Mixed Novel Haha Chapter 2087 854 - 863

Chapter 854: Breaking the Blockade

Poseidon continued to punish the alien horde in its mecha form. Its enormous mechanical body was a terrible weapon of war, compounded by the golden trident it bore. Wherever it pointed, the enemy was smashed. They had no means to fight back, and could only slow the monstrous bastion down with overwhelming numbers.

"Why won't you die!" The Violet Prince howled. The Princess blade in his hand shook as he swiped it toward the distant bastion.

A sonic boom of purple-golden light issued forth. It began as a slash several meters long but quickly swelled as it raced through space. By the time the swipe reached Poseidon it had stretched to several thousand meters across. It was so imposing it seemed capable of cleaving the whole universe in two.

Poseidon was unconcerned by the rapidly approaching attack. It raised its trident in response and replied with a horizontal blow of its own.

Rrrrriiipp! A strange and uncomfortable sound arose as the two attacks met. Golden light ran up and down the length of the trident and became areoles of color. They neutralized the Prince's assault.

The alien general stared in a moment of surprise. Was this not one of their technological weapons? The destruction he and the Princess could wreak was without question, even a bastion should be incapable of defending itself. The two of them together could potential destroy whole planets.

And yet Poseidon and its trident neutralized their awesome power in a manner the Prince couldn't fathom. It could only mean that the bastion's weapon somehow contained its own special energy, or that it was a mystical artifact of some sort. Only, an artifact that was somehow reproduced to a hundred times its original size.

The other creatures around the Prince also moved to re-engage the humans. Without Jue Di to stop them they could unleash their savagery. Three of their number had been lost while locked in Jue Di's Domain, but they still had the advantage of numbers.

A hurricane of energy swept across the battlefield, destroying scores of human ships. Even before the wrecked fleets cooled the horde's right flank began to react. They pushed forward to try and overwhelm the bastions and the remaining fleets were forced back while taking heavy casualties.

Until now the flow of battle had been firmly under Lan Qing's control, but there was a near insurmountable difference in strength between the two sides. Whereas before the fight had managed some measure of organization, now the war collapsed into outright chaos. Both sides relied on sheer destructive power to keep themselves alive.

No matter who emerged victorious, both sides would pay dearly for it.

The Prince made no attempts to safe the left flank, it was all but fallen. Most of the human armada was focused there. His focus was the two bastions, especially Middle Heaven.

Were it not for that damn ship and its tricks, would he have lost so many soldiers? These humans were living on borrowed time, only capable of fighting back because the home worlds were busy with their evolution.

The Violet Prince charged into battle, ready to destroy Middle Heaven with extreme prejudice. But just as he was readying to strike his head whipped to the side, casting his eyes toward the three planets. They were full of shock, outrage and disbelief.

In the distance he saw Monarch heave and shake. An atypical purple haze surrounded his father in uneven patches, followed quickly by a spear of rainbow light tearing through the atmosphere and into space.

Massive tentacles heaved from the surface of Monarch and gathered round the beam of light to snuff it out. But nothing seemed capable of stopping it as it continued its trek, heading right for the battlefield.

Through the Prince's psychic connection with Monarch he could feel his father's bilious anger. Then came shock as he reared his head back and bellowed into the darkness of space. All of the alien avatars and himself changed course, moving to intercept the rainbow light.

Lan Qing and his people – who had been ready to face their final moments – noticed something had changed. The admiral saw the change in Monarch's surface and the streak of kaleidoscopic light. Two pieces of information that spoke volumes.

He immediately began shouting orders. On the left end of the battlefield the myriad Paragons broke off and headed for where the Prince and the light were destined to clash. Poseidon spun its massive girth and thrust its golden trident at a passing high-level alien avatar.

They had come to a point where the battle rested on a knife's edge. Every moment counted. Although no one knew the implications of that light they knew it was key to victory.

An orb of dazzling light shot out from Middle Heaven and suddenly another figure appeared in space to join the battle. They burned a path toward the cluster of elite aliens like a shooting star.

The East's super soldier, Peerless Light Emperor of Middle Heaven, the God of Wisdom. At last Admiral Lan Qing took to the field in this conclusive moment.

A similar flash of blue emerged from Poseidon headed in the same direction, following the line marked out by its massive trident. Hua Li, the true Poseidon, came to their aid.

From Tyrannosaurus there came an angry streak of red fire so fast it was hard to follow. But discerning eyes might catch a glimpse of a deathly grey sword encased in fire. Any beast caught in its path was impaled and burned to ash before they knew what was happening.

Chu Cheng, the terrifying Hades, was coming to lend his strength!

Until now the three men had been barred from joining in. They had been required to remain behind and command troops. But now their brother had returned to them, bearing the very thing that could win them victory over the alien menace. Nothing would stop them from coming to his aid.

Humanity's armies and starships were no longer the priority. The fight had come down to an all-out brawl between the strongest each side could throw at one another. They had to fight passed the formidable evils barring Lan Jue's return.

Once he fought his way out of Monarch's sphere of control Lan Jue felt his whole body become lighter. Although the tentacles that barred his path had been mighty, they still fell before the light of the Harmonious Swords.

He knew the home worlds' evolution had to be nearing completely, otherwise their escape would not have gone so smoothly. Nearly all of the planets' energies were within Europa, leaving little to block Lan Jue's path.

In fact the aliens had made all the right choices, took all the right precautions. At any other time Monarch's avatar would have been more than sufficient to end Lan Jue and the other interlopers. Their single failing was in understanding the human spirit, and its connection to the legendary Banishing Blades. Monarch never realized the treasure he'd captured.

Lan Jue knew it when he faced the avatar. Monarch revealed his error when he said the sword had led them there – not that they had come to recover it. The Pharmacist's husband had saved them, even in death, by concealing the truth of Ultus and what it was capable of.

For all of Monarch's attentive plans and perfect defense, this was the one aspect he carelessly ignored.

The Pharmacist's husband had become the spirit of Ultus. He had bided his time, appearing to capitulate with the monsters until – at just the right moment – he dropped the façade. Ultus' true power was released, shattering the avatar's decisive blow and adhering itself to Occisus. Finally, it was able to break free.

The Pharmacist and her husband did not speak through the exchange, but they didn't need to. They had been together for years before Monarch took him from her, their understanding ran deep.

Her plan had been simple. First and foremost was to disarm the avatar if at all possible and return with Ultus. If she could not, she had been willing to give her life so that Lan Jue and Qianlin could have a chance. She had long ago prepared herself for the possibility of dying for her cause – ever since she left for the Shattered Starfields. What did her life mean in the face of humanity's destruction, if her sacrifice could recover Ultus and save their species?

In the end her decision had been the right one. It had been the moment her husband had been waiting for. Avatar's strength was suddenly and substantially reduced, and opened itself up to destruction.

The sound the swords had produced was a part of their secret power, an attack on the spirit of an enemy. This immortal-level assault had been discovered by the Pharmacist's husband after becoming one with Ultus, and the knowledge was passed on to Lan Jue and Qianlin. They used it at just the right moment to constrain the avatar and destroy it with their Harmonious Swords.

Chapter 855: The Four Swords Gathered

Without the avatar to deter them, breaking passed Monarch's blockade and back into space was easier than Lan Jue had anticipated. The opportunity had come largely because the planet was distracted with its evolution.

But it was more than that. Many factors went in to their success.

The Pharmacist eyes were red as she held Occisus and Ultus in her hands. One could only imagine the rush of emotions surging through her. Her husband had yet to speak with her but she could feel him – faint, but it was his essence! She had waited for so, so long to be near him again. The possibility of it was all that had kept her going.

At last the four Banishing Blades were reunited [1. And it feels so gooooood.]. They couldn't employ the banishing stance yet – they had yet to unlock its secrets. However, the fact that the swords were gathered meant that humanity could battle the alien home worlds, even if they succeed in becoming immortal.

The Prince bore down on Lan Jue with an aura of biting cold. Star Division's commander was not anxious, and in fact was happy to see him come. The monster attacked at Monarch's order, meaning the planets themselves could not.

Before Lan Jue would have been anxious, worried that he didn't have the strength to protect himself from the Prince and his cohorts. However, after breaking through to Nirvana, and once he and Qianlin uncovered the secrets of the Harmonious Swords, those fears were allayed. Together, with the power of the Infinite at their fingertips, even the Violet Prince could not stop them from rejoining their friends.

Shock and anger alternated in the Prince's heart. He knew what it meant the moment that human emerged from Monarch's grasp. At the time he did not find it unexpected that the humans might try something, but he also knew how strong Monarch's avatar was. It was his father's final line of defense – strong enough to face the whole human armada by itself if necessary.

And yet, these three humans must have destroyed it.

Monarch spoke directly into his son's mind, telling him the ominous sense that filled him now that the sword was gone. There was something special – something unique about the weapon that made it a danger. It had to be recovered at all costs.

The Princes new mission was to destroy these invaders and return the sword to their control. He could sense from Monarch's urgency that this held precedence, even over destroying the human armada.

The two sides drew nearer. As the distance closed Lan Jue and Qianlin reached out with their swords and the rainbow light swelled. This time Lan Jue did not empower it with his Domain. It was too draining, so the harmonious swords alone would have to suffice.

Clang! The light of the harmonious swords and the Prince's sabre met with an ear-piercing ring. The Princess-sword darkened, and the rainbow light was dispersed. Both sides met.

