The Blood Emperor moved swiftly through the shadows, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and frustration. He had come so close to reaching the quasi-9th rank, only to be thwarted by the Fairy Queen and the Grand Saint. Their combined might was overwhelming, forcing him to retreat.
"Damn them,"
He muttered under his breath, his eyes narrowing as he continued his swift pace through the dense forest.
"I need more power. I won't let anyone stand in my way."
His mind raced with thoughts of his next move. He needed to find a place to lay low and recover, but more importantly, he needed a new source of power. His unique physique allowed him to absorb life energy, but he had exhausted most of the easy targets in the region.
As he moved deeper into the forest, he sensed a presence following him. His instincts kicked in, and he spun around, ready to attack.
"Show yourself!"
He demanded, his voice echoing through the trees.
A figure emerged from the shadows, a sly smile on his face. It was a man dressed in dark robes with a hood that obscured most of his features. The only thing visible was the glint of his eyes, which held a calculating look.
"Blood Emperor, I mean you no harm."
the man said, inclining his head slightly in a gesture of respect.
"Who are you?"
The Blood Emperor asked, his eyes narrowing.
The man chuckled.
"I am merely a messenger. My master has taken an interest in your... endeavors."
The Blood Emperor's eyes flickered with suspicion.
"And why should I care about your master?"
The messenger's smile widened.
"Because my master can offer you what you seek: power. True, unrivaled power. You see, my master is a system user, just like you, but he reached rank 9 long ago. He is regarded as a parasite, yet he thrives, and he believes you could be a valuable ally."
The Blood Emperor's interest was piqued, though he remained cautious. He knew that the natives of this world regarded system users as outsiders unless one managed to completely overpower them. Sadly, the Blood Emperor himself had become a system user by sheer coincidence after entering a spatial turbulence.
He thought it was his lucky encounter since his power increased rapidly, but the mental effects the system had on him were very evident. It was as if his mind was always clouded by thoughts that weren’t his own. Thankfully, he was able to suppress those thoughts after his strength increased, but his hunger for more power had hampered his ability to maintain his sanity.
"Why would a rank 9 system user be interested in me?"
"Because you have potential. The federation is looking for ways to invade, and you are already part of us."
The messenger replied smoothly.
"Potential that my master recognizes. He believes you could help him with his own goals, and in return, he can help you reach your full potential. Imagine the power of a rank 9 at your fingertips."
The Blood Emperor's eyes gleamed with interest, though he kept his expression neutral.
"And what does your master want in return?"
The messenger's smile turned cunning.
"He needs your assistance in destabilizing the power structures of this world. With your strength and his guidance, you could bring down the very pillars that uphold the balance. In return, he will teach you techniques that go beyond what any mere mortal can comprehend."
The Blood Emperor considered the offer, weighing the risks and benefits. The allure of reaching rank 9 was undeniable, but he knew he had to be cautious.
"And if I refuse?"
He asked, his voice cold.
The messenger's smile didn't falter.
"Then you continue on your current path, fighting battles you can't win and exhausting your resources. My master believes you are smart enough to see the value in his offer."
The Blood Emperor's mind raced. The promise of power was tempting, but he couldn't shake off his wariness.
"Very well,"
He said finally.
“I will meet with your master. But know this—if this is a trap, I will destroy you and anyone associated with you."
----------------------------------------
Rui was constantly feeling uneasy, despite the days passing since he learned of Maverick’s regression. The uncomfortable feeling in his chest didn’t disappear but only became more prominent.
He couldn’t understand what was wrong with him and why he was feeling this way. Jane stood by his side, holding his hand and comforting him.
Rui was visibly shaking, as if he were cold, which would be impossible with his foundation and cultivation rank. Diseases that affected cultivators existed because they functioned differently from common illnesses.
“Just what is going on with me?”
Rui couldn’t help but ask, even though he knew no one could answer him. He had already asked the Sword Immortal and even R.A.I., but they said he was fine. Even the system scan didn’t find anything wrong with him.
“Darling, do you want to lay in bed for a bit? I’ll go bring it, master. She can probably help you feel a bit better.”
This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Rui nodded weakly, grateful for Jane's suggestion. He allowed her to lead him back to their quarters, where he collapsed onto the bed, feeling utterly drained.
Jane hurried off to find Lady Lianhua, leaving Rui alone with his thoughts. Compared to the Sword Immortal, Lady Lotus of Life was proficient in healing and medicine. As he lay there, the unease gnawed at him, growing stronger with each passing moment. He couldn't shake the feeling that something terrible was about to happen, something beyond his control.
Minutes stretched into hours as Rui lay in bed, the weight of his anxiety pressing down on him like a suffocating blanket. He tried to calm his racing thoughts, focusing on his breathing and the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest.
But no matter how hard he tried, the unease persisted, a constant presence in the back of his mind. It was like a shadow looming over him, casting a pall of darkness over his thoughts.
[World Savior]
[The inter-dimensional federation has long desired the Alpha series of cultivation planets, fighting countless battles to obtain it, but failing each time.
