through the gate , appearing on the teleportation square in his Draugr form . He couldn’t even remember the chill of the Everfrost Isles , only the heat . Catheya had always been passionate , but she had really gone all-out the past month . They’d spent two extra weeks inside the Red Zone , and he hadn’t even noticed .

I need to enter seclusion , - Catheya hummed to the side .

Ah? - Zac said , dragged out of his dreamlike state .

Will you be okay on your own? - Catheya asked with a smile that spoke volumes .

Maybe one more mission? - Zac ventured , his blood stirring at the thought .

Catheya playfully fiddled with his fingers as she leaned closer , but Zac froze when he only got a small peck . - Next time . -

Zac inwardly grumbled , but she needed to do this . Catheya had grasped a great opportunity , and it was time for her to figure out how to make the most of it . To think she’d suddenly learn the elusive ability of Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization . It was much rarer than intent or technique and generally considered impossible to train . Attaining harmonization was considered a matter of talent and fate , like stumbling onto a lucky opportunity .

The ability was quite impressive . Catheya had become one with the world when she entered that state . More importantly , it allowed her to draw upon a small part of the environment’s power , augmenting her strength while saving on energy consumption . Even when just having grasped the new ability , Catheya’s skills had gotten around 10% stronger . Given enough time , that number was sure to increase .

It was a free boost akin to having a second Cultivation Manual , but it wasn’t without limitations . The biggest problem with Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization was that it wasn’t always useful . In Catheya’s case , she could only really draw upon the skill when the Heavens and Earth were aligned to her path . In other words , an icy and deathly environment . The better the match , the more power she could extract from her surroundings . In contrast , the effect was almost negligible in environments not aligned with her Dao .

But what if you could turn the world around you into an image of your Dao?

That was the best solution they’d come up with while traversing the Everfrost Isles . To form a bridge between the environment and yourself , allowing you to draw on its power even when you didn’t have a natural affinity . This wasn’t something new or groundbreaking . Catheya wasn’t an expert on the subject , but she’d heard it was a popular method , and she had two ways to accomplish this .

The first was through using items , such as formations . She already had some experience in that regard , engraving simple arrays onto icicles she formed . Of course , it was only a small interest on her part and mostly geared toward Lich Arts . But she possessed talent in the subject and could pick up the required techniques . The Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization could even alleviate one of the biggest drawbacks of Formation Masters : the large energy expenditure .

The second option was to work towards forming a domain . Catheya always had one of the greatest Dao affinities of her generation in Clan Sharva’Zi , and her various encounters and opportunities pushed those even further . Yet , she hadn’t formed intent , a domain , or something like his techniques .

This was an intentional choice on her part . Her cultivation path had been in flux since the Twilight Ocean , where various opportunities opened new doors for her . She was also unsure what role she saw herself taking—being more of a supportive caster and group leader or being an outright mage combatant . As such , she’d remained reluctant to transform her understanding of Dao since it was hard to undo something like that .

However , now that she’d attained Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization , it was time for her to pick a direction . Forming a Dao domain now seemed superior to intent or technique . It was also a much simpler solution than working with formations since it didn’t force you to rely on equipment .

The problem was that this solution was extremely difficult . Harmonization internalizes outside Dao to elevate your own , while domains externalize one’s Dao to enforce it onto the world around you . They were essentially opposing theories . Practicing both could be considered a paradox . Yet it was possible , and Catheya believed she had already taken the first steps in this direction .

Both domain and formations were great options that would not just create synergy with the Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization , but also directly improve her strength . She could even pick both to create an incredibly powerful cultivation system where all fed into each other . However , it was probably better to focus on one or the other before Ultom , mastering one aspect over having middling accomplishments in two .

Either way , she finally found her path forward , and Zac’s heart sang from seeing the unadulterated joy in Catheya’s eyes . Even then , their discussion weighed heavily in the back of his mind . He’d so grandly proclaimed they’d make their own fate , but you needed power for that . Power they didn’t have , even if everything went perfectly in the Perennial Vastness and beyond .

Thankfully , he’d already found a solution : the Hollow Court . The problems that had kept them both up at night could be solved with one word from the Primo . Not even the Supremacies of the Abyssal Shores would dare have any differing opinion if he put his foot down .

It was an easy trade . A treasure for freedom . He just needed to survive snatching it .

70

UNION

Remember , if you want me to lean on you , you better be strong enough . -

With that , Catheya sashayed away , her swaying hips creating a hypnotizing dance that brought back some soul-stirring memories from the past month . Zac only snapped out of the trance as Catheya turned a corner after throwing him a final wink .

Vixen , - Zac muttered with a smile as he turned to his own storefront .

Zac had some ideas about why Catheya acted the way she did , apart from being in a good mood after breaking through . He’d have to be a fool to stop her . Their time inside the Perennial Vastness was limited , so why not enjoy it? They could be dead tomorrow , and there was no point in leaving behind any regrets . And they hadn’t only fooled around . They took some extra time , sure , but both accomplished their goals .

There was only one missing piece to the Omnitool now , though there was no immediate urgency for him to fetch it . The hammer could withstand the Dao-filled environment for over three hours already , which was more than enough to continue working on adding a second Cosmic Cycle to an F-grade tool .

The past year had proven that Cosmic Forge] was not only the key to creating a working Core Formation Method . It was the key to passing through Hegemony .

The prospect of forming a High-quality Cosmic Core right out the gate felt increasingly distant the more details he added to his plan . The glossed-over sections from when he first put together the step-by-step method hid hard-to-solve issues when put under a magnifying glass . At the same time , he didn’t have any Cultivation Manual that would refine his core , leaving him with no choice but to add more treasures in the future to push it from Middle to Peak-quality .

His Cosmic Core needed to be ready for that .

Today , he could add twenty-eight layers to his practice axes , just six short of a second Cosmic Cycle . But those axes had maxed out their potential . There was no way they’d ever manage to withstand completing the cycle . As for adding a third and a fourth? Forget about it .

The same thing could be said for his Cosmic Core . It wasn’t enough for him to form a Middle-quality Cosmic Core . He needed to do it in a way where he ended up with a stable product whose potential wasn’t exhausted . If not , he would be in serious trouble . Hegemony wasn’t like the E-grade . The stage couldn’t be brute forced , even if you had pills and treasures at your beck and call .

Some unique items could help mitigate the problems with a messy core . However , there was a reason most Hegemons , including cultivators , were stuck at the threshold of the grade . They’d formed subpar cores with troublesome or even irreparable issues , solidifying having reached the end of their cultivation journey . The few that managed to push a bit further were generally stuck at Middle Hegemony .

There were only four bottlenecks in the D-grade , but each was an insurmountable mountain if you didn’t come prepared . Cosmic Forge] was his key to avoiding such a fate . The better he understood the techniques , and the more memories of the inheritance he unlocked , the more time and effort he’d save down the road .

Zac spent another two months working on his crafting techniques and formation plan until he found a suitable mission . It would take him into the depths of a Life-attuned Red Zone , one he had detailed information on , courtesy of Valsa—a perfect opportunity to finish his hammer .