Lan Jue took the initiative. He reeled back with Captus, and with the power of the harmonious swords carved out a circle with the Taiji style.

The Violet Prince felt his opponent's energies suddenly change, and suddenly there was too much to keep track of. Without foundation his body was immersed in the strange power, and his felt his own force diminished. The inscrutable pull of the circle Lan Jue carved out pulled him off balance.

Just then a cold and callous light rushed forth from behind the two humans. A murderous aura deep and indelible as the time crashed over him. His sword was caught in the traction of the harmonious swords, forcing him to punch with his free hand to try and get free.

Ka-cha!

The sound of the shutter was sharp in the vacuum of space. The Prince's movements froze and he was stuck with his fist raised.

Occisus glinting point struck his shoulder

The Prince screamed, fighting against Luo Xianni's power. He wrenched to the side just as Occisus strike arrived, causing it to glance off his shoulder. However the temporary delay was enough that Lan Jue, Qianlin and the Pharmacist could slip passed him. They shot into the distance as three streaks of light.

Luo Xianni appeared beside them, her face cold and drawn. Her pink camera was clutched in pale hands. When the Prince saw her appear she yelled in impotent rage.

Of course what followed was to be expected. There was a flash of pink, and the four of them were gone.

When they reappeared they were safely among the other Paragons.

There had been a reason for Jue Di's instance that he fight these aliens alone. He forbade Luo Xianni from spending her energy because he knew she would need to bring Lan Jue and the others back safely. Only her interdimensional powers were strong enough to escape the clutches of the Prince.

Luo Xianni was forced to watch helplessly while the love of her life arose to immortality in order to delay and kill these monsters through his own powers, sacrificing his life.

The pain that ate at her was unspeakable. His Compliance Rod was strapped to her back, and though the weight of what it meant threatened to crush her she soldiered on.

The Paragons gathered around them, including Lan Qing.

The admiral immediately saw the two swords held in the Pharmacist's hands, and though his features retained their cool detachment there was relief in his eyes. He reached forward and gently laid a hand upon his mother's arm. "Let's go back."

The hatred that consumed her for the Prince receded when she heard his soft voice. She wanted nothing more than to wring the life out of every last alien abomination, but she couldn't forget the final promise Jue Di made her give.

"Xianni… I'm sorry. I have to do it."

"Then let me go with you!"

"If it was just us I wouldn't stop you. We would die facing them together, a fine way to go. But… but our children. If we both die, what will happen to them? A-Jue is on a mission that is more likely to see him killed than returned safely, you know this. You also saw how much this is destroying Lan Qing inside. Only A-Jue can do what needs to be done."

"They've grown up, and now the fate of humanity rests on their shoulders. If something happens to me you have to remain strong, at least in order to protect our children. Promise me!"

Luo Xianni raised her camera. As the soft pink light fell over the gathered Paragons a single tear rolled down her cheek. Chi Bupang! You bastard. Are you really going to abandon me?

A flicker of pink, and they were gone.

The Prince could only watch as they Lan Jue and the others were squirrelled to safety. He didn't race after them because he'd felt the power of their harmonious swords. As the power headed for him he was filled with the uncomfortable suspicion that he could not win. It was unthinkable, but true.

After a moment of hesitation he called for the horde to withdraw. Monarch wanted him to recover that weapon, but in order to do so it looked like he would need to destroy the whole human army first. Even that would not be an impossible request but for the fact that the horde had been nearly decimated in their last exchange. Few were the aliens' advantages now, and fighting through the strongest of the humans to recover the sword looked to be more than troublesome.

For the time being it was more important to fall back and protect Monarch during his evolution. At least, as far as he was concerned.

The aliens fell back like a receding tide, but the human ships did not give chase or harass them. Instead they fell back into formation to assess the damage.

Though it was not decisive victory, the humans retreated from this battle triumphant. No fewer than a third of the alien horde had been destroyed as well as four of their elite. The Violet Prince, Princess, and the other four Infinite-level aliens remains, but most of their lesser Nirvana brethren were slain. Still they did not give chase.

"Admiral Lan, why don't we pursue them? We've bled for an opportunity like this!" Kang Hui's stern face was the first thing Lan Qing saw on his screens when the aliens began their retreat.

But after his outburst he saw the Paragons gathered in the control room. He saw their despondent expressions.

"Obey my orders," Lan Qing reminded him coolly. "Return to Angel."

"Retreat? Admiral Lan, are you crazy? If we retreat now –" In his incomprehension his voice continued to rise.

Lan Qing fixed him with a cold, hard stare. "Admiral Kang. We have achieved the mission we set out to do. We can take this opportunity to pursue but we ultimately do not have the power to overcome their defenses. However we have succeeded in our main objective, and soon we will have a super weapon ready that will allow us to destroy these creatures once and more fall. What's more we need to recover from casualties. Including his Majesty Jue Di. My father. He's dead."

When he said it all the strength drained out of him. Lan Qing, forever the stoic and emotionless, couldn't keep the red from his eyes.

Kang Hui's body shook. He hadn't known. Everyone was busy with their sector, and the battle was chaotic enough when only one aspect was on your mind. Now he learned the fate of Jue Di.

He knew how important that Paragons was to everyone, especially the army. He was as brilliant a tactician as his son and backed it up with incomparable power.

No wonder they were insisting on a retreat. Where their losses not enough already? Jue Di had fallen, given his life.

But as for that super weapon, what did he mean?

Chapter 856: Jue Di's Essence

Kang Hui wanted to learn more about what happened, but he knew now wasn't the time.

"Aye aye! We comply with your orders, Admiral." He made no further fuss and cut the connection.

The control room was calm, and the only sound was Lan Qing giving his soldiers orders. The armada began to fall back while maintaining formation. They were heading back toward Angel.

The human forces considered this exchange a victory, but it didn't come without significant cost. Battle damage reports quickly started crossing Lan Qing's desk.

Drones from Middle Heaven and Poseidon suffered, with more than two thirds of their total number gone. Both bastions were running on minimum energy because their stores were almost entirely depleted. Poseidon wouldn't be able to deploy its mecha transformation for at least half a month. It had also run out of all Soft Water bombs.

The greatest loss was the death of Jue Di.

He was the strongest human alive, master of the Infinite. Through his own power and sacrifice he struck down scores of monsters, and kept the alien elite busy while Lan Qing decimated the enemy.

Even Lan Qing did not know Jue Di was planning to give his life in this way. Although, he had felt that Jue Di was on the verge of collapse from the weight of universal protogenia even before making the decision to break through into immortality.

Lan Jue stood in dumb silence. He knew something was amiss when he saw the Compliance Rod of Luo Xianni's back. Suddenly he realized what that dark and ominous feeling was he had on Monarch.

His father. His father was dead. It was more than he could get his head around.

All his life Lan Jue thought his father was unbeatable – a powerhouse without equal, towering as a mountain. There was no power in the universe that could stop him. And yet it was the power of the universe that laid him low, slain by universal protogenia!

For the first time Lan Jue hated it. He hated the whole universe for what it took from him.

"No, that's impossible. Dad can't be dead! I don't believe it – I can't!" Lan Jue muttered his rejection but the tears on his face told a different story. His body shook as he confronted Luo Xianni with long strides.

"Mom... Dad, he…!" Luo Xianni immediately wrapped him in a tight hug. She shuddered with a painful cry.

With Jue Di gone, the Photographer was the last Infinite-level Paragon left to humanity. But right now she cried like a child, consumed by pain and sadness. This despondency hung over everyone like a fog.

The flows of protogenia around Luo Xianni were rough and intense. So much so, in fact, that Lan Jue worried for her. Universal protogenia was cruel and undiscriminating.

After achieving Nirvana, Lan Jue had become more sensitive to the dangers of that ubiquitous power, though he was not a focus of it yet. His eyes burned with rage and pain. Damn universal protogenia!

He was plotting ways to get back at the universe when a soothing energy descended upon him and Luo Xianni, isolating them. The threat of universal protogenia subsided at it seemed to lose its target. Under that gentle power Luo Xianni's protogenia stabilized.

After achieving Nirvana, Zhou Qianlin's ability to sooth and steady one's powers had grown significantly.

"Ah!" Qianlin gasped, and quickly moved to join the other two. "Aunt, stop crying."

Like a petulant child Luo Xianni's head snapped up. She glared daggers at the girl. "What did you call me?!"

Her face reddened. "Mother!"

Luo Xianni's head returned to her son's shoulder and she continued to sob.

Qianlin looked at her, then at Lan Jue. She spoke to them softly. "Mother, please stop crying. Father, he… he may not be dead… "

The Photographer's body straightened, stuff as the rod on her back. Lan Qing also roused from his morose stupor. Suddenly the eyes of every Paragon were trained on Zhou Qianlin.

"Qianlin. What are you saying? He isn't dead?" Lan Jue placed a hand on her shoulder and tried to keep the excitement from his voice.

She glanced at her shoulder, caught in his slightly painful grip. She nodded. "Just now I could feel him, just barely. His body is gone but I can still sense his presence, like his essence has become part of my protogenia."

The humans gathered in the control room were the peak of human ability. Wordlessly they turned their eyes to the Compliance Rod. If there was anything left of the man it would live in the astrum he'd created.

Luo Xianni deftly reached behind and with a flick of the wrist brought the staff forward.

