The collection operation in the valley proceeded with mechanical efficiency. Skeleton units worked in coordinated teams, systematically stripping the battlefield of anything valuable while medical formations kept prisoners alive and stable for ransom negotiations. Su Chen observed the process with satisfaction, noting that his forces had adapted well to large-scale resource extraction—a skillset that would serve them well in future operations.
Elder Hong of the Void Scripture Temple knelt among his fellow captives, his face a mask of humiliation as soul-binding formations were inscribed across his spiritual foundation. Bibi Dong worked with meticulous precision, ensuring each oath contained no exploitable ambiguities. The formations glowed with purple-green energy as they settled into place, permanently restricting the Temple cultivators from taking hostile action against the Stellar Void Pavilion or revealing sensitive information about today's events beyond what Su Chen explicitly permitted.
"The oaths are complete," Bibi Dong reported, approaching Su Chen with a jade slip containing detailed documentation. "Two hundred seventeen Void Scripture Temple cultivators bound. Terms include: absolute prohibition on direct or indirect hostility toward our faction, mandatory cooperation with intelligence requests within reason, public acknowledgment of defeat without embellishment or face-saving narratives, and payment of five hundred million Origin Stones within thirty days with severe penalties for late delivery."
She paused, a slight smile crossing her features. "I also included a clause requiring them to provide advance warning if other factions plan actions against us. They're now effectively an intelligence network we don't have to pay for maintaining."
Su Chen nodded approvingly. "Excellent work. How many other prisoners have potential ransom value?"
"Approximately four hundred belong to established sects or families who will pay for their return," Bibi Dong replied, consulting her jade slip. "Values range from fifty thousand Origin Stones for outer sect disciples to ten million for a young master from the Azure Sky Sect whose father commands substantial resources. Conservative total estimate: eighteen million Origin Stones if all ransoms are paid. The remaining four hundred prisoners are independent cultivators, bandits, or affiliates of organizations too poor or disreputable to ransom their people."
"Process the ransomable prisoners for return once payment is verified," Su Chen instructed. "The remainder can be offered terms of service—work for the Stellar Void Pavilion for defined periods to buy their freedom. Those who refuse or prove unsuitable can be sold as labor to mining operations or similar enterprises. I want every prisoner converted into economic value one way or another."
It was ruthlessly pragmatic, but the cultivation world operated on such principles. Prisoners had value as ransom, labor, or information sources. Keeping them confined without extracting value was simply poor resource management.
Xiao Yi Xian approached, her silver form shimmering as residual toxins cycled through her system. "Lord Su Chen, I've analyzed the blood and spiritual energy samples from the deceased enemies. Several possessed unique bloodlines or cultivation techniques worth copying. Should I preserve the bodies with the most valuable characteristics for your analysis?"
Su Chen considered the offer. The Origin Mirror could theoretically copy bloodlines from corpses, though the process was less efficient than working with living subjects. Still, wasting potential resources offended his fundamental nature.
"Preserve the top fifty most valuable corpses," he decided. "Priority to those with rare bloodlines, unique physiques, or techniques that show clear integration into their physical structure. The rest can be processed for materials—bones for artifact crafting, blood for alchemy, organs for specialized applications. Nothing goes to waste."
The cold practicality of harvesting enemy corpses for materials was standard practice in the cultivation world, though most factions maintained pretenses of respect for the dead. Su Chen had abandoned such pretenses long ago—sentiment was a luxury he couldn't afford when pursuing power at maximum efficiency.
Lin Que's voice emerged from his communication formation, carrying urgency that immediately focused his attention. "Lord Su Chen, the Fire Country force has changed trajectory. They're not approaching our position—they're heading directly for the Ancient Sacred City. Estimated arrival: forty minutes. Intelligence suggests they plan to pressure the Merchant Alliance into revealing information about your identity and base location."
Su Chen's expression darkened. Attacking him directly was one thing—expected and even welcome given the resource acquisition opportunities. But threatening neutral parties to extract information crossed lines that needed to be defended. The Merchant Alliance's neutrality was valuable infrastructure that benefited everyone. Allowing the Fire Country to compromise that neutrality through intimidation would create precedents harmful to long-term stability.