The Red Zone , though not an aquatic world , was called Endless Cerulean . It was a jungle , where the vast majority of the foliage was in different hues of blue . The world had five suns , all radiating powerful fluctuations of Life . There were always at least two in the sky , creating an environment of growth without rest .

There were two dangers in Endless Cerulean , one of which was naturally the denizens of the jungle . The rife amounts of Divine Energy put both plants and beasts in a state of forced progress , which often led to unpredictable mutations and unstable mental states . Just as important , most beasts were starved .

The unique environment forced advancement , and ambient energy alone wasn’t enough to fuel the process when you reached a certain point . Endless Cerulean was vast and full of life , yet starvation was one of the most common reasons for flora and fauna dying . Of course , they were soon turned to fertilizer , and something new sprung up to take their place .

If you wanted to live , you had to eat . And to eat , you had to fight . One day in , Zac had already been forced to kill dozens of desperate beasts . Using his aura to scare away attackers was completely useless . Hunger and pain drove most animals mad , and the only thing he did by showing off his strength was to attract more predators .

The second danger of Endless Cerulean was related to the first . It came from the suns in the sky , the source of the energy and starvation . Each sun acted as a gathering array , releasing vast amounts of Divine Energy . And while there were generally only two or three in the sky , the five suns didn’t have the same orbits .

Occasionally , four or even five suns would be up simultaneously , at which point the environment would grow unbearable . Those already struggling wouldn’t be able to take the incredible influx of energy and die from Life Poisoning . Those who could endure would still have the effect of forced growth multiplied at the cost of longevity , resulting in a mad struggle for sustenance .

Every time five suns shone in the sky , roughly once every ten days , a huge purge would occur in Endless Cerulean . The weak would be culled while the strong feasted . During those times , cultivators had to be extremely careful of the beasts and the overflowing energy . If not careful , you’d also get hit by Life Poisoning , resulting in mutations or deviations . Obviously , Life cultivators were better at withstanding the effects .

Zac only felt comfort as he stood atop a branch , looking at the four suns drowning the sky with golden radiance . His Cosmic Energy was full , yet large amounts of Divine Energy burrowed into his body . For most , this would be an impossible-to-block attack . For Zac , it was nourishment . The golden vortices in his cells greedily swallowed whatever they could while Purity of the Void] removed any impurities .

Cultivating his Body Tempering Method in this kind of environment would be significantly more effective than in his cave back home . That wasn’t why he’d come here today . Zac hid his presence and aura as he continued deeper into the jungle . Even then , he was constantly attacked , and he left a trail of shredded plants and emaciated carcasses in his wake .

The zone’s mission was to find a Five-Life Fruits , a local specialty that could only appear when all five suns stood high in the sky . Being showered by the Life from the quintuple suns could force certain trees down a road of no return . They couldn’t withstand the energy storm , so they focused on the next generation .

The trees used the surge and their spirituality to form a single fruit , dying in the process . The great accumulation of Life and a hint of Death resulted in a Peak-quality Longevity Treasure . Every single one awarded 950 Mana , one of the highest rewards Zac had seen for individual items . When the fifth sun finally joined the others , Zac understood why .

There was only a short window of opportunity every ten days , and few trees managed to form a Five-Life Fruit . Even with Forester’s Constitution] and his Lucky Beads] , Zac barely found one just before one of the suns dipped beneath the horizon . As a huge snake gobbled it down after slaughtering dozens of enemies for the prize .

Two clouds of Life and Death shrouded the wounded beast just as it was about to slither away , and it didn’t even get to release a hiss before its huge head flew into the sky . Zac flashed over and extracted the fruit after some gory digging . It was covered in blood and bile , but it counted according to Null . It was a nice little bonus that would pay for the outing , but Zac was more interested in the real prize . Thanks to Valsa he already knew what he was looking for , and it wasn’t far away .

Two days later , Zac panted in the middle of an enormous clearing , his body seemingly as small as an ant before the severed tree . Its size was an aberration in this huge jungle of death and rebirth , clearly indicating it had some secret . Said tree had been Zac’s target since day one , and it hadn’t been difficult to track down . The only reason it was allowed to remain standing was that it exuded an incredibly deadly aura .

The tree stockpiled vast amounts of Life every surge and then transformed into a protective domain that kept even Late-stage Beast Kings at bay . Even Zac’s Void Vajra Constitution wasn’t enough to withstand that much weaponized Life , and he had been forced to activate Void Zone] to get close . Valsa had guessed the tree contained a Supreme Life treasure and had even planned to leak its details to Zac to lure him over . The events in the Stand of Saeward had preempted those plans , and they’d turned into an opportunity for him instead .

A throng of corpses were strewn around him , most impaled by still-slithering roots . Activating Primal Edict] in a Life-attuned region had worked wonders , and the skill even killed the Middle-stage leader while Zac dealt with the others . The killed beasts had six legs with skin flaps between , looking a bit like supersized flying squirrels .

The squirrels were the only ones who could withstand the old tree’s domain , having formed a symbiotic relationship . Yet even they were covered in soul-chilling growths and tumors , unable to fully endure the tree’s natural aura . Yet they desperately defended their home when the domain failed to repel Zac . He was essentially a homewrecker , but he didn’t feel bad . These little bastards had been harassing him for days , launching deadly sneak attacks and disappearing into the dense tree crowns above .

Zac jumped onto the trunk , and splinters flew in every direction as he dug toward its center . The tree contained immense life force even after being felled and the broken wood mended before his very eyes . The tree branches were digging into the ground to create a new root system . The reason the tree had such a stubborn life force was soon made apparent .

In its center was a single strand of hair , shimmering with monstrous amounts of Life . It was almost as thick as Zac’s pinky finger but no more than half a meter long . Zac didn’t know what kind of beast it once belonged to , but something had transformed it into a Supreme Treasure of Pure Life . It was even covered in dense markings that made Zac think of the Stele of Conflict .

The huge tree had probably absorbed the strand while still a sapling , which allowed it to grow to its current overbearing size . Now , it would become the final ingredient for the Omnitool . Zac wasted no time taking out the little hammer and placing it against the strand . You’d have to be blind to miss this big guy toppling over , and it was just a matter of time before hunger drove one of the local tyrants into investigating .

The exposed strand of hair emitted an immense aura , but it was nothing in front of the First People’s methods . A powerful force dismantled the thread and sucked it into the Omnitool , and the tree beneath Zac’s feet shriveled the moment it lost the source of its power . Zac observed with rapt attention as the final rune came alive , when a sense of foreboding made him look up .

Just in time to see the golden suns obscured by a rapidly expanding cloud .

A clap of furious thunder shook the jungle , and a familiar pressure pushed down on Zac . Yet he could tell he wasn’t the target of Heaven’s wrath . That was reserved for the Omnitool . Zac had heard of Treasure Tribulations before but didn’t expect to see one right now . For one , the hammer had been crafted an eternity ago , while tribulations were supposed to appear right when the treasure was born .

