The Abyssal Sword Sect arrived exactly on schedule, their approach heralded by a spiritual pressure so dense with killing intent that the very air seemed to sharpen. Su Chen's dual pupils tracked them from kilometers away—two thousand cultivators flying in a formation that resembled a massive blade cutting through the sky, their unified sword intent creating visible distortions in the atmosphere.
At their head flew Sect Master Jian Wuming, a legendary figure whose name translated literally to "Sword Nameless." According to intelligence reports, he had cultivated for over eight hundred years, achieving Spirit Transformation Realm through pure dedication to the sword. His philosophy rejected all techniques unrelated to killing—no defensive arts, no support formations, no versatility. Only the blade, refined to absolute perfection.
Flanking him were the sect's Seven Sword Sovereigns, each one a Formation Arrangement Realm expert who had mastered a specific sword principle. Su Chen identified them through their distinct spiritual signatures: the Sovereign of Shattering specialized in destroying defenses, the Sovereign of Flowing Water emphasized adaptability, the Sovereign of Mountain pursued immovable foundation, and so on. Each represented a different approach to sword cultivation, and together they formed a council that guided the sect's philosophy.
The remaining two thousand disciples maintained perfect formation discipline, organized into groups of two hundred that functioned as independent strike units. Their equipment was uniform—each carried an identical sword forged from Abyssal Steel, a metal found only in deepest underground regions where darkness had crystallized into physical form. The swords radiated an aura that absorbed light, making the entire formation appear as a moving shadow against the sky.
"They're impressive," Saeko admitted, her professional assessment free of either arrogance or fear. "That level of coordination requires decades of training. The formation itself is a weapon—they can combine their sword intent into attacks that exceed what any individual could achieve. Against conventional opposition, they would be nearly unstoppable."
"But we're not conventional opposition," Esdeath added, her ice-blue eyes tracking the formation's approach with predatory interest. "Their focus on pure offense makes them vulnerable to disruption. If we break their coordination, they become two thousand individuals rather than one overwhelming force."
Su Chen nodded agreement with both assessments. "Saeko, you'll handle the main engagement as planned. Esdeath, your role is defensive disruption—use Mahapadma to fracture their formation cohesion at critical moments. I'll manage the Seven Sword Sovereigns and provide support where needed. Our objective is complete victory with minimal casualties on our side and maximum captures on theirs. The Abyssal Sword Sect's disciples are valuable resources—their training makes them worth substantial ransoms."
The formation reached the edge of Shattered Blade Plains and halted, hovering in the air as Sect Master Jian Wuming surveyed the battlefield. His spiritual sense swept across the terrain, immediately identifying Su Chen's team positioned at the center of the plains. For a long moment, the sword master simply observed, his expression inscrutable.
Then he descended, landing fifty meters from Su Chen's position with a grace that made the movement seem effortless. His disciples followed in precise coordination, forming a semicircle that surrounded Su Chen's team while maintaining multiple layers of depth—a tactic that prevented being outflanked while ensuring reserves could reinforce any breakthrough point.
Jian Wuming was ancient in appearance, his face weathered by centuries but his eyes sharp and clear. He carried a single sword at his waist, unremarkable in appearance but radiating spiritual pressure that suggested it had been refined through countless battles into something approaching sentience. When he spoke, his voice carried the peculiar quality of someone who had surrendered all aspects of self except dedication to a single principle.
"Stellar Void Pavilion. I am Jian Wuming of the Abyssal Sword Sect. We have traveled here not for robbery or revenge, but to issue challenge. You have demonstrated considerable power in your recent engagements, defeating forces through overwhelming individual capability. The Abyssal Sword Sect wishes to test whether your power can withstand the collective might of those who have dedicated their entire existence to the sword."
It was not the declaration Su Chen had expected. He had anticipated justifications similar to the previous ambush forces—claims of righteous enforcement or demands for treasure. Instead, Jian Wuming was being remarkably honest: this was a pure martial challenge, a test of philosophy rather than simple resource seizure.
"You seek to measure your sect's sword against my capabilities," Su Chen said slowly, processing this new information. "This is a matter of principle rather than profit?"