"Qianlin, now isn't the time to delude your mother. My heart can't take it. Now you make sure your father didn't –" She couldn't go on, her body shook and sobs stopped her from completing the thought.

Lan Jue felt hope and anxiety rise within him. The greater the wish, the deeper the disappointment. If there was a chance that some part of his father remained, he would be elated. But if it were not true, the death of hope would be cruel and acute.

Qianlin solemnly placed her delicate hands on the staff. The white light of her Domain spread out and enveloped it. Lan Jue immediately stepped behind her and placed his hands on her back, lending his power to hers. Though their Disciplines were different, Lan Jue's help amplified both their abilities by several times.

Under the light of the Queen of Heaven the Paragons felt their exhaustion melt away. The erratic pulses of protogenia that emerged from their battered bodies steadied. Those that were close to their bottleneck felt the pull of a breakthrough tugging at them.

Qianlin's abilities were already near legendary, and their usefulness widely lauded. If she could somehow bring Jue Di back it would be nothing short of a miracle. The faith in her as a goddess would come from more than just non-Adepts.

After ten minutes her white and gold aura slowly receded, then was gone. The look on her face was one of confusion.

"What is it?" Luo Xianni asked, though she feared the answer.

Qianlin looked at her mother in law. "It's fine. Father had reached the pinnacle of humanity long ago. In a way he's learned to evade universal protogenia, like the home worlds did by becoming planets. He had his own method, specifically this staff. It has a way to hide him from the universe. Father sacrificed himself, certainly, but he put his essence – his soul – into the Compliance Rod. I can feel him clearly, he's in there."

Luo Xianni's words were growing more desperate. "Is there a way to bring him back?"

She knew what it meant to speak of an Adept's soul. So long as her husband's will remained there remained a chance. Only, even she had been unable to sense him in the staff.

Qianlin explained. "Father sealed himself away deep within the weapon. He had to, otherwise universal protogenia would still be able to find him. I was only able to sense him because my Domain isolated us from the threat."

The Pharmacist was the next to speak up. "There is a precedent. In the ancient days immortals were somewhat of a misnomer. Their lives were limited, but lifespans stretched for thousands of years. Three thousand years was typical, I believe – of course, assuming they were protected in an immortal realm. Just as Qianlin said, like the aliens his Majesty Jue Di could have found a way to hide himself from universal protogenia. That should mean there's a chance to bring him back. Once one achieves immortality reforming a physical body shouldn't be too difficult. However I imagine it would require a tremendous amount of vital energy. The only way to withstand the power of universal protogenia is to have enough power to match it."

Zhou Qianlin nodded in agreement. "I had the same thought, and gathering that vital energy shouldn't be a problem. In fact we just killed an Infinite-level alien and recovered its crystal. The real problem now is that we aren't strong enough to contend with universal protogenia. Perhaps, when I break through to the Infinite, we can try."

Hearing them discuss the possibility helped Luo Xianni shed her grief. She had experienced the mysteries of Qianlin's power herself, even going so far as to rely on it to rise to the Infinite. So far it had protected her reliably from the wrath of the universe.

"It would be a miracle if you could bring their father back. Qianlin, thank you. Without you we wouldn't have known his soul remained, much less have a hope of bringing him back."

Lan Jue and Lan Qing openly gaped, and how could they not? Their father was not wholly dead, and there existed a chance to bring him back. They'd found fortune in the midst of tragedy.

Lan Jue's eyes almost unconsciously turned toward the Pharmacist. "Sister, if we can do this with Father, could your husband…?"

The Pharmacist's face bore signs of sadness as she lifted her head, and sorrowfully stared at Ultus.

Chapter 857: Li Ke

The turquoise light of Ultus shimmered along its length. Pulsing, like a living thing. As its aura spread Captus, Demortus, and Occisus hummed from within their bearer's bodies.

Lan Qing had since recovered from the shock of the revelation. "Bringing your honored husband back should be considered a priority. He has knowledge pertaining to the Banishing Strategy."

Once he said the words, the Paragons and even a few of the Easterners instantly understood. They knew that Lan Jue, Qianlin and the Pharmacist had left for a secret mission, but now they knew what for. The Banishing Blades – legendary weapons that were capable of killing even the strongest immortals!

The Pharmacist's lower lip quivered. All the way back from Monarch and up to this moment she had tried to commune with the spirit of her husband. Yet all she could feel was a hazy, impermanent sense of her lost love. She could not seem to speak with him.

The possibility of bringing Jue Di back rested on the fact that his soul was that of an immortal. In many ways he remained as the will of a god. His essence was complete, and wholly contained within the Compliance Rod. Her husband, however, relied entirely on the power of Ultus to keep his spirit intact and his will alive. The chances of bringing him back into the physical world were small beyond measure.

She knew this, but she had also seen what Qianlin could do. The faintest light of hope sparkled in her heart.

Suddenly Ultus began to hum, and as the light around it expanded the faint image of a man appeared within.

When she saw who it was the Pharmacist's whole body shook uncontrollably, and tears streamed down her face. Jun'er, seated nearby, also seemed to feel something and turned toward them. She couldn't see, but reached out with her perception.

Lan Qing was also stunned when he saw who it was.

"You… You are Admiral Li Ke?" Clearly this man was important to Lan Qing.

Lan Jue fixed his eyes on them. This flickering spirit was not possessed of a solid body like Xuan Yuan Shishi or Jun Yongye. In fact he seemed only barely able to keep a recognizable form. Yet he could still make out the tall, lithe figure. He wasn't the most heroic looking, but he held himself with a sense of wisdom and refinement. Scholarly. His presence was gentle, and though there were no eyes its attentions seemed deep and profound.

"Hello, classmate." Li Ke sighed emotively as he 'looked' at Lan Qing. The admiral's eyes were full of surprise, shocked to discover that the Pharmacist's husband was actually this man.

Li Ke? When he heard the name a curious expression flit across Lan Jue's face. He faintly remembered hearing the name from his brother before.

Being possessed of a fine memory, it took Lan Jue only a moment to recall. He cried out involuntarily. "You used to be called the East's most talented commander. They made an exception to enroll you in the military… upperclassman Major Li Ke."

None of the others were familiar with the name, but at one point his name had caused a fervor in the East.

Li Ke was two grades older than Lan Qing, and exceptional as Lan Qing was his brilliance was overshadowed by Li Ke. He had a thorough knowledge of Eastern and foreign disciplines, especially when it came to ancient Chinese warfare. In his time Li Ke was the darling of the Eastern military establishment.

He had represented the East once in a mock battle meant to practice strategies. He went up against several illustrious commands from both the West and North, winning final victory against a Northern admiral. From that day forward he was considered the single greatest threat to Northern supremacy.

His performance was so impressive, in fact, the academy broke its own rules and graduated him early. He was enrolled in the military with the rank of Major, and after only a few years was awarded Colonel Commandant. Unfortunately it was as they say, and only the good die young. One day, during a routine patrol, he vanished. If he'd had come back he was on track to becoming the youngest Eastern commander in military history. Even younger than Lan Qing when he took that title.

Lan Jue had heard his brother mention the name before as a catalyst. Li Ke was his target in the academy, the opponent that made him work harder. He studiously examined every one of Li Ke's theses. Later, as Lan Qing rose in fame and prominence, he was referred to as one of the East's two rising stars.

Lan Qing's determination was that the Eastern army would be a full twenty percent more effective if Li Ke had lived to become a commander. He'd assumed his classmate's disappearance was at the hands of the North or West, for who could have known back then that the alien planets lurked in the darkness of space.

There was a conflicted look in Li Ke's eyes as well as he looked on Lan Qing. Especially when he saw the four golden stars on his shoulder bar. He'd achieved the goal Li Ke had set out to accomplish! Admiral in command of a bastion ship, the strongest power in all of human space.

But once he fell into the clutches of the aliens, his dreams were shattered. In the end he was forced to give up more than his dreams, but his body as well. Most of what the beasts knew of human military tactics they stole from his mind.

"Husband!" [1. While this may seem like a formal way to regard one's spouse, it is very typical for Chinese couples. It's how my wife gets my attention, sort of like the equivalent of 'sweetie' in the way we use it, but more acceptable in public.] The Pharmacist's quavering voice rose and the spirit's attention returned to her. The Pharmacist, choked with sobs, moved to hug him but grasped only air.

Pain and regret flashed in Li Ke's eyes. However, without a body there was nothing he could do.

The other Paragons could guess what was happening. Lan Qing briefly explained the situation to them.

Li Ke took a few steady 'breaths' before speaking. "I'm sorry for the pain you've suffered. But right now it is more important that we deal with the alien planets. Soon they will complete their evolution, and when that happens they will no longer hold back. Beasts will appear in every corner of human space to destroy us. We must use what little time remains to establish the Banishing Strategy, and through it destroy them first."

Li Ke desperately wanted to speak with his wife, and to be with the little girl who was sixty percent the Pharmacist and forty percent him. Yet much as it pained him there were more pressing matters. Time was short, and the future of the species took precedence.

Zhou Qianlin supported the Pharmacist as she recovered her bearings.

Li Ke turned to Lan Qing. "The secrets of the strategy are hidden within Ultus. I discovered them when I was forced to become the sword's spirit. I am familiar with the process, all that is needed are people to put it into motion."