Secondly , Zac didn’t feel the Omnitool was an unorthodox item or something solidly on the Boundless Path . It incorporated all Daos , so it should be considered a mixed-meaning treasure within the System’s purview . Of course , it was hard to argue with the crackling lightning above .

The lightning gathered , and Zac had no option but to throw the Omnitool far into the sky . Intervening with a tribulation would only make things worse for himself and the Omnitool . Ultimately , he had faith in Dasorm , the First People craftsman . Even if he lived in a time before the Dao , he would surely have crafted something that could withstand a bit of lightning .

The world turned white , then purple , as the first bolt crashed into the hammer . The Omnitool vibrated as seventeen runes lit up around it . Then , Zac saw something that shocked him to his core . The Omnitool didn’t just withstand the lightning , it used the still-lingering bolt to extract tremendous amounts of energy from the clouds above .

It even prevented the bolt from dissipating , and the crackling clouds shrank at a visible speed . The Heavens roared with fury , and a second bolt fell to mete judgement . It didn’t help . The Omnitool greedily accepted the punishment and used it to form a second connection to the sky .

A third bolt never descended . The Omnitool had stolen the essence of the Heavens before it got the chance to accumulate one . Zac looked on with awe as the Omnitool floated into his hand , only a bit warm from the tribulation .

I can’t believe you’re so overbearing , - Zac muttered with a smile . - I have a thing or two to learn from you . -

The hammer’s appearance hadn’t changed since the tribulation , but it felt far more tangible in his hands . It also emitted a vast aura , like it contained a replica of the Heavens themselves . All Dao was represented inside , and Zac couldn’t wait to use it to add some Cosmic Cycles .

A powerful roar in the distance shut down that idea before it could form . One of the rulers of the jungle had been awoken by the commotion , and a vast Late D-grade aura spread through the area . Zac had already activated Void Zone] to hide his presence , and he made a beeline toward the exit .

Zac appeared in his mansion a few days later and descended to his workshop at the base . Having stabilized the hammer was a big weight off his shoulders . He no longer needed to visit unfamiliar and confusing Red Zones . He’d be able to save weeks every month and put the saved time into furthering his studies into Cosmic Forge] .

Eight months passed where Zac spent more than three-quarters of his time inside his mansion . He never left for more than ten days , only heading into a Red Zone based on Life , Death , or Conflict to make some quick Mana , accruing more than when he toiled for a month in zones based on foreign peaks .

If exploring the Red Zones based on the other Dao Peaks was like swimming against the current , then visiting battlefields and worlds of Life or Death was like taking a stroll in his backyard . Very few missions managed to stump him , and some resulted in shocking payouts .

Catheya was also quite happy to have him around more , and he was making great progress on his projects . The pile of discarded practice axes gradually turned into a small hill as his limits kept being pushed . Finally , he reached the point he’d been waiting for . The current axe had withstood thirty-three enhancements .

Zac had reached this point dozens of times already , but none of the others had been as steady as this one . Zac was nervous , but his hands were steady as he extracted the essence from a piece of rusty metal . It had once been a part of an E-grade War Axe , but lying on an energy-dense battlefield for eons transformed the shard into what could pass as a Peak-quality F-grade Natural Treasure containing the Dao of Axe . It was the perfect material for the final step of the second Cosmic Cycle .

The essence was moved to the practice axe , and Zac didn’t blink for almost thirty minutes as he connected one thread after another . Finally , the essence was fully integrated , but Zac didn’t relax just yet . The axe trembled precipitously until it stabilized . A fierce aura burst from the axe as the edge grew a shade darker .

Success .

Only then did Zac breathe out in relief , but he didn’t even get a chance to celebrate before a surge of memories sprouted in his mind , like they’d always been there and he’d just forgotten about them for some reason . Now , the details of Cosmic Extraction] were finally laid bare , along with the inherited experience where he remembered practicing the technique for decades .

There weren’t any surprises to the technique . It was almost a reversion of Cosmic Infusion] , where you extracted the equivalent of a single essence from a weapon . The process could be repeated , but each modification would make the extraction more difficult . Of course , if you messed up , there was also the risk of destroying the weapon altogether .

Zac couldn’t wait to keep practicing , but he first inspected the other burst of information provided by completing the quest . Like last time , he got a preview of the next layer , probably to give him something to work toward .

The third layer of Cosmic Forge] was called Essence Union] . It still wasn’t a proper crafting technique , but it was getting closer . Zac was only privy to a short introduction to the technique , but that small piece was enough to fill him with excitement and anticipation . The first two layers were straightforward : to add or remove essence from a piece of equipment .

Essence Union] was a technique that would refine the process . It was very rare to find an essence that perfectly matched your path . But what if you could take the useful parts of two different Natural Treasures and add some of your Dao as glue? Creating tailor-made essences would allow you to craft a piece of equipment far more suited to your path .

Zac almost drooled imagining using Essence Union] to transform all the treasures he’d collected for his Core Formation into perfectly suited materials . Unfortunately , unlocking the next chapter was easier said than done .

Cosmic Forge (Unique , Inheritance) : Extract two Cosmic Cycles from a three-cycle refined item . Reward : Essence Union] . (0/34)

71

APPROACHING THE LIMITS

The quest asked Zac to remove two Cosmic Cycles from a - three-cycle item’ and a refined item at that . In other words , he needed to extract the spirituality of a High-quality E-grade equipment , essence by essence , until it was reduced to Low-quality . Not only that , but the product needed to be in harmony and not teetering on the brink of collapse .

The task seemed daunting , but Zac was full of vigor as he set out to accomplish the task . Cosmic Extraction] didn’t provide much use for his Core Formation , but Essence Union] definitely held a lot of potential . It might allow him to completely reinvent the Core Formation process and sidestep the biggest pitfall of being a mortal Hegemon .

Unfortunately , will and desire weren’t always enough to move mountains .

Two months passed , and Zac blankly looked at the shattered remains of an axe . He couldn’t believe how much more difficult extraction was than infusion . He was making progress , but he hadn’t extracted a single essence so far . Every piece of spirituality in equipment , even those ill-fitting with the rest , was an integral part of their makeup .

To extract it was to leave a gaping hole in the tool’s inner structure , akin to removing an array flag from a formation . You needed speed and a great understanding of energy and materials to rearrange the remaining spirituality before the thing destabilized and exploded . And this was just the first layer . The difficulty would exponentially increase by removing more and more pieces from the item .

Technically , it was within the realm of possibility to finish the quest before he broke through . He had plenty of gear in his Spatial Rings , and there were always guests selling equipment stockpiles to make a quick buck . But the task itself was just so incredibly complicated , and the inherited memories were far from enough .

Zac was confident he’d get there eventually , but not within the time limit he’d set for himself . If he wanted to use Essence Union] for his Core Formation , he’d probably have to stay inside the Perennial Vastness for another decade or two . For lack of better options , Zac returned to basics .

His theoretical foundations to accomplish Cosmic Extraction] were severely lacking . Just like when he tried to create his two stances . He was putting the cart before the horse , trying to leapfrog the equivalent of the Formation Stage and directly work on the Integration Stage . Highly inefficient .