"Partially," Jian Wuming admitted. "The Abyssal Sword Sect will not pretend we lack interest in the treasures you acquired. But more fundamentally, we represent a philosophy: that dedicated specialization exceeds versatile generalization. You embody the opposite—you wield multiple techniques, integrate diverse abilities, pursue power through synthesis rather than refinement. This difference in approach cannot coexist without resolution."
He gestured toward his assembled disciples. "Two thousand sword cultivators, each having surrendered all other pursuits to master the blade. Against three individuals who command varied techniques. The outcome will prove which philosophy holds truth. If we prevail, your treasures become ours and your approach is demonstrated inferior. If you prevail, we will acknowledge our philosophy's limitation and withdraw from opposition."
Su Chen found himself unexpectedly respecting the sect master's directness. This was not hypocrisy disguised as righteousness—it was genuine philosophical conviction backing pragmatic resource acquisition. He could work with such honesty.
"Very well," Su Chen agreed. "We accept your challenge. However, I propose modified terms. Rather than simple victory or defeat, we structure this as a series of challenges testing different aspects of martial capability. First challenge: formation combat—my companion Saeko will face your disciples' coordinated assault. Second challenge: individual supremacy—I will face your Seven Sword Sovereigns simultaneously. Third challenge: absolute power—if necessary, you and I will duel to determine final outcome."
Jian Wuming's eyes showed surprise at the counter-proposal, then consideration, then acceptance. "Your terms are fair. They test both collective coordination and individual excellence, preventing either side from claiming victory through exploiting the other's weakness. The Abyssal Sword Sect agrees. Shall we begin with the formation combat challenge?"
"One moment," Su Chen interjected. He turned to address Saeko directly, his voice carrying across the plains. "Saeko Busujima. You have trained under my guidance, mastered the Supreme Sword Bone, integrated transformation principles from the Kun Peng inheritance. Now you will demonstrate the culmination of that training. Two thousand sword cultivators await. Show them what true mastery means."
Saeko stepped forward, her hand resting on her blade's grip. Her spiritual pressure began to rise, sword intent manifesting as visible distortions that made the air around her shimmer like heat waves. The broken blades scattered across the plains began to resonate, responding to her presence with faint harmonic tones that suggested the entire battlefield was becoming an extension of her will.
"I accept this challenge," Saeko declared formally, addressing Jian Wuming. "Two thousand disciples of the Abyssal Sword Sect against one swordmaster of the Stellar Void Pavilion. Let my blade speak for itself."
Jian Wuming nodded slowly, respect evident in his expression. He turned to face his disciples, his voice carrying absolute authority. "All disciples, formation assault configuration. The challenge has been issued. Demonstrate the Abyssal Sword Sect's supremacy. Begin on my signal."
The two thousand disciples shifted smoothly into attack formation, their movements so perfectly synchronized that they appeared as a single organism rather than individuals. Sword intent erupted from their ranks in overwhelming waves, the combined pressure of two thousand cultivators each dedicated purely to the blade creating a force that would have crushed most opponents through spiritual pressure alone.
Saeko remained perfectly still, her eyes closed, her breathing slow and measured. She was not resisting the pressure—she was analyzing it, feeling its rhythms and patterns, identifying the coordination points that held the formation together. Su Chen recognized her strategy immediately: she would not fight the formation's strength directly, but rather target its structural dependencies.
"Begin!" Jian Wuming commanded.
The formation surged forward as one, two thousand blades moving in perfect unison. Their combined sword intent coalesced into a massive phantom blade that stretched across the sky, large enough to bisect mountains. The attack carried enough force to shatter cities, powered by the collective cultivation of an entire sect focused into a single devastating strike.
Saeko's eyes opened, and her sword left its sheath in a draw so fast that the motion blurred beyond perception. Her Supreme Sword Bone activated fully, transforming her entire skeletal structure into a weapon that resonated with every blade principle ever conceived. And in that instant, she became not merely a swordmaster but the embodiment of sword itself—every edge in existence was merely an extension of her will.
The broken blades scattered across Shattered Blade Plains erupted to life. Thousands of weapon fragments tore free from the earth, each one now conducting Saeko's sword intent as perfectly as if they were extensions of her body. They formed a constellation of edges surrounding her position, each fragment positioned to reflect and amplify her techniques.