Lan Qing nodded. "Are you capable of handling Ultus and enacting it yourself, commander? Occisus is still under your wife's control. Lan Jue and Zhou Qianlin possess Captus and Demortus respectively. Each of them are Paragons – is this enough to summon the power of the strategy?"

Li Ke repudiated the admiral's hope. "Impossible. The Banishing Strategy was one of the most taboo abilities, even in the ancient days. When the swords were first created, they were made with the intention of protecting the immortal realm. Before the strategy universal protogenia holds no power. But before its full strength can be drawn upon, it needs bearers who are immortals themselves. Immortals of the highest cast, Da Luo. Without an immortal realm such all-powerful beings cannot exist."

He paused for a moment, then continued. "However, that doesn't mean we're left without options to combat the aliens. We may not be able to summon the full power of the swords, but when the aliens complete their evolution they will still be far from the likes of Da Luo. If we can use even a fraction of the strategy, that should be enough to slay these monsters. If we want to achieve this then the bearers must be the best of humanity – meaning, they must have achieved the Infinite. Four immortal-level Paragons would be even better, raising our chances to perhaps thirty percent. If they are only the Infinite that number drops to ten."

The high demands of the Banishing Strategy caused everyone's faces to darken. In all of humanity Luo Xianni was the only remaining Infinite-level Paragon. One out of four that were required. What's more, three of the swords had already chosen new masters. Until Lan Jue, the Pharmacist, and Qianlin died these weapons would not be wielded by others. And they were still far from the Infinite.

Lan Qing's solemn voice replied. "What if we can't produce four? What if their cultivation level was lower, would we still have a chance?"

Li Ke shook his spectral head. "No such chance exists. In the moment when the Banishing Stance is summoned, it will release a staggering level of energy. If the bearer is not strong enough to control it the power will break free and cause untold devastation. The Infinite is the minimum to see it done."

Here the spirit turned its eyes to Lan Jue and Qianlin. "But there is another way, a special lineage that is similar to the Banishing Blades. It can increase the amount of power the bearers can support. Now, I must search the auras of those gathered and find the one who is most suitable to bear Ultus."

Chapter 858: Violet Dominion

"What lineage could be similar to the Banishing Blades?" Lan Jue asked.

Li Ke replied. "Simply put, any inheritance passed down from the immortal realm are similar. Yours, the young female soldier, little Yue's… they are all derived from the ancient immortals."

When he looked at the Pharmacist, used her name, her tears began to flow anew. It had been so long since she'd been called by her real name, especially in such an affectionate voice.

Lan Jue nodded. The Middle Heaven Great Emperor of the North Pole Star of Purple Subtlety was indeed a lineage of old. It was unlikely Li Ke knew precisely what Lan Jue's powers were, but he could sense its profundity from his aura.

Lan Qing spoke up. "But their cultivation still isn't sufficient. How much can this inheritance offset the deficiency?" The problem was less pronounced for Lan Jue and Qianlin – after all, they had recently achieved Nirvana. However, the Pharmacist was only a Reflection of Heaven and Earth.

Although being a Reflection was a terrific accomplishment among modern Adepts, Li Ke's words proved it was not enough for the task at hand.

"Only one thing had quickly give you the power you need quickly," Li Ke explained. "The alien planets have entered the final phase of their evolution, this I can confirm. The method involves fusing the three separate worlds into one, combining the powers of Monarch, Queen and Consort. Then, through the knowledge they stole from human DNA, they will create a single vessel to house this power. Thus will they achieve a qualitative leap, and finally can consume Europa to use it as the seed for their own immortal realm."

"Creation of an immortal realm requires something real as a foundation, and a core of energy to support it. The aliens likely chose Europa because its core was more substantial than most. In catalyzing that core and fusing themselves with the planet, it is the equivalent to a gestation period. When the process is complete a new entity will be born – what they've come to call the Violet Dominion. This entity will simultaneously be their immortal realm. From then on its power will be concealed from universal protogenia and they can grow in strength until they reach Da Luo."

"Violet Dominion?" The name lay heavy on everyone's heart like a curse.

Li Ke continued. "These monsters specialize in consumption. We can assume their Dominion will possess the same ability. Once Dominion is created there will be nothing to hold them back, and we should expect it will not hesitate to destroy us. Pure vital energy will not be enough once their evolution is complete. Dominion will need to consume stars and planets to continue its rise. Their plan is to begin with the cores of living planets, then graduate to stars when their power requires it. It will continued to devour what it can until it is strong enough to contend against the whole universe."

Everyone was silent, stunned and frightened by the future painted by this spirit. They knew that these creatures were a threat to their species, but few had guessed their aim was to supplant the entire universe. They would do it by stealing the hearts of the stars and planets themselves – like Middle Heaven and its molinite. The energy contained in those cores is what kept a planet alive. Consuming it would destroy them outright.

After listening to Li Ke's explanation, the gathered Paragons understood why the aliens chose his place. Europa was a large and vibrant planet, and there were seven more nearby. How strong Dominion would be after devouring this planets was frightening to speculate. From there its evil clutches would extend to other human-occupied worlds, becoming a planet-destroying nightmare.

A beast capable of consuming whole worlds. Nightmare didn't begin to describe it.

The Terminator listened with an abiding sense of shame. He was from the North, and hi government stubbornly kept to the fantasy that they could protect themselves with the bastions that remained. They were not aiming for success, only to protect themselves from blame. Indeed bastions were strong, but what could they do against a creature that ate whole planets?

"Dominion… that sounds more like hell." The Wine Master muttered.

Li Ke offered a bitter smile. "Indeed. To us it would be hell. That's why it's essential we defeat them now before they get too powerful. Otherwise, the worlds of man will pass into oblivion."

"Time is short," the Wine Master confirmed. "You must choose who is most suitable to accept Ultus and its power, and complete the Banishing Strategy. Everyone here is willing to accept this responsibility."

At any time in the past the Wine Master's words would have been almost laughable. Who wouldn't jump at the chance to bear a legendary weapon, and become one of the most powerful beings in the universe? However, with it came tremendous responsibility. Who could know what would happen once the Banishing Strategy was employed? If successful the amount of energy produced was nothing short of apocalyptic. What happened if it backfired, or spun out of control? IF they failed, they would be the first victims of the Violet Dominion.

Yet one after the other the Paragons nodded their heads. All of them were willing to give their lives, if necessary.

Li Ke swept his eyes over the crown and nodded. "Very well, then I will begin." His human figure shimmered and vanished, returning to the sword. Turquoise light radiated from the blade as it headed for the Wine Master.

The elderly Paragon stood before the sword, still and dignified as the cutting energy of the Banishing Blade fell upon him. He made no effort to avoid it. Once the light of the weapon reached him it stopped and swept around to his side.

The Pharmacist watched through tear-misted eyes. If only he were alive, she lamented. Then Ultus would have the bearer they needed to enact the Banishing Stance.

It did not escape her notice that Li Ke never mentioned resurrection. Before his death they had been together for many years, and she knew her husband to be a wise and rational man. If there was any way to bring him back he would have taken it. In saying nothing it meant no such possibility existed. He was gone.

"Mama." Suddenly a tiny voice called out to her.

She looked down and saw that Jun'er had snuck up on her. Her tiny hand slipped into hers and tugged to get her attention.

Her face wet with tears, the Pharmacist lifted Jun'er into her arms.

She wanted to tell her daughter that her father was here. Here real father. But she could not, because she couldn't be sure how long that would remain true. She couldn't decide whether telling her would be better than maintaining the lie they crafted.

She was no fool, she suspected Jun'er already knew Lan Jue was not her father. After inheriting the prognosticating abilities of the Clairvoyant, how could such a secret be kept? But so long as she didn't ask, the Pharmacist was in no hurry to tell her.

The light of Ultus made a circuit around the Wine Master before heading toward the next Paragon. It continued in this way through the control room, a carefully constrained stream of cutting power.

The last Paragon it examined was Lan Qing. It flitted around the admiral the same as all of the others.

At first Lan Qing felt nothing, but after a moment the outside world was suddenly lost in a sea of turquoise light.

"Classmate." Li Ke's voice called into his ear.

"Upperclassman." He replied.

Li Ke hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "I knew you were the one to bear Ultus when I was brought here. I can feel that you bear the lineage of a great and ancient power. Buddhist in nature, but you may still command this weapon. The reason I wished to undergo this process was to consider a problem. I am still unwilling, but I must."

Lan Qing furrowed his brows. "What do you mean?"

Li Ke explained. "When I lived I threw myself at my endeavors without sparing any effort. I was born into a normal family, typical in many regards. When I was ten my mother died, her dying wish was that I became a great man."

"Everyone has the opportunity for greatness within them. It comes down to how much work you're willing to do. I used this truth to spur myself on, to work the hardest I could without sadness or regret."

"Despite my humble beginnings, my hard work paid off and I was recognized for my talent. I excelled and was rewarded with praise and scholarships. I worked hard through middle school and was accepted into a famous private school. There I realized there was a vast universe outside of my bubble, that there was an enormous gulf between my schools and others. I enjoyed vast returns for half the effort of what others required. The harder I strove the more I learned, I never stopped pushing myself. I can remember that I rarely slept more than four hours a night."