Zac decided to start from the beginning and learn to infuse three cycles into an E-grade axe before dismantling it . Building the weapon himself would help him understand how the essences and spiritual threads held an item together . This kind of practice would also help with his Core Formation plans .

Their lives had entered a stable routine by that point . Ogras and Catheya often teamed up for missions while snatching the occasional bounty through Perennial Transformations] . Zac joined now and then , but it wasn’t really necessary . Both had pushed their strength to new heights with their latest breakthroughs , so Zac didn’t feel he had to worry about their safety anymore .

The Seven Heavens failed to make a comeback in the Perennial Vastness . As expected , another prince came . The Undead Empire attacked with wild abandon , constantly tracking his movements and crippling his operations before he could set them up . He couldn’t even gather Mana in peace . The previous bloody slaughters also made others leery of lending a helping hand .

The Revenants never attacked him directly , though , as they were obviously not his match . They simply lingered at a safe distance , forming the same intangible threat Zac endured before Valsa struck . The prince stopped visiting even Green Zones , fearful he’d meet the same fate as his sister . Then one day , after just a single year , his storefront was gone .

As such , there was nothing to hamper Zac’s progress , and the Mana was veritably flowing into his accounts . It allowed him to spend extravagantly in the Keys of Ascension and similar unique zones to speed up his progress with Cosmic Forge] and his Core Formation plan . Since he had such an abundance of Mana , he even tried other ways to improve .

Unfortunately , he was fast reaching the same conclusion as Kruta . He’d exhausted his potential in the E-grade . His Soul and Constitution required far-too-much energy to progress . His technique had reached a bottleneck as well . It wasn’t that his stances were refined to perfection but that there were no further insights to infuse . The two techniques were based on his Daos and were just Middle Dao Branches . That level of understanding wasn’t enough to reach the higher stages .

There was only one holdout where he felt there was still room for improvement : Hidden Nodes . He already had an incredible number of nodes , and all of them were the kind that could evolve . Most would be over the moon with such a result , yet Zac would be lying if he said he was satisfied . Was six really the limit?

Certainly , there was also Quantum Gate] , but he didn’t count that as a natural Hidden Node . It more resembled a backdoor his Technocrat mother wanted to use to sneak the Dao of Technology into a cultivator .

Zac was unsure whether there were any more Void Emperor Nodes hiding in some corner of his body . His instincts said no , that the three formed a single system . But there certainly should be more Draugr Nodes . There was just no way three was the limit for a bloodline like Eoz . Even Catheya had opened a fifth Hidden Node inside the Perennial Vastness , four of which were bloodline nodes .

Yet Zac came up empty-handed even after spending 20 , 000 Mana and multiple C-grade Nexus Coins on treasures and opportunities meant to localize Hidden Nodes . Catheya tried to help as best as she could , but nothing worked . Zac arrived at two possible explanations for his failure .

One , his odd constitution made him lose some of his Draugr Nodes . Perhaps the Void Emperor Nodes blocked their appearance . Second , there might be a problem with how he became a descendant of Eoz . Perhaps he didn’t carry the full bloodline .

After all , the bloodline was inherited from samples found in a spatial crack on the frontier . That Draugr corpse definitely wasn’t Eoz himself , but rather some descendant . Even if his Duplicity Core had somehow purified the bloodline to the point he triggered an - Ancestral Descent , ’ it might be incomplete .

Perhaps that issue would be fixed by visiting the Abyssal Shore and reconnecting with the Abyssal Lake . For now , the situation was bleak , and he stopped wasting resources on a fool’s errand . He even gave Ogras Hanamon’s Awakening] , the node-opening treasure he got from Yrial .

While extremely precious , it was worthless to Zac since it only worked when you had already localized a node . The demon had long since done just that and was working on breaking it open . The treasure allowed him to finish the job in one go and spend his extra Mana on other things .

Having nothing else to work on , Zac focused all his attention on Cosmic Forge] . It took him one year of painstaking effort to reach two Cosmic Cycles with an E-grade item . The technique was the same , but the far more powerful insights and energies made the process more volatile . And while he’d nurtured an almost instinctual understanding of Cosmic Forge]’s concepts , progress only grew more difficult .

A highly anticipated guest provided a break from his practice . Zac had just destroyed another practice axe when a snicker almost made Zac’s heart jump out of his mouth . Zac swirled around , finding Esmeralda standing inside his workshop .

The toad hadn’t appeared once since dropping off the missives , and Zac was shocked at her progress over the past three years . She was over two meters taller and possessed a significantly more powerful aura . It wasn’t enough to pressure Zac , but there was a mysterious depth to her that made him think of his Void Emperor bloodline .

Esmeralda had probably managed to awaken another part of her heritage , which was one of the most important aspects of a beast’s cultivation . She was progressing quickly , which was undoubtedly a benefit of her unique situation . Of course , Zac was certain Esmeralda was working hard on her cultivation , just like him . The Left Imperial Palace was the key to breaking her curse and returning to her former glory .

You scared me , - Zac sighed as he looked at the toad anxiously . - It’s done? -

Esmeralda grinned , making a few signs that said something along the lines of it being child’s play .

And everything’s there? - Zac said with a raised brow .

Esmeralda scoffed and made a series of croaks and explanations . The tirade was both longer and more complex than he was used to , and it took Zac over ten minutes to figure out what the toad was trying to convey . She didn’t want to stay long , saying she had to leave to get something important . The next time they met , it would be in Zecia before the trial started .

My home world is newly integrated and protected by the System , - Zac said . - How will you find me? -

Esmeralda grandly slapped her chest , indicating it wouldn’t be a problem . The next moment , she spat out an opalescent pearl covered in gastric juice . Zac looked at the thing with a grimace . A few signs indicated that Esmeralda could find that sphere , so he just needed to place it on a gathering array on his planet .

In case your method doesn’t pan out , you can send me a message through the mercantile system , - Zac said , handing her an Information Crystal .

Esmeralda huffed with annoyance over Zac’s lack of faith but still took the crystal . After that , she left , leaving Zac to his own devices . Zac didn’t mind , and he eagerly rushed down to the mountain’s base , where he infused a bit of energy into the ring before throwing it out . Even then , Zac was forced to activate Earthstrider] to get out of the way as a mountain of treasure rapidly formed .

The old thief had already explained the situation . Esmeralda had broken all seals and triggers , even those placed on any items inside . However , doing so had destabilized the ring , much like his experiments with Cosmic Extraction] . She’d applied a technique that would keep it temporarily stable , but the moment it was activated , it would spit out everything before collapsing .

Zac’s breaths turned heavy as he gazed upon the mountain of wealth . He almost gave in to the adolescent dream of swimming in a sea of treasure , but he reined himself in . Instead , he called over Catheya and Ogras to help sort through the pile .

I’ve been saying you should invite me more often , - Ogras said , his eyes veritably burning as dozens of shadowy tendrils dug into the mountain .

