For a moment, everything went dark. Then Slifer found himself sprawled on the ground, back in the Mortal Realm. The mist-shrouded landscape of the Black Death Sect surrounded him once more.

Slifer blinked, disoriented. He patted himself down, checking for injuries.

No holes, no missing limbs. That Critical Block Card really pulled through.

He glanced around, spotting Ace nearby. The Heavenly Light Sect Master was already on his feet, looking completely unruffled. Not a hair out of place or a speck of dust on his pristine robes.

How does he do that? Some secret Immortal-level technique?

Ace met Slifer's gaze, his eyes widening slightly. For the first time since they'd met, there was a glimmer of something like respect in the Sect Master's expression.

"You withstood that attack," Ace murmured. "Impressive."

Slifer shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "What can I say? I'm full of surprises."

And literal cheat cards. Can't forget those.

Ace's lips twitched into the ghost of a smile. "Indeed. It seems the rumors about you weren't entirely exaggerated after all."

So, he has been analyzing me this whole time. Interesting.

Slifer pushed himself to his feet, brushing dirt from his robes. He kept his tone casual as he asked, "That power... was that really an Immortal?"

Ace nodded solemnly. "Yes. I take it this was your first encounter with one?"

"You could say that," Slifer replied, his mind racing. Time to fish for some information. "I've heard stories, of course, but to actually feel that level of power..."

He let his voice trail off, hoping Ace would fill in the blanks.

The Heavenly Light Sect Master's gaze grew distant. "Before them, we are nothing more than ants. Even though we stand half a step from the Immortal Realm, it may as well be the distance between the heavens and the earth."

Slifer swallowed hard, remembering the overwhelming pressure of that massive red eye. "Well, as long as that thing stays inside the Nether Realm, we're not completely defenseless, right? I mean, there must be ways to... prepare for such encounters."

He watched Ace carefully, hoping his probing wasn't too obvious.

"True enough," Ace said with a slight nod. "If the Immortal Demons become directly involved, the Immortal cultivators will step in to maintain the balance. As for preparation..." He paused, studying Slifer. "The best defense is to avoid their notice altogether."

Great. So we're just pawns in some cosmic chess game. And apparently, the winning move is not to play.

Slifer pressed on, his curiosity getting the better of him. "But surely there are techniques, artifacts that can offer some protection? I mean, we managed to survive that attack..."

Ace's eyes narrowed slightly. "There are... methods. But they come at great cost, and are far from foolproof. It's best not to dwell on such things unless absolutely necessary."

Translation: 'Stop asking questions you're not ready to handle.' Message received.

Aloud, Slifer simply nodded. "I see. Well, let's hope it doesn't come to that again anytime soon."

Though knowing my luck, I'll probably have an Immortal breathing down my neck by next Tuesday.

Ace shook his head as his expression turned serious, his brow furrowing. "There's more. While we were in the Nether Realm, I detected hints of other portals connecting to the Mortal Realm."

Slifer's eyes widened. "Other portals? You mean there are more of those things?"

Ace nodded. "It seems this plot runs deeper than I initially suspected. We can't trust the other sects. Just as a portal was hidden beneath the Black Death Sect, there may be others concealed elsewhere."

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"Which sects are hiding them?" Slifer asked, his mind racing.

"That," Ace said, "is what we need to find out."

Slifer eyed the Heavenly Light Sect Master warily. "And you're telling me this because...?"

Ace's eyes locked onto Slifer's. "Because I believe you can be of use in uncovering the truth."

Slifer raised an eyebrow. "Me? The leader of a demonic sect? I'm flattered, but aren't you worried I might be part of this... scheme?"

"Are you?" Ace asked, his tone neutral.

Slifer snorted. "If I was, do you think I'd tell you?"

A hint of a smile flickered across Ace's face. "Perhaps not. But your actions speak louder than words. Your performance during the Inter-Sect tournament, and now here... they paint an interesting picture."

"Oh?" Slifer said, keeping his voice casual. "And what picture is that?"

Ace took a step closer, his voice low. "One of a man playing a dangerous game. A man with secrets, certainly, but also with... unexpected principles."

Well, that's uncomfortably perceptive, Slifer thought.

Aloud, he said, "You're making a lot of assumptions based on very little information, Sect Master Ace."

"Am I?" Ace countered. "Then tell me, Slifer, why did you really come to the Black Death Sect? Was it truly just to expand your power base?"

