The portal back to the Qingye Sect shimmered like a still pond, rippling as Lin Ho stepped through. Behind him, the secret realm crumbled — its skies collapsing into darkness, its mountains swallowed by shifting space. Whatever corrupted it had not been entirely purged.
Lin Ho carried the unconscious disciple in his arms. Elders and disciples stood waiting, their faces a mix of concern and awe. Most hadn't seen what had occurred within, but the elders had watched from afar. They knew enough.
Elder Qiu stepped forward.
> "She's alive?"
> "Yes," Lin Ho said. "But wounded. Something touched her soul."
Two sect healers moved swiftly to take the girl. Lin Ho didn't let go until her breathing stabilized under their care.
Elder Qiu motioned for Lin Ho to follow him into the great hall. Inside, runes shimmered faintly over the walls. The place was silent, save for the crackle of a single incense burner.
> "What happened?" Elder Qiu asked.
Lin Ho didn't speak immediately. His eyes lingered on the flickering flames.
> "There were creatures in that realm… beasts that didn't belong. Not born of this world. One of them knew me. It said I carried the scent of something older than Heaven and Earth."
Elder Qiu folded his arms, hiding his shifting expression.
> "And you believe it?"
> "I believe they feared it. That means it's real enough."
The elder gave a long sigh.
> "You're progressing fast. Too fast. That will draw attention — from more than just sects or rival clans. It will draw the eyes of those who dwell in shadow. And worse."
Lin Ho met his gaze.
> "Then let them come."
There was silence. Then, for the first time in years, Elder Qiu allowed himself a small smile.
---
Far in the East
In a floating fortress above the storm-lashed sea, an ancient cultivator in gray robes opened his eyes. He sat cross-legged before an altar, meditating on a bronze tablet inscribed with cosmic runes.
Suddenly, the runes pulsed. A single line glowed red:
> "Chaos has awakened."
The man frowned. He had lived through the last age of blood, when the Void War nearly destroyed all realms. Only the highest of Supremes knew the truth of what Chaos once was — and what it could become again.
> "So it begins…"
He vanished, leaving behind a tremor in space.
---
Qingye Sect – Lin Ho's Courtyard
Later that night, Lin Ho sat beneath a tree, refining his Qi once more. Each breath of Primordial Spiral Breathing deepened his control, his Chaos Qi becoming more refined, more responsive.
He could feel it — his meridians evolving, strengthening, his soul sea expanding slowly.
> "I'll reach Foundation Building soon…" he whispered.
The stars above shimmered.
But somewhere below, in the earth, something else stirred — as if in response to him.
---
End of Chapter 41