He even conjured eight Shadow Servants , all looking like beautiful Torrid Demons , to help out . They were part of the prize for incorporating that odd thing inside the Shifting Dream into his Spiritlock Physique . Of course , the appearance of the Shadow Servants was all Ogras . When these things made their first appearance , Catheya had almost blown a gasket . Zac had been forced to seclude himself to avoid listening to her and Ogras’ complaints .

However , something had changed after two months , and Catheya no longer seemed to mind the demon’s antics . She even figured out a way to give the Shadow Servants dazzling dresses made of ice and mist . Around the same time , Zac started to receive positive comments about Catheya from the demon , and he recounted stories where having a stable Dao Companion had gotten one demon or another out of a jam .

Zac could smell the conspiracy but was happy to play along since it kept the peace . It took over three days to go through it all , even when working together . The number of arrays , talismans , and raw resources was simply shocking . The First Heaven had probably wanted to prepare for any eventuality inside the Perennial Vastness and sent Valsa inside with a huge care package .

It made Zac lament that all Nexus Coins on Valsa’s person had been returned to the System . He wouldn’t be surprised if her wallet held his whole net worth many times over . Still , the prize was nothing to scoff at . A tentative calculation put the normal materials at over 15 C-grade Nexus Coins . And with the Zecia war approaching and resources growing scarce , that number could be significantly higher .

The cash infusion was his biggest one since returning from the Orom World , but it wasn’t quite as exciting now that he had a lucrative Cosmic Vessel production line . Zac was more interested in the unique treasures and Cultivation Manuals . He found items for both Love’s Bond] and Verun’s Bite] , and even Haro got some rare resources that would help speed up his growth .

There were six Cultivation Manuals in Valsa’s possession , though none seemed to be the one she practiced . They were rather those of her followers , and Zac guessed she had them to better understand the capabilities of her deathsworn . Most importantly , the manuals were all Peak D-grade , which essentially was the limits of conventional Cultivation Manuals .

After that , you’d have to create something individualized whether you wanted to or not . If you aimed for Monarchy , you were better off modifying the manual earlier . Still , any of these manuals was enough to become the foundation of a peak force in Zecia , and Zac now had six of them . It wouldn’t help in the short-run , but would drastically improve Earth’s long-term potential .

There were also over twenty Inheritance Skill Crystals , all of them of incredible quality . Just like when he got his hands on Abyssal Phase] , they’d let you inherit not just the skill itself but many memories associated with them . While all the skills were good , Zac didn’t find anything he wanted to add to his repertoire .

Every extra skill added to your pathways would have to be accounted for when forming your core . Creating a skill perfectly suited to your path was one thing , it didn’t require a lot of work to incorporate . But a semi-suitable skill not of his own creation? It would generate an energy imbalance that could cause problems even for cultivators . Zac already had enough baggage not to want to deal with that headache . He’d even foregone his plans to create or swap out any more skills before reaching Hegemony .

Catheya was the same . Most of the skills wouldn’t even work with Miasma , and the others weren’t suitable for her . She was more interested in some general compendiums and War Arrays they’d found , which would help her broaden her understanding of formations . Catheya chose to focus on domains , even with the challenge it presented . As Zac had suspected , she also wanted to add formations to her path when she had the time .

Ogras took one of the crystals , a scouting skill called Wordly Cognizance] . The skill was a lot like the mysterious bowl Vai used to help navigate the dangers of the Void Star , and Zac felt it might be extremely useful inside the Left Imperial Palace . It would provide the demon with a second sense where he’d be able to sense any energy disturbances for miles in every direction .

Even people trying to hide their aura usually left some clues to their presence in the way the energy flowed around them . Only the most talented scouts and assassins managed to completely erase any trace of their presence . The demon hoped to incorporate his network of shadows with the skill to further amplify the effect , but he wouldn’t use the skill crystal until after breaking through . Just like Zac , Ogras didn’t want any extra baggage .

The rest of the skills and resources would return with him to Port Atwood and become another infusion into the budding empire’s foundations .

Esmeralda’s visit was only a short break before things returned to normal . Months turned into a blur until Zac accomplished his goal , where he infused three full cycles into an E-grade axe . He hadn’t even touched Cosmic Extraction] all that time , only focusing on shoring up his foundations . Unfortunately , there was no time to delve into the method now .

It took another two months to incorporate what he’d learned into his Core Formation Method , and almost seven years had passed since entering the Perennial Vastness . Time had passed in a flash compared to his seclusion back on Earth . Even then , Zac could feel it in his bones , it was time to finally move on .

Zac opened his Status Screen , looking at the final line briefly .

Mana : 109 , 534]

He was at the limits of the tenth echelon , where he’d stayed for the past three months . He hadn’t yet felt any hint of the Mana Poisoning as most described it . However , there was a sense of rejection , like the Perennial Vastness was trying to push him out . It was still manageable , but there wasn’t much point in stubbornly resisting .

Climbing any further wasn’t really an option either . The few who could endure the Mana Poisoning at these levels would usually enter seclusion the moment they crossed the threshold of 100 , 000 . It wasn’t that the tenth echelon was a hard limit , but hidden safeguards were implemented . Reaching the tenth had added a whopping 1 , 000 Mana to the monthly fee , compared to the 100 Mana per echelon in the first nine . Gaining Mana from other guests was also a thing of the past , even if that revenue stream had dwindled over the years . Many still approached him for duels because of his uncanny ability to pinpoint weaknesses in blueprints , but the large echelon gap turned the bouts into normal spars . As for the few guests he encountered while traveling the Red Zones , none had dared attack him in over a year .

He’d still be able to increase his Mana if he applied himself . But with over 3 , 000 Mana a month in fees after entering the eleventh echelon , Zac wasn’t sure he’d be able to cross the next threshold .

Not only that , but Null confirmed the pressure on him would drastically increase if he kept accruing Mana . He was already pushing it by crossing 100 , 000 . Zac doubted he’d reach the twelfth echelon before the sense of rejection would mess with his Core Formation . The flip side was that each additional echelon beyond the tenth provided significant benefits .

Reaching the eleventh would improve the environment during your breakthrough by 20% . Better yet , you’d no longer have to pay rent the second you entered seclusion for Core Formation . The Mana you’d gathered would stay with you until the end . And there just so happened to be one final payout waiting for him . One that would let him soar to the thirteenth echelon in one go .

It was finally time to fetch the Remnants .

72

BACK AT THE SCENE

Zac was reluctant to send the message he’d been dreading for so long , but he did . Catheya arrived , and his emotions were mirrored on her face .

It’s time? - Catheya sighed .

It’s time . -

We only got seven years , - Catheya muttered , leaning her head against his chest .

