Defiance of the Fall Chapter 1429: Mountains and Valleys

With an eager expression, Esmeralda grew to a size that could fit Zac in her pouch. Whether it was because of their destination or that more of her bloodline had emerged over the past month, she created a stronger image than before. With the warm light of Dome Lake acting as a backdrop, Zac felt he was looking at a towering mountain rather than his mischievous companion.

Esmeralda took charge, crossing Dome Lake in a single bound. She was so focused on the task at hand that she forgot to reproach Zac for the devastation outside. The flourishing district whose hidden treasures pulled Zac in every direction was gone. His bloodline breakthrough hadn’t just caused large-scale destruction; it had drained the very essence of the land.

The remaining arrays that lashed out at their surroundings couldn’t stump the Grand Traversal Toad. The ruins turned into a blur as she brought them toward the depths of the island where [Second Singularity] was hidden away.

Unfortunately, it would be impossible for Esmeralda to keep the pace all the way. The Mercurial Court’s island was larger than the continents of most D-grade worlds, and that was only the surface layer. The Outer Court’s true form was a vast labyrinth of countless spatial folds and realms both imagined and real. Despite running themselves ragged over the past month, traveling far and wide, they still had no idea of the court’s true size.

Distance wasn’t the only issue. Part of their preparations for Zac’s breakthrough had doubled as scouting missions for their heist, and one thing was painfully clear. The further inland they moved, the greater the disturbances they would have to face. Dome Lake was already close to the border of the inner region, where the mundane would start to give way to the supernatural. They would soon have to deal with Natural Formations as deadly as the ones they encountered on Sevona’s island.

There were temporal quagmires where staying a day could waste a year, hostile illusions masquerading as remnants of Citadel, and spatial traps that would send them straight into the abyss. There was no method to the madness. Some formations might have once been part of the Mercurial Court’s defenses, while others were the products of circumstance and time. With pockets of Corruption seeping into and twisting their surroundings, nothing truly made sense.

Their best guess was that the fraught environment was the result of the desperate battle that rocked the Mercurial Court during its final days. The war would have been fiercest at its center, possibly with Supremacies clashing. Such battles could leave permanent marks, especially in the Mercurial Court where reality was malleable.

Crossing most of the danger zones was impossible even for Esmeralda. The formations didn’t care about their credentials, and forcing their way through was out of the question. The only possible passages were the corrupted zones cutting through the lingering domains. However, they were deadlier than the spatial storms. Zac wasn’t confident in enduring its mental infiltration even with his upgraded bloodline, and there were plenty of C-grade Qriz’Ul lurking in the depths.

Their only solution was to cross the deadliest swathes through the past, just as they had reached Dome Lake. The method came with the risk of emerging from a memory in the middle of a deathtrap, for which they had made plenty of preparations. The journey still carried substantial dangers, and the snippets they’d seen of the future could only provide general guidance.

Months had passed since the theoretical timeline Idiche showed them, which was enough time for the Mercurial Court to reinvent itself a hundred times over. The memory winds wouldn’t be in the same locations, and safe passages would have been replaced by danger zones. Even the sanctuaries they’d marked down—structures that had withstood the chaos to create safe zones in the island’s center—might have fallen.

Zac still saw no reason to urge Esmeralda to pace herself. They were a few hours from the dangerous parts, and she would calm down on her own soon enough. Instead, he closed his eyes and rested inside the comfort of her pouch. Rather than squeezing in some type of last-minute cultivation, he was better off ensuring he was in perfect condition in case a problem cropped up.

It happened sooner than expected. While Zac had been careful not to extend his void tendrils into the inner court out of fear of consuming something beyond his abilities, he’d devoured almost everything holding spirituality up to that point. The spiritual deficiency had triggered a spillover effect, and a frenzied river made of C-grade Temporal Energy tinted with corruption blocked their path.

“It should be passable, give me a minute to calculate the transformations,” Esmeralda said, wariness evident on her face. Such a massive accumulation of time caused Zac some trouble even at a distance, not to mention Esmeralda.

