Defiance of the Fall Chapter 1431: Quarantine

“A quarantine? But for what purpose?” Zac pondered, scraping a bit of ash from the nearby wall.

A faint trace of Heaven’s influence lingered. Esmeralda had mentioned its descent was powerful enough to disrupt the natural order of the Left Imperial Expanse, with the effects being most potent at its point of origin. Was it possible the lightning had compromised the memory itself, thereby weakening some of its protective measures?

These restrictions had already demonstrated their fallibility. The corrupted Dao of the Lost Era had removed the blinders from Guild Master Marai before her demise, and the same phenomenon occurred with Xiphos upon sensing the authentic Imperial Chalice. Furthermore, the Realmlord of Threaded Hell grasped the truth without any external aid. It was not inconceivable that the Heavenly Dao could also reveal the truth.

For Zac and Ramses, this would likely make no significant difference. They might not even register any changes. However, the native inhabitants of Hollow Court would face a different reality. Zac could easily picture disciples venturing into the mountains, only to suddenly comprehend that their entire existence was a fabrication. Upon gazing upwards, they would confront an unfamiliar, much older Heavenly Dao.

While this hypothesis was merely one among numerous possibilities, it held more weight than a random guess. Alternatively, the quarantine could be Roan’s strategy to forge a connection between himself and Ramses, thus strengthening the link between Zac and the Limitless Empire. Regardless of the underlying reason, this restriction had effectively derailed his initial strategy.

Exploring the quarantined area seemed like a futile endeavor. The mountains bordering the quarantine zone had not escaped the searing lightning, and every palace Zac had searched was utterly empty. They were so barren that Zac suspected they were mere decoys, concealing the true structures within pocket dimensions.

Zac cast a thoughtful gaze at the oppressive darkness blanketing the sky before launching himself upwards like a rocket. Before long, the imposing mountains appeared as mere sooty mounds, and Zac continued his ascent. Had he been on the Left Imperial Expanse or any ordinary C-grade continent, he would already be battling ferocious astral winds.

Here, within the Hollow Court, conditions were different, at least for the present. Fuxi Halls ought to be situated in the Lower Planes, or perhaps hidden within the continent's shadows. While a separate realm could indeed generate astral winds, it wouldn't happen while the region was depleted of energy. Given that there were no avian beasts even prior to the tribulation, Zac surmised this presented an opportune moment to scout the outer limits of the sky.

In the absence of astral winds, the concentration of Qi intensified with his ascent into the darkness. Zac could sense the Death of Interment Gate and the Life of Ascension Gate, yet there were no indications of the desolate Death lurking beyond the memory domains. The spatial integrity also remained intact. Zac unleashed a strike with [Evolutionary Edge], but he was nowhere near creating a spatial tear like the one Tavza had left behind.

The heavens and earth seemed to invert, with up becoming down. Zac wasn't entirely surprised to discover the quarantine extended into the sky, yet he still attempted to open a Void Vortex beyond the boundary. As anticipated, it proved unsuccessful. The seal was likely established by the Margrave himself, rendering it impervious to a mere C-grade Bloodline Talent.

This elevated vantage point offered no new insights. An endless expanse of mountains stretched out in every direction Zac looked. The idea had proven fruitless, so he routinely retrieved Primo’s feather before descending back to the surface. All pathways, both horizontal and vertical, were blocked. The encouraging news, however, was that Zac had confirmed the Judgment Plateau's teleportation array was still functional, which surely was not accidental.

This left Zac with two primary options. The first was to return to the upper memory domains to procure medicine or explore alternative investigative paths. The spatial tear Tavza had utilized was long gone, but departing the central memory domain to venture into the surrounding darkness was straightforward. The second option involved proceeding in the opposite direction: delving into the subterranean depths of Earth.

Up to this point, Zac had contented himself with opening vortices to retrieve embedded treasures, never actually setting foot beneath the surface. Even that endeavor had proven perilous. He had been forced to regenerate fingers on multiple occasions, and his life had been threatened numerous times.

While [Earthly Dome] couldn't draw pure spirituality like Karz’s Bloodline Talent, it could not disregard the subterranean energy storms. These surges could be perceived as intangible phenomena, akin to wind or gas, thus capable of penetrating the gates. More than once, Zac had narrowly evaded a lethal gust before his vortex dissipated. There was also a considerable risk of damage to his Void Realm when allowing such unrestrained forces to enter.

