Su Chen emerged from the depths of Jadefall as dawn broke once again.
The ruined city remained eerily silent behind him, as if time itself now feared to resist his will.
Three Origin Fragments pulsed softly in the spatial seals he carried, each one heavier than its size suggested—not in mass, but in consequence.
He paused beneath a gnarled old tree at the edge of the ruins, letting the coolmorning wind wash over him.
Wei Lun's warning still echoed in his mind.
"Others will come. Stronger than me."
Su Chen's gaze hardened. The Shadow Hall had noticed him. The Tribunal had no doubt noticed as well. Each fragment he claimed drew more attention.
But fear was not his way.
If the world sought to oppose him, then he would reshape it—again and again, if needed.
He checked the System briefly:
> [Origin Fragments: 3/7]
[New Ability: Temporal Anchor – active.]
[Reset Timer: Ready.]
Good.
He was stronger than before. But strength alone was not enough.
Information. Influence. Allies. These too were tools of survival—and of dominance.
He began his journey back toward Heaven's Gate Sect, moving swiftly through the dense forests and winding mountain paths. Though the sun rose higher, a sense of unease followed him. The land itself seemed restless.
By midday, he reached the outer villages near sect territory.
And the whispers had already spread.
Passing through a small market square, Su Chen heard them:
"Did you hear? Someone challenged Zhao Yan—defeated him outright."
"They say he didn't even draw his blade."
"Rumor is, it was Su Chen. That outer disciple who shot up the ranks."
Su Chen's lips curved faintly.
Good. Let them talk. Let the fear spread.
But amid the chatter, other voices caught his ear.
"... and the Elders are furious. They say a Tribunal envoy is visiting the sect."
Su Chen's eyes narrowed.
A Tribunal envoy, here? That meant one thing: the higher powers had begun to take direct interest. His time was shorter than he'd thought.
He pressed on.
By evening, Su Chen reached the outer gates of Heaven's Gate Sect.
The guards stiffened as he approached—then hastily stepped aside, not daring to meet his gaze.
Word traveled fast.
Inside the sect grounds, the atmosphere had changed.
Disciples whispered behind cupped hands. Some avoided his path entirely. A few looked at him with thinly veiled hatred—Zhao Yan's allies, no doubt.
But Su Chen paid them no mind.
He moved with calm purpose through the familiar stone corridors until he reached his secluded cultivation courtyard.
There, a surprise awaited.
Lin Xuehai stood by the entrance, arms folded, expression unreadable.
"Back already?" she asked softly.
Su Chen inclined his head. "Three fragments now."
Lin Xuehai's eyes gleamed with approval—but also caution.
"You've stirred the nest. The Elders are restless. The Tribunal envoy arrived this morning."
"I know," Su Chen said calmly. "Let them come."
Lin Xuehai exhaled. "Bravado won't be enough, Su Chen. You need allies now."
"I need power," Su Chen corrected. "Allies will follow."
A faint smile touched Lin Xuehai's lips.
"Perhaps. But don't discount those who would stand beside you willingly. I've arranged something."
Before Su Chen could ask, a young woman stepped into view.
Tall, with flowing silver hair and sharp violet eyes, she radiated an aura of restrained strength.
"This is Qin Yulan," Lin Xuehai introduced. "One of the few in this sect not blinded by petty politics."
Qin Yulan gave a graceful bow.
"I've heard of your… exploits. I offer my sword, should you require it."
Su Chen studied her quietly.
She was no fool. Her cultivation was solid—Peak Core Formation, likely—and her gaze held no trace of fear.
"Why?" Su Chen asked simply.
"Because this sect rots from within," Qin Yulan said evenly. "And because your path interests me."
Su Chen nodded. "Very well. But I will not ask you to die for me."
She smiled faintly. "I'll decide that for myself."
Lin Xuehai interjected. "Now—prepare yourself. The Elders have called a council. They will not dare move openly yet, but they will test you."
Su Chen's eyes gleamed cold.
"Then let them test."
Night fell over the sect as Su Chen prepared.
Clad in dark robes, fragments secured and void Qi thrumming beneath his skin, he entered the Hall of Judgment—an ancient chamber where the sect's inner councils met.
Dozens of Elders sat in a crescent around the central floor, their gazes sharp, their auras oppressive.
At their center stood a man in crimson robes—Envoy Xu of the Tribunal.
His eyes locked onto Su Chen's as the young cultivator entered, unfazed.
"So. This is the one causing such… turbulence," the Envoy said, voice smooth as silk.
Su Chen met his gaze without bowing.
"I follow my path."
The Envoy smiled thinly.
"A dangerous path, boy. You wield powers you do not understand. And you've made enemies beyond your imagining."
Su Chen's voice was steady.
"Then they should fear me."
A murmur rippled through the Elders.
Envoy Xu's smile faded.
"Bold. But boldness can become hubris."
He gestured to the Elders.
"The council demands an answer. Will you surrender the Origin Fragments?"
Su Chen's eyes burned.
"No."
The word echoed through the hall like a blade drawn in the dark.
Silence.
Then, a soft chuckle from the Envoy.
"So be it. You walk a dangerous road, Su Chen. I wonder if you'll survive to the end."
Su Chen smiled coldly.
"I will reset the heavens themselves, if I must."
And with that, he turned and walked from the hall—alone, yet unbroken.
Behind him, the whispersgrew.
The Void Sovereign had truly returned.