“Hold on, allow me to experiment with something else,” Zac declared, having just assessed the river’s expanse. “Let’s duck into the shrine for a moment.”

“Huh? Alright,” Esmeralda responded, a flicker of curiosity sparking in her eyes.

Zac saw no need to shield the [Shrine of Kanba] with his mere C-grade bloodline; they were long past such limitations, and Esmeralda’s observations could be quite useful. He initiated by conjuring a void vortex directly in front of him, widening it until it was sufficiently tall for him to pass through comfortably. However, replicating this feat on the opposite bank proved less straightforward.

The far shore ought to be well within the effective range of [Earthly Dome], yet the river’s potent spirituality exerted its influence upon the Void. While creating a passage remained feasible, it rapidly destabilized once expanded beyond the size of a grapefruit, far too small for Zac to traverse. With a sigh of reluctance, he collapsed the vortex.

His brief disappointment quickly gave way to a novel iteration of a familiar concept, and Zac retrieved the [Fuxi Mountain Gate], his expression alight with anticipation. A secondary vortex materialized alongside the first, and Zac, after several trials, propelled the Void Treasure through it to ascertain that its Faith-attuned runes and the treasure itself remained undamaged. Abruptly, Zac’s surroundings vanished. The ancient, scarred gate loomed before him, while the comforting warmth of endless imperial flames caressed his back.

Zac’s sojourn lasted a mere twenty seconds before he returned to the tangible world, reappearing precisely where he had started, the two vortexes still shimmering nearby. His connection to the vortices remained intact even during his transit into the Void Treasure, though he relinquished the ability to manipulate them or supply them with Qi. This, however, was more than sufficient for Zac’s current objectives.

After verifying that his plan wouldn’t trap himself and Esmeralda within his Void Realm, another vortex spun into existence beyond the spatial river. Probing it with his arm, Zac confirmed the environment on the other side was safe, the ambient Spatial Energy streaks unable to pierce his skin.

He unceremoniously tossed the [Fuxi Mountain Gate] through the aperture while simultaneously plunging into the Void Treasure himself. His reentry was met with a degree of resistance; while significantly improved from its initial state, the mountain gate was still far from fully restored. He emerged moments later, snatching up the Void Treasure before vanishing once more. Whether by chance or design, a subtle ripple of temporal energy washed over the adjacent shores. Undeterred, his excitement grew as he put several miles between himself and that location.

“And Ogras claimed the concept was idiotic,” Zac chuckled inwardly, securing the [Fuxi Mountain Gate].

“You traversed space!” Esmeralda exclaimed, her eyes blazing with astonishment as she materialized beside him. “Was that…?”

“A newly acquired ability,” Zac confirmed with a grin.

“Could you–”

“You would need to master the control of the Void,” Zac replied with a smile. “Would you like the instructional notes I discovered within the Hidden Earth Abode?”

“Ah, never mind. Spatial manipulation remains superior. It’s not as though I lacked the capacity to reach any destination I desired previously,” Esmeralda stated, attempting to mask her envy.

“I have no doubt you could,” Zac responded with a laugh as he resumed his place within her pouch.

“Still, it seems a regrettable waste for you to remain a mere brute focused solely on combat now that you possess such a wondrous skill. What do you say? It’s not too late to pivot your focus and fully commit to the lucrative treasure-hunting enterprise.”

“I fear enemies will continue to seek me out, regardless of my preferences. Since I lack your inherent agility, I must keep my axe honed,” Zac offered with a shrug.

“I suppose you have a point. I’ve never encountered an individual quite so prone to attracting trouble,” Esmeralda quipped with a snicker. “How far can those gates transport you?”

“It fluctuates based on the degree of external interference. In the absence of any disruption, traversing several dozen miles should be achievable,” Zac stated. “However, there may be unseen limitations at play.”

“You’ll undoubtedly have ample opportunities to test your voidwalking capabilities in the weeks ahead,” Esmeralda assured him.

