Chapter 1: Echoes of the Golden Door

The golden door stood like an eternal monument, untouched by the chaos that had reshaped the universe after the sanctuaries' fall. Its surface shimmered, reflecting nothing but its own golden radiance, as if it existed in defiance of reality itself. Han Sen, now the most powerful entity in the known universe, stood before it, lost in thought.

This was no ordinary relic. The golden door represented the ultimate mystery—one even his god-like powers could not decipher. It was the last known connection to his grandfather, Han Jingzhi, who had entered it long ago and never returned.

The space around the door was unnervingly silent. Even the God Spirits, who had bowed to Han Sen's might, kept their distance, their divine forms trembling at its aura. The door's presence was overwhelming, exuding an energy that resonated beyond dimensions.

Han Sen's eyes narrowed as he took a step closer. The waves of energy the door emitted had become more frequent and chaotic, disrupting the sanctuaries, causing genetic mutations in creatures, and merging entire realms. His home, Planet Eclipse, had become the center of this upheaval, forcing him to take action.

"This can't wait any longer," Han Sen muttered, his voice firm but laced with a rare trace of unease.

Preparations and Farewell

Back at his base, Han Sen gathered his closest allies. His wife, Ji Yanran, was as composed as ever, her sharp eyes scanning the data projections of the anomalies caused by the door. Bao'er sat beside her, her usual playful demeanor replaced by a seriousness that seemed unnatural for the child-like being.

"Dad, do you really have to go alone?" Bao'er asked, clutching his arm. Her bright eyes shimmered with worry, something Han Sen hadn't seen in her before.

"The energy waves are destabilizing everything," Ji Yanran said, interrupting gently. "Entire sanctuaries are merging. Creatures are mutating, and parts of the universe are collapsing into chaos. If we don't stop it soon, we could lose everything we've fought for."

Han Sen nodded. "This isn't just a threat; it's a message. The door is waking up, and whatever's on the other side wants me to come."

"Or it's a trap," Ji Yanran replied, her tone sharp.

Han Sen smiled faintly, his gaze softening as he looked at her. "If it's a trap, I'll spring it. If it's a challenge, I'll conquer it. But I can't stand here and let this happen without knowing the truth."

"What about Grandpa?" Bao'er asked, her voice small.

Han Sen knelt beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "If he's alive, I'll find him. If not… I'll at least bring back answers."

Ji Yanran sighed, stepping closer to Han Sen. "Promise me you'll come back. We've been through too much to lose you now."

Han Sen nodded, his confidence unwavering. "I always come back. This time won't be any different."

Facing the Door

Han Sen approached the golden door alone, his steps slow and deliberate. The closer he got, the more intense its energy became, resonating with his own. He could feel the door's presence, not just as an object, but as a consciousness—a sentinel guarding a realm beyond comprehension.

As his hand touched the door's surface, the golden light erupted, illuminating the void around him. Symbols of an ancient, indecipherable language spiraled across the door, glowing brighter with each passing moment.

A voice echoed in his mind, deep and resonant:

"Seeker of truth, the Primordial Abyss awaits. Beyond lies the cradle of creation and the heart of destruction. Step forward, and face your destiny."

Han Sen hesitated for only a moment before stepping through.

A New World

The transition was instantaneous yet jarring. One moment, Han Sen was engulfed in golden light; the next, he stood in a realm that defied logic.

The sky above was an ever-shifting canvas of colors—blues melting into reds, golds blending with purples—yet there was no sun, no stars. The air buzzed with an electric energy that prickled his skin, though there was no wind.

Before him stretched an endless landscape of crystalline structures, each one towering into the heavens. Their surfaces shimmered, reflecting not the surroundings, but fragments of images—some of places Han Sen recognized, others of faces and worlds entirely alien.

A river of liquid light wound through the terrain, its glow so intense it cast shadows despite the lack of a discernible light source. It flowed upward at times, defying gravity, splitting into smaller streams that branched out into the horizon.

"This… isn't just another sanctuary," Han Sen murmured, his voice filled with awe. "This is something else entirely."

In the distance, massive creatures moved with a grace that belied their size. Some resembled beasts from the sanctuaries, but others were utterly alien—twisted forms of flesh, crystal, and light, each radiating an aura of immense power.

Han Sen's gaze sharpened as he felt a sudden shift in the atmosphere. A low rumble echoed through the ground, growing louder with each passing second.

From the crystalline forest ahead, a shadow emerged, growing larger and more defined. Moments later, a beast the size of a mountain stepped into view. Its body was covered in golden scales, each one radiating a molten glow. Its eyes burned like twin suns, locking onto Han Sen with a predatory intensity.

Han Sen's lips curled into a faint smile, his blood surging with anticipation. "I guess this is my welcome party."

The beast roared, its voice shaking the very ground, and lunged forward with a speed that defied its massive size. Han Sen didn't flinch. In an instant, his body erupted with power, the aura of his transcendent genes illuminating the battlefield.

The First Clash

The impact of their clash sent shockwaves rippling across the landscape. Han Sen's fist collided with the beast's massive claw, the force of the blow shattering the ground beneath them. The beast snarled, its molten eyes narrowing as it pushed against Han Sen's strength.

Han Sen grinned. "Not bad. But you'll have to do better than that."

With a burst of energy, he leapt back, landing gracefully atop a nearby crystal spire. The beast roared again, its body glowing brighter as it charged after him, but Han Sen was already moving. He darted around the battlefield, his movements a blur as he studied his opponent.

"This thing's no ordinary creature," Han Sen muttered to himself. "It's strong, but it's not just about power. There's something… deliberate about its attacks."

As the beast lunged again, Han Sen's eyes flashed. He summoned his most refined genetic techniques, weaving them into an intricate pattern of energy. With a swift motion, he unleashed a torrent of power that engulfed the beast, forcing it to retreat.

The beast roared in frustration, its molten scales dimming slightly. Han Sen landed a short distance away, his expression thoughtful.

"If this is just the first guardian," he said, his voice steady, "then the rest of this place is going to be… interesting."