The sky of the Imperial capital had become dark, making the citizens and ordinary cultivators without powerful backers fear for their lives.
"What's happening? Why has the sky suddenly become so dark?" a worried citizen asked.
"Look at the direction of the Imperial Sect. There is someone in the sky," another pointed out.
The citizens of Lovigary looked up and saw a figure flying amidst the swirling clouds.
"Woah, who is that? Is he the cause of all this?" a third citizen wondered.
"Can't you see? He's at the center of it all," the second citizen replied.
"How strong must he be to cause this?" someone murmured, as they all hoped and prayed not to get caught in the crossfire.
Meanwhile, in the throne room of the Imperial Palace, a group of people exuding extraordinary auras were gathered. These were the leaders or proxies of the Divine Plane, discussing a recent sighting of a wormhole near its periphery.
Griffith Lovigary, the emperor of the Lovigary Empire, was a tall, handsome man who appeared to be in his late thirties, though he was much older. He possessed a cultivation of the medium divine sage realm. Before him stood the leaders or proxies of various empires of the Divine Plane. As he spoke, he noticed the grand elder of the Imperial Sect approaching.
"What is the problem for you to come here despite knowing the importance of this meeting?" Griffith asked, pausing the discussion.
"Your Imperial Highness, there is a matter that requires your attention," the grand elder responded.
Griffith frowned but gestured for the grand elder to continue.
"The previous young master of the Albert family is currently engaging in a fight with the current head of their family. He appears to be very strong, capable of defeating the sect master with a single punch."
Surprised expressions spread across the faces of those present. They understood the difficulty of defeating a divine sage cultivator, even among their ranks. Who was this person to do it so casually?
Their thoughts were interrupted by a booming sound. Rushing outside, they saw the sky darkening further, lightning coursing through the clouds. The emperor of the Sloth Empire looked towards the Imperial Sect, growing fearful for his lazy son. Without hesitation, he flew towards the Imperial Sect, followed by the others, all trying to reach their young ones before disaster struck.
Back at the Imperial Sect battleground, Adams stood with black lightning flashing in his eyes and around his body. He seemed like a primordial god of thunder and lightning, descended to punish the unjust.
"Hahahahaha, finally, you are going all out!" Frank laughed maniacally.
Adams smirked. "Heh, going all out? This isn't me going all out. If I did, this entire Divine Plane would be destroyed."
Arroganceāthat's what everyone thought. But after what they had seen him do, his statement seemed disturbingly possible, though many dismissed it as mere boasting. Even the newly arrived royals discarded it as exaggerated bravado.
Adams surveyed the growing crowd, using his observe skill to identify the newcomers but paying them no attention. His focus remained on his uncle.
"Now, let the fun begin," Adams declared, flashing forward to deliver a jab to Frank's face. The blow disfigured Frank and knocked out several teeth.
As Adams prepared to continue his assault, he heard a commanding voice. "Boy, stop your assault. You are on the Imperial Sect grounds."
Adams looked at Griffith and replied, "Actually, we are flying, so technically, we are not on your Imperial Sect grounds."
Griffith's frown deepened at Adams' mockery. Realizing the emperor intended to attack, Adams swiftly created a barrier around himself and Frank, ensuring no interruptions.
Turning to his uncle, who had already healed from his previous injuries, Adams smiled and resumed his attack. He punched Frank from every direction, each strike precisely targeting fragile parts of his body. Frank struggled to breathe, recognizing his end was near. He glanced at his son, Alec, filled with regret for failing to protect him.
Alec watched his father's suffering and cried, unable to bear the sight.
"This is it. Feel despair," Adams said, his voice devoid of emotion. "I wanted to kill you, but I've decided against it. I will make you beg for death, but you won't die."
Adams gathered death energy and placed a mark on Frank, who screamed in agony. It felt as if his organs were burning.
"You will feel this pain for eternity. You will beg for death, but it won't come. All your organs and vessels will burn continuously for the rest of your miserable, pathetic life. And now, to finalize my revenge," Adams declared.
He looked at the reinforcements brought by the elder sent by Frank and the approaching Anderson.
"Since you guys are here, you spare me the effort of coming for you," Adams said. Turning to Anderson, he continued, "Anderson, go to the Albert estate and kill every member of the families involved in the death of my parents, but spare their young ones."
Anderson nodded, changing direction towards the Albert estate.
Adams then faced the reinforcements, raising his hand and using sword intent to kill them all. The crowd watched, astonished at his display of power.
"And now for the final verdict," Adams said, smiling at Frank and Alec as he heard Frank's screams. He looked at Alec and unleashed a bolt of lightning, ending his life. Frank, already in immense pain, screamed even louder.
Finally, I've settled your scores, Adams thought, feeling a sense of closure. Now, I've paid my dues for granting me another chance at life.