《Dustbound - A Cyberpunk Cultivation LitRPG》


 Chapter 1 - ARK System Installation

    Is this considered the Upper Realm? If so, I¡¯m not impressed.


    The last thing Ning Shan remembered was Heavenly Tribulation striking him as he sought ascension. Yet now, all he saw was an ocean of darkness as far as the eye could see. His whole surroundings were painted with black so devoid of light that he wondered if he had lost sight during his struggle against the World''s Will.


    He closed his eyes¡ªseeing no difference¡ªbefore looking in on himself. He inspected his qi channels only to see them all but destroyed. The qi he had accumulated and the cultivation he had meticulously built for over a thousand years had been mercilessly crushed until almost nothing remained, and the few strands of qi left were slowly slipping away.


    To say Ning Shan didn''t feel any sense of loss would be a lie. However, he had reached the peak once before and could do so again. To rise against adversity was merely what cultivators did. Only trash would cower from a challenge. Ning Shan shook his head, driving away idle thoughts as he sought to find his bearings.


    My body seems fine enough after enduring the tribulation, and so are my eyes. Which means this place is simply that dark.


    Before all his qi scattered away as his dantian crumbled, Ning Shan diverted it all toward his eyes. They glowed with a golden light as the qi infused his nerves, prompting his eyes to expand the spectrum of light he could recognize. A slight ache assaulted his mind as his brain adapted to this new sight devoid of colours.


    Ning Shan frowned. This was the first time he had to use this technique, as he didn''t have the qi necessary to use anything else. Still, he had never seen something quite like this. The world was bathed in a thin mist hovering around him, following his every movement and waving back and forth with his every breath.


    Didn''t that guy say this state would allow me to see something called radiation? Is that what this is? He thought as he extended his hand into the fine cloud but felt nothing on his skin. The more he looked at it, the less it felt like mist and more like fine dust. Fortunately, the dust wasn''t opaque enough to hinder his new sight.


    Ning Shan looked around but saw no walls close to him, only an endless vastness¡ªor at least the illusion of one. Still, he was glad there was at least a floor under his feet. Otherwise, he might have thought he had reached the afterlife.


    How absurd would that have been? I¡ªthe man who reached the peak of cultivation and unified the realm¡ªdying to mere Heavenly Tribulation? I spit on those who thought me mad as I sought to break away from the world''s shackles and ascend to a higher realm of existence. How could those cowards know of my aspirations? How could they fathom the true price of freedom? Still... it seems I find myself in another cage. No matter... it will also break soon enough. Mark my words...


    The glow in Ning Shan¡¯s eyes flickered as it struggled against its demise. Still, there was nothing he could do to remedy this. His own qi was running out¡ªescaping his dantian as if he had regressed to a mortal. Still, there was something else troubling him. While he could feel the qi of the earth pulsing beneath his feet, Ning Shan felt none above his head.


    Is there no Heavenly Dao in this world?


    Ning Shan sighed. Even simply maintaining this sight posed undue stress on his mind. Without the surrounding qi aiding in this task, Ning Shan could only supplement it with impure earthly qi, making the sight unstable. How he had fallen.


    A light appeared in the distance as he sought his next course of action. At first, it was dim, but then countless lights appeared in quick succession, bathing his surroundings in blinding light. He covered his eyes with his sleeve to prevent the light from searing his mind.


    Soon enough, his eyes accustomed themselves to the light, and what he saw couldn''t help but make him frown. As he thought, he wasn''t in an unending space but in a room¡ªa room so large that his sense of scale failed him. Days would be needed to walk to those walls¡ªsomething that would have taken him but a thought at his prime. Somehow, thinking of what he had lost tasted bitter.


    Still, something was unnerving about what he saw. The walls weren''t made of wood or stone but of some kind of metal. Thanks to his enhanced sight, he could see the peculiar dust travel along the walls in countless rivers that parted and joined at random intervals, creating some kind of flow that strangely resembled the earth''s veins below his feet. As he saw it, this dust might be his only remedy for his lack of qi. After all, it did behave strangely similarly.


    However, before he could take the first step, two screens appeared before his eyes. He looked at one only to see a jumbled mess of characters he couldn''t make any sense of. This was part of no language he had ever encountered¡ªnone of those characters looked like any of them. He grew curious but also cautious. He waited for a while, yet nothing happened.


    Seeing the screens of light hovering in mid-air, Ning Shan extended a finger toward one of them, brushing its tip against it. While he knew this could be a trap, he also knew remaining passive was the worst thing he could do. After all, claiming the initiative was the first step toward success¡ªat least, this was his experience.


    As his finger reached the screen, it passed right through as if it were nothing but an illusion. Still, Ning Shan was well aware of what illusions could do. It was only a trick of the brain, showing images that weren''t real.


    As he sought to retract his finger, he felt a liquid flow down his nose, echoing as it dripped on the ground. He touched it with the tip of his fingers, bringing it before his eyes, but surely enough, blood. An exaggerated amount of blood stained the ground, and then a massive headache assaulted him.


    He clutched his head with two hands and collapsed on the floor, unable to support himself. His body instinctively opened his mouth, yet all that emerged was a voiceless scream. His body had lost all voluntary processes as it sought to protect itself from the pain. He couldn¡¯t even bring himself to howl.


    Sweat poured down his back as his body spasmed. His muscles cramped under the strain, sending another jolt of pain through his brain. He felt his eyes sear as if they were boiling within their orbits. His throat collapsed, forbidding him to draw breath. Fortunately, his body remained in the state it was in as he challenged the heavens¡ªair was something he could do without for much longer than mortals. Still, it was the first time in a thousand years that he had felt such helplessness.


    Though fragmented at best, a massive amount of information appeared in his head. It was as if downloaded straight into his brain. Even as he shook on the floor, he could see the windows of light remain in his sight. Those foreign characters slowly became legible as time passed, as if his mind translated in real-time.You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    Slowly, the pain receded, and Ning Shan could finally relax somewhat. Yet, he remained sprawled on the floor for a while longer, turning on his back. He looked to the sky¡ªor at least what was supposed to be it. He only saw a bright light in the distance slowly dimming until it disappeared entirely, replaced by a peculiar ceiling that seemed much closer than previously.


    While Ning Shan was intrigued, something else occupied his mind. The two windows of light were still reflected in his sight as if they followed it. While he could believe this was a natural phenomenon, the most logical explanation was that this was only interpreted in his mind. Still, this was something he could confirm later on. For now, he sought to read the word written on one of them.


    Foreign Existence Detected...


    Assessing Threat Level...


    Subject Compatible with ARK Monitoring System...


    Downloading Required Materials...


    Subject May Incur Psychological Damage in the Process...


    ARK System Wishes the Subject Good Luck...


    ...


    Error...


    Unable to Install Monitoring System...


    Unknown Entity Detected During Installation...


    Switching to Eradication Protocol...


    Subject Will Now be Terminated...


    ...


    Unknown Entity Invading System Protocol...


    ...


    Eradication Protocol Terminated...


    ...


    Installation corrupted...


    Beginning Redundancy Protocol...


    ...


    Thank You for Surviving Installation...


    Welcome to the ARK Project, Where the Rest of your Life Awaits You...


    (The system panel will close automatically when the subject is done reading.)


    What the hell is this? What do they mean by ARK System? Is this what allows me to read those characters? Was that excruciating pain part of the downloading process, or was it part of the eradication protocol? What was the unknown entity it talked about? What the hell did they put in me!


    Ning Shan was shaken and bewildered. Never had he seen such a peculiar sight in his previous world. Furthermore, while he now knew the meaning, there were some words he had never encountered before. Besides, how it was written on that small glowing window didn''t seem fluid, almost mechanical in its delivery.


    He shook his head again; nothing could be gained from mulling over it. He would find some answers sooner or later, and whoever was responsible would pay for what he had to endure. He turned his attention to the second panel. This one''s meaning seemed even more obscure.


    ARK System Information Panel


    User: Ning Shan


    Code: Immortal Cultivator


    Origin: Nine Abyss Realm


    Affiliation: Patriarch of the Unfettered Immortal Pavilion


    Rank*: Unknown


    Known Titles: Nine Abyss Overlord, Conqueror of Realm, Cosmic Traveller, Defier of Fate


    Known Skills*: Tribulation Physique (Passive)


    Dust Points: 10


    *Corrupted¡ªPlease see System Engineer for further information...


    Ning Shan frowned. How could this window know all this information about him, even the realm he came from. There was so much information at once that he felt his brain could overload.


    He took a deep breath and regained his calm. Soon enough, the answer came to him naturally, as if it had been directly delivered into his brain. That system had installed more than just a translation system; it had also installed a new means to use power, something indigenous to this world. As for how he knew this, Ning Shan could only assume this information was part of the installation.


    There was something about the row marked with skills that took his attention. The name Tribulation Survivor was much too conspicuous to ignore. At least this eliminated the option that he had died, and this was the afterlife. Still, there was no information within the knowledge he had been granted.


    Using his finger, he tapped on the name, and a secondary window popped up. Yet what he saw only added more questions. The window was filled with nothing but gibberish, completely incomprehensible words strewn everywhere without rhyme or reason. Corrupted was the best way to frame it.


    Even worse, as it was passive, Ning Shan couldn''t even activate it to find out what it was. He could only rely on luck to know the conditions required to see its effects. Still, he had a mounting suspicion that it was somehow related to the fact that this installation had been corrupted. As for the dust points, Ning Shan had no clue what they represented. Somehow, the sight of that strange, fine mist came to mind.


    While deep in thought, his instincts begin screaming at him to run away¡ªsomething he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. The sense of impending doom was so fierce that Ning Shan instantly rose to his feet and began inspecting the now dim room, bracing himself for whatever could assault him. As for running away, the thought never occurred to him. Besides, there was nowhere to run to.


    His gaze was fixed on the origin of the danger. His instincts screamed at him that something was coming¡ªsomething that could reap his life yet wasn''t impossible to overcome.


    Somehow, he had missed this feeling. Being invincible meant being stagnant. Ever since he had risen to the top of his own world, he had been unable to improve. After all, how could a man push himself further without a goal to strive for or an equal giving him a sense of urgency?


    Being thrust into this foreign world¡ªstripped of all he had acquired previously¡ªmade him smile. He had a chance to go further than he did and become even greater than he was.


    Yet, it all would start with a single step¡ªa single foe that would soon stand before him. The sense of anticipation was maddening. He couldn''t wait to begin his journey in this world and conquer everything below its skies, and then, he would go further and beyond!


    A door opened in the distance, and he was ready. Even barehanded, stripped of all weapons, he knew he could prevail, whatever the odds were stacked against him. His smile was radiant, and his gaze pure as he sought a worthy opponent.


    He would leave his name on this world, carved into its history, never to be forgotten. He would strike all those who doubted him down; all that would remain of them would be dust into the long flow of time. Only he would be eternal!


    Then, a giant spider clad in metallic plates emerged from the door. A red mist of tiny particles hovered around the creature, and a green liquid dripped from its mouth, corroding into the floor as it sublimated into a cloud of dark smoke.


    Ning Shan''s enthusiasm deflated almost instantly.


    A bug? Why did it have to be a bug... By Heavens, do I hate bugs...

 Chapter 2 - The Dawn of Evolution

    Ning Shan frowned as he looked upon the deformed creature towering over him. It was over three meters tall and had eight long and narrow limbs that pierced the sturdy metallic floor of this room, leaving deep but narrow holes.


    Countless fangs sprouted near its mouth, coated in a green liquid that dripped onto the floor, corroding it with a mere touch. Every time it moved, the floor creaked and bent under its weight, partially due to its size but also from the countless pieces of metal that plated its body and limbs.


    Numerous strands of thick hair bridged the gap between the metal plates. They spewed a fine red cloud of dust around the creature''s body, and the tip of its legs seemed to end in sharp points as if the beast walked on eight sharp spears.


    Ning Shan audibly gulped, trying not to run away from it. He could never tolerate these types of disgusting creatures, especially ones like these who seemed to be patched together with any sort of garbage lying around. This beast seemed more like an amalgam of mutant and machine¡ªsomething he had never encountered before.


    As he observed his foe, doing his best to remain calm, the beast lunged forward with a speed uncanny for its size. It swung two long frontal legs in an arc, hoping to entrap Ning Shan within. He ducked, letting the beast''s leg pass harmlessly over him, only to face the giant spider''s opened maw. The fangs parted, showering their surroundings in this green digestive fluid, showing the dark abyss within.


    While kicking the ground, Ning Shan retreated, gaining distance from its opponent, only to be met with something unexpected. A red light appeared from the depth of that darkness, growing from dim to blinding. Then, a beam of concentrated heat emerged from its maw, searing everything in its path.


    Ning Shan''s pupil dilated at this sight. Through instinct alone, he twisted his body instantly, avoiding the brunt of the scorching ray, yet he couldn''t evade the heat generated by its passing. The beam graze the end of his long sleeve. They burst into flames instantly, eating away at the fabric as he felt the heat against his skin.


    Without hesitation, Ning Shan ripped them both at the shoulder before throwing them far away; a few seconds later, all that remained was a pile of ashes blown away by the convection of this heat wave.


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed as he sought a plan to take down this beast. However, his means were limited in his current state. Without the support of his cultivation or the surrounding spiritual qi, all he could rely on was the martial art he had learned as a mortal and the impure earthly qi that may serve as a flimsy shield at best.


    As he barely avoided the beast''s countless piercing strikes, waving back and forth through the slightest margin, a plan finally formed within his mind. It was crude and dangerous, yet it was all he could do in his current state.


    Ning Shan kicked the ground with all his strength, dislodging an already damaged floor tile. It flew a meter in the air from the impact, high enough for Ning Shan to use it as a shield as he parried one of the beast''s legs as its sharpened point glided across the smooth surface.


    The angle was just right, yet Ning Shan still felt the impact on his shoulder as the sharp point slid across the plate, carving a deep grove. He then tossed the plate away. It shattered into two halves. He then dove below the beast''s thorax. This seemed to be the beast''s only unarmoured part and was his only chance to take it down.


    Through a peculiar breathing technique, Ning Shan prompted the scarce earthly qi to rise from the ground through his feet, only to swirl around his hand. He sought to pierce through the spider''s hide through a quick and precise movement, aiming for the seam where one of the legs met its body.


    His hand collided with its hide, ripping it apart as the swirling qi drilled into its flesh. At least, that was what Ning Shan expected, yet reality proved to be disappointing. His qi-infused hand was stopped by a wall of countless red dust particles spewed from the beast''s every pore¡ªif such things even existed on that creature. It seemed as if this substance was formed of its very flesh.


    The swirling qi met the red dust and was stopped in its tracks; his hand was not even an inch deep, and he was prevented from reaching any further. His heart dropped as he saw another leg poised to pierce through him. The qi surrounding his hand dissipated as he retracted his limb in a futile effort to at least protect his vitals from the incoming danger.


    Damn it! If only that stupid Heavenly Dao didn''t char my storage ring during that tribulation, this creature would only be a pile of disgusting flesh right now...


    The pointed tip of the spider''s leg collided with his chest, yet Ning Shan reacted fast enough to prevent it from burrowing any deeper. His fingers coiled around the smooth surface before squeezing with all his might. Sweat poured from Ning Shan''s forehead as his muscles quaked under the strain. Fortunately, the thin spider limb was stopped dead in its tracks.Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    However, Ning Shan was squeezed against the ground, the point of that spear millimetres from his heart. Blood flowed from his mouth as he struggled to breathe. His eyes darted all around, seeking relief from this tight spot, yet all he saw were two more legs aimed at him. He barely had time before they would be upon him.


    Then, something peculiar came to his sight. His blood that stained the ground produced countless arcs of lightning on its surface. His eyes grew wider as he stared at this phenomenon, wondering what had changed for it to exhibit such a strange shift from how he remembered.


    Only one thing came to mind: the skill that strange window of light had reported. Without even thinking, Ning Shan spit on his hand, covering the entirety of it in his blood. He could feel the arcs of lightning dance on his skin, reminiscent of the tribulation he had endured some time ago.


    Every moment was like an eternity as he saw the deadly limbs inches closer toward him, trying to reap his life. Ning Shan only had a vague idea of what this blood could achieve; he could only gamble. Still, desperate struggle was always much better than rolling over and dying.


    He stretched his blood-covered hand outwards, hoping to use the lightning as a blade to free himself. Yet, something unexpected happened once it collided with the red dust.


    A flash of light covered the world as an explosion rang less than a meter from Ning Shan''s face, originating from the violent collision of his blood and the red dust. Surprisingly, Ning Shan didn''t feel any heat on his skin, nor the expected pain of such an explosion. In fact, the only thing he felt was the pressure on his chest receding.


    Without even thinking, Ning Shan rolled to his side, barely avoiding the two limbs crashing where he once lay. As he stood up, he removed the pointy object from his chest, yet surprisingly, there was barely any blood falling from the wound. In fact, he could see countless arcs of lightning cauterizing the wound shut.


    He ducked again, barely avoiding another swipe, then rolled under the beast as its fangs sought to gobble him. A massive amount of corrosive substance splattered onto the ground, boring through it as blackened smoke engulfed the room.


    Using the leftover limb in his hand, Ning Shan thrust the pointy end into one of the mechanical spider''s leg joints, shattering it. The limp appendage fell to the ground, crumbling into a mound of dust.


    Ning Shan frowned before looking at the limb he had used as a weapon. While slightly damaged, it was still very much corporeal and not dust. He put it out of his mind as he barely avoided another swipe. It grazed him, leaving a small cut on his cheek that bled but disappeared almost instantly.


    Something caught his eye. Before this injury, the indicator in the corner of his eye had read four dust points, but now it was down to three. He felt this was important, yet he had little time to ponder it.


    He avoided another swipe before offering a counter, striking another limb off the beast. He took his distance as the creature stared him down, barely standing on his now remaining five long legs. Of the three Ning Shan had broken, one was in his hands, while two had crumbled into piles of red dust that covered the ground. He could finally take a moment to regain his breath.


    However, his respite would be brief as he dove back in, unwilling to let this prey escape after what it had done to him. After all, he could see from its body language that it wished to run away. Its head was aimed toward the opened door, and its legs bent like springs waiting to be unleashed.


    Ning Shan reached it first before it could take action. He avoided the singular limb aimed at his heart and the fangs covered in a corrosive liquid that sought to rip his head off and plunged his makeshift spear right into the creature''s abdomen, making sure to slather his blood over the tip of the claw.


    He then jumped and rolled into a ball, covering his head. This was a gamble, yet it had paid off.


    The beast''s screech echoed off the walls, deafening him as Ning Shan rose to his feet, and what he saw stunned him. Piles of red dust tumbled from the spider''s thorax instead of the blood he had expected. It was only then that he remembered that none¡ªexcept red dust¡ªwas seen when he severed the limbs earlier.


    When his own blood collided with the dust pouring out of the beast, sparks of lightning burrowed into the beast''s flesh, ravaging it. The two substances then created a miniature explosion.


    A giant burst of wind followed as the creature collapsed after countless cracks appeared on its hide, shattering even the metal plates that covered it. Ning Shan covered his mouth with his hand, preventing himself from inhaling the red dust that now covered the room.


    He remained immobile as he watched the remains of the creature he had fought to the death, relishing in his well-earned victory. Yet, nothing could prepare him for what happened next.


    The piles of red dust scattered on the floor rose in the air before they began to spin amidst a vortex of their own making. Ning Shan could feel the dust that clung to his skin being attracted towards this vortex, converging into its centre before collapsing into a singular object: a deep red crystal the size of a grape.


    Ning Shan stepped back, feeling a sense of impending doom as he looked at this artificial construct. It was only then that something outside of his expectations happened. The window of light that had remained inert ever since something had been downloaded into his brain emerged again¡ªthis time, with a different message.


    Dust Crystal will be awarded for the user''s first victory against the Dustborns...


    Initiating Evolution Protocol...


    Now it shows up again? What kind of evolution is it talking about?


    Ning Shan took a step back. Yet before he could, the red crystal was launched toward him. He raised his hands to block, yet it seemed to pass right through him, burrowing into his abdomen where his qi centre used to be located. He felt a scorching heat assault him as the dust infiltrated his body. He collapsed, unable to move as the dust spread to every part of his being, rejecting his will upon his own body. He remained on the ground, unable to prevent what would happen next.

 Chapter 3 - The Price of Power

    Beginning Evolutionary Protocol...


    Ning Shan''s eyes widened as he read those words. He felt an intense heat propagate within his body as the red dust burrowed into his skin. He saw the red crystal burst into countless tiny particles as it collided with his flesh, covering his entire body and seeking any entryway into his being, whether orally or through his pores.


    Altering Subject¡¯s Genome...


    He felt his body start to break down as this unknown substance assaulted his every cell. He was powerless to resist; this was a force he could not impose his will upon. Nothing he tried would change his fate. Besides, the pain of his body breaking down at the atomic level was much too harsh for him to bear. It was even worse than what he had to endure a few minutes ago.


    As he was about to lose his mind, something unexpected happened. A storm brewed in his core as black lightning arced within. This familiar force propagated to every part of his body, somehow keeping the red dust in check.


    Ning Shan felt the two entities struggle against each other. At first, they were equals, unable to best the other. Yet, as time passed, the lightning began to get the upper hand; it was able to drive out the dust from his cells, little by little.


    Evolutionary Protocol interrupted...


    Initiating Redundancies...


    Like a flood, the red dust flowed within his bloodstream, wreaking havoc wherever it passed. All of it was headed toward its qi centre, where the storm originated. His cells burst and shattered, spilling their contents everywhere, leading to internal bleeding, yet they were quickly reconstructed by the ever-present lightning force. Of course, the pain only ever mounted, becoming something no living being could overcome.


    Ning Shan frothed at the mouth as he gritted his teeth, yet it was too much even for him. He lost consciousness for the first time in an eternity, leaving his fate to the mysterious lightning emanating from his core.


    Even as he fainted, the lightning coursing through his qi channels didn''t falter. Instead, it seemed to redouble its effort as if knowing its shackles had been broken. The red dust soon became unable to cope. As if a flame seeking one last struggle against the over-encroaching darkness, the dust flowed to his core, boring open the qi channels that had been sealed shut when he failed his ascension.


    A moment later, the entirety of the red dust crystal that had seeped into his flesh coalesced into his qi centre, where it spun like a galaxy, asserting its dominance over the lightning. However, that unknown force wouldn''t let it get its way. The storm raged, fighting against the dust tornado, only to slowly melt the dust little by little.


    Error! Aborting Evolutionary Protocol...


    Unknown Entity Encroachement...


    With every lightning strike, the dust coalesced back into a crystal, slowly growing as the lightning meld into it, fusing despite their antagonistic nature. Had Ning Shan been awake to witness such a change, he would have been stunned by the sight. After all, tribulation lightning was much too overbearing to be conquered by anything. Even when he was at his peak, Ning Shan''s failure to overcome it only spoke of its nature. Only something its equal could make it relent.


    An hour passed, the two forces at a standstill as they slowly fused into each other. The crystal grew ever so slightly as more dust accumulated into Ning Shan''s core, only adding to it. Arcs of lightning glowed on the crystal surface, enveloping the substance within in something akin to a prison that allowed the dust in and not out.


    As if knowing its resistance was futile, the remainder of the dust that hadn''t coalesced into new crystal within his qi centre was ejected through his every pore, only to dissipate in the air as if it hadn''t existed to begin with. Silence reigned as calm returned.


    Ning Shan awoke later that day, unable to ascertain how much time had passed. He rose to his feet and dusted himself; a small layer of the remaining red dust lingered on his body but was swept up by the slight breeze of his rustling clothes, only to disappear.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    He examined himself, finding nothing wrong except a massive pounding headache that slowly subsided and a strange object lingering in his qi centre. He sat in a lotus position, closed his eyes, and turned his inner sight onto this construct.


    It was a small red crystal hovering in the void, with arcs of lightning visible on its surface. Its surface was almost too smooth, as if it had been carved into marble using some unknown technology. Those countless facets possessed a mirror sheen, reflecting the void beyond as it spun with his qi centre.


    Ning Shan frowned; he could feel some power held within, and strangely enough, he seemed to be able to harness some of it. He did as he had done countless times before, prompting the power within to circulate in his now dried-up qi channels, only to be stunned by the result.


    He saw the red crystal vibrate as lightning gouged its surface, dislodging some of the dust held within. The dust then travelled within his qi channels as it empowered his flesh. Somehow, this phenomenon wasn''t much different from how he had once used qi. In fact, it seemed much more potent in contrast, as if the power held within that dust could overshadow even the world''s will.


    If there was one thing of note, it would be that using this power came at a cost. He could feel the red dust resist his will as he sought to use its power, yet would be whipped back into shape through the black lightning held within his core.


    Ning Shan rested his chin on his hand as he pondered the implications. After all, this was a foreign substance, and he was reluctant to use it so quickly. Still, now that he had lost his cultivation and this world seemed to possess no spiritual qi, Ning Shan needed something else to use as strength. The red dust offered just that possibility.


    He glanced at the window of light shining at the corner of his eye, yet couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow. Things had changed substantially since he had regained consciousness. The dust points which had dropped to less than 3 were now over 120. From what he could infer, this seemed to be the power source for those things named skill, mainly that tribulation lightning. As for how to gain more of it, it was self-explanatory. Through plunder, of course. As for whether all creatures possessed the dust within their flesh, that remained to be seen. Still, Ning Shan now had a goal and the means to achieve it.


    If that red dust has the same properties as qi, then I might be able to recover my cultivation. Maybe even reach higher than I could under the Heavenly Dao''s restrictions. Still, I need to be wary of that ARK System. Somehow, I feel it isn''t dissimilar to the Heavenly Dao I am familiar with.


    With this out of the way, Ning Shan was finally ready to make his first stride into this new world. He glanced around the room, only to find it much different than how he remembered it.


    In fact, the endless expanse of darkness was nowhere to be seen. While still somewhat vast, this room was only enough to accommodate the giant spider. The walls surrounding him weren''t unlike that creature. They were metallic in nature yet pulsed with some sort of energy.


    Using the black lightning, Ning Shan carved a bit of the red crystal in his core and made the resulting dust circulate in his qi channels to his eyes, activating the same technique he once did before. As expected, he saw the same flow within those metallic walls.


    He approached one of them, pressing his hand onto it, following its path with his fingertips. Still, while he could see the flow, he couldn''t feel the power laced within. Maybe he was too unfamiliar with this new power to recognize it, or humans weren''t meant to. This would be something worth investigating.


    Using that red dust as he would qi, Ning Shan made it collect into his hand, and sure enough, arcs of lightning sparked onto its surface. Surprisingly, as the lightning came into contact with the metal, he saw the flow within shifts as if trying to counter it. It seemed like the two substances opposed one another, almost like two sides of the same coin. They countered each other while also enhancing them both. A most peculiar interaction.


    Ning Shan sighed and retracted his hand. There was much he didn''t know and no one to answer him. He wondered if he were to delve deeper into this structure, would he find sentient life or more of those grotesque creatures?


    Without thinking much of it, he approached the only opening leading out of this room, only to find a long corridor leading toward the darkness. Without hesitation, he delved deeper, retracting the lightning coating his hand as he noticed the dust points dwindling every time he used it. The fact that this resource was finite weighed heavy on his heart. Unlike qi, this power source seemed much more inconvenient.


    He walked for maybe an hour in complete darkness. The road wound and bent, constantly changing elevation, yet Ning Shan found no fork in the road. He could only rely on his peculiar sight to see the way, yet keeping it up constantly used his limited dust point. Now, he possessed less than a hundred. He could feel the red crystal in his core growing slimmer with every moment. Somehow, this brought him a tension he had rarely felt in recent years. He didn''t find that unpleasant.


    Still, this place is eerily quiet...


    Just as he thought so, a door rose, revealing two creatures hiding behind. They were quadrupeds, resembling wolves, if wolves were made of metal. Sharp metal claws adorned the end of their powerful limbs, while long serrated fangs could be found not only in their maws but also on their backs as if their bones protruded from their flesh.


    An overpowering stench permeated the corridor, and a dark liquid flowed from their mouths, covering the ground. Their eyes glowed a dark red, and a cloud of red particles was reflected into Ning Shan''s eyes, enhanced by his particular sight.


    This dust cloud was most peculiar. It seemed to originate from the inside of those creatures as if they were made entirely of sand. Their flesh seemed to create this all-encompassing cloud of power, while even the black substance on the ground seemed to sublimate into it. It was as if those creatures were merely this red dust given shape.


    Ning Shan even wondered if those things were alive and not simply constructs. After all, seeing this amalgam of metal and flesh, he couldn''t think otherwise. No sane world would give birth to such monstrosities.


    However, for the time being, Ning Shan couldn''t care less. Those things were in his way, but also his means to grow stronger. As long as he had a goal to strive for and a means to achieve it, he was content despite whatever odds he would have to overcome.


    As such, he braced himself, utilizing the full strength of the red crystal in his core to fuel the lightning cladding his hand. While he deplored that he had yet to find a decent weapon, this would have to do. With a slight smile, Ning Shan plunged into battle, wondering what this world would have in store for him next.

 Chapter 4 - The Light at the End of the Tunnel

    Despite their grotesque appearances, those wolf-like creatures were much more manageable than Ning Shan expected. If anything, they were somehow disappointing, much less dangerous than the previous spider.


    As soon as they saw him, one wolf leapt at him, baring its sharp fangs in an effort to feast on Ning Shan''s flesh, while the other sought to circle him, attacking him from the side.


    Ning Shan sidestepped the first metallic wolf''s attack only to grab its jaw with both hands, suspending it in midair by its head. He then turned abruptly, striking the other incoming wolf with its partner''s body. While it did next to no damage to both of them, it gave Ning Shan enough time to strike.


    By infusing his flesh with the scarce red dust in his qi centre, Ning Shan felt his strength rise, albeit only temporarily. He wrapped his fingers around the beast''s upper and lower jaw and tugged with all his strength, feeling the beast''s flesh rip apart moments later. To his surprise, the beast was much more feeble than he anticipated.


    Still, even with its jaw missing, the beast showed no fear, only an irrational urge to attack Ning Shan despite the disparity in strength. Ning Shan frowned. Never had he seen a beast charge into a situation where defeat was all but certain.


    Do these creatures not feel anything? They don''t act like living beings but more like puppets.


    Knowing that any mercy for his enemies was being cruel to oneself, Ning Shan offered none. Just as the beast with a missing jaw rose to attack him again, he rushed toward it, striking its neck with the side of his hand as he wrapped it in lightning.


    His palm slid along the beast''s neck, ripping it apart as the lightning dug into it. Once again, Ning Shan saw no blood flow from the wound, only red dust pilling up on the floor before a vortex appeared, pooling it together as if it possessed its own gravity. As it perished, the beast collapsed into a pile of red dust that only added to the newly formed crystal.


    Still, Ning Shan had no time to celebrate his newfound victory as the remaining wolf launched another attack aimed at his neck. However, Ning Shan had long been prepared.


    Ning Shan raised his arm, protecting his neck by letting the beast sink its teeth into it, yet no blood was drawn as he had already clad his arm in lightning. The sharp teeth struck the limb yet were stopped by the power. Still, Ning Shan could see his dust point rapidly falling. One dust point would be deducted each time the lightning struck back against the beast''s teeth.


    This power is attractive, but its finite nature leaves a lot to be desired. Defending with it should be used as a last resort.


    When the beast saw that its attack was futile, it swung its long tail, aiming for the side of Ning Shan''s head. On its tip was a mass of metal resembling a giant flail. Ning Shan knew that not even he could withstand a blow from it. Fortunately, he wouldn''t have to, as the beast''s actions were much too honest and predictable compared to facing a human opponent.


    Ning Shan clad his remaining palm in lightning as he received the mass of metal with it, only for it to disintegrate upon contact, something he found quite peculiar. After all, the teeth on his arm were still struggling against the lightning while the beast''s tail burst into a dust cloud.


    What¡¯s the difference between the two? Is it just the concentration of dust? Does that mean the more concentrated the dust is, the stronger the beast? It makes sense, but where did all this red dust come from?


    Ning Shan had many questions; there was just so much he didn''t know about this foreign world. While some things remained the same, he had never encountered these kinds of creatures before. Even in the Nine Abyss Realm, where he was from, where countless species mingled, no such peculiar life forms were discovered.


    While his thoughts drifted, Ning Shan¡¯s hand didn¡¯t stop. As the beast¡¯s tail exploded in a cloud of dust, his palm struck the beast¡¯s chest, where he saw that most of the dust seemed to be collected.


    Without even a whimper, the dust creature collapsed into a pile of sand as his lightning-clad hand rammed straight through it with almost no resistance, only to congregate again into a floating red crystal.


    Ning Shan frowned as he glanced at his dust counter. It showed less than 80. He briefly glanced inward, only to see the red crystal in his qi centre had shrunk by over 30%. Even its power felt much more feeble than it once did just a while ago.


    He shook his head, unwilling to dwell on his losses, as he bent toward one of the two hovering red crystals. He wrapped his palm around one, and, just as he expected, the crystal burst into a cloud of dust, infiltrating his body just as it had done sometime prior. Yet, this time, Ning Shan didn''t feel the burning heat he once did, just a slight warmth as the dust pooled into his dantian.


    He smiled as he noticed the red crystal in his core grow back to what it was before. He could even feel his strength grow as it did. He glanced at his points to see that he now had over 140. It seemed that one of these wolves alone could grant him over 60 points.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    The giant spider was over 100, while these wolves were 60 apiece. It seems the amount I can gain is proportional to the amount they possess, yet it doesn''t seem to be all it is. There is some other mechanism at work here.


    Feeling the urge to see his strength grow, Ning Shan absorbed the remaining red crystal, only to see most of it wasted as not even the black lightning within his core could dominate this dust. His dust point seemed stuck at an even 200 points, unable to go further.


    Required Amount Obtained...


    Initiating System Rank Up Function...


    Ning Shan¡¯s eyes widened as he saw the now familiar light window show a new announcement. He braced himself for what was to come. After all, each time the system showed a new announcement, a heart-wrenching pain was sure to follow. However, this time, nothing of the sort happened.


    Instead, he saw the remaining dust, which he thought had been wasted, flow to his core before solidifying around the rotating red crystal. It formed a thin ring that slowly revolved around the crystal, somehow resembling a planet with a single ring orbiting its surface, except the planet wasn''t spherical but now a large red cube.


    Ning Shan frowned, unable to understand what was happening, yet it only took him a moment to realize. He suddenly felt his strength rise drastically, as if he had just made a breakthrough in his cultivation. At the same time, he also felt the storm within his inner core rise fiercely as it battled the new celestial object as if trying to restrain it.


    He watched his dust points were quickly being consumed while the battle raged as if the lightning was devouring them to fuel its strength. The two opposing forces struggled against each other, yet the world seemed to be in balance. As one grew stronger, so would the other. However, the price would be the dust point that Ning Shan accumulated.


    Ranking Procedure Completed...


    New Rank Up Goal Determined...


    A new window appeared before Ning Shan, and the battle within seemed to calm down. Dark lightning arced upon the newfound ring, keeping it in check akin to a cage. Surprisingly, Ning Shan felt no pain during the whole process. In fact, he felt strangely similar to the numerous times he had broken through a new realm in his cultivation.


    He struck the nearby wall with his fist, leaving a small dent on its surface. His eyebrows couldn''t help but rise in surprise. While the blow was far from the strongest he could deliver, the impact was still much more significant than expected.


    My strength has grown. While it''s been a long time, it feels almost like the 2<sup>nd</sup> level of the Qi Refining Realm. The day I regain my peak may be closer than I once thought.


    A slight smile graced Ning Shan¡¯s lips, yet it soon disappeared as he noticed a new number to adorn the floating window of light.


    Rank Up Requirement (400 Dust)


    His dust points were critically low, less than 10 currently. While not extremely difficult, the fact that Ning Shan would have to expend some money to obtain dust would slow down his growth significantly, especially if he would need to lose most of it every time he needed to break through.


    Yet something else caught his attention. The dust around him, suspended in the air as a cloud, could be seen slowly gathering toward him as if trying to enter his body.


    It strongly resembled how qi would behave as he used his breathing technique to absorb it, yet he did not need to consciously do so. The red dust seemed more attracted to him now than a moment ago.


    The only thing that changed until now was that rank up... Did it rid itself of its weakness of only having a finite amount of dust? How convenient...


    Yet, his questions were answered as Ning Shan looked back to the system panel. Next to the amount of dust he possessed was now a symbol consisting of two lines intersecting each other. He extended a finger and pressed it, only for new information to be available.


    Dust Point: 8 (+1/hour ¨C Passive)


    While he now had a way to recover if he used all the dust he possessed, one point per hour was pathetically low. In fact, if he were to do nothing at this rate, he would only be able to reach strength equivalent to the 3<sup>rd</sup> level of the Qi Refining Realm in a little more than two weeks.


    Ning Shan¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    Thinking back on it, if someone claimed to be able to reach the 3<sup>rd</sup> level from the 2<sup>nd</sup> in only two weeks, I would think of him as either delusional or the most talented individual in the history of the Nine Abyss Realm.


