BOOOOOOM!
A shockwave of distorted reality rippled outward. The black hole screamed, its gravitational field fracturing as the Chaos energy ate into its core. For a moment, the entire vortex stilled, frozen mid-collapse.
Thenâ
CRACK!
The black hole shattered, its structure unraveling like a torn tapestry. The devoured starlight burst free in a dazzling explosion, painting the void with streaks of gold and silver.
Silence.
The Devourerâs presence pulsedânot with anger, but something almost like... approval.
"WELL DONE," it conceded.
The abyssal rift reopened behind it.
"IâLL LET YOU LIVE A LITTLE LONGER. GROW STRONGER. AND WHEN YOU FAIL... IâLL DEVOUR EVERYTHING YOU LOVE."
With that, the Devourer slid backward into the void, its form dissolving like smoke.
"WEâLL MEET AGAIN... AT THE END OF ALL THINGS."
Thenâ
Silence.
Yun Lintian stood alone amidst the fading stellar debris.
His grip on the God Slaying Sword tightened.
This wasnât a victory.
It was a warning.
There was always someone stronger than you.
Since Yun Lintian began to refine the powers of the Primordial Gods and his strength grew significantly, his confidence also increased drastically. He believed that, at least, none of the current Primordial Gods could be his opponent.
However, the Devourerâs appearance served as a harsh reminder. All the power he had right now was clearly not enough to protect his people.
Yun Lintian let out a long breath. He scanned the surroundings briefly before vanishing from the place.
The space gradually returned to its original state as Yun Lintian and the Devourer left.
A while later, two figures emerged from the void. They were none other than Tantai Xue and Kai Xuan, the first-ranked Chaos Knight.
"His strength has improved significantly. I am no longer his opponent," Kai Xuan said in a heavy voice.
Tantai Xue smiled as if she didnât care. "It doesnât matter. The stronger he is, the better for us."
Kai Xuan glanced at her and said nothing. Although he was the strongest Chaos Knight, his status wasnât high enough to learn the secret of his master, the Lord of Chaos. He had no idea why his master kept spoon-feeding Yun Lintian and helping him become stronger.
Tantai Xue looked around briefly and said, "Itâs about time. Letâs go. We will have a feast soon."
Her eyes revealed a hint of murderous intent.
Kai Xuan didnât say anything further and tore the space open, leaving together with Tantai Xue.
***
Yun Lintian stepped through the spatial rift, his figure materializing in the grand courtyard of his residence. The moment his feet touched the ground, a chorus of relieved gasps and hurried footsteps echoed around him.
"Lintian!"
"Big Brother Yun!"
Yun Qianxue was the first to reach him, her white hair fluttering as she grasped his arms, her icy eyes scanning him for injuries. Behind her, Long Qingxuan, Lin Xinyao, Mu Qiuxue, Shen Liqiu, Ye Ling, Yang Ningchang, Lynn, Han Bingling, and Hei Yue all crowded close, their expressions a mix of worry and relief.
Linlin and Qingqing darted between legs before leaping onto Yun Lintianâs shoulders, their tiny claws gripping his robes tightly.
"Youâre okay!" Linlin squeaked, her ears twitching.
Yue Yun leaned against a nearby pillar, arms crossed, but the tension in her shoulders eased visibly. "Took you long enough."
Lin Yitong stood a step behind the group, her emerald-green eyes lingering on Yun Lintianâs face. She had been the one to deliver the news of the Devourerâs appearance, and the fear in her heart had not yet fully dissipated.
Yun Lintian smiled, warmth softening his usually sharp features. "Iâm back."
Long Qingxuan, ever composed, was the first to speak. "Sister Lin told us everything. The DevourerâŠ" Her voice trailed off, the unspoken question hanging in the air.
"Itâs dealt with for now," Yun Lintian said, his tone calm but firm. He didnât elaborateânow was not the time to burden them with the Devourerâs ominous warning.
Han Bingling, ever perceptive, narrowed her eyes but didnât press. Instead, she smirked and looped her arm through his. "Good. Then youâre staying for a while, arenât you?"
The other wives exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them.
Yun Lintian chuckled. "I am."
He hadnât realized how much heâd missed thisâtheir presence, their voices, the way the air itself seemed lighter when they were near. The battles, the schemes, the endless pursuit of strength⊠for this moment, he allowed himself to set it all aside.
The evening passed in a blur of laughter and shared stories. The grand hall of the palace was filled with the scent of spirit wine and delicacies, the soft glow of lanterns casting warm light over the gathered group.
Yun Qianxue sat beside Yun Lintian, her usual frosty demeanor thawed slightly as she refilled his cup. "Youâve been gone too long," she murmured, just loud enough for him to hear.
He met her gaze, his fingers brushing hers briefly. "I know."
Across the table, Lin Xinyao and Mu Qiuxue were engaged in a spirited debate with Yang Ningchang about some obscure alchemy technique, while Shen Liqiu and Ye Ling exchanged quiet words with Lynn. Hei Yue, ever the silent observer, sipped her wine, her golden eyes occasionally flicking to Yun Lintian as if ensuring he was truly there.
Qingqing, perched on Linlinâs head, giggled as she stole a piece of fruit from Yue Yunâs plate.
Lin Yitong, seated beside Linlin, watched the scene with a soft smile. She had spent so long in solitude, guarding the secrets of the True Wood Spirits, that this warmth still felt foreignâbut not unwelcome.
Yun Lintian leaned back in his seat, his gaze sweeping over them all. This was what he fought for. This was why he could never afford to lose.
At night, when the others had retired for the night, Yun Lintian stood on the garden, staring at the star-studded sky.
The Devourerâs words echoed in his mind.
"When you fail... Iâll devour everything you love."
A presence approached from behindâYue Yun, her hair gleaming under the moonlight.
"Youâre brooding," she stated bluntly.
Yun Lintian didnât deny it. "The Devourer isnât like any enemy weâve faced before. It doesnât just destroyâit consumes existence itself."
Yue Yun snorted. "So what? Youâll kill it. Thatâs what you do."
He glanced at her, amused despite himself. "You have that much faith in me?"
She met his gaze squarely. "Of course. Otherwise, why would I be here?"
A beat of silence passed between them.
An inexplicable feeling arose in Yun Lintianâs heart. He seemed to feel a connection between himself and Yue Yun. It wasnât a feeling between a man and woman but something elseâŠ
Then, Yun Lintian smiled. "Then Iâd better not disappoint."
The night stretched on, the weight of the future momentarily held at bay. For now, there was peace.
For now, there was home...