The Wushi Sect had become more than a mere faction—it was an empire. And under Lian's rule, it was transforming the very landscape of the Azure Region. Every step, every decision, was carefully crafted by the [ ], ensuring that no obstacle could stand in their way.
Lian stood on the balcony of his new palace, gazing at the bustling sect below. His disciples were already growing stronger, their cultivation levels climbing at an unprecedented rate, each of them benefiting from the immense power and resources granted by the [ ]. Their loyalty was unwavering, not just out of respect for Lian, but because of the influence the [ ] exerted over them.
"[Lian,]" the [ ] said, its voice as familiar to him as his own thoughts, "[The seeds of your power have been planted. But this world is not yet yours. There are forces beyond this realm that will challenge you.]"
Lian narrowed his eyes, the glimmer of a smile tugging at his lips. "I know. The Hidden Hand was just one piece. There's always something more, something waiting in the shadows."
"[You are correct.]" The [ ]'s tone shifted slightly, as though acknowledging the depth of its knowledge. "[The universe is filled with such forces. But you are not bound by the same rules that bind them. You transcend them.]"
Lian's gaze hardened as he looked across the land. The winds carried whispers of new threats, ancient beings stirring, and powerhouses in distant realms preparing for conflict. His rise had attracted attention, and now, the universe itself would test him. But with the [ ] guiding him, he knew no challenge would be insurmountable.
"Tell me everything," Lian commanded.
"[The first to take notice of your rise is the Celestial Court,]" the [ ] responded immediately. "[They hold dominion over the Azure Region, but their power is waning. Their rulers are caught in internal strife, and their influence is being eroded by the very forces you have already encountered. However, they will not tolerate your growth without attempting to crush it.]"
Lian's eyes flickered with interest. The Celestial Court—the ruling body that had maintained order in the Azure Region for centuries. Their strength was legendary, their influence absolute. But Lian had no fear. The [ ] had already revealed the weakness in their armor.
"The Celestial Court won't be a problem," Lian muttered, more to himself than anyone else. "What else?"
"[The second force is the Ethereal Sovereignty.]" The [ ] continued, undeterred by Lian's calm response. "[They are ancient beings, existences that predate the formation of the realms. They are the true rulers of space and time, the custodians of cosmic balance. They do not intervene in mortal affairs unless that balance is threatened.]"
Lian's interest piqued. Ancient beings who governed the very fabric of existence. But that was nothing to worry about either.
"And they'll come for me?" Lian asked, a hint of amusement in his voice.
"[Yes.]" The [ ]'s reply was unequivocal. "[However, their interference will be futile. You are not bound by their rules, and your power is beyond their comprehension. Still, they will come. Be prepared.]"
Lian chuckled, his expression relaxed. "I'll deal with them when the time comes. And what of the other factions?"
"[There are many," the [ ] replied, its voice calm yet laden with information. "[The Demon Lords in the Nether Realms, the Archmages of the Mystic Lands, and the Beast Kings of the Wildlands. All of them will sense the surge of power and come to investigate. They may offer alliances, propose wars, or attempt to steal your power. But none of them will succeed.]"
Lian's eyes glowed with an almost predatory intensity. The world was filled with powerful beings—each one, a challenge, a potential obstacle in his path. But to him, they were nothing more than stepping stones. With the [ ], he was already far beyond any of them.
"Let them come," Lian declared, his voice filled with confidence. "I'll deal with each one, just as I've dealt with every challenge so far."
"[Indeed.]" The [ ]'s voice was filled with affirmation. "[I will guide you through every step, making sure that nothing stands in your way. No force, no being, no power in the universe can challenge you without my help.]"
The system's presence surged within him, a tidal wave of energy and knowledge. Lian felt its vastness, its infinite potential. He was untouchable, unstoppable. His power was limitless, and the world around him bent to his will.
As Lian continued to stand on the balcony, his mind raced with possibilities. The universe was vast, and countless threats lurked in the shadows. But the [ ] would help him crush them all. Each victory, each challenge conquered, would bring him closer to the ultimate goal.
"[Lian,]" the [ ] spoke again, its voice now calm and steady. "[There is one more thing you must be aware of. There are entities beyond the Ethereal Sovereignty, creatures from realms far removed from this one. They have sensed your awakening, and they are watching you.]"
Lian's expression darkened slightly. Creatures beyond the Sovereignty? Now that was something new.
"How long until they make their move?" he asked.
"[It is difficult to say.]" The [ ]'s response was thoughtful. "[Their movements are unpredictable, and their power is unlike anything in this realm. However, rest assured that they cannot interfere with your path. Not as long as you have me at your side.]"
Lian smiled. "Then it's only a matter of time before they realize that it's pointless to try."
The thought of those beyond the Sovereignty intrigued him, but there was no sense of fear. In fact, he welcomed the challenge. If they sought to test him, they would soon understand the futility of their ambitions.
"[Lian,]" the [ ] whispered once more. "[The time is coming when you must expand your influence beyond this realm. Your power is too vast to remain contained in the Azure Region. Soon, you will need to prepare for the next phase.]"
Lian's gaze turned to the horizon, a spark of ambition igniting within him. "Expand? To where?"
"[To the other realms,]" the [ ] replied, its voice brimming with anticipation. "[There are infinite realms, each with its own mysteries, its own challenges. Some of them hold secrets that could augment your power even further.]"
Lian nodded, understanding. The next step in his journey was clear. He had already conquered the Azure Region, but that was just the beginning. There was an entire multiverse waiting for him, and with the [ ], there would be no limit to what he could achieve.
"Then prepare everything," Lian said, his voice steady and full of determination. "It's time to expand."
---
The journey of Lian and the [ ] was far from over. With each passing day, their power grew stronger, their influence wider. The Celestial Court, the Ethereal Sovereignty, the Demon Lords, the Archmages, and the Beast Kings—all of them would come to realize one undeniable truth: Lian was unstoppable. And with the [ ] at his side, nothing in the multiverse could ever stand against him.
To be continued...