    Even for Ning Shan, doing so took at least a month. It seemed this ranking-up system was somehow overpowered. Even more than that, it emphasized plundering, something Ning Shan couldn''t help but liken to demonic techniques. Except, unlike those evil ways that robbed sentient beings of their cultivation, this one didn¡¯t seem to come with the inevitable mental corruption.


    Ning Shan pondered for a bit. There were too many unknowns regarding this system that had integrated itself into him. Still, it wasn''t as if he had a choice not to use it. After all, he still couldn''t feel spiritual qi in this world, except for the earthly qi below his feet, which he couldn''t use as it was much too impure to enable him to cultivate properly.


    He could only tentatively rely on it until he could probe its depths. His only saving grace was the lightning that seemed to keep it in check. After all, without it, he could scarcely imagine what would have happened had that dust grew rampant inside his body. Maybe he would be no better than the brainless creatures he had already encountered.


    After a sigh and slight expectation in his heart, Ning Shan chose to continue his journey. This time, he could only do so in darkness as he was too reluctant to use the last of his dust. He couldn''t feel safe without a safety net to fall back upon. While his body had grown more robust due to his breakthrough, Ning Shan had now grown to rely on his tribulation physique, something he didn''t feel that good about.


    After what seemed like days of trudging through the darkness, dispatching the occasional creatures that crossed his path¡ªnone of which could threaten him in the slightest¡ªNing Shan finally saw the light at the end of the tunnel.

 Chapter 5 - A Most Peculiar Sight

    Ning Shan emerged from a corridor of darkness as he stepped into the light¡ªor at least, that was what he expected. Instead, what he found was another form of darkness. As night hung over the world, only the slight light of the stars illuminated his surroundings.


    All around him was the wreckage of what he assumed was a man-made structure, composed of steel and glass¡ªan immense amount of both, while he stood on top of it. In fact, this structure seemed designed to allow a man to reach unimaginable heights, scraping the sky¡ªa skyscraper, if you will.


    Ning Shan stepped toward the edge, yet darkness spread over the world, blanketing it in curtains of blackness that not even starlight could pierce through. Yet, there was a red tint within this blackness.


    He raised his head and saw the origin of this hue. A large crimson celestial object hung into the sky, blocking over one-tenth of the firmament, bathing the world in a dull red glow, barely making its presence known on the ground. A crimson moon would be the best way to describe it.


    More than that, what caught his attention was a pillar of light in the distance that seemed to swirl with energy as it sought to reach that crimson moon. Yet the pillar disappeared into the sky as its tip faded into the blackness of night. Its base, however, was massive, easily half its height in diameter. Still, Ning Shan was too far away to truly understand its scope.


    Continuous explosions echoed from below, taking Ning Shan''s attention away from the spectacular pillar of light and the red moon above. He stood at the edge of the glass and steel building, only to see flashes of colour burst into the darkness of what seemed like the streets below. Ning Shan strained his ears and listened closely.


    There are voices hidden behind those noises... I can''t distinguish the words from this distance, but at least it confirms that sentient life exists on this plane.


    Ning Shan pondered for a bit, seeking the best approach to this situation. First, even as he searched his surroundings, he couldn''t find a way to reach ground level. There were no stairs or ladders. Maybe another exit was hidden within the darkness he had trudged through, yet he wasn''t inclined to return.


    He hung his head over the void, judging the distance, yet he could only shake his head. Were he at his prime, such a jump would barely register in his mind, especially since he could fly. But now, as he only had the strength of the 2<sup>nd</sup> level of the qi refining realm, such a drop would most definitely break his legs, if not kill him outright.


    What were they thinking making such a tall structure with no way to go up or down? There are even multiple large wells in the middle of the structure that seem to reach deep into the earth.


    The explosions below intensified, and now Ning Shan could hear cries of anguish over them. The most probable cause was a fight between two opposing parties. Ning Shan couldn¡¯t waste time standing here anymore. After all, how could he get some answers from corpses?


    With a single solution apparent and his mind made up, Ning Shan leapt from the side of the structure, free-falling into the void, gaining speed until he struck the glass panelling enveloping the steel structure within.


    His fingers dug into the glass, shattering it as he slid along the side of the structure. Although sharp, glass alone wasn''t able to cut his skin, especially now that his flesh was empowered by the red dust he had acquired. Still, using this red dust in this way left him conflicted. After all, this felt like a waste of resources. Still, time was of the essence.


    His body slid along the building as his hand dug a deep crevasse into the glass, slowing his descent just enough to remain safe on the landing. However, one thing he hadn''t noticed from his vantage point was a gap in the wall¡ªa vast extension of nothing further below, as if a massive creature had taken a bite out of this structure.


    As his hand ripped apart the last glass panelling, Ning Shan began falling in earnest as there was nothing to slow him down. The ground came closer with every second, yet he remained calm. After all, how could a man who once could float into the sky possibly be scared of a little fall?


    Ning Shan had calculated this fall. As his hand ripped into the glass, he noticed a steel beam further below that he could use to slow down. At the last moment, he pushed himself from the building''s side, aiming for this beam. However, he didn''t account for how feeble this material was compared to his own body.


    After picking up speed, his body rammed into the steel beam, bending it from the impact. Ning Shan dug his fingers into it, ensuring he had a firm grip on it, yet it snapped under the tension and tumbled toward the ground, taking him with it.


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    In a split-second decision, Ning Shan firmly planted his feet on the beam''s surface before pushing with all his strength. The recoil was intense enough that the steel beam bent slightly from the pressure as it was propelled backwards until it rammed into a nearby building, shattering its facade and leaving a huge hole in it.


    As for Ning Shan, he rammed into the skyscraper, shattering the glass as he passed right through before ending his journey with his back encased into a stone column. He took a moment to calm his heart rate as he took a deep breath. It had been a long time since he had felt such a thrill; he couldn''t keep a smile from appearing.


    That was reckless... Still, I haven''t felt this alive since... since the tribulation, really. Maybe losing my cultivation wasn''t such a bad thing.


    Ning Shan rose and dusted himself, examining his body for any signs of injuries, which he found none. He frowned, finding this perplexing.


    An early qi refining realm cultivator shouldn¡¯t be this sturdy. While I don¡¯t know how strong some of this world''s materials are, they shouldn''t be weak if they can support a structure of this size. I should have at least received some nicks and bruises from this, yet I see nothing. Is this due to the red dust, or is it that tribulation body thing?


    Ning Shan shook his head before reaching the edge overlooking the streets below. He looked down, only to see he was much closer to the earth than expected. From this height, he could simply jump down unscathed, which he did promptly, landing on top of what seemed to be a horseless steel carriage.


    The metal construct crumpled as his feet rammed into it, collapsing on itself as if it was merely made of paper. A moment later, Ning Shan emerged from the wreckage, looking at his surroundings inquisitively.


    This place was desolate, devoid of vegetation. Similar vehicles were parked alongside the street, signs of rust apparent on the metal their bodies consisted of. Most of the surrounding buildings were dilapidated; most of their front facades had crumbled, revealing the rot within. In fact, a pungent smell of decay permeated his surroundings, yet it was masked by a much stronger stench that Ning Shan couldn''t recognize.


    He turned his head as it seemed to be coming from behind him, yet all he saw was a spark before the steel carriage burst into flames, creating an explosion of light that slightly blinded him. He felt a heat wave crash on his skin, and his lungs burned slightly as he tried to breathe. Fortunately, he had enough time to wrap a bit of power around his body, preventing his clothes from catching fire.


    A few seconds later, Ning Shan opened his eyes to see the remains of the metallic vehicle that broke his fall glowing an incandescent red as a dark plume of smoke rose into the night air. He waved his hand, dispersing the blackened cloud that assaulted his nose as he retreated slightly, his eyes narrowed.


    What kind of metal construct can just burst into flames? Was it due to that scent? I recall some sort of black water back home that smelled similar. It was prone to burning, but I¡¯ve never heard of it exploding, much less creating such large fireballs...


    As he stood there, slightly taken aback by what had happened, the sound of countless small explosions slowly growing closer to his position brought him back to reality. He debated whether it would be a good idea to follow the sound but chose against it. Instead, he rushed across the street, entering what seemed like an abandoned building.


    After making sure the structure was vacant, Ning Shan positioned himself on the second floor, peeking out of a broken window toward the end of the street where the fighting sounds originated.


    I¡¯ve been much too reckless as of late. The sounds seemed to be coming toward here, so let¡¯s just wait and see.


    Ning Shan didn''t have to wait long before a group of five individuals emerged from the corner of the street. Their features were hidden behind what seemed like masks, yet those masks felt truly unique. Their faces were completely hidden beneath, except for their eyes, which could be seen through two large openings covered in a transparent material akin to glasses but sealed somehow.


    Their mouths and noses were also covered under a mask that protruded from their faces, ending in two round pieces of metal on each side of their cheeks. Ning Shan couldn''t help but frown, wondering what type of creatures would wear such strange masks.


    As for their clothes, Ning Shan had never seen anything like it. Unlike the long robes he was familiar with, those individuals wore thick jackets and pants, which covered most of their skin, while also sporting thick leather boots and gloves. It seemed as if the very atmosphere of this world posed a threat to their existence. Even the rest of their heads were hidden beneath hoods. Ning Shan had no way of knowing if they were even humans, except that they were bipedal as he was and had the same number of limbs.


    Seeing their attire, Ning Shan grew somewhat suspicious. He examined himself again, seeking any abnormality, yet he found nothing¡ªat least on the surface. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he realized he may have overthought. Still, this was something he had to keep in mind. After all, he was in a foreign land. There was no telling what this new environment may do to him in the long term.


    His gaze returned to those fives before the weapon in their hand caught his attention. They all had different shapes. Some were long and tubular, made of black metal with the same protuberance meant for those individuals to hold them. Others were barely bigger than their hands, while some were as large as one of their bodies.


    Yet they all seemed to produce the same effect, namely, a flame and an explosive noise from one end. They held those objects forward, aiming them all in the same direction. Something seemed to be ejected from the opened end, yet it was much too fast for Ning Shan to discover what it was.


    Yet one thing was certain; he knew what powered those artifacts. A small red crystal was embedded into the side of each of those weapons.


    No wonder... Without qi, how else could they produce those continuous explosions without those red crystals powering them? Still... what are they fighting?


    This question wouldn''t linger in his mind for long as he saw their opponent emerge shortly after them. It was tall, at least as tall as his vantage point on the second story of this building.


    The creature''s hind half was quadrupedal, akin to most land animals, yet it also possessed a front half that stood upright with many deformed limbs that flailed around aimlessly. Its skin was dark grey, the same mix of flesh and metal he was now accustomed to, almost as if they had fused together. The only difference from the creatures he had encountered until now was that the cloud of dust suspended near his body wasn''t red¡ªas all the others were¡ªbut a light orange.


    As the five individuals discharged their weapons toward that creature, Ning Shan could see their projectiles impact its body, yet they left no discernible marks. In fact, it seemed to only infuriate it further. The creature opened its maw, showing countless rows of serrated teeth, then uttered a most deafening cry.


    Let¡¯s sit back and see how they overcome this...

 Chapter 6 - Rising Premonition

    ¡°Boss... Should we really delve so deep into this place? It was abandoned for a reason!¡±


    The voice was feminine in nature, yet none of her features could be seen below the thick clothes she wore, similar to those of her comrades. The mask covering her face also muffled it.


    A large man with shoulders twice as wide as hers turned to face her. His presence was oppressive, and his tone reflected that.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why we are here,¡± he said, a slight hint of frustration in his voice. ¡°Think of what we could find! Do you really want to go back to living on the streets? I sure as hell don¡¯t, so shut up and do your job!¡±


    The woman could feel her heart deflate as she heard those words. They rang true; however, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that what they were doing would lead them someplace they couldn¡¯t escape from.


    ¡°My readings indicate an increase in ambient dust. We may be close to a vein," one of her comrades said as he looked at a small, rectangular device attached to his wrist. It projected a holographic rendition of their surroundings.


    ¡°That would explain the government''s warning about an increase in Dustborne in this place," another added, grinning behind his mask. "Makes you wonder why we''re the only ones here. I''d assume many would come and try their luck, considering the recent tax increase.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re cowards, basking in the status quo, unwilling to face the risk to improve their lot in life,¡± their boss scoffed as he walked the empty street as if he owned the place, his large rifle resting upside down on his broad shoulders. ¡°I¡¯d rather die than remain at the bottom rung of society.¡±


    ¡°Haha! As long as I¡¯ve food to eat, women to bang and critters to slaughter, I¡¯m not complaining,¡± the last one said, prompting his male counterpart to laugh alongside him. The woman, however, found their attitude to be nothing but crass.


    Hold it in... she thought. Although these guys are pigs, they''re among the best hunter squads. Sticking with them is your best chance not to go hungry...


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too quiet?¡± she asked, feeling a slight nervousness. ¡°Considering the government sealed this place off, shouldn¡¯t we have encountered some Dustborne by now?


    Although her squad mates shared her sentiment, their leader seemed unconcerned.


    ¡°We¡¯re barely at the edge of these ruins,¡± he replied. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t put it past other squads to have already cleaned this place up. If we want to make this trip worthwhile, we can only delve deeper. Seeking rewards always comes with certain risks. Sera! You¡¯re on point. Do your thing!¡±


    Sera offered a weak sigh, if only for herself. She felt a terrifying premonition about this place, yet the thought of growing hunger was enough to overcome it.


    She approached a nearby wall, pressing her palms against the crumbling stone and rigid steel facade before her feet left the ground, hanging off the vertical wall as if gravity had reversed ninety degrees. With her feet stuck to the wall, she rose to her full height, standing parallel to the ground before running up the exterior of the building toward its roof, avoiding the numerous holes and dilapidated ornamental fixtures.


    In less than ten seconds, she had reached the top of this five-story building, giving her a panoramic view of her surroundings. The scenery was depressing, to say the least, full of toppled buildings eroded by the passage of time and the absence of life within this forgotten city. Almost nothing of its splendour remained except for its sheer scale. Even from her vantage point, these ruins stretched as far as the eye could see.


    Yet, none of it was reflected in her eyes. What did the ingenuity of civilization matter when more pressing matters occupied her mind, namely survival? She pressed the device on her wrist using a single finger, which prompted a holographic screen to show up in her sight, which she alone was privy to.


    It showed a multitude of biometric data, yet only one entered her mind: her satiety, which was dangerously low. She pressed her device again, prompting it to inject the contents of a cartridge right into her bloodstream. She saw the number go up in real time and felt slightly relieved, yet the feeling was ephemeral.


    Only two remaining, she thought. There''s no turning back. It''s either finding something valuable enough here or starving to death. I became a hunter precisely for this reason. I won''t allow myself to die like this... I won''t!


    ¡°Kid! Stop daydreaming! We won''t pay you if you don''t pull your own weight. Would you rather we throw you back to the streets where we found you? Remember, countless others could take your place!"


    Sera looked down below. Despite the masks covering their faces, she could imagine the sneers beneath. She gritted her teeth and clenched her fists hard enough that they turned white inside her gloves.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    Always the same threats, day in and day out... Still, there¡¯s nothing I can do about it. Pride is only for the strong; the world is too harsh for the weak to afford to think of such things.


    She let out a deep, long breath into the filtration system of her mask, regaining her calm and focusing on the task ahead. Her gaze was fixed on the streets below, taking in all the information she could. Countless screens flashed to life, then dimmed almost immediately as her thoughts raced, peering through it all.


    A single spot jumped at her, less than two kilometres ahead, yet the concentration of dust was over five times its surroundings. While not enough to be called a motherload, it was more than they had found in the last few days.


    She relayed the information to her comrades, which was then corroborated by another one of them who had also climbed a building on the other side of the street. However, unlike her way, which had been graceful, the man had leapt from hold to hold, punching holes into the structure whenever such holds were unavailable, making quite a few large stones fall to the ground, producing quakes and sound waves that reverberated on the countless glass structures that surrounded them.


    Those fools... Do they want to attract the Dustborne so badly? They only see them for the money they can earn and not for the danger they are... Once this is over, I really should find someone else to work for... not that anyone else would want to partner with someone like me with no achievement to her name.


    Her own thoughts made her slightly depressed, yet the thought of hunger brought her back to reality. She could endure almost anything to not have to rely on those mass-produced cartridges.


    While she leapt from building to building, advancing along what seemed to be a main street toward their destination, the trio on the ground''s banter reached her ears despite not even utilizing their comms.


    "Boss, what do you think we''ll find there? This place''s dust concentration is already higher than most. Five times; that is rarely seen. Do you think this could be a vein?"


    ¡°Do you think dust veins grow on trees?¡± the boss sneered.


    The duo beside him looked puzzled, even if it couldn''t be shown from behind their masks.


    "Trees? What are those supposed to be?" one of them replied.


    ¡°Hell, if I know," their leader said. "Just some old saying from when this city wasn''t in ruins. I just like the way it sounds, for the most part. Still... before we headed out, I did hear a rumour that stated the government was researching ways to grow some artificial ones."


    ¡°Grow? Like... living beings? Trees are alive?¡±


    "So it seems, at least, that''s what I was told," the large man replied, yet his tone grew slightly impatient. "Drop it, nothing will come from talking about it. Whatever the government wants to do, that''s their business. I''ll be happy as long as I get my payday."


    The other two nodded in agreement while Sera, on her perch, couldn''t help but shake her head. Yet, as she did so, she heard a beep from the device on her wrist before a screen popped up, showing a map of their surroundings and three red dots quickly rushing toward their position.


    "Boss!" she yelled, gaining the attention of the men on the ground. "We''ve got incoming. Three of them, 400 metres out!"


    "Bout time we see some action," he replied, ousting his rifle from his shoulder while checking his ammunition reserve. The screen on top of it showed a green number, a full charge. He stroked his weapon as he would a lover before barking again, "Type and Rank?"


    Sera''s gaze was locked on the screen of her device, filtering through the massive amount of information relayed to her before replying, "Quadruped, most likely canine types. One, Red-Three; the others, Red-Two!"


    "Small frys..." the boss said under his breath, his disappointment palpable. "Alright, boys! No need to waste your charges. Let¡¯s do this the old way.¡±


    The two men next to him holstered their weapons before bringing out small metallic rods that fit snugly into the crux of their ends. A small red button protruded from its surface, which both pressed simultaneously before a long red blade emerged from those rods.


    The blades were thin, impossibly so, almost as if they were immaterial. Yet, their deadliness was all but true. One of the men even tested its edge on a nearby boulder. The blade slid through it with almost no resistance, a pristine cut that left the surface as flat as a mirror, even imparting some of its sheen. Yet, of the twenty green bars visible on its handle, a single one dimmed until it became as black as night.


    Upon seeing this, the boss slightly lost his temper and struck the back of the man¡¯s head with his open palm, making him slightly dizzy.


    "You fool!" he barked. "Do you know how much those charges cost? Watch me take it out of your cut if I see you waste another!"


    The man hung his head, knowing his mistake, yet he couldn''t hide his hand gripping the handle of his weapon much too tightly. Such a minute reaction couldn''t escape their boss''s gaze. Yet, before he could address it, their opponent came into view.


    ¡°Boss! They should be right in front of you.¡± Sera said.


    "Thank you for pointing out the obvious. I can see that," the man replied, his tone as dead as the seas of this world.


    As expected, three beasts emerged from the corner of a nearby street, rushing toward them the moment they came into view. They were just as Sera described: four powerful legs supported a slim and agile body, and a row of sharp teeth adorned their maw. Wolves¡ªat least the shape of one. Shards of metal haphazardly strewn upon their flesh hinted otherwise.


    As fierce as they might have seemed, the three men on the ground made short work of them. The two long blades slid across their flesh, carving it effortlessly, while the large man simply used the butt of his rifle to strike one of the wolves'' neck, breaking it almost in two.


    The beast crumpled on the floor as if a puppet with cut strings. A cloud of red gas spewed from its open maw as it still sought to sink its teeth into its prey. The man simply steeped on its skull, breaking it into countless pieces before it shattered into a red mist that recombined into a crystal hovering midair.


    "It''s almost not worth it," the man said, yet he still reached out to it before tucking it away in the recess of his clothes, as did the other two men. "How far to go, still?"


    ¡°Almost there,¡± Sera said, still perched on top of a nearby building, her gaze locked on their objective. ¡°You should be able to see it now. It¡¯s just in front of you.¡±


    Indeed, he could.


    As they turned the corner from where the beasts had emerged, what they saw couldn''t help but leave the men grinning. A mass of red crystal, as tall as he was, stood in the middle of a plaza ripe for the picking.


    ¡°This is it, boys! We struck it rich! With a cut of this, you might even be able to afford some real meat!¡±


    Hearing this, the men couldn''t help but salivate. Even Sera wasn''t exempt from it. However, she couldn''t stop the rising feeling that something was wrong.

 Chapter 7 - Desperate Last Stand

    Contrary to her expectations, Sera couldn''t help but think that things had been much too quiet. The government had labelled this a danger zone, yet all they encountered until now were mostly harmless, low-level Dustborne¡ªhardly enough to threaten them.


    ¡°Sera! Stop wasting time and get down here!¡± her boss said, bringing her back to reality.


    Reluctantly, she leapt from her vantage point, falling over twenty metres, yet landed gracefully as if gravitational acceleration was a concept she was unfamiliar with. In fact, she hovered, but for a moment, just before her feet touched the ground. She rushed toward the group, only to see the men congregate next to a massive crystal formation.


    "How massive," she couldn''t let but escape her lips, mesmerized by the sight of those interwoven crystal filaments was glowed faintly into the darkness of night, bathing their surroundings in a dull red glow. She could see a flow within the transparent structure as if rivers of sand waving back and forth. Each time those rivers crossed, the crystals seemed to pulse as if new life had been breathed into them.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it? We¡¯ll be set for a good long while after this. We may even be promoted to the Orange Class!¡± another man said, joy apparent in his tone.


    Orange class... she thought. I used to think I''d be stuck in the Red class forever, but maybe it¡¯s not an unachievable dream anymore.


    ¡°Alright, boys! Get to work. This vein isn''t going to mine itself!" their boss said. Sera could easily imagine his smug grin hidden beneath his mask.


    His men nodded, bringing out the same metal rod they once did as they dispatched their previous canine opponents, yet this time, they pressed another button next to the previous one, toggling something within the device. A moment later, they pushed the other button, and a radiant red pickaxe appeared in their hands.


    Using these tools, the men struck the large crystal, chipping shards out of it. Yet, those shards were minuscule, barely a fraction of a fraction of the whole, yet the amount of strength they put into their work was staggering compared to the result.


    Seeing their riches accumulate on the floor, their leader rummaged through his clothes, only to bring out a small metallic device no bigger than his hand. He then threw it slightly further away, only for the device to expand as if space itself had decompressed. What emerged resembled a spider; eight long metallic legs dug into the hard ground, while its body seemed composed of only a large container.


    Without being told what to do, Sera began picking up the red shards from the floor before stashing them within the metallic spider while keeping a close eye on the device on her wrist, ensuring they wouldn''t be taken by surprise while they worked.


    Less than half an hour later, the vein¡ªat least what was visible above ground¡ªwas all but gone, and their storage was almost at capacity. The men''s joy was nearly palpable, yet Sera''s apprehension only grew as she felt the tremors each time the men struck the red veins with their pickaxes reverberating in her bones. She couldn¡¯t help but wish they would be out of there already.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too calm?¡± one of the men asked, also feeling something was wrong. ¡°Don¡¯t Dustborne usually congregate near these Dust Veins?¡±


    ¡°Bah! What does that matter as long as we get what we came for?¡± another replied. ¡°Maybe this place isn¡¯t as bad as the government makes it out to be. If anything, they are probably trying to keep this place all to themselves by saying so.¡±


    Sera couldn''t rule this possibility out as it wouldn''t be the first the government had done so. Still, she felt that this time was different. Her instinct screamed at her that something was wrong, and she would usually heed them. Living among pariahs and criminals, one would be forced to learn to trust one''s instinct or simply cease to exist.


    ¡°Let''s leave this place already. It isn''t safe," Sera pleaded, yet her warnings fell on deaf ears as the men were too preoccupied with celebrating their success and thinking of what awaited them once they returned with what they had found.


    It was then that her premonition turned out to be true. A massive earthquake shook the ground, yet Sera noticed that the building further out seemed to feel none of it. It seemed to be a localized one at best. Still, these ruins weren''t located near any fault line, so earthquakes were almost impossible.


    Her heart sunk in her chest as she realized what was happening. She tried to tell her comrades, yet the tremors prevented her words from being coherent. Besides, she had no need to, as the men weren''t stupid. They, too, realized what was happening. Even while sprawled on the ground, trying to resist the quake, they held tight to their weapons, listening closely and waiting for this phenomenon to subside.


    A moment later, the ground stabilized again, and peace returned, yet none uttered a sound, opting to remain silent and wait. However, their wait wouldn''t last long, as the ground cracked, forming a ravine of over thirty metres long and two meters wide, not far away, its depths as dark as an abyss.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.


    From there emerged a grotesque creature, its head resembling a giant maw filled with nothing but countless wriggling tentacles. It was propped up on a tall torso with unending bony fragments protruding from its flesh. All this stood on a quadruped frame, except that it possessed six short legs instead of four. More than that, the creature was large, much larger than they had ever seen a Dustborne be.


    "What is that thing?" one of the men said, raising his rifle to eye level, yet he refrained from opening fire, waiting for their boss''s orders.


    ¡°Are you dumb? What else could it be?¡± the boss barked, doing the same with his large rifle. ¡°Sera! Report!¡±


    Sera extended her hand toward the creature; her gaze darted all around her, burning the monster''s features into her mind. Countless numbers flashed before her eyes, yet if her comrades could see her expression, they would know how grim their prospects were. Her words remained stuck in her throat, unable to be verbalized.


    ¡°Sera!¡± the boss barked again, yet his gaze remained locked onto the creature.


    ¡°Orange class, second rank Dustborne,¡± she said sheepishly, terror in her tone.


    Her comrades remained silent; none of their earlier joyous bustle could be seen in their body language. Only a feeling of tension overpowered the atmosphere. A moment passed before their boss made his decision.


    ¡°Retreat!¡±


    Akin to a rocket, the mechanical spider carrying their loot raced above the ground. Its long and agile legs easily avoided the numerous debris scattered over the road. The squad followed suit and retreated in order as they discharged their weapon on the massive creature.


    Powerful red lasers were emitted from their rifles, their incandescence quickly striking the massive body in their path. Yet the outcome was merely as they expected. These beams would char the creature''s exterior yet couldn''t reach the organs within, protected by layers of what seemed to be fat.


    The beast flailed around from the pain as its flesh was scorched black, striking the nearby building with its long appendages, dislodging countless stone fixtures from their facade as they tumbled forward from the force of the blows before the buildings themselves toppled over as their foundations were destroyed.


    Upon seeing this destruction, the men turned tail and ran, not even bothering to offer any more resistance. Sera was no exception; she knew full well that struggling against this creature was an exercise in futility. Running away was the most advisable course of action as long as their weapons were useless.


    Unfortunately, the beast''s thrashing propelled one massive boulder forward before colliding with the retreating spider bot, knocking it on its side. A panel on its metallic body was dislodged, showing its sturdy inorganic innards filled with countless circuits and relays, where countless red lines glowed, powering this apparatus.


    Its metallic legs flailed in the air for a moment more before the red glow within extinguished itself, rendering it completely immobile.


    The man closest to it rushed to its side. He tried prying open the hatch to the storage on its back, yet it proved futile as it had been bent shut from the impact. As if in desperation, he turned his rifle''s nuzzle toward the heap of metal before punching a hole into it with the heat produced as he opened fire.


    ¡°You fool!¡± Sera yelled as she turned and fired once again at the approaching creature, yet her ammunition did almost nothing to stop its advance. ¡°Get out of there!¡±


    It was as if the man had heard nothing, too entranced by what lay within the fallen spiderbot. However, as he reached for its loot, the man screamed as his foot was crushed by something wrapping around it and his body was hoisted in the air upside down, the red crystals in his hands tumbling to the ground.


    He raised his rifle and fired at his captor, yet the only effect it had was to render the creature furious. It flailed the limb holding on to him toward a nearby building. His back crashed into the sturdy surface, cutting his breath short and dislodging the mask from his face.


    He desperately tried reaching for it with his hand, yet it was too late. The mask tumbled to the ground, out of his reach. The man held his breath with both hands covering his mouth, yet nothing could be done for him now.


    The creature stopped, eyeing his prey despite no discernible eyes being visible, only to leave him hanging over its open maw. A dense red cloud of dust emanated from the open orifice, bathing the man within.


    ¡°We need to help him!¡± Sera said as she fired her rifle repeatedly, yet she knew all of it was futile.


    Red pustules appeared on his exposed skin as if it seemed to burn without flame or heat. Blood flowed from them as they popped and burst, while the same could be said with his every orifice. His lungs collapsed as they filled with blood, while his throat became blocked with countless small chunks of his internal organs before being discharged from his mouth in something akin to a torrent. Lastly, his eyeballs exploded as if they had been pressed too hard before the man finally died a gruesome death, being swallowed whole by the beast''s wriggling abyss.


    ¡°If you want to help him that badly, then you can simply stay here,¡± the boss said as he ran away, not before doing something that Sera couldn¡¯t believe he¡¯d dare to do.


    She felt a burning sensation in her calf as a small ray of red light pierced right through it, cauterizing the wound as it bore through her flesh. She screamed and fell on the hard ground, watching in disbelief as the men she had entrusted her life to sped away without even looking back. The nuzzle of her former boss''s rifle still glowing slightly red.


    She slumped to the ground and despaired, knowing full well their intentions, yet she still raised her rifle a moment later, intending to struggle to her very last. She knew she couldn¡¯t outrun the creature with her leg in this condition, yet she wouldn¡¯t allow herself to fall without a fight.


    If I make it out of this alive, I swear I¡¯ll track you all down and make you pay!


    This anger and fury were the only things sustaining her mind as the creature approached, her end almost nigh. None of her shots did anything to stop its advance, and soon, her rifle ran out of energy, becoming nothing more than a dead weight in her hands.


    She tossed it aside before she reached into her clothes and held the same black rod her former comrades had used prior. She pressed the button, and a small red blade emerged from it. A futile attempt, yet necessary. She gritted her teeth and waited for the creature to enter her range as she rose to her feet, standing wobbly, her weight on a single foot.


    As the creature was but a few metres from her, a large cracking sound echoed across the street before a large building suddenly caved in on one side, toppling straight onto the creature and burying it under its mass.


    Then, a man wearing a sleeveless robe emerged from the rubble, his long dark hair fluttering within the dust cloud, his features obscured by the red hue. With a single thrust of his hand into the creature''s flesh, the beast exploded into a cloud of red dust, bathing the world around her in a lake of crimson. All she remembered was the man looking at her within this ocean before she lost consciousness.

 Chapter 8 - First Blood

    Turning back the clock, Ning Shan found himself looking out of a window on the second floor of a dilapidated building. What he saw left him slightly perplexed and apprehensive. The group of five on the ground were clearly humanoid, yet their attires were peculiar, to say the least. He now truly felt like a stranger in a foreign land.


    Still, he was unsure of how to proceed next. Should he help them or leave them to their fate? For one, the creature chasing them was much more than he could handle at the moment; doing so would be a risk he was unwilling to take, as that creature seemed to be at a level equivalent to the 2<sup>nd</sup> level of the Foundation Building realm.


    Yet, Ning Shan was also unwilling to simply run away. How could he grow stronger if he was reluctant to take any risks? The thought of devouring that creature''s strength and adding it to his own seemed too attractive to miss.


    With his mind made up, Ning Shan quickly went to work, diving deep into the building''s foundation. While foreign to him, these buildings'' construction methods were still relatively simple, and he easily located what he needed: load-bearing columns deep into the basement. He quickly made some calculations and went to work, breaking them one after another until the building barely stood upright.


    He then rose to the roof, overlooking the scene below, only to catch one of the men perish in a most gruesome fashion. Ning Shan frowned as he looked upon it, thoughts whirling in his mind.


    If this is the effect of the red dust on these living beings, how am I safe?


    Still, Ning Shan didn''t have much time to ponder as the creature was almost in position, a few metres away from the perfect angle. Then, he became witness to the men''s betrayal, yet it barely came as a surprise to him. After all, it was to be expected. He had already seen such scenes too often to still be moved by them.


    Still, at least the lone woman on the ground''s will to live was praiseworthy. Despite her situation''s direness, she still struggled with all she had, not surrendering to her fate. Ning Shan showed a faint smile for merely an instant before his eyes lit up with greed as the creature came into position.


    With a stomp of his foot, Ning Shan directed the impact straight into the last column left supporting the weight of this building, making it shatter from the impact. Then, barely an instant later, the building toppled toward the street, its mass falling straight onto the massive creature, burying it under tons of stone and steel, making it unable to move further.


    At least, that was what Ning Shan expected, yet the beast shattered his expectations. It seemed to have survived the impact and even struggled to free itself from under the rubble. Not wasting his chance, Ning Shan had chosen to ride the building down as it fell, jumping off just as it collided with the ground, rolling to absorb the impact.


    He rose swiftly before rushing back toward the rubble, climbing it in a single leap and standing on top of the creature stuck beneath. It thrashed, hoping to free itself, spewing a cloud of red dust from its open maw, yet Ning Shan felt nothing even as he stood within. In fact, he couldn''t feel any better.


    The ringed crystal planet within his qi centre spun each time Ning Shan took a breath, inhaling countless amounts of red dust, yet barely a fraction was absorbed as it met the black lightning infusing his flesh. Merely from standing within the cloud, he could feel the planet grow slightly stronger, and he could also see the counter in the corner of his vision slowly grow toward his goal.


    The creature roared from under Ning Shan''s feet. Whether it was due to frustration or perplexity that he could survive this red mist assault was unknown, yet Ning Shan only offered a slight smile as he clad his hand in lightning and struck it deep within the creature.


    However, unlike all the previous times he had done so, this time, the creature''s flesh offered some resistance instead of bursting apart into a cloud of red dust. If anything, it felt as if Ning Shan was on the losing end.


    Having already made his choice, Ning Shan couldn''t afford to lose. As such, he spared no expense. All the dust he had carefully collected ever since his rank up was used, if only to slightly increase his odds of slaying the beast. Yet, this proved just enough for his purposes.


    His hand dug deeper within the flesh as if through water, offering almost no resistance. The lightning propagated outward within the creature''s flesh, breaking everything apart until all that remained was a cloud of red dust, yet the beast was still too massive to be ended this easily.


    It struggled under the rubble, howling with pain and rage. It knew its end was near, and its survival instinct kicked in. It did everything in its power to survive Ning Shan''s onslaught, dislodging the scattered debris weighing on it as it sought to rise, yet it was all too late. Ning Shan had already reached its core.


    As he expected, the creature also possessed a core, a repository for all the dust it had accumulated during its life. Ning Shan controlled the lightning emanating from his hand to wrap around the core and simply crushed it.


    The beast didn''t even have time to howl anymore before its body began to break down into a massive cloud of dust that rose into the sky, resembling a massive mushroom. Due to gravity, it fell back down, forming something akin to rain.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The world was bathed in red as Ning Shan felt rain-like dust wash every inch of his body, infiltrating his every pore, only to be met by the black lightning within, slowly adding this dust to his own core.


    However, Ning Shan could assimilate only a fraction of the creature''s mass. Soon, a whirlwind formed akin to a tempest in a bottle. The dust created a vortex that raged in the middle of the street, eroding the nearby stone buildings until it finally coalesced into a crystal the size of his fist.


    As more dust entered that crystal, its colour started to change. It started as a light red, deepening as if it became more saturated until it finally just shifted into orange, the quality of the power held within shifting alongside it.


    Ning Shan''s eyebrows rose slightly as he observed this phenomenon, his thoughts swirling quickly. There was much he still didn''t know about this world, yet this was easy to understand.


    This dust isn¡¯t unlike qi, yet it seems poisonous to this world¡¯s inhabitants. I wonder where it all comes from...


    As he pondered, his gaze resting on the hovering orange crystal bursting with power, Ning Shan heard some movements behind him, prompting him to turn around.


    "I can''t believe he managed to take down an Orange-Class Dustborne!"


    Ning Shan frowned as he looked upon the three men in strange attires standing before him not far away. The deadly end of their weapons was aimed at him, yet their tones were much too casual considering their situation.


    What surprised Ning Shan more than anything wasn''t that they had doubled back once they realized the beast had been slain but that he could understand their language so easily. While he was already surprised he could read this world''s characters, verbal communication was another thing entirely.


    ¡°Check out that man!" one of the men exclaimed, Ning Shan in his sight. "How can he be fine without protective clothing standing near that dust crystal? He should be dead by now!"


    Ning Shan looked at them curiously, maintaining his calm and his silence. He hoped to extract as much information from these men as he could without revealing his hand.


    ¡°You fools, look at his eyes!¡± their leader said, lowering his weapon slightly. ¡°He¡¯s nothing but a failure. I¡¯m sure the building falling on that Dustborne must have been only an accident. I refuse to believe a Black-Class trash is able to take it down alone!¡±


    They talked about Orange-class and now Black-class... is that their ranking system? But why black for me? Is it because I have black eyes? Do these people classify their strengths using their eye colours? What absurd method is this?