Zac’s heart bled , but he pressed on . - I can’t stay much longer . I’m going straight into seclusion after getting the Remnants . I don’t think I’ll be able to do much beyond sending a message that I’m back . -

Do you really have to do something so dangerous? Can’t you form your core the normal way? -

I could , but it would be just as risky , only in a different way , - Zac said . - If my idea works , I’ll be able to skip right past the most dangerous part . -

I’d ask you to be careful , but when has that ever worked? - Catheya smiled . - When are you leaving? -

We still have some time . -

Zac spent the following days not sparing a thought about cultivation , the future , or the many things that usually demanded his attention . He spent all his time with Catheya , trying to squeeze a lifetime into two weeks . Ogras also popped in a few times for a drink and to reminisce . It was blissful , but reality soon caught up .

I’m going to miss you , - Catheya said as the teleportation gate sprung up behind him . - I’m jealous . It’ll only be a few months for you on the outside . Meanwhile , I’ll stay here for at least another three years . -

Zac weakly smiled as he held her in his arms .

Alright , go . - Catheya smiled as she took a step back . - It’s time for you to show everyone they were wrong . That you can fuse Life and Death . I can’t wait to see their faces . -

I’ll miss you , - Zac said . - Be careful until we see each other again . -

With that , Zac stepped through the teleporter , jumping through a Green Zone to step onto the teleportation square . Zac’s heart was a mess as he put his hand against the teleportation pillar , opening up a path to the Calamity . He stepped inside and was immediately forced to fasten himself to the ground with Vivi’s vines as a roaring wind tried to sweep him off his feet . Not even the raging squalls could drown out the storm in his mind .

One island after another flashed by as Zac woodenly began the ascent toward the Calamity’s upper layers . Zac barely registered it , exuding such a desolate aura the native beasts didn’t dare approach . He almost wished they had . They had tried to keep a positive outlook for the future , but the reality of the situation they found themselves in was impossible to completely ignore .

The situation was so messy , and there were no guarantees things would work out how they’d hoped . It almost felt like a breakup , a goodbye . Zac shook himself out of his state . Their problems wouldn’t be solved by him moping around . The sooner he broke through , the more time he would have to work toward their goals on the outside .

It was an odd feeling , traversing the Calamity again . In the seven years that had passed , he hadn’t gotten much stronger , really . His only real gain was his evolved constitution , whereas his attributes were almost the same . Even then , it was completely different being back .

It was so easy .

Part of it was certainly his tenth-echelon Mana domain . The unstable deposits of Life and Death were bent to his will within ten meters , essentially removing the danger from deadly explosions biting into his flesh . The other part was experience . Having visited so many dangerous regions had given him an instinctual understanding of Dao-filled environments’ shifting and unpredictable nature .

The first step was understanding they weren’t unpredictable at all . The seemingly random storm followed the laws of Dao , just like everything else . The better you understood the Dao , the better you would be prepared for whatever the universe threw at you . When paired with his danger sense and connection to the Daos around him , Zac didn’t even get close to encountering anything considered dangerous over the next two days .

Admittedly , luck was on his side . The lower layer of the Calamity was somewhat calm , without any squalls that forced him to take cover . He kept a steady pace climbing higher and higher , reaching an island just below a dense cloud curtain crackling with unstable energy .

It was the great divider separating the lower and upper regions . You could consider it the test you needed to pass to access the richer environments above . All beasts living on the lower islands dreamed of making it through the barrier , but most Early Beast Kings would have to put their lives on the line to do so .

Zac didn’t believe he’d be quite that pressed , but he still made ample preparations while waiting for an opportunity . Hours passed before Zac sensed the eruption of energy below he’d been waiting for . There was no island inside the storm curtain you could use to advance . You had to catch a ride .

Small vibrations shook the island , indicating it was time to go . A golden laurel appeared on Zac’s head while the pillars of Empyrean Aegis] rose behind him . With his defenses in place , Zac disappeared from the shore , using Earthstrider] to appear over a hundred meters into the air . The jump allowed him to get a better look at the situation below , and he took two rapid steps to get into position .

Normally , he’d already be falling toward the depths , but Zac activated a wind talisman to temporarily render him weightless . Then , a specialized glider resembling a huge frisbee appeared beneath his feet , just in time for a powerful pillar of wind to slam into it from underneath . The combination of his weightlessness and the glider’s large surface area resulted in a tremendous amount of lift , and Zac shot upward like a cannon .

The glider broke apart from the energy-dense updraft , but it had already served its purpose . Zac deactivated the wind talisman just as he was about to enter the clouds , returning his weight . Even then , he found himself tossed around like a ragdoll by the raging storm within . Not even his Mana domain was enough to quell the unbridled energy , pushing him into the same situation as when he first entered the Calamity all those years ago .

He was like a leaf in the middle of a hurricane , and a constant barrage of chaotic explosions tried to break through the golden barrier enclosing him . The first and second pillars crumbled down below , and bleeding gashes started accumulating .

The calming effect of his blood worked wonders , and the storm weakened a bit . Zac helped the process by opening a series of wounds across his body , which helped spread the effect . Still , the onslaught was relentless . The third pillar soon crumbled , and the fourth teetered on collapse .

Luckily , the curtain wasn’t all that thick , and the accumulated momentum gave him more than enough speed . Zac shot out of the clouds just as the fourth pillar collapsed .

He was in luck . He took out a second glider and used the remaining updraft to steer the vessel toward a nearby island .

Sometimes , you found yourself in the middle of a no man’s land after passing through . At that point , you could only fall back into the curtain and make a second attempt later , unless you had a special means of flight . With the curtain overcome and an island just ten minutes away , Zac had passed the first hurdle of his mission .

Zac took out a Healing Pill as he took in the surroundings . It was a familiar yet foreign scene . The upper layer of the Calamity was mostly more of the same , but everything was magnified . The innumerable suns were larger and more radiant , resulting in greater ambient energies . That , in turn , generated more ferocious storms .

In such an environment , the smaller islands of the lower region wouldn’t survive for long . The upper islands were fewer but much larger , and Zac spotted three hulking Calamity Mountains floating in the distance . More importantly , he vaguely felt a hint of his target coming from somewhere above . The fluctuations were weak , but it was unmistakably Creation and Oblivion .

It could have been just a natural occurrence of the Daos . The environment was certainly energy-dense enough to form at least some hints of the upper Daos of the Peak of Chaos . The Remnants were stirring in his mind , though , confirming it wasn’t some random treasure that had been born .

Zac soon reached the island , where he was greeted by two powerful presences locking onto him . He hesitated a moment before releasing his aura . He only did so momentarily before restraining it as he ran , keeping to the shores . The pressure receded soon after , and the owners never made an appearance .

Those auras likely belonged to Middle-stage Beast Kings , but they hadn’t bothered with him after confirming he was just crossing the area . The aura he’d released was also enough to give them pause , and these beasts were smart enough to understand he wasn’t looking to take anyone’s lair like the vagabonds .

Not all beasts were so pragmatic , and Zac was forced into one pitched battle after another through his ascent . Some beasts were simply stupid and aggressive . Others wanted to gobble him up to improve their cultivation . After all , he was essentially a Supreme Natural Treasure with his attuned constitutions to the beasts of the Calamity . The constant harassment was annoying , but it wasn’t at the level of Endless Cerulean .

And the call urged him on .

