News of disturbances in the cultivation world's natural energy flows spread quickly among major sects. Seventeen days after activating the Dawn Lotus Mountain nexus, Liu Yun and Chen Xia were forced to detour through Azure Cloud Sect territories to avoid Righteous Verdant Sect blockades along the coastal routes to the Eastern Sea.
"The sects mobilize faster than anticipated," Chen Xia observed as they traversed a narrow mountain pass wearing Azure Cloud outer disciple robes—Liu Yun's legitimate sect identity providing convenient cover. "They sense the Protocol disruption without understanding its source."
Liu Yun nodded. "The Heaven's Will Protocol has existed so long that most sect elders mistake its artificial restrictions for natural cultivation laws. They perceive our activities as cosmic irregularities rather than deliberate interference."
As they approached the Azure Cloud Sect's outer territories, Liu Yun sensed familiar spiritual fluctuations—Peak Master Su's unique frost spirit energy signature. Her sudden appearance before them confirmed his suspicions about sect-wide alert status.
"My wayward disciple returns," Peak Master Su commented, her pupilless white eyes examining Chen Xia with calculating assessment. "And brings an interesting companion. Phoenix Pavilion bloodline... how remarkably convenient."
Liu Yun bowed with precisely calculated respect—neither subservient nor challenging. "Master Su. I continue the research project you assigned regarding ancient formation techniques."
"Indeed." Her cold smile contained no warmth. "Though your interpretation of my instructions appears rather... expansive. Dawn Lotus Mountain's boundary disruption has attracted attention from all major sects, including the Celestial Court representatives."
Chen Xia tensed at this mention, her hand instinctively moving toward her sword before Liu Yun's subtle gesture stopped her.
"Boundary exploration yields valuable insights regarding Protocol limitations," Liu Yun stated carefully. "The project progresses as intended."
Peak Master Su's expression remained unreadable as she circled them slowly, frost patterns forming beneath her feet with each step. "The Azure Cloud Council questions my judgment in granting you such autonomy. Elder Feng particularly expresses... concerns about your activities."
"The Council lacks proper context regarding our sect's true history and purpose," Liu Yun replied. "As you yourself explained."
"Context they increasingly demand as boundary disruptions intensify." She stopped directly before him, cold energy radiating from her immortal form. "I cannot shield your activities indefinitely without tangible benefits demonstrating your value to our sect's greater ambitions."
Liu Yun recognized the implicit threat beneath her seemingly reasonable statement. The emperor's consciousness stirred with calculating assessment.
"She requires a significant contribution to maintain her political position," the emperor advised. "Without her protection, Azure Cloud resources become inaccessible for our remaining nexus activations."
After brief internal consultation, Liu Yun reached a decision. "The Dawn Lotus nexus generates significant cultivation acceleration opportunities. I can establish controlled access protocols allowing Azure Cloud disciples to utilize these benefits without compromising our broader objectives."
Peak Master Su's expression showed the first hint of interest. "Quantifiable advancement acceleration?"
"Approximately three years of standard cultivation progress compressed into seven days of nexus exposure," Liu Yun confirmed. "With proper preparation techniques to prevent foundation instability."
This precisely measured offering hit its mark. Peak Master Su's immortal ambitions required cultivators of exceptional talent to serve her long-term plans. Accelerated development of promising disciples would significantly enhance her faction's power within sect politics.
"Acceptable contribution," she acknowledged. "Provide detailed nexus utilization protocols to my trusted subordinates. I will ensure Council interference remains minimal for another sixty-day cycle."
Before Liu Yun could respond, her attention shifted abruptly to Chen Xia. "The Phoenix bloodline was thought eradicated during the Great Cleansing. Your family's survival represents an... oversight in historical record-keeping."
Chen Xia met the immortal's gaze without flinching—a display of either exceptional courage or foolhardy pride. "The righteous sects' historical records contain many convenient oversights regarding their purges of competing cultivation lineages."
Rather than taking offense at this boldness, Peak Master Su's cold smile widened slightly. "Indeed. History serves those who record it." She returned her attention to Liu Yun. "Your companion's bloodline talents complement your current research trajectory. Ensure she receives proper Azure Cloud credentials to prevent unfortunate... misunderstandings during your continued activities."
With that practical warning delivered, Peak Master Su disappeared in a swirl of frost particles, returning to whatever political machinations occupied her immortal attention.
Chen Xia released a carefully controlled breath. "Your 'master' is no ordinary immortal cultivator."
"Frost spirit who achieved human transcendence eight millennia ago," Liu Yun explained briefly. "Her goals regarding the Heaven's Will Protocol align temporarily with ours, though her ultimate agenda remains her own."
They continued toward the Azure Cloud Sect's resource distribution center, where Liu Yun's position as Peak Master Su's direct subordinate granted access to restricted materials necessary for their Eastern Sea expedition. As they crossed the primary courtyard, however, a familiar antagonistic presence approached—Elder Feng, accompanied by six inner court disciples.
"The rogue returns," Elder Feng announced loudly, intentionally drawing attention from nearby disciples. "And brings unauthorized outsiders directly into our sacred grounds."
Liu Yun maintained perfect composure despite the deliberate provocation. "This disciple follows Peak Master Su's direct instructions regarding research partnership arrangements."
Elder Feng's expression darkened at this mention of his political rival. "Peak Master Su exceeds her authority by granting access to sect resources without Council approval." His cold gaze shifted to Chen Xia. "Particularly to those with suspicious bloodline connections to historical enemies of the righteous path."
