The runes woven into the protective formation shimmered and faded as Wang Lin stepped forth. His gaze, calm and unwavering, swept across the scene, settling finally upon the figure of Xu Yunshan.

Xu Yunshan’s eyes narrowed momentarily, then widened into a jovial grin. He strode forward, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting, and boomed, “Could this be the esteemed Wang Lin, disciple of Tian Yunzi?”

Wang Lin’s expression remained neutral. He returned the gesture. “You speak truly. I am Wang Lin. And you, sir, are?”

Xu Yunshan chuckled, his voice laced with welcome. “I am Xu Yunshan, heir apparent of the Xuan Yuan Sect of the Terrestrial Star. Hearing of your arrival, I hastened to offer the hospitality befitting a humble host. I trust you will not refuse, Brother Wang?”

Wang Lin offered a slight smile. “Then I shall trouble you, Brother Xu.” Xu Yunshan’s cultivation, he noted, mirrored his own, resting in the mid-stage of the Infant Transformation. He had sought to escape the Tian Yun Sect’s relentless strife, seeking solitude to nurture his cultivation. To refuse this gesture so soon after arriving on this Terrestrial Star would be impolite.

Xu Yunshan proved an engaging companion, regaling Wang Lin with tales of the Terrestrial Star’s wonders. He arranged for Wang Lin to reside within a secluded enclave within the Xuan Yuan Sect’s grounds, promising to visit on the morrow before taking his leave.

The abode was nestled within an elegant garden, a haven of tranquility. Wang Lin stood within the dwelling, throwing open the window to behold the riot of color that bloomed outside. Myriad blossoms, vibrant and lush, jostled for attention in a symphony of floral beauty.

Stepping out, Wang Lin strolled through the fragrant floral kingdom.

“My immediate task is to elevate my cultivation,” he mused, his brow furrowed in concern. “Though I have been long absent from Vermilion Bird Star, Tuo Sen remains a looming threat. He could emerge from the Ancient God’s Land at any moment, seeking retribution.” The specter of Tuo Sen hung heavy upon him, a phantom whip that drove him relentlessly toward greater power, the key to his survival.

Gazing upon the exotic blooms of the garden, Wang Lin paused in contemplation.

“The Slaughter Immortal Art,” he murmured, “its principles are indeed ingenious. The Life Imprint provides a formidable defense.” And then there was the matter of the Heavenly Defiance Bead, its quest for the Metal element still incomplete. Situ Nan had declared that only with all Five Elements united could the Bead recognize its true master and reveal its full potential. Yet, what manner of power did this Heavenly Defiance hold, that it had once ignited such covetousness in the hearts of the cultivators of the Alliance? “I wonder how fares Vermilion Bird Star,” he sighed, lifting his gaze to the heavens, as if to pierce the veil of space and time that separated him from his distant home.

After two days as a guest of the Xuan Yuan Sect, Xu Yunshan escorted Wang Lin to the Fifth Grade Cultivation Nation of Spirit Yue.

These days spent in Xu Yunshan’s company were marked by easy conversation. He revealed himself as an amicable and welcoming host, and Wang Lin found himself enjoying the camaraderie.

The nation of Spirit Yue had long anticipated the arrival of the Envoy from the Tian Yun Sect, a scion of the esteemed Purple lineage. They prepared to receive Wang Lin as a matter of utmost importance. Every sect within the nation stood ready to welcome the emissary.

At the border of Spirit Yue, Xu Yunshan smiled. As they flew onward, he gestured toward the landscape below. “Here, Brother Wang, lies the Fifth Grade Cultivation Nation of Spirit Yue. It is small, and its sects number only four. Yet, it is renowned for its spirit-nourishing treasures, coveted even on our Terrestrial Star.” Wang Lin nodded. Soon they crossed the border, and made their way into Spirit Yue.

At the heart of Spirit Yue stood a towering edifice, known as the Sky Piercing Tower. This was the dwelling place of envoys of ages past.

Now, clustered before the tower, stood over a hundred cultivators, patiently awaiting the envoy’s arrival.

Soon, two streaks of light descended from the heavens, heralded by the crackle of displaced air. All eyes turned upward toward the approaching visitors.

As they neared, the cultivators bowed their heads, chanting in unison, “The cultivators of the Fifth Grade Cultivation Nation of Spirit Yue greet the Envoy, and the Heir of the Xuan Yuan Sect!” Xu Yunshan’s booming laughter echoed from the sky. “Farewell, Brother Wang! If fate allows, we shall share wine and tales again!” With a burst of speed, Xu Yunshan turned away, streaking toward the horizon.

He departed, leaving Wang Lin alone in the sky above.

His gaze swept over the assembly below. Among them, a dozen individuals stood out, their cultivation having reached the Great Perfection of the late-stage Infant Transformation. The others were of lesser strength.

One figure caught Wang Lin’s attention. An old man with hair as white as snow, who stood as the most powerful of those assembled. He stood at the very threshold of the Soul Transformation realm.

Wang Lin descended slowly, landing before the Sky Piercing Tower. Before the assembled cultivators could speak, he announced, “I am here as your Envoy, but I shall interfere in nothing. Maintain your ways as before. From this day forth, none shall trespass within ten thousand miles of this place. I shall be in seclusion.” The cultivators gaped in surprise, but their years of cultivation had instilled in them a degree of cunning. Composing themselves, they bowed in acquiescence and dispersed.

