Following the guidance on the map, the Pool of All Beings lay far towards the northwest. Qian Ye no longer hesitated, pivoting his direction and rushing forward at full speed toward his goal. Under his feet, earth vibrated rhythmically, as the looming footsteps of the six-armed giant could now clearly be felt.
Whether upon the front or either side, scattered in every direction, small clusters of four-armed warriors could be seen. Once they spotted Qian Ye, they would swarm toward him like bees, but his speed far outstripped theirs—more than fast enough to maneuver around the flanks with ease.
The six-armed giant had only eyes for Qian Ye. Indifferent to the minor four-armed nuisances, whichever foolishly blocked his path found itself either stamped on mercilessly or kicked aside with careless force.
For a brief span, the hills and the plains seemingly swarmed in waves of wandering four-armed warriors.
At this moment, near the fortified heights of the Empire fortress stood Zhao Yuying, Wei Patian, and Song Zining atop the wall of fortification. Their eyes bore fixed downwards; shadow clung like ink within their eyebrows and eyes.
Approaching in the distance stood a four-armed warrior, aimlessly scanning and patrolling, before at last making its way toward the defensive barrier.
The three crouched behind the battlements, bodies flattened, keeping unseen. The fortress, no great size in itself to begin with, lay entirely cloaked, overlaid by a massive hidden magical array. Nonetheless by instinct all three instinctively hid, so as not to attract attention. In light of their experiences within high gravity districts, they carried with them deep appreciation for these four-armed men as brutally ruthless adversaries. The careless, ignorant of such facts, usually died mid-flight trying to flee.
The warrior wandered forward hesitantly, with frequent stops, as if unsure, yet ultimately it edged ever closer to the stronghold. When at a range of several hundred units (meters), the sky above suddenly shrieked shrilly; a thin spear of such impossible speed shot forth so fast, one almost missed it—an arrow. In an unimaginously swift arc of destruction, it struck the warrior’s throat.
Violent beyond imagining, the force of that arrow sent the target airborne, flying backward and crashing down hard nearly ten paces off. The beast landed, thrashed briefly while supinely fallen to ground… then, slowly stillness seized over.
Letting his breath out, Wei remarked wryly, “Though having seen this act unfold repeatedly… Every time I cannot help but feel… That the guy must be… an outright monster! Holy hell… How could anything bear strength to a degree such that Elder Qi—his single arrow—even while aiming precisely—merely dazes it instead? How is that head still upon the torso?”
Song commented coolly, “Not truly that surprising when considered objectively; when one recalls the outcome of Qainye’s own rifle strike. That blast created only a tiny scorched crater.”
This stirred Wei further in slight rebellion,” What do you mean—’how could a rifle match the might of Qian Ye’?!? Don’t even dare compare Qian Ye with Elder Qi! Qi Master stayed entrenched here nearly half of fifty years, exclusively devoted to archery. And I dare swear… This singular shot bears enough might to equate—perfectly equivalently—one from your eight-rated firearms.”
Truth being—Wei lately had encountered infrequent contact, hence failed to grasp Qian Ye’s most evolved stage of skill, thus forming such evaluation mistakenly. As was history, Elder Qi was a genius having entered the Maelstrom fifty years back—an unstoppable rising luminary in those days—now reduced by time to a declining ember against the sunset.
Reside within Maelstron, the mere discharges of firearm weaponry wrought catastrophic ripples across space; though, this fortress stood within an initial, marginally tamer region with beasts not yet excessively potent, Qi Master relinquished firearm technology to wholly dedicate himself instead into study in archery, mastering it with such unparalleled brilliance over nearly four decades of defensive garrison duty along imperial borders.
Yuying’s perception held significantly more refined depth of sight in this domain of expertise—hence she chose contemplation and no further reply for now.
Snorting softly, Song finally responded,” Qian Ye? You forget—the rifle in his possession… is no ordinary one… it’s a Class Nine!”
“Class Nine!!!” exclaimed Patian disbelievingly, nearly leapt in alarm.” Impossible—no Class Nine firearm could be operated without immediate catastrophic drain. Just… how… on every account of physical law—can he withstand operation thereof!?”
Eyes half-lidded, the reply dripped with scorn,” Drainer? You’d collapse after one burst. Qian Ye? Not so.”