    Ning Shan remained silent, watching the three men slowly drift apart from one another as they slowly encircled him. However, they were much more relaxed now that they had deemed him a black-class. One man had even lowered his weapon, not even bothering to keep Ning Shan in his sights.


    "Boss! Look at this? He doesn''t even have markings on his skin!" one of the men exclaimed as he looked at Ning Shan''s bare arms. "Could he be a pure one, but what could he be doing so far from the city? I thought they were all protected by the government."


    "Who cares where he''s from," their boss sneered. Ning Shan could almost see the greed in his eyes. "Do you know how much pure ones'' body parts are worth on the black market? It''s enough for us to be set for life!"


    "But boss... There''s no way a pure one would survive outside the city without a respirator!"


    "Enough! We''ll have all the time in the world for this once he''s taken down. Get him, boys!"


    Ning Shan had gotten enough out of these fools. He saw no reason to keep entertaining them. Still, his questions had only increased, yet he couldn''t be bothered to suffer their existence any longer. He could always seek answers someplace else.


    As he saw their leader''s index finger inch closer to the trigger on his weapon, Ning Shan kicked a nearby pebble, propelling it at incredible velocity toward the rifle''s muzzle. He altered the rifle''s aim just before it discharged a beam of light.


    The impact jerked the heavy weapon to the boss¡¯s side, scrapping a building¡¯s stone facade until the beam intersected one of his men¡¯s body. Not even the man¡¯s protective clothing could resist the deadly heat ray as he was sliced in two before bursting into flames. Both lifeless halves tumbled to the ground before being quickly reduced to cinders; not much remained of the man except for ashes floating in the wind.


    ¡°You bastard!" the other man said as he pulled the trigger on his own weapon, yet Ning Shan had already disappeared from where he stood, hiding himself within the clouds of red dust.


    ¡°To your left!¡± the boss yelled, jerking his weapon back the other way, but Ning Shan had already reached his target.


    Unable to turn in time, the man tried to strike Ning Shan with his rifle as he entered his range, yet Ning Shan easily parried the blow with his forearm before forming the point of a spear with his remaining hand, plunging deep into the man''s abdomen and reaching upward until he could feel the man''s heart in his grasp.


    Ning Shan was close enough to the man that he could see the man''s eyes through the transparent protective screen of his mask. They were wide-opened, a deep red akin to the colour of blood, yet there was a terror hidden deep within.


    The man went limp as Ning Shan crushed the man''s heart without mercy before using the lifeless mass of flesh as a shield as he charged toward the only man left standing.


    The large man screamed as he pulled the trigger as if trying to keep his sanity while all his squad had already perished. Yet, he was unable to think rationally, too engrossed in the madness of death. Even as a seasoned hunter, watching his squad members fall in this fashion was too much for him to remain calm. If anything, he could feel his impending death much too clearly.


    The rifle¡¯s deathly ray easily pierced through his former comrade¡¯s dead body, slicing it in two, yet Nin Shan was nowhere to be found¡ªat least the large man couldn¡¯t see him.


    Ning Shan''s tactic wasn''t anything special. His opponent couldn''t think clearly, so he used that against him. Just before the trigger was pulled, Ning Shan pushed the dead body with all his strength, making it barrel toward his opponent while at the same time diving behind a nearby pile of debris from the collapsed building.


    While his opponent was distracted, firing blindly, he quickly rushed the lady who had collapsed some time ago, snatching the weapon from her hands before activating it by pressing the prominent button and tossing it in the man''s direction.


    The blade of dust spun, creating a disc that sliced everything it came into contact with, eventually rendering the man into two halves. The man''s torso fell over, tumbling onto the ground, yet unfortunately for him, he failed to perish instantly, instead having to suffer intense pain as his life persisted.


    Through the pain, fuelled by reluctance and madness, the man sought to raise his heavy weapon and fire at Ning Shan once again, yet Ning Shan was faster, reaching the man shortly after, pressing his foot onto the rifle while standing over him.


    ¡°It''s over," Ning Shan said dismissively, showing no emotions on his face nor signs of struggle, only the confidence of knowing that his plan went exactly as he had imagined it.

 Chapter 9 - Reaping the Rewards

    ¡°You monster,¡± the large man said, struggling to speak as blood overflowed from his mouth. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡±


    "Now, you choose to ask?" Ning Shan said dismissively as he stood over the man, watching the last ember of life depart him, a look of peaceful indifference on his face. "Maybe in your next life, you''d choose better than to antagonize someone you shouldn''t have."


    Yet, Ning Shan''s words fell on deaf ears as the man had already breathed his last, as did all the others he had confronted. He remained the sole victor, just as always, yet such a shallow victory brought him no joy. Just the empty feeling that things went just as he expected.


    However, just a moment later, the man''s lifeless corpse crumbled to dust, becoming just another pile of sand under his feet. Yet, unlike the creatures he had slain until now, this man''s remains didn''t congregate into a crystal he could then absorb but remained in a loose pile that could be blown to the winds at any moment.


    He found this distinction slightly odd. However, he could still absorb a little bit of dust from this corpse using the ring around his core, yet it seemed barely worth it. His time would be better spent hunting the creatures that yielded their cores rather than these sentient beings.


    As he thought so, something interesting happened.


    First Blood Achievement Unlocked...


    Plundering Target¡¯s Main Skill...


    Failed... Reassessing...


    Plunder Function Locked by the System...


    New Objective Acquired...


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed as he looked upon this new announcement. While intrigued, he was still wary of what this could mean. After all, each time this system was mentioned, it had been followed by an excruciating pain. He found it hard to trust whatever this system had to say. Still, he couldn''t deny the strength it could provide.


    Besides, the idea of plundering skills from others intrigued him. He clicked on the word objective, only for another screen to illuminate, superposing the other.


    New Objective: Achieve Orange Rank to unlock Plunder Function. (2/10)...


    At least this objective seems straightforward. I was going to do it anyway, so I might as well obtain this while at it.


    With this reward in the back of his mind, Ning Shan returned to the remains of the giant creature he had slain before being rudely interrupted some time prior. The cloud of red dust still revolved around the orange core akin to a galaxy, yet it seemed to have thinned out since he had first laid eyes on it. Presumably, it would dissipate in time, returning to the world at large before being slowly absorbed by the creature population of this world, not unlike the way his own world worked regarding qi.


    The more I look, the more this dust reminds me of qi. I wonder how they are related and what the differences are.


    Ning Shan shook his head, dispersing those idle thoughts as he had no time to lose, not wishing to squander any more of his reward than he already did.


    Ning Shan entered the revolving cloud of dust, feeling it on his skin as it slowly entered his being, filling his meridians as it flowed through his core, empowering it. He always marvelled at how easy the process was compared to qi. There was no need for gruelling meditation with complex breathing techniques to slowly guide the qi within the body to accumulate within the dantian.


    He only had to breathe it in, and the system would do the rest. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but be uneasy, not being in complete control of the process. Fortunately, it seemed the lightning within his core served as a floodgate, stopping the dust from being more than he could handle at once.


    Ning Shan approached the revolving orange crystal. Standing before it, he could feel the intense power contained within, something he was deeply familiar with. After all, it resembled the power of someone at the Foundation Building stage, at least something akin to it.


    In normal circumstances, someone at the 2<sup>nd</sup> level of the Qi Refining realm would never be able to withstand such an influx of power, yet Ning Shan handled it with ease. After all, his body had once reached the apex of the mortal world. How could the power of a mere Foundation Building realm be anything compared to that?


    Furthermore, the power was integrated into his core slowly enough that he could easily acclimate himself to it. It felt as if this was how things were meant to be, and the countless techniques he had laboriously worked toward perfecting were nothing but the means of barbarians, too primitive to understand the ways of the world. Somehow, he couldn''t help but feel conflicted by how easy this all was.Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.


    Is there a catch in all this? I¡¯m sure there is...


    Slowly, the power was extracted from the orange core, reducing its size as more and more dust entered Ning Shan¡¯s body. He had already left the 2<sup>nd</sup> level of the Qi refining realm behind, entering the third. As soon as he did, all the power he had absorbed was consolidated into another ring that revolved around the crimson cube spinning in his dantian, leaving him dry as a desert. Yet, he soon felt another ocean of dust enter his core like an unending flood.


    He even saw another system announcement, giving him another number to reach to enter the 4<sup>th</sup> level. Yet, even that number was swiftly dwindling, even as it was almost double what had been required for him to reach the previous level.


    Time passed, and Ning Shan had already absorbed half of the orange crystal''s mass. The remaining half had also almost dispersed back into the atmosphere, leaving nothing but a barely perceptible shard hovering in the air.


    Ning Shan couldn¡¯t help but lament the speed at which he could absorb all this. If not for this restriction, he might have already reached much higher instead of being just a breath away from the 6<sup>th</sup> level of the Qi Refining realm. Still, he couldn''t complain, as achieving this level in his previous world would have taken a man of average talent over 10 years of gruelling cultivation.


    Looking inward, Ning Shan could see the same crimson cube he was familiar with, except that it had almost doubled in size. It somehow felt plump as four wide dust rings revolved around the core, spewing waves of power that infused his flesh and strengthened it. Even without testing it, Ning Shan could easily feel the increase in his own strength.


    With a slight smile of satisfaction on his face, he rose before approaching the remains of the men he had killed. He picked up one of the rifles, feeling its heft as he brought it up to his eyes as the men once did, aiming it toward the side of a stone building before pulling the trigger.


    A ray of dark red light emerged from the muzzle, racing at an inconceivable speed before impacting the target. A scorch mark appeared for a split second, making the stone glow a dim red before it deformed and caved as it was reduced to black ash, taking most of the structure with it.


    An interesting weapon... Ning Shan thought, yet he didn''t feel that impressed. It might work for those in the Qi Refining realm, but it''s nothing but a toy for those above. With the proper means, it would be pretty easy to counter. Furthermore, its ammunition seems to be limited. All in all, it''s not worth relying on.


    Ning Shan tossed the rifle aside and opted to reach for the weapon he had used to slay the leader: the metallic rod that seemed to produce a blade. Feeling it in his hand, Ning Shan seemed satisfied by how well it fit, even more so as he pressed the button, and the blade emerged from it.


    As everything was, it seemed to be made of dust, a mix between tangible and not. He swung it carelessly and could feel a strand of power detach from the cube in his core, flowing within his meridian before empowering the strike.


    The blade fell, producing a shock wave filled with power that seemed to follow the ethereal edge before being propelled forward and ending its flight onto a nearby stone facade, leaving a shallow mark upon it. While barely perceptible, Ning Shan''s eyes couldn''t help but light up upon seeing this.


    Is that Sword Qi? Probably not... it''s something close to it, or at least acts similarly. This might make for a decent weapon until I get the hang of this new power.


    User Has Equipped New Weapon: Dust Blade Mk. II...


    Granting Ownership...


    Ning Shan could feel the lightning in his core stir as if it sought to escape his control. It propagated along the meridian in his arm until it emerged through his palm, wrapping the metallic rod in a dull glow. Then, alongside a flash of light, the rod disappeared from sight, yet Ning Shan could still feel its existence clearly, located within his core as it orbited the star.


    He frowned. The sight of this small rod orbiting the origin of his power felt extremely foreign to Ning Shan. Even in his previous world, where spatial storage rings were common, a weapon being able to enter its owner''s body, even the core of his power, would be deemed a miracle. Even more so, as the rod was but an ordinary weapon, not a spiritual one able to share consciousness with its owner.


    Glancing at the screen ever present at the corner of his vision, Ning Shan noticed a new tab he knew wasn''t present before: equipment. He clicked on it, only for it to enlarge, showing the representation of everything Ning Shan currently owned, neatly arranged in a list, with a (new) next to the Dust Blade.


    He couldn''t help but burst out laughing at how absurd this all was, unable to understand the principle behind how this world operated. It all felt so artificial and arbitrary, almost like this was a construct manufactured by some higher species as an experiment.


    How absurd... just the energy requirement to sustain such a plane would be astronomical. Not even an ascended being would be able to do so, much less mortals, no matter how advanced they might seem.


    Still, Ning Shan decided to play along for the time being. Whether or not this thought was true, his goal would never change. He had once been caged inside the Nine Abyss realm by the Heavenly Dao and had chosen to confront it despite the overwhelming odds against him. This world wouldn''t be any different.


    Whether it was the Heavenly Dao or this world''s creator, none could stop the fire burning in his heart¡ªthe fire to finally shatter the chains that prevented him from truly ascending and becoming something more than he was born to be. Someone unfettered by all laws and rationales¡ªsomeone truly free.


    Let¡¯s not get ahead of ourselves, he reminded himself as he calmed down, taking a single deep breath. He still felt his heart pounding in his chest, and he had a slight smile on his face. There¡¯s still a long way to go before I return to my peak, but there¡¯s no rush. Eventually, I will reach even higher and then...


    Ning Shan''s thoughts were interrupted as he heard some movements behind him. He abruptly turned, power pooling in his hand as he felt the dust blade appear in his palm, eyes narrowed, ready for battle. Yet, it all seemed anti-climactic as he noticed the noise originated from the woman betrayed by her teammates as she began to regain consciousness.


    Somehow, with all that happened, Ning Shan had forgotten entirely about her. He couldn''t help but show a wry smile, yet it only flashed briefly before calm returned to his expression. Whether or not she seemed harmless, Ning Shan would never allow her to act against him.

 Chapter 10 - An Unfortunate Encounter

    Sera woke slowly, eyes blurred from dizziness. She propped herself up, leaning against a nearby wall, only to see her surroundings much too quiet. In fact, she felt the silence hanging over her to be much too eerie. It was only then that she remembered the reason she had lost consciousness.


    I need to get out of here and fast!


    She rose to her feet in a single leap, scanning her surroundings with her eyes, yet there were no traces of the Dustborn that had assaulted her and her former squad. In fact, she believed herself to be alone until she felt the end of a metallic rod pressing deeply on her back. Her eyes widened as she realized what it was. She couldn''t help but freeze, unwilling to produce any movement that could betray her nervousness.


    ¡°Very good,¡± Ning Shan said, standing behind the woman, his new weapon in his hand. ¡°Any sudden movements, and I¡¯ll have you join your former comrades in the underworld.¡±


    Hearing this voice, Sera felt a shiver creep up her spine, yet she managed to restrain it through gritted teeth. She took a deep breath and calmed herself. At the very least, she was still alive, and her captors didn''t seem to want to end her life¡ªat least not in the short term.


    "What do you wish to know?" she managed to say, yet her fear permeated her tone.


    Ning Shan smiled slightly, feeling a slight interest in this individual born of a different world.


    ¡°I do have some questions needing answers," he replied, yet the words felt awkward on his lips.


    He didn''t notice earlier, as he was too absorbed by the heat of battle, but this language was foreign to him, yet he could speak it. He figured this was another of the system''s functions, yet it all seemed too convenient.


    While he could understand the words in his brain, the mouth gymnastics he had to use to formulate the sounds weren''t something he was used to. As such, his speech pattern was crooked at best. So much so that Sera could hardly understand him.


    ¡°Who are you, and what are you doing here?" Ning Shan asked, speaking slowly, articulating the words as best as he could. Still, regardless of his will, they seemed to come out as if on auto-pilot.


    ¡°Sera... that''s my name. Uh... at least that''s what people call me while trying not to insult me. Otherwise, it''s ''Hey'' or ''You Bastard!''..." Sera rambled on, not making much sense, letting her nerves do the talking. Still, Ning Shan opted not to interrupt her. Hearing the dialect firsthand did wonders for his own pronunciation.


    After a while, however, Ning Shan felt this was going nowhere and brought her back to the matter at hand.


    ¡°I asked what your purpose here is." He pressed slightly harder on her back with the metallic rod in his hand, prompting her to tense up involuntarily.


    ¡°We¡¯re Dust Hunters... at least we were," she said, then hesitated nervously before adding, "The others... are they... dead?"


    ¡°They attacked me, so I responded in kind,¡± Ning Shan replied in a calm tone of voice, almost dismissively, yet this had the opposite effect on Sera, prompting her to tense up even more. Still, Ning Shan couldn¡¯t care less and prodded further,¡± What are Dust Hunters? What are they for?¡±


    ¡°Do you not know?¡± Sera replied, almost instinctively, her eyes growing wider.


    ¡°Enlighten me...¡±


    Ning Shan''s tone was grave, bringing another shiver to her spine. Still, she took a deep breath and calmed herself. Somehow, she knew that this man wouldn''t hurt her if she remained cooperative. At least, that was her feeling, and she had learned to trust her instincts.


    ¡°You''ve at least seen the red stuff spewing out of those creatures, right? We''re paid to bring back as much of that stuff to the city as we can. It seems they use it as some sort of power source and all other kinds of stuff."


    While rudimentary, it gave Ning Shan an idea of the structure of this world. This dust seemed to be a resource just like any other, prompting an industry to spring up around it, with hunters being the primary resource gatherers.


    ¡°So you hunt those creatures, the Dustborn you called them?" Ning Shan added after pondering for a bit.


    Hearing this question, Sera only showed a wry smile, yet she knew that being dishonest wouldn¡¯t bode well for herself.


    ¡°We were a Red-Class squad; hunting Red-Class Dustborn was our limit. However, such Dustborns are barely worth hunting. It¡¯s a waste of time and effort.¡±Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Ning Shan could only agree. Compared to the orange crystal he had absorbed, the red ones were barely enough to give him a few dust points each. If he were to translate the amount of dust to something he was familiar with¡ªnamely spiritual crystals made from condensed qi¡ªNing Shan could see that most red crystals would be barely enough to afford a meal.


    "How do you transport all this?" Ning Shan asked. "I''m sure you don''t just stuff it all in a bag or something."


    Sera paused; she couldn¡¯t help but grow some doubts, yet Ning Shan pushed the tip of his weapon even deeper into her back, prompting a small yelp to escape her lips.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you find the spiderbot?¡± she replied, her voice cracking.


    Indeed, he had seen the construct but had opted not to approach it. After all, this was an unknown world, and he had no idea what security measures these machines had. Thinking back to his own world, artifacts exploding as new owners tried to refine them were a common occurrence. More than once, his subordinates had been replaced following this fate.


    ¡°So these Dust Hunters... is this some sort of organization?¡± he asked.


    Sera froze, unable to answer as she now knew something was wrong.


    Nobody living in the city hasn''t heard about Dust Hunters, she thought. It doesn''t seem like he is toying with me; he honestly doesn''t know... Who is this guy?


    As her mind raced, trying to find a way out of this precarious situation, Sera heard a sound coming from above. Her body froze completely, and her eyes grew wide open. Sweat began to pour out of her skin, drenching the clothes beneath her large jacket.


    Feeling that something was wrong with his captive, Ning Shan''s gaze rose, only to rest upon a winged creature standing upon what seemed like a metal pillar curved at the top with a glass bulb at the end.


    The creature''s wings seemed to be made of metallic feathers, and although they were retracted, covering its body, judging by the creature''s size, they should span at least two meters. Its neck was long and curved, ending in a sharp beak that glistened slightly. Its large claws were wrapped around the metallic pole, leaving small indents as they scratched its surface. The creature''s eyes seemed dull, almost non-existent.


    ¡°What is that bird?¡± Ning Shan asked. ¡°Is everything around here made of metal?¡±


    ¡°Quiet!¡± Sera hissed quietly, her body tensing under the creature¡¯s watch. ¡°Don¡¯t let it hear you!¡±


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed, feeling slightly vexed at being commanded. How long had it been since someone had dared to take this tone with him? Still, as he was new to this world, the most prudent thing to do was to listen to the locals in matters of survival.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just one dumb bird?¡± Ning asked, his voice a whisper, just like Sera had asked. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you can¡¯t even deal with that? And you call yourself a hunter?¡±


    ¡°Just one bird?¡± she asked as she turned around, ignoring the weapon that Ning Shan pressed on her back. ¡°Are you trying to get us killed?¡±


    Ning Shan failed to react, as he was taken aback by her brazenness. She held the collar of his clothes with her gloved hands. Still, Sera was lucky that she had shown no violent intent; otherwise, Ning Shan might have reacted instinctively. Truthfully, all this time, he had felt no threat coming from her, almost as if she was a small animal he could crush at any moment.


    "Is it so dangerous?" Ning Shan asked, intrigued as he looked at the oblivious creature above them. "Just seems like a dumb bird to me... too bad you can''t barbecue them."


    ¡°Barbecue? What the hell are you talking about? Are you mentally challenged, or just hard of hearing?¡±


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed as his casual atmosphere dissipated, leaving only a coldness that chilled her to the bone. Ning Shan caught her by the throat, squeezing just enough to allow the barest amount of oxygen through.


    Sera tugged on his fingers, trying to pry them apart, yet they felt like steel. No matter how she tried, her efforts were in vain.


    "Listen here," Ning Shan said as he whispered next to her ear, bringing her face close to his own. "I may be new here, but that doesn''t give you the right to insult me. I may have allowed you some leeway until now, but you better remember who holds your life in his hands... understood?"


    She could only nod slightly while fighting through the pain of suffocation; only then did Ning Shan release her, his expression losing his earlier contempt, returning to his casual atmosphere.


    ¡°With this over with, mind telling me what¡¯s so dangerous about those things?¡± he asked. ¡°This one¡¯s been staying there for a while. Not even trying to attack us.¡±


    Sera coughed quietly as she tried to regain her breath. Knowing how futile it would be, she had to fight the urge to flee. She raised her head, looking upon the man who held her captive, only to be stunned, only just now realizing that he wore no mask.


    ¡°How are you fine breathing in that dust?¡± she blurted out, feeling an overwhelming dread.


    ¡°How are you not?¡± Ning Shan replied dismissively. ¡°Can you stop wasting time and answer my questions?¡±


    If Ning Shan could see under her mask, he would have seen her biting her lips, almost drawing blood. She had to use every bit of her self-restraint not to run.


    This guy is way too weird!!! she screamed internally.


    ¡°Okay, listen...¡± she said, almost as if to herself. ¡°These vultures feast on anything that contains dust. They¡¯re scavengers, congregating anywhere they feel like dust might be. While they are almost blind, they have a great sense of smell, allowing them to easily find their score. Some hunters even use them as recon to find dust veins. Still, despite their size, they aren¡¯t a threat individually.¡±


    ¡°If so, why isn¡¯t it interested in us?¡± Ning Shan replied. ¡°Better yet, why can¡¯t I just get rid of it?¡±


    "Listen!" Sera shrieked almost inaudibly. "Just because one isn''t a threat, doesn''t mean many aren''t too. Besides, these Dustborns rarely travel alone. Getting swarmed is asking us to get killed. Furthermore, once you kill one, it emits an ultrasonic wave, alerting its peers to its position. Meaning, if you kill this one, we''ll have to deal with countless others..."


    "Slight problem," Ning Shan interrupted, his gaze slightly more solemn.


    He used his hands and slowly turned the masked woman''s head around, gazing at the most dreadful sight. Her eyes grew wide open as her body became cold and still with fright. It was as if her heart had stopped.


    Before her were countless other vultures, looking down on them with dead, glassy eyes. Their numbers were overwhelming, so much so that even Ning Shan felt slightly threatened.


    "What now?" Ning Shan asked, his voice much more quiet than before. "Any genius plan, miss know-it-all, or should I just deal with them?"


    His voice brought her back to reality. She took a deep breath and nodded, keeping the metallic vultures in her sight.


    "I do have a plan," she said quietly before screaming, "RUN!" She left a stunned Ning Shan behind as she darted in the opposite direction of the horde.

 Chapter 11 - A Quest for Hope in a Forsaken World

    Stunned by what had just happened, Ning Shan remained quietly in place, watching the woman run away with all her might. The flock of vultures followed her with their heads as the sound of her hurried footsteps resonated against the massive structures of stone and steel that surrounded them.


    How long has it been? Ning Shan chuckled, feeling more amused than outraged by that woman''s actions. It may have been born out of ignorance, but to have the courage to stand against me is not something most could possess. After all, most that dared have already been laid to rest.


    As he was absorbed by the sight of her disappearing back as she turned around the corner of the street, Ning Shan felt a hostile intent aimed at the back of his head, but he was already prepared. With a swift motion, Ning Shan spun on his feet, cladding his hand in lightning as he sliced into the air, ripping the attacking vulture in two.


    It burst into a cloud of dust, obscuring his vision. A shrill sound echoed, almost deafening him. Incessant hissing burst into existence as the mass of vultures flapped their wings. A torrent of sharp wind threatened to rip Ning Shan to shreds. Fortunately, he instantly took refuge behind a large boulder, only for the wind blades to slam against it, leaving small indents on its surface.


    Picking up small stone rubble into his hand, Ning Shan carefully peeked out of his hiding place, only to see multiple vultures swarm him all at once, all the while others created even more wind. He couldn''t help but marvel at their teamwork as the approaching vultures glided among the sharp blades as if surfers on the waves.


    However, before they could reach him, stones collided with their heads, rattling their brains, and they fell from the sky like rain. Each stone had been expertly thrown, all reaching their targets perfectly. Upon seeing their comrades fall, the remaining vultures stopped flapping their wings, waiting to assess the situation.


    They¡¯re much too calm about this, Ning Shan frowned. They don''t act like beasts but more like a rehearsed army. Is this instinctual, or is someone guiding them?


    He scanned his surroundings yet felt nothing awry. There didn''t seem to be any pack leader staying away from the conflict to command them¡ªat least, Ning Shan couldn''t spot any, which only further unsettled him.


    If not that, is it because of that dust? Does it provide something more than what qi could? I may be overthinking, he sighed. After all, such things were recorded even in my original world. For there to be similar occurrences here may not be that far-fetched.


    Unwilling to miss this opportunity, Ning Shan sprung from behind the boulder, the metal rod in his hand. He pressed the button, and a blade of dust emerged from the opening, yet unlike what he had witnessed prior when the man had used it, his own blade was a denser red, almost as if made of blood particles. Still, he also noticed countless arcs of lightning bridging the void between each grain of dust. They were so small that he might have missed them if he hadn''t been enhancing his vision.


    The blade felt perfect in his hand, almost an extension of his own body, as it ripped into the air, nearly causing shock waves. At the slightest contact, the grounded birds burst into dust, directly adding to the blade, making the formation of the usual red crystal impossible. What couldn''t be absorbed instantly lingered in the air for a moment before being dispersed by the breeze.


    Seeing their compatriots being slain one by one, the remaining vultures up above threw caution to the wind as they flapped their wings again, undeterred if their comrades would meet their demise due to their actions.


    Smart... Ning Shan thought as he dodged the wind blades, slipping through them as he slew beast after beast; not a shred of mercy or sympathy in his actions, only the calculated step of a predator devouring his prey. They may be beasts, but they act almost like constructs: cold and calculating, willing to discard what has served its purpose if it meant the whole''s continued existence. While I might have been considered a meal at first, I am now a threat worth eliminating at any cost!


    If only to prove him right, many more arrived on the scene following the intense shriek they emitted as their death rattle, only to take the places of those who had already perished. As their numbers grew, the new arrivals plunged toward him, unaware of the storm brewing between them. The wind rend their flesh, yet they didn''t seem to care, using their own bodies to obscure the sky, preventing Ning Shan from calculating the blades'' path.


    Taken by surprise, he took a step to the side, avoiding the mutilated bird falling toward him, only to collide with another blade hidden behind the first one. He made a desperate attempt to avoid it, yet it hit his arm, shredding the skin, but fortunately, it wasn''t strong enough to reach the bone.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Blood flowed, and pain assaulted him. He gritted his teeth but remained focused on the battle, not allowing it to create a gap in his defence. While they had taken him by surprise with their suicide assault, such reckless actions would only work once.


    Still, Ning Shan was at a disadvantage, having to dodge all their wind blades while driving off the vultures that plunged to their deaths. He could only take relief in knowing that his reserves of dust were slowly going up due to the countless corpses littering the ground before exploding into clouds of dust.


    He dove back behind a large boulder if only to momentarily catch his breath. The storm seemed to have calmed as the vultures slowly fell back onto the metal structure, their numbers dwindling significantly. However, more were always incoming, bolstering them.


    This is never going to end... Should I run away?


    Ning Shan sighed, feeling a great shame at the mere thought. While this seemed the most sensible option, his sense of self almost refused to accept it. Defeat wasn''t who he was. Never had he buckled under insurmountable odds. He had always prevailed in the end.


    How irrational... Have I always been such a stubborn fool? Has a lifetime of victories made me consider myself invincible? I guess I should thank the Heavenly Dao for making me realize how human I am. Still, this doesn¡¯t make this situation any more palatable...


    With a sour taste in his mouth, Ning Shan did one thing he hoped he would never have to do. He picked up a piece of rubble of a decent size; he was only able to lift it using both of his hands before throwing it straight into the middle of the battlefield.


    The mass of stone collided with the ground before splitting, uncovering a massive amount of lightning Ning Shan had accumulated into its core using over a third of what he had accumulated. The core glowed briefly before discharging its content everywhere, searing everything with its might, prompting electricity to burn these metallic creatures from the inside out.


    Over half of them fell to the ground before bursting into dust clouds, creating a fine mist that blocked their already poor vision. But more than that, it also obstructed their hearings as the explosion rang into the air, bouncing off the buildings and the fine powder saturating the air.


    They remained stuck in place, waiting for this obstruction to subside, only to witness an empty space after it did. No more traces of Ning Shan were to be found, only the remains of their avian comrades slowly gathering into clumps before turning into crystals.


    With their prey out of reach, the vultures swooped down from their perches, gathering upon the ground as they gazed upon the dusty remains, a glint in their eyes. Then, without ceremony, the remaining birds opened their beaks and swallowed the hovering red crystals whole, erasing all traces of their deceased compatriot.


    If anything, there was no grief for the departed in their eyes, only the satisfaction of a meal earned on the back of the deceased. Some fought over the crystalline food, even going as far as to rip their opponent apart solely to dine on even the smallest piece of dust. It became an all-out brawl, where no reason prevailed, only the deep-rooted instinct of a predator and its prey¡ªthe survival of the fittest.


    Then, a loud cry echoed in the distance, high above the skyline of this devastated city, perched on the highest of those buildings made of stone and steel that sought to scratch the sky. There was a massive bird with wings of steel. Its eyes glowed a deep purple, and its presence alone prompted the avian scavengers to cease their folly and raise their heads to the sky. Then, they imitated the cry as best as they could, if only to pay respect to the monarch they served.


    Hidden beneath a pile of rubble, Ning Shan held his breath as he gritted his teeth, pushing down the shame he felt to the bottom of his heart, swearing to have his revenge on the one that had forced him this far. Fortunately, none had been witness to his shame, not even the monarch that ruled these skies, only his own self, yet that was already too much. The only way to erase it would be to erase their entire existence. Ning Shan knew his time would come... one day.


    ******


    "Persistent bastards..." Sera said if only to herself, her breath short. "How long did they intend to remain on my trails? Don''t they have any easier prey to catch?"


    She hid on the second floor of a secluded building, desperately trying to catch her breath as she carefully looked out of a nearby window. Most of the glass had already been shattered, exposing her to the outside, yet she couldn''t help herself. She desperately needed to determine if her pursuers were still on her trail. Yet, even as she waited more than an hour in deep suspense, none could be found nor heard.


    Finally alone... she sighed internally before her thoughts jolted back to the peculiar man she had met. Who the hell was he? Is he one of the pure ones I¡¯ve heard about? If so, what is he doing here alone? Is he even still alive?


    Her thoughts swirled, fielding questions after questions, yet she couldn''t make much sense of them. Still, every time she tried, they always returned to what had happened before she lost consciousness. Those scenes were seared into her mind, and their betrayal was still too vivid. Yet, what hurt the most was that she had been denied the relief of vengeance.


    She had no one to be the object of her grievances, nothing to fill the hole left by the incident. Still, survival was a good enough distraction to put those thoughts to the back of her mind for the time being.


    Let''s rest here for a while before finding my way back to the transport. It should still be waiting for me back at the city limit. With any chance, I''ll be able to return home safely...


    Home... such a word felt empty. As an orphan, she never had the luxury of contemplating what home meant to her. Still, in some ways, she viewed her team as some sort of family, people who would have her back, even though she knew it was all a fantasy. She had known from the start but couldn''t help but hope.


    Hope... is there even any hope left in this world? she thought as she closed her eyes for a short rest.

 Chapter 12 - An Unfortunate Reality

    Ning Shan remained still for more than two hours, carefully watching for any signs of the beast he had felt. Fortunately, the creature seemed uninterested in a small prey like he was. Still, he remained vigilant. He knew full well how these creatures hunted in his previous world, and didn''t think it would be any different in this new environment. The countless vultures flying overhead made it abundantly clear.


    When calm returned, and peace remained, Ning Shan emerged from his shelter of stone, dusting his clothes of the dirt that clung to him. His once pristine white garbs were now dirty and ragged, making him look nothing like he once was. He felt more like a peasant than an emperor.


    However, these two hours have given him time to process these new circumstances. Once, he would have lashed out at this humiliation, trying to clear away the shame. But now, he was calm and serene, only glad he would have the opportunity to do so. His shame had transformed into a cold flame, slowly but eventually consuming the world.


    With this behind him, he scanned his surroundings, only to find not even minute traces of the conflict that occurred only hours prior. He couldn''t help but wonder what kind of beings these creatures were, so ephemeral that not even their corpses would remain after their demise. They all seemed to turn into the same dusty powder before being blown by the wind or consumed by other creatures.


    Isn¡¯t that the carrier that woman spoke of?


    He laid eyes on the overturned spiderbot not far from here. It lay on its side, unable to move forward despite its efforts. Its legs flailed into the air, trying to reach the ground¡ªat least some of them did, while others were simply too broken for them to move.


    He stood next to it, examining the large opening on its back, only to find mere residue of what it once contained. Deep grooves were carved near the hatch that once sealed it shut, most likely caused by the scratching of avian claws and beaks. Only a slight trace of dust remained. Still, Ning Shan wouldn¡¯t let it go to waste.


    His hand reached for the opening, only for the dust to congregate into a small crystal no larger than the tip of one of his fingers. His eyes narrowed slightly. Something was gnawing at his mind.


    This didn''t happen when the vultures came to collect their fallen comrades. They just inhaled the dust as if breathing it in, while it always turned to crystal in my presence. Is it the same for all humans, or am I special in some ways? Considering the mask they wear, I probably am.


    Without hesitation, Ning Shan closed his hand around the dust fragment before it crumbled back into dust, infiltrating his flesh, coursing through his veins and reaching his core, adding to the ringed planet rotating there. He couldn¡¯t help but show a smile as he noticed it had grown substantially, almost enough to produce another ring.


    What now? Should I delve deeper or seek to find where these humans have made their shelter?


    He looked toward the depths of this abandoned city, only to remember the creature who seemed to be the overlord of this place. While not the strongest he had ever encountered, he knew he stood no chance against it. Its aura alone was enough to send him to the afterlife.


    Early stage tribulation realm... I didn¡¯t expect this world to be able to sustain its existence. Is this its limit, or are they able to break past it? After all, there doesn¡¯t seem to be a Heavenly Dao to restrict them, or is there?


    It was then that Ning Shan''s gaze was attracted to the window of light constantly advertising its existence at the corner of his eye. It pulses with an incandescent glow, making it almost impossible to ignore.


    What''s the ARK System''s purpose in all this? Is it merely the Heavenly Dao''s replacement or the reason for its absence? He sighed. Let¡¯s not get lost in conjectures. This world may not even have had a Heavenly Dao in the first place. I need more information...


    With his path chosen, Ning Shan avoided going further, opting to reach the city¡¯s edge instead. While the opposite would probably allow him to grow faster, doing so wasn¡¯t worth the risk. To rely too much on that system as the source of his strength would only be foolish.


    He took a single look behind him, his eyes narrowed as a cold killing intent flashed in them, if only briefly before being extinguished by reason. However, something caught his eye: a glint in the distance, a reflection of light buried beneath a tall building.


    Cautiously, he approached it, only to feel an overpowering presence within. He hesitated only for a moment before steeling his nerves.


    Let''s just take a quick look. This presence is at most in the Golden Core realm. If anything happens, I''m sure I can run away unscathed. I feel that if I don''t go, I''ll regret it...


    He peeked into a half-destroyed window, masking his breath and presence, only to be stunned by the sight. In the middle of a large atrium was a gigantic red crystal that sought to reach the ceiling. Around the base were countless small insects, almost invisible, slowly gathering the red dust and adding it to the pile.


    The mound slowly grew, only to collapse as it reached a critical mass before fusing into each other, forming even more crystal structure. Those ant-like beings worked tirelessly to increase their stockpile. As for where they gathered all this, Ning Shan didn''t know but could infer some things.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    I assume predation is a constant around here. Large creatures probably cannot consume their prey whole, so some waste is inevitable. After all, this dust isn''t much different from blood, and blood is sure to be spilled in any conflict. These insects act as scavengers, gathering the leftover remains of battle. But for what purpose?


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed as he looked at the core of the red crystal. There was an ant, only slightly bigger than his fist, stuck within the crystal as if it were a piece of amber. Yet, Ning Shan could very clearly see that it was still alive. After all, the aura it emitted was plain for all to see.