As the pair continued their journey, Zac’s human consciousness remained ensconced within the secluded confines of the Judgment Plateau. A measure of caution guided this decision; his mountain’s recent seismic activity had reverberated throughout the Hollow Court, and it was impossible to predict the reception awaiting him beyond its borders. A persistent unease also lingered, fueled by the suspicion that unseen forces orchestrating events from the shadows might not yet have concluded their machinations against him.

Unsurprisingly, Zac’s thorough scans yielded no definitive clues. It was unlikely that either [Spiritual Anchor] or his spiritual sense would prove effective if Roan had somehow implanted something within him via the Void Tree. It was a regrettable circumstance that the Four Desolates tribulation had most probable been annihilated during his Bloodline Breakthrough. In retrospect, no superior method existed for cleansing oneself entirely and eradicating any latent traces or ingrained impurities.

Zac hesitated for another reason: he was unsure of his next move. The most logical step was to regroup with Ogras and pick up Tavza’s trail to pursue the Primo’s Treasure. However, he was hesitant to abandon Fuxi Halls, having invested over 6,000 Longanimity to gain entry. Moreover, this location still held the highest probability of containing the Primo’s item.

For all Zac knew, Tavza might have plunged into a spatial rift with the hope of reaching this very place. He longed for a sign to guide him forward. Yet, if such a sign existed, it wouldn’t be found within his secluded domain. No longer delaying, Zac emerged from his isolation to a world he barely recognized.

The calamity that ravaged the Left Imperial Expanse had left no mountain unscathed. Their abundant reserves of Faith Energy were depleted, and they were marred by scorch marks emanating traces of Heavenly wrath. Numerous mountains had completely collapsed, creating unsightly wounds upon the grand Natural Formation of Fuxi Halls. The rivers of Void Energy that once filled the valleys were now empty husks.

Rather than returning to an Outer Court, Zac felt as though he had ended up in the shallows. He surveyed the scene with an expression of bewilderment, as if completely detached from the destruction. The mere thought of wrathful elders appearing to demand compensation for the damages was enough to make him consider retreating back to the Judgment Plateau. With his Potentiality exhausted and Imperial Merit traded for Void Fruits, only Longanimity remained in his possession.

Then, Zac’s gaze fell upon a figure standing a few hundred meters away. The individual’s aura was so seamlessly integrated with their surroundings that Zac initially overlooked their presence. Though their back was to him, Zac immediately identified the person. Mustering his courage, Zac approached.

“Greetings, senior,” Zac offered, accompanied by a respectful bow.

It was the venerable Templar who had bestowed upon them three seeds of the [Ketumati Lotus] at the summit of the Hollow Chasm. He appeared unchanged, still clad in the simple hemp robes favored by his order. His aura was so perfectly contained that he seemed no different from an ordinary mortal. Nevertheless, the profound depth in his demeanor was unmistakable as he turned. Zac’s relief was immense upon sensing the Templar’s complete absence of anger.

“Observe this land. What do you perceive?”

“Desolation” was the immediate thought, yet voicing it felt akin to admitting culpability. A superficial response would also be inappropriate. Zac spent a full minute in contemplation before answering.

“Rebirth.”

A look of deep satisfaction crossed the old priest’s face. “As it is Heaven’s chosen method for maintaining balance, most cultivators perceive lightning as a destructive force. However, the Heavenly Mandate’s influence extends beyond mere demolition. While it diminishes excess, it also replenishes deficiency. Consider the first spring lightning that revitalizes the earth.”

His words carried an enigmatic potency that reminded Zac of Roan. Though less overwhelming, the priest’s pronouncements resonated with the environment. The scarred mountain seemed revitalized by his conviction. Fertile soil filled the fissures, and vibrant vines began to sprout from the cracks. A circular expanse of flora started to unfurl from their immediate vicinity.

“The Cosmos operates in cycles, much like our existence. After claiming longevity from the Heavens, we are destined to encounter both triumph and tribulation. Whether the valleys flourish with life-giving rain or become desolate ravines hinges upon your inner conviction.”

