Neo Zenith Tower.

Seated quietly behind her desk in a large chamber filled with meticulously arranged scrolls and manuscripts, Luo Ning was engrossed in the delicate pages of a compact tome. Lately, her responsibilities had mounted considerably. Publicly acknowledged as Wei Wuyin's aide, she also bore the prestigious designation of Manager of Operations. Her role was complex and critical, overseeing the Neo-Dawn Alchemical Lineage's foothold within the Utmost Purity Galaxy and sustaining active diplomatic ties with the three galactic vassals under the Neo-Dawn Empire. While Wei Wuyin typically set the overarching strategy, Luo Ning, alongside a trusted few, managed the more granular aspects of their expansive empire.

Yet, about a week prior, her brilliant sovereign had declared his resolve to withdraw into seclusion. Unlike the common folk of the Utmost Purity Galaxy or the leaders of its three vassal states—apart from the nine sages from the Resolute Dusk Galaxy—Wei Wuyin was only at the initial tier of the Mystic Ascendant Realm, that of the Mystic Star Phase. His exceptional accomplishments had repeatedly challenged her skepticism regarding this fact, but the extensive reports and spiritual recordings of his alchemical work indisputably displayed the use of Mystic Force. No matter its strength, the fusion of Mortal and Mystic Energies was unmistakably evident.

After all, the primary distinction between Mystic Force and Mystic Power lay in the astral-grade Spiritual Energy originating from the Astral Soul, infused with the Mystic Core's superior Physical, Mental, and Essence Energies. Many formidable cultivators dismissed Wei Wuyin's method as an unconventional path mimicking Mystic Force because of its staggering potency—comparable to the Resonant Qi of the Heavens—but she understood the truth: Wei Wuyin had only recently made this breakthrough.

An obscure fact about this otherworldly emperor was his peculiar reluctance to use Temporal Acceleration Zones except when absolutely necessary, typically reserved for prolonged alchemical processes. Despite this, his mastery in producing flawless alchemical goods had no rival by any conceivable measure.

She reached the last line of the financial report within her grasp, detailing recent transactions, especially those involving Mortal-Rank products—each item proudly cataloged. She instinctively touched her Void Ring. Before his departure, that astonishingly youthful emperor had entrusted her with a Void Ring brimming with millions of Mortal-Rank products, alongside tens of thousands of Mystic-Rank goods— every single one of pristine low, high, or peak quality.

Every single one.

initially stunned, Luo Ning had come to accept this burden. Since then, she had overseen the allocation of these wares to promising talents, negotiated the acquisition of raw materials, magical talismans, and tools designed for travel, defense, offense, support, and cultivation aid, distributing them appropriately. The sheer scope of Wei Wuyin's imperial obligations left her awe-struck.

Her respect for this tireless emperor deepened. Even more impressive was his skill in managing lower levels of the hierarchy. So well-structured were these systems that even if he vanished for decades, the Neo-Dawn Empire's progression would not falter. Likewise, its vassal states would continue operating smoothly.

It struck her as both eerie and miraculous how this ruler had covertly established multiple robust systems, selectively empowering reliable and capable individuals scattered across galaxies.

Fortunately for her, the Prime Ascendants excelled in their duties, complemented by the secondary Seer, Ming Shufeng. Especially crucial was an individual she often communicated with—a figure who moved unhindered between galaxies through Wei Wuyin's Void Altars.

An ambassador among ambassadors and a relentless inspector of corruption and incompetence, this person was adept at infiltration and investigation.

According to Su Mei, this individual was named Yun Che, though reports reflected numerous aliases. Uniquely, a singular symbol accompanied these names—a sign visible only to those practicing the Neo-Dawn Visualization Incantation: three masks, each bearing a distinct emotion.

Alongside these messages were unsettling intelligence reports from far-flung regions, unmasking secrets few dared reveal, spanning from minor sects to powerful superpowers. Working indirectly in tandem, their combined efforts in espionage and intelligence collection were unparalleled.

Some reports chilled her to the bone. They bore a peculiar emblem—an inky blot vaguely resembling either a person or beast, indiscernible at first or subsequent glance. Luo Ning recognized this signature from her alchemical reports on competitors and prospective recruits to the Hepta-Dawn Alchemic Corps.

Shadow.

No true name.

Simply: Shadow.

Meanwhile, Ming Shufeng remained unfailingly diligent, frequently accompanying Su Mei on expeditions. Though her cultivation level lagged behind the demands of their operations, she remained effective, with others compensating through their networking prowess.