"It was not in vain. Whether knowledge or cultivation, I was always at the top of the student achievement lists. I was a target for the most ambitious students. That's when I met her. For the first time there was something outside of study that was worth appreciation. She was beautiful and arrogant, with a respectable lineage and a traditional flair. Our attraction to one another felt completely natural, it was almost like we were fated to be together. She even taught me the secrets of her lineage. During school recesses we would spend our time exploring ancient relics and ruined sites. Each discovery was a joyous celebration that made us strive even harder. It brought us closer."

Chapter 859: I Understand

"Eventually our paths split. I chose the life of service and she wishes the peace of seclusion. If she did not studiously focus on her cultivation, she said, she would quickly fall behind me. It was the only way for her to keep up."

"So, as you know, I became a highly sought after student in university. Many women were interested in me, but I never pursued any of them. It wasn't that I didn't like women, I had her. She had taken my heart and there would be no other. I liked it, this feeling. Although we only saw each other very rarely our feelings for one another never dulled. Our affection only grew stronger."

"Later, when I graduated, I proposed to her. By then I was recognized as talented and nothing stood in the way of our union. In the end I regret… I regret focusing so hard on quick success. Destiny makes fool of people, maybe if there was fairness in the universe we would have lived long happy lives together. Instead I left on my mission and was captured by the monsters. My wife was left without a husband."

"You see me now, know my condition – bodiless. In order to live on and preserve my consciousness I fused with Ultus. I became its sword spirit, though even now I cannot completely combine myself and the sword. I used to be its master, and no matter the circumstances the master can never become his own servant. A true sword spirit must be naturally occurring. Were it not for my obsession to see her again my soul would have passed into the nether long ago."

"In helping them to defeat that avatar I used up the last of my energy. I can only remain a short time more, my final death will come at any moment. I felt her desire to die before, when she came and found me in the Shattered Starfields. If she learns that I am gone I fear she will lose all will to keep going. I needed time to think, and I believe I've come up with the only way for her to come around and enjoy life once more."

Now there was pain clear in Li Ke's voice. There was so much hope he would somehow live on – to live with the Pharmacist forever! Instead his deep-held desire would need to go unfulfilled, replaced with the pain of hopelessness.

He had been gone from the world of the living for too long. It was a small blessing that he did not know he had a daughter. His only concern was to find something his lost love could rely on.

Lan Qing nodded. "How would you like me to help?"

After a moment of silence Li Ke went on. "Marry her. I realize how this requests sounds, but I need to know she has someone solid to lean upon. I can't stand to watch her in pain, nor can I watch her sadness convince her to follow me in death."

Lan Qing was stunned to silence. He had never been an overly emotional man, and had no experience in these matters. The thought had never even occurred to him until Li Ke made the strange proposition. Now he understood, this had been Li Ke's plan. It was inconceivable…

"Why? Classmate, why choose me?" Lan Qing queried.

"Because you are most suitable," came the spirit's answer. "I know you. I understand you. No one else was more like me when I drew breath. You are a commander, and command great potential. Most importantly your original yang is plentiful [1. A euphemism, I believe, saying he's never lain with a woman. Original qi is derived from the Kidneys in Chinese medicine, and excessive sexual activity can drain your 'pre-heaven essence', damaging your original qi. The Chinese do not believe there is a way to replenish this pre-heaven essence.] and you've known no other women. Thus you are the best choice. Ultus has also chosen you. It is not lost on me that this is unfair to you, but all I can offer is what remains of me locked within this sword – including knowledge of the Banishing Strategy. With this legacy you can break through your bottleneck to the next level."

"I'm not sure this will work…" Lan Qing sighed. "I'm not refusing, it's just she's unlikely to accept this. She's already a Reflection of Heaven and Earth, and even if you request it of her directly she likely won't have any amiable feelings. I'm not you. I will tell you I will try, because it's the right thing, but I do have hopes for my own future. The Pharmacist is a good woman, but we're unlikely to end up together."

Li Ke paused. "You have someone you love?"

Lan Qing wasn't sure how to respond. A face swam up from the depths of his memory. She was part of the allied forces and had fought with them in fight after fight. He hadn't seen her for a long while, but he still remembered that time they shared a cigarette on Skyfire Avenue.

Everyone saw him as a title; the God of Wisdom, or the An Lun super soldier. But beneath his shrewd, cold, calculating exterior there was a man struggling with his feelings. His heart was pure.

The purer the experience the deeper its impression. The Pharmacist was much stronger than the woman he was interested in – and more beautiful as well – however if Lan Qing had his way he would choose to look into those silver eyes every day.

Li Ke's stoic features gave way to a quiet sadness. "Then you would have her watch he die? I know her, she is unyielding in her moral integrity. When I die there is more than a passing chance she will try to follow. I only want her to live a long and happy life!"

Lan Qing hesitated. He wanted to help Li Ke, and more than that he understood what the man was going through. As commander of the allied forces he had to make sacrifice in order for humanity to succeed. But when he opened his mouth he couldn't summon the words.

Suddenly a thought sprang to mind. "Classmate, do you realize you have a child?"

Li Ke looked back at him, surprised. "A child?"

He turned his head toward the Pharmacist. Some part of him guessed when he saw Jun'er, but Lan Qing confirmed it. Jun'er was snuggled quietly in her mother's arms as she looked toward him, tears streaming down her face.

A searing ache burned deep in Li Ke's soul. A child… we had a child! That is how she's persisted all these years!

Lan Qing continued. "She was pregnant with Jun'er when you disappeared. Unfortunately the pain she experienced from Occisus also affected her infant child. She was born blind. Jun'er grew, and eventually the Pharmacist approached my younger brother…" He explained the situation briefly to Li Ke.

Li Ke had no body, so no tears would grace his face. However, the look in his eyes spoke volumes. The intensity of it caused his spectral body to flicker. He knew that the Pharmacist's life must have been difficult after his disappearance, but he had no idea how bitter it had become for her.

His own daughter could not see. Somehow she became the apprentice to Skyfire Avenue's Clairvoyant, and will one day grow into that title herself. Though her eyes were useless, she was still the Eye of Tomorrow.

He never would have imagined it possible.

And he, her father, would be unable to fulfil his obligations. He no longer had a physical heart, but the pain within him was chaotic and overwhelming.

Lan Qing took a deep breath. "I think you should speak with her, just the two of you. She won't be convinced by anyone else. But do you think she'll ever pick someone else, after suffering so much waiting for you to return? It isn't what she wants, and trying will only cause her more pain. The two of you need to speak, if for nothing else than to let her say all the things she needs to say."

A storm of conflicting emotions ran through the spirit's eyes. A calm gradually came over him as he fixed Lan Qing with a steady gaze. "Thank you, underclassman. I think I understand."

There was a flash of light and Lan Qing was separated from Li Ke's small spiritual reality. The soul returned to its previous spot, steady in its human shape.

"I believe Ultus has made a decision. Underclassman, you are the most suitable bearer." As he spoke the other Paragons all nodded in agreement.

Lan Qing's abilities were evident to all, both in personal strength and his talent for command. Without him humanity wouldn't have come this far. Without him mankind would already be lost. It was his brilliance today, and Jue Di's sacrifice, that brought them to this critical moment.

Li Ke's attention turned to the Pharmacist. "Little Yue [1. Literally 'small moon', it's the same name given to Si Xiaosu by Lan Jue. However, where in Su Xiaosu's case I think it was a nickname alluding to her title as Moonfiend empress, for the Pharmacist I suspect the character 月 is part of her true name.], I was hoping we might have a chance to speak. Is that alright?"

The Pharmacist nodded.

Lan Jue stepped forward without having to be asked, and took Jun'er from her arms. The small girl didn't struggle and hung upon Lan Jue's neck. Against all expectations, her face was calm.

No one underestimated this small child, who had inherited the power of the Eye of Tomorrow. Although she said nothing many understood that she was likely to know what was happening.

Lan Qing personally led the way, bringing the Pharmacist and Li Ke to a quiet resting room near the bridge.

The Terminator watched Lan Qing go, some anxiety writ on his features. "Ultus. Is it really capable of destroying those aliens? If they succeed in creating Violet Dominion – a monster that can devour planets – it isn't just humanity in danger. The whole universe may be wiped out!"

Lan Jue gently nodded his head. "The Banishing Blades are god weapons passed down from antiquity. If we can lay out the Strategy killing those monsters would be no problem. Father was sure of it. Ultus used to belong to the Pharmacist's husband, this Li Ke. He was captured long ago by the aliens when he went on a scouting mission…"

He went on to fill in the rest of the Paragons about the spirit and the history of his blade. Finally they understood why Lan Jue, Qianlin and the Pharmacist had been absent all through the last battle.

Chapter 860: Husband and Wife, Face to Face

The Wine Master's face darkened. "It was dangerous for you to do this without alerting us first. If you-"

Lan Jue smirked at him. "Alright, it's done and it all worked out. I'm here, right? Don't be angry, right now we need to focus on defeating our enemy."

By now Lan Qing had returned. He bowed before the Wine Master. "I apologize, Wine Master – to all of you from Skyfire Avenue. Dangerous as the task was, there were no other alternatives. After making my plans I knew that our chances of winning the last battle were very slim. Even if we did, we wouldn't be strong enough to destroy the home worlds ourselves. We had to attack the problem from two sides. It was an opportunity we couldn't ignore."