The old man who stood upon the precipice of Soul Transformation studied Wang Lin for a long moment before turning and departing.

Several cultivators hastily followed, leaving Wang Lin standing alone before the Sky Piercing Tower.

With an indifferent flick of his sleeve, Wang Lin entered the tower. He sat cross-legged, and summoned the Forbidden Banner from his storage sack. With a shake, it released a torrent of black mist, which spiraled outward to encompass the ten thousand miles around the tower.

A chilling darkness shrouded the land. After a moment’s reflection, Wang Lin reached toward his brow, and coughed forth a Soul Consuming Banner, a banner, several zhang in length. Although many spirits had been lost, a few main souls still remained… and these were now released. Wang Lin unfurled the banner, and with the exception of the Kirin Soul, the released souls were released, merging with the black mist to guard against intrusion.
Having completed his preparations, Wang Lin drew a deep breath. With a flick of his right wrist, a jade slip materialized in his grasp.

This slip, the color of aged ash, was the gift of the grey-robed Heavenly Fate Child – the Slaugterous Sword Art.

“Slaughterous Sword Art,” Wang Lin murmured, his eyes gleaming. Immediately, his divine sense swept across its surface.

Time trickled by, and before long, a month had passed.

During this time, the various sects of Lingyue Kingdom remained baffled by the new envoy. It was custom that each new arrival would aggressively demand spirit stones and immortal jade. To avoid trouble, the sects would usually offer some tribute. This had become ingrained as unwritten law.

Yet, this being from Tianyun Star, supposedly a disciple of the venerable Heavenly Fate Child, had remained within the Towering Sky Pagoda for a month without so much as a single step outside. Furthermore, a swirling miasma of darkness shrouded an area of ten thousand li around his abode, preventing ordinary mortals from approaching.

Even Nascent Soul cultivators, daring to investigate, would retreat in haste, their faces pale, after venturing barely a hundred paces into the gloom.

Gradually, the new envoy became an enigma, shrouded in mystery, in the minds of the cultivators of Lingyue Kingdom.

Within the Towering Sky Pagoda, Wang Lin remained seated in the lotus position, unmoving, identical to a month prior. He had dedicated his entire mind and spirit to the grey jade slip.

The Slaughterous Sword Art etched within was, in truth, a brand of life itself. Within this brand lay concealed a peculiar power. To comprehend it was no simple task.

Wang Lin, never blessed with exceptional talent, found the Slaughterous Sword Art exceptionally intricate. He could only ponder, slowly, carefully, in order to grasp its essence.

This, Wang Lin knew, could not be rushed.

Time continued its relentless march. Another half-month passed, and the curiosity surrounding the new envoy only intensified among the cultivators of Lingyue Kingdom.

This was due to a change within the ten thousand li of dark mist surrounding the Towering Sky Pagoda. The previous stillness had been shattered. Now, howling winds emanated from within, as if countless flying swords were tearing through the void. Intermittent roars, shaking heaven and earth, reverberated outwards.

Such phenomena piqued the interest of all in Lingyue Kingdom. Eventually, the most powerful cultivator in Lingyue, an elder who stood with one foot on the threshold of Soul Transformation, roused himself after several days and journeyed to the Towering Sky Pagoda.

Three days later, he returned, his face etched with dismay and his eyes reflecting a profound shock. Upon his return, edicts were swiftly issued to all sects: under no circumstances were any disciples to venture within ten thousand li of the Towering Sky Pagoda, lest they be branded as traitors.

And so, ten thousand li surrounding the Towering Sky Pagoda became a forbidden zone within Lingyue Kingdom.

For a month and a half, Wang Lin had dedicated himself to studying the Slaughterous Sword Art. The essence of this art lay in slaughter itself. The more one killed, the more vivid the brand of life became. When it reached a certain point, this brand could become the most impenetrable defense in all the world.

Yet, the path to cultivate this power was arduous beyond measure.

After a month and a half, Wang Lin remained unable to grasp the core of the Slaughterous Sword Art. He ultimately decided to abandon his research and instead focused on comprehending the Heavenly Dao, continually refining his own Dao of Laws.

During this time, the Spirit Striking Chariot had undergone a backlash.

This was the first time the chariot had rebelled since the initial seal was broken. Wang Lin had anticipated this and battled the unyielding beast for several days. Using secret techniques, he finally suppressed the beast, averting its rebellion!

It was during this period that the elder of Lingyue Kingdom had entered within the ten thousand li surrounding the Towering Sky Pagoda and witnessed the unyielding beast for himself.

Having suppressed the Spirit Striking Chariot, Wang Lin meditated quietly for several days. Then, one day, he abruptly opened his eyes, a spark of comprehension flickering within their depths.

“The Slaughterous Sword Art… it is all comprehended in slaughter. My attempts to manifest it from nothingness lack the vital spark of true vitality. To truly master this art, one must begin with the act of slaughter itself!” Wang Lin’s eyes flashed. He rose to his feet, took a single stride forward, and vanished from the Towering Sky Pagoda.