When the Abyssal Sword Sect's phantom blade struck, Saeko didn't defend. She attacked.
Her counter-strike was a technique Su Chen had never seen her use before—something she must have developed specifically for this moment. She called it "Ten Thousand Blades Become One," and its execution was breathtaking. Every broken blade fragment launched simultaneously, each one carrying a fraction of her sword intent. They moved not as individual projectiles but as components of a larger technique, weaving through space in patterns that defied conventional geometry.
The fragments struck the phantom blade at two thousand precisely calculated points—each impact targeting a specific disciple's contribution to the combined technique. The effect was instantaneous: the massive phantom blade shattered, its unified structure fragmenting as Saeko's counterattack severed the coordination links holding it together.
But Saeko didn't stop with mere disruption. The blade fragments continued their trajectories, each one seeking a specific target among the Abyssal Sword Sect disciples. Two thousand fragments struck two thousand cultivators simultaneously, each impact calibrated to destroy defensive formations without causing lethal injury. Within three seconds of the engagement beginning, every single Abyssal Sword Sect disciple had been disarmed, their weapons knocked from their grips and their spiritual energy disrupted enough to prevent immediate recovery.
Silence descended across Shattered Blade Plains. Two thousand disciples hovered in the air, shocked and disarmed, staring at Saeko with expressions mixing disbelief and dawning comprehension. Their formation had been not merely defeated but dismantled with such precision that none of them had even been seriously injured—a demonstration of control that exceeded what killing them all would have proven.
Saeko remained in her post-strike stance for three seconds, then smoothly returned her blade to its sheath. The broken fragments fell back to earth, their purpose served. When she spoke, her voice carried across the plains with absolute certainty.
"The Abyssal Sword Sect's formation was magnificent. Your coordination was flawless, your technique execution perfect. But you made one critical error: you assumed that mastery meant unified action. True sword mastery means understanding that every blade is simultaneously individual and universal, separate and connected. Your formation treated two thousand swords as components of one weapon. I treated ten thousand fragments as expressions of a single principle. That is the difference between wielding the sword and being the sword."
Jian Wuming stared at Saeko with an expression that had transformed from confident authority to genuine awe. He slowly descended to the ground, his movement unsteady in a way that suggested profound psychological impact rather than physical injury.
"That... that was not merely superior technique," the sect master said quietly. "That was a fundamental revelation about the nature of the blade itself. You have shown me that the Abyssal Sword Sect's philosophy, while powerful, was incomplete. We pursued the sword through individual perfection combined into collective action. You demonstrated that true sword mastery transcends the individual-collective dichotomy entirely."
He turned to face his disciples, many of whom were still processing what had just occurred. "Disciples of the Abyssal Sword Sect. We have witnessed something extraordinary. This woman has not merely defeated our formation—she has shown us a deeper truth about the path we walk. We must acknowledge this defeat and integrate this lesson into our understanding."
The admission was remarkable—a sect master publicly acknowledging not just tactical defeat but philosophical inadequacy. Su Chen found his respect for Jian Wuming increasing substantially. Many cultivators would have made excuses or demanded continued combat to preserve face. The sword master instead embraced truth regardless of its implications for his pride.
"The first challenge is concluded," Su Chen declared formally. "Saeko Busujima of the Stellar Void Pavilion has demonstrated superiority in formation combat. Sect Master Jian, do you wish to proceed to the second challenge, or do you consider the philosophical question resolved?"
Jian Wuming took a long moment to respond, clearly weighing options. Finally, he spoke with the measured tone of someone who had reached a difficult decision. "The Stellar Void Pavilion has proven their philosophy's validity in formation combat. However, the Abyssal Sword Sect's pride cannot accept complete defeat without testing the second challenge. I request that my Seven Sword Sovereigns face your promised opponent to determine whether individual excellence follows the same pattern as collective coordination."
"Agreed," Su Chen replied. He stepped forward, positioning himself at the center of the plains. "I will face your Seven Sword Sovereigns. Same terms as the first challenge—demonstrate absolute superiority to prove philosophical validity. Are your Sovereigns prepared?"
