CHAPTER 190: A HIDDEN PLAN

On the other hand, unaware of the little Emperor’s growing rage, Igaris moved forward with the next phase of his plan.

The construction of ground and aerial battleships for his rising empire had begun.

To achieve this, he summoned the finest engineers from across Earth and its surrounding allied states. But the majority of the work would not be done by them. It would be done by him—or rather, his Limitless Clones.

Thousands of his clones spread out like worker ants, each one diligently shaping, assembling, and enchanting the massive metal frames that would soon become war machines capable of tearing through Skadi fleets. The hired engineers served mostly as support—providing designs, managing resource flow, and ensuring stability in the output.

But there was one critical problem.

To power these colossal warships, normal Mana Orbs or Spirit Stones wouldn’t cut it. Not even the advanced mech cores used by Federation technology would suffice.

He needed Ether Cores. Massive ones.

The kind of cores only found deep within the heart of dying stars, in forbidden vaults, or buried within the ruins of ancient Supernatural Worlds.

Earth’s main vault only had two.

And that wasn’t enough—not for what Igaris envisioned.

So without hesitation, he split more of his clones, sending them diving into various World Dungeons, each one with the mission to search, raid, and retrieve Ether Cores no matter the danger.

Meanwhile, his main body had a different goal.

He would enter the Martial Sanctuary once again.

Not only was it a potential source of rare Ether Cores, but there was another motive—a deeper, personal objective.

Perhaps it was connected to his past... or perhaps to a secret only he knew.

Regardless, the decision was made.

He gathered Evernight, Shirley, and his parents, and informed them of his departure.

Naturally, Evernight and Shirley didn’t want to be left behind. The moment they heard about the Martial Sanctuary, they insisted on coming with him.

And so, Igaris chose to take them both.

But not just them.

He also decided to bring Jian Longchen and Ren Wen as well.

If he was going to dive deep into the Martial Sanctuary and challenge the ancient forces sleeping within... he wasn’t going alone.

---

In the blink of an eye, they appeared in the inner court of the Soaring Dragon Sect.

The grand halls stretched beneath a sky painted in hues of violet and gold, ancient stone pavilions still standing tall amidst cherry blossom trees swaying gently in the wind. Elders and disciples passed by, casting curious glances at the sudden arrival of strangers.

Jian Longchen took a deep breath, sensing the familiar flow of spiritual energy in the air. Then he turned to Ren Wen and nodded.

"Let’s go, disciple," Jian said, his voice calm but purposeful. "It’s time we speak with the Sect Master about the tournament in the Imperial City. Let’s see how much time has passed."

Ren Wen bowed slightly. "Yes, Founding Master."

Although they were uncertain of the timeline, Igaris already knew.

Thanks to The Architect’s Eyes and the lingering aura trails he scanned through the fabric of the world, he could tell—

The Tournament was nearing its final stage.

The best of the sects across the continent had already clashed. Soon, the final contenders would face off before the Blue Moon Emperor and the gathered powers of all Sects

Thereafter, they headed straight for the Sect Master’s Hall.

Fang Tianyi, the Sect Master of Soaring Dragon Sect, was deep in discussion with a few elders when he sensed Jian Longchen’s presence. His eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately dismissed the others.

"Founder Jian Longchen... You’ve returned," he said, rising to greet him with visible respect. His gaze shifted briefly to Ren Wen and then lingered curiously on Igaris, though he chose not to question further.

Without wasting time, Fang Tianyi gave a solemn sigh and spoke.

"I’m afraid the news isn’t good. Our sect’s performance in the Imperial Tournament was... disappointing."

Jian Longchen raised a brow. "What happened?"

Fang Tianyi shook his head. "Out of all our disciples, only Yuhan made it to the finals. Meanwhile, the other major sects each have two or even three Dao Children competing for a place in the Grand Finale. We are completely outmatched this time."

He looked visibly burdened, as though carrying the weight of shame on his shoulders. "Soaring Dragon Sect’s reputation has already taken a hit. If we fail to shine in the finals, our seat among the top sects will be at risk."

Jian Longchen didn’t respond immediately. Instead, he turned to Igaris with a knowing smile.

"I suppose... it’s time we changed the game."

He then faced the Sect Master. "Meet him — the true Dao Child who once resided within Yuhan’s body. Igaris Vance, my Master."

Fang Tianyi froze. "What?"

He blinked in disbelief. "You mean... Yuhan was possessed? And this young man—?"

"Yes," Igaris answered calmly. "I merged with Yuhan in the past to survive... but that Chapter is over. I’m here now — fully, and with a purpose."

Jian Longchen gestured to Shirley, standing gracefully beside Igaris. "And this lady here was once inside Tian Yue. Her story is just as complex. But both of them have returned — not just for answers, but to rewrite the fate of our sect."

Fang Tianyi’s lips parted, words caught in his throat. The implications were heavy.

"With them," Jian Longchen continued, "we will crush the pride of the other sects. All you need to do is lead us to the finals."

The calm confidence in his voice spread through the room like wildfire. Fang Tianyi, after a long pause, exhaled slowly... and nodded.

"Very well. Soaring Dragon Sect will rise again."

---

Imperial Capital City – Blue Moon Empire

The coliseum was a marvel of ancient art and divine construction. Floating pavilions hovered in the sky, each adorned with banners from the Eight Great Sects and the Five Supreme Empires. Thousands of Martial Warriors filled the seats, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement. The Grand Finale of the Continental Tournament was about to begin.

A trumpet of divine ore echoed across the Sky, signaling the start of the final showdown. Each sect’s chosen Dao Child stood in their designated circle within the arena, radiating pride and power.

But suddenly...