"Unacceptable," Su Chen stated flatly. "The Merchant Alliance maintains neutrality precisely because all factions respect that status. If we permit the Fire Country to violate neutrality through threats, every two-bit warlord will start pressuring the Alliance for advantage. We need to make an example."
He activated a communication formation connecting to Elder Merchant Qiu, who had facilitated their auction settlement. The elderly merchant's image materialized, his expression already showing awareness of the developing situation.
"Stellar Void Pavilion," Qiu greeted formally. "I assume you're contacting regarding the Fire Country's approach. Our intelligence indicates they intend to demand we reveal your faction details under threat of economic sanctions and possible military action."
"Will the Alliance comply?" Su Chen asked directly.
Qiu's expression became carefully neutral. "The Merchant Alliance does not respond well to threats. However, the Fire Country represents substantial economic power—they control critical trade routes and resource supplies. Refusing them completely could trigger retaliation that damages our operations throughout the southeastern territories. We will attempt diplomatic resolution, but if they escalate to actual violence against our facilities..."
He trailed off, the implication clear. The Merchant Alliance could defend itself against most threats, but sustained conflict with a major nation-state would be costly and disruptive. They preferred avoiding such situations entirely.
"I will resolve the situation before they reach the city," Su Chen declared. "The Stellar Void Pavilion takes responsibility for drawing hostile attention to the Ancient Sacred City. We will eliminate the threat before it impacts your operations."
Qiu's eyebrows rose slightly. "The Fire Country force numbers five thousand cultivators, including the crown prince who possesses Formation Arrangement Realm cultivation and commands access to royal family treasures. This is substantially larger than the force you just defeated. Are you certain you wish to engage them directly?"
"I'm certain I wish to prevent them from threatening neutral parties," Su Chen replied. "The size of their force is irrelevant. Contact me immediately if they reach the city before I intercept them. Otherwise, consider the situation handled."
He terminated the communication and turned to address his team. "Change of plans. We intercept the Fire Country force before they reach the Ancient Sacred City. Saeko, Esdeath, you're with me. Bibi Dong and Xiao Yi Xian, remain here to oversee prisoner processing and resource collection. Once the skeletons have finished cataloging, transport everything to the fortress and prepare for potential escalation from other factions."
Bibi Dong frowned slightly. "Lord Su Chen, taking only three of us against five thousand enemies seems inadvisable. At minimum, you should bring Xiao Yi Xian's area-effect toxins for crowd control."
"The Fire Country force is mostly Cave Heaven and Engravement Realm cultivators led by a single Formation Arrangement expert," Su Chen explained. "Against such composition, overwhelming individual power is more effective than area-effect weapons. Additionally, I want to test my capabilities after last night's cultivation breakthrough. Fighting five thousand enemies will provide excellent pressure for forcing advancement to Spirit Transformation Realm."
Understanding dawned in Bibi Dong's expression. Su Chen wasn't just defending the Merchant Alliance's neutrality—he was using the Fire Country as a cultivation resource, a whetstone against which to sharpen his breakthrough. It was the kind of ruthless efficiency that characterized his entire approach to power acquisition.
"Be careful," Xiao Yi Xian said quietly. "Crown princes of major nations typically possess trump cards beyond their apparent cultivation levels. The Fire Country's royal family has ruled for over ten thousand years—they've accumulated techniques and treasures that could threaten even you."
Su Chen smiled slightly at her concern. "Noted and appreciated. If the situation becomes genuinely dangerous, I'll call for orbital support. But I expect this will be straightforward. Saeko, Esdeath, prepare for departure. We leave in five minutes."
The two women nodded, immediately conducting final equipment checks and confirming their combat readiness. Su Chen used the interval to review the intelligence package Lin Que had compiled on the Fire Country's crown prince.