    The peak of the Golden Core realm... just a step away from a breakthrough, but its energy isn''t even close enough to achieve it. Usually, one would have to rely on the heavens to give the final push, yet here, they can only rely on brute force.


    As if to corroborate his assumption, Ning Shan noticed that the red crystal shifted colour the closer to its core one looked. While its exterior was a deep red, it soon turned to orange, the same colour as the creature Ning Shan had slain. However, further in, where the large ant was embedded, the crystal was now a deep yellow. He could even spy a slight trace of green, if only minute.


    Ning Shan could feel the strength comparable to the Nascent Soul realm from that green strand. While nothing compared to his former strength, Ning Shan almost couldn''t stop himself from desiring it, even if he knew what his outcome would be if he was that foolish.


    Through firm self-control, Ning Shan slowly backed away from the window, hoping not to disturb them. Once far enough away, he closed his eyes and let out a deep breath, washing away all the tension and nervousness.


    An interesting method for achieving a breakthrough. Still, at the current rate, it would take more than a decade before it has nearly enough time to accomplish its goal¡ªmore than enough time to do something about it.


    Ning Shan only glanced at the mound of red crystal, remembering its location before walking away. While he didn''t have much of a destination in mind, he chose the simplest: away from the feeling of danger that arose in the distance.


    ******


    ¡°How long are they going to keep pestering me?¡± Sera said to herself as she hid within another abandoned building, keeping her head down as countless vultures hovered overhead.


    Ever since she separated from the suspicious man she encountered, the flock had only grown in size, slowing her progress considerably. A distance that would have usually taken less than half an hour to cover had now taken over six.


    She looked down on the screen attached to her wrist, only to see that her satiety had dropped considerably. While not on the verge of starving immediately, she couldn''t estimate how long they would remain in the sky trying to seek her out. She clicked on a sidebar, and another gauge appeared, only for her to let out a long, silent sigh.


    Even my water''s running dry... Trying to find some in this barren place is practically impossible. If only I could have reached the transport already, then all of this would have been inconsequential... Don''t think about it; you''re almost there. Don''t rush, and you''ll be able to get out of this in one piece.


    She looked up above, seeing only a dim shadow blotting the light of the stars, if only briefly; this was how she knew they hadn''t given up. There was also the fact that her instinct screamed at her not to leave her shelter.


    For more than four more hours, she remained still, nervously watching the bird float overhead. Her stomach started rumbling, and her water had dried, yet she patiently waited, and her patience paid off.


    Their numbers slowly dwindle, leaving just a few. She hoped to see them all leave, yet her hopes were dashed. No matter how long she waited, they showed no indication of leaving.


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll find a better opportunity than this. I¡¯ll be saved if I can reach the transport, then all will be well. It should be right at the end of this street...


    She took a deep breath and gritted her teeth, preparing herself. A small red crystal emerged from the recess of her clothes, the only one she still possessed. Knowing what she was about to do, she couldn''t help but feel a slight pain in her heart, yet she would do it anyway, as her life was worth so much more.


    Hidden behind a broken wall on the ground floor, she threw the crystal to her left and waited for it to touch the ground. It made a crashing sound as it collided with the stone, shattering in a cloud of dust. The birds all turned their heads toward the sounds; some even plunged from the sky, attracted by the dust cloud.


    Taking advantage of the distraction, Sera sprung from her hiding place, rushing to her right toward where she knew they had left their transport. She ran with all she could, not even bothering to look behind herself to see if she had been followed, for she knew some would. A loud hiss coming from behind her only confirmed her suspicions.


    She ran even faster, her legs burning as they screamed for oxygen, as did her heart from the strain. Yet she didn''t stop, spurred on by the adrenaline that flooded her system. The screen on her wrist sounded a silent alert. It flashed with countless messages, but she ignored them all, for she knew what they wished to convey.


    Her heart rate was much more than she could endure, but she only willed herself forward toward her only chance of survival. Mere machines could never hope to understand what the living could achieve to remain that way.


    She turned the corner only to see a flickering light barrier as if a demarcation of the city''s boundary. Her legs were on the verge of giving out, yet she didn''t stop, giving all she could for one last push.


    She jumped forward, passing through the film of light just as a single vulture swooped down from above, missing her only slightly with its large talons before being stopped by the barrier. The creature didn''t even try to ram against it and only hovered in place, hissing just as many others swooped down to join it. The sound was deafening, but it only remained so for a moment before they dispersed, dejected.


    The government¡¯s barrier is just as wonderful as always... she thought as she rose to her wobbly feet, barely able to stand upright. Her breath was ragged, and her lungs burned, but at least she was alive. She turned toward her former comrades'' transport, feeling grateful to be alive, only for something to collide against her stomach. Her breath was cut short, and she collapsed, her vision blurry. Despite the pain, she raised her gaze only to see someone wearing remarkably similar clothes standing over her.


    ¡°Sera, was it?¡±


    She didn''t recognize the voice at first but found it strangely familiar. It was only when her breath returned, and the pain subsided, if ever so slightly, that it came to mind.


    Isn¡¯t that guy the leader of a rival hunter team? What is he doing here?¡±


    Despite the pain, her thoughts were surprisingly clear. However, she knew that this meant almost nothing. What could she possibly do alone against an entire hunter squad?


    ¡°Mind telling me where your boss is? We have some scores to settle,¡± the man said as he bent down, lifting her head by the collar of her jacket. She could see the man¡¯s eyes through his mask. They were filled with murderous intent!

 Chapter 13 - Planned and Rehearsed

    Sera felt a sharp pain in her core as if her stomach had ruptured, spilling its content, the acid burning through her flesh, but she knew this was just her mind filled with anxiety trying to tell her she was doomed. Still, the pain was real. She could still feel where the blow had landed as if it had just happened.


    She could clearly imagine the man before her, showing a mocking expression hidden behind his mask. His eyes showed as much, and his tone was playful.


    ¡°No point in trying to play the hero,¡± he said. ¡°You may not end as roadkill if I like what I hear.¡±


    She shuddered, somehow seeing her life flash before her eyes. It was short and filled with the stench of dirty backstreets, which didn''t really prompt her survival instinct to kick in. If anything, she could only lament how it all turned out. She knew it would be pointless even if she wished to run away as she always did.


    From the corner of her eyes, she noticed a small red dot aimed at her heart. She shuddered even more, looking in the distance, yet saw nothing but mounds of rubble as far as the eyes could see and a wide road piercing through the middle. However, she knew someone was hidden within, invisible, yet the threat was all too real.


    She gulped loudly, choosing her words carefully, yet nothing came to mind. She had no way out of this. She noticed the man grow impatient, and her anxiety mounted. She opened her mouth, yet silence reigned. The man''s eyes narrowed, but hers grew wider, filled with fear, and only the truth escaped her lips.


    ¡°They¡¯re dead,¡± she said, her speech hurried, drowned in a primordial fear.


    The man stayed silent. She could feel he doubted her words. She panicked.


    ¡°Killed, croaked, gone, snuffed, passed on!¡± she blurted out. ¡°They¡¯re all dead!¡±


    The man looked down at her, her collar still in his hand. In fact, she started levitating. Her feet left the ground. She could feel the tension of her clothes as she hovered, cutting her circulation from the pressure, yet the man seemed at ease despite her weight. She looked down, only to see a mechanical arm holding her. She didn''t remember this man having been augmented.


    ¡°Nice arm...¡± she squeaked. ¡°Lightforge Industries?¡±


    ¡°Nice, isn''t it?" the man said, yet there wasn''t the slightest trace of a smile in his eyes. "Carbon-fibre base with tungsten plating. Light and durable. The best of the best. Also, it costs an arm, but what can you do when it comes to quality?"


    ¡°How nice...¡± she replied sheepishly. ¡°Good for you.¡±


    "I have your boss to thank for that. Without him cutting my arm off, I may never have realized how nice their products are."


    Sera''s eyes widened even more as fear sprouted in them. Her breathing accelerated, and her gaze started shifting back and forth, seeking a way out where there was none. She only saw three other men guarding the perimeter. In their hands was state-of-the-art weaponry that she knew people of their ranks couldn''t afford.


    Her mind raced, trying to figure out how they could afford it, but she drew a blank. She didn''t even know why this mattered, but her mind needed something to distract herself from, and this seemed as good as any other.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask again, where is he?¡± the man reiterated. ¡°I don¡¯t believe he¡¯s paying you enough to risk your life on this.¡±


    She gulped again. She knew she was done for. There was now only one thing she could do. If the truth was out of the question, then she could only lie.


    ¡°We found a large deposit back there, and the boys are busy mining it,¡± she replied, stuttering most of the words. The fear was real, and it seemed to make her words more believable.


    ¡°There... that wasn''t so difficult, now was it?" the man said, finally easing her back to the ground. However, before she could relax, the man grasped her throat, threatening to pull away her mask. "Now... Why don''t you slowly guide us to them? Or... well, you know how it usually goes, don''t you?"


    Sera slowly tried to rock her head back and forth, yet was unable to. The man¡¯s hold was much too firm for her to overcome. She could only blink slowly, trying to get her message across. It was only then that the man released her.


    She fell to the ground, resembling a broken structure that had just lost its foundation. Her legs were weak, and her eyes watered. If she wasn''t so dehydrated, she might have soiled herself. Before she even had the chance to catch her breath, one of the three men grabbed her under her arm, prompting her to her feet before shoving the muzzle of his weapon down her back.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    A small yelp escaped her mouth, prompting the men to laugh, yet the threat remained. She walked back toward the light barrier unassisted, almost stumbling with every step. She stopped before the screen of light, unwilling to go back there, as she recalled what she had endured ever since they arrived here.


    This wasn''t how I pictured this day when I woke up this morning...


    Before she could will herself forward, the man behind her discharged his weapon on the ground, creating a ray of light that collided with a nearby stone. All of its energy was absorbed by the rock, raising its temperature until it became glowing red. She could feel the heat radiating through her clothes and could only imagine what it would feel like if she had been hit by it.


    ¡°Enough wasting time,¡± the man growled in a deep voice, yet muffled by his mask. ¡°Just get on with it!¡±


    However, before she could take the step herself, she was shoved forward by the butt of the man''s rifle, hitting the crux of her back. She rammed head-first into the light barrier, only to pass unscathed. She fell face-first into the rubble beyond, clutching at her mask with both hands, securing it firmly while not even bothering to break her fall.


    She rolled to the side, writhing in pain as a rock scraped one of her elbows clean. Red, warm blood flowed from the wound, yet her captor wouldn''t even let her experience that pain in peace. He picked her up by her clothes again, feeling her clothes dig between her legs. Even as a woman, the feeling was less than pleasant. She could only lament the fact that she seemed small and harmless, almost as if she were a pet.


    ¡°Careful. We wouldn''t want to damage the goods before we get what we came for," the man said, not even bothering to hide the derision in his tone. Never in her life had she felt so helpless despite having grown up on the street. After all, even back then, she had the option of running away.


    Now, however, that option had been taken from her. All she could see in her future was a rifle to the back of her head. She could barely stop the tears from flowing, knowing that they would realize she had lied and they were dead.


    ******


    Ever since he had left the area where the giant mound of red crystal was, Ning Shan had trekked through the ruined city, avoiding all manners of deformed creatures he encountered. He considered slaughtering them for the dust they contained but chose against it as he couldn''t get the giant purple-eyed bird out of his mind.


    He looked overhead, seeing a slight shimmer in the distance, using it as a guidepost. He had almost reached his destination when he heard the sounds of other living beings in the area. He stopped and squinted, waiting for the sound to become clearer, only to dash to a nearby building soon after.


    He waited, his back against the wall of a nearby window, peaking through it. The sound grew closer, reverberating throughout the streets. The sound of many rubber boots hitting the hard pavement was clearly different from the usual subdued steps of wild animals. They didn''t even try to mask the sound. So much so that Ning Shan would even believe they did it on purpose to lure him out.


    However, he was proven wrong as he saw a group of five emerge from the rubble, walking in a tight formation, their weapons raised, yet still somewhat relaxed. There was even a man walking with his arms behind his back, completely unconcerned, followed by another who seemed strangely familiar yet much too nervous compared to the other four.


    It was only a split second later that Ning Shan finally recognized her as the woman who had previously left him behind. He could only shake his head at how unlucky she was. Her situation was obvious from her body language and the sheer dread that oozed out of her.


    What''s the best way to go about it? Should I take my chances with them or leave them be?


    He looked to their current destination and found that they would reach the stash of red crystal if they continued on this path. While he doubted they could do anything against the swarm of ants, he was unwilling to take any chances.


    He looked back at the group, only to leak a slight hint of killing intent, which went entirely unnoticed before he quickly buried it in the depths of his heart, showing only a cold and calculative smile on his face. This bounty was his to claim in the future; he wouldn''t let anyone learn of it until he was ready to harvest it.


    He quietly observed them, following from a distance until he noticed something. From time to time, he could see a red dot appear on the woman''s clothes, aimed at her heart. He didn''t think much of it at first, thinking it was probably the quirks of this world. Yet, he also felt a slight hint of killing intent every time it appeared before it disappeared again.


    Each time the woman noticed it, she would shudder and look even more uncomfortable. It strangely felt like a predator toying with a cornered prey, only to see it despairing at what awaited it.


    The next time the dot appeared, Ning Shan prompted the dust to reach his eyes, activating his peculiar sight. The world shifted, and he could finally see what he had missed. Reflected by the dust permeating the air was a long, straight ray of light originating in the distance.


    He followed it, only to see a man at the other end, kneeling on the ground as he raised one of the peculiar weapons the people of this world liked to use, except that it was much longer and seemed even more deadly. The man seemed to be giggling, and Ning Shan could see his chest rise and fall to the rhythm of his chuckle.


    With narrowed eyes and a slight smile, Ning Shan jumped from roof to roof, rushing towards the man, making sure to stay out of sight. The only way to do so was to circle around the group, which took a long time. Finally, he ended the chase behind the man, completely unnoticed.


    He only hesitated for a moment, seeking the best way to end this man''s life. As for sparring him, it never even crossed his mind. He had no intentions of showing mercy to armed men. More than once, he had been burned by his naivete when he was younger. Not learning from it would be disrespecting himself and what he had experienced.


    In a swift motion, he slid his left hand beneath the man''s mask, blocking his mouth and nose and ripping the man''s mask apart in the process. To him, this seemed the optimal method instead of aiming for his throat as he could stop him from uttering any sound, and in the case where he failed, he knew the loss of the mask would be a death sentence.


    With his right hand, he formed a spear and used his qi to clad his fingers with lightning before thrusting straight into the man¡¯s back. As he expected, the man wore armour, yet it easily buckled under the force of Ning Shan¡¯s thrust, breaking through while barely making a sound. In fact, his hand slid into the man¡¯s flesh as if through butter, emerging from the other side, the man¡¯s heart in his hand.


    The organ soon collapsed into dust as it was removed from his body, floating away in the breeze. The man''s eyes grew wide with terror, if only for a split second before his body started disintegrating. Less than a breath later, nothing remained of him except for a pile of dust that soon dissipated in the wind and his gear safely into Ning Shan''s hand. Everything went as he had expected: precise and silent as if everything had been rehearsed a thousand times before.


    With the threat eliminated, Ning Shan stood at the edge of the building, looking down at the group of five, who seemed totally oblivious to what had just happened while he planned his next step.

 Chapter 14 - A Plan Made in the Heat of the Moment

    Ning Shan took the metal weapon into his arms, feeling its heft. In a smooth and practiced motion, he raised the rifle to eye level before kneeling down, resting the muzzle onto a nearby raised ledge, just as the man he had just taken out had done, imitating him almost perfectly.


    A single eye looked through the long scope, enhancing his vision until he could see the woman''s hair follicles. However, coupled with his already enhanced sight, this only gave him a headache. He looked away, deactivating the technique.


    He paused momentarily, familiarizing himself with what this rifle was meant to be, all its moving parts and the trigger he felt would discharge the weapon''s lethality. Only then did he aim toward the man who seemed to be their leader, hesitating for just a moment as the cross-hair rested on his head before pressing the trigger.


    A soft, almost silent click was heard, then nothing. There was no discharge of energy nor mass speeding through the barrel. Ning Shan frowned and tried again, only for the same result to repeat itself. He knew this should have been the proper steps, but the result bewildered him.


    His eye left the scope, and he examined the rifle, only to find a notch on its side. He pulled on it to reveal an empty compartment. Something told him there was supposed to be something within¡ªsomething used as an energy source.


    Then, the thought hit him. He looked to the screen of light, only to see that the number had gone up. He could only bury his head in his hand, feeling slightly ashamed that he hadn''t noticed it sooner. This rifle was powered by red dust crystals, but it had been shattered and absorbed as soon as Ning Shan held the weapon.


    Does that mean I can''t use any of this world''s weapons and am relegated to only melee ones? If so, this will make it quite inconvenient. Still... Why do those crystals burst apart as soon as I touch them? Does this have to do with this tribulation body?


    Just as Ning Shan was about to toss the weapon away for being useless, he was stopped by a system message appearing in his sight.


    New Weapon Acquired...


    Lightforge Industries Hyperion SR-005 Obtained...


    He then felt the large mass of metal shrink, only for it to disappear. Yet he could still feel its existence, slowly orbiting the planet in his core, just like the dust sword he had acquired beforehand.


    He couldn''t help but frown, feeling something was wrong. After all, the system wouldn''t go to such lengths for a weapon that appeared useless. Surely, he could now make good use of it.


    He retrieved the sniper rifle, only to feel that it felt different in his hands. Its weight was almost gone, and its unwieldiness had been reduced substantially. Aiming this monstrosity was now nearly effortless. Furthermore, a prompt appeared as he held the beast, quantifying his ammunition. Still, he couldn''t help but frown further.


    5 shots remaining...


    Ning Shan stopped dead in his tracks, his enthusiasm deflating almost immediately. While being able to use the weapon was a pleasant surprise, each shot cost a total of a hundred dust points¡ªmuch too steep of a price. In fact, it felt almost unreasonable. He nearly caved into the rising urge to throw it away, if only to discard this insult of a needy weapon.


    He took a deep breath and calmed himself, his gaze resting on the group below as he weighed his options.


    I could probably take them on, but would that be wise? This world has too many unknowns to simply take the risk...


    It was then that something flashed in his peripheral vision. He turned to the side, raising the rifle''s scope to his eye, only to find it too unwieldy despite the reduced weight. In fact, the muzzle protruded over the wall, giving away his position. In a swift motion, he disconnected the scope from the rifle, only to stash the mass of useless metal back into his core.


    While I could enhance my vision, why use precious dust points when I don''t need to? At least this weapon can be used for something instead of rotting away.


    In his sight appeared a pack of wild coyotes scavenging for sustenance¡ªat least beings that resembled coyotes, except that they were made entirely of metal and moving parts, almost as if they were complete mechanical beings.Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more.


    A dark red granular liquid dripped from their mouths, scattering on the ground before being blown away by the breeze in a slight dust cloud, leaving nothing behind. Their noses were stuck to the ground, sniffing away with abandon, an act he had seen countless times before¡ªpredators in search of prey. This gave him an idea. He looked down toward the group of five, only to show a slight but malevolent smile.


    He jumped from his perch, landing on the roof of a nearby building two stories down, only to continue until he reached the ground. He was only a few meters away from the pack, standing in the midpoint between the two groups. He made no sounds even as he landed, yet the coyotes were fully aware of his presence.


    Without waiting to be acknowledged, Ning Shan picked a small rock and threw it toward the beasts, gaining their full attention before sprinting in the opposite direction. Without the slightest lapse, the metallic creatures sprung after him, following closely and gaining on him.


    Ning Shan swerved around the nearby rubble mounds, keeping an adequate distance from them, trying to make his escape believable. He didn''t have to try hard to make it so, as he was indeed running for his life. The beasts were much more bloodthirsty than he expected and much faster. He ran with all his might, yet a smile never left his lips as he knew perfectly what he was doing.


    The creatures gained on him, yet Ning Shan¡¯s route was short, hardly enough for them to catch up, given his headstart. In front was the end of an alley that flew to the main street, where the group was poised to walk. Just as he was about to emerge from it, Ning Shan stomped his feet, breaking the ground as he rose in the air, shifting between both opposing walls before landing through an opened window, out of sight.


    Unable to stop their charge, the creatures ran past into the street, coming face to face with the armed group of humans. As Ning Shan had expected, the humans were ready for them. After all, the chase had been all but subtle. The cacophony of barks and hurried footsteps had resonated for miles around, prompting the group to take positions, awaiting their ambush.


    This, however, wasn''t Ning Shan''s goal. He knew those men were professional and wouldn''t be taken down by a half-assed plan made on the spur of the moment. Instead, he depended on what was sure to happen next.


    Shots were fired, creating beams of light that collided with the creatures. Some caught fire from the high-energy beam, while others were severed in two. While numerous, the coyotes'' numbers were cut in half almost immediately. However, Ning Shan could see the men frown as the creature didn''t stop in their assault, even as they dropped like flies one after another.


    A thick dust cloud hung over the street, almost blocking their sights, yet the shots never stopped, even for a moment, not until all had been slain. When calm finally returned, none of the men had been touched while all the coyotes had been slaughtered to the last, yet none of the men lowered their guards. If anything, they seemed even more nervous than before. Ning Shan could see the woman shake in her boots, almost comically so.


    Silence reigned but for a moment before the dust settled, revealing countless vultures perched on the nearby rafters and street lights, looking down on them and eyeing the remaining dust. The group paused; Ning Shan could easily imagine how ugly their expressions were hidden beneath their mask. After all, he had experienced firsthand how perseverant these vultures could be.


    He quietly went to ground level, waiting to take advantage of the situation. Whatever they chose¡ªwhether to flee or fight¡ªhe knew these men would be distracted, allowing him to achieve his objective. Still, he couldn''t help but applaud these men for how professional they acted.


    Unlike the other group he had slain some time prior¡ªwho had fled at the first opportunity¡ªthese seemed more like seasoned warriors, ready for a bitter struggle, the possibility of failure never even crossing their minds. He wondered if this was the norm, or they were simply elite.


    Quietly, the group started retreating, giving the vultures the space to gorge themselves on the coyotes'' remains. This seemed like the wisest of choices, yet Ning Shan couldn''t let his plan fall apart that way.


    He sought for a small pebble off the ground, holding it in his hand before arcing back and springing like a tensed bow, flinging the rock through a window, directly hitting one of the vultures. They all turned towards the pebble''s origin in unison¡ªeven the group did so, but only with their eyes, keeping the main threat straight in front of them.


    Still, they couldn''t stop their eyes from frowning. After all, they weren''t dumb, and the signs were much too obvious. Their retreat never stopped, even becoming slightly more hurried. However, this had the opposite effect.


    A man stepped onto fractured glass, creating a slight cracking sound that broke the tense atmosphere. The vultures turned back to them, almost ignoring where the pebble had come from. After all, there was a threat in front of their eyes that needed to be dealt with. They could worry about what was hidden from them afterwards.


    Countless hiss broke the silence as the birds flapped their wings. The men didn¡¯t even wait for orders from their boss before running backwards and, just as Ning Shan expected, using the woman as bait.


    Their leader pushed her to the ground. She fell face-first onto the hard stone, tumbling slightly as they ran away, shooting at the flying creatures that rushed them. Sera rose up, slightly dizzied, and could only cower before the avian onslaught. She remained stunned, hardly able to move a muscle as fear paralyzed her. Just as she was about to say her goodbyes to this short life, a stone fell in front of her, cracking slightly before bursting into a star of light. Surprisingly, she didn''t feel the scorch she expected, but only the all-encompassing light.


    Of course, Ning Shan had been the one to throw it, using the very same technique he had once used on those same birds, and the result was predictable. The light blinded what remained of their already dimmed vision, while the sound also deafened them. Some even dropped from the sky, unable to control themselves.


    With the human group out of reach, Ning Shan jumped into the fray, rushing to the woman''s side. He retrieved the dust blade from his core and quickly activated it as he swung. The blade spun like a sharp whip, creating a large circle around them both, cutting into the hard pavement.


    Slabs of blacktop were flung into the air as they were severed, even crashing into the nearby vultures, blocking their charge. An explosion of debris and dust followed the receding light, prompting all the remaining birds to stop midair, somewhat bewildered. Others crashed straight into the falling stone before getting crushed under it.


    Once peace returned, there were no signs of Ning Shan or the woman; even the street had changed drastically. There was now a large hole where they used to stand, where not even the light of the stars could reach. It was now an abyss so deep that not even the avian scavengers dared to tread¡ªa world beyond the reach of man.

 Chapter 15 - A World Bathed in Eternal Darkness

    Down in the depths of the earth, there was only dimmest of light. Ning Shan stood, bewildered, until his eyes finally adapted to his environment. He had no idea how far he had fallen, much less how he had survived the drop, yet he was completely unharmed but lost.


    The ground was hard under his feet; walls surrounded him on all sides. They glowed slightly, just enough so that he could approximate their shapes. As for how they did so, he had no idea. Ever since he was thrown into this world, he hadn''t seen much signs of light except for the scarce stars painting the night sky. There was also the dim celestial object resembling a moon, yet this hardly compared with the blazing sun.


    ¡°How much longer is the night going to linger?¡± he whispered, if only to himself. ¡°I can¡¯t wait for it to be over, to finally be rid of this darkness...¡±


    He felt some movements coming from behind him. He turned on his heels at extreme speed, thrusting a hand forward, only to collide with Sera''s neck. Once again, she had been caught not long after waking following the fall. She stopped in place, her eyes growing slightly larger, resembling a small animal before a predator.


    Ning Shan, however, only held her briefly before letting go. While still wary of others, he had never felt any threat from her. In fact, all he felt was pity at how unfortunate she seemed. Finally released from the danger to her neck, Sera had a question on her mind she couldn''t help but voice.


    "What is the ''Night'' supposed to be?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.


    Ning Shan frowned, thinking she may be toying with him. After all, how could she not know the meaning? However, it was then that it hit him. He had gotten so used to his words being instantly translated that he didn''t even notice that the word "night" had been said in his previous language.


    Is there a glitch in the language function? he thought, looking at the woman who seemed a head shorter than he was. While possible, I doubt it... The most plausible explanation is that no similar meaning exists in their language... but how could that be?


    Ning Shan couldn''t let it rest and had to get to the bottom of it.


    "Do you not know the concept of day and night?" he asked but then froze. The word "Day" also hadn''t been translated. He couldn''t help but frown deeply.


    Sera looked back at him, feeling slightly confused. Ever since she first met him, his pronunciation had been much too weird, but now he also spoke of words she couldn''t understand, much less echo them back to him. In fact, she tried to say them back, trying to uncover the meaning, yet she failed.


    ¡°Day is when the sun radiates its light on the land, dispersing the night. Both alternate, one after the other, without end. Does this not occur here?" he asked, only to hear an answer he hadn''t expected.


    ¡°Sun?" she replied; at least this word was easier to say, but she butchered it even then. "How extravagant... I''ve heard some of the city''s wealthier individuals can live in the illuminated district. Do you even know how much dust that takes? Even the boss had never been fortunate enough to witness it."


    ¡°You mean to tell me this world lives in perpetual darkness? How can you not grow insane?¡± Ning Shan¡¯s expression grew uglier by the second. ¡°How can you even see without any light?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t the dots in the sky enough? Besides, our masks allow us to see in the dark," she replied, almost as if on reflex. Only then did she pause and take a few steps away from him. "Speaking of which, how can you even be fine without your mask? You shouldn''t even be alive right now!"


    Ning Shan sighed, ignoring her outburst. This world was much too weird. How could life flourish without any light? His thoughts stopped abruptly. He had missed a detail, yet when he paused to think about it, it seemed to fit right in.


    Ever since I''ve been transported here, I''ve never seen a single hint of plant-based life, have I? In fact, even the fauna seemed to have evolved and become at least half mechanical in nature. Has this world always been like this, or did something happen to it?


    He then turned to face Sera, countless questions swirling in his mind. Still, he voiced none of them. Firstly, he had no reason to believe whatever she told him, and she seemed almost clueless to the ways her world operated. She reminded him of the war orphans he had seen so often in his previous world: too focused on their own survival to open their minds to the greater picture. Still, there was one question he couldn''t wipe from his mind.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Without any light or plant life, what do they even do for sustenance?


    Speaking of which, ever since he had been transported here, Ning Shan hadn''t felt the pangs of hunger even once. It took him until now to realize since he hadn''t felt such feelings for centuries. However, that was due to the ever-present qi, constantly nourishing his body. But now? How could he receive nourishment in this barren environment? Unless...


    This dust again... I¡¯ve seen the creatures of this world fight over it, trying to predate on each other, and it seemed to make them grow. On the other hand, I''ve also seen these humans perish when they come into contact with the dust. Their masks are the greatest proof of it. Then... what does that make me? Why does the dust act on me the same way as with these creatures?


    Ning Shan took a deep breath, calming his heart rate, and then focused on the problem at hand. In trying to save this woman, they had both fallen underground, however far it was. Still, he could still feel a slight breeze on his face, meaning there should be an exit somewhere. He only had to find it.


    ¡°Why did you save me?¡± Sera asked.


    She couldn¡¯t help but be puzzled about his actions. After all, the way they met and parted was far from perfect. In fact, she couldn¡¯t help but feel he might still hold a grudge for what she had done. Still, Ning Shan¡¯s answer left her speechless.


    "As you might expect from our earlier conversation, I am unfamiliar with your world and need a guide to integrate seamlessly into it. You just seemed the easiest to take advantage of."


    If her mouth could be seen, it would be hung open, showing the back of her throat. Still, she couldn¡¯t deny his words, as most people she had ever encountered had reached the same conclusion.


    At least this man is honest, unlike all those who tried to trap me with flowery words and empty promises only to discard me in the end. Still, judging by the way he used those Dustborns against the hunters, this guy seems resourceful. It might be worthwhile to stick with him... Besides, now that they are all dead, what other choices do I have?


    Ning Shan watched her closely, feeling every shift in her mental state. He knew exactly what she was thinking and couldn''t help but approve. After all, relationships based on gains and losses were much more trustworthy than mere feelings such as honour, integrity, or righteousness. In fact, he could barely stand those hypocrites.


    Without waiting for her input, Ning Shan began to walk toward where the wind originated. He entertained the thought of climbing out of this hole only briefly before dismissing it. After all, he couldn''t see how far they had fallen, nor any holds to aid in the climb. The nearby walls were as smooth as could be, resembling metal sheets.


    Sera followed suit, feeling slightly unnerved by the confidence with which he walked through the darkness. It was as if this was his realm, where he ruled as king. Even with the improved vision granted by her mask, Sera could barely see a few feet before her, yet the man just walked straight through the darkness without care.


    Ning Shan''s world now glowed in shades of red. Using his enhanced vision, he could see the red dust slowly floating in the air, making the nearby walls pop against the gradient. He was continually stunned by this red dust''s prevalence, as if not a single inch of this world was devoid of it.


    How can they live if this is poison for them but is everywhere? I should really reach this city of theirs. I might finally get some answers...


    ¡°How should I address you?" Sera asked, her voice much too quiet for his liking. It made him look like a giant monster ready to devour her whole. Still, this had been the norm for as long as Ning Shan could remember. Not many had the guts to talk to him as an equal. Most who had dared had been his enemies. Their endings were predictable.


    ¡°Just call me Ning Shan," he said dismissively. Still, he wondered how long it had been since anyone had used his name. A few faces flashed in his mind, yet they were blurry at best¡ªall of them had long returned to the earth''s embrace.


    A feeling of loneliness assaulted him, if only momentarily, before he scoffed, extinguishing it almost immediately. He had no use for such weak emotions when his showdown with the world still awaited him. He had yet to give up on his ambitions.


    "Ning Shan..." she repeated, yet her pronunciation was less than pleasing, almost like nails on a chalkboard. He showed a slight grimace, yet was hidden as he had her back toward her. For a split second, he thought to make her address him as Sovereign, just as countless had done before but sighed in the end. This wasn''t the world he had left. Trying to cling to past glories just seemed sad and pathetic.


    ¡°Ning Shan,¡± he said again, emphasizing the right way to say it. ¡°Practice well. I won¡¯t tolerate this for long, or I might consider you are doing it on purpose. I don¡¯t take kindly to disrespect.¡±


    Sera didn¡¯t take it to heart. Compared to some of the men she had encountered, Ning Shan was much more patient than them. It wasn¡¯t rare for someone to be found dead for simply looking at a powerful man wrongly. To be given a warning seemed like a luxury.


    ¡°Have you ever heard of this place?" Ning Shan asked as they walked through the empty corridor. Except for small piles of rubble, evidently coming from the half-collapsed ceiling, the corridor was straight and narrow, free of most obstructions. Considering the state of the city above, Ning Shan found this most unusual.


    ¡°Nobody goes down here," she said, slowly getting used to his presence. "If they once did, they never returned to tell the tale. In the first place, this city had been made off-limits by the government. If anyone knows, it should be them."


    ¡°Why are you here if it is forbidden?"


    ¡°We need money to live," she shrugged. "Them forbidding entry means they are trying to keep something for themselves. Trying to profit from it is only to be expected."


    ¡°Nice to see that greed exists everywhere,¡± he replied.


    ¡°I only do what I can to survive,¡± she said, putting some weight behind her words.


    Ning Shan offered a slight smile which went unnoticed. While this was far from enough to make him trust her, it was a start. The urge to survive made people easy to predict. Only those with nothing to lose posed a real threat to Ning Shan. He couldn''t help but remember how those vultures acted, throwing themselves into the wind blades without regard for their own lives. It still left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    Suddenly, a dot of light appeared in the distance, somehow resembling the stars outside. Except, they were still underground. They hadn''t even changed elevation. Ning Shan couldn''t help but frown, redoubling his caution. If what Sera had said was accurate, and light was scarce in this world, then this was highly suspicious. Still, he couldn''t not go.

 Chapter 16 - A Macabre Discovery

    Ning cautiously trudged on through the darkness, a single hand carefully gliding over a nearby wall as he pressed forward toward the dim light in the distance. It flickered at an irregular pace, sometimes remaining extinguished for minutes at a time before suddenly springing back to life, each time with a little less strength as if poised to disappear at any moment.


    Ning Shan accelerated his pace, unwilling to let it die before he could uncover its origin. Sera could barely keep up with him. She almost had to run, and her steps echoed off the smooth metal walls surrounding them, breaking the uneasy silence.


    With the darkness around them, Sera could barely estimate the distance as every step was uneven. More than once, she threatened to fall as her feet collided with piles of rubble lying straight in the middle of the corridor. Yet, what truly unnerved her was that the man before her never broke his pace. He swerved around all obstacles, avoiding them all even though the darkness was all-encompassing. Only her mask could barely help her see through it.


    "How long has it been?" she asked; the nervousness in her tone was overwhelming. Even Ning Shan felt disturbed by the eeriness of their situation.


    "Too long..." he mumbled, also feeling that something was wrong. He felt they had long walked past the city''s limits, yet the corridor still seemed unending, the light still out of reach.


    Suddenly, a crash came from behind him, the sort of dull sound a body makes as it hits the ground. He turned only to find Sera sprawled on the ground, both hands clinging to her mask as if her life depended on it. His first instinct was to leave her behind, yet soon ruled against it. He took a deep breath and calmed himself, wondering where all this hastiness came from.


    I have all the time in the world... Why would I seek to reach this light at all costs? Even if it were to fizzle out, what''s it to me? Why should I care?


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed slightly, feeling something was wrong. To rush ahead in complete darkness was unlike him. The risk of such an endeavour certainly wasn''t worth it. If not for Sera crashing down, pulling him away from his trance, he might have found himself in a situation he couldn''t control. Still, at this point, he couldn''t not go. This light flickered in the distance as if taunting him with his glow. His curiosity couldn''t resist its allure.


    With a sigh, Ning Shan turned around, pulling Sera back up by pulling on her hand. He raised her up as if she was a child, which couldn''t help but stun her. She hadn''t expected this man to care even the slightest bit. She tried to thank him, even if she didn''t know why she should, only to be ignored entirely. Ning Shan had already resumed his journey toward the light, but the pace was much more manageable. There seemed to be no more urgency.


    ¡°Shouldn''t we look for a way out of this place?" Sera asked, the uneasiness growing stronger the further they went, as if they were delving into an unending abyss they could never escape. Every fibre of her being screamed for her to leave as fast as possible as if she couldn''t withstand what lay beyond.


    "Find me an exit, and I''ll be happy to oblige," Ning Shan replied, making her shut up. While she felt that his responses were always so abrupt, she was grateful that he even bothered to do so, as most would have simply chosen to ignore her. Unable to bear the silence, she decided to go for small talk.


    "Where are you from?" she asked. "I''ve never heard someone speak the way you do. It''s as if this is your first time hearing the language, and you''re simply mimicking what you''ve heard..."


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was that bad,¡± he replied, turning his head slightly so that he could see her from the corner of his eye. ¡°Even if I were to tell you, I don¡¯t think you¡¯d know about it.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean you¡¯re from another city?¡± she asked. Her tone was filled with wonder of what his answer might be.


    Ning Shan frowned, thinking of the implications of this statement.


    From her tone, I can see these people don''t interact much with other settlements. It seems as if humanity has become fractured. Considering the ruins above, I wouldn''t put it past them to be on the verge of extinction. There''s also the lack of sunlight... What the hell happened to this realm?