This time they are nurturing powerful warriors with the power of ‘systems’ to obtain the ‘lower nine’, ‘middle nine’, and ‘upper nine’ at the same time.
Quest clear condition:
Stop the invasion
Quest rewards:
Unknown
Time limit: 200 years
Penalty: loss of life/ enslavement]
Suddenly, a system prompt appeared before him, prompting R.A.I.’s holographic figure to manifest as well.
“This, what the fuck is going on? 200 years?”
Rui suddenly got up, the burning feeling in his chest increasing manifold. The last time he checked the quest, the time until the invasion was 15902 years. Compared to the 200 years that were now displayed, it was a massive difference.
“Rai, explain!”
╓Analyzing... Updating... The time limit reduction is likely a result of accelerated developments within the inter-dimensional federation. It appears that their plans have advanced more rapidly than anticipated, prompting a revision of the invasion timeline. Additional data is required to provide a more detailed analysis. ╖
Rui clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up within him.
"That's not good enough, R.A.I. We need more information. Why the sudden acceleration? What changes have occurred within the federation?"
R.A.I.'s holographic form shimmered as it processed Rui's inquiries.
╓Insufficient data is available. However, it is logical to assume that significant events or advancements within the federation have necessitated this adjustment. Further investigation may yield more insights. ╖
Rui gritted his teeth, his mind racing with possibilities. The sudden reduction in the time limit meant they had far less time to prepare for the impending invasion. He needed to increase his strength quickly. He was only a 3rd-rank rune master; he was nowhere powerful enough to deal with the invasion now.
He had no allies, and the only one he could rely on was the Sword Immortal, whom Rui knew wasn’t powerful enough to deal with the entire federation. There were probably other powerful individuals in the cultivation worlds that were able to battle the federation, but Rui couldn’t come in contact with them.
The Sword Immortal had trained him well, but he knew he needed to become stronger if he had any hope of standing against the inter-dimensional federation.
He glanced at the holographic projection of R.A.I., frustration evident in his eyes.
"We need a plan, R.A.I. We can't just sit here and wait for the invasion to come to us. We need to gather allies and resources—anything that can help us stand a chance."
R.A.I.'s glowing form bobbed in acknowledgment.
╓Understood. Initiating reconnaissance protocols to identify potential allies and strategic resources. Additionally, I will devise a training regimen to expedite your cultivation progress and enhance your combat capabilities. Immediate contact with the individual known as the “Sword Immortal” is recommended. ╖
Rui nodded, a determined expression settling on his face.
He had to quickly get to the Sword Immortal to inform him of this matter. Rui quickly dashed through the living quarters and made his way to the Sword Immortal’s training ground. On his way there, he saw Jane and Lady Lianhua approaching him with hurried steps.
“Darling, why are you running around? What happened?”
Jane called out in worry. She had only left for a few seconds, but Rui was more panicked than she had left him. Lady Lianhua, on the other side, immediately felt something was off. She had been busy the past few days due to her father’s involvement, so she didn’t have time to check on him. Her husband would be unable to find the issue, even if he is a 9th-rank rune master.
Since The Sword Immortal focused mostly on combat, his other abilities were only at the fundamental level for his rank. His mind-reading skill, however, was an innate skill that he awakened after reaching the 8th rank and was very unique.
Rui paused briefly, catching his breath, as Jane and Lady Lianhua approached. His eyes were filled with urgency.
"We have a major problem," Rui began, his voice tense. "The timeline for the federation's invasion has been drastically shortened. We have only 200 years now."
Lady Lianhua's eyes widened in shock, and Jane's face went pale.
"This changes everything," Lady Lianhua said, her voice steady but concerned. "We must act quickly."
Rui nodded.
“I need to speak with my ancestor immediately. We need his guidance and to start preparing our defenses right away."
Without another word, the three of them rushed toward the Sword Immortal's training ground. When they arrived, they found him deep in meditation, his aura radiating an almost tangible power. Sensing their approach, the sword immortal opened his eyes and stood up.
He hadn’t yet noticed the change and the impending attack of the federation, despite his power. The reason was due to his current cultivation state. He was nearing a breakthrough—a breakthrough that would cause a revolution in the rune master world. He was solely focused on his cultivation, and he had completely neglected the outside world.
However, seeing his wife’s anxious expression as well as sensing a chaotic energy inside Rui’s body, he immediately acted. Within a split second, he unleashed his energy into the surroundings and read Jane’s and Rui’s memories, as well as scanning the entirety of his area for changes in the fabric of space-time.
He had expected some unexpected events, especially after Maverick’s regression and the involvement of a Deity, but things were far worse than he originally imagined.
“Shit.”
That was the only word he muttered, his eyes turning cold in an instant as a wrathful and sickly aura encompassed the entire central continent.
The Sword Immortal’s reaction sent a shiver down Rui’s spine. He had never seen him so alarmed.