The Seven Sword Sovereigns descended to the ground in unison, forming a circle around Su Chen's position. Each radiated Formation Arrangement Realm cultivation, their specialized sword principles creating distinct spiritual pressure signatures. The Sovereign of Shattering appeared as jagged edges given form. The Sovereign of Flowing Water seemed to ripple and shift. The Sovereign of Mountain stood immovable as stone. Each was a master of their specific principle, having refined it across centuries to approaching perfection.
"We are prepared," the Sovereign of Shattering declared, speaking for the group. "Stellar Void Pavilion, you face seven masters who have each achieved pinnacle comprehension of fundamental sword principles. Your companion demonstrated remarkable synthesis. Now show us whether you can stand against specialized perfection."
Su Chen smiled slightly, activating his dual pupils to full perception. The seven Sovereigns each represented a different aspect of sword cultivation, their principles forming a comprehensive framework that covered offensive, defensive, and adaptive applications. Fighting them would indeed test whether his synthesis approach could match their specialized perfection.
"Before we begin," Su Chen said calmly, "I should clarify something about my capabilities. I am not primarily a swordsman. My path involves integrating diverse techniques and principles into unified approach. You will not face someone who has mastered the sword to your level. Instead, you will face someone who has learned to make everything a weapon, including principles that have nothing to do with blades."
He released his spiritual pressure, and the transformation technique activated. His form blurred, becoming simultaneously solid and fluid, present and absent, defined and undefined. The Kun Peng's inheritance manifested fully, granting him access to perpetual metamorphosis. Combined with his Supreme Sword Bone copy, his Sovereign-level psychokinesis, his divine energy access, and his Perfect World cultivation base, he became something that transcended normal categorization.
"I am Su Chen of the Stellar Void Pavilion," he declared. "And I will show you that mastery is not found in perfecting one path, but in understanding that all paths ultimately lead to the same destination. Attack whenever you're ready."
The Seven Sword Sovereigns exchanged glances, silently coordinating their approach. Then, moving as one, they struck.
The Sovereign of Shattering attacked first, his blade technique designed to destroy any defense. His sword multiplied into seven phantom blades, each one targeting a different aspect of Su Chen's spiritual defenses. The technique was brilliantly executed, covering all possible defensive angles while concentrating enough power in each strike to overwhelm reinforced protections.
Su Chen transformed his body into spatial distortion, and the blades passed through him harmlessly, cutting nothing because there was nothing solid to cut. Before the Sovereign could adjust, Su Chen rematerialized behind him and delivered a palm strike enhanced with divine energy directly to the spine. The Sovereign of Shattering dropped instantly, his nervous system overwhelmed by power that operated on principles his cultivation couldn't process.
The Sovereign of Flowing Water adapted immediately, his technique shifting to accommodate Su Chen's transformation ability. His blade became liquid, flowing around defenses rather than attempting to break through them, seeking weakness through adaptive pressure. It was an approach that should have worked against transformation techniques—you couldn't avoid what flowed around every evasion.
Su Chen responded by becoming energy rather than matter. The liquid blade passed through his energy-form with no more effect than passing through empty air. Then he reconstituted in solid form and grabbed the Sovereign's blade with his bare hand, his Indestructible Diamond Body preventing the edge from cutting despite the tremendous force behind the technique.
"Your adaptability is impressive," Su Chen observed conversationally, holding the blade immobile through sheer strength. "But adaptation requires time to adjust. What happens when your opponent transforms faster than you can adapt?"
He released the blade and struck with speed that transcended conventional movement, utilizing the Kun Peng's velocity principles to exist in multiple positions simultaneously through quantum superposition. The Sovereign of Flowing Water experienced twenty-seven strikes landing across his body in what appeared to be a single instant, each impact precisely calibrated to disrupt spiritual energy flow without causing permanent injury. The Sovereign collapsed, conscious but unable to coordinate his cultivation enough to continue fighting.
The remaining five Sovereigns attacked simultaneously, recognizing that sequential assaults were ineffective against an opponent who operated on their demonstrated principles. Five distinct sword principles manifested at once—Mountain's immovable defense, Lightning's unstoppable speed, Void's erasure of existence, Phoenix's resurrection through destruction, and Heaven's absolute authority.