The Wine Master and the other members of Skyfire Avenue didn't respond. The exhaustion in Lan Qing's face was apparent to everyone. All throughout this war their commander of the allied forces had had to shoulder tremendous pressure. The fate of humanity rested on his shoulders!

Lan Qing had to bear the knowledge that his decision to send Lan Jue into harm's way could have meant his death. The struggles he faced were no less dire than the soldiers out on the fields. He just had no choice.

In the end his gambit was successful. Not only did humanity win the day against the alien horde, but Lan Jue returned victorious from his desperate quest. Now humans had a way to fight back, and with Ultus their chances were even better.

The Keeper spoke. "Admiral Lan. In the last fight we held the advantage. Should we rally our troops and move in for another offensive? With the power we bear now we should at least be able to stand toe to toe with the monsters. The Banishing Stance is said to be powerful, but none of us have witnessed it. None of the bearers are yet strong enough to succeed, either. If we put all of our hopes in one method and fail, all will be for naught. I think we should diversify our tactics."

Lan Qing nodded in agreement. "That is also my thought. However, we suffered significant losses in the last exchange. Assuming we do not consider the fact that Poseidon cannot use its mecha transformation again, Middle Heaven will need a minimum of five days before it can return to battle. The core is already unstable and pushing it any farther could be disastrous."

The Keeper nodded, apparently satisfied. The Bookworm spoke next. "So we hope that the alien home worlds don't complete their evolution in the next five days."

Then came the Wine Master. "I have a thought. Admiral, now that you have been chosen to bear one of the Banishing Blades it is integral that you return to Angel and cultivate with the Jewelry Master, Qianlin, and the Pharmacist. It is counterintuitive to have you commanding the troops. Leave command of the forces to us. Certainly we lack your tactical brilliance, but we should at least suffice to weaken the horde. Our goal would be to present you four with the best opportunity to complete the Banishing Strategy."

The Wine Master offered the suggestion with calm dignity. However, Lan Qing could clearly hear the note of authority in his voice.

Lan Qing considered for a moment. "I understand your thought process, but give me some time to weigh the options. I will also need to assess whether Ultus can do what they claim, and then I can make plans. When I can I'll ask Li Ke when, precisely, he suspects the aliens will complete their evolution."

The Wine Master nodded. "Alright, we will go by your decision. No matter the circumstances you have our full support."

As the others spoke, tears had begun to tumble down Jun'er's smooth cheeks.

"Daddy, I saw him," she whispered in his ear.

"Saw who?" He asked.

Her response was muttered. "I saw another daddy, but he wasn't really here. He was very sad, and so was mommy. I think that daddy has to go soon. What should I do?"

Lan Jue fondly stroked her hair. "I don't know either. But no matter what, Jun'er is daddy's little girl."

"Yeah. Jun'er loves daddy." She hugged tightly to Lan Jue's neck. Her tiny body shook against his.

Lan Jue was speechless. This little girl understood much.

Within the sitting room.

Li Ke and the Pharmacist stood, facing one another. Tears continued to stream down the Pharmacist's face.

The Pharmacist looked at the faint image of her husband through hazy eyes. How many years? How long had it been since she'd seen him? She was ashamed to admit that she'd begun to forget what he looked like.

All this time she'd gone it alone, no one knew the pain she'd borne. Without help she raised a little girl who was blind, all the while bearing the memory of her lost husband.

When the pain of her lost was almost unbearable, when she discovered that it'd been these monsters that took her husband from her, the Pharmacist had been ready to give her life in vengeance. For love. She had decided that living was far more painful than dying. Now at last her wish was granted and the man she loved was returned to her, at least in spirit. But it was transitory, for he could vanish at any moment – gone, just like before.

For now, however, his body was more distinct. Still how could he keep the pain and sadness from his eyes? She knew how much it must have cost him to battle the aliens, to retain his will locked within the sword. All of that, to see her. After years of struggle they looked one another in the face, but neither was sure what to say.

"Are… are you alright?" It was Li Ke who ventured the first question. But the moment the question left his lips he scowled. How could she be?

The Pharmacist looked back at him in silence. She wanted desperately to throw herself into his arms like she did in years past. But she couldn't. His stoic aura, his strong shoulders, his body… gone.

"I miss you so much!" She choked. "I think I've lost my will to live. I'm so lonely all by myself. I miss you, every day. I thought about the days we shared all the time, hoping for a miracle that would bring you home to me."

"Day followed day and I hoped that feeling would ease, but it didn't. I told myself to be strong, to wait. For our daughter. Together we would wait for you to walk back through that door. When Jun'er was small she would always ask me why daddy wasn't back. Every time she asked my heart would ache, because just like her I was wishing so much for that day."

"Jun'er is our daughter, born eight months after your disappearance. Because you were gone, the pain was too great and Occisus turned inward. My daughter lost her vision because I was weak. I'm sorry."

"No. No!" Li Ke shut his eyes tight in pain. "It was me. All of it is my fault. I didn't need to go on that mission, I was ambitious and impatient. If I'd have just been content I could have stayed with both of you. Jun'er is blind because of my decision. I should be the one apologizing to both of you!" His voice was choked with emotion, but there were no ghostly tears.

The Pharmacist rigidly shook her head. "As time went on I couldn't stand her questions. I asked the Jewelry Master to pretend to be you. His aura was similar to yours, and he was of Chinese lineage like you. Jun'er was so happy believing her father was back. Thanks to him her heart was filled with the joy of having her dad returned. And I saw a glimmer of hope. I began to take Jun'er out of the house so she could experience the outside world. Her mood improved."

"I found a way to solve her longing, but I could think of no way to ease my own. I couldn't make it go away, or even make it less acute. I couldn't stop asking myself why you never came back. For a while I was so angry I was out of my mind, blaming you for taking that mission. In the end I just pleaded with whatever god would listen and begged them to bring you back to me. I just wanted you back, whatever the cost!" She fought against her crying to get the last few words out.

Li Ke hurried forward to hold her, but could not. There wasn't even any way for him to show her how deeply he felt her pain.

After a few moments the Pharmacist regained some composure. She lifted her head and peered through red, watery eyes at him. "When I heard from the Violet Prince that you had been killed by Monarch, the last hope within me died. The pain was gone, all feeling was gone. That was the moment I broke through to Paragon… when I achieved the dream you and I shared. But you weren't there anymore. Without you, it wouldn't matter if I became the strongest human alive."

"I thought about dying. No matter what I wanted to lay my eyes on Ultus one last time. I had no expectations, just the determination that I would die and be with you again. I was only thinking about myself, even our daughter didn't enter my mind. Was that selfish?"

"No. No it wasn't." Li Ke's voice shook when he answered. The spectral image of his long dead body quivered.

Chapter 861: Forget Me

Li Ke had thought the universe had treated him cruelly, but now he saw how much his wife had had to endure. At least he was given the mercy of sleep within Ultus, allowed to wait until his opportunity was presented. Though he missed her most of the time had been spent in darkness as he maintained his spirit within the Banishing Blade.

Time passed quickly as he slept, and moments where pain and regret gnawed at him were relatively brief. But her? Not only was the pain with her every single day, but she had to bear the hardships of raising a crippled child by herself.

"Little Yue, blame me. I'm so sorry about what was happened to the two of you. It's all my fault." Li Ke's body shook.

"Don't… you shouldn't upset yourself. Your body is dimming. Li Ke!" [1. She's referring to him as 'elder brother Ke' which I have not translated, because while it's more literal it seems very strange to refer to one's husband this way – especially during such an emotional scene.] She cried out as Li Ke's body began to fade.

Suddenly Li Ke scowled, focused. His body solidified. "My greatest wish has been to see you again. But seeing you like this, seeing our daughter, it brings me no joy. I don't want to have to leave you in such pain. I wish I would be with the both of you until the end."

The Pharmacist's face went white. "What… what do you mean?"

Li Ke dropped his face, biting back the pain of reality. He knew he couldn't avoid it any longer. "When I was taken by the planets I tried to fight, but they were too strong. In order to gain the most from my DNA they didn't kill me immediately. I was first imprisoned and slowly decomposed. Before they could take my soul I funneled it into Ultus."

"I thought – hoped – that Ultus would recognize me as its master. As master the sword's power would sustain me. It did know me, once, but with the loss of my body it became almost impossible to control the incredible power locked within the sword. When we merged my spirit couldn't bear the strength of its influence. I was successful in transferring my spirit, but there was a problem. It was always only temporary, and I would never be able to exist without the help of Ultus. The power of my soul has been slowly draining away – eventually I will pass into nothing."

"I tried to mitigate the loss as much as I could. Although I knew the chances of seeing you again were slim, I had to keep myself going no matter how remote the opportunity. Seeing you one more time was all I needed."

"The heavens eventually worked in my favor and one day you came. As you attacked Monarch I was as happy as I was frightened for you. Thankfully you were rescued, and I was able to use the connection between our blades to deliver a message."

"You came back, stronger than last time. Monarch never expected my will remained in the weapon, capable of fighting back. Together we eliminated his strongest avatar, but in galvanizing Ultus' power I had to spend what remained of my spirit's essence. I will not be able to remain for long." His final words were heavy with grief.

"No, it can't be. How could heaven bring us back together under these circumstances? How could the universe have the heart to bring you back only to take you away again? No… No!" Her voice broke as she staggered backwards. It was like she was trying to distance herself from this place, this cruel circumstance.

