The return to Spirit Hall was triumphant. Cheers and songs of victory echoed through the grand halls as the army was welcomed back as heroes. Banners of gold and crimson fluttered in the wind, and the citizens lined the streets, celebrating the fall of the Obsidian Order.
Xin Tian walked among his allies, his divine aura subdued, yet his presence still carried the weight of his recent ascension. The Chaos Fragment's energy, now fully integrated into his being, had elevated him beyond what even the most powerful Titled Douluo could comprehend.
Despite the victory, a shadow lingered in his mind—the memory of the Chaos Fragment's energy and the ominous feeling it left behind.
A Private Audience
Bibi Dong summoned Xin Tian to her chambers that evening. The Supreme Pontiff's face was calm, but her piercing gaze betrayed her concern.
"You've accomplished what no one else could," Bibi Dong began, her tone measured. "But I sense something troubles you."
Xin Tian nodded. "The Chaos Fragment… It's not just a relic of destruction. It felt… incomplete. As if it were only a piece of something far greater."
Bibi Dong's eyes narrowed. "You believe there are more fragments?"
"Yes," Xin Tian replied firmly. "And if they are united, the force they could unleash would dwarf even the Obsidian Order's ambitions."
Bibi Dong leaned back, her expression contemplative. "Then our task is clear. We must locate and secure any remaining fragments before they fall into the wrong hands."
The System's Revelation
As Xin Tian left Bibi Dong's chambers, the system chimed in his mind, its tone unusually serious.
[System Notification]
• New Quest Unlocked: Fragmented Eternity
o Objective: Locate and neutralize all remaining Chaos Fragments.
o Reward: Full Divine Authority Over Chaos Energy
o Warning: Higher-tier entities may intervene. Proceed with caution.
Xin Tian frowned. "Higher-tier entities? What do you mean, system?"
The system's response was cryptic but clear.
[System Explanation]
• The Chaos Fragments are remnants of a primordial force that predates the gods themselves. Their activation draws the attention of beings beyond this world. Your actions have already been noticed.
Xin Tian's steps faltered as the implications sank in. He had ascended beyond mortal limits, but even he might not be prepared for what lay ahead.
The Golden Generation's Determination
The following morning, Xin Tian met with Hu Liena, Xie Yue, and Yan in the training grounds. Despite their usual camaraderie, a sense of urgency hung in the air.
"You've been quiet since we returned," Hu Liena said, her amber eyes filled with curiosity. "What's on your mind?"
Xin Tian hesitated for a moment before explaining. "The Obsidian Order was only the beginning. There are more fragments like the one we destroyed, and if they fall into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Xie Yue's expression hardened. "Then we'll stop them. Whatever it takes."
Hu Liena nodded. "You're not alone in this, Xin Tian. Spirit Hall stands with you."
Their unwavering support brought a faint smile to Xin Tian's lips. "Thank you. Together, we'll ensure the heavens' will prevails."
An Ominous Arrival
Later that day, a messenger arrived at Spirit Hall, his robes tattered and his face pale. He collapsed before the gates, clutching a scroll marked with an unfamiliar sigil.
Bibi Dong and Xin Tian were summoned immediately. As the messenger was revived, he stammered out his report.
"A… a kingdom in the far north… has been consumed by darkness. Entire cities vanished overnight. The sigil… it was left behind at every site."
He handed the scroll to Bibi Dong, who unrolled it carefully. Her eyes widened as she read its contents, and she passed it to Xin Tian without a word.
The message was brief but chilling:
"To the heavens' chosen:
You have meddled in forces beyond your comprehension. The fragments are ours by right.
Turn back, or face annihilation."
Xin Tian's grip tightened on the scroll. The warning was not just a threat—it was a declaration of war.
Preparations for a New Journey
In the days that followed, Spirit Hall mobilized once again. Scouts were sent to investigate the northern kingdom, and the elders convened to devise a strategy.
Xin Tian spent his time meditating and training, honing his control over the Chaos Fragment's energy. The system provided new insights, unlocking techniques that blended divine and chaotic power in perfect harmony.
[System Notification]
• New Ability Unlocked: Celestial Chaos Domain
o Effect: Creates a field that nullifies hostile energy while empowering allies.
As the army prepared for their journey north, Bibi Dong called a final meeting.
"Our enemy is no longer confined to shadowy orders or rogue kingdoms," she said, her voice resonating with authority. "This is a force that challenges even the heavens. But we are Spirit Hall, and we will not falter."
The room erupted in cheers, but Xin Tian remained silent. His gaze was distant, focused on the path ahead.
The Journey North
The march to the northern kingdom began under ominous skies. The terrain grew colder and harsher with each passing day, and the stories of vanishing cities weighed heavily on everyone's minds.
As they approached the borders of the kingdom, the air grew unnaturally still. The land was barren, devoid of life. In the distance, the ruins of a city loomed, its walls scarred by unearthly forces.
Xin Tian stepped forward, his martial souls resonating with the lingering energy. He could feel the Chaos Fragment's influence, faint but undeniable.
"We're close," he said, his voice steady. "Stay vigilant."
End of Chapter 13