“My Lord,” the aged Dark Scorpion Elder murmured, his voice barely audible as he guided the way, “the nearest haven overseen by a Council Elder of the Fallen is the Ninth Elder’s world, the homeworld of the Dragonscale Clan. It teems with cultivators, and its laws are… loosely enforced.”

Throughout their journey, the man called Wang Lin remained largely silent. They streaked through the star-strewn void, twin comets of arcane energy, leaving the Dark Scorpion world behind.

His mind, however, remained tethered to the vision of the puppet, the echoes of its existence swirling within him like a nascent storm. He felt a truth beckoning, yet it remained shrouded in a mist he could not pierce.

“The Dragonscale, though a minor clan,” the Elder continued, breaking the silence, “boasts a thousand strong. Their chieftain, the Ninth Elder, is a formidable cultivator, having weathered four Heavenly Mortal Decays. When he calls upon the Dragonscale Mantle, few can pierce his defenses. Within the Fallen Council, his name carries considerable weight. Clans such as ours dare not disrespect or provoke him.”

The Dark Scorpion Elder, eager to please, relayed all he knew of the Dragonscale Clan, leaving no detail unspoken.

After a time, Wang Lin finally broke his silence. “The Flameheart Crystals… are they traded upon the Dragonscale homeworld?”

“They are, My Lord. However, the Fire Finch Clan covets them fiercely, buying them up at any cost. Few can compete. To acquire such treasures, or indeed puppets, one must venture into the Dragonscale-run marketplace.” The Elder answered with alacrity.

Both individuals were possessed of considerable power, and their speed was matched only by their urgency. In mere hours, they traversed the cosmic expanse, leaving the Dark Scorpion world far behind. Now, a world of verdant hue filled Wang Lin’s vision.

The planet pulsed with life, its surface cloaked in emerald, its atmosphere brimming with vital energies, far surpassing that of the Dark Scorpion world.

As they drew near, three streaks of light shot forth from the green orb, arcing directly towards them with the swiftness of drawn blades. At the fore of the trio was an aged man in emerald robes, his face wreathed in a welcoming smile. From afar, he clasped his hands in greeting. “The Elder foresaw the arrival of the Dark Scorpion Chieftain. We were dispatched to escort you. We bid the Scorpion Chieftain follow us into our world.”

His companions, echoing his gesture, offered similar words of welcome.

The Dark Scorpion Clan, though only one amongst three hundred seventy-two, held a place, however small, within the Fallen Council. They could not be dismissed. The Dark Scorpion Elder, returning the greeting with a cordial nod, gestured for Wang Lin to proceed first, following closely behind. Guided by the Dragonscale trio, they approached the verdant world.

Observing this deference from the Scorpion Chieftain, the Dragonscale trio exchanged glances of surprise. The lead Elder, in particular, cast a keen eye upon Wang Lin, scrutinizing him carefully. Though he gleaned nothing concrete, he marked the traveler in his memory.

“One who commands such respect from the Scorpion Chieftain… this one must not be underestimated…”

They transformed into streaks of iridescent energy, drawing closer to the world. As they neared the vortex of gales surrounding the planet, Wang Lin felt a stirring in his soul. In mid-flight, he turned, seemingly casually, to glance behind them into the star-dusted void.

There, amidst the shimmering distortion of the astral currents, stood a man of middle years. His eyes met Wang Lin’s, and a chilling smile touched his lips.

Wang Lin remained impassive, giving no outward sign of his awareness. He turned back, following his guides into the swirling chaos of the gales, vanishing from sight.

The raging winds howled around him, a symphony of ethereal fury. Yet within, Wang Lin’s heart grew cold. The gaze of the man behind had been deliberate, a beacon of malicious intent that triggered a buried memory. He had seen that face before. It was one of the three great beings who had pursued Tuo Sen when Wang Lin had first entered the Ancient Star System.

To see him now, in this Fallen Land, confirmed Wang Lin’s suspicions: this man was not of this place; he was from the Ancient Star System!

His purpose, to a third-step cultivator who could enter this treacherous land was all too clear. He had come to kill.

“He is here to end me… yet this form is but a fragment, for he emanates the aura of only the Fifth Heavenly Mortal Decay… though he may be concealing his true power… And he is wary of this Fallen Land, else he would have struck already…

The Long Revered Society moves quickly… the Fifth Heavenly Mortal Decay, is it?” A glint of defiance shone in Wang Lin’s eyes as he followed the others through the tempestuous barrier and onto the emerald world.

Outside the Dragonscale world, in the vast emptiness of space, Si Mo Zi retracted his gaze, the smile lingering on his lips. He had barely arrived in this Fallen Land and had already found his quarry. His quarry’s image and aura had been calculated by Yun Luo Da Si and transmitted to him long ago, allowing for instant recognition.

“To act here would be unwise, for it risks attracting the attention of the Fallen Emperor… that would be most unfortunate… but with him upon this world, he cannot escape! With a suitable pretext, I shall apprehend him.”

Si Mo Zi, his smile unwavering, turned his gaze to the distance. A figure streaked towards him, laughter echoing across the void. A white-haired elder, clad in azure robes, emerged from the Dragonscale world.

“Si Mo Zi, esteemed Senior, long has it been! Your grace remains undimmed!” The elder’s voice boomed with vitality, the energies of the cosmos swirling around him, betraying the aura of the Fourth Heavenly Mortal Decay.