While the perils were undeniable, so too were the potential gains. Zac required mere moments to make his choice. He had long harbored a curiosity about the abyss, and returning after a week's delay would feel like a profound waste. He resumed his journey, flying for several hours until he arrived at an uncharted territory that perfectly suited his current objectives.

Zac found himself suspended between four identical mountains, arranged in a configuration resembling a near-perfect square. Directly below, two intersecting valleys formed a colossal 'X', expelling Void Energy into the surrounding atmosphere. The mountains themselves were quite ordinary; the true value lay in what Zac sensed beneath. He was positioned directly above a concentrated vein of Void Treasures, with six of them within his sensory reach.

Only one of these six emanated a pull potent enough to capture Zac's attention. However, Zac's purpose here was not simply treasure hunting. He executed a swift step using [Skystriker], instantly appearing before the most significant fissure. The rampant Void Energy felt akin to a gentle breeze, albeit tinged with an unpleasant odor. An unstable confluence of Imperial Faith and Inverse Dao permeated the area, further destabilized by the ambient Life and Death energies.

The latter factor became less of an impediment once Zac descended underground. Instead of creating a vortex far below, Zac meticulously navigated the natural subterranean formations. His intention was to first gauge the environment and assess his available options before venturing into the perilous depths. Zac initiated his exploration by striking a random wall with [Verun’s Bite], but the attack only managed to inflict a shallow scratch.

Though he hadn't unleashed his full power, it was evident that carving his own path through this stratum was an impossibility. The mountains above ground exhibited similar resilience, but the composition of the bedrock differed significantly. Zac picked up a piece of rock; it was porous and remarkably light. Despite emitting minimal spirituality, the stone effectively resisted Zac's mental tendrils.

The situation transformed when Zac enveloped his threads with Void Energy. This alteration was intentional. The stone's spiritual structure immediately brought to mind the intricate patterns detailed in the [Inverse Vestige Scripture]. Daoist Hidden Earth had employed Inverse Dao to channel Void Energy, and these stones operated on remarkably similar principles.

Intricate pathways, precisely aligned for the void's passage, crisscrossed the interior of the stone. These channels were considerably more stable than the ones Hidden Earth had devised. It became clear why powerful surges of Void Energy emerged on the surface without causing erosion: they could traverse the stone unimpeded, inflicting no lasting damage.

While this natural system functioned effectively, it was not without its limitations. Countless fissures, dozens of meters wide, and bottomless chasms with sheer walls were evident. Both were undoubtedly the result of Void Energy surges exceeding the stone's capacity, leading to the collapse of the natural pathways. Although Zac could visualize the destructive forces that preceded the formation of these tunnels, their existence greatly facilitated his underground exploration.

Zac reached the Void Treasure closest to the surface in under a minute, utilizing [Earthly Dome] on several occasions to expedite his progress and maintain his bearing. The treasure itself was a familiar type of moss he had encountered before, with this particular cluster barely qualifying as Early D-grade. Zac did not even bother harvesting it, despite its proximity. Its value as a navigational marker and a safe haven far outweighed its utility as a cultivation resource.

Zac had not forgotten the teachings imparted by Dipper Seven. The cluster of moss was at least several decades old. Its persistence within its small alcove, enduring even as the Heavens unleashed their fury above, attested to the remarkable stability of its environment. By charting a course that connected these Void Treasures, the likelihood of encountering catastrophic storms could be significantly reduced.

A reduction in risks, however, did not equate to absolute safety. The deeper Zac ventured, the more formidable and unpredictable the currents of Void Energy became. Concurrently, Zac found himself unable to halt his descent. Just as he had anticipated, the allure of treasures grew more intense and their numbers increased. It was not long before he began detecting Late D-grade Void Treasures.

The more valuable specimens were invariably encircled by arteries of Void Energy, which Zac carefully circumvented, opting for a longer route. This was to be expected; how else could a treasure mature to such a stage without a consistent influx of energy? Clearly, the currents of Void Energy were an element that [Earthly Dome] could not bypass. Zac had no intention of risking his life for common Void Moss. He collected what was within his reach and abandoned any that his vortices could not access.