**Name:** Yan Feng
**Age:** 347 years (appears early twenties due to cultivation)
**Cultivation:** Formation Arrangement Realm (Mid Stage)
**Bloodline:** Royal Phoenix (37% purity)
**Known Techniques:** Nine Suns Incineration Art, Phoenix Rebirth, Flame Emperor's Authority
**Notable Treasures:** Eternal Flame Crown (Divine Grade defensive artifact), Wings of the Crimson Sky (Flight artifact with offensive capabilities), Phoenix Blood Pill (single-use resurrection item)
The profile suggested a formidable opponent, though not an insurmountable one. The Phoenix Blood Pill was concerning—single-use resurrection items were rare and powerful, effectively granting an extra life. Su Chen would need to ensure the crown prince died twice if combat reached lethal conclusions.
More interesting was the Eternal Flame Crown. Divine Grade artifacts were extraordinarily rare in the Lower Realm, typically inherited treasures passed down through ancient lineages. Acquiring it would be valuable both for its intrinsic power and as a bargaining chip if negotiations proved preferable to complete annihilation.
"Departure time," Su Chen announced, activating spatial manipulation techniques. A portal bloomed in the air before them, its destination locked onto coordinates along the Fire Country force's trajectory. Saeko and Esdeath stepped through without hesitation, and Su Chen followed, emerging onto a elevated ridge overlooking the main road connecting the Ancient Sacred City to the southern territories.
From this vantage point, he could see the Fire Country force approaching—a military formation of impressive coordination and discipline. Five thousand cultivators moved in organized units, aerial scouts maintaining perimeter security, supply carriages following the main body, formation specialists positioned to deploy battlefield-wide techniques. This was not a hastily assembled mob like the ambush force had been. This was a professional military operation.
At the formation's center rode Crown Prince Yan Feng, unmistakable in his elaborate armor that incorporated phoenix motifs and the Eternal Flame Crown that blazed with contained power. His spiritual pressure radiated outward, marking him as the unquestioned authority over this force. Several dozen Formation Arrangement Realm experts surrounded him—either royal guards or generals commanding the various military units.
"Impressive organization," Saeko observed, her analytical mind cataloging the force composition. "They've adopted formation tactics that allow lower-realm cultivators to combine their power into concentrated attacks. Three units of a thousand each configured as battle formations, with specialist support units providing buffs, healing, and tactical coordination. Against conventional opposition, this force could conquer cities."
"Unfortunately for them, we're not conventional opposition," Esdeath replied, already preparing her time-manipulation techniques. "How do you want to approach this, Master? Diplomatic warning first, or immediate overwhelming force?"
Su Chen considered the options. Diplomatic approach risked appearing weak, potentially emboldening the crown prince to press forward. Immediate force demonstrated power but eliminated negotiation possibilities. The optimal strategy combined both—overwhelming display that left no doubt about capability, followed by offer of face-saving withdrawal option.
"I'll initiate contact," Su Chen decided. "Display sufficient power to make them reconsider their objectives, then offer terms allowing them to retreat without complete loss of face. If the crown prince proves reasonable, we avoid unnecessary slaughter and extract concessions. If he proves stubborn, we destroy his force and claim everything they carry as spoils."
He stepped forward to the ridge's edge, making himself clearly visible to the approaching force. Then he released his spiritual pressure—not in aggressive attack, but as pure presence, allowing his cultivation base to radiate across the landscape with enough intensity that every cultivator in the Fire Country formation would feel it.
The effect was immediate. The entire formation faltered as five thousand cultivators simultaneously experienced the pressure of someone who had touched divine energy, who existed partially outside normal cultivation limitations. Alarm formations flared throughout their ranks as security specialists detected what they interpreted as an overwhelming threat.
Crown Prince Yan Feng raised one hand, halting his force's advance. His expression had transformed from confident authority to wary calculation as he assessed the spiritual pressure emanating from Su Chen's position. The crown prince was intelligent enough to recognize that this pressure exceeded what his intelligence reports had suggested about the Stellar Void Pavilion's capabilities.
Su Chen amplified his voice through spiritual energy, allowing it to carry clearly across the two-kilometer distance. "Crown Prince Yan Feng of the Fire Country. You approach the Ancient Sacred City with hostile intent toward the Stellar Void Pavilion. I am here to inform you that such intent is... inadvisable."
