While George, Joseph, and the others were having a grand old time in the outer region, deep within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary, Marcus found himself in dire straits.


    He was situated above a sereneke, within a structure that resembled a massive, partially formed ck cube, its edges shimmering like distant stars. This was no ordinary structure; it was Marcus''s Sky Pce.


    Surrounding the Sky Pce were three Competent Force Psychics, seated in a triangr formation. They channeled their mystical energy, weaving aplex spell, their intent clear: to breach the pce''s defenses.


    One of these Psychics was none other than Neil, the woman from the Parker family of Fortune Sanctum, the very same woman who had been in league with ckwood and King Phillips.


    "ckwood Marcus, Sect Master of Sky Sect, you came to Sunshine City with five thousand Sky disciples at your back," Neil''s voice echoed across the water, calm and steady. "Had you remained within your sect, we would have left you be. We have no desire for unnecessary bloodshed. However, you couldn''t resist the allure of the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary, could you?"


    Inside the Sky Pce, Marcus sat in deep meditation, his brow furrowed as he listened to Neil''s words. He made no move to respond, his focus solely on the task at hand.


    In his hand, a sphere of water floated effortlessly, defying gravity. As Marcus channeled his mystical energy, refining the water and reinforcing the Sky Pce''s defenses, Ethan watched, his concern growing.


    [Your descendant, Marcus, has entered the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary. He has beenying low, avoiding conflict, and searching for mystical artifacts unique to this realm.]


    [As he has yet to break through to the Competent Force level, Marcus has chosen a cautious approach, seeking out naturally formed mystical treasures within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary, steering clear of any confrontation.]


    [He has acquired two mystical artifacts: the seventh-rank Azurewood Branch and the sixth-rank Heavenly Path Tear.]


    The Sky Pce already housed several mystical wonders. Marcus''s ''Nine Mystical Fires'' zed brightly in the pce''s simted sky, taking the form of nine miniature suns. A vibrant green branch, pulsing with life force, hovered in the air before gently descending to the pce floor, where it sprouted, transforming into a young tree.


    [Mystical Artifact: Azurewood Branch]


    [Rank: Seventh]


    [A gift bestowed upon Heavenly Path Venerable by a dear friend from Azurewood Mountain millennia ago. This branch, imbued with the essence of the Azurewood Tree, is the culmination of millennia of mystical energy cultivation by an Advanced Mastery Psychic residing on Azurewood Mountain. It possesses the power to restore vitality and store vast amounts of mystical energy.]


    The other artifact was even more extraordinary.


    [Heavenly Path Tear]


    [Rank: Sixth]


    [A single tear shed by Heavenly Path Venerable in their final moments. Having reached the pinnacle of Basic Mastery, they sought to transcend to the realm of Advanced Mastery, to merge their essence with the very fabric of existence. ]


    [However, despite their efforts, the threshold remained elusive. As their life force dwindled, they looked back upon their long existence, a tapestry woven with joy, sorrow, and profound understanding. This final tear, imbued with the weight of their experiences and the remnants of their mastery over the Heavenly Path, carries within it the echoes of their two-thousand-year journey. ]


    [It can merge with a Psychic, forming an imprable shield to protect their mind and spirit. Those who can unlock its secrets will inherit a portion of Heavenly Path Venerable''s legacy, gaining ess to the wisdom and insights umted over two millennia.]


    It was clear that Marcus was currently attempting to unravel the profound secrets held within the Heavenly Path Tear.


    "Of all the times for this to happen... three Competent Force Psychics working together!" Ethan muttered, his concern growing. Refining a mystical artifact was a long and arduous process, one that could take years, even decades.


    Marcus was trapped, unable to escape while the refinement was underway. However, the Sky Pce was no ordinary artifact. Even with theirbined might, the three Competent Force Psychics could only hope to contain Marcus, not overpower him.


    Marcus couldn''t seem to catch a break. He had dedicated his life to the Sky Sect, rising through the ranks to be a favored disciple, only to lose his master shortly after. He had persevered, earning the recognition of the sect''s elders once more, only to be forced into seclusion during the ckwood conflict.


    He had eventually ascended to the position of Sect Master, but fate had dealt him another blow with the disappearance of Daoist Warren.


    And now, just as he had stumbled upon a priceless opportunity for advancement, he was trapped once more.


    It seemed Marcus''s life was an endless cycle of fortune and misfortune.


    Outside, Neil''s voice broke through Marcus''s concentration. "Marcus, I know you''re in the midst of refining a mystical artifact. But do you truly believe this trinket can protect you indefinitely? Consider this,I could summon every powerful Psychic within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary. It''s only a matter of time before your little sanctuary crumbles."


    "Surrender now, Marcus. I won''t harm you. I merely wish to strike a deal, a mutually beneficial agreement between you and ckwood."


    Finally, Marcus responded, his voice echoing from within the Sky Pce.


    "Leave. Or, by all means, summon your allies. Let theme." His tone was calm, resolute.


    Having reached this level of cultivation, fear was a distant memory. He could guess the nature of Neil''s proposed deal. It undoubtedly involved exploiting his family for their gain. He knew the Parkers well; they would stop at nothing to further their own interests.


    "I''ve caused my family enough trouble for one lifetime. If this is truly the end, then I''ll face it head-on."


    Marcus opened his eyes, his gaze unwavering. The Heavenly Path Tear hovered before him, pulsating with power. Tendrils of mystical energy danced across his palms.


    He had one final trump card to y.


    He could disperse the Sky Pce, merging its essence with his own. It would be a double-edged sword, pushing his body and spirit to their absolute limit, riskingplete annihtion.


    But it would unleash the full might of the Sky Pce, calling down a devastating nine-nine tribtion lightning storm. If Neil was to be believed, if a horde of Competent Force Psychics, or even a Basic Mastery expert, awaited him...


    "A worthy end," Marcus murmured, a wry smile gracing his lips.


    Outside, Neil''sposure faltered. "You..."


    Marcus''s unwavering defiance took her aback. She took a deep breath, struggling to maintain herposure. "Very well, Marcus. I''ll allow you time to reconsider. You''re young, with immense potential. You could even reach the Basic Mastery level someday.


    "


    "It would be a shame for a Rising Star like you to perish within the Heavenly Path Psychic Sanctuary. I''ve heard your family holds you in high regard. Why cling so stubbornly to this path?"


    "Yield, and I promise my demands will be reasonable. You''ll be treated well under my care."


    The Sky Pce trembled, the air thick with Marcus''s unyielding resolve.


    "Never," his voice boomed, echoing with the strength of his conviction.