    ¡°Somewhere much further,¡± he replied, not giving out much details. After all, he had no idea if this woman could be trusted with this information. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to return there.¡±


    Surprisingly, Ning Shan felt no attachment to his former realm. While he desired to return, it was only so he could stick it to the world''s will of that place, proving that he had what it took to overcome it. His goal had always been to break free of its control, and he had already achieved it in a way, even if he was now bound to this foreign world.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    ¡°You¡¯ve mentioned you were here to hunt, but do you have any idea how this city came to ruins?¡± he asked, slowing his pace even further, allowing Sera to keep up with him. She remained silent for a while, mulling over her thoughts, only to shrug soon after.


    "Not much is known, mostly because people don''t care to find out," she replied. "Surviving is already hard enough; who has time to ponder history? If you''re that interested, the government may know something, though I doubt they''ll be very forthcoming. Knowledge is power... or something like that, but I beg to differ. Money is where true power lies. Without money, people aren''t worth much..."


    She began to ramble on about her grievances with the government, the abuse it met out and the people''s dissatisfaction, yet Ning Shan ignored her. How could an individual at the bottom rung of society possibly know what it meant to rule? Ning Shan wasn''t interested in the ethics of governance, especially in a world on the brink of extinction. Survival was already good enough. It wasn''t his place to judge... not unless they proved to hinder his path.


    As expected, asking her about the world''s overall state is a waste of time. I guess I''ll have to make the trip to find out more.


    Ning Shan''s eyes widened slightly as the dim light grew in size while retaining the same dull glow. His destination was slowly coming into view. His pace accelerated, leaving Sera slightly behind. He crossed the last few metres briskly, only to stop abruptly when the corridor soon transitioned to a large room.


    The walls remained as slick and smooth as they were in the corridor, yet they reached for the sky; the ceiling was almost out of sight. As he couldn¡¯t see any stars from his vantage point, Ning Shan assumed they were still underground.


    He scanned the room but failed to identify how large it was. It reminded him of the first room he found himself in as he appeared in this world. It seemed made of the same material, yet he couldn''t identify it. It appeared to be an alloy of countless other metals, some even foreign to him, granting both extreme durability and an uncanny malleability. A dichotomy he found almost impossible. Not even his former world''s spiritual metals could replicate those traits.


    Strewn around the room were countless apparatus Ning Shan could barely recognize. In the middle was a pedestal Ning Shan could barely make out in the darkness if not for its unusual dull glow. What seemed to be upright glass coffins were neatly arranged on each side, forming a pathway from the end of the corridor up to the pedestal.


    On closer look, they seemed to contain some sort of liquid within, but most were already broken. The transparent outer shells were shattered; their content spilled onto the ground but evaporated into the air, leaving just a dull trace of their former existence on the floor and a slightly sweet smell. Few were those still intact. However, all were empty except for the liquid within.


    Ning Shan frowned as he looked at the receptacles bathed in darkness. They reminded him of some of the most atrocious acts he had to bear witness to a long time ago.


    "Were these people trying to practice the Dark Arts?" he whispered. However quiet his voice was, it nevertheless broke the silence, allowing Sera to hear him clearly.


    ¡°The Dark Arts?¡± she replied, butchering the words as she tried to repeat them. ¡°What is that?¡±


    Ning Shan sighed. Countless images of his past flashed into his mind before he threw them away. He hesitated for a moment before relenting. The memories were still vivid in his mind, as was the stench that clung to his clothes¡ªthe stench of death and decay, fear and oppression¡ªa stench no man should have to endure.


    ¡°Fools trying to reach beyond their means, ignoring all matters of decency... Their failures weren''t unexpected," he replied, slightly scoffing before progressing toward the pedestal. Sera followed suit, slightly puzzled by his response, yet held her tongue. His tone prevented her from prodding further.


    As soon as he stepped on the altar, countless dim lights appeared on the pedestal as if taunting him to touch them. He paused, waiting for something more, yet nothing happened. He extended his arm, lightly pressing his hand onto the flat surface filled with dim light, only for a dim screen of light to appear over the void, resembling the ever-present one in his peripheral vision. He turned, only to see Sera stare at it in complete silence. It seemed he wasn''t the only one able to see it this time.


    He then felt a warmth spread over his palm. If only by reflex, he sought to let go of the metallic surface, yet was unable to. His palm was stuck to the pedestal, unable to be removed. He tugged harder, yet nothing budged. Anything more, and he felt his bone couldn''t bear the strain. He had to relent and let the process continue, whatever it sought to accomplish.


    A slight light bar appeared on the pedestal, moving up and down under his palm. He remained calm and waited, yet couldn''t help but feel some apprehension. Even Sera took a few steps away from him, unwilling to involve herself in whatever that was. Ning Shan didn''t care as he had never counted on her support.


    After a while, the light receded, letting go of his limb. He quickly yanked it back, only to find that nothing happened to it. It was the same as it always was. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but contemplate the reasons why...


    Genetic Makeup 95% Identical to Sample on File...


    Unlocking Security Protocol...


    Terminating Facility Dormancy...


    Granting Access to Progenitor...


    The voice faded, leaving both of them stunned as countless lights flashed overhead. However, they were much too dim to illuminate the whole of this room, almost on the verge of fading. They never reached more than a few meters around the pedestal, making the edge still feel undefined, yet it was enough to give Ning Shan a good view of his surroundings.


    He had been unable to do so beforehand as the concentration of dust had been much too high. All he had seen was a thick cloud of red dust, completely obscuring his vision. But now, he could see the grim reality.


    As he had seen before, most of the glass capsules were either damaged or empty. Yet, now he had found one still intact. He carefully approached it, his expression growing grimmer with each step he took. Sera followed suit but stopped just as she clearly saw what lay within. She folded in two as if she was about to hurl, yet stopped herself in time by turning her back to it, trying to erase the image from her mind.


    ¡°The hell is that?¡± she blurted out, the sight still vivid.


    Ning Shan stepped closer, lightly brushing his fingertips against the glass, his worst fears coming to life. He closed his eyes, calming himself as he put his thoughts in order, then replied calmly, almost devoid of emotions.


    "A human corpse¡ªor at least the remains of one... deformed as it is, what else could it be?"


    He then swivelled his gaze around, looking at all the countless empty and broken capsules next to him, imagining what this place might have looked like in its prime...

 Chapter 17 - A Hero or the Worst of Villains

    Ning Shan''s gaze was locked on the creature within the glass coffin. While he might have chosen to call it human, the veracity of that statement remained to be proven. Still, he hadn''t found any other way to truly describe it.


    It was bipedal and hairless, unlike any primate he ever encountered, except for one. However, its skeletal structure was slightly different from his own, probably belonging to the same genus but to a different species. Maybe also a distant ancestor, but merely visual factors made it hard to be sure. All he could say was that humans were somehow related to this creature.


    His fingers brushed against the glass, tracing the contours of its facial features. It possessed a large nose and a broad brow bridge. Its cranium seemed almost square, allowing for much less brain capacity than a standard human. In fact, as he looked at all the empty receptacles around him, he couldn''t help but wonder if these features were on purpose.


    As the glass felt the pressure of his touch, the capsule sprung to life, emitting its own light. Countless symbols flashed in sequence, which Ning Shan couldn¡¯t understand despite the translation feature he possessed.


    He turned toward Sera, only to see the girl look away, unable to sustain the sight. Even as she turned following the emergence of light, her eyes betrayed how lost she was. She, too, had no idea what all this meant. It wasn''t until they heard a mechanical voice that clarity was finally shed on this situation.


    Sample-00305 Exiting Cryostasis...


    Beginning Restoration Protocol...


    A loud noise arose from the glass capsule as its liquid content was ejected as a gas, swiftly blending into the air. Only a slight sweet scent remained, somehow arousing Ning Shan''s dormant appetite.


    He frowned, feeling something was wrong. He turned toward Sera, only to see the girl reach for her mask as if trying to release it. Ning Shan¡¯s eyes widened as he saw the trance she was now in. He quickly took a step toward her, swatting away the hands that sought to bring her demise before placing a hand on the back of her head.


    A slight spark sprung from his palm and swam into her body, jolting her brain. The current was barely enough to be perceived but was potent enough for its purpose. Her eyes rolled backwards as her consciousness faded. She limply collapsed into Ning Shan''s embrace before he carefully laid her on the floor, ensuring her mask remained fixed in place. He could feel her steady breath through the mask''s filters.


    What the hell is this? How strong would it have to be to overpower their own survival instincts? The enticement for sustenance is even hard for me to resist. If not for the fact that it has been centuries since the last time I craved food, I too might have succumbed to it and lost my mind. What kind of creature can have this sort of effect?


    Ning Shan knew better than to think the liquid in the tank was responsible for the shift in his state of mind. After all, it affected more than just his sense of smell. He hadn''t felt the same as he looked at the creature when the liquid was still present, but now? He felt the attraction through sight alone as if it was a drug he couldn¡¯t help but crave.


    He turned away, blocking most of his senses with the dust he now possessed. It helped to alleviate the symptoms, but was far from enough to suppress them entirely. In fact, merely the memory of its existence was needed to push him toward the unthinkable.


    The liquid acted as a suppressant. The sweet smell was but a distraction, enabling the mind to filter out the appeal by hijacking the senses. Even sight was distorted by it. How strong is the compulsion for them to go through all this hassle? All to what end?


    Ning Shan had a theory, yet the thought alone chilled him to the bone. He knew it was irrational to think this way, as the disgust he felt was based on the ethics of civilization and not on the moment''s needs. After all, humans were animals to begin with. Trying to expunge that fact was an exercise in futility. In the name of survival, hardly anything could be frowned upon. Animals had long known the truth, yet accepting it took more effort than he cared to give.


    I should have known... In a world devoid of light, how could a race even survive? Although their methods are despicable, I cannot help but applaud their will to survive. Unlike the creatures of this world, they chose to remain humans against all odds, even if they would be seen as monsters...


    A few moments later, the capsule opened, exposing its occupant to the outside air. Ning Shan felt the urge to consume grow ever stronger. With every moment spent in its company, he felt his will to resist slowly crumble away. He would sooner or later lose his will to resist and succumb to temptation.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    They knew people would be resistant to the idea, so they put countermeasures in place. In the face of temptation and survival, how could morals ever prevail? The one to think of this was a hero, but also the worst of villains... I wonder if his name has been preserved until now or if these measures are still used today. There are even more things waiting for me to uncover once I reach that famed city she talked about.


    Ning Shan''s gaze landed on Sera, wondering what reaction she would have if she had learned the truth. Judging by her earlier reaction to this corpse''s discovery, he knew she was oblivious to all this. He couldn''t help but praise himself for having spared her of this suffering, yet he couldn''t help but wonder if she would have let herself starve or chosen survival.


    Let''s not think too much into it. After all, preconceived notions may alter my views of reality. Judging by the state of this place, this all happened a long time ago. The government she talked about may have found a new way to sustain its population. This may be a dark part of their history they desperately tried to bury. It would explain why they would make this city off-limits.


    Then, another thought hit him. There were too many inconsistencies in his theory. In the first place, there existed countless organisms that didn''t require light to thrive. There was also no need to rely on natural light. After all, judging by the level of technology in the room he was currently in, producing artificial light seemed almost as easy as breathing. How could they not try it first before resorting to such extremes? There should have been something preventing them from doing so...


    It''s not worth thinking about. I lack too much information to make an informed judgment.


    Pushing past his meandering thoughts, Ning Shan bent down, wrapping his arms around Sera''s limp body before picking her off the ground. She was light¡ªmuch lighter than he anticipated, judging by her baggy clothes. Her arms were thin, barely half his size, seemingly due to a scarcity of sustenance.


    Yet she did produce an astonishing amount of force as she sped away from me. Is there something different about them?


    Unfortunately, no part of her skin or hair was visible. All were hidden beneath layers of clothes, no doubt protecting her from the red dust permeating the world. It was a wonder they could survive in such a hostile environment. Still, Ning Shan showed no indication of wishing to uncover those secrets¡ªat least not for now. He still needed her cooperation to truly blend into this foreign society.


    With one last look at the horrors behind him¡ªthe numerous empty pods visible and the countless others within the darkness¡ªNing Shan chose to go forth, seeking a way out of this underground vault of nightmares.


    He couldn''t help but let out an eerie chuckle that would have undoubtedly brought cold sweat to Sera were she awake. It stemmed from an absurd memory that Ning Shan couldn''t help but recall as he looked back at the scene.


    While their methods might seem the same, their intentions couldn''t be more different. The heretics that practised the Dark Arts had no sanctity for life, while this was merely done out of desperation. After all, there is no floor to human depravity. Had the situation been different, the people here might have sunk to their level, trying to play god by toying with life itself. Unfortunately, there is no Heavenly Dao to steer them to the right path... The Irony... he sighed. Even a despised existence can be a blessing.


    He walked in silence, returning to the familiar darkness as he entered a familiar corridor at the other end of the room. He had noticed a door separating the two, yet it opened automatically before closing behind him. He doubled back, seeking to reenter, only to be denied. The large metal door remained closed, blocking his only way back.


    With no choice but to go forth, Ning Shan walked for what seemed like days, shouldering the weight of another human being, yet he knew this was but an illusion born of his own swirling thoughts. After all, ever since he had been thrown into this world, he barely had any time to gain his bearing as he had been bombarded with continuous new information.


    It was only now, in the all-encompassing darkness and deafening silence, that he could finally be alone with his thoughts, trying to make sense of it all and seeking a goal to strive for.


    Seeking to rise above the world is good and all, but I need something more concrete¡ªa short-term goal.


    His first thought had been to slaughter all the creatures that came his way if only to further his cultivation, but that was merely the thought of an animal seeking power. To begin with, he was human and needed something more¡ªan ideal in a world devoid of it.


    He couldn''t help but scoff at how naive it was, yet couldn''t discard the thought. Surely, he had been transferred here for a reason, no? While he despised the idea of doing as the damned Heavenly Dao wished of him, he couldn''t help but find the prospect of a challenge somewhat enticing. But first, he would have to evaluate the world''s state before seeking to leave his mark upon it.


    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± Ning Shan said, his voice cold and calm as he felt the body in his arms move slightly.


    She raised her head, seeking to find her bearings, only to be met by Ning Shan''s gaze watching over her, but much too closely for her taste. While separated by the mask she wore, their heads were nonetheless too close for comfort. She couldn''t help but let her nervousness show.


    ¡°Don''t overthink this," he added, letting go of his hold on her.


    She abruptly fell, her backside colliding with the hard floor. Even as she felt the slight pain of her fall, Ning Shan showed no interest, only stepping over her as he walked toward the light. She wished to berate him for his actions, yet couldn''t bring herself to as she realized the significance of that light.


    It was unlike the one they had seen before. She knew this light well as she had spent all her life under it. It was the dim light of the stars that illuminated the everlasting night. She couldn''t help but rush to her feet, swiftly following after Ning Shan.


    Although she had many questions about what had happened in the depths of the earth, she repressed them for the time being. Her thoughts were all focused on escaping the tomb they found themselves in. She couldn¡¯t wait to bask in the outside air.

 Chapter 18 - Terror From Above

    After hours of trudging through complete darkness at a snail''s pace, Ning Shan finally emerged from this forgotten tomb to a breath of fresh air. Only a singular rusted metal fence blocked his path, which quickly gave way with a single well-placed kick.


    The metal bent then broke, flying away into the night as the impact shattered the silence. A single thud echoed in the distance as it finally hit the ground.


    Once again, darkness reigned, with only the scarce light of the stars to guide their ways. Ning Shan looked around him, only to see the land bare. There was only desolate dirt under his feet and the scarce remains of a concrete jungle a stone''s throw away.


    ¡°It seems we emerged outside of the city¡¯s perimeter,¡± Sera remarked, finally free from the confines of this tunnel. ¡°What now?¡±


    Ning Shan ignored her as he took in his surroundings, only for her to insist on it. Before she could reiterate, Ning Shan put his hand before her face, which prompted her to stop. She remained still and waited.


    Although faint, he could hear the shallow breathing of living beings a short distance away. The scent, however, betrayed their animalistic nature. He waited silently, only for the sound to recede into the night, fading into oblivion. Only then did he address the question he was asked.


    "You said that government of yours has banned entry into this place. Does that mean this is their jurisdiction?"


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t belong to anyone,¡± she replied, somewhat perplexed. ¡°I''ve heard that some corporations tried to make it theirs in the past but failed. A lot of people died, so they decided to make this off-limits. Still, that doesn''t stop people from trying their luck."


    ¡°Doesn''t surprise me... As long as profit exists, people are bound to try and exploit it, even at the cost of their own well-being. How far away is this government of yours?"


    ¡°Not much, maybe half a day on foot. Although it would be much shorter if we could reach our transport,¡± she replied.


    Somehow, the image of that purple-eyed bird flashed into Ning Shan''s mind as he looked back toward the city enveloped by a slightly shimmering barrier, not much stronger than starlight.


    How long did it take to reach that level? How many lives have been lost to its predatory nature? It only makes sense that they would forbid anyone from encroaching upon its territory.


    ¡°A transport, you say?¡± Ning Shan said, slightly intrigued. ¡°Where have you left it?¡±


    Without a word, Sera raised her arm, looking straight at the screen that flashed to life. On it was a depiction of the surrounding geography, faithfully represented through colourful lines that indicated the elevation and distance.


    Ning Shan frowned, taking a step closer as he wished for a better view, only for Sera to lightly tap twice on it with the tip of her gloved finger. The two-dimensional depiction then sprung forth from the screen before becoming three-dimensional, as if drawn onto the air itself.


    The map was highly detailed, even depicting the two of them''s current position. The only drawback was the range. The further it travelled from the epicentre, the more it degraded, only showing a vague outline more than a km away.


    "Piece of junk," she mumbled as she slapped the screen. "There''s probably something blocking the signal. Otherwise, I would be able to pick up the transport, and it wouldn''t be that bad..."


    "Probably a gift from those friends of yours," Ning Shan replied, and then a thought hit him.


    If the signal could be blocked, it could surely be hijacked. While he knew next to nothing about the technological state of this world, he knew enough about his own. Hijacking other''s spells through high mastery of qi was a common occurrence. So much so that some even went as far as to booby trap them, turning the spell back onto the one that dared to tamper with it.


    Ning Shan voiced his doubts, only for her to dismiss them. According to her, each hunter squad had its own encoding process, which was registered with the government. Tampering with them was illegal and would be seen as corporate espionage. After all, each squad was a valuable contractor for the government, providing them with valuable resources. They couldn''t afford for two of those squads to come into conflict that easily. It would only lower their own profit.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    ¡°An interesting system," Ning Shan remarked. "However, I don''t know whether to call you trusting or naive. Do you really think people play by the rules? If people did, would there even be punishment for those infractions? There is no such thing as a Utopia..."


    "That''s because you don''t know what happens to people that break them," she replied.


    Ning Shan''s eyebrow rose slightly, waiting for her to elaborate, yet all she could muster was an intense shiver that made her whole body shake. If not for the fact that Ning Shan had a substantial handle on her personality, he would have thought she had faked it just to make a point.


    ¡°Anyway,¡± she added. ¡°I doubt they¡¯d risk it all, only for someone like me. What would they even have to gain?¡±


    She made a good point. Ning Shan doubted she had anything to offer them. Still, he knew better. He knew what a man could do if only to settle a grudge. After all he had done to them, these men would no doubt try to get back at him. Even if he were to reach the city they were from, they would no doubt become an obstacle, a thorn in his path. It would be better to deal with the wound now than to let it fester.


    ¡°Found it!¡± Sera exclaimed, a red dot appearing on the hovering map. ¡°We didn¡¯t emerge that far from it. I feared we would be on the other side of the city, but it doesn¡¯t seem to be the case. We can finally get out of here!¡±


    Sera then began to walk in the red dot¡¯s direction, only for Ning Shan to follow soon after. Still, something was gnawing at his mind. There was no way those people were going to give up so easily. They were sure to come after them if they were lucky enough to survive the beast''s onslaught. His premonition would soon come to fruition.


    Once they were less than five hundred metres from their objective, Ning Shan tugged Sera''s arm, prompting her to stop. It even was sudden enough to make her fall backwards, but that instinctual reaction proved to save her life.


    A large hole opened in the wall next to where her head was just an instant prior. Although slightly broken by the passage of time, the large brick wall still stood firm, yet was pulverized into pieces by the impact, propelling shards and dust into all directions. Ning Shan didn''t see the cause of all this but only reacted on instinct as he felt the threat of death loom over them both.


    Not wasting a moment, Ning Shan spun, throwing the dead weight that served as his guide backwards behind a nearby building before jumping after her. More explosions soon ensued, following his footsteps as he ran to safety.


    He rested his back on a sturdy wall, thinking himself safe with the structure blocking their line of fire. Although the impact was enough to pulverize stone, he hoped the thickness of his cover would deter this threat or at least confuse his whereabouts. However, he was soon proven wrong.


    Feeling another threat, Ning Shan threw himself on the ground just as a metal rod screeched past his ear, leaving a hole into the brick wall just big enough to allow passage. Unlike the previous projectile''s destruction, this one was geared more toward piercing power.


    Ning Shan frowned, feeling cold sweat down his back. He hadn''t felt such an intense threat of death in this world until now, not even when he came across the purple-eyed bird. After all, the bird didn''t see him as prey; he had only been inconsequential. However, this foe was different in more ways than one.


    For one, he couldn''t feel any killing intent, only the threat of death. This strangely reminded him of a foe he had faced countless times before: the living dead. Some people also liked to call them Jiangshi, corpses granted a second life through the dark arts. While most were merely puppets, a sufficiently proficient practitioner could allow Jiangshis a certain degree of autonomy.


    Still, he hadn¡¯t seen any signs of the living dead. The characteristic stench of death and decay was nowhere to be found, and even the scent and warmth of the living were absent. The only remaining option was an autonomous puppet.


    Ning Shan rose to his feet and began running, feeling another threat to his life. In the hopes of making finding a target as tricky as possible, he chose a most convoluted route, vaulting over objects, going in and out of buildings, and changing elevation.


    While this mainly worked, as every impact missed its mark, something was glaringly apparent: he seemed to be the only target. He could see Sera ducking, hands above her head as she hid between a wall and a pile of rubble as if such measures could ensure her survival.


    "Stop trying to escape reality and think!" Ning Shan shouted as he swerved left and right, escaping the sight of this machine of death, bringing her out of her delusions. "How is it tracking me?!"


    With tears of dread in her eyes, Sera''s head rose slightly. Ning Shan could see the gears within spin, yet he had no time to wait for an answer. He could only find the threat''s origin and dispatch it immediately.


    I need a vantage point. Since it can see me regardless, these buildings are just a hindrance.


    Even while on the run, Ning Shan didn''t remain passive. His mind spun at breakneck speed, analyzing his opponent''s attack pattern, only to find it wholly predictable. After all, it was but a machine that prioritized efficiency above all else. It didn''t take much for Ning Shan to realize that it fired at a constant rhythm, barely deviating from it, if only to reposition itself.


    Knowing all this, his course of action was set. He rushed into structure after structure, positioning straight in front of what seemed to be load-bearing pillars, only to wait a few milliseconds before the shot was taken to slip out of the way.


    The projectile would then collide with the structure, destroying it before Ning Shan would rush out again, repeating the process until the building was on the verge of collapse. While his plan was wrought with danger, and any single mistake could cost him his life, Ning Shan knew himself well. After all, this was but a mere puppet devoid of complex thought. This was far from the worst opponent he had ever faced.


    Buildings collapsed, sometimes colliding with others, saving Ning Shan the effort. Less than ten minutes later, their battlefield of concrete and steel had been reduced to a pile of rubble, offering Ning Shan an uninterrupted view of his surroundings. Only then did he finally find his opponent¡ªan almost invisible blemish blending into the night.


    It was much smaller than he expected, just a small spherical construct hovering in the air despite possessing no wings. It stood silently, a red light at its core slowly diffusing its glow as if following him with its sight, resembling a large eyeball standing still in midair. Its body was made of a metallic alloy, but upon closer look, Ning Shan could see microscopic slits between each panel from which the surrounding red dust slipped in and out, as if the construct was alive, breathing.


    ¡°An unmanned autonomous drone?!¡± Sera blurted out as her eyes widened. ¡°How the hell can they even afford that?! Besides, how can a red team even receive permission from the government to field one?¡±


    ¡°Who cares,¡± Ning Shan replied, feeling confident now that he could see what he was up against. He raised his hand, forming a fist as lightning coursed through his flesh. ¡°Whatever it is, I just need to destroy it, then find the one behind it. One simply does not try to take my life and walk away unscathed.¡±

 Chapter 19 - The Swords of Damocles

    Ning Shan Leapt forward, swerving left and right as he tried to evade whatever was thrown at him. Even with his enhanced vision, he couldn''t clearly see the projectiles, only the aftermath as plumes of dust rose into the air and loud noises crashed around them. If not for the wind rushing past his face, he would think the machine had placed explosives on the ground beforehand.


    Ning Shan reached the drone in less than five seconds, barely escaping with his life. Sweat poured out of his pore as, even for him, this seemed much too reckless to attempt. He could clearly see the deep holes in the ground from the impact. He shivered, knowing his body couldn''t endure a single one.


    He leapt into the air, reaching the drone''s height in a single breath, yet it made no indication of dodging. He cocked back his hand, the lightning dancing upon his fist, before unleashing the strike, aiming straight at the red dot that stood in the middle of the floating ball.


    His fist ripped through the air, almost creating a shock wave as it threatened to break the sound barrier, only to be stopped by a surface so hard but soft at the same time, absorbing much of the impact. The strike he had put his all into turned into nothing but a whimper.


    Ning Shan watched incredulously as metal, stone, and concrete stood in his path, hovering a few inches before the machine, protecting it. As for how it came to be, he only saw the spherical drone glow slightly before the surrounding rubble rose at breakneck speed but stopped just as abruptly in front of it.


    ¡°A Pin-Point Gravity Generator?" Sera shouted to the sky.


    She watched in horror as Ning Shan fell back down to the earth from his failed attempt before being suddenly hit by the kickback as the makeshift shield was blown apart. The sharpened shards rained back on him. Fortunately, they didn''t possess the destructive might of the machine''s prior attempts at taking his life. He only received some minor cuts as he protected his vitals with his arms, then hit the ground, diving beneath nearby rubble as he sought cover.


    ¡°What''s that thing''s weakness?" Ning Shan shouted back, somewhat irate, as he needed to keep on the move.


    The machine never let him out of its sight, trying again and again to find its mark and end his life. Still, one thing had changed. He could now see the means it used to attack him. Metal and stone rose in the air before being crushed into uniform balls, then sharpened as they spun on their axis. Without much warning, they were swiftly accelerated in his direction.


    ¡°It uses gravity as a rail gun?!¡± she shrieked as she buried her head into her hands.


    ¡°Stop denying reality and answer me!" Ning Shan spat back but soon ignored her as he knew she was useless. She made no indication of struggling as if she knew her life was already forfeit. He clicked his tongue and carefully watched the unknown automaton in front of him. He knew he could only rely on himself to find a flaw in its design.


    There was only a single detail that struck him: the red dot on its surface, which seemed to always follow him as if to keep him in its sight. This seemed the most probable method it used to find his position, enabling it to find him even when he hid behind an opaque surface.


    His brain raced at insane speed, trying to think of a plan, yet none yielded more than poor results when he simulated them in his mind. At best, he only had a thirty percent chance of prevailing, albeit with severe wounds, while the alternative was death. He briefly considered a strategic retreat yet couldn''t bring himself to do so a second time on the same day. The memory of that shame was still fresh in his mind.


    It was only then that he found something that completely changed his perspective. As if almost unconsciously, Sera had built herself a fort for her own protection using the metal remnants of the collapsed building. Although architecturally devoid of any substance, it was still a marvel to behold, as it took her almost no time to construct. The reason for this was apparent.


    Even as Ning Shan circled the perimeter of the battlefield, Sera picked long steel I-beams, quickly raising them above her head before planting them into the ground, creating a makeshift steel shield between her and the drone. Although flimsy-looking, it offered much more protection than nothing. Still, something seemed incongruent with the laws of physics. She wielded those metal beams much too strangely, almost as if they possessed no weight of their own.


    ¡°How can you do the same as that thing?" Ning Shan said as he rushed toward her, hiding behind the shield as he held both of her thin shoulders, causing her no shortage of surprise but also nervousness. She could only stammer something almost incomprehensible as the blows rained on the steel shield, slightly bending it more with every hit.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    It only took a few for the fort to collapse on itself, yet Ning Shan was already long gone alongside Sera, tightly held over his shoulder as he ran upon the uneven battlefield. However, this time, he had a decent plan. Even if he were to fail, the damages to himself would be minimal.


    He quickly explained it to her, only for Sera''s eyes to open wide. She vigorously shook her head, yet Ning Shan''s gaze gave her no chance to object. The eerie smile on his face couldn''t help but give her shivers, and she could only resolve herself to her fate. She only gave a timid nod, yet a slight flame appeared in her eyes. While Ning Shan''s plan was foolhardy at best, she couldn''t help but agree this was their best chance to prevail.


    While still over Ning Shan''s shoulder, Sera picked up two long I-beams, one in each hand, before being thrown upwards into the sky so hard she almost disappeared from sight. As expected, the machine paid her no mind. The red eye on its surface was locked onto Ning Shan, watching his every move.


    Picking up speed, Ning Shan rushed toward its position, barely avoiding the projectile rain coming his way. A few even ripped into his skin, making him bleed, yet no signs of pain appeared on his face, only a deep resolve as if victory was within his grasp.


    Lightning coated the exterior of his fist as he struck the hovering ball of metal, yet he was thwarted once again by a wall of rubble hovering midair, blocking his path. The stone and steel shield shattered into smaller pieces but remained a barrier preventing him from reaching his target.


    Then, two steel pillars fell from the sky, aimed straight at the construct like two giant swords plunging toward the earth. While its reaction speed was quick, the machine was still taken by surprise, barely able to construct a makeshift shield to block the impact.


    In a split second, the red eye aimed at the sky, glowing further as the gaps between the plate of its exterior amour began to pulse rapidly before a beam of scorching heat was emitted from its eye.


    The flimsy stone shield was shattered almost immediately, and the two steel pillars plunging further toward the automaton were soon completely atomized by the red beam. The beam reached into the sky, illuminating the night before disappearing into the cosmos.


    Only then did the shock wave the pillars had created as they broke the sound barrier arrive, shattering their surroundings through the force of compressed air. Having used most of its energy repelling the two giant swords, the machine was pushed back toward the ground, its armour creaking as it desperately tried to suppress the force of the atmosphere that pressed on it. Tiny cracks appeared on its surface, yet they were negligible at best.


    The world trembled, and a lingering heat remained around the machine, yet the battle wasn''t over. Looking to the sky, it could only see a small-framed individual slowly falling back to the ground as if a leaf was being carried by the wind. Sera opened her arms and legs wide, using her baggy clothes as a makeshift parachute, slowly gliding back down to the surface.


    The machine began to power for a second strike, finally realizing the threat she represented, yet it had made a fatal mistake. Using this lapse in attention during the clash, Ning Shan rushed below the hovering sphere, using its body as a barrier to protect himself from the shock wave. While he hadn''t mitigated it entirely, most had been dispersed away from him.


    He anchored himself into the ground, awaiting the opportune moment as the machine was pushed back toward him. He retrieved the large rifle he had commandeered some time ago and planted its butt into the ground, aiming upwards. He offered a slight smile and then pulled the trigger.


    Lightning arced from his fingertips as the power enveloped the weapon''s barrel. Having seen first-hand how the machine had used gravity to accelerate the projectile, he thought to himself, "Why not do the same using magnetism?"


    As he pulled the trigger, the metal bullet accelerated way past the speed it would typically exit the barrel, shattering it in the process. Shard exploded everywhere, yet Ning Shan had already predicted as such, using one of his arms to at least protect his head.


    The bullet sped upward just as the metal sphere was pushed back down. Unable to defend itself, the two collided, and the lightning-laced bullet ripped straight through the machine''s armours, shattering the electronic components within before emerging from the other side. Yet all that remained of the bullet was a rain of metallic dust.


    The red glow faded before extinguishing completely as the machine became inert. It fell from the sky like a stone, tumbling to the ground a metre next to Ning Shan. He turned and eyed the machine, his guard still up until he saw a red powder slowly condense into a crystal, hovering next to the metallic husk.


    Ning Shan frowned as the red crystal slowly hovered over to him before being absorbed by the red-ringed planet in his core. However, before he could ponder the implications of the corpse that remained for the first time, a cry was heard overhead.


    ¡°Help! I can¡¯t hold it anymore!¡±


    Sera began falling ever faster as if gravity had only just regained its hold on her. The wind of her fall threatened to pry her mask away, yet she held it with both hands, watching the ground rapidly close in.


    With a sigh, Ning Shan rose to his feet and, with a single leap, went to join her midair, using his own body to slow her fall. Fortunately, she hadn''t picked up enough speed to kill them both, and they were able to safely fall back to the ground before they completely lost control.


    "An Interesting skill," Ning Shan said as his feet touched the ground, feeling much lighter than before, even while carrying another person. "Used correctly, it might be a game changer."


    "It''s not as great as you think," She replied, heaving and puffing as she tried to catch her breath. Ning Shan could feel the dampness of her body even through the multiple layers she wore. "I can only change the gravity affecting my own body or something I touch. There are also restrictions on the weight of the object I can affect. Those two steel beams were almost beyond my limit."


    She collapsed to the ground just as soon as Ning Shan let her go, laying on her back with her eyes closed. Despite desperately trying, she couldn''t lower her heart rate no matter how many breaths she took. It was almost too much for her mask to filter.


    "You did good," Ning Shan said as he sat beside her, feeling somewhat weary. The battle had done a number on his dust reserves, and he would need some time to recover. However, time was exactly what he lacked.


    ¡°Impressive... I didn¡¯t expect the both of you to survive, much less dispatch this drone. Unfortunately, this ends here.¡±


    Ning Shan''s body stiffened almost immediately as he heard the voice. He turned to the side only to see a most unwelcome sight. Although it was to be expected, he wished it wasn''t so soon. It was Sera''s former captors, the men they had left behind some time ago. Although their numbers had dwindled, their weaponry had changed substantially.

 Chapter 20 - Unexpected Outcome

    Despite her weariness, Sera jolted awake, shivering at the sight of the men she least wished to see. She hid behind Ning Shan, clearly knowing how little it would do. Her breath had yet to return, her blood pounded in her skull, yet fear froze her to her core.


    Ning Shan remained calm, eyeing the men before him. Of the five he had seen before, only two remained. However, their weaponry had been upgraded substantially. The clothes they wore before had been replaced with metal-alloy armour covering most of their bodies. In contrast, only a transparent barrier covered their faces, filtering the outside air while allowing their features to be seen.


    This was the first time Ning Shan had seen these people''s characteristics, and he was relieved to find that they were as human as he was¡ªat least externally. He could not know how different their biology was, which made them susceptible to the red dust while it was ineffective on him. Still, those were things best left to be pondered later.


    "What can I do for you?" Ning Shan asked, his gaze tranquil yet laced with just a hint of murderous intent. His voice was grave, and he weighted each word. He tried his best to mask his weakness, as he knew full well of the consequences.


    ¡°You can die, that¡¯s what!¡± the other man said, pointing his rifle at Ning Shan, his finger on the trigger. ¡°Three of our friends died because of you!¡±


    Ning Shan''s eyes narrowed as he subtly picked up a rock behind his back, ready to throw it at a moment''s notice. He waited for his chance, and just as the man¡¯s finger pulled on the trigger, the man next to him pushed the rifle aside.


    The beam from the barrel missed both of them by a large margin, yet Ning Shan could feel the residual heat lingering in the air. He felt his lips dry out, yet his gaze remained on the duo, the stone firmly in his hand. While he doubted it would affect their armour, using his weapon would be seen as too confrontational. Playing along was his best bet.


    ¡°How does that have anything to do with me?¡± Ning Shan replied, his voice calm and even, not betraying any signs of deception. ¡°I believe this is the first time we met. How could I have done anything to your comrades?¡±


    The man''s anger flared up, only to be squashed by the man beside him. The leader''s hand was wrapped tightly around the man''s arm¡ªso much so that he could feel the pressure despite the armour protecting him. He briefly sought to resist, yet Ning Shan noticed fear flash in the man''s eye before he relented.


    ¡°Don''t try to deny it. We have ample evidence of your actions," the leader replied. He, too, possessed anger in his voice, yet it was much more subdued, which only brought Ning Shan an even greater sense of danger. "Answer our questions, and we might leave your corpse intact. You have no hope of resisting."


    Ning Shan resisted the urge to sneer. While he knew he was at a disadvantage, their arrogance would be their downfall. This was something he could exploit. However, as he was about to rise to his feet, seeking to strike first, the leader''s arm moved as if it had a mind of its own; Ning Shan could see the bewilderment in the man''s eyes.


    His palm was opened, pointed at the ground before him. Ning Shan saw something open, and then something resembling an eye was revealed in the middle of that palm. A green glow was emitted, forming the figure of a man dressed in clothes that seemed foreign to him.