It didn’t take long for the intangible feeling of the Remnants to turn into something clear . He could sense both splinter and shard above , and they seemed to be quite close to each other . A day passed , and he finally spotted the source . He’d just crossed a huge island that was more like a flat hill , possibly the broken-off base of a Calamity Mountain , and his destination was finally in full view .

It wasn’t a Calamity Mountain as he’d expected , but rather two suns locked in orbit with each other . They were slowly rotating just outside each other’s reach , like duelists circling their opponent in search of an opening . You didn’t need to have your head crammed full of ancient horrors to realize there was something different about these two suns compared to the others . The darkness of the Death-attuned star was much deeper , like the orb atop his Pillar of Desolation] .

Just looking at it left Zac’s eyes stinging , and his mind turned sluggish as the Dao within tried to erase his thoughts , even his soul . The golden sun was filled with vigor , pulsating like it was about to go supernova . It constantly released erratic solar flares that contained opalescent flames that filled Zac’s mind with ideas .

It was clear , however , that these suns weren’t purely made from Oblivion and Creation . The vast majority was still Life and Death , just like the rest of the suns in the Red Zone . Zac remembered the visions of the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation . How they’d roved the universe , consuming and destroying to fuel their path . Most likely , the Remnants had entered two normal suns , attaching themselves like parasites to siphon off their energy .

There was also a smattering of small moons floating around the suns , forming a confusing pattern around their respective element . Zac wasn’t in any hurry to fly over since the island he was on was drifting closer , so he hid and observed the situation . The small moons looked inert , but they gave Zac a dangerous feeling .

As expected , something changed after two hours when a fifty-meter-long bird draped in beautiful golden feathers emerged from one of the satellites . It released a preening cry filled with the Dao of Life and hunger before jumping off . Zac frowned as the bird shot straight for the unstable sun . He wanted to intervene , but the bird was an Early Hegemon that excelled at speed .

It turned into a golden streak of light as it shot into the outer corona . A desolate cry echoed through the region before the quiet resumed . A minute later , a scorched and mutated miscreation dropped out of the flames , falling toward the storm curtain far below . Zac sighed as he looked at the burning carcass . The Remnant’s call of unfettered possibility had probably corroded its mind .

There were no doubt more creatures hiding within those satellites , resisting the temptations while using the Remnant’s unique Dao to cultivate . Yet none moved to intervene , which made Zac believe it wasn’t the first time a beast lost control and got itself killed . That was definitely good news . Pushing through those suns to reach the Remnants would be difficult enough . It might be too much to handle if he also had to deal with a bunch of Beast Kings .

The island reached its closest point to the twin suns , and Zac jumped off just as it started drifting away . This time , he was in his Draugr form , and he released a bloody but not too overbearing aura of the Dao of Death . It was just a bit stronger than what the bird just now had emitted .

It was the best solution he could come up with after some deliberation . Show the hidden inhabitants he was strong enough to qualify for a spot on the satellites but not strong enough to threaten the natural order of things . Even then , Zac’s heart thumped when two immense auras swept over him , each belonging to Late-stage Beast Kings . They were even more overbearing than the mysterious beast in the Calamity Mountain that disappeared when the whole thing collapsed .

The pressure almost made him turn the glider around , but he gritted his teeth and stayed the course . His gambit proved successful . The Death-attuned aura lingered a bit longer than the other , but it eventually retreated . Zac had been prepared for a bloody struggle , but skipping that step was obviously preferable .

There was no way he’d be able to take down a Late-stage Beast King without going all-out . Even then , he’d likely be left with grievous wounds , if he succeeded at all . Either case , it would mess with the next step of his plan , so he thanked his lucky stars as he gingerly landed on one of the smaller moons . The Dao of Oblivion was much clearer this close to the Remnant .

Zac made no move toward the sun , digging a simple cave instead and settling in . He ignored the increasing sense of urgency from the Remnants trapped inside the prison . The splinters were especially agitated with being so close to one of their brethren , but the shards weren’t much better . The second sun was not far away , releasing its beckoning call . Zac let the Remnants groan and complain . Everything was under control so long as they didn’t fully wake up and start to fight .

Zac spent the next five days in - meditation , ’ where he only emerged once a day to stand at the moon’s surface . It was to get a full view of the sun as it rose from below like a sunrise . In reality , Zac didn’t spend a second in meditation . What would be the point? For one , he simply couldn’t meditate on the Daos like cultivators or the hidden Beast Kings around him . And even if he could , he was still inside a Time Chamber .

Zac kept a constant watch of energy fluctuations and auras , gauging the reactions of his neighbors . On the first day , more than ten perceptions locked onto him when he emerged from the cave . After six days , none bothered with him anymore . The auras had stabilized , indicating the beasts had returned to a meditative state . The locals would wake up when Zac made his move , but exchanging a few thousand Mana for a couple seconds of extra time might be the difference between success and failure .

The rest of the time was spent observing the sun , formulating a strategy to snatch the Remnant within . Luckily , Zac had experience with similar missions and some unique advantages that would put him in a far-better position than the unfortunate bird from the other day .

On the seventh day , Zac’s eyes opened thirty minutes before his daily outing to witness the sunrise . Everything was the same , but Zac felt the intangible winds of destiny urge him forward . The slumbering momentum in his body had started stirring years ago when he added the last piece to the Omnitool , but it had been too early . Zac had kept things in check since then , but there was no point in holding back any longer . His heart beat with excitement , but he was careful to keep his aura completely steady as he took out the Hollow Core] .

If everything went according to plan , he’d start his Core Formation within the hour .

73

LIKE THE MOTH

Mad . . . you’re mad! - Null cried in Zac’s mind as he opened his robes to expose his stomach . - You’re already at the tenth echelon , and the boss confirmed you’d reach the thirteenth by snatching these things .

Do you know what the thirteenth echelon means? I don’t even know when someone’s reached that level . It’ll be like having the boss himself aiding you in your Core Formation . A gallery’s top-tier guests hurry into seclusion after hitting the eleventh . A rare few narrowly squeeze into the twelfth , but whole galleries can come and go without such a guest appearing . -

Zac ignored Null’s prattling . It had been a daily nuisance since the guide realized what he was planning to do , or at least part of it .

You have everything you need to accomplish your goal . There’s no need to go to these lengths , risking both our lives! People normally go into seclusion for months to stabilize their Dao and minds before they break through , not doing foolish things like this! -

This is happening whether you like it or not , - Zac answered with a thought . - You’re better off cheering me on than trying to sow seeds of doubt in my mind . Or keep watch of the big guy hiding in that moon over there . -

Bah , fine! - Null said with exasperation . - For seven years you’ve tortured me with your antics . Worse comes to worst , I’ll just die . At least my torment will be over . -

That’s the spirit . - Zac smiled as he infused some Mental Energy filled with all three of his Daos into the Hollow Core] .

The Natural Treasure looked like a somewhat dull crystal orb , but it lit up when his Daos entered its empty innards . It drew some energy from the environment , prompting a set of previously invisible markings to appear on its surface . Most were natural markings , but there were also a few exquisite runes engraved .