----------------------------------------
Back in the Illusive Empire, the Illusion emperor had finally broken through to the 9th rank, causing a continental phenomenon with his energy.
The residents of the empire were the first to notice the sudden surge of vitality, as countless planets grew rapidly and even low-ranking rune masters were able to break through their bottlenecks for that short period of time, as if the energy was nourishing their souls.
Han Jiao Long exited his secluded meditation, his long white hair moving in the wind while his sharp blue eyes pierced through the core of the planet. With his advancement, he learned some truths that were impossible to understand if one wasn’t a 9th-rank rune master.
However, that wasn’t the only thing he learned. He could feel that the world—no, the entire planet—was crying, as if it were in some sort of danger. It was as if an innate countdown was suddenly ticking inside his body—a countdown that signaled the end of their era.
And he wasn’t the only one. All 9th-rank rune masters that were alive felt an earth-shaking cry from their home planet, which shook them to the core. The Fairy Queen and the Grand Priest received the greatest amount of shock from this.
“Just what is going on?”
Han Jiao Long muttered to himself, not understanding what was going on. He was in seclusion for quite some time. He had only exited three times during this period: twice for his youngest successor and once for the Sword Immortal and the Lotus of Life.
He decided to first look for his wife, who had taken over his role while he was in seclusion. As he made his way to the imperial palace, he noticed that everything was progressing as usual. The lives of mortals had improved, and his idea of an academy had worked wonders for the empire’s strength.
He swiftly entered the imperial palace without anyone’s notice. He already knew where everything and everyone was inside his empire, from the blades of grass by the ends of his domain to even the smallest ant.
He made his way towards his quarters, where his wife was waiting for him. His advancement had already caused a ruckus in the outside world, so it wasn’t a surprise that his wife had realized he had advanced.
Upon entering the room, he found the empress meditating.
"Miao"
He greeted her, his voice steady but tinged with concern.
The empress opened her eyes, staring directly at her husband. Instantly, a sense of happiness overcame her, seeing that her husband had truly returned.
“Darling, you've really advanced to the 9th rank! I noticed the phenomenon, but I still wasn’t sure."
She reached him quickly and hugged him tightly. However, she could immediately tell that something was wrong with the way he was acting.
“Is everything alright, my love?”
She asked, concerned that something might have gone wrong with his cultivation.
“Yes, everything about me is fine; my concerns lie elsewhere."
The Illusion Emperor replied, the worry in his eyes increasing visibly.
The empress's brow furrowed with worry as she felt the weight of her husband's concern. She released him from her embrace but kept her gaze fixed on him, waiting for him to elaborate.
"What's troubling you, my love?"
She asked softly, her voice filled with warmth and concern.
The Illusion Emperor took a moment to collect his thoughts before speaking.
"I sense something amiss in the world, Miao. It's as if a dark shadow looms over us, threatening everything we hold dear."
Empress Ling Xi's expression grew serious as she absorbed his words. She had always trusted her husband's instincts, and if he felt that something was wrong, then it was cause for alarm.
"What do you think is causing this?"
She inquired, her mind already racing with possibilities.
Han Jiao Long shook his head, his expression troubled.
"I have no idea, but I intend to find out. I’m thinking of seeking the Sword Immortal since he is the only one that I’ve come into contact with from the other Titled masters. I should also seek my Title now that I’ve reached the 9th rank since I’m no longer just an Emperor.”
The empress nodded, her eyes reflecting her own concern.
"Yes, seeking counsel from the Sword Immortal is a wise decision. And as for your title, I agree that it's time to assert your authority as a 9th-rank rune master."
"I will consult with the Sword Immortal first, and then I will take the necessary steps to establish my title. But before that, I must ensure the safety of our empire and its people."
Empress Ling Xi placed a reassuring hand on her husband's arm, her gaze steady and determined.
“I agree, but we should not worry too much before we truly understand the situation.”
Han Jiao Long nodded in agreement.
“Also, we need to take the talented ones with us. I’m planning to nurture all of the talents personally, so take everyone who is below the age of thirty and is considered a genius by my standards.”
The empress nodded in agreement, understanding the importance of nurturing the empire's young talents, especially in such uncertain times.
"I will make the necessary arrangements, my love.”
“Great. How are the rest doing? Is Han Dong handling his position well? Do I need to start executing people as soon as I return?”
Empress Ling Xi chuckled softly at her husband's jest, though her expression turned serious as she replied.
"Han Dong has been handling his position admirably, my love. He has proven himself to be a capable leader, and I believe he will continue to serve the empire well in the future. As for executions, I don't believe that will be necessary. The empire has been flourishing under the rules you’ve set, and the people are content."
The Illusion Emperor nodded in approval, a sense of pride swelling within him.
"That's good to hear. It seems I can trust him to maintain order in the future. Now, let us make preparations to meet with the Sword Immortal. We have much to discuss."
With that, the Illusion Emperor and Empress Ling Xi began making arrangements to depart for the Sword Immortal's location, and their minds focused on the challenges that lay ahead.