Defiance of the Fall

The Boundless Sea Array allows you to use that link to harmonize with his fate . Benefactor Atwood is the originator of the event . Thus , he has some fate with every seal released into the cosmos . We use that fact to pick up some pieces before they’re dragged toward Zecia . -

So you’re using my Karmic Link to steal Zac’s opportunities? - Thea frowned .

Not at all , - Abbot Everlasting Peace rejected . - Hundreds of seals have been released , and our young friend is only fated for a fraction . Any more would do more harm than good . How many from our old home can withstand an event like this? -

That was obviously not the full truth . The monks weren’t doing this out of benevolence . They wanted the Eternal Heritage , so they were doing everything possible to snatch as many tickets as possible . Though she admitted the monk was right . What could some earthlings accomplish if ancient factions were entering the fray , sending their most powerful centennials?

Even if Zac managed to provide the best opportunities and resources , so what? How could the frontier compare to the Heartlands? She’d seen how vastly superior the Goldblade Continent was , and that was just a C-grade continent outside the System’s purview .

The people of Earth hadn’t even cultivated for two decades and were supposed to compete with people who’ve cultivated for over eighty? Going against people like Sacred Insight? Even Zac would be in trouble . The thought alone made her sick with worry , and her thoughts rapidly spun .

You’re talking like you’re trying to help , but you’re just trying to sneak in the backdoor . Using me as the key , - Thea concluded , looking at the abbot with an even stare . - Looks like nothing has changed . You guys really are a shameless bunch . -

We assure you we have no designs on benefactor Atwood . If anything , we have a good relationship . Furthermore , using the Boundless Fate Array leaves us with great Karmic debt to benefactor Atwood . To even out Karma , the Sangha will do its utmost in protecting him and his people inside , - Everlasting Peace said . - The more people miss can guide into the trial , the better his position will be . -

Thea tried to discern what was true and false on the abbot’s face , but it was just as inscrutable as with all the other monks . Minutes passed , and Thea reached a conclusion .

I can continue to help you . But I won’t step into that array until you agree with two of my conditions , - Thea said . - One , every single one of you will swear a Dharmic oath in front of me that you will not target Zac or his followers . -

It will be done , - Everlasting Peace said , and Thea felt he even looked quite happy with the proclamation .

Secondly , I am getting one of those seals . -

68

GLORIOUS RETURN

A small needlepoint of green lit up in the distance , and Kruta sighed in relief upon the journey finally coming to an end . Traveling inside the Perennial Vastness Token’s claustrophobic bubble hadn’t been any better this time around . It was like a coffin , and the oppressive darkness of the Void didn’t make things any better .

Kruta’s heart sang upon seeing the emerald vortex grow larger , and he could almost smell the rustling grass of home . He was finally back , and a grin spread across his face from the anticipation . He could picture his grandma’s shocked look when he told her about the Left Imperial Palace and how he’d heroically seized a slot , bringing honor and glory to the ancestors .

Even the old shamans hidden in the depths of the Ancestral Valley would probably emerge when they heard the news . Being invited to the elder’s council was almost a foregone conclusion .

Wait . . . - Kruta muttered , his eyes gleaming .

What if something happened to him? He was such fine stock , yet he would soon enter an incredibly dangerous threat without an heir carrying his blood . Perhaps he should petition the elders to move up some of his marriages . . . It was only right .

Kruta shot through the gate , and he groaned with contentment as he felt the soil’s pulse beneath his feet . He was finally whole again and smiled upon feeling the spirit thread’s gentle caress . Kruta pitied those who couldn’t hear the voice of the world . The people he’d met in the Perennial Vastness would never understand the beauty of the steppes , where the ground was filled with the forefathers’ love .

The token had dropped him off right where he set off , in front of his grandmother’s tent . He stood unmoving , taking in the sounds , smells , and sights of the tribe . It had been so long . Before spending nine years in the Perennial Vastness , he’d never left the steppes for more than a few weeks at a time .

Part of Kruta wanted to make the rounds and visit all the people he hadn’t seen for almost a decade . But it would have to wait . The news he brought home was too explosive . Kruta stepped into the tent but was surprised to find a barrier blocking his entry . Since when did his grandmother keep her door closed?