It was a coordinated assault that represented the pinnacle of what specialized sword cultivation could achieve. Each principle was refined to perfection, and their simultaneous deployment created a situation where countering one would leave Su Chen vulnerable to others. Against conventional opposition, this combination would be utterly unbeatable.
Su Chen activated divine energy and psychic abilities simultaneously, creating a multilayered response that operated on different principles than the attacks targeting him. His psychokinesis caught all five blades in mid-strike, holding them immobile through sheer mental force. Divine energy formed a barrier that transcended normal defensive techniques, existing on a level that sword principles—regardless of specialization—simply couldn't affect. And his transformation ability allowed him to selectively phase parts of his body through the attacks that did penetrate, taking no damage while maintaining offensive capability.
"Your specialized perfection is genuine and impressive," Su Chen said, his voice utterly calm despite simultaneously defending against five Formation Arrangement Realm experts. "But specialization creates predictability. Your Mountain principle defends but cannot adapt when defense proves insufficient. Your Lightning principle attacks with speed but cannot endure when speed proves inadequate. Each of you has mastered one truth while remaining blind to others."
He released a pulse of divine energy that shattered all five Sovereigns' techniques simultaneously, then moved faster than any of them could track. Five precise strikes, each one targeting pressure points that would disable without causing lasting harm. Within seconds, all five remaining Sovereigns had collapsed, their cultivation temporarily sealed by techniques that operated on principles outside their sword-focused comprehension.
Su Chen stood alone at the center of the circle of defeated Sovereigns, his breathing steady and his expression showing not triumph but something closer to disappointment. "Is this the pinnacle of specialized perfection? Remarkable individual mastery undermined by inability to respond to approaches outside your focus? The Abyssal Sword Sect has refined the sword to extraordinary heights, but in doing so, you've forgotten that the sword is merely a tool—a means to an end, not an end in itself."
Jian Wuming descended slowly to the ground, his ancient face showing an expression Su Chen couldn't quite interpret. The sect master walked among his fallen Sovereigns, checking each one briefly before turning to face Su Chen directly.
"You have defeated our Seven Sword Sovereigns with such ease that it barely qualified as combat," Jian Wuming acknowledged. "Your synthesis approach has proven superior to our specialized perfection in both formation and individual combat. The Abyssal Sword Sect's philosophy stands refuted."
He paused, and when he continued, his voice carried the weight of centuries crystallizing into a single moment of clarity. "But I find myself not humiliated by this defeat, but rather... enlightened. You have shown me that the path I have walked for eight hundred years, while genuine, was incomplete. The sword is indeed merely a tool. True mastery lies not in perfecting the tool but in understanding the principles that transcend any single implementation."
The sect master drew his blade—the first time he had done so during the entire engagement. The weapon hummed with spiritual resonance, clearly a treasure refined through countless battles and profound cultivation. But Jian Wuming didn't point it at Su Chen. Instead, he held it horizontally before him in a gesture that cultivation world tradition recognized as offering the weapon to another.
"Stellar Void Pavilion Master Su Chen. The Abyssal Sword Sect acknowledges complete philosophical defeat. Our specialized approach has proven inferior to your synthesis methodology. However, rather than simply retreat in humiliation, I wish to propose an alternative resolution. The Abyssal Sword Sect will become a subsidiary organization of the Stellar Void Pavilion, contributing our martial expertise to your endeavors in exchange for access to your broader understanding. We will learn from your approach while contributing our specialized skills to your operations."
The proposal shocked Su Chen into momentary silence. He had expected the sect to withdraw after defeat, perhaps paying reparations or surrendering resources. But voluntary subordination? That suggested the sect master had experienced such profound philosophical revelation that he was willing to surrender his sect's independence to gain access to deeper truths.
"You would surrender the Abyssal Sword Sect's autonomy based on a single defeat?" Su Chen asked carefully, ensuring he understood the offer correctly.
"Not surrender autonomy—transform it," Jian Wuming clarified. "The Abyssal Sword Sect has pursued its current path for over ten thousand years. We have refined our approach to the practical limits of what specialization can achieve. But your demonstration proves that those limits are insufficient for reaching true pinnacles of power. If we continue as independent faction, we will eventually stagnate, unable to progress beyond the constraints of our self-imposed philosophical boundaries. But as part of a larger organization that values synthesis over specialization, we can transform our focused expertise into one component of a greater whole."