C-grade Void Treasures, however, presented a different proposition altogether, whether for his personal use or to accelerate the recovery of [Fuxi Mountain Gate]. Unfortunately, Zac encountered a formidable obstacle before he had the chance to locate even one. He was suspended at the mouth of a vast cavern, observing a chute situated half a mile below. Given the potent inversion field blocking the way, it might as well have been on the other side of the galaxy.

Ultimately, the area under confinement extended into the subterranean depths. While the distinct nature of this peculiar environment was noticeable, it presented no obstacle that Zac could simply overcome by force.

"Is that all? You stingy b—" Zac's curse abruptly transformed into a startled cry as a furious torrent of Middle C-grade Void Energy erupted from the conduit, hurtling directly towards him.

With a swift maneuver, Zac activated his Void-enhanced [Skystriker] and warped away, narrowly evading the destructive natural forces. Despite the close call, no hint of anger crossed Zac's face as he glanced back at the cavern. Acting on pure instinct, Zac conjured a vortex within the shaft itself. His gamble paid off, as the law of inversion seemed to falter in the immediate vicinity of the recent Void Energy surge.

The spiritual essence emanating from the depths possessed a purity far exceeding any Void Energy Zac had encountered previously. It wasn't derived from a singular artifact but rather an environment exceptionally conducive to his cultivation. This phenomenon induced an almost maddening craving within him, and he wasn't alone in sensing it. The [Fuxi Mountain Gate] stirred restlessly within [Purity of the Void], as if responding to a distant call.

This fleeting opportunity wouldn't persist, nor did it need to. The very act of inversion introduced instability to the surroundings, leading to a considerable escalation in energy currents. Before the quarantine could compel his return to the surface, Zac detected another disruption in its pervasive influence. Guided by an unseen summons, Zac moved from one such point to another, ultimately arriving at his destination.

A realm of absolute chaos unfolded before him. Gone were the caves, tunnels, or any stone fissures for passage. Everything had been obliterated to facilitate an ongoing conflict between the Void and the Limitless Empire. A thousand massive Void Rivers raged against the constraints imposed by Imperial Faith and Inverse Dao.

As the situation stood, the Void was gaining the upper hand.

The majority of Void Energy streams had breached their confines, unleashing explosions comparable to a Monarch's ultimate assault. The Dao was thoroughly depleted, and the Void Rivers fractured into countless streams, surging towards the surface. Zac's back was damp with sweat as he surveyed the scene. To imagine that the perilous currents he'd narrowly avoided navigating mere hours prior were merely stray fragments broken off from the main flows.

Zac lingered at the precipice of destruction, uncertain of his next move. The origin point of the Void Energy lay deeper within, but could he truly afford to gamble? The temptation of C-grade Void Treasures was indeed significant, yet they held no relevance to his immediate objectives.

A sudden gust of deathly energy triggered an insistent cry from the Primo's feather nestled within Zac's pocket, compelling him to cast aside all apprehension. He plunged into the heart of the conflict, pushing his speed to its absolute limit. Alas, he was a fraction of a second too late; the dimensional rift sealed shut just as Zac arrived. His attempt to utilize the feather proved futile. A pattern resembling interconnected eyes had materialized on its surface, but it was already fading from existence.

Unyielding, Zac remained on the fringes of the tumultuous zone until he identified a second tear in reality. This one was closer, enabling Zac to reach it in time. However, Zac hesitated to cross through. Primarily, he had no inkling of what awaited on the other side, nor was he certain of his ability to return. Equally crucial, the Primo's feather offered no reaction this time.

The same lack of response occurred with the subsequent three rifts Zac located, leading him to observe the feather with a perplexed expression. Had its power been depleted, or did these dimensional rifts merely lead to random locations externally? Zac placed considerable faith in his Luck, but not enough to linger and await the correct passage. A single unforeseen detonation would be enough to send him to his maker.

If it was merely a matter of traversing… that was achievable.

The explosions were terrifying, yet ample open space existed for navigation. Nevertheless, this was an unforeseen warzone, stretching for hundreds of miles. The quarantine persisted as well. Zac could sense the power of inversion attempting to pull him back whenever even a moment of tranquility presented itself.

This only served to ignite Zac's stubborn resolve. The more they endeavored to drag him back, the more determined he became to uncover what lay beyond. The continuous turbulence provided a multitude of paths to select from, provided Zac possessed the audacity to seize them. To cease his advance meant certain death, as did choosing an incorrect route.