"If there was even the smallest chance I would never leave you, but I can't hold off much longer. For all my pride and arrogance all I have remaining is this broken spirit. But death is not a bad thing for me now. If I am given another life after this one I will strive to be by your side. Whatever shape I take, I will be with you, protect you, forever. Until the last stars burn out."

"I can only imagine the pain you've suffered through the years, little Yue. But can you see? Our daughter, she's so grown. So beautiful. She'll grow to be as stunning as her mother. She is the treasure of our union, and she bears within her parts of both of us. You've struggled, and now before I go I need you to make me a promise. Promise that you will live fully, that you will live well. For our daughter, alright?" Li Ke's voice was soft and charming, but laden with woe.

"Take me with you." The Pharmacist shut her eyes tightly. "I don't want it to end like this. I want to sleep, long and deep, where there is no pain or memory. Li Ke, please take me with you. Please?"

"No!" Anger rang in his spectral voice. "Wake up, little Yue! I cannot take you with me. Who am I to end your life? Your life is your own, it doesn't belong to me. I am not even worthy of being your husband, I've failed to protect my wife. What right do I have to be with you? You've weathered all these years without me and have since become one of humanity's best. Why can't you snap out of this madness? My spirit was go but a part of me will remain locked within Ultus. Who is to say, if one day you become immortal, that I might be brought back? So, for the distant chance that I might be returned to the world you have to live and get stronger."

The Pharmacist was quiet for a moment, then muttered her reply. "There is still a chance? Really? Li Ke, is this true?"

He nodded. "Of course. If Jue Di can be returned, why can't I? I believe it. Only, to bring me back I think it will require more energy than to return Jue Di to life. You have to grow stronger. I will remain in Ultus and wait."

The Pharmacist stared deeply into his eyes and nodded. "I will get stronger. For you."

Li Ke smiled softly at her. "Good, that is the right choice. My destiny is in your hands, only you can bring me back."

"I'll call Jun'er in," the Pharmacist then said. "She hasn't met her father yet."

Li Ke hesitated a moment, but ultimately shook his head. "No, I don't want her to."

"Why?" She asked, looking at him.

He smirked a sad, bitter smirk. "How can I face my daughter in this state? If she wanted a hug from her father I couldn't provide her one. I am not worthy of being her dad, not anymore. When you bring me back she can call me her father and I'll make up for all that lost time. For now the Jewelry Master is filling that roll, and she is happy. This is enough. I don't want that little girl to suffer any more than she already has. I can watch her from afar and be content."

She looked at him strangely for a moment, but after a moment nodded in reply. "Alright."

Gradually the pained expression fled from his face. He spoke again in low tones. "What do you think about this Lan Qing?"

She paused before answering. "He's an excellent man, an outstanding leader in this generation. He and his younger brother, the Jewelry Master, are good men. If you were alive you'd all be shoulder to shoulder."

Li Ke sighed. "I envy him, to be an admiral so young and a Paragon to boot. Now Ultus has chosen him, his dharma and Domain are most suitable. His foundation is solid and his dharma is well cultivated. He is a good choice to lead the Banishing Blades. He may be weaker than the others, but we can likely remedy that. Do you see a problem if I pass Ultus' lineage onto him?"

Her response was quick. "There shouldn't be a problem. Without commander Lan Qing we wouldn't be where we are now. He's the best choice."

"Very well." Li Ke nodded his head. "With your blessing I am satisfied. Ultus is the most potent of the blades and holds a close connection to Occisus. Besides me you are the best choice to bear it, but he will suffice. One I impart the sword to him I will no longer be able to manifest, but the mark of my spirit will remain within Ultus. Help him to learn how to bear the sword and summon its power. He's a brilliant and talented man, he should have no problem."

"Alright." She nodded resolutely. However, for some reason she couldn't shake the sense of disquiet within her.

Li Ke sighed again. "Little Yue, the greatest fortune I had in life was meeting you. I just wish I could have known the pain I would bring. If you don't become an immortal, or if a man comes who moves you… forget me."

Chapter 862: No Going Back

"What are you saying?" The Pharmacist's eyes grew sharp and accusatory.

Pain flashed across Li Ke's face. "There are some things I can no longer give you. I just want you to be happy. If a good man comes along I will happily give my blessing from the darkness. All I want is for you to be happy, like you were in the early years. You always had a smile on your face. Seeing you like that again would bring me joy."

Seeing the look on his face, the anger quickly faded from the Pharmacist. Her eyes reddened again as she fought tears. "Don't even say it, Li Ke. I know you're trying to do right, but there are some things that can never be replaced. Never."

Li Ke didn't press the issue. He knew his wife's heart, how stubborn she was. He could only nod.

"Let's look out at space together. I remember how we used to like finding the highest places and stare at the sky."

As he spoke Li Ke's spirit floated to a nearby window and looked out. Although they could only see the landscape of An Lun, it was real.

The Pharmacist walked to his side, her pretty eyes wet with tears though they did not fall.

"Yes! We used to love to watch the stars together. You used to tell me you would become the commander of a fleet and lead your ships across the galaxies. Conquering planets and experiencing the beauty of the universe."

He followed the line of her memory. "I also said I would take you across the stars, and when we both became Paragons we would harness the power of our blades to travel far and wide. Now you are a Paragon. Even if I cannot be brought back, will you promise me you'll fulfil that dream? What you see, I will see."

"Alright," she softly replied. She tilted her head toward Li Ke's shoulder. There was no body for her to rest her head upon, but the motion gave her stability.

Li Ke lifted his hand and brought it to her waist. For a moment the two of them immersed themselves in this hard-win tranquility. What Li Ke could not see were the tears that had begun to stream down the Pharmacist's face anew, like pearls from a broken necklace.

The twinkling light from the stars outside bathed Lan Qing's face in an ethereal glow. His hands were pressed together before his chest. Li Ke's request had struck him deeply, not the sword but the pain the spirit felt.

In many ways he and Li Ke were the same. When he was younger, he had doggedly pursued Li Ke's every step, desperate to meet and surpass him.

Now, though, Li Ke was a shadow of who he'd been, even envying Lan Qing for what he'd achieved. He'd only known this Harbinger Faerie for a short while but he could already see her obstinate nature, going so far as to choose death for her love even after so many years. It went beyond persistence into the realm of obsession. He could look after her, but Lan Qing knew he would never supplant Li Ke in her heart.

The human armada rendezvoused, slowly retreating from the field. They gathered what dead they could and set about repairing damage to their ships. In truth there were few ships to repair – typically when the aliens reached a vessel it and everyone on board were lost. Few were those who survived an alien strike.

Fighter drones were the hardest hit. The East lost many stellar pilots in the last attack. But such was the cost of war. When would it be over? When would there be peace?

Lan Qing let his mind wander, recalling the fantasies nestled therein. When there were no more enemies to fight, he and his brother would find a small city few people knew about. They would open stores selling things that interested them and every day would be peaceful, boring, and quiet. At least that was the future he strove for.

"What are you thinking about?" Lan Jue wandered over to his side.

Lan Qing gave his a sidelong glance. "Nothing."

A slight surprise crossed Lan Jue's expression. "You mean there's actually a time you aren't furiously ruminating over something? It feels good to leave your mind blank for a while, doesn't it?"

Lan Jue could see exhaustion writ clear on his brother's face. Not just his body, but his heart as well. Though it was Lan Jue who was sent on a dangerous mission, the weight on Lan Qing's heart was crushing and had been for a long while.

When Lan Jue returned from Monarch he knew his brother wanted to rush forward and embrace him. He didn't, but it was the first time he'd had that sense from his brother. Blood, it turned out, was thicker than water.

"Now that we're here, there's no going back." Lan Jue said with a sigh.

Lan Qing quietly nodded his head. He knew what his brother meant. They couldn't turn back the clock on the aliens' evolution, and the armada had suffered significant losses despite their victory. If they charged in again the fleets would be hard pressed to break the enemy's lines, much less destroy the home worlds. Lan Jue, Qianlin, and the Pharmacist had seen how difficult it was. The planets were distracted but they weren't defenseless.

Meanwhile their three bastions had depleted their energy stores. They would need time to recuperate before they could fight again. Time they didn't have. This left them with only one choice; the Banishing Strategy. If they could enact the strategy – summon even a fraction of its power – their enemy would be destroyed and peace would come. It was the only way.

"There are benefits to having only one option. We know where to focus our resources." Lan Qing turned toward his younger brother. The fatigue in his gaze was gone, leaving only determination.

"Alright, we give it our all – together." Lan Jue lifted his hand.

The two brother shook, and through their clasped hands they could feel each other's puissant energies. Li Ke would direct their next steps.

Ten minutes later.

Li Ke and the Pharmacist returned. They seemed calmer and more collected than when they left. The Pharmacist's face was even graced by a small smile. The Paragons all turned their eyes toward them as they reappeared.

Li Ke looked over the crowd, nodded, then spoke. "I apologize for making you wait." As he spoke his eyes inadvertently moved to Qianlin. Jun'er was cradled in her arms, listening with a calm beyond her years.

A quick flash of emotion crossed over Li Ke's eyes but was quickly gone. He'd made the decision to keep his distance from the child, and though he was destined to vanish from the universe he didn't want to impact the sense of family that'd been so difficult for her to find. What purpose was there in telling her about her father? He had given her nothing, and telling her would only bring pain.