Yan Feng's eyes narrowed as he identified Su Chen's position. For a moment, the crown prince appeared to be calculating, weighing pride against pragmatism. Then he activated his own voice amplification.
"Stellar Void Pavilion! Your monopolization of the Harvest Moon Auction's treasures has disrupted economic balance throughout the Lower Realm! Your mysterious origins and refusal to acknowledge proper authority threatens stability! The Fire Country demands you present yourself before our court, submit to investigation, and provide compensation for the market disruptions your actions have caused!"
The demands were obviously pretexts—the Fire Country wanted access to the auction treasures and saw Su Chen as a target of opportunity. But Yan Feng was at least attempting to maintain diplomatic fiction rather than openly admitting to robbery. That suggested he might be reasonable if provided appropriate incentives.
"Crown Prince," Su Chen replied, his tone becoming colder, "you are currently approaching a neutral city with an armed force, intending to threaten a neutral organization into violating its own protocols. This behavior is unacceptable and will not be permitted. I offer you the following terms: withdraw immediately, return to Fire Country territory, and I will overlook this transgression. Refuse, and I will treat your force as hostile and respond accordingly."
Yan Feng's face flushed with anger at being so directly challenged. Around him, his generals began activating formation arrays, preparing for combat even as diplomatic exchanges continued. The crown prince raised his voice, addressing not just Su Chen but his entire force.
"The Stellar Void Pavilion speaks of might, but they are only three individuals against five thousand! They bluff, hoping intimidation will succeed where power proves insufficient! All forces, prepare for—"
Su Chen interrupted by releasing a fraction of the divine energy he had copied from the Divine Source Crystal. Golden light erupted from his position, forming a pillar that stretched into the sky and painted the landscape in radiance that made every cultivator present instinctively recognize its nature. Divine power, energy from beyond their realm, wielded casually as a demonstration rather than an attack.
The pillar lasted only three seconds before Su Chen dismissed it, but the effect was devastating to the Fire Country force's morale. Thousands of cultivators who moments ago had been confidently preparing for battle now stood frozen, their belief in numerical superiority shattered by the clear evidence that they faced power operating on fundamentally different principles.
Yan Feng stared at Su Chen's position with an expression mixing shock, fear, and dawning comprehension. He had clearly not expected divine energy, and its appearance forced complete recalculation of the tactical situation.
"That was divine power," Yan Feng said slowly, his voice no longer carrying aggressive confidence. "True divine energy. You possess... how is that even possible in the Lower Realm?"
"My methods are my own," Su Chen replied. "What matters is that I possess capabilities you cannot match through numerical advantage. Crown Prince, I ask you again: withdraw your forces and return to Fire Country territory. This is your final opportunity to avoid catastrophic loss."
For a long moment, Yan Feng remained silent, clearly struggling with his decision. Pride demanded he press forward—to retreat after mobilizing five thousand troops would humiliate the Fire Country and damage his own reputation. But pragmatism recognized that attacking someone who wielded divine energy was likely suicidal.
Then one of his generals—a Formation Arrangement Realm expert wearing the insignia of the Royal Phoenix Guard—leaned close and whispered urgently. Su Chen's enhanced hearing couldn't catch the specific words across the distance, but he could read body language. The general was arguing for retreat, emphasizing the strategic insanity of engaging enemies with divine power.
Yan Feng's expression gradually shifted from conflicted to resigned. He had apparently decided that survival and strategic preservation of his forces outweighed personal pride. Su Chen felt a moment of approval—the crown prince was intelligent enough to recognize losing situations and avoid pointless sacrifice.
"Stellar Void Pavilion," Yan Feng finally declared, his voice carrying forced dignity, "the Fire Country acknowledges your... capabilities. We will withdraw our forces and return to our territory. However, this matter is not concluded. The Fire Country will pursue diplomatic channels to address our concerns about your faction's activities and their impact on regional stability."
It was a face-saving statement that allowed retreat while maintaining the appearance of strategic repositioning rather than defeat. Su Chen could work with that—preserving the crown prince's dignity cost him nothing and avoided unnecessary slaughter.