    They seemed well-tailored and of obvious quality, consisting of a well-fitted shirt tucked into slim pants. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing his large forearms. Although the hologram was slightly blurry, Ning Shan noticed countless small scars on the man''s arms, deeply contrasting with his luxurious vestments.


    ¡°Sir!¡± the leader said almost unconsciously, his whole body stiffening at the sight of the man¡ªso much so that Ning Shan had almost totally slipped his mind.


    Ning Shan knew that if he were to strike at this moment, while both were distracted, he could probably neutralize them or, at the very least, escape. Still, something deep in his mind told him he would regret it were he to do so.


    ¡°Stand down," the hologram said, not even bothering to turn to address the two men; his gaze was only fixed on Ning Shan. While Ning Shan had next to no clue how this all worked, he could infer that this was a type of long-distance communication. Although different in some aspects, similar devices existed in his previous world. As such, he wasn''t rattled and simply waited for the green image to state its purpose, yet the tension was suddenly broken by Sera.


    ¡°Charles Baxter? The Hero of Londinium?" she exclaimed, yet she hid behind Ning Shan''s back just as soon as the words left her mouth. Her small hands gripped what remained of Ning Shan''s clothes, yet he could feel them tremble slightly.A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    It''s a wonder how long she managed to survive, being this afraid all the time, Ning Shan thought.


    All of Ning Shan¡¯s tension had been drained away. While he remained cautious, he felt much more natural, ready to face anything. Somehow, with all the excitement of the new form of power he could tap into, he had forgotten all about the Dao. He could only offer a wry smile at this blunder. Simply because this world lacked the most basic form of qi did not mean all Daos had been shattered. As long as the knowledge remained in his mind, so would the Dao.


    ¡°But, sir!¡± the squad leader interjected, his expression growing grimmer by the second.


    There was an unwillingness on his face but also pain, more mental than physical. The man looked back toward Ning Shan, his gaze filled with fury. Yet, it vanished just as abruptly as it had appeared. Only the man next to him held his weapon tightly¡ªso much so that Ning Shan could almost believe he heard the metal creak under the strain. It was only a moment later that the hazy figure in green finally addressed him.


    ¡°I heard you did a number on my employees,¡± the man said, yet there was almost a jovial smile on his lips, if not for the long cigar that hung there. A surreal depiction of a plume of smoke was rendered in transparent green onto the air itself. ¡°As the young lady mentioned, I''m Charles Baxter. As for whether I can be considered a hero, that''s up to historians or what''s left of them. Either way, it''s nice meeting you both. My boys had tales to say about you."


    Ning Shan remained silent as he watched the hologram before him remove the cigar from his lips and offer a very eerie smile. Yet somehow, Ning Shan didn''t feel much of a threat from him. Whether it was due to the man having no intentions to do him harm or the fact that this was just an image, he couldn''t tell.


    "Not the chatty type, eh?" the man added as he fell back into an oversized comfy chair, one eyebrow rising slightly. Yet, there was no impatience nor loathing on his face, only an evident curiosity. "I like a man who can keep his thoughts to himself, isn''t swayed by the situation and knows how to recognize an opportunity. Whether you can be such a man remains to be seen."


    Ning Shan remained calm and passive, waiting for the man to elaborate, only further scrutinizing the man before him. He was large and well-built. His muscles seemed to even want to burst out of his shirt. Yet, what caught his attention was that half of the man''s body was made of mechanical parts. Half of his face¡ªfrom his jaw to his scalp¡ªhad been replaced with metal, yet it worked just as well as if made of flesh. Ning Shan could almost believe they were actual muscles if not for the metal being exposed to the outside. He also noticed that one of the man''s hands was also robotic.


    ¡°Listen,¡± the man said as he leaned back, exhaling a puff of smoke upwards. ¡°Your little stunt cost me a pretty penny. Factoring equipment, time and labour, this isn¡¯t something I can just shrug off. After all, I have a reputation to maintain.¡±


    He tilted his head to one side, resting it upon his closed fist before adding, ¡°Tell you what... I¡¯ll give you an opportunity to make up for my loss. Looking at you, you seem to be in need of a sponsor. If you are half as good as they make you out to be, this could prove fruitful to both of us.¡±


    ¡°Can you even afford me?¡± Ning Shan asked back, yet there was no contempt in his tone.


    In fact, his question was genuine. Not only would he have to swallow his pride to work under another man, but his needs in terms of dust were almost extravagant. He had no intentions of working for free. The large man didn''t seem surprised by his question, yet the same couldn''t be said for the duo in front of him. They both held their weapons tight; all the while, a fire raged in their eyes.


    The tension ran high, yet Ning Shan''s gaze was only locked onto the green hologram, watching the man''s every move. It was only after a brief silence that it was finally broken. A hearty laugh escaped the man''s mouth, shattering the tension. Most were bewildered by the events, yet things went as Ning Shan expected. He had met many similar men before. He knew how to handle their type.


    "I can if you can prove your worth," the man added, a large smile on his lips. "The fact that benefits were your primary concern brings me great relief. After all, one can only trust a man''s self-interest. Still, aren''t you curious about what I intend to make you do?"


    ¡°What haven¡¯t I done before?¡± Ning Shan scoffed as he rose to his feet, dusting what remained of his battered clothes. ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as an unfulfillable request, just insufficient funds. As long as you can supply what I need, then consider it done. Just one thing before we seal this deal..."


    On the other side of the hologram, the man could be seen frowning slightly. He opened his mouth to say something, yet Ning Shan interrupted him.


    "It''s nothing much," he said before stepping aside, revealing Sera standing behind him. She almost panicked but only clung harder to Ning Shan''s body. He could only sigh at the sight. "I don''t know what your men have against her, but if you hire me, she also comes along. That''s non-negotiable."


    The man, like the duo before them, looked surprised. Sera also turned toward him, confusion clear in her eyes. They had only met a day before, and while they had braved death together, this was merely happenstance. She believed that the man had no reason to do this for her. She couldn''t help but be suspicious of his actions, but not enough to let go.


    "I don''t believe you''ve been acquainted long enough for you to do something like this; why would you?" the man asked, perplexed. Yet, Ning Shan showed no reaction. In fact, he only showed a look devoid of any emotions through which nothing could be gleaned.


    ¡°Is that a problem?¡± was all that Ning Shan replied with.


    After a moment of silence that felt like forever to Sera, the man finally smiled.


    "Not in the slightest," he replied jovially. "Welcome aboard, both of you. I expect some great things in the future. My men have their instructions. Try not to kill each other now that you are on the same side. I look forward to seeing you in person soon."


    The green hologram faded into the darkness as the connection was cut. All that remained was three individuals looking at each other awkwardly, and Ning Shan, unbothered by their transient feelings. He looked at the man who seemed to be the leader and offered a slight smile.


    ¡°What now?¡± he asked.

 Chapter 21 - Unlikely Allies

    ¡°Mister Baxter may have accepted you, but you better not try anything, or you might come to regret it,¡± the squad leader said to Ning Shan, his rifle still firmly in his hand, yet wasn¡¯t aimed at him anymore.


    He motioned for Ning Shan and Sera to move forward while he and his subordinate fell behind them. Ning Shan could clearly see the resentment in the other man¡¯s eyes. The man¡¯s finger hovered over the trigger while the muzzle of his weapon was but a breath away from being pointed at him.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you professionals? Shouldn¡¯t you be used to death by now?¡± Ning Shan asked, unconcerned by the threat to his life.


    On the other hand, Sera couldn''t help but take a step to the side, distancing herself from him as she couldn''t believe how he could be so brazen in this tense situation.


    "Stand down," the leader said, putting his hand on his subordinate''s shoulder. "They knew the risks when they enlisted. Mr. Baxter may be an understanding man, but you know full well what happens to those who go against his wishes."


    The man gritted his teeth while fury smouldered in his eyes for a moment longer before he took a deep breath, letting the rage flow away. While the threat had been neutralized for the time being, Ning Shan did notice that the man¡¯s finger still hovered over the trigger.


    Sooner or later, I¡¯ll have to deal with it.


    Ning Shan''s eyes showed a slight light which couldn''t help but unnerve Sera. She shivered at the sight, but fortunately, Ning Shan''s look was hidden from the two men. She could practically feel the killing intent hanging in the air. She sought to break the ice if only to defuse the situation.


    "Marquez!" She exclaimed much louder than anticipated, only for the squad leader to turn his attention to her. She was briefly stunned by her own actions and nervousness before biting her lips. She could only trudge on through. "Now that we''re allies, why don''t we exchange information? You said you came here for my former squad, but is that really the case? Considering your association with Lightforge Industries, I doubt they would loan you such firepower only to deal with a red-class hunter squad. What are you truly here for?"


    She held her breath, awaiting a response. Even Ning Shan remained silent, slightly interested in the answer. Marquez frowned as she looked at her. His glare pierced her back, yet she did her best to resist the urge to run away. Somehow, all she wanted to do was to hide behind Ning Shan, yet she clenched her small fists and held her ground. The answer to this question would determine their path forward.


    ¡°Dealing with those guys was just a bonus,¡± Marquez finally replied, breaking the overbearing tension. Sera finally let out a silent breath as the man added, "Our main objective was to determine this place''s threat level. We were only scouting. That is, until our run-in with you... With our squad gone, we''ve no choice but to retreat."


    ¡°Marquez, is that your name?" Ning Shan asked, only for the man to turn toward him, not intending to answer.


    ¡°His name¡¯s Julio Marquez. He and my former boss have been rivals for years, always competing against each other,¡± Sera whispered, yet her voice was clearly heard by all those present.


    The two men behind them turned their gazes toward her. She could feel them staring a hole through her. Still feeling somewhat emboldened by the fact that they still held themselves back, she revealed some more.


    ¡°My former boss complained a lot about Marquez''s squad, saying how unfair it was that he was being sponsored by some of the small companies within The Cradle," she added.


    ¡°The Cradle?¡± Ning Shan asked.


    ¡°The Cradle of life, where civilization will sprout anew to reclaim this ravaged and broken world...¡± Sera replied, only to be interrupted.


    ¡°That¡¯s just the government¡¯s propaganda to keep the populace content. They just like to foster hope to keep the peasants in their places, like tossing dregs to the swine to keep them complacent,¡± the other man sneered.


    ¡°Swine? What¡¯s that?¡± Sera asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Ignore him. That¡¯s just an expression he¡¯s heard before,¡± Marquez replied, giving his companion a heavy look, only for the man to scoff and turn the other way. ¡°Anyway, Jack has always been a sore loser, and he only grew worse with age. Still, I didn¡¯t expect him to croak in this way.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    ¡°So, you finally believe me when I said they were dead?¡± Sera said as she turned toward the man, only to see a look of regret on his face. Whether it was due to her boss¡¯s death or the fact that Marquez couldn¡¯t finish him with his own hands, she would never know.


    ¡°Their life signals have gone dark,¡± Marquez shrugged. ¡°Mr. Baxter confirmed it for us directly.¡±


    ¡°Not to interrupt this lovely conversation, but can we return to why you are here?" Ning Shan asked. "How do you even quantify the threat level? Is it by their numbers or by their strength?"


    ¡°By strength, of course,¡± the other man sneered. ¡°What kind of idiot are you to not even know that much?¡±


    ¡°Do I really look like I belong here?¡± Ning Shan replied, unbothered by the man''s condescension. In fact, he found it somewhat refreshing. It had been long since someone was so fearless in his presence. Anyway, he did not need to care about someone so inconsequential. That man would disappear soon enough.


    ¡°I must admit the fact you can live outside the cradle without a filter is not lost on me. This is also probably the reason Mr. Baxter is so interested in you," Marquez replied. "As for the Dustborns'' threat level, it is determined by the strongest individual of the pack. After all, numbers don''t mean anything in front of true might since higher-ranked Dustborns can control the lower-ranked ones."


    ¡°How do you determine their ranks?" Ning Shan asked, somewhat intrigued as this strangely resembled his own world. Cultivators were also ranked by their realms, as the gap between each was almost impossible to cross. The strongest individuals usually determined fights between sects, while the weaker ones were only fodder to the slaughter to keep the other side engaged.


    "Some strong Dustborns possess an aura that can become tangible once they reach a certain threshold. The further they grow, the aura''s quality changes with time and is usually represented visually through colours. It starts with red, then orange, yellow, green, blue, and finally purple."


    "Some say there are other colours after purple, but none had ever been documented," Sera added. "They are mostly just rumours. After all, a purple-ranked Dustborn is already at the Apex of its species. Something greater would be akin to a god..."


    Ning Shan couldn''t help but think back to the purple-eyed bird he had encountered. While he didn''t see the colour of its aura, he had clearly felt the power emanating from its body. It was comparable to a cultivator at the Tribulation Realm, just a step away from ascension. If a Dustborn above the purple rank existed, it would have to be akin to an immortal, the realm all cultivators aspired to and the one Ning Shan had been denied.


    ¡°But, why the colours of a rainbow?¡± he couldn¡¯t help but mutter as he pondered.


    ¡°Rainbow, what¡¯s that?¡± Sera asked as she looked at him, feeling slightly lost by how foreign he seemed. ¡°Sometimes you said words I just can¡¯t understand.¡±


    "Just talking to myself; don''t worry about it," he replied before addressing the men behind him. "Judging by those criteria, this place should be purple-ranked. While I was fighting for my life against a swarm of vultures, I spotted a giant purple-eyed bird. While I can''t really confirm that it was truly purple ranked as I didn''t see its aura, I can say for certain that it should be the strongest being around."


    Marquez frowned, and so did his subordinate. Both looked at each other before the other man took a few steps back, putting his gloved hand to the side of his ear. Ning Shan could see the man''s lips moving, yet no sounds came. He seemed to be talking to someone, if only because of his agitated state.


    Wishing to know more, Marquez asked Ning Shan to elaborate on his findings, only for Ning Shan to humour the man. He started telling the story of what he had encountered as he stepped foot in this ravaged city, only to withhold information about his identity. He told the man about his encounter with Sera and her hunting squad and the altercation with the vultures.


    He also vaguely mentioned what they had encountered deep underground, omitting some more controversial elements. While he wasn''t thrilled about being so forthcoming, he needed to find allies in this strange world, and these people were better than nothing.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite the tale. Hard to believe you managed to survive all that.¡± Marquez replied. There was a glimmer of distrust in the man¡¯s eyes, yet Ning Shan had no intention of pleading his case. Whether the man believed him was of no concern. ¡°You claimed that the purple-eyed Dustborn saw you. If so, why didn¡¯t he act? They usually do anything to sate their unending hunger.¡±


    ¡°Would you see an ant as a meal?¡± Ning Shan replied, only for the man to grow quiet, silently accepting this argument.


    ¡°In that case, you are one lucky man. Not many can claim to have survived a meeting with a purple-ranked Dustborn. In fact, I only know of Mr. Baxter.¡±


    ¡°You talk of the fall of Londinium!?¡± Sera exclaimed, suddenly feeling excited. ¡°I heard that two hundred years ago, a dust storm assaulted the city of Londinium, led by two purple-ranked Dustborns. For days, the city managed to fend them off as wave after wave of Dustborn crashed against the force field protecting the city. Still, due to the relentless siege, the reactor was constantly working above what it was designed for, and the strain meant it was always on the verge of an overload. The only way to prevent it from exploding was to shut it off. I heard Charles Baxter was against it as it would mean the city would be ravaged by the hordes of Dustborn. Instead, he led his team out of the city and confronted the two purple-ranked Dustborns, slaying one and wounding the other. However, the strain on the reactor was unsalvageable, and they had no choice but to abandon the city. While some chose to remain in Londinium and tried to repair the city, Mr. Baxter took most with him and chose to join the cradle."


    "So it is told, but who knows what really happened," Marquez shrugged. "After all, that was over two hundred years ago. There''s no telling what the truth of the matter is. After all, only Mr. Baxter remains from the team that set out to face the two purple-ranked Dustborns. None but him was witness to it all."


    Ning Shan could understand the reverence they held for that man. After all, strength had always been idolized, even more so for a man of virtuous character. As for whether that story was true, Ning Shan didn''t put much trust in it. After all, he had seen history be distorted so many times before¡ªmost of the time on his orders.


    ¡°So, you never answered me properly. What now?¡± Ning Shan asked as he walked with no destination in mind.


    "We''re almost there," Marquez replied as the other man finally rejoined the group. This time, his weapon hung from his side, and his expression had mellowed considerably. Instead, he seemed to be concerned about something else.


    Suddenly, something appeared in the distance. It resembled a large box of dark metal, which almost blended perfectly into the night. It seemed sturdy, with many angular edges, and its exterior was thick and durable. Four large wheels sprouted from each side, supporting its massive weight. It reminded Ning Shan of something resembling an armoured carriage.

 Chapter 22 - A Lighthouse in the Darkness

    ¡°Sir! Are you sure this is wise? We know next to nothing about him.¡±


    Charles Baxter stood in his office. Before him was a large glass pane that provided an unobstructed view of the world outside. His office consisted of a spacious room with many different seating arrangements and a rare mahogany desk that had survived through untold ages, only to be preserved to this day, making it a priceless artifact of a bygone era.


    While its surface was marred with countless scars and defects, it told the story of its voyage through time. On the floor were countless sensors and emitters that produced a slight force field, repelling dust and any contaminants that could further damage this piece of history.


    Compared to Baxter''s office''s warm and cozy atmosphere, the view outside was a marvel of colours, owing to the Pillar of light that hung above, but also of bleak desolation due to the dark abyss beneath.


    This was the Cradle¡¯s reality, a mix of hope and despair, where dreams were but a step away for some or forever out of reach for others. Charles Baxter was one of the few fortunate ones able to afford a place in the light while so many others still trudged along in the darkness.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡± he replied, finally turning back to address his secretary. ¡°A man, his identity not in any database, how can I not be intrigued?¡±


    Unlike Baxter, who possessed prominent mechanical limbs and a prosthetic eye, the woman before him looked just like any normal human. Yet her beauty was such that not many could even keep their rationality in her presence. She had such charms that it felt unnatural, almost artificial.


    Even Baxter, a man who had seen much of the world in his long existence, could barely keep himself together, but he couldn''t help but enjoy the thrill of walking on a knife''s edge, never knowing when he would fall. It made his life so much more enjoyable.


    The woman frowned slightly, yet it only furthered her charms. Baxter felt an intense attraction but only clenched his jaw as a single bead of sweat slid along the side of his head, then his cheek, until it fell from his clean-shaven jaw. As it hit the hard floor, it produced minimal sound, yet it resonated in his skull, almost as if a bomb had exploded right next to him. His pupils dilated, and he couldn''t sustain the sight. He had to turn away before letting out a deep breath. However, once she had vanished from his sight, it only took him a single moment to regain his composure.


    ¡°As you wish," she replied, bowing slightly, her hand crossed before her. While she noticed Baxter''s state, she completely ignored it, as it wasn''t anything new. "I only wish to remind you to be careful. Many aren''t happy with Lightforge Industries'' sudden rise. I do not doubt they will try everything possible to get to you."


    ¡°Speaking of which, what¡¯s the news on the government¡¯s side?¡± he replied, showing a slight smile that was reflected by the glass, yet it turned completely sour once he heard her answer.


    ¡°Nothing yet. The council is still deliberating. Judging by their hesitation, I have no doubts one of our competitors got to them before us. I believe we should give up on this for the time being. Our efforts would be better used to strengthen our hold on the Cradle further. While our rise has been stupendous, our market share is merely fifteen percent, far from enough to sway them. After all, the Cradle is nothing compared to the Pillar.¡±


    She gazed through the glass pane, only for it to rest on the Pillar of Light outside. Despite her deadpan expression that never seemed to betray any emotions, a spark of light appeared in her eyes, and she could feel a warmth in her chest she was unfamiliar with. If given the chance, she felt she could gaze into that light for eternity without growing bored of it. It was such a stark contrast from the all-enveloping darkness. Not even the artificial light of Baxter''s office could ever compare.


    ¡°As always, the Pillar is the start and the end of everything," Baxter muttered almost inaudibly as he, too, gazed into that light. Despite his soft voice, she heard him as clearly as if he had spoken to her, only for him to add, "Someday, all this will be mine."


    ******


    ¡°Nice ride,¡± Ning Shan said as he sat within the confines of the steel carriage they had reached.


    While the interior was much more utilitarian than he was used to in his previous world, with barely any added comforts and many screens showing the various information the countless sensors retrieved, Ning Shan felt this was enough for their current needs as they sped along the uneven terrain away from the forbidden city.


    While this vehicle didn''t possess any windows, making for a substantial shelter, it had ample displays showing the world outside, yet all he saw was darkness as far as the eye could see, with a single exception. A single pillar of light radiated in the distance as it reached into the sky. While the light was enough to cut through the unending darkness, it was much dimmer than it seemed, illuminating the world in but a few kilometres radius around it, almost serving as a lighthouse in the darkness. As a matter of fact, they were headed straight toward it.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    ¡°What''s that pillar?" Ning Shan asked as he leaned forward, watching the screen closer, trying to find an answer to his many questions. Yet the image was much too blurry to glean anything from it except for one single fact. It seemed as if the image was distorted unnaturally, almost as if the Pillar interfered with the sensors in some way. While he didn''t know much about their technology, this was the feeling he had.


    ¡°No one truly knows," Sera replied as she leaned closer to the display Ning Shan was currently gazing at. "Maybe the government does, but they restrict all information about it. As far as I know, the Pillar has been there long before the Cradle was established. As a matter of fact, you could say this Pillar is why the city exists in the first place."


    ¡°Interesting... When I was in the forsaken city, I saw some other similar pillars. Does that mean other cities founded beneath them exist?"


    ¡°I''d assume so, but the government doesn''t like us thinking about it," Marquez replied as he drove the vehicle through the uneven road. Despite the countless rocks they had to climb over, not even the slightest vibration could be gleaned from inside the cabin. It was almost as if they weren''t even moving. Ning Shan couldn''t even feel a change in acceleration.


    ¡°In fact, all hunters cleared to exit the Cradle have been strictly forbidden from contacting them," Sera added. "Doing so without permission will have you arrested and can even lead to capital punishment."


    ¡°Quite the draconian government you have there,¡± Ning Shan mused, slightly interested. ¡°There must be quite the dissent, considering how restricted it seems.¡±


    ¡°Some idiots do have ideas of grandeur, trying to overthrow the government in the name of freedom, but they¡¯re nothing more than pariahs,¡± the other man scoffed, a sneer on his face. ¡°While the government isn''t perfect in every way, it''s still much better than the alternative, but these idiots don''t seem to get the point. In fact, they''re nothing more than hypocrites. Ultimately, they want power, and they will stop at nothing to get it. They make me sick."


    "I take it you''ve had your run-ins with them?" Ning Shan asked, only for the man to turn toward him, his eyes showing the light of anger but also something deeper.


    "What''s it to you?" the man spat, clearly showing his hostility, yet refrained as Marquez placed his hand on the man''s shoulder. The man scoffed before turning back around and adding, "You better keep to yourself and not attract the government''s eyes if you know what''s good for you..."


    ¡°Many thanks for your concern,¡± Ning Shan replied, completely unconcerned.


    Following the altercation, an uneasy silence reigned as they quickly approached the shining Pillar of light. At its base, Ning Shan could see the terrain elevate, as if the base of a mountain that had been bored through from the top, only for the Pillar to remain nestled within.


    The vehicle swerved around the mountain''s edge until it found a ravine between two giant cliffs leading deeper into the mountain''s depths. It was almost as if underground, yet the light of the stars was still visible, albeit barely. They trudged on in almost complete darkness, yet the instruments and displays showed the way as if in complete daylight.


    Finally, they arrived at the base of two massive doors that seemed to be carved into the mountain itself. On each side were two statues depicting feline creatures, yet their size was much too exaggerated. In fact, they stood at over twenty metres tall, even towering over the gate itself.


    "Those are the Cradle''s guardians," Sera said as she saw the inquisitive gaze that flashed on Ning Shan''s face. "They''re automatons charged with neutralizing any threats to the city, but don''t worry. They won''t do anything as long as one is authorized to pass. Speaking of which, you''ll probably have to go to the checkpoint before being able to enter the city. I wonder how that''s going to go..."


    ¡°Mr. Baxter already filed the necessary paperwork,¡± Marquez replied. ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be more than a formality. You¡¯ll just have to answer a few questions for appearance¡¯s sake, then you¡¯ll be good to go.¡±


    "I see Mr. Baxter''s name holds quite the sway within the Cradle," Ning Shan said with a slight smile.


    ¡°Naturally,¡± Marquez replied. ¡°He first came to the Cradle almost two hundred years ago, more than enough time to do many things. While Lightforge Industries is still young compared to the other companies¡ªalmost a newborn¡ªthey cannot be underestimated. Even the government must show him some face. You should count yourself lucky to have such a man as your sponsor.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to offer him my thanks,¡± Ning Shan replied. Despite the slight smile on his lips, his eyes showed no signs of it, yet it went completely unnoticed as all were much too absorbed in the gate slowly opening after the other man had touched something on the display before him.


    Authorization Code Accepted...


    Welcome Back to the Cradle...


    Ning Shan could feel a voice ring in his head, yet it seemed he wasn''t the only one. He could see Sera frown slightly as the voice receded, and Marquez pressed on the accelerator, prompting the vehicle forward past the now-opened gates. They had opened just enough to let the vehicle through and closed soon after. They found themselves in a dimly lit underground room with a large screen in front of them.


    Prepare for Decontamination Procedure...


    All Current Occupants, Please Disembark from the Vehicle...


    Following the instructions, all four left the steel carriage, only to be greeted by a large empty room. A dim red light appeared from the ceiling, bathing them thoroughly, yet none showed any signs of worry, as if all of this was expected and they had done so countless times before. Ning Shan only waited in silence, following their lead. However, something completely unexpected happened.


    Foreign Pathogen Detected...


    Initiating Lockdown...


    An alarm sounded, bathing the room in noise. Then, countless holes opened from the nearby walls and ceiling, from which mechanical arms emerged, holding countless weapons aimed at the group.


    "The Automated Defence System?" Sera exclaimed, "What''s happening? Didn''t you say Mr. Baxter made preparations for our arrival?"


    ¡°Do you think I have a clue?¡± Marquez spat back, a deep frown on his face. ¡°I wasn¡¯t told about this.¡±


    "It''s all your fault, isn''t it?!" the other man exploded, turning toward Ning Shan, only to be ignored entirely. In fact, Ning Shan''s attention was on the small door in the distance, through which countless armed guards were now spilling through in orderly formation.

 Chapter 23 - Where Everything Began

    Armed soldiers spilled out of the entryway as if floodgates had opened, only to leave the group stunned. They all turned toward Ning Shan in unison, only to see him shrug. Of course, he had no idea why they would seek to arrest him, seeing as this was the first time he ever set foot in this place, yet he also knew he was the most likely culprit. After all, he was the one different from the rest. Still, he remained calm and waited for the opportune moment, knowing it would come sooner or later.


    "Put your hands in the air!" one of them barked.


    The man was dressed in all black while a full-faced helmet covered his head, masking all his features. His voice was a deep baritone, deeply contrasting with his slim frame. Nevertheless, Ning Shan could feel power ooze from the man''s body, reminiscent of the giant creature in the ruins that had gifted him an orange crystal.


    One Foundation Building, and the rest in the Qi Refining realm...


    Ning remained calm, knowing he could take them, even with his limited strength. His only worry was the mechanical voice he had heard a few moments prior. The facility itself gave him a strange feeling. He could feel something''s gaze on him as if trying to peer through him and uncover all his secrets.


    ¡°Put your fucking hands where I can see them!¡± the man barked again, prompting Ning Shan to frown slightly.


    He felt the urge to put the man in his place but barely resisted. If not for the countless projectile weapons he could see pointed at him and all the others that remained hidden, Ning Shan would have shown him a piece of his mind. He reluctantly raised his hands as all the others did and simply waited.


    ¡°Identity yourselves!¡± the man yelled again.


    Slowly, all of Ning Shan''s companions spoke their names and their Hunter Accreditation Codes, only for the man to gesture to his subordinates to uncover their faces. As the masks fell, Ning Shan could see their true features for the first time. While the two men were just as he had expected them to be, Sera was another story.


    While her features couldn''t be called beautiful by any means, she also wasn''t ugly. However, what truly caught Ning Shan''s eyes was the pale blue scales that sporadically covered her skin. They rose from beneath her shirt while covering her neck and part of her cheeks, only to end below her hairline, leaving her face bare.


    Her eyes were also bizarre. They were deep red but reptilian in nature. Her hair was deep blue but somehow reflected the light as it was projected onto it. All in all, she seemed like a different breed of human. Despite her striking features, their two companions offered nary a look, almost as if they were used to seeing such things.


    ¡°A mutant, eh?¡± the man clad in black said as he looked upon Sera, only for her gaze to lower slightly. Ning Shan could also hear the sneer in his voice before he scoffed and turned toward Ning Shan.


    ¡°What about this one?¡± one of the guards said as he pointed toward Ning Shan. ¡°Unlike the others, he¡¯s got no respirator.¡±


    The group remained silent, and Ning Shan only watched to see how things would play out. However, his inactive state was soon challenged.


    "Well, well... What do we have here?" the leader said, his voice laced with such disdain that Ning Shan almost thought it could be tangible.


    He slowly walked toward him, the muzzle of his rifle always pointed toward Ning Shan''s chest, and his finger was ready to fire. Ning Shan couldn''t help but frown as he saw the glint in the man''s eyes through the dark visor once he was close enough. He could swear the man was only waiting for an excuse to use his weapon.


    ¡°What do you have to say for yourself?¡± the man added as he stopped two steps before Ning Shan.


    "No one told me those things were required, and it''s not like I need one anyway," Ning replied, his voice calm and steady as if the threat to his life was nonexistent.


    Unfortunately, this only prompted the man into action. He raised the butt of his rifle and struck the side of Ning Shan''s head, prompting it to swivel. While he had clearly seen the blow, almost as if it was in slow-motion, and could have easily avoided it, he chose not to. The man obviously enjoyed using his position of power to toy with his prey, something Ning Shan had seen countless times back in his own world. While he could efficiently deal with the man, doing so would only aggravate his current situation. He much preferred to play along and wait for the payback to come.


    A small gasp escaped Sera''s mouth as the strike sounded in the room. Judging by the volume, she couldn''t help but grimace, imagining the pain he must have felt, yet Ning Shan''s expression showed quite the contrary. He tried his best to mask the pity in his eyes, but it still showed through. The man couldn''t help but pick up on the signs as he watched Ning Shan swivel his head back after the blow, with no open wound nor blood on his skin. In fact, there seemed to be absolutely no traces of the blow.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Seeing this, the man frowned further and cocked back his arms, readying himself for another blow, only to hear Ning Shan sigh audibly. Rage at being looked down upon sprouted in the man''s heart, yet this was his misunderstanding. Ning Shan sighed because he knew he would have to deal with this man, and the aftermath would be a hassle.


    Just as the rifle accelerated toward Ning Shan for a second time, a strong sense of blood-lust sprung forth into the air, taking the man off-guard. Dread sprouted in his heart, prompting his movement to abruptly stop, only for sweat to pour down his back. He looked toward Ning Shan in fright, only to see his calm gaze look back at him as if he only looked at an already dead man. If not for his legs, which had already been paralyzed by fear, the man would have turned around and escaped, leaving all his subordinates behind.


    ¡°Corporal! What¡¯s taking so long?!¡±


    Another bark was heard near the entrance as a man emerged past the threshold. Unlike the men who surrounded them, this one didn''t sport the same protective gear as the others. His face was exposed to the outside air, wearing only a black cap on his head and showing a grey goatee on his face.


    "Captain?" the frightened man said as he turned, surprise filling his eyes as the fear slowly faded.


    At the sight of the new arrival, Ning Shan''s killing intent receded, returning to his usual calm as if nothing had happened. He only watched, yet the tension remained. Sera could barely breathe as she glanced in his direction, yet she was glad the situation hadn''t devolved further. She had almost expected the man to perish at Ning Shan''s hand, damned be the consequences to all of them.


    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you scanned them yet?¡± the captain said as he looked at his subordinates, a slight hint of anger in his eyes.


    ¡°Captain! These people are obviously suspicious! I was only interrogating them,¡± the corporal replied, yet it only fuelled the fire in the captain¡¯s eyes.


    "Don''t think I don''t know what you''re doing!" he barked back as the man cowered from his large voice. Yet, Ning Shan could still feel the defiance in the man''s body language. He couldn''t help but offer a slight smile as he shook his head, only to be picked up by the commanding officer.


    "Is this funny to you?" the captain said, addressing Ning Shan. The captain''s gaze was piercing, yet unlike the derision he could feel in the corporal''s gaze, Ning Shan only found the hardness of a man of experience. It seemed this man had seen much of the world, which couldn''t help but strike Ning Shan''s interest.


    "Not at all," Marquez said, trying to smooth the tension in the air. "We''ve just returned from a long trip on the outside and are still on edge. Forgive us. Speaking of which, Mr. Charles Baxter should have notified you of our arrival. Can I ask what''s the reason for detaining us?"


    ¡°The Hero of Londinium?¡± the captain replied, as he scrutinized the group. ¡°We did receive something like that, but what about it? He may hold a certain prestige among the masses, but this is my checkpoint, and my word here is law. My only concern is the city''s safety. The preliminary scan found something foreign about you, which is why you were detained. If you want to enter the city, you must submit yourself to a thorough examination. Whether or not you''ll be allowed inside will only be determined afterwards."


    The group turned toward Ning Shan, knowing he was the reason for their predicament, yet he only showed an unconcerned shrug. Sera couldn''t help but sigh while the other two frowned deeply. The other man even showed his animosity openly.


    "As for you, you''re dismissed. I''ll take it from here," the captain said as he turned toward his corporal. "I may allow you a certain degree of freedom, but that doesn''t mean you can do as you please. Do not go too far. Remember, the checkpoint''s security takes precedence above all else.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir!" the corporal said as he struck his heel together, creating a loud sound that echoed in the large hangar. Then, he turned on his heel and left the room through the same entrance he had entered from. Still, Ning Shan could clearly see the dissatisfaction in the man''s body language, almost as if he couldn''t even bother to hide it.


    "You''ll have to forgive us; soldiers'' quality isn''t what it used to be," the captain lamented, slightly apologetic. "Still, regulations are regulations. I cannot allow you inside until you submit to a full body scan. Do not move.¡±


    The captain raised his hand, prompting the soldiers next to him to raise their weapons, aiming them straight at their core. Ning Shan''s eyes couldn''t help but narrow, knowing he probably couldn''t avoid the blasts were they to open fire. He could only submit himself to this scan of theirs. His companions also did the same.


    Beginning Full-Body Scan...


    Preventing Subjects'' Movements...


    A strong, invisible pressure began to squeeze Ning Shan in place, barely allowing him to breathe. He could only remain still as he felt something crawl over his skin and then dive deep within his body. His vision turned green as a large beam of light fell onto the four of them, bathing them in this strange light. What truly surprised Ning Shan was that he could now see through the bodies of those next to him, almost as if their skin had turned translucent but now tinted green. Seeing human bodies this way was an entirely new experience.


    The light slowly bore deeper, uncovering all his secrets. Everything he was was laid bare for all to see, except for one single thing: the core of his being, where the red planet rotated. Once the light reached his core, it met the field made of tribulation lightning and could go no further.


    The two forces struggled against each other for just a moment, and, as expected, the green light was no match for the residual force of Ning Shan''s former world. It was as if it met a stone wall, stopping dead in its tracks. The green light remained for just a moment longer before finally dissipating, and they were finally able to move.


    While Ning Shan only let out a deep breath, the whirling energies within his core finally regained their peace, Sera slumped on the ground, completely out of breath, while the other two also felt a little weak.


    ¡°Nothing to report, it seems...¡± the captain said as he watched a nearby screen. ¡°Must have been an error... piece of junk.¡± He then turned toward the group of four. ¡°It seems everything is in order. You''re free to go." His gaze then landed on Ning Shan. "Strange... It seems you ain''t in our database, but since Mr. Baxter vouched for you, we''ll let you go. Better watch yourself, or else..."


    He then raised his hand, prompting his men to holster their weapons. Then, he slowly exited the room, leaving the four of them still shaken by what had just happened. After catching their breaths, the four finally returned to their vehicle as the large hangar opened, showing the way forward.


    "I didn''t expect our entry to be this eventful," Marquez said as he shook his head, prompting their vehicle forward before turning toward Ning Shan. "Anyway, now that this is over, welcome to the Cradle: Where everything began, but also where it''ll end...¡±

 Chapter 24 - A Goal to Strive For

    ¡°What the hell just happened?" Sera frantically said, still shaken from having countless muzzles pointed in her general direction. "Ever since I met you, it''s been nothing but hazards on my life!"


    She couldn''t help but hold her arms, still shivering at the thought of what might have happened to them should they have failed the second scan. After all, the border guards were known for how draconian they could be toward those who posed a threat to the Cradle''s security. The government had no qualms about making such people disappear. Not even Charles Baxter''s endorsement would be enough to save them.