The runes were undoubtedly carved by the artisan who realized the use of the Hollow Core] . They had nothing to do with the Core Formation itself but rather helped with absorbing the treasure . The runes detached the moment they absorbed enough ambient energy and formed a circle around his exposed belly button .

Zac felt a foreign energy enter his body and ordered his Hidden Nodes not to interfere . The energy congealed into a small sphere , which Zac dragged toward his Duplicity Core . He had long since realized that the Core Formation would have to occur within the Specialty Core , which meant the first step was to put the Hollow Core] inside .

That way , it would act like an insulating layer , protecting the Duplicity Core from being damaged while he worked with the dangerous energies of the Core Formation process . The Hollow Core] would liquefy into pure energy that nourished and stabilized the finished core , at which point Zac would connect the Cosmic Core with his Specialty Core .

Much of the Duplicity Core’s makeup was still outside his understanding . Not even Ultom could unravel the secrets behind his family’s ultimate experiment . Partly because the runes across its surface were encrypted , but most of the reason was that he couldn’t pierce the outer layers to inspect what hid within .

That fact was problematic , but the bouts of Lake-fueled inspiration allowed him to intuit a few conclusions . First , Zac strongly believed the Duplicity Core would automatically evolve when connected with a finished Cosmic Core . It was possible he’d have to fuel the process with a bunch of treasures , but he was already prepared for that eventuality .

Secondly , there was a hidden - hatch - on the Duplicity Core . He’d never managed to open it before , but Zac was certain it was meant for the Core Formation process . So , Zac led the small orb toward the hatch , prepared to yank it open by force . However , the hatch opened on its own when the orb drew close .

It was as though the Duplicity Core knew what he was up to , and the thought made a grim frown appear on Zac’s face . Truthfully , he would have preferred using his , admittedly crude , solutions over having the Duplicity Core act independently . For one , he didn’t want any help from his mother’s faction , even indirect help .

This also added unpredictability to the plans he painstakingly put together . However , he couldn’t stop now , like one couldn’t take back a loosed arrow . The hatch opening wasn’t the only change to the Duplicity Core . It was dragging energy into the space within . It was fine for now since he could use his energy and Dao to accommodate the pull .

Since it was his energy , it obviously wouldn’t add heterogeneity to his Core Formation . It would , however , affect some of his plans . Furthermore , the amount of energy dragged into the core was more than Zac could sustain . He estimated he’d last a day before running out of energy . Zac would be left with no choice but to start using treasures at that point , no matter whether he was ready to form his core or not .

Interestingly enough , Miasma wasn’t the only energy entering the Duplicity Core . Normal Cosmic Energy seeped out of the walls , providing no clue where it was stored . Not only that , the core was in an incredibly mysterious state Zac couldn’t explain . It both existed and didn’t in a weird quantum state of uncertainty .

It felt illusory , yet the energy was certainly there based on how it interacted with the Miasma . Zac couldn’t feel any connection to it either , unlike the Miasma and Dao being dragged inside . There was a weak hint of the Void hidden in the Cosmic Energy . It wasn’t like the Void Energy he used to power skills or his Bloodline Talents , but more like the theories of the Void had inverted the Cosmic Energy from its natural state .

Zac already suspected his bloodline was the key to making his Duplicity Core work , and this was further evidence supporting that theory . For all the grief Leandra had caused him , he had to give the Kayar-Elu some credit . They really knew what they were doing when forming this mysterious core .

The Technocrats had probably added the automated energy pull to make the Core Formation process easier , but it turned into a ticking time bomb for him . Zac inwardly cursed his mother for only dropping a few vague hints before leaving , but there was nothing to do about it . His plan held many uncertainties , and he was already prepared to make some adjustments on the go . This was just another bump in the road .

The small glowing orb entered the hatch without a hitch , and it transformed in a flash of light . The next second , Zac felt a weak but stable connection to the crystal sphere from within his Duplicity Core . The treasure had returned to its physical form . It was easy to forget , but a Cosmic Core was not a spiritual phenomenon like a Soul Aperture or Skill Fractals . When cultivators formed a Cosmic Core , they essentially grew a new organ . Mortals such as himself had to build one .

A mental command expanded the crystal sphere until he felt an intractable resistance from the outside . Zac performed some calculations , nodding with satisfaction . The less space he had for the Core Formation , the more difficult the process would become . He’d even prepared three scenarios depending on the situation .

The hidden space within the Duplicity Core wasn’t quite as big as Zac’s most optimal scenario , but it was still quite generous . He’d be able to follow his main scenario and even have some extra breathing room in case of mishaps or unexpected turn of events .

He’d already isolated his cave , but the Hollow Core]’s fluctuations had stirred some nearby auras . The beasts’ meditative slumber had been disturbed , but they soon stilled . Zac was relieved though not surprised . If you woke up from every minor fluctuation inside the Calamity , you’d never get a wink of sleep . The process had taken quite some time , almost making him late . Zac took a breath before leaving the cave , just like he had the past six days .

The moon’s surface was currently drowned in the light of Life and Creation from the distant star . That soon changed as darkness rose from below , supplanting Life with Death .

Miasma surged , and the world was reduced to a dull monochrome as time seemingly ground to a halt . Zac flew off the edge , down toward the Oblivion Sun , before any beasts could react . He extracted tremendous speed from his Peak-mastery Abyssal Phase] , but it wasn’t enough to elude the locals . One consciousness after another latched onto him as he pierced the deathly corona .

Zac didn’t feel any killing intent from the observers—they likely thought him yet another fool consumed by greed after just a few days in the splinter’s presence . Having his movement skill forcibly dispelled by the rampant energies on the sun’s surface probably reinforced this impression . The Beast Kings wouldn’t laugh for long .

Death flooded his body as he fell through the sun’s outer layer , and the echoes of Oblivion created zones of extreme danger he desperately avoided . Their concentration was manageable this far out , but it was enough to awaken the Remnants . They had been stirring inside their cage for a week , and their energies were fast rising in response to the environment .

Zac tried to endure the corona’s fiery onslaught as long as possible but was soon forced to activate Profane Exponents] . The floating skeletons climbed onto his back , and a protective shield formed around him . This was the main reason he targeted the splinter first . The absolute defenses of Empyrean Aegis] were slightly higher , but it would have forced him to leave the pillars back on the moon . A single thought of the Late-stage Beast Kings would tear apart his protection .

The outer corona comprised roughly half the sun’s diameter and was made of Death-attuned Energy packed so tightly it mimicked flames . Beneath was a semi-solid layer similar to lava or a viscous ichor . Not even a Draugr was spared from the crazy amounts of Death that tried to tear him apart , but it was manageable .

More troubling was the Dao of Oblivion . It was far more pronounced this far in , enough for the mesh of Remnants inside the cage to separate . Splinters and shards entered a familiar war , where one side tried to break out while the other wanted to contain them . Three sets of Remnants fighting pushed the limits of what the cage could withstand , and Zac was alarmed to see bursts of energy leak into his Soul Aperture .