"The Stellar Void Pavilion acknowledges the Fire Country's position," Su Chen replied formally. "We remain open to diplomatic engagement through proper channels. I trust future communications will be conducted through appropriate intermediaries rather than military demonstrations."
Yan Feng inclined his head fractionally in acknowledgment, then issued orders to his force. The five thousand cultivators began reorganizing for retreat, formation specialists adjusting their arrays from combat configuration to defensive marching order. Within minutes, the entire force had reversed course and was heading back toward Fire Country territory at speed suggesting genuine eagerness to depart the area.
Saeko watched them go with evident disappointment. "That was anticlimactic. I was prepared for significant combat, and instead we got diplomatic resolution. Though I suppose avoiding the slaughter of five thousand people demonstrates admirable restraint."
"Restraint born of pragmatism," Su Chen clarified. "Five thousand corpses would have been profitable to harvest, but the diplomatic complications would have been substantial. The Fire Country is a major power with alliances throughout the southeastern territories. Annihilating their crown prince and his entire force would have triggered retaliatory responses requiring significant resources to handle. Better to let them retreat while preserving future negotiation possibilities."
Esdeath nodded reluctantly. "I suppose that's strategically sound. Though part of me was hoping for more resistance. The Northern Gate battle was too brief, and now this diplomatic conclusion leaves me feeling... unsatisfied."
Su Chen smiled slightly at her bloodthirsty nature. "Don't worry. Not every faction will prove as reasonable as Crown Prince Yan Feng. Lin Que, status report. How many other forces are mobilizing in response to news from the Northern Gate?"
"Three confirmed," Lin Que's voice emerged from the communication formation. "The Crimson Sky Alliance is assembling approximately eight thousand cultivators. The Beast Mountain Tribes have mobilized fifteen thousand, though most are low-realm warriors with beast companion. And the Abyssal Sword Sect is deploying two thousand elite disciples, each one Engravement Realm minimum."
Su Chen processed the numbers with satisfaction. "Excellent. The Crimson Sky Alliance and Beast Mountain Tribes are quantity-focused forces—they'll provide good harvesting opportunities. The Abyssal Sword Sect is more concerning given their quality emphasis, but also more valuable as resource sources. What are their estimated arrival times at our last known position?"
"Crimson Sky Alliance: six hours. Beast Mountain Tribes: nine hours accounting for their slower movement speed. Abyssal Sword Sect: four hours—they're using high-speed flight formations to close distance rapidly."
"Then we have time to return to the valley, complete resource collection, and prepare reception for the Abyssal Sword Sect," Su Chen decided. "Their early arrival actually works in our favor—defeating their elite force will discourage the other two groups from proceeding. If we're fortunate, they'll scatter before even reaching engagement range, saving us the effort of fighting them."
He opened a spatial portal back to the valley where prisoner processing continued. "Let's return. We have an intensive four hours ahead of us, and I want to ensure we're at full readiness when the Abyssal Sword Sect arrives. They're bringing quality opponents—this will be the real test of our capabilities."
The three of them stepped through the portal, returning to the aftermath of the Northern Gate battle. The collection operation had progressed substantially during their absence—most corpses had been processed, prisoners were secured in organized groups, and skeleton units were loading the final resources into spatial storage for transport to the Black Dragon Fortress.
Bibi Dong approached immediately, her expression showing satisfaction. "Collection is ninety-three percent complete. Final inventory shows: eight hundred seventeen prisoners secured, four hundred twenty-six corpses processed for materials, one thousand two hundred ninety-three spatial rings acquired, and preliminary asset assessment suggests total value of approximately eighty-three million Origin Stones once everything is properly liquidated."
"Excellent work," Su Chen acknowledged. "Have the prisoners transported to the fortress's holding facilities. I want them secured but maintained in good condition—ransom negotiations will begin tomorrow. The processed materials can be batch-stored for later sorting. Priority is preparing for the next engagement—the Abyssal Sword Sect will arrive in approximately four hours."