    "I''d also be interested in knowing the answer to that question," Marquez said as he turned to face Ning Shan, his inquisitive gaze fixed on him. "The three of us have passed through that checkpoint countless times, which obviously makes you the most suspicious..."


    Despite all eyes on him, Ning Shan didn''t betray a hint of nervousness. In fact, he looked utterly unconcerned. Even if he indeed was the reason for their near arrest, he wouldn''t have cared much to have implicated them. At most, they were acquaintances, but to Ning Shan, they were just a means to an end, temporary guides in a foreign world.


    "What were they scanning for?" he asked calmly, only for the three of them to remain silent. Only the other man scoffed as he turned around, dissatisfaction clear on his face. Knowing he couldn''t get much out of Ning Shan, Marquez relented after a long sigh before answering his question.


    ¡°Most people can''t stand the red dust. It''s almost like an allergic reaction. While it''s different for everyone, it almost always leads to death."


    ¡°I saw one individual bleed out then explode as he lost his mask," Ning Shan said as he nodded slightly, only for Sera to grow pale as she replayed that scene in her mind.


    ¡°Hence the reason we wear those masks,¡± Marquez added. ¡°However, those masks are prohibited within the city. As such, all traces of dust must be carefully monitored, if only to keep the populace safe. Those scans exist to determine whether an individual is safe to enter but also work as a decontamination zone. You saw the green light, right? That''s its function."


    ¡°Wait," Ning Shan said as he raised a single hand. "Why are masks prohibited within the city?"


    ¡°You sure ask a lot of dumb questions," the other man scoffed. "How else would the government keep tabs on its citizens if they can''t always see their faces?"


    ¡°Eh?" Sera interjected. "I thought it was because the magnetic field that repels the Dust interferes with the Cradle''s climate control."


    ¡°How dumb are you?¡± the man sneered. ¡°Do you really think a system as advanced as an automated climate control system could be disturbed by mere magnetic fields? Of course not; that¡¯s just an excuse they gave to mask the real reason.¡±


    ¡°Steven! Enough," Marquez said, his expression laced with a warning that didn''t fail to imprint itself into the man''s psyche. He hesitated only momentarily before turning back to the front, his mouth now shut. "You''ll have to forgive him. Talk of the government has always put him on edge."


    ¡°I don''t blame him," Ning Shan said. "Governments rarely work for the sake of their citizen, especially if those that make the wheels turn have much to gain from their positions. After all, people are selfish creatures, always motivated by what''s best for them."


    ¡°I assume you also include yourself in that assessment?¡± Marquez asked, his eyes slightly narrowed.


    ¡°I never claimed to be any different.¡±


    Silence reigned in the steel vehicle until they finally reached their destination. They had travelled through countless corridors in complete darkness, with only the instructions from their vehicle''s dashboard to show them the way.


    They finally emerged into a large open space where countless similar vehicles rested, with no signs of their operators. The room was bare, except for a single door a few steps away, with a single dim light above it, probably the lone exit to this room.


    Sera could feel the tension mount, yet she was too scared to make a sound. She could only keep her mouth shut and wait for things to settle down. Unfortunately, this wasn''t any different than what she had experienced countless times before when she deployed with her previous team. Even back then, she felt excluded and had to constantly walk on eggshells. Such was her lot in life. Here, however, most only ignored her, which she couldn''t help but be grateful for.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    ¡°Being honest can be a double-edged sword," Marquez finally said, breaking the ice as he prompted the vehicle''s door to open to the outside. "I just hope that whatever you are trying to do doesn''t come back and bite us in the ass."


    He then stood and walked outside, only to be followed by Steven, who shot Ning Shan a cold glare. Once both men were finally gone, Ning Shan rose, extending his hand to Sera, only for her eyes to grow wide at the sight.


    ¡°Aren''t you repulsed...?" she finally asked. Her voice was as quiet as a mouse, and her nervousness was almost palpable. Still, Ning Shan only chuckled as he shook his head.


    ¡°By what? Your appearance? Trust me, I¡¯ve seen some things that would make you wish you weren¡¯t alive anymore just so that you could forget them. I''ve also seen creatures that would make your worst nightmares look like sweet dreams in contrast. Sure, you might look different from a regular human, but against those things, you seem like the most normal thing. Still, I can''t help but be curious as to your origins. Are you human or from another race entirely?"


    ¡°Your world has other sentient races besides humans?! What are they like?" Sera exclaimed, barely masking her surprise, which couldn''t help but make Ning Shan ponder, only for his eyes to narrow soon after.


    ¡°How did you know I come from another world?¡±


    Both of Sera''s hands sealed her mouth shut as her gaze darted around. Fortunately, she found that the two men were too absorbed in their own conversation and another voice coming from their communicators to have heard her words. Only then did she remove her bounds and sigh deeply before sheepishly looking toward Ning Shan, who calmly awaited her response.


    "You may think I''m stupid, but I notice some things," she replied in a low voice. "How could I be a good scout if I was that oblivious? There are just too many basic things you do not know, and coupled with the fact you do not require a respirator, it would be dumb of me to assume you are just another citizen."


    "That still doesn''t explain why you''d think I was from another world. For all you know, I may be from another city or the wasteland itself."


    Sera''s gaze darted around as her body crunched up even more, making her look even more suspicious. Still, Ning Shan was intrigued by her reasoning and decided to humour her. He bent down to her level, lending her an ear.


    "Don''t tell anyone you''ve heard this from me, but a rumour circulates down in the Depths,¡± she whispered. ¡°Apparently, once a hunter becomes strong enough, he can petition the government to enter the Pillar. Obviously, there''s no chance for the average hunter to be allowed to do so. The Pillar is a sacred item, after all."


    ¡°Wait...¡± Ning Shan said as he closed his eyes and held the bridge of his nose, thinking deeply. ¡°You mean to tell me those people also come from other worlds? What¡¯s your basis for this?¡±


    ¡°Just the fact that such a rumour is circulating must mean there is some truth behind it, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Ning Shan couldn''t help but agree. Transmigration couldn''t become such a prevalent rumour without people believing in it. While he still had doubts, he couldn''t help but become interested in verifying if those people were indeed travellers like himself and, if so, how they managed to do it. He highly doubted they had used the same method he did, as the odds of success were truly abysmal. After all, overcoming the tribulation shouldn''t have led him to this world, much less failing as he did.


    ¡°How does one get in touch with those people?¡± he finally asked.


    ¡°Caught your interest?¡± Sera replied, a grin on her face. ¡°Still, that¡¯s easier said than done. People who have access to the Pillar usually don¡¯t ever come back. So, your only option would be to go there yourself.¡±


    ¡°Hey! The preparations have been made. We¡¯re moving out!¡±


    Marquez''s voice shattered the secrecy of their conversation, prompting them to rise and acknowledge him, only to be greeted by an awkward stare. Still, Ning Shan showed no embarrassment as he was too absorbed in what he had just heard. Finding these people might be the first step in knowing why he had reached this world among the countless others available to him. After all, this was just one among many.


    Back in his old world, there were many records of men and women who had come and gone¡ªrecords of their short stay within the Nine Abyss Realm. While most saw them as mere fiction, Ning Shan knew their tales to be true. He knew countless realms existed aside from his own, yet the world''s will was like a cage, imprisoning them within that realm for all eternity.


    While reading the memoirs of those travellers, he had promised himself to follow in their footsteps and finally break free for the first time, allowing his wings to finally unfurl and fly away to the distant shore, away from everything that held him back. He had struggled all his life for that one moment.


    The thought that others existed here who might share his vision couldn''t help but make his heart flutter. He couldn''t help but seek them out as soon as possible, hoping to achieve the means to travel between worlds. This simple piece of information suddenly made his arrival in this world worth it, even though he had to start from the beginning again.


    With a slight smile, Ning Shan walked behind the group as the door on the far wall came into view. He walked through the threshold only to be stunned by the view beyond.


    They now stood in a chamber big enough to accommodate over twenty people, yet it seemed like a dead end. The opposite wall was made of a transparent material, yet it didn''t seem to be glass, but something much more robust. Either way, Ning Shan couldn''t help but take a few steps toward the boundary, entranced by what he saw on the other side.


    At the top was the night sky, yet no stars could be gleaned. Slightly below was a circular mountain ridge, yet the edge seemed sharper than most knives. In the middle stood a pillar of multicoloured light that separated the world into two halves right down the middle until it plunged into a dark abyss below. Almost as if a lightning bolt had fallen, shattering a large mountain as it created a large crater with no bottom, yet the bolt remained stuck in place as if in stasis. The sight of that Pillar was both majestic and dreadful. Ning Shan couldn''t help but feel its might deep in his bones.


    His sight wandered up and down, never really leaving the Pillar. While he noticed the countless structures attached to the crater''s walls with multiple walkways bridging them in the middle, avoiding the Pillar, and the numerous levels that disappeared into the depths below, Ning Shan barely registered them. In fact, most of his attention was fixed on the Pillar and what it represented. It was even more complex than he first anticipated, almost a world in and of itself, a single separate dimension fixed in time and place¡ªat least that was the feeling he had as he gazed into it.


    ¡°Where to?" a mechanical voice said, almost as if speaking straight into his brain, bringing him out of his daze. He turned around, only to see the three others look at him with slight smiles. He also couldn''t help but chuckle as surely they, too, had once felt the same as they gazed at the Pillar for the first time.


    ¡°The Ninth Level, please," Marquez replied just before the platform began to move downward toward the dark abyss below.

 Chapter 25 - Welcome to a New Home

    The doors opened, revealing a mystical sight that Ning Shan had never once witnessed. At least, that was what he foolishly expected, yet he was sadly disappointed by the grim reality.


    The streets of the ninth level weren¡¯t unlike those of the cities of his previous world, except that the populace was scarce, and those he could see weren¡¯t what he was expecting.


    From the corner of distant alleys, Ning Shan noticed ladies with barely a cloth on their shoulders, beckoning patrons with too heavy a wallet in the hopes of lightening their loads. The only disparity with the youths of the red light districts he knew of were the various mechanical enhancements that were evidently apparent, whether the ladies of ill-repute or their customers. Few seemed to possess all the original flesh of their bodies, yet none seemed concerned. In fact, they seemed to even take pride in that fact.


    From other corners, hidden within the darkness yet also barely visible, merchants offered their illicit wares to the delight of their clientele. What surprised Ning Shan was the diversity of their clothing. Some wore vestments worthy of their stature, while others sported mere rags no better than Ning Shan''s current battered clothing. It seemed these wares were in high demand throughout all walks of life.


    Speaking of which, Ning Shan''s bloody clothes attracted the attention of the audience, their gazes turning his way as they strolled down the main street toward a small plaza suspended mid-air over the void. As for how the ground under his feet remained in place despite the lack of structural support, Ning Shan couldn''t hazard a guess. All he could do was trust that it was so and would remain.


    ¡°First thing first, we should get you out of those clothes,¡± Marquez said, frowning slightly at the unwanted attention.


    Indeed. Even despite their battered state, Ning Shan''s long robes were an oddity among the populace, as most men wore simple shirts and pants for ease of movement alongside leather jackets, only to hide their slim weapons beneath. In fact, Ning Shan remarked that only a few seemed to be unarmed, only those who could not afford them.


    ¡°Is this the norm?" Ning Shan asked, his gaze fixed on a large man openly carrying a massive rifle on his shoulder. He strolled through the streets without a care in the world while all others offered him a wide birth, a slight trace of fear on their faces.


    ¡°This level may seem lawless, but it''s much better than the depths," Marquez replied, yet didn''t offer much reaction as the man passed them by. "Levels six through ten belong to the Guild, as this is also where the entrance to the Shaft is located. As such, many hunters make these levels their home base. You should get used to it, as this also will become home for a while."


    ¡°I see, but what about the others?" Ning added, looking toward the ladies of the night but also the merchants.


    ¡°Being a hunter is stressful as it is, but it also pays well, which can¡¯t help but make certain businesses boom,¡± Marquez shrugged.


    Ning Shan nodded, but something that Marquez had said struck him.


    ¡°I assume the Guild you mentioned is the Hunter''s Guild?"


    ¡°Oh, I didn''t think you were aware," he replied, slightly mockingly, yet Ning Shan didn''t care.


    ¡°I know of a similar organization, so it''s unsurprising. Instead, I''m more interested in the Shaft you mentioned."


    ¡°One thing at a time, you''ll know soon enough," Marquez replied with a sly smile. "But first, let''s get you out of those rags."


    Following Marquez''s lead, the group entered a shop facing the plaza. Inside, there was everything one could expect regarding clothing: from the latest fashion to the more utilitarian style of military vestment. Ning Shan chose something in between, allowing ease of movement yet accenting his own elegant features.


    He chose dark cargo pants, allowing multiple functional pockets and a belt to attach his weapon to. He also chose some thick-soled black leather boots, allowing for good traction in even the worst environments. Surprisingly, the clerk mentioned they were also equipped with a personal force field that, once activated, allowed for easy cleaning as they repelled any traces of dirt almost instantly, leaving them spotless after use.


    For his upper body, he chose a simple V-neck shirt that clung to his skin yet was stretchy enough to allow all manners of movement and a black leather vest on top. While he had seen all manners of colours back on the streets, he opted for the simplicity of a black outfit, if only for camouflage. After all, in a world of complete darkness, black was the easiest colour to blend into the night.


    As Ning Shan didn¡¯t have the means to pay yet, Marquez was the one to do so. Once at the terminal, he pressed his hand onto the screen, prompting a bar of green light to rise and fall, scanning the palm before the message of a successful purchase was displayed.


    ¡°Nice to see you out of those dirty clothes,¡± Sera said, her head hidden within the hood of her jacket, only her red eyes shining through.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Ning Shan, too, was relieved, yet the gazes in his direction hadn''t stopped but only changed their meanings. Despite the simplicity of his clothes, he couldn''t help but attract the female gaze, especially those of the working kind. It was no surprise, as Ning Shan felt more refined and elegant than the rough and scarred hunters that filled the streets.


    He had something that most lacked: a light of ambition in his eyes. In fact, as he looked around, all he could see was the hopelessness of a crushing reality or the obliviousness of people who denied their fates and chose to live in the moment, killing themselves slowly until nothing remained. It felt to him like a rotting society too absorbed in its own vices to strive for something more.


    How can they not feel this way in a world devoid of light when all they have ever known was darkness? Unlike the upper levels where the Pillar shone, its light can only barely reach this depth. It''s as if it''s always ahead, taunting them. They probably were crushed by its allure a long time ago...


    He raised his head, watching as only the dim, leftover light of the Pillar that hovered in the sky reached his eyes, barely illuminating the darkness around him. If not for nearby street lamps'' scarce, artificial light, the world around him would only be basked into obscurity. Still, there was one thing that came to mind.


    ¡°How deep are we?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Who knows?¡± Marquez shrugged, unconcerned by Ning Shan¡¯s sudden curiosity.


    "Hard to say," Sera added. "The government never released precise measurements, but since the highest floor is the 25<sup>th</sup> level and we are on the ninth, and considering you can barely see the level overhead unless you use something to enhance your vision, I¡¯d say we are a couple kilometres deep.¡±


    ¡°And, how far does it go?¡± Ning Shan said, unable to hide his surprise.


    "I doubt we''re at the halfway point, as no one ever truly mapped it out," she replied. "Rarely do we see anyone crawl back up from the depths, especially those sent to the first level."


    ¡°I remember some years ago the government sent a team of hunters to try and map it out, but they never came back,¡± Steven said, reminiscing. ¡°Shame as those people were good hunters.¡±


    ¡°Is it a penal colony of sorts?¡± Ning Shan asked as a frown crept on his face.


    ¡°Just a rubbish bin where the government throws its waste,¡± Steven replied. ¡°Good riddance, I say. Nothing good ever came out of the depths.¡±


    Somehow, the man glanced toward Sera, which couldn''t help but make her lower her head further, hiding deeper with her hood. While Ning Shan had many questions, he knew better than to ask. They could wait until later.


    With their trip to the clothing store over with, the group strolled the streets until they arrived at a massive gate on the opposite wall of the crater. From the number of steps, Ning Shan estimated the hole to be a few kilometres in diameter. He could see some large cables attached to the rock walls supporting the weight of the pavement below their feet, yet those alone wouldn''t be enough to support the entire level. Something else was at play, yet he couldn''t put his finger on it. For now, it remained a mystery.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± he asked, facing the giant metal door carved straight into the rock wall.


    ¡°One of the entrances to the Shaft,¡± Marquez said. ¡°I figured I should show you the way since this will be your new workplace until further notice.¡±


    ¡°I thought I would be working for Mr. Baxter?¡±


    ¡°All in due time,¡± he replied. ¡°While Mr. Baxter is interested in what you have to offer, he still needs you to prove your worth. Only then will he take time out of his busy schedule to entertain you. Don¡¯t forget you already cost him enough by destroying his investment.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Ning Shan replied, unconcerned. In fact, he was in no hurry to meet this famed Charles Baxter. The more time he had to grow his strength, the better his negotiation position would be. ¡°So, am I to assume I¡¯ll be working as a hunter?¡±


    ¡°Quite perceptive of you,¡± Steven interjected. ¡°What else are you good for, if not your ability to kill?¡±


    ¡°I have many hobbies,¡± Ning Shan answered back, not bothering to entertain him further as he turned to face Marquez. ¡°So, what¡¯s in this shaft exactly?¡±


    "A labyrinth," he replied. "At least, that''s what people of the past called it. We prefer the Shaft as it is more literal. It''s basically an artificial hole that reaches deep into the earth. The gate you see before you act more like a portal than a mere gate, allowing you to be transported within the Shaft. As for how it works, don''t ask me, as I have no clue."


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t explain much...¡± Ning Shan lamented.


    "From what I heard more veteran hunters say, the Shaft exists in a separate dimension where the rules are somewhat different," Sera added. "The walls are made of an unknown material, harder than anything we can manufacture, making it impossible to break them. They are also separated into levels, allowing the hunters to descend further the more they explore. Also, it should be expected, but the creatures within also grow stronger the deeper you delve."


    "There should be something valuable within if people are willing to risk their lives."


    "Indeed, but it''s nothing you haven''t seen before. Still, the Cradle desperately needs it, making it a most valuable commodity."


    Ning Shan remained silent, mulling over what he had learned. While he still had many questions, this was enough for now. Ever since he came to this world, he had always been on edge, with little time to get his bearings. He needed a calm place to rest, as he hadn''t meditated since the time he had faced the tribulation. While he doubted it would do much good in his current situation, centuries of repetition ingrained this habit into his bones. Not doing so for a long time left him somewhat anxious and edgy.


    ¡°Anyway, you''ll have all the time in the world to explore this later," Marquez said. "For now, let me show you your new accommodations, courtesy of Mr. Baxter. While you may not be worth much at present, he still has high hopes for you."


    Indeed, he did, as the dwelling he had been granted was more than he expected. This was a two-bedroom, all-furnished apartment right in front of the Hunter''s Guild Branch Office and a few minutes from the Shaft''s entrance. He had everything he needed to start a promising life in this new world.


    As he had expected, the two men soon went their separate ways, as they had their own worries to take care of. Still, this suited Ning Shan just fine as he was more of a lone wolf, and having to deal with people holding a grudge was a hassle he didn''t need. Only Sera remained, nervously looking at him while he explored his new residence.


    "Do you not have any place to go?" he asked, looking back at her, only to see her lower her head even more.


    ¡°The boss did have a place we used as a home base, but you killed them all...¡±


    Ning Shan remained silent, a nervous lull hanging in the atmosphere, only for him to sigh soon after.


    ¡°This place is big enough for two. Make yourself at home,¡± he said reluctantly. ¡°Besides, I may yet have things for you to do. You better prepare yourself.¡±


    She swiftly raised her head, showing a bright smile before rushing toward one of the open bedrooms and then letting herself fall on the soft bed. Ning Shan couldn''t help but shake his head before pinching the bridge of his nose in disbelief.


    Did I just get myself a partner or a dog...

 Chapter 26 - To Bathe in Dust

    ¡°Sir! I¡¯ve done as you asked.¡±


    Marquez sat within his team''s compound on the tenth level. Before him was a large metallic table with many similar chairs spanning its circumference. In the centre was a dimly glowing orb that projected a small hologram onto the air itself. It was a rendition of a small Charles Baxter quietly sitting at his own desk, perusing the various reports strewn on it. He barely raised his head as he addressed Marquez.


    "Good. I''ll have my secretary do something about your team. You''ll be on standby ''till then. Think of it as a vacation of sorts. I''m sure you''ll enjoy it."


    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Marquez replied, yet he couldn¡¯t hide the wry smile that crept upon his lips. He hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to voice the concerns brewing in his heart.


    ¡°Something on your mind?¡± Baxter asked as he raised his gaze slightly from the documents.


    Marquez bit his lips but then resolved himself to ask. After all, the worst that could happen was to be denied answers.


    ¡°Sir! I have to ask. Was it necessary not to give him more information? After all, that man didn¡¯t seem to be aware of most of the common knowledge in the Cradle.¡±


    Baxter rose slightly, pressing his back into the soft cushioning of his chair. Then he tilted his head backward, rubbing the bridge of his nose with the tip of his index and thumb.


    "I''m not interested in gaining just another puppet when I already have more than enough," he finally said after letting the silence hang much longer than Marquez would have liked. "I need a man who can think for himself and get things done. If he can''t even show his worth without being told how then I have no use for him."


    ¡°Thank you for revealing your thoughts, sir,¡± Marquez said dryly, yet couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly honoured that a man of Charles Baxter¡¯s importance would deign to spend his limited time answering his question.


    "If that''s all you have to report, I must return to work."


    "One more thing," Marquez added as the thought popped into his head. While he didn''t find this detail meaningful, he knew it wasn''t his place to conclude as such. "That man chose to keep a young mutant by his side. What should be done about her?"


    "Oh... the young girl formerly employed by your rival?" Baxter replied, slightly intrigued, yet his interest quickly depleted. "I read her file. She''s inconsequential. If he has a use for her, then let him do as he pleases. However, if she proves to be an obstacle, then you know what to do. I trust your judgment on this. If there¡¯s anything else, you can inform my secretary.¡±


    The image emitted a strange sound before it automatically closed, letting the darkness wash over the room, only for dim lights to emerge, basking the room in their dull glow, just enough so that Marquez could see within the dim darkness.


    He remained seated for a while longer, mulling over his next course of action as he replayed the conversation in his mind. While there were some things he couldn''t comprehend, he chose not to delve further, as he knew Charles Baxter only told him what he needed to know. Any more would only become an unneeded risk.


    "I just hope that man won''t implicate me if he were to ever disappoint Mr. Baxter," Marquez muttered under his breath, even shivering at the mere thought before he rose and left the room, leaving it to return to darkness.


    ******


    Ning Shan sat on his new bed, his legs crossed as his rear slightly sunk into the soft material. His eyes were closed, and he became one with the darkness within until his consciousness blended into his own body, travelling to every extremity of his flesh before returning to his core, where a single red light dwelt.


    In what used to be his qi centre was the cube-shaped red-ringed planet that slowly revolved into the void, red dust amalgamating onto its surface, slowly making it grow. From all the fighting that occurred, Ning Shan hadn''t been able to observe the planet in a long time and was surprised to see it grow so big. In fact, it was almost twice the size of the last time he had reached so deep. It seemed almost on the verge of bursting.


    The sixth ring should be just about ready to be born...


    Floating not far away within the void, Ning Shan could see the constant reminder of what he had been granted. There stood a window of golden light, representing what he could only once perceive as a slight feeling, but now in numerical values. He was only a few Red Dust Points away from the next level.


    I wonder what would happen if I cultivated as I always have. Would it even do anything? Well, I have only time to lose by trying.


    Ning Shan concentrated further, feeling the world around him and its lack of qi. No matter how hard he tried, no qi ever resonated with him, making this world more barren than he first expected. Even in the more desolate areas of his previous world, no place existed devoid of all qi, as it was the very foundation of the world. The absence of qi only meant death.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Either this world is already dead, just an instant away from complete destruction, or something else is sustaining its foundation. While this red dust is interesting in itself, it''s not enough to explain its continued existence.


    Ning Shan let out a long breath, dissipating all those intrusive thoughts as he tried to focus completely on his meditation. He let his mind wander over the void while he breathed in and out, allowing the dust to collect within his core. Still, something surprised him.


    Marquez said that the people here were allergic to the dust, yet I can still feel it all around me. While its concentration is lower than outside, it is still abundant. Why can they live within the Cradle and not outside its boundary?


    Something didn''t add up. There were too many details about this new substance that were unknown for him to make a definitive conclusion. While he was interested in having answers, there were more pressing matters for him to attend to.


    After over two hours of meditation, his consciousness expanded, covering most of the Cradle''s ninth level. While pitiful compared to what he could do at his peak, it was enough for his current needs. With a single thought, he mobilized the surrounding dust, creating a massive vortex that slowly pulled all the dust toward his location.


    As he was inexperienced in manipulating dust compared to qi, his absorption rate was pitifully low. Most of the dust that reached him only passed through his body, entering his core, only to be spat out through his breath, while only a small amount remained. Still, the rate at which he gathered the dust was definitely better than the passive rate.


    Coupled with the fact that the dust lingered next to him before being sucked again a second or even third time, it allowed Ning Shan to quickly advance toward the sixth level of the Qi Refining Stage, or whatever the people of this world called the sixth red ring that was on the verge of emerging from the cube-shaped planet.


    ******


    While he was deep in meditation, Sera strolled through the street of this level, familiarizing herself with her new surroundings. Without an alternating source of light like a celestial object and the constant dim light of the pillar overhead, determining the time of day was an inconsistent undertaking.


    As such, the streets were almost always busy with people living at their own rhythm. In any other world, it would seem that people were in a constant state of night outings, drinking in the streets, with multiple bars opened at every hour, always welcoming their perpetual clientele. Still, Sera knew this was only a matter of perspective.


    The ninth level was much different than where she grew up. Here, hunters were the norm, and while it may have seemed lawless, a particular order reigned, making this place much better than what her experiences dictated. The chances of being mugged, and her body being left to rot on the street side¡ªwhile not zero¡ªwere much lower. Still, she hid a pistol beneath her jacket, if only by habit.


    Her hood covered her face as she walked the streets, her thoughts wandering as she thought back to the man she was now entangled with. Somehow, the loss of her team seemed like memories of a lifetime ago, barely registering in her consciousness, even though it all happened less than two days ago.


    She felt no sadness for their loss or anger for their betrayal. They felt almost inconsequential. Somehow, all her thoughts revolved around this new man and what it represented for her¡ªmaybe a way for her to escape this world of blood and death. Still, she knew perfectly well how naive her thoughts were.


    As she strolled the streets, passing by the countless prostitutes advertising their crafts, Sera noticed something unusual. The dim lights that hovered over the city, valiantly fighting the encroaching darkness, began to dim, if only slightly. For beings that lived in darkness, this shift didn¡¯t go unnoticed.


    Almost everyone stopped in their tracks, raising their heads as they silently watched what was happening. An uneasy silence reigned over the level, something that seldom happened as the street¡¯s bustle was always a constant.


    Sera''s eyes narrowed as her thoughts raced. Something like this had never happened in her few short years of life. She couldn''t help but turn her gaze back toward her new domicile, the image of that man unexpectedly appearing in her mind.


    He couldn¡¯t be the one responsible for this, right? She thought, unable to get the thought out of her mind. It''s only been a short few hours since we returned to the Cradle, and something like this happened... What are the chances of a coincidence?


    She shook her head, unwilling to think further. Whatever was happening had nothing to do with her, and even if it was, she would deny it. She renewed her stroll, ignoring what was happening above, only to be stopped again by something worse.


    The lights were now flickering. She even saw them wobbling slightly, almost as if they were threatening to fall as if they were about to run out of energy. Fright took hold of her heart, and the bad feeling she had was growing stronger. Without much thought, she turned on her heel and began running toward the apartment they were granted, ignoring the dubious looks she was given.


    In less than a few minutes, she reached the large lobby, bolting past the reception desk as she ran straight into the elevator, frantically pressing the button marked thirteen, indicating the floor on which their apartment was. Only now did she realize the instability wasn''t confined to the street light; even those within the building were flickering. The elevator refused to move, even though she relentlessly pressed the button.


    She darted out of the elevator and took the stairs, which she quickly climbed, even while skipping some. Thinking this to be too slow, she even chose to use her gift, skipping multiple flights as she fell in reverse toward the ceiling of the staircase shaft before stopping precisely at the thirteenth floor.


    She rushed down the hall before pressing her hand against the scanner at their door to unlock it. She couldn''t help but thank herself for having convinced Ning Shan to add her to the registry before leaving. Otherwise, she would have been outside, unable to get in without his approval.


    She frantically looked around, only to find Ning Shan missing within their shared space. As a scout by training, she could easily determine his whereabouts once she put her mind to it. While she would never usually invade someone''s privacy, especially someone who held power over her, this time, her instincts told her it would be a mistake not to do so.


    She quickly barged through the door of Ning Shan''s bedroom, not bothering to announce herself, only to be stunned by what she saw and swiftly closed the door back down, her face white as a sheet as dread took root in her heart. She had come much too close for comfort.


    She rushed to her own room, snatching her mask before hastily wearing it. Only then did she return to Ning Shan''s room, but this time, she opened the door more carefully, only to be again bewildered by the sight.


    In the middle was Ning Shan, peacefully sitting on his own bed, legs crossed, and his breaths were long and slow. He was in such a trance that Sera could only barely hear his heartbeat despite doing her best to strain her ears. If not for the rosiness of his skin, she would have thought the man to be dead.


    No, what truly stunned her was the cloud of red dust orbiting around him, permeating the room, almost as if he was bathing in it. Yet, he seemed perfectly fine. In fact, he had never seemed better!

 Chapter 27 - A Breakthroughs Aftermath

    Sera was bewildered by the sight before her. Never had she seen the concentration of red dust so high as to be visible to the naked eye. The only instances she could remember were when strong Dustborns were slain, and the red dust within their bodies spilled into the atmosphere. It only lasted for a moment before completely disappearing. Obviously, such a thing had never happened within the confines of the Cradle.


    Ning Shan was immobile in the middle of this thick cloud while this deadly substance swirled around him like a galaxy. Yet none of the red dust''s lethal properties seemed to apply to him. He slowly breathed the powder in and out, the cloud growing thinner with each breath, almost as if he were taking the toxic dust within himself.


    Sera couldn''t help but recoil in fright, wondering what kind of monster this man was. Even with her mask covering her face, she felt dread at the mere thought of entering this thick cloud of red. She had the mounting suspicion that she would collapse dead at its mere touch, almost as if the dust could pass through the barrier of her skin.


    While her knowledge of the dust was limited, she wouldn''t take the chance. She only waited within the threshold of his room, watching as even more dust was attracted to his body, passing through the thick walls, almost as if he possessed his own gravity. All the while, the lights and all other devices that used the dust as an energy source would flicker irregularly as they were deprived of sustenance.


    Outside the window, she could see the ninth level plunged into obscurity as the hovering light went out. Some of them even fell to the ground, the sound of their crash echoing over the now silent level as people watched, stupefied at this unheard-of phenomenon.


    Only when the sound echoed did the citizens recover their minds and begin to panic as they plunged into blackness. While darkness had followed them all their lives, living only under dim lights, to be deprived of them so suddenly left them unable to compute. They could only shout uneasily while waiting for the government to restore order.


    This proved difficult as the red dust was the very foundation of the city. Anything that possessed electronics or needed energy to operate was now rendered null due to the lack of red dust. People''s enhanced limbs or even life-sustaining apparatus began to fail, leaving some unable to stand while others were on the edge of death.


    Sera watched¡ªthrough their apartment''s large bay windows¡ªas the ninth level came to a standstill, almost as if the city had gone to sleep. Fortunately, the phenomenon was contained to the ninth level as she could see even dimmer light further up overhead.


    However, they, too, were beginning to flicker as Ning Shan''s force of attraction grew stronger. Worse still, the device that sustained the level mid-air began to falter, leading the ground below their feet to quake as it threatened to fall to the levels below. If whatever Ning Shan did wasn''t made to stop, the several lower levels of the Cradle would be reduced to rumble as they fell one on top of the others.


    Unaware of the impending calamity, Ning Shan was deep in a trance-like state, absorbing the surges of red dust one breath at a time. He breathed in, bringing the concentrated red dust to his core by letting it pass through his now reconstructed qi channels as some of it was infused into his flesh. This transformed his body into something that could now use this new-found energy to empower itself.


    As for the red dust that finally made its way to his core, only a tiny fraction would be incorporated into the revolving planet''s ring, as it first needed to be refined by the black lightning before integrating into it. The process was slow, much slower than he would have liked. Still, he was used to how dull cultivating could be and thought nothing of it. Simply, the fact that he could grow stronger through this method left him feeling satisfied.


    No matter how long it might take, he was slowly working toward his goal. The planet grew bigger as the dust coalesced into it, its surface even reaching the orbit of the first ring. Still, instead of integrating the ring into the planet''s core, it was pushed back, its orbit growing bigger as it did the same for all four others.


    The process repeated itself multiple times, slowly growing bigger until its mass was at the apex of what it could sustain. Once it reached its limit, the cuboid planet of red dust collapsed unto itself, propelling a large amount of dust outward as it crashed into the planet¡¯s ring, destroying them in the process. It was as if a small supernova happened within the confines of his core, yet the black lightning was ever present at the edge of his inner universe, preventing the dust from leaving his core.


    The dust crashed against the black barrier, unable to go further. Its outward momentum was transferred to an angular one as the cloud of dust began spinning ever faster until it coalesced to the centre again under its own gravity.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    The cube-shaped planet regained its form once again, although much smaller than at its peak. Still, a large cloud of dust remained as it spun on its axis before the cloud coalesced into distinct rings. However, instead of the initial five, there was now a sixth spinning at the planet¡¯s periphery. The five-ringed planet had now become six-ringed.


    Ning Shan felt a wave of power course through his body. While slightly different than a breakthrough in cultivation, the strength increase was noticeable. His flesh had become somewhat stronger. While he was far from being able to keep up with what his mind demanded, he still felt the refreshing feeling of his slow ascension to the peak once again. Although the road to such heights would be long, the mere fact that it could be done put a smile on his face.


    He opened his eyes, only to find Sera with her back against the wall opposite his own room. The sturdy wall had slightly caved in above her head while she was slumped to the ground, seemingly unable to rise. Her head hung down as her two hands firmly gripped her mask.


    Ning Shan rose as he frowned. From what he remembered, she should have been gone a few hours prior. Had she already returned? If so, he should have noticed her arrival. Was her presence so minute that he hadn''t detected her, or did she possess some means to hide he wasn''t aware of, or was something else at play?


    Thinking back on it, Ning Shan had no recollection of the passage of time. Usually, he would remain aware of all his surroundings despite being in closed-door cultivation. So much so that none could approach him without being repelled by the might his own consciousness exuded through cultivation. His divine sense would usually permeate the world around him, making all sudden attacks fail to produce lasting consequences.


    In this case, however, Sera had been able to reach much closer than others had ever been. Was it because he saw her as non-threatening? He firmly believed that wasn''t the case. Was there something else?


    Suddenly, the light in their apartment came to life, bringing a dim light to the darkness. Only then did Ning Shan finally realize that something was wrong. Looking out of a nearby window, he saw darkness hang over the city before a curious apparatus began levitating, rising above it before emitting a slight light, restoring the city''s semblance of life.


    Something was amiss, and nothing proved it more than when he cast his gaze onto a nearby building. Its facade had crumbled slightly, almost as if an earthquake had shaken the earth, causing pieces of its exterior to detach and fall to the ground, leaving their remnants on the streets.


    The same could be said for the city''s inhabitants. Most looked overhead hesitantly, dread evident in their eyes. Despite the light having been brought back, they stood motionless as if awaiting something more to come. It was only when unmanned drones began patrolling the sky as they descended from the level above that a semblance of peace was slightly restored.


    Some began to rush toward their residence as if trying to estimate the damages, while others stood in place, still shaken by what had just happened. Still, what caught Ning Shan''s attention was the same building across the street that had initially caught his attention.


    Its broken facade was slowly repairing itself without any outside interference. The shattered pieces of its exterior rose from the ground, sliding themselves into the same recesses they originated from, only to be seamlessly repaired, leaving no traces of their broken state.


    Using the dust to enhance his vision, Ning Shan could see the red particles dance within the air as they clung to the debris, making them rise from the ground and attaching them to the building. It was almost as if the particles had come to life, moving on their own, almost as if they possessed a shared consciousness, allowing them to move in unison and perform complex tasks.


    Does this city have the means to control the red dust?


    As he pondered, he sensed a groan coming from behind him. He abruptly turned, only to see Sera shake her head before holding it with both hands, almost as if trying to resist the throbbing of her skull. Ning Shan bent down before her, looking into her red eyes, only to see them dazed and confused. He waited for her to come to before voicing his doubts.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± he asked, yet his tone was much colder than Sera would have liked. She couldn¡¯t help but retort despite the pain assaulting her.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it all your fault?¡± she said, her eyes now closed as she fought the pain. ¡°You better pray the government doesn¡¯t discover what you just did, for both our sake.¡±


    She finally opened her eyes, only to see the confusion on Ning Shan''s face. She remained stunned but sighed as she rose to her feet with Ning Shan''s help.