“Friend Sun, centuries have passed since our last meeting. Today, I come to trouble you once more.” Si Mo Zi chuckled, clasping his hands in greeting.

“Your arrival is no trouble at all, Senior! We have been friends for many years. Were it not for your guidance, I might have perished in the Third Decay. Senior Si Mo Zi, please, come to my abode!” the elder replied with a smile. As the Ninth Elder of the Fallen Council, he usually remained secluded in meditation. Upon receiving Si Mo Zi’s divine message, he had rushed to greet him.

They moved, laughing and conversing, toward the verdant world, their figures fading into the distance.

Wang Lin and the Dark Scorpion Chieftain entered the verdant world. Their Dragonscale escorts, after offering their respectful farewells, departed. The Dark Scorpion Elder, wasted no time in leading Wang Lin towards a grand city in the eastern reaches of the world.
“Lord,” the old Dark Scorpion murmured, his voice low as they traversed the bustling thoroughfare, “if it be golems or the rare Embershards you seek, the Eastern Market is your destination. There resides a shop, directly under the auspices of the Dragonscale Clan. Save for the grand auctions, it is my first port of call.”

Wang Lin offered a curt nod, though a chill settled in his heart, a nascent bloom of murderous intent. He had come seeking automatons of superior make, hoping to dissect and master their construction. If fortune smiled, he would acquire Embershards, for their elemental essence was key to his advancement.

These shards held the promise of fueling his Vermilion Bird Transformation, the fourth awakening of his celestial soul. A great influx of their fire would bring him immense benefit, and further, they resonated with the very essence of the Fire Sparrow Clan, an essence he desperately sought.

But the specter of Si Mozi had changed his course. The man hunted him with relentless fervor, making escape improbable. Wang Lin, in truth, no longer desired escape. He would make his stand here, in this place!

*He who pursues me hides his hand for reasons of his own. His arrival signals a calculated act, a charade to justify my demise… His hesitation is my opportunity. He presents as a Fifth-Level Celestial Decay, unwilling, or perhaps unable, to unleash the full power of a Third Step cultivator. It could be…could it be merely an avatar he sends in pursuit?*

*If so, let this avatar feel the sting of annihilation, a lesson writ in fire! But before the storm, I must prepare. A Fifth-Level Celestial Decay is no simple foe. Though my Essence of Thunder is nigh complete, caution must be my shield!*

His face a mask of grim resolve, Wang Lin seized the Dark Scorpion Elder and, with a burst of unnatural speed, shot into the sky above the Eastern City. Like twin comets, they plunged towards the sprawling urban labyrinth below.

“Lead the way, swiftly!” Wang Lin commanded, releasing the elder and his voice a low growl.

Sensing the palpable death aura that clung to Wang Lin, the Dark Scorpion Elder’s heart leapt within his chest. He obeyed without hesitation, guiding the formidable cultivator through the winding streets until they stood before a towering, ancient pagoda.

Its architecture spoke of ages past, a stark contrast to the vibrant city that surrounded it. As they crossed the threshold, a figure emerged from within. A woman, perhaps thirty summers past, radiated an ageless beauty. Her presence was heralded by a wave of intoxicating perfume.

“Ah, if it isn’t the esteemed Chieftain of the Scorpion Clan!” Her voice was honeyed, laced with playful flirtation. “Surely you haven’t returned so soon, unless you’ve sensed the arrival of new treasures within my humble abode?”

Her gaze swept over them, pausing briefly on Wang Lin. A flicker of surprise, almost imperceptible, danced within her eyes.

The Dark Scorpion Elder chuckled, bowing his head in greeting. “I am merely an escort, my dear. This friend of mine has come seeking…”

The woman covered her mouth with a delicate hand, her eyes scrutinizing Wang Lin once more. She offered a deep curtsy. “Pray, ascend, honored friend. Speak your desire, and if it lies within my power, I shall provide.”

Wang Lin, his expression impassive, returned a slight bow. He followed her into the pagoda and up to the second floor. The chamber was small, furnished with several elegantly carved chairs. Wang Lin seated himself, his gaze fixed upon the woman.

The Dark Scorpion Elder remained standing respectfully behind him.

Observing this subtle display of deference, the woman’s eyes gleamed with a hidden curiosity. She lowered her head slightly. “And what, esteemed cultivator, do you seek?”

“Embershards,” Wang Lin replied, his voice even, his eyes drifting past the woman towards the entrance to the second floor. A glint of anticipation sparked within his gaze.

“I too, desire Embershards!”

The words, sharp and cold as glacial winds, erupted from the second-floor entrance at the very moment Wang Lin spoke. A figure materialized, his presence instantly altering the atmosphere.

Clad in robes the color of volcanic fire, his long white hair hung about him in disarray. An inferno seemed to rage within his very being, bathing the pagoda in oppressive heat.

Each footstep upon the wooden stairs left a blazing imprint, a ephemeral mark of his passage. Yet, the flames consumed nothing, as if summoned from the void, only to fade once their purpose was served.

Upon his brow blazed a fiery sigil, a miniature inferno writhed and crackled with life. His gaze locked with Wang Lin’s, a spark igniting the air between them.

“Esteemed cultivator,” the fiery figure began, his voice dripping with false politeness. “Perhaps you would be so kind as to yield your desire for the Embershards to one such as myself?”

Wang Lin smiled.