Su Chen processed the offer rapidly. Two thousand trained sword cultivators, including eight Formation Arrangement Realm experts and one Spirit Transformation Realm master, represented substantial military power. More importantly, their specialized training made them ideal for specific operations requiring overwhelming offensive capability. And their willingness to subordinate themselves suggested genuine philosophical conversion rather than merely pragmatic surrender.
But accepting their subordination would also create responsibilities. Su Chen would become accountable for their welfare, their continued development, their integration into his operations. It was not merely acquiring resources but accepting leadership obligations.
He made his decision.
"The Stellar Void Pavilion accepts the Abyssal Sword Sect as a subsidiary organization," Su Chen declared formally. "Terms: you maintain internal governance for day-to-day operations, but strategic direction comes from Pavilion leadership. You contribute military support when requested but are not required to participate in operations that violate your core principles. You gain access to our cultivation resources, techniques, and philosophical frameworks in exchange for loyalty and cooperation. Does this arrangement satisfy your requirements?"
Jian Wuming's face showed profound relief. "It does. The Abyssal Sword Sect swears subordination to the Stellar Void Pavilion under the terms you have stated. We will serve with loyalty and integrity, transforming our specialized perfection into one blade in your greater arsenal."
He lowered himself to one knee—a gesture of formal submission in cultivation world tradition. Behind him, the Seven Sword Sovereigns struggled to their feet and mirrored his gesture, followed by all two thousand disciples. An entire sect, kneeling in acknowledgment of their new allegiance.
Su Chen felt the weight of that moment. He had arrived at the Harvest Moon Auction seeking treasures and resources. Instead, he had acquired an army, gained loyal subordinates, and demonstrated capabilities that would reshape the Lower Realm's political landscape.
"Rise, Sect Master Jian Wuming," Su Chen instructed. "From this moment, the Abyssal Sword Sect serves the Stellar Void Pavilion. Your first assignment: spread word throughout the Lower Realm that challenging us is not merely dangerous but philosophically futile. Let potential enemies understand that they face not just powerful individuals but an organization that has surpassed the boundaries limiting conventional cultivation. Ensure that message reaches every major faction within ten days."
Jian Wuming rose, bowing respectfully. "It will be done. The Abyssal Sword Sect will ensure all understand the Stellar Void Pavilion's supremacy."
Su Chen turned to face Saeko and Esdeath, who had observed the entire exchange with carefully neutral expressions. Through their mental link, he transmitted a private message. "Thoughts on this development? Taking an entire sect as subordinates was not part of our original plans."
"Opportunistic but manageable," Saeko replied mentally. "Two thousand trained combatants significantly increases our military capabilities. As long as their loyalty proves genuine, this strengthens us substantially."
"I'm more concerned about the other factions' reactions," Esdeath added. "The Crimson Sky Alliance and Beast Mountain Tribes are still approaching. When they learn we've absorbed the Abyssal Sword Sect rather than simply defeating them, they may reconsider their hostile intentions."
Su Chen nodded internally at the assessment. "Lin Que, status report on the remaining hostile forces."
"Both are still approaching but have significantly reduced their advance speed," Lin Que's voice emerged from his communication formation. "Intelligence suggests they received news about the Abyssal Sword Sect's subordination and are conducting emergency leadership meetings to reassess. The Beast Mountain Tribes appear particularly uncertain—their chieftain is arguing for immediate withdrawal while his war council insists on pressing forward. The Crimson Sky Alliance has split into two factions, with approximately three thousand deciding to withdraw while five thousand continue approaching."
"Predictable," Su Chen commented. "When we return to the valley, prepare a message for broadcast through all available intelligence networks. The message should state: 'The Stellar Void Pavilion welcomes diplomatic approaches from all factions. Those who wish to avoid conflict may send envoys to negotiate terms of non-aggression or potential cooperation. Those who insist on hostility will be treated as resource sources and harvested accordingly. The choice belongs to each faction individually.'"
"Understood," Lin Que confirmed. "Broadcasting now through Merchant Alliance channels and our own network penetrations."