Steeling his heart, Li Ke floated toward Lan Qing. His low voice continued. "Lan Qing, Ultus has consented to taking you as its master. However, before you can use the Banishing Stance the four of you must find a way to improve your cultivation. Best would be to break through to the Infinite, then you might be able to manage its awesome power."

"Each of you have a lineage that resonates with the essence of the swords. Relatively speaking Lan Jue and Zhuo Qianlin are capable of summoning some measure of the Blades' powers because they have achieved Nirvana. You and little Yue, however, are not yet powerful enough. You must also reach Nirvana, then when the four of you are similar in cultivation you can begin to study the Strategy. It must be quick, for time will not wait."

Lan Qing frowned. He had exploded onto the Paragon scene as a Reflection of Heaven and Earth, but he had since been kept busy with the war. He'd hardly had any time to cultivate. Even with all his talent and his mighty lineage, without special circumstance progress was still one step at a time. At present if he could achieve Nirvana in five years it would be miraculous. Breaking through within the prescribed time seemed impossible.

The Pharmacist was in a similar situation. She'd broken through to Reflection of Heaven and Earth, and through her Slaughter Domain and Qianlin's Queen of Heaven abilities her breakthrough was stabilized. However, taking the next step to Nirvana seemed almost insurmountably difficult.

Lan Jue and Qianlin's circumstances were marginally better. Due to the faith Qianlin's Guanyin dharma commanded from the masses, both of them were enjoying a boost to their cultivation. What's more spreading that faith would not be hard, requiring only that the two Alliance lift their blockade of information.

Of course their path wasn't without problems. Their meteoric rise was quick and successive, from breaking through to Reflection immediately, then days later achieving Nirvana. This was dangerously fast, and once they entered into the Infinite they would have to suffer the ire of universal protogenia. For now, remaining at their current level was the best option.

For now, the main concern was figuring out how to get Lan Qing and the Pharmacist to Nirvana.

Chapter 863: Vital Crystal Transmutation

'As fast as possible' didn't mean a year or two. They had to find a way to make these Paragons stronger within a matter of days. The Banishing Strategy, as one of the strongest powers in the ancient world of immortals, also needed time to understand and employ. All the while the threat of alien evolution loomed, for the moment their process was complete the humans knew those monsters would be coming for them.

Their days were quite urgently numbered.

When he saw Lan Qing's concerned visage, Li Ke laughed. "Be at ease, I have a solution that can help you improve your cultivation. I'm not sure how effective it will ultimately be, but the chances are good it will help you ascend to Nirvana."

"The years I was trapped with these monsters I studied them as they studied me. I watched how their energies were converted and used. After all, Ultus was kept within Monarch's heart. I learned how they converted vital energy into power they used for themselves. If you have enough Paragon-level vital crystals we can attempt it ourselves."

Suddenly everyone's eyes were alight with the possibility Li Ke suggested.

It was true that vital crystals of that level were exceedingly rare, but they had come to possess a few. As this war waged many human lives were lost, but the same could be said for the alien horde as well – including their elite. At this point there were ten or so vital crystals Li Ke might find acceptable.

With serious countenance, Li Ke continued. "What worked for those creatures may not necessarily be suitable for us, and it isn't without hurdles. First, this energy is far from pure – even at the highest levels it has been tainted by poisonous energies exclusive to these monsters. It is incompatible with our human bodies and thus may cause problems as it is absorbed. I cannot tell what those problems may be, but you must be ready with a solution."

Lan Qing replied. "This shouldn't be a problem. We have Tears of Neptune that can be used to filter the vital energy before we use it. We didn't bring many, but it should be enough for what we need."

"We have enough." Hua Li, seated nearby, rose to his feet with a smile on his face. "Poseidon Group purchased them in bulk. The East is likely the only alliance who has more than we do. And we brought them all with us. I suspect that will be enough to do what you need to do."

Lan Qing looked at his fellow Monarch and shot him a thumbs-up. More than an S-ranked power gem, the Tears of Neptune were now an integral resource for filtering vital energy. Hua Li graciously offered them without precondition, something your typical rich man would not do.

Poseidon Group had spent a lot in defense of humanity, and have had to pay a high cost in lives and resources. They'd earned many vital crystals through the war but it did not offset the price they paid. Lan Qing said nothing, but Hua Li's generosity was offered before everyone's eyes. So long as they were successful the East would repay his kindness in spades.

The Terminator had to hold back a sigh of admiration. Although this generation's Poseidon was young and inexperienced, he didn't shy from his duties.

Hua Li left to retrieve the Tears of Neptune from Poseidon.

Li Ke went on. "If this solves our problem, then wonderful. The transmutation has a high chance of success. However, I do have one condition."

Li Ke's spectral face grew serious.

"What is it," Lan Qing inquired.

"This process must remain a secret," he said. "Only you and little Yue can know how it works. You must keep this information hidden, and take it with you to your graves."

Of course, the secrecy of it instantly piqued the other Paragons' interest. The Terminator scowled. "Why? Isn't this a good thing?"

Li Ke sighed. "A good thing. Be you man or monster, greed is a vice that impinges on the virtue of every soul. What you think is a good thing may not be, in many regards. This method is exactly the kind these aliens use to strengthen themselves. This means that if the knowledge becomes widespread we humans could be just as the aliens are. I ask you honestly, honored Paragons… if you knew this method, would you refrain from using it?"

"Yes, from the start we were capable of taking these crystals and using them to improve ourselves. But our supply of these crystals are limited. What happens once those crystals are used up? Where will the powerful turn their sights next? I am fairly certain, in the end, we would end up just like the monsters we seek to destroy. We would seek out the lives of lesser creatures to consume for our own benefit, and eventually even our own kind. I do not know if any more creatures like these aliens will appear, but our destructive thirst will encapsulate the whole universe."

"We have suffered, but I do not wish to see our suffering turn us into monsters. Moreover, the universe is a place governed by rules. If the powers of the universe see what we're doing we will be marked a threat. From that point on the enemy we face will be reality as a whole. Even the Banishing Blades wouldn't be able to save us then. For these reasons it is my sincerest hope that the secrets of this method do not get out. It will stop with these two, and only employed because we face the direst of circumstances. Lan Qing, little Yue… this knowledge must never be shared."

After listening to the spirit's prognostications, the Paragons were silent.

Yes. None of them denied that they would use all the vital crystals in their power to create mighty human Adepts the likes of which had never been seen. Even that was not terrible in and of itself. But what about when the crystals were spent?

These wizened Paragons had seen the greed of humanity first hand. In more ways than they'd like to admit humans and aliens had their similarities. Life was about growth – expansion. Both species were always striving for better and greater things. Both wanted to be stronger, and their efforts could influence all life throughout the universe.

With this dark knowledge humanity would be unable to resist. A portion would succumb to the poison allure of power and would not be able to control the hunger.

The Pontiff rose to his feet, his deep voice reverberating through the bridge. "What if it is kept to a small coterie? Methods can be used to protect this secret."

Li Ke smiled. "Your Majesty the Pontiff, do you truly believe that would be successful? It isn't that I am lacking in trust, but it is undeniably true that the only way to keep a secret is if the knowledge passes into history."

Lan Qing spoke. "I agree with his assessment. Speaking for myself, I'm not even sure I can reliably keep this secret. Everyone has their moment of weakness. Sometimes disaster only needs the smallest opportunity. These vital crystals present our species with awesome opportunities, but that shouldn't require the wanton consumption of life. Instead it should be used for our exuvium process, to extend our lives. I feel this is a suitable use of the treasures we've fought for. Constant evolution is simply hastening the path toward destruction."

"That's why, once the transmutation is complete, I will allow an Adept of suitable strength to enter into my mind and destroy any trace of that knowledge. I would like all of to bear witness. Li Ke is right – the only way to keep a secret is to erase it completely."

Most of the Paragons nodded their head, only a few of them disapproved. However they were powerless against the majority.

Li Ke looked upon Lan Qing with an expression of satisfaction. "Then my mind is at ease. What we do, we do to save mankind – not lay the groundwork for its future destruction. As we perform the transmutation the others must not watch. Two protectors is all that is needed – I suggest Lan Jue and Zhou Qianlin."

Lan Jue nodded. "That's no problem."

Lan Qing swept his eyes over the rest of the Paragons. "Your Majesties have fought valiantly. You've earned your rest and then some. The plan now is to return to Angel. There we will strive to complete the Banishing Strategy as quickly as possible and ultimately destroy our enemy."

The Pontiff was particularly displeased with the turn of events. When he heard Li Ke reveal the possibility of absorbing energy like the aliens, the deepest recesses of his heart was stirred. That knowledge could lead the Pontiff's Citadel into a new renaissance of prosperity. However, he was alone in this hope – the other Paragons were in agreement with Li Ke.

One by one the Paragons left. They remained on Middle Heaven but retired to their personal chambers to rest. They would need their strength, for the enemy could attack at any moment. Lan Qing and the others – bearers of the Banishing Blades – needed to be protected. They were humanity's last hope.

Li Ke told them what needed to be prepared. Lan Qing gave the order to see it done. The sooner they finished this business the better, time was of the essence.

Once the others were gone, Li Ke asked Lan Jue, Lan Qing, Zhou Qianlin and the Pharmacist to follow him into the nearby sitting room.

Chapter 2087 - 854 - 863

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