Setting the tome aside, Luo Ning exhaled with relief. Everything proceeded as anticipated. Most critical were the open trade channels—and the key to unlocking them was straightforward: bribery.

inspired by her crafty emperor's example, she found delight in this approach. Why endure tedious negotiations when loyalty and permissions could be purchased outright? Every wheel greased with sufficient wealth spun more smoothly. Society, she understood, was vulnerable to such means.

While some bound by sacred oaths remained impervious, countless others could be swayed through generous incentives. Her gaze fixed on the Void Ring she wore. Recently she had secured a Mystic Overlords loyalty—who governed multiple stellar regions—with just ten superior Mystic-World products, negotiating a ten-thousand-year commercial pact.

This was but one among many success stories. Luo Ning had become adept at temptation through bribery.

Once again, she reflected on how wealth concentrated in the Utmost Purity Galaxy was predominantly held within the Zenith Towers, making cultivation a daunting endeavor. She investigated the statistics further.

An astounding 93% of the entire galaxy’s wealth lay within the Zenith Towers and their direct affiliates.

Ninety-three percent.

This included semi-acceptable impure-grade Mystic-World and Mystic-Heaven products, which likely accounted for over 20% of that fortune.

Unsurprisingly, they dominated in Mystic-World and Mystic-Heaven graded alchemical items and materials. Even more astonishing was that over 60% of their wealth originated from beyond the galaxy, through commerce and contracts.

She was also surprised by the growing involvement of Supreme Sages with the Neo Zenith Tower. Though details eluded her, she knew Hong Xuannu had recently become an Enforcer for the Neo Zenith Tower, renouncing her former status as a ruthless Void Pirate.

This development left no major power unsettled; it was expected, given her life had been spared by that kind-hearted emperor. Yet, Wei Wuyin had issued no instructions for this shift. It had occurred a mere five days ago, two after Wei Wuyin's departure. Hong Xuannu had requested a position, and Luo Ning inducted her as a Dao Enforcer, having her swear the strict oaths required.

Following this news, the Neo Zenith Tower's legitimacy as a Zenith Tower grew even stronger. While Wei Wuyin remained an enigmatic figure of immense power, Hong Xuannu was a broadly acknowledged Supreme Sage born within the Utmost Purity Galaxy.

Luo Ning’s thoughts drifted to how drastically her life changed after that fateful Alchemic Clash. Being chosen by Wei Wuyin had been an unparalleled blessing.

Closing her eyes, she found herself wondering about the well-being of her soul-piercing emperor.

Unaware to her, those words perfectly captured Wei Wuyin's current state—his very soul had indeed pierced the heavens!

Heavenly Realm of War.

Wei Wuyin crouched in contemplation, grasping his chipped saber with both hands, the tip resting on the ground and the hilt pressed beneath his chin. Before him lay the ifeless body of a spearman he had just defeated.

“Learning a new language hurts my head," Ori groaned.

“You don't have a brain," Kratos retorted without much thought.

“I do have one! Eden! Kratos said I have no brain!” Ori tattled.

“..." Eden sighed wearily. “Kratos...”

“Alright, alright,” Kratos conceded instantly, unwilling to continue the argument. “You have a brain. A big, beautiful, white brain!”

“That's right! I do have a brain!” Ori proclaimed victoriously. “And it hurts.”

With a deep breath, Wei Wuyin released the fog of confusion. “The Heavenly Realm of War, huh?" According to the soldier's account, this domain was colloquially known as the Proving Field of Battle—a ceaseless expanse of unending warfare whose borders were unknown. The inhabitants’ innate knowledge told them there might be no end.

Since cultivation could not proceed along traditional stages—Foundation Establishment, Qi Condensation, Astral Core, Mystic Ascendant, Resonant Soul, and beyond—their powers were inherently restricted. Moreover, every contested region was engulfed in brutal struggles among 3,000 divergent factions.

Three thousand.

Three thousand factions!

Each embodied an Intent, a manifestation of will intimately tied to the Dao of War.

Wei Wuyin now grasped the origin of this title from the battlefield reward descriptions. It was not a transcendent dao like Mortal or Mystic, but a genuine worldly dao.

Cultivation here involved Intent—the refinement of personal resolve harmonized with the cosmos, specifically the Heavenly Realm.

instantly, Wei Wuyin understood why, aside from the nine elements, all other forms of intent were explicitly segregated from the Mortal and Mystic Daos. Enlightenment crashed over him like a thunderclap.

No wonder Shui Fengbao and Yao Houyi were anomalies who cultivated purely through their Intents beyond their ranks. They