Xiao Yi Xian looked up from where she had been cataloging toxin samples extracted from deceased enemies. "The Abyssal Sword Sect? They're one of the Lower Realm's premier combat factions. Their disciples train exclusively in offensive techniques, sacrificing defense and versatility for maximum killing power. Two thousand elite swordsmen working in coordinated formations could be genuinely dangerous."
"Which is why we'll prepare appropriately," Su Chen replied. "This valley served well for the ambush force, but it's now compromised—enemies have observed our tactics here. We need a new battlefield with advantages favoring our strengths. Saeko, recommend optimal terrain for engaging two thousand sword cultivators."
Saeko immediately pulled up regional maps, her strategic mind analyzing terrain options. After thirty seconds, she highlighted a location fifteen kilometers northeast of their current position. "Here—the Shattered Blade Plains. Open terrain with minimal cover, which favors our mobility and area-effect abilities while limiting the Abyssal Sword Sect's preferred tactic of using terrain features to set up ambush strikes. Additionally, the plains have unusual spiritual energy currents that disrupt formation-based coordination, forcing them to fight as individuals or small groups rather than unified force."
Su Chen studied the location, his dual pupils analyzing the spiritual energy patterns Saeko had identified. The disruption effect was subtle but significant—formation arrays required stable spiritual energy to function properly, and the fluctuating currents at Shattered Blade Plains would make maintaining cohesion difficult for large groups.
"Perfect," he decided. "We relocate to Shattered Blade Plains immediately. Bibi Dong, Xiao Yi Xian, finish collection operations here and transport everything to the fortress. Saeko, Esdeath, you're with me. We'll establish position at the plains and prepare appropriate welcome for our guests."
The team split efficiently, each group moving to handle their assigned responsibilities. Su Chen opened another spatial portal, this one targeting the Shattered Blade Plains. Saeko and Esdeath stepped through, and Su Chen followed, emerging onto a vast expanse of flat terrain that stretched to the horizon.
The plains got their name from thousands of broken weapon fragments scattered across the landscape—remnants of an ancient battle whose details had been lost to history. The blades jutted from the earth at irregular angles, creating a forest of broken steel that gave the terrain a haunting, melancholic atmosphere.
Su Chen extended his spiritual sense across the plains, confirming Saeko's assessment about the spiritual energy currents. They flowed in chaotic patterns that would indeed disrupt formation techniques. More importantly, the metal fragments conducted spiritual energy, creating a resonance effect that someone with proper understanding could exploit.
"Saeko," Su Chen addressed his swordmaster, "this battlefield is ideal for your capabilities. The broken blades will resonate with your sword intent, effectively multiplying your offensive output. You could probably engage hundreds of enemies simultaneously here."
Saeko's eyes lit up with understanding as she sensed the same resonance Su Chen had detected. "You're right. If I channel sword intent through the blade fragments, I can create a domain where every piece of metal becomes an extension of my will. Against sword cultivators, this terrain gives me overwhelming advantage."
"Then you'll take point when the Abyssal Sword Sect arrives," Su Chen decided. "Demonstrate the difference between quantity-focused sword users and someone who has truly mastered blade principles. Esdeath and I will provide support, but this battle is primarily yours."
Saeko bowed formally, her expression showing determination mixed with anticipation. "I will not disappoint you, Master."
The stage was set. The Abyssal Sword Sect would arrive in less than four hours, expecting to face enemies weakened by previous battles or unprepared for their elite assault. Instead, they would find a battlefield specifically configured to counter their strengths while amplifying their opponents' advantages.
The Northern Gate Massacre had been a harvesting operation. The Fire Country confrontation had been a diplomatic demonstration. But the coming battle against the Abyssal Sword Sect would be something different—a showcase of pure martial supremacy, a declaration that the Stellar Void Pavilion had mastered combat to such degree that even specialized warrior sects couldn't compete.
Su Chen settled into meditation, using the remaining time to refine his cultivation and prepare for the breakthrough he expected combat would trigger. Around him, Saeko and Esdeath conducted their own preparations, each visualizing their role in the coming battle.
Four hours until the Abyssal Sword Sect arrived. Four hours until the Lower Realm learned another lesson about the price of opposing the Stellar Void Pavilion.
The education continued.