Su Chen turned back to Jian Wuming. "Sect Master, have your disciples return to your sect compound. Treat your wounded, conduct internal assessments, and prepare detailed reports on your sect's capabilities and resources. I will visit your headquarters within three days to formally establish the subordination arrangements and begin integration planning. For now, ensure your people understand that their defeat today was not humiliation but opportunity—a chance to transcend the limits that would have eventually trapped your sect in stagnation."
Jian Wuming bowed deeply. "Your wisdom honors us. The Abyssal Sword Sect will prepare for your arrival with appropriate ceremony." He turned to address his disciples, his voice carrying renewed purpose. "All disciples, return to the sect compound. What we experienced today was not defeat but enlightenment. We begin a new chapter in the Abyssal Sword Sect's history—one where our perfected blade becomes part of a greater whole. Move out!"
The two thousand disciples rose and departed in organized formations, their discipline maintaining cohesion despite the profound philosophical shift they had just experienced. Within minutes, the plains had emptied of everyone except Su Chen's team.
Saeko spoke first once they were alone. "Master, you've fundamentally altered the situation. We came to harvest resources from hostile forces. Instead, you've begun building an empire. The Stellar Void Pavilion is transforming from a mysterious power into an actual faction with subordinate organizations and political implications."
"That transformation was inevitable," Su Chen replied. "The moment we demonstrated divine energy and capabilities exceeding normal Lower Realm limits, we became a political entity whether we wanted to or not. Better to actively shape that entity's structure than to passively react to others' perceptions. The Abyssal Sword Sect provides our first genuine military wing—two thousand specialists who can handle operations that don't require our personal intervention."
Esdeath's expression showed approval. "I'm satisfied with this development. Commanding armies is far more interesting than simply crushing them. Though I hope future subordinates prove as philosophically flexible as the Abyssal Sword Sect. Fanatics who insist on their original ideology would be tedious to manage."
"Most factions won't prove as adaptable," Su Chen acknowledged. "The Abyssal Sword Sect's subordination worked because their philosophy was genuinely about pursuing truth rather than defending ego. We'll need different approaches for different organizations. Some will subordinate through philosophical conversion like the sect did. Others will subordinate through economic dependency. Still others will require overwhelming force demonstrations that eliminate alternatives."
He activated a spatial portal back to the valley. "Let's return. I want to know the Crimson Sky Alliance and Beast Mountain Tribes' final decisions before nightfall. If they withdraw, we've effectively secured the region without further conflict. If they press forward despite everything they've witnessed, we harvest them for resources as originally planned."
The three stepped through the portal, emerging into the valley where Bibi Dong and Xiao Yi Xian had completed resource collection and prisoner processing. The Spider Empress approached immediately, her expression showing she had been monitoring developments through communication formations.
"Lord Su Chen, the situation has evolved significantly," Bibi Dong reported. "The Crimson Sky Alliance has split—three thousand withdrew while five thousand continue approaching under leadership of Alliance Marshal Tian Kuang, who apparently believes that our previous victories resulted from ambush advantages and environmental luck rather than genuine superiority. The Beast Mountain Tribes have fully withdrawn—their chieftain transmitted a formal message requesting non-aggression pact negotiations."
"Smart chieftain, foolish marshal," Su Chen commented. "Very well. Draft a formal response to the Beast Mountain Tribes accepting their non-aggression request and proposing preliminary terms. As for Alliance Marshal Tian Kuang and his five thousand... Esdeath, this one is yours. I want them captured with minimal casualties if possible—five thousand prisoners means substantial ransom potential. Demonstrate that ice trumps whatever strategies their marshal has convinced himself will succeed."
Esdeath's smile was cold enough to frost the air. "Finally, an engagement where I can fully deploy area-effect techniques without worrying about damaging allies or valuable infrastructure. This will be... satisfying."
The day had begun with Su Chen planning to harvest hostile forces for resources. It was ending with one sect subordinated, one tribe negotiating peace, and one alliance about to learn that numerical advantage meant nothing against someone who could freeze time itself.
The Stellar Void Pavilion's legend was being written in the Lower Realm's history, and each chapter demonstrated more clearly that the age of conventional power structures was ending. A new order was emerging, one where synthesis exceeded specialization and understanding transcended mere strength.
And Su Chen stood at the apex of that new order, reshaping the cultivation world one harvested enemy at a time.