“I shall heed Senior’s counsel,” Zac affirmed. “Has Senior arrived to relay the Earth Sage’s decree?”

“You may consider it a suggestion,” the priest replied with a gentle smile. “Do you recall my words when we first met?”

“That the journey holds as much significance as the destination?” Zac inquired.

The priest nodded. “Refrain from rushing back to your friend’s side. He must navigate his own path, just as you must yours. The resonance of this land is distinctive, and the Earth Sage believes you possess a particular aptitude for discerning its teachings. Traverse the valleys, ascend the mountains, and immerse yourself in a world that draws life from death and discovers Dao within the Void.”

“My other companion vanished amidst the recent turmoil. I fear for her safety—”

“Perhaps the answer you seek lies closer than you imagine,” the priest interjected, his gaze drifting towards a neighboring mountain.

Zac was afforded no opportunity to seek further clarification. The elder Templar dissolved into particles of dark soil imbued with Imperial Faith. This elemental transformation nourished the mountainside, dramatically accelerating its verdant recovery.

“Traverse the mountains and valleys?” Zac mused, contemplating the suggestion for mere moments before resolving to follow it.

Searching for a directional sign, Zac wondered if his current path was the answer he sought. After a respectful bow to the ravaged peak behind him, he ascended towards the adjacent mountain. The priest's final words clearly weren't mere platitudes. This mountain was meant to hold significance, and despite the absence of any fated pull towards hidden treasures, Zac's adventurous spirit was far from dampened.

Halfway up, Zac halted, a growing unease settling in his chest. Though the Fuxi Mountain Range bore the scars of celestial wrath across its entirety, the devastation here seemed distinct. This unassuming peak, rather than his own, appeared to be the focal point of the tribulation's fury.

Could the whispers of an Elder triggering a tribulation concurrent with their breakthrough be true? Zac pondered if barging in might disrupt the Elder's consolidation. However, the lack of formidable mountain barriers suggested it was safe to proceed. Weaving back and forth, Zac scanned for any anomaly.

His recent advancements offered little aid this time. While his core had reached Peak D-grade, his skills lagged behind. Only half had been elevated to Late D-grade, with the remainder stuck at Middle D-grade. Though Zac had devised upgrade paths for most, not a single Peak D-grade skill blueprint had materialized.

The challenge wasn't merely the increased complexity, as experienced before. The next tier of upgrades was crucial for his eventual ascent to the Monarchy realm. There was a significant risk that deriving blueprints prematurely could permanently cap his skills at Peak D-grade. He needed a deeper comprehension of the Inner World's mechanics and its role in empowering skills.

His C-grade bloodline proved equally unhelpful in uncovering clues. Although [Earthly Dome] offered extensive reach, it didn't enhance Zac's senses. Without his sight or the allure of treasures, navigating treacherous vortexes would be a blind endeavor. While theoretically possible to breach the mountain and peer through, such an act would be conspicuous and offer minimal time savings.

Ultimately, it was a familiar blend of diligent effort and sheer luck that led Zac to his discovery. Upon landing near the summit, a cascade of rocks tumbled down the cliff face. Following their descent, he observed one stone momentarily vanishing. An illusionary barrier, it seemed, with no physical defenses hindering the stone's passage.

Concealing his presence, Zac crept closer. After a few cautious probes confirmed its safety, he peered through the illusion. Behind the barrier lay a hidden ledge and a doorway styled after a conventional cultivation manor. Zac's gaze flickered over it before settling on the figure lying prone in the center of the plateau.

It was only through cultivating the Dao of Life and perceiving a tenacious flicker of existence that Zac identified the desiccated figure as being alive. Moreover, the man's archaic robes and hairstyle ignited a flicker of recognition. Comparing the gaunt visage to his memory of a past adversary, Zac confirmed his suspicion. It was him.

The elderly priest had guided him to the very individual suspected to be the imperial of the Pesvati Rift. This opponent had been one of the most formidable encountered during the trial, to the extent that Zac had previously chosen to