That drew swift back retort,” Says one who likely would’ve dropped before second round fire himself anyway.”
No further need spoken, and thus—Song unusually found the verbal match tilting his way, at least for that skirmish round alone.
With the argument escalating dangerously—Yuying snapped, exasperation clearly dominating,” Would you two cease this squabble!? Silence—Patian—you heard? …Zining… Calculate Qainye’s projected return time.”
Meek submission seized Patian’s tongue in an instants. But Zining instead raised open palms toward heavens,” In a maelstorm such as now—who do you expect to extract celestial timing accuracy? Explain, how might any calculate that now?”
The arrival of countless thousands of four-arming horde had so thoroughly disrupted cosmic fates inside the grand vortex—as soon he’d begun casting foresight runes previously for locating Qi any… backlash slammed into seers’ awareness headstrong. But for Song’s instinctive stoppage—the result would have ended mid-casting with catastrophic rupture—likely even lethal. But now—four separate blood-spitting fits left his fundamental power badly depleted—his vitality never yet full restored even in current moments.
Silently comprehending her own unreasonableness—Yuying merely sighed, “So then… We wait. About those ‘twin-fae fox-siblings‘… What of their status? They are missing for so long now.”
Perpetual clueless—Song’s head cocked puzzled,” …‘Fox sisters’? What and whom speaks this?”
Her tone dripped disdainful,” Who could be left!? Obviously… Who but Ji Dianqing and Lin Kuanglan. Who else have we discussed lately?” A smirk emerged then in tone,” Unless, of course I spoke of Ruoxi.”
That made Song raise brow further in confusion,” Now that you mention it… Why ‘Fox Sisterly’?”
Yuying smirked dryly,” Require reason beyond sensory instinct? Sniff the seductive stench trailing wherever either moves?”
The moment hung. Then—exchanging dumbfound glances, both Song and Wei found mouths parted mid-yawn. Her own words hung strangely on ears—as though realizing self-overreach… she muttered,” It isn’t… I suppose… No tangible evidence… Just impressionistic sense.”
In reality: Ji was frigid beyond winters’ harshest frost… Only here in maelstrom revealed that cold warrior to bear hidden woman shape. While Dianqing cloaked in mysteries—her actual visage still unguessable… Only known witness being Qian Ye himself. Any rational perspective finds both bearing absolutely zero likeness to fox-like beings?
However—Song had always secretly sensed faint whispers around the truth. Yet wisely holding tongue—he instead mentally offered his thumbs up while verbally praising her perception,” Truly Miss Yu-Ying’s instincts approach prophetic!”
But Patian merely regarded the backhanded praise suspiciously—convinced it fell into category of sycophantic flattery typical for those who’d call either “intuitive” or “exceedingly pretty”—standard compliment that worked with almost every gender-orientated human type.
But Yu-yings’ discomfort persisted despite herself, scratching awkwardly at hair as she continued self-debate aloud,” It’s nothing concrete… It could just dislike on sight… They’re powerful warriors. Were combat to happen directly with either—I’d likely be trampled soundly….”
Then suddenly mood twisted playful,” Hmm but say—Since you bring these ‘Fox Twins,’ did I hear… that both had escaped with Qian Ye straightoutta high-G together? Wonder—anything ‘romantic-y’ might’ve sparked in process? Ey ey ehhh…?”
Excitement lit Patian’s eyes instantly. He immediately began edging in eagerly. But Yuyings reaction—she smacked his head without missing a beat. “None. Of. Your. Business!”
Then Song smoothly unfolded folding fan slightly while murmuring warnings, “Miss Yu-Ying—must advise a bit… For certain. Both possess formidable prowess. The art of fate prediction—while still perhaps not exceeding my personal capacity… Still close proximity may be detectable enough for counter resonance. If in regular Empire terrain… gossip here is harmless. But out here within vortex—careful now—the divine might yet retaliate…”
Yuying simply burst joyously into laughter,” As if me—someone so inconsequential and unnoticeable could receive attention significant for fate-senses or retribution?”
The laughter rolled several cycles before realization hit her,” …Wait wait—so you’re serious implying: That I too possess ‘fate-worthy’ strength nowadays…?”