Chen Xia matched his hostile stare with challenging intensity. "The 'righteous path' appears increasingly concerned with bloodline discrimination rather than true cultivation excellence."
"Watch your tongue, outsider," one of Elder Feng's disciples warned, stepping forward aggressively. "You stand within Azure Cloud territory only by tenuous permission."
Liu Yun observed the escalating confrontation with calculating assessment. Elder Feng clearly sought to provoke an incident justifying intervention against Peak Master Su's independent operations. Political maneuvering within immortal sects often used lower disciples as expendable pieces.
"A measured display of strength would be appropriate," the emperor advised. "Not enough to justify serious sanctions, but sufficient to discourage further interference."
Liu Yun stepped slightly forward, positioning himself between Chen Xia and the aggressive disciples. "This one respectfully suggests focusing energies on addressing the boundary disturbances affecting all major sects rather than internal political disputes."
"Boundary disturbances you likely caused," Elder Feng accused directly. "Multiple witnesses reported unusual formation activities at Dawn Lotus Mountain coinciding precisely with the disruption origin point."
The confrontation had attracted a growing audience of outer and inner court disciples—exactly as Elder Feng intended. Public accusation required public response, forcing Liu Yun to either admit involvement or directly contradict a senior elder.
Before Liu Yun could formulate an appropriately measured response, Chen Xia's patience evidently expired.
"If Azure Cloud elders spent less time on political posturing and more on actual cultivation research, perhaps they'd understand boundary fluctuations are natural astronomical phenomena rather than malicious interference," she stated with deliberate condescension.
Elder Feng's expression hardened into genuine anger rather than tactical hostility. "Detain them both for formal questioning regarding suspected Protocol violations," he commanded his disciples. "The Council will determine appropriate consequences."
The six inner court disciples moved to surround them, spiritual energy manifesting in preparation for capture techniques. Liu Yun calculated options rapidly, aware that direct conflict within sect grounds would severely complicate their mission regardless of outcome.
"The resource acquisition can wait," the emperor suggested pragmatically. "Boundary transit offers more favorable engagement conditions if conflict proves unavoidable."
Liu Yun nodded almost imperceptibly, catching Chen Xia's attention with a subtle hand signal they had established during their travels. Without warning, both activated specialized Phoenix Pavilion techniques extracted from the Sovereign Manual—Boundary Reflection Step.
Their physical forms shimmered momentarily before disappearing entirely, leaving Elder Feng and his disciples striking empty air. This specialized evasion technique temporarily shifted the user partially into boundary space between realms—insufficient for true realm travel but perfect for tactical withdrawal across limited distances.
They rematerialized two li away at a predetermined emergency rendezvous point outside sect boundaries. Chen Xia immediately drew her sword, anticipating pursuit.
"Was that wise?" she demanded. "We've now confirmed their suspicions regarding our boundary manipulation capabilities."
"Elder Feng already possessed sufficient suspicion," Liu Yun replied calmly. "This merely accelerates inevitable confrontation while preserving our freedom of movement."
He reached into his storage pouch, producing a jade communication talisman bearing Peak Master Su's unique frost energy signature. After brief consideration, he activated it, sending a precisely worded message regarding Elder Feng's interference.
"Your master will protect us?" Chen Xia asked skeptically.
"She will protect her investments," Liu Yun corrected. "Our nexus activation progress represents significant potential value to her faction. Political balance within Azure Cloud Sect requires maintaining appearances of compliance while pursuing independent agendas."
As expected, a response manifested rapidly in frost characters across the talisman surface: "Eastern Sea resources transferred to secondary deposit point. Proceed with original timeline. Internal matters managed."
Liu Yun nodded with satisfaction. "We continue as planned. Peak Master Su will ensure Elder Feng's interference remains contained within sect politics rather than expanding to active pursuit."
Chen Xia sheathed her sword reluctantly. "These sect politics grow tiresome. Each faction pursues power while claiming righteous justification for restricting others."
"A system designed specifically to prevent any individual or group from accumulating sufficient power to challenge established authorities," Liu Yun agreed. "The Heaven's Will Protocol's most effective enforcement mechanism isn't energy restriction but social fragmentation of the cultivation world."
They abandoned their Azure Cloud outer disciple disguises, adopting merchant traveler appearances more suitable for coastal route travel. As they departed mountain territories toward Eastern Sea provinces, Chen Xia's expression revealed thoughtful calculation.
"Eight more nexus points to activate," she observed. "Each disruption will draw increased scrutiny and opposition."
Liu Yun nodded. "The Protocol's defenders will mobilize with escalating determination as systemic threats become apparent. Our timeline must accelerate accordingly."
"My family archives contain alternative routes to several nexus locations," Chen Xia offered. "Ancient paths forgotten by modern sect mapping systems."
Liu Yun acknowledged this valuable contribution with a respectful nod—a rare gesture from someone who typically viewed others as tools rather than partners. "Your Phoenix bloodline connection to these locations will prove increasingly essential as conventional approaches become compromised."
As they continued toward the Eastern Sea, both recognized their uneasy alliance had evolved through shared purpose and opposition. Whether this development represented strength or vulnerability remained to be determined.
The emperor's consciousness stirred with rare approval. "The Phoenix rises alongside the Sword—just as in the original conquest. Perhaps history doesn't merely repeat but refines itself toward perfection."
Liu Yun made no response to this observation, his focus already shifting toward the challenges awaiting at the Abyssal Trench nexus. The cultivation world's foundations had begun shifting—imperceptibly to most, but with increasing momentum that would soon become impossible to ignore or contain.