And so what?

His mind resonating with imminent peril and the icy breath of death on his neck was a state he was all too familiar with. If anything, it served to re-energize Zac. The mysteries and machinations of the Left Imperial Expanse had occupied his thoughts, acting as anchors that impeded his progress. The defiant Void Rivers, however, helped him recall the inherent defiance of his own Dao, purging him of superfluous thoughts and sharpening his focus solely on the present moment.

Zac solemnly observed another explosion in the distance, waiting for the perfect moment to conjure a vortex. He barely had time to appear in the epicenter before aftershocks of unstable Void Energy descended on his position. A golden barrier emitting powerful lifeforce blocked a section just long enough for Zac to sneak into a third gate that brought him another mile further down the line.

The protective talisman failed just as the gate closed, becoming kindling for a secondary Dao extinction. Zac didn’t spare the destruction a second thought as he kept going, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

The warzone wasn’t just the key to breaking out of containment, it was the perfect training ground to get hands-on experience with [Earthly Dome]. Opening two vortices and connecting them was only the most basic usage. Managing the ability while using items, skills, and controlling Haro was a challenge.

The distances and dimensions didn’t work the same when it came to the Void. It was like Zac had to calculate the coordinates in four dimensions when combining the two systems. While taxing on the mind, it came naturally as part of his heritage, especially while infusing himself with [Void Mountain].

Still, the randomness created unavoidable delays, forcing Zac to zigzag back and forth. It took hours of trial and error before Zac realized the commotion was calming down. The further he moved from the surface, the more overwhelming the Void’s advantages were. With nothing to threaten the reivers, they remained stable.

Shortly after, Zac spotted the end of the open space—more stone, scarred and battered until it had been turned into a beehive. Zac snuck into the closest tunnel and was immediately struck by a wave of vertigo. His senses were giving him contradictory information. He’d staunchly delved deeper, yet somehow down had become up.

Had he failed to overcome the containment in the end, causing him to circle back to where he came from? No. The call of the Void was still there and closer than before. Furthermore, the fundamental affinities had been reversed. From stones infused with faith and Inverse Dao, Zac was surrounded by stones emitting stable fluctuations of the Void.

Zac drew a deep breath, relishing the novel experience. The ambient energy was like poison to normal cultivators, gradually extinguishing their energy. Space itself wouldn’t make sense to them since the paths were based on concepts of the Void. Zac was like a fish in water, to the point it took him a while to even realize something was different about his surroundings.

Everything seemed normal so long as he kept [Void Mountain] running. As for running out of energy? Almost impossible. He was surrounded by Void Energy, and he could already sense dozens of Void Treasures in the area. At the same time, Zac realized his bloodline had lost most of its unique advantages when in a world ordered around the Void.

[Void Zone] had no effect on its surroundings, and [Earthly Dome] was suddenly under the same restrictions as normal skills. He almost got himself killed when trying to open a vortex to avoid a streak of Inverse Dao, only to realize he couldn’t open an exit on the other side of a wall.

While annoying, it didn’t really endanger Zac’s life. The currents of Inverse Dao and Faith Energy were few and far between, and nowhere near as overbearing as the Void currents he’d faced before. Most of them didn’t require Zac to move out of the way. He just braced himself as the gusts of D-grade energy passed by.

Judging by the large caverns and a few withering Natural Treasures he stumbled upon, it should be a recent development. Fuxi Halls’ sources of Inverse Dao and Faith had been more affected by the tribulation than its source of Void. Zac made a mental note not to overstay his welcome. As the Dao replenished, the war at the boundary would only grow deadlier. If he was not careful, he would be forced to escape into the dimensional tears with their decaying death.

A month of exploration should be fine unless the world’s recovery rate drastically accelerated. Zac felt like a child in a candy store as he weighed his options. Only one dimensional tear triggered a reaction from the Primo’s feather, but it was the only solid clue he’d found so far. It was precisely what he’d hoped to find.

Secondly, there were plenty of normal Natural Treasures growing in pockets of lingering Dao. At least half of them were Faith-attuned treasures. If he stayed close to the warzone, Zac had a decent chance of stumbling upon something that could help with Ramses’ condition. Ultimately, Zac kept going, deciding to indulge his gnawing curiosity. He’d entered a mirror world based on the Void, and Zac wanted to see what