Noded Song,” Gravity training hardened bodies, Star Wells refined our very spirits further—combined with various soul-support talismans acquired along way. Survived the maelstrom crucible—this journey should catalyze us toward future strength enhancements beyond ordinary expectations. Your case, in particular—always under heavy attention—you began this journey with status surpassing personal power levels. But once departed… The situation soon flips; expect future prestige being eclipsed by raw prowess.”
Beaming broadly before breaking into hearty gale of laughter—her palm slammed pat onto upper section of Wei’s spine unexpectedly; very nearly knocked the noble scion clean onto ground below,” Listen to that! Song Xiaoi’s personal analysis regarding yours truly! You go back home after this—if you slack off again even a tenth of previous levels? Better prepare accordingly—because my boot would kick your backside clean through any further prospects as family heir!”
Patian grimaced at his lot,” What? Please enlighten—when in Far East I wage battle constantly! Training? Training what?? Even this entire Maelstrom operation required me abandoning war fronts on homeland and sky-floating continental war arenas simultaneously.”
Yet Zhao countered strongly against his defense,” And? Tell me: Wasn’t Song just as busy fighting across all major imperial wars for his part as well?” His nickname “Empire Future War-God” wasn’t bestowed lightly. His hands remained full beyond warring—business deals & courting ladies. Not a single opportunity missed wherever the Empire experienced notable excitement. Amid that frenzie—never allowed training suffer? Look! He’s at Level Sixteen already! So where does it put that you, right at this very moment—still remain?”
Actually, in reality—Patian stood by no stretch weak these days having all five primal vortexes filled fully awaiting sixth awakening upon exiting vortex. This advancement already significantly far ahead average peer standards his age.
Yet in stark comparison stood seven completed vortexes with near-completion nearing Song’s level—so no surprise the disparity struck Patian like an iron spike to his pride—resentment flaring anew within gaze focused on Song.
Snorted Wei,” Cultivation speed matters little if one cannot consolidate stability. Purest raw essence cultivation remains the most pivotal. This boy—never a minute of hard discipline, foundations must therefore crumble, am I right? …humhum!”
Rather unbothered, Song waved casual hand motion—manifested above palm was faint illusion, miniature replica reality where floating landmass spun steadily. Initially impressive but still easily dismissed as a mere visual spectacle. Yet moments later their perceptions shifted dramatically upon closer examinations.
It was fully functional down to smallest imaginable architectural details—valley ridges, river paths traced clearly along the continent fragment.
Peering closer both Yuying and Patian managed picking out a dozen settlements—each uniquely positioned—hillside fortresses, river-edge trade posts, resource-mining metropolises alongside bustling mercantile cities—all accounted and distinguishably present.
Yet Song’s miniature marvel did not stop there…
Delving even closer, cityscapes magnified, revealing distinct city wall patterns. In one settlement carved into mountain’s spine—a magnificent structure linked dual cliffs via wall’s unbroken expanse—a defensive masterpiece. Upon battlmen stood watch patrols clad in armor; within narrow alleys bustled throngs—some even utilizing hover transport—yet stuck still due to overwhelming population density.
Such was depth of detail—Zhao momentarily felt giddy with vertigo… suddenly world snapped, and now it was again only the miniature spinning mass upon Song’s hand.
Her companion, beside, already had streaming tear-watery from eyes strained through intense observation.
As abruptly conjured—Song canceled illusion. Serene composure returned immediately—silent as stone.
Yuying hesitated before carefully voicing curiosity,” I glimpsed patrols along battlement walls… but can… deeper inspection penetrate further still?”
Song simply affirmed lightly,” Further detail indeed accessible. One may explore clothing texture, facial characteristics more. However—to capture emotion, the soul essence expression precisely? Remain requires further honing.”
At this statement the name struck realization.
“Is this truly…” Wei could barely utter it himself amidst gasp,” the famous World’s Magnanimity—paragon projection of primal dawn powers?”
Affirming the obvious, none less than one among top Three Grand Primordial Auras—capable of summoning entire tangible worlds from within simplest single fragment of raw primordial essence—this ability bore name: ‘The World’s Radiant Bustle.’
Song added casually with small smile,” I still remain a bit short… just slightly!”
“HOW!？” Wei cried aloud disbelief taking full control.
Folding fan lightly rustled, as though brushing off trivialities of lesser men, he concluded with simple words,” …Gift from heavens I suppose?”
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