Slifer hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "Let's just say I had my suspicions about certain... irregularities within the demonic sects. I came to investigate."

"And you found far more than you bargained for," Ace finished.

Slifer nodded slowly. "You could say that."

They stood in silence for a moment, each sizing the other up. Finally, Ace spoke again.

"We find ourselves at an impasse, Slifer. I don't fully trust you, and I'm certain you don't trust me. But the threat we face is greater than our individual suspicions."

"So, what do you propose?" Slifer asked.

Ace reached into his robes and pulled out a small jade talisman. He held it out to Slifer. "A temporary alliance. This is a communication talisman. I'll be in touch when I have more information."

Slifer eyed the talisman warily. "And what do you expect in return?"

"Information," Ace said simply. "Your unique position gives you access to circles I cannot easily penetrate. Share what you learn, and I'll do the same."

Slifer considered for a moment, then reached out and took the talisman. It was warm to the touch, thrumming with spiritual energy.

"Alright," he said. "I suppose we have a deal."

Ace's lips curved into a small smile. "Let's call it a mutually beneficial arrangement. For now."

As Ace prepared to depart, Slifer couldn't resist one last question. "Why me? Why not work with other righteous sects?"

Ace paused, his gaze distant. "Because sometimes, Slifer, it takes a bit of darkness to illuminate the truth." With that cryptic statement, he took to the air, his form blurring into a streak of white and blue that quickly disappeared into the mist.

Slifer stood there for a moment, turning the talisman over in his hands. Well, this is certainly going to complicate things, he thought wryly. I came here to annex a sect, and instead I got to visit demon hell, almost got obliterated by an Immortal, and ended up in a secret alliance with the most powerful cultivator in the Mortal Realm. Just another Tuesday in the life of Slifer, I guess.

He looked around at the remains of the Black Death Sect. The once-imposing buildings were now little more than rubble, the mist that had shrouded the grounds now dissipating to reveal a desolate landscape.

So much for annexing this place, Slifer thought with a sigh. Can't rule over a pile of rocks.

He shook his head, trying to focus. There would be time to dwell on missed opportunities later. Right now, he needed to get back to his own sect and figure out his next move.

Slifer flew back to the Ark. "Val! Leah!" he called out. "Time to go!"

The barrier around the ark dissipated, and moments later Val came zooming out, her scales flashing in the light. She circled Slifer excitedly.

"Master! You're okay!" she chirped, landing on his shoulder. "I was so worried! There was this big boom and then everything went all wobbly and—"

"Easy there, little fireball," Slifer said, patting her head. "I'm fine. Just had a bit of an... adventure."

Leah emerged from the ark more slowly, her face pale and her eyes wide. "Sect Master," she said, her voice shaky. "What... what happened out there?"

Slifer sighed. "It's a long story," he said. "I'll explain everything once we're back at the Black Rose Sect. For now, let's just say our plans have... changed."

He waved his hand, and the divine ark shrunk back down to its miniature size. Slifer tucked it back into his spatial ring, then turned to face his companions.

"Alright, gather close," Slifer said. "We're heading home."

Val clung tighter to his shoulder, while Leah stepped closer, her eyes still wide with a mix of fear and curiosity.

Slifer took a deep breath, focusing his qi. He reached out with his senses, feeling for the familiar energy signature of the Black Rose Sect. Once he had a lock on it, he began to channel his power.

Dimensional Slide, don't fail me now, Slifer thought as he gathered his energy. I really don't want to explain to these two why we're suddenly in the middle of the ocean or something. That would be embarrassing…

With a tearing gesture, Slifer opened a hole in space. The air in front of them shimmered and warped, revealing a swirling vortex of darkness.

"Hold on tight," Slifer warned. Then, without further hesitation, he stepped into the portal, pulling Val and Leah along with him.

The world blurred around them as they traveled through the dimensional rift. For a brief, disorienting moment, Slifer felt as if he was everywhere and nowhere at once. Then, with a lurch, they emerged on the other side.

Slifer blinked, his eyes adjusting to the sudden change in light. They were standing in the courtyard of the Black Rose Sect, the familiar sight of blooming black roses surrounding them.

Home sweet home, Slifer thought with a mixture of relief and weariness. Now to figure out what the hell I'm going to do next. This is all too much for a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator to deal with…