    "Do you really not remember?" she asked, only to see Ning Shan shake his head, waiting for her to elaborate.


    She began to explain what had happened since she had left their apartment: the flickering lights, the unstable devices, even the level threatening to fall, but also the cloud of red dust that orbited around him, so much so that it was visible to the naked eye.


    ¡°What happened after that?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I didn''t know what to do as I didn''t want to make things worse, so I waited," she said as she took a seat on a nearby chair. "Suddenly, you showed a smile on your face, and then the cloud of dust exploded, spreading outward as it created a wave of compressed air. I only had enough time to grasp my mask as it crashed into me, lifting me off my feet and propelling me into the nearby wall. Fortunately, it only cut my breath off and made me lose consciousness, allowing the medicine present in my mask to do its job."


    ¡°If so, why haven''t the windows been destroyed by the explosion?" he said as he looked through them, only to see what resembled glass was still pristine.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure they suffered some damage, but the city is always quick to repair itself,¡± she shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s not the least of our problems here...¡±


    Her gaze was grim as she removed her mask once she ensured it was safe. She looked toward Ning Shan as if trying to say something but hesitated. Yet, Ning Shan had an inkling of what she meant to say.


    ¡°You think that by following the damages, they might be able to find its epicentre?¡± he asked, yet he already knew the answer.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± she replied, slightly frantic. ¡°They should be on their way as we speak.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Concealed Stratagems

    Looking out of a nearby window, Ning Shan saw small floating objects swiftly closing in. Not unlike birds, their approach was silent, cutting through the darkness without difficulty, yet he couldn''t find any evidence of wings. If anything, they resembled the combat drone he encountered a day prior, yet they were much smaller in size.


    They were spherical, and, unlike the combat drone, they possessed multiple eye-like apparatus that glowed a dull yellow. Within the darkness of the Cradle, they resembled miniature dull suns, yet they travelled at impressive speed, and their course was easy to predict. They were all headed toward this apartment.


    "Scout drones," Sera whispered as she tugged on Ning Shan''s sleeve. "We need to get out of here, or we''re doomed. The Government doesn''t care much to prove guilt. If they believe us to be responsible, the best we can hope for is a swift death."


    ¡°It''s a good thing then; we aren''t the owners of this place," Ning Shan replied, pressing a button near the window so that it became almost entirely opaque, allowing but the barest of light through. "If they ask, we can just have Baxter deal with them."


    ¡°And you think he won''t put the blame on us?" she hissed as she quickly made her way to the door. "He may hold a certain authority within the Cradle, but he still has a reputation to uphold. Would he risk alienating the Government for unknown liabilities like us? He would never put his business at risk!"


    While Sera panicked as she packed what she could, Ning Shan peered through the now-dark window, observing as the constructs flew closer. He remained calm on the surface, yet his mind raced, thinking of all the possibilities open to him. In fact, their situation wasn''t as bad as she made it seem. There were still avenues open to him, yet it all happened much sooner than he anticipated.


    ¡°Why are you wasting time!?¡± she screeched silently. ¡°We need to leave! How can you still be so calm when our very lives hang in the balance?¡±


    ¡°Will panicking enhance your chances of survival?¡± he scoffed.


    He had watched her trying to stuff what she owned in a bag, only for it to spill everywhere. There was no method to her madness. In fact, most of what she tried to take wasn''t hers but had always been in the apartment when they received it. Most of what little she owned had never been taken out of her storage in the first place.


    Ning Shan nonchalantly walked past her, exiting the apartment and making his way toward the elevator. Stunned, it took a moment for Sera to realize what he was doing, only to drop the stuffed bag onto the floor and rush after him.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we run?¡± she asked. ¡°Why are you patiently waiting for the elevator?¡±


    ¡°Stop it with the terrified look; it only gives you away," Ning Shan said as he looked down at her. "If it doesn''t suit you, you''re always welcome to take the stairs."


    The elevator rang as the door opened, only for Ning Shan to casually enter. Inside were already other residents. Their faces told of their intents, as did the high-tech suitcases that hovered beside them. Taken aback, Sera followed him. She remained skeptical of his intent, yet couldn¡¯t voice her doubts¡ªnot with so many witnesses around.


    ¡°Scary world we live in,¡± Ning Shan said to the couple standing next to him as the elevator slowly made its way downwards.


    Their heads swivelled, and fright was in their eyes. Sera couldn''t help but notice how expensive their clothes seemed, especially the woman''s. Her dress was exquisite, and even the small necklace that hung on her neck was more than it seemed. The man audibly gulped before taking a deep breath, calming himself, yet his voice betrayed a tremor as he spoke.


    "Indeed. I heard stories of the lower levels, but I didn''t expect them to be this bad," the man said as he held the hand of the woman next to him. Despite Ning Shan''s calming smile, she clung to her man''s arm, unable to utter a sound.


    ¡°Oh, I take it this is your first time on the ninth level. Where are you from?¡± he asked.


    Sera tried her best to remain inconspicuous yet could barely refrain from giving him a side-eye. She couldn''t understand how this man could remain so calm and even casually initiate a conversation with obviously distraught strangers. It all seemed too surreal.


    "We came down from the twentieth," he stuttered, glancing toward Ning Shan, only to be significantly calmed by his serene aura. "I was here on business and decided for my wife and I to explore a little, yet we never expected things to go this way..."


    ¡°You were interested in Hunters?¡± Ning Shan asked, slightly surprised. ¡°As I am told, there isn¡¯t much else of interest around here.¡±


    ¡°I was already coming down here, so I thought, why not?" the man replied, feeling slightly more comfortable. Even his wife seemed to relax seeing how easygoing Ning Shan was about the ordeal. "While I sought a little excitement, I didn''t expect the ground to start shaking... It''s a little much for me."You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    ¡°As it would be for many," Ning Shan replied, showing an understanding smile, only for the elevator to reach their stop and for the door to open.


    Ning Shan was the first to step out, followed by Sera, and the couple followed soon after, still shaken slightly. Somehow, they had come to rely on him to keep their calm, and his attitude helped them greatly curb their panic.


    ¡°What are you playing at?" Sera whispered into Ning Shan''s ear, only to be ignored. He only returned a slight smile, which she couldn''t help but dismiss, knowing the meaning laced within. She observed their surroundings yet wasn''t so shocked by what she saw. In fact, it was only to be expected.


    The reception desk was flooded with people inquiring about the recent disaster. Most still seemed shook, yet some were able to retain their calm. They looked more rugged than the other patrons, and their clothes seemed much more practical than the luxurious garbs of the couple Ning Shan interacted with.


    Hunters, no doubt. While this place should be too expensive for most of them, some should still be able to afford it. Their skills must be among the best. If so, they should be in the database...


    Hiding slightly behind Ning Shan¡¯s back, she pointed her wrist at the group, only for one of them to swiftly turn his gaze toward her, his eyes narrowing. Fortunately, she had already predicted this and used Ning Shan''s body as a shield. As such, she was completely hidden from them but not from the couple.


    ¡°What is she doing?¡± the man couldn¡¯t help but ask, and only then did Sera realize how suspicious she acted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her,¡± Ning Shan said, reassuring them. ¡°She¡¯s only on edge. Who wouldn¡¯t be?¡±


    Behind the receptionist''s desk was a beautiful woman, yet her movements caught Ning Shan''s eye. He had failed to notice when they first came here, but now that a crowd of irritated tenants flooded her desk, he noticed how unnatural she seemed. Whether it was eye movement or the tone of her voice, it all seemed so artificial, almost as if she didn''t possess any emotions¡ªalmost like a machine.


    Still, she tried to calm people down, yet all it did was spur the flames of unrest. Ning Shan didn''t doubt that if she continued spewing platitudes, anyone with any brain could see as true, uneasiness would mount, and soon, they would be at her throat.


    "It''s a mystery how you can remain so calm," the man said as he witnessed the uneasiness bubbling before him.


    ¡°The ability to remain levelheaded is essential in our line of work,¡± he replied, distancing himself slightly from the front desk. ¡°After all, even a small mishap can lead to immense consequences.¡±


    Sera couldn''t help but look at him. She almost wanted to punch his smug face, yet barely refrained from doing so. Ning Shan noticed but didn''t care. In fact, he found all this slightly amusing. He had seen situations so much more dire, that this one paled in comparison. If anything, to have only a single government trying to take his life was almost banal.


    ¡°Oh? And what type of work would that be?¡± the man replied, slightly interested.


    Even his anxious wife couldn''t help but tilt her head up from the comfort of her husband''s shoulder. Somehow, Ning Shan couldn''t help but chuckle at this reaction, which only brought a tint of red to the woman''s cheek, only for her to bury her head again.


    ¡°Forgive her,¡± the man added. ¡°She rarely has experienced such stimulating events. I hope you understand.¡±


    ¡°It''s fine," Ning Shan replied, offering a smile. "The both of us are hunters by trade and were readying ourselves for an expedition within the Shaft before being interrupted by these events."


    The man¡¯s expression brightened, as did his wife. They both lost most of their fearfulness and seemed to have calmed substantially. Despite leading them to this conclusion, Ning Shan couldn''t help but find it odd. While he knew that hunters were essential to the survival of the Cradle, he also could infer they were mainly dispensable. As for why this couple held them in such high regard, he could only make assumptions.


    ¡°Most people are afraid when I mention what I do,¡± Ning Shan said.


    His inflection betrayed his surprise, yet Sera couldn¡¯t help but roll her eyes, but was smart enough to hide it from the couple. By now, she wasn''t surprised Ning Shan could lie through his teeth to this unsuspecting couple. Yet, she still had no idea what he hoped to achieve by doing so. If only up to her, she wished to be long gone from this place¡ªso much that she needed almost all her concentration to mask her uneasiness.


    ¡°As I mentioned before, my wife and I lived on the 20<sup>th</sup> level most of our lives," he replied. "Given the chance, we thought to try new things and meet new people. Especially hunters, as I have heard a great many things about them. To be able to do so, even in this situation, is somehow calming. It almost feels like fate, don''t you think?"


    "Fate is a hard thing to believe in..." Ning Shan said, only for the couple to look at him strangely. Even Sera didn''t know the meaning of his words. Still, he chose not to elaborate. "How about this; why not make the most of this situation? I''m sure your wife is eager to return home, so why not hire us as an escort until you are safely out of the 9<sup>th</sup> level? I¡¯ll even give you a discount on the account of our new friendship.¡±


    "I couldn''t possibly ask such a thing of you," the man replied. "I''m sure you and your companion also have many things to deal with in this mess."


    "I insist," Ning Shan''s gaze was firm and assertive, leaving the man no room to object. Still, despite his insistence, the man only felt reassurance as he looked back, as did his wife. "Besides, it seems leaving will be more arduous than expected."


    Following his gaze, the three finally noticed the exterior doors were bolted shut. Some of the residents even began banging on the thick glass, yet they were unable to make them move a millimetre. The crowd ignored the receptionist''s many warnings, while some other hunters even pulled out their weapons, threatening to blast the doors open if they were not let out.


    Frightened by how the situation devolved almost instantly, the couple readily agreed to Ning Shan¡¯s terms, yet he made no attempt to seek a way out. Instead, they waited in a safe corner of the lobby¡ªwaited for what was sure to come. Indeed, they weren¡¯t disappointed.


    The thick doors finally opened, revealing four spherical floating drones emitting a yellow light. Following their appearances, most of the residents recoiled. Some were even thrown to the ground by the receding wave, only to be further trampled underfoot.


    The other hunters present holstered their weapons, grimacing as they faced the other end of that yellow light. Still, only the man and his wife showed relief at the sight of these four apparatuses, which couldn''t help but make Ning Shan smile.


    Then, a mechanical voice emerged from the floating constructs.


    Requesting All Citizens'' Cooperation...


    Relinquish All Weapons and Await Further Instructions...


    Failure to Comply Will Be Met With Corresponding Force...

 Chapter 29 - The Price of Defiance

    A silent uproar rose from the crowd, yet none dared to offer any objections¡ªnone except for a single fool. A rugged woman with a large tattoo spanning half her face tried to hold her companion back, yet the fool took a few steps toward the assembled drones, striking away her hold.


    The man was large; his shoulders easily doubled Ning Shan''s width. His muscles easily bulged out of his clothes, preventing his vest from fully closing up and exposing his hairy chest. His arms were covered in what seemed like tribal tattoos, yet what caught Ning Shan''s eyes was their size, almost as if two small children clung to his shoulders.


    Large pistols were on his hips, and a massive heavy war hammer was on his back. He seemed ready for war, yet he didn''t seem that out of place, as many more residents were armed. In fact, it would have been faster to count those who were unarmed than those who were. Still, his attitude made him stand out above the rest.


    ¡°If you think I¡¯m going to relinquish my babies to you pigs, then you¡¯ve got another thing coming!¡± the man spat.


    His voice was deep, resounding within the hall. The room grew so silent that you could hear a pin drop. Only the sound of shuffling feet remained as people desperately tried to distance themselves from the man. Even his companions took a few steps back. The woman gave an exasperated expression as she looked away, almost as if she had given up all hope.


    The man looked around, confused by the stare filled with fear coming from the audience. Yet the yellow drones only hovered near the door for a moment, completely passive. Still, the man wasn''t a complete fool. He noticed the sudden change yet couldn''t grasp the implications¡ªat least not until it was already too late.


    Resistance Detected...


    Initiating Countermeasures...


    ¡°What..." the man uttered, yet that was the last word coming out of his mouth.


    A ray of yellow light came from one of the drones, bathing the entirety of the man''s body in its glow. There was no scorching heat nor cries of anguish, only dead silence spreading through the room until some patrons looked away and others collapsed on the ground in shambles, dread clear in their eyes. Only Ning Shan looked at the light with glitter in his eyes, almost as if he had just seen the most astonishing sight.


    Once the light receded, the man''s body was completely gone. In its place was now a void that the surrounding atmosphere quickly filled, creating a small implosion as the air collided but also created a wave that spread outward, prompting people to take another step back.


    Threat Neutralized...


    Silence hung onto the air as the audience held their breaths, carefully watching the four spherical drones hover near the exit, blocking their paths, only the eerie yellow light staring back at them.


    ¡°You fool,¡± the tattooed woman muttered as she banged her fist against a nearby stone wall. "I warned you, but you never listened..."


    From the scene itself, Ning Shan could infer two things. The first was that the man was most likely dead, or the audience believed him to be, yet Ning Shan believed otherwise. He was well-versed in many techniques and had seen something similar countless times before. The presence of a void shortly after his disappearance hinted that this light wasn''t meant to destroy him but to act as a boundary for some sort of transfer.


    Obviously, this was merely his conjecture based on the information he had at present, yet it fit with what he knew. After all, transfer arrays were quite common back in the Nine Abyss Realm. As for what they needed that man for, Ning Shan didn¡¯t know nor cared.


    The second was much more concerning. The Cradle''s government had no qualms about using force to achieve its goals, ignoring the opposition of its people. Yet even that wasn''t what concerned Ning Shan. It was the fact that no human interaction was needed to do so, almost as if these constructs were completely automated to hold their lives in their hands and could unilaterally choose to end them.


    This reminded him of a story from his younger years. Back then, a necromancer had risen in a backwater area of the then-ruling Empire. As he was merely a small character and the area he operated in was inconsequential, the Empire didn¡¯t take him seriously, only offering a pittance as a bounty for anyone who would take care of him.


    Unsurprisingly, only the weak rogue cultivators and those in dire need of money chose to take on the task. As expected, they were swiftly dealt with and added to the necromancer¡¯s army of the dead. The more his army grew, the more his fame would rise, as would his territory. Still, the Empire had yet to care, as they were now in a growing conflict with a few of their neighbours.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    And so, the man was allowed to grow without restraint, absorbing village after village, desecrating the very land itself until all that remained were the corpses of those they had slain, only for them to rise once again. Catching wind of the necromancer''s rise, many sought to rid themselves of his existence, only to be added to his army, repeating the cycle.


    Within a few years, the necromancer''s army began to rival the small countries that were now at war with the Empire, creating a new front of conflict. The Empire couldn¡¯t ignore the necromancer any longer, so it sent its own troops to rid itself of this threat, only to be added to his army. If left unchecked for much longer, he would, sooner or later, threaten the very foundation of the Empire and even swallow it whole.


    It was then that Ning Shan chose to take matters into his own hands. It wasn''t as if he did so for the good of the world but merely that the necromancer was a threat to his own plans. Let''s just say that he wasn''t entirely unrelated to the conflict between the Empire and the several nations surrounding it. Having an unexpected factor suddenly barge in was something Ning Shan couldn''t tolerate.


    Skipping most of the details, the necromancer was much more challenging than Ning Shan first expected. Still, he fell in the end. Yet, what surprised Ning Shan was that his armies didn''t fall with him. They continued their march toward the Empire''s capital, spreading death in their wake, continuously adding to their numbers.


    Faced with wave after wave of the mindless dead, the Empire used most of its forces to combat the onslaught, even forming treaties with its former enemies if only to rid itself of these hordes. The battle lasted over a hundred years, leaving the Empire and the surrounding nations in ruins and allowing Ning Shan to swoop in with his own forces.


    While things didn¡¯t go according to plan, he still profited in the end. Still, the image of a once prosperous empire being reduced to rumble from the constant waves of mindless hordes would never leave his mind. He now knew the dangers of things men couldn¡¯t control.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen! If I may have a minute of your time."


    A voice originated from the other side of the room, prompting all those within to turn as if in unison toward the four drones. While some seemed still shaken by the events, most were now carefully listening to the voice, ensuring they wouldn''t miss any of its words.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± a man near the front asked nervously, yet the voice ignored him completely.


    Still, Ning Shan noticed some things. Unlike the drone''s mechanical voice, this one was undoubtedly coming from a sentient being. Yet, it seemed to ignore all external stimuli, almost as if it was prerecorded.


    ¡°While we are aware of the confusion this incident has caused you, please remain calm as we require your full cooperation in our investigation,¡± the voice added. ¡°As you witnessed, resistance will not be tolerated. The sooner you allow us to proceed, the sooner you may return to your own lives. Thank you for your understanding!¡±


    Ning Shan could feel the tense atmosphere suddenly deflate, almost as if the people were used to such measures. They calmly formed a line, patiently awaiting their turns. Still, it was easy to see how forced it all was; their expression reflected as such, yet most tried to hide it. They smiled outwardly, yet their body language betrayed all of it. Only a few openly showed scorn for the voice from beyond the machines, yet even they hadn''t the guts to act on it.


    As Ning Shan and his group remained near the back wall, they had a complete view of the process. The first to be examined was the tattooed woman who accompanied the man who disappeared. Two of the drones positioned themselves on each side of her, while the other two floated in the air as they disappeared within the building, one rising through the elevator shaft while the other using the staircase. Their objective was clear; they wouldn''t let a single mouse slip away.


    Report All Weapons, Name and Association...


    The woman grimaced, yet she still opened her leather vest before pulling out two metallic knives carefully hidden within. She then kneeled, pulling out two more slim ones from the soles of her boot and a small pistol attached to the side of her calf, hidden by her pants. She did something similar twice more before finally relinquishing the last of them.


    "The name''s Nixx. Hunter. I''m with the Blood Crows..." she replied, yet there was a slight sadness in her voice as she looked at the pile of weapons next to her, almost as if she had been separated from her child against her will.


    Then, a white light emerged from both drones as they positioned themselves on each of her sides. It rose up and down on her body, almost as if scrutinizing every inch of her flesh. Ning Shan could see a look of disgust on her face, and even her body shuddered slightly under its touch. She even dug her fingernail into her palm, if only to resist the urge rising in her core. After a few seconds, the light receded, and the woman finally let out a long breath.


    Identity Confirmed...


    No Anomaly Detected...


    Next...


    The woman took a few steps forward, longingly looking at the pile of weapons she had left behind. Ning Shan saw her hesitate, struggling, but finally relent as she spun on her heels, leaving them behind as she exited the building.


    Then, many others went through the same process. Some sported the same emblem as the woman, but they, too, had to endure the shame of being deprived of their weapons. The pile grew much more. Despite feeling the pain of loss, most only showed relief when allowed to leave.


    While those were the majority, others were just citizens. For them, the process was simpler. They only had to state their name and employer before passing a rudimentary scan, and then they were allowed to leave.


    As the line slowly grew shorter, Ning Shan noticed Sera growing more anxious. While unsure what prompted this, he could infer a reason. In fact, her reasoning was clear. She was worried about himself, as he didn''t possess any identity. Ning Shan had a plan for this; even if all else failed, he also had a way out.


    As more and more were allowed to leave, a few more would arrive at the lobby, taking their places behind Ning Shan''s group. Looking at their expression, they seemed less than pleased, yet did their best not to show it. Clearly, they had been left with no choice but to comply.


    Suddenly, one of the drones sounded an alarm, its light immobile of a specific part of a man''s body. Without warning, the white light suddenly turned yellow, prompting the man''s pupil to dilate completely.


    ¡°WAIT!¡± the man screamed, raising both hands in protest. ¡°I DIDN¡¯T MEAN TO...¡±


    But his words were cut short as his body disintegrated, leaving nothing behind but the familiar sound wave Ning Shan had experienced some time prior. Silence reigned once again in the room as people grew uneasy. Some of the new arrivals even collapsed on the ground, unconscious, yet none of the drones seemed to pay any mind, only continuing their search with the next one in line as if nothing had happened.


    And soon, it would be Ning Shan¡¯s turn...

 Chapter 30 - A Welcomed Intervention

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to get out of here,¡± the man Ning Shan was newly acquainted with said as his wife clung to his arm. He seemed much more relaxed than the other resident, almost as if he was intimately familiar with the hovering yellow drones¡ªsomething that couldn¡¯t help but draw Ning Shan¡¯s interest.


    Still, it was now his turn.


    He took a few steps forward, standing between the drones, only to notice Sera looking like a nervous wreck. She hesitantly held the side of her clothes while her hood was draped over her face, obscuring her features. She seemed to want to turn away, unable to bear the sight.


    Ning Shan knew exactly about her fears, yet he was unconcerned. While his plan wasn''t foolproof, as many details were unknown to him, he knew enough to be confident he could evade their eyes, and if something were to go awry, he also had some contingencies.


    Surrender Your Weapons...


    State Name and Affiliation...


    Ning Shan had no other weapons than the one orbiting the ringed planet in his core, yet he had no intentions of relinquishing his ownership. He doubted they would be able to discover it, and besides, even if he wanted to, the act of it appearing in thin air would only attract even more unnecessary attention.


    ¡°Ning Shan. Lightforge Industries,¡± he said before white light covered his body.


    It felt as if countless needles constantly pricked his skin, trying to uncover what lay beneath. While the experience was far from painful, it was quite uncomfortable as he felt the light quickly dig deeper, examining every inch of his body. He remained calm and composed, awaiting the result of their inquiry, yet he couldn''t help but grow slightly nervous when the light arrived at the boundary of his core. This would be the defining moment.


    The light sought to gain entrance, yet the black lightning arcing on the boundary prevented it. Without warning, the drone instantly became brighter; their light bathed Ning Shan in an extraordinary glow.


    The ones that had yet to pass the checkpoint couldn''t help but take a few steps back, unable to bear the sight as they turned away and covered their eyes. Taken aback, Sera tried to see through the light but was unable to. Even she had to turn away, awaiting the light to recede. Still, she couldn¡¯t mask her growing worries.


    The white light struggled against the boundary yet could not penetrate through. Ning Shan watched the struggle in real time, looking in on himself, and felt quite intrigued by the phenomenon. He even noticed the white light growing in strength, showing hints of turning yellow.


    Then, the black lightning sprung forth, coating the light as if trying to imprison it. The light was sucked within his core, forming a ball of light akin to the sun as the black lightning kept it in check. It spun rapidly as the drone emitted even more light, making the ball grow.


    While this happened in less than a second, Ning Shan watched it all happen in slow motion. The ball expanded rapidly, almost as if it was about to burst, but only then did the black lightning open a small floodgate, allowing the yellow part of the light to escape toward Ning Shan''s red planet, which quickly devoured it, growing substantially.


    Ning Shan couldn''t help but slightly smile as things went as he expected. As he thought, a part of that light held the same nature as the red dust he encountered time and time again. By letting it perfuse throughout his body and then gathering it at his core, he used the black lightning to strip away the part that gave it strength. While this was a gamble on his part, it seemed to have paid off. The red planet grew swiftly stronger, yet such swift growth would only be fleeting.


    Having noticed the change, the drones'' lights began turning completely yellow. However, Ning Shan struck beforehand. While he wished to fully take advantage of it, keeping a low profile seemed more critical. He couldn''t let others discover how different he appeared from the rest of the Cradle''s inhabitants. While there may be others who used the red dust as he did, he had yet to meet a single one.


    While he hadn¡¯t had enough time to uncover how hunters received their various gifts¡ªsuch as Sera¡¯s ability to alter gravity¡ªhe knew one thing for sure. To him, the red dust was a boon he could never get enough of, and it was poison for everyone else. It was only the way they used it that differed. As such, the drones could never fathom that he would use their light to strengthen himself.


    Fearing being discovered, Ning Shan released the light, letting it light up his inner universe. Still, the light could never reach the red planet, being stopped at its boundary by the black lightning that filled his inner world.


    The light flashed instantly before rushing out of his body, returning to the drones with what it had discovered when it was about to turn completely yellow. As the light was much too incandescent, none of the surrounding residents witnessed that peculiar scene, too afraid to look at it directly and become blind.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Ning Shan held his breath but remained calm externally as the light completely receded from his body, awaiting the drones'' verdicts. The wait was much longer than for the others, almost as if the drones were deliberating with themselves. Even Sera picked up on the changes, looking toward Ning Shan with doubts and nervousness in her eyes.


    It took the drones a few more moments to come to a decision, but now Ning Shan could finally let his breath flow.


    Subject Is Unarmed...


    No Anomalies Detected...


    Ning Shan closed his eyes, letting a slight relief wash over him. While he was confident he could pull through, it remained a gamble, yet it seemed to have paid off. He had bypassed the checkpoint but had also profited from it. He had just reached the sixth level less than an hour prior and had now almost reached the seventh. Still, it was too soon for him to celebrate.


    Designation Missing From Database...


    Detaining Subject for Further Questioning...


    Suddenly, the light went from pure white to deep yellow, yet it felt completely different than when it tried to burrow into his core. The yellow light wrapped around him, almost as if fixing the space itself, disallowing any movements.


    A light flashed in Ning Shan¡¯s eyes as he sought to struggle. His muscles bulged slightly, seeking to break free, yet no movement could be made. He could only look toward his captors, unable to resist as all four drones were now surrounding him.


    The room grew quiet. Sera even took a few steps backwards, trying to distance herself from him. Ning Shan couldn''t help but chuckle when he saw her attempt as if they wouldn''t find her relationship with him.


    Still, Ning Shan remained calm and stopped struggling, waiting for the verdict. At least, he knew things would be different from those the drones had captured some time prior. The fact that they didn¡¯t transfer him right away was proof enough.


    ¡°I must say, I wasn¡¯t expecting to find someone whose DNA isn¡¯t registered in the Database,¡± a voice emerged from one of the drones. Ning Shan could see the yellow light flicker as he spoke. Unlike the prerecorded message, Ning Shan was sure the voice came from someone made of flesh and blood. ¡°Tell me, who are you spying for?¡±


    Ning Shan¡¯s pupils dilated slightly. While this wasn¡¯t exactly what he was expecting, this was something he could work with. Suddenly, the pressure holding him in place began to recede slightly, allowing him to speak.


    ¡°What makes you think I am a spy to begin with?¡± Ning Shan replied calmly, even offering the man a benign smile.


    Ning Shan glanced around the room, only to see all remaining citizens look toward him with scorn in their eyes, almost as if he was their worst enemy. Even the couple he was now acquainted with showed distrust, while Sera did her best to make herself look inconspicuous. Still, the other residents wouldn¡¯t let her get away with it.


    ¡°They''re with him!" they shouted, pointing toward the three of them. "We saw them! They were close to him, even talking amiably. Who knows what they conspired to do!"


    The couple were taken aback, while Sera only showed resignation. She knew she couldn¡¯t get out of it. If only to show she had no intention of fighting back, she placed her only weapon¡ªthe same dust rod that Ning Shan possessed¡ªon the floor before taking a few steps away from it, only for one of the drones to stand before her, shining the same yellow light upon her while another one stood before the couple.


    ¡°I need no reason to deem you a spy," the voice said. "My word alone is proof enough. My only concern is the one you serve. Did you crawl out from the depths or from beyond the wasteland?"


    From its voice alone, Ning Shan could easily imagine the image of that man standing before him with an air of superiority, almost as if he was entirely at his mercy. Ning Shan could barely stop himself from laughing. He had to do his best to keep his features as neutral as possible. After all, this was hardly the first time he had met someone who erroneously thought the same.


    ¡°Neither,¡± Ning Shan replied. ¡°If you wish to know who I work for, then you better ask Charles Baxter. As for who I am, you don¡¯t deserve to know.¡±


    Ning Shan''s calm and firm attitude in such a situation seemed to take the man aback. He remained silent for two whole minutes, which gave Ning Shan the time to consider how best to proceed. While he could easily escape from the drones'' hold, that would be ill-advised.


    He knew next to nothing about the Cradle''s enforcement capabilities and had no intentions of finding out. But also, doing so would be implicating Sera alongside him. While he generally had no qualms in doing so, he still had uses for her.


    ¡°Do not lie,¡± the voice finally replied. ¡°You do not appear on Lightforge Industries employee roster. Besides, Sir Baxter would never employ someone of such dubious identity!¡±


    Ning Shan''s eyes lit up but repressed the smile creeping on his lips. He saw an angle he could work with.


    ¡°Why not ask him, then?¡± Ning Shan asked. ¡°It would be much faster than trying to pry intel out of me. You¡¯ll know soon enough who I am if he is inclined to tell you.¡±


    Following Ning Shan''s lead, Sera also chose to chime in: "If you don''t believe him, why not check out our room? It was leased under Lightforge Industries'' name."


    Despite being separated by a metallic construct, Ning Shan could swear he could see the man frown, at least from the uneasy silence that followed. He chose not to push further, allowing the man to come to his own conclusions as he could feel him waver. Still, he knew this probably wouldn''t be enough. He needed one last defining factor, his ace in the hole, and fortunately, it finally came.


    ¡°If I may speak a few words,¡± the man said, his wife still clinging to his arms. His expression was somewhat hesitant, if not nervous, yet his voice was calm and clear, showing no hint of doubt. ¡°While this man may be connected with Mr. Baxter, he currently works for me. I have hired him and his associate as guides, but also as guards during my stay on the Ninth Level. I would appreciate it if you could release him immediately, as I have an appointment to attend, and we have already wasted enough time."


    The drones turned toward the man, as did all those that remained. Even Sera seemed somehow shocked by his brazenness. She couldn¡¯t help but fear what may happen to him. She knew only too well what the government could do to such people. Only Ning Shan showed a genuine smile, unable to hide it anymore, as things were finally back on track. He had been waiting for this!

 Chapter 31 - Revelation

    The four drones buzzed slightly as they hovered midair. The crowd held their breaths; some even chose to look away. While most were rugged individuals, having spent most of their lives on the ninth level, they knew better than to pick a fight with the government. If given a choice, they would rather be thrown into the depths than be taken away by the yellow light.


    For generations, stories of what happened when the yellow light shined on you spread among the populace¡ªcountless rumours and hearsay, yet the truth of it always out of reach, as none ever returned from wherever they were sent to. Some even theorized that they were simply deleted from existence¡ªat least they comforted themselves with such naive thoughts. After all, it seemed the better option.


    "Really now?" a mocking voice came from the closest drone. "Are you filth trying to tell me how to do my job? You sure have gotten bold. Do you think just because the Hunter''s Guild holds a certain authority on the lower levels, it enables you to do as you please? Get real! You''re all just bottom-feeders. You should be glad you even have a use as hunters. If not for that, you''d be no different from the dregs from the depths."


    Ning Shan could feel the atmosphere grow much colder. He could see people in the crowd clenching their fists and jaws, trying their best to repress their emotions. Still, no one tried to rebuke his words, only letting an uneasy silence linger. He even saw Sera swiftly turn away, yet not fast enough to hide the tears welling in her eyes.


    Tension ran high, yet Ning Shan was only one of the two who remained utterly calm, the other being the man he had just met. It was almost as if the man-beyond-the-drone''s words weren''t meant for him or at least couldn''t affect him. It was only when he noticed his wife''s look of disgust that his expression finally changed. Her disgust wasn''t aimed at the crowd around them but at the drones themselves.


    Interesting, Ning Shan thought. It seems some can still think for themselves...


    "Please take them back," the man said calmly, yet all the nervousness and hesitation disappeared. All that remained was a firm tone that couldn''t help but command authority. Still, the incorporeal voice remained defiant.


    ¡°Take what back?¡± he replied.


    ¡°Your words.¡±


    ¡°Why should I? I only spoke the truth. They¡¯re just parasites siphoning away at The Cradle¡¯s resources. Getting rid of them all would only be a blessing!¡±


    The silence was broken by the incessant cries of a newborn baby. Near the back was a mother, her small child in her arms. Despite doing her best to comfort him, it seemed he could feel her anxiety, which only aggravated the situation. The more the babe cried, the more dread became evident in her eyes. She even tried to lull him to sleep, but nothing worked. The child only cried evermore. It wasn''t long before everyone distanced themselves from her, if only unconsciously.


    Unbeknownst to her, a drone silently hovered before her, the white light in its core turning yellow. All could see what was to happen, yet none chose to intervene¡ªnone except for one single man.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± the man said, his voice reaching heights that even startled the woman clinging to his arm. He took a few steps forward, facing a singular drone without fear in his eyes¡ªonly anger in his heart. ¡°What do you think you are doing?¡±


    The drone stopped for a moment as everyone held their breaths. Even Ning Shan was slightly intrigued. Only Sera turned away, knowing only too well what was to come.


    "Exterminating the pests," the voice said coldly as the distant drone was bathed in yellow light, seeking to discharge it on the woman and her child.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± the man yelled as he swung his fist toward the hovering drone before him, yet missed, only to hear the man beyond chuckle slightly, revelling in the power he possessed over them.


    The drone was now bright yellow, yet the beam of light had yet to come. The woman held her child within her warm embrace, yet his cries still echoed within the lobby. There were no doubts in her mind as to why her fate had yet to come. The man simply enjoyed torturing her with the faint hope she still kept in her heart.


    Even the married man knew it only too well yet could do nothing to stop it. Instead, he was now also the target of that drone operator''s twisted sense of superiority. The drone before him also began to glow, mimicking the other one. His fate was also sealed.


    It was then that Ning Shan took action. Of the four drones, two had left to torment their respective targets while the remaining two hovered near him, standing guard. Yet, they seemed distracted, almost as if someone sought a better vantage point to watch the ordeal while ignoring him.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Taking advantage of it, Ning Shan spun on his heel, raising his right foot at eye level, using the momentum of the spin to transfer all of it to one of the drones. The top of his foot collided with a barrier. It shimmered slightly, becoming visible only momentarily as it absorbed the impact. However, it couldn''t stop Ning Shan''s kick.


    Black lightning coated the exterior of his foot, prying the barrier apart as it allowed the blow to connect fully. The spherical drone''s hard surface was dented, propelling it at great speed toward the man and his wife. The black lightning burrowed into its internal components, rendering them inactive.


    The hunk of metal pierced through the air, almost creating a sonic boom as it accelerated toward its target. The drone traversed the distance separating them in less than a few milliseconds, only to collide head-on with another drone.


    The barrier sprung to life, trying to mitigate the collision, yet the black lightning remained, piercing through it again. The impact was such that if one looked at it frame by frame, one could see the two drones touch before seeing their metallic exterior take on a red hue, almost as if they were about to fuse together. If only for a moment, the temperature had risen so much that it became incandescent. It flashed, only to be extinguished a moment later.


    Most witnesses saw none of it; they only heard the two collisions as a singular one. Then, they saw the explosion as metallic pieces of both drones rained to the ground in the aftermath. The man and his wife were stunned, even slightly rattled by the noise. Still, the man couldn''t help but wonder what happened, especially since none of the metallic shards came close to hitting them.


    Still, Ning Shan wasn''t done. In the same motion, his other foot also rose from the ground. He twisted his body midair, aiming for the other drone. As he spun, the world became a blur, yet he knew exactly where to aim. He extended his leg, almost instinctively, and reached his target.


    The sole of his foot collided with the second drone, propelling it forward just as it did for the first one. However, its target was different. The metal ball ripped through the air, a slightly concave footprint on its surface. Still, its speed was much lesser than with the first, almost as if the drone had predicted its fate, making minor adjustments just before the impact.


    Still, it barrelled through the air uncontrollably, rushing toward the last remaining one just before it sought to fire its beam of yellow light. A mere second after the first, another collision happened. Two large crashes happened in quick succession, leaving the crowd stunned and speechless. Even Sera couldn''t believe her eyes when she saw the aftermath.


    Silence reigned for a moment before being again broken by the infant''s cry. The woman''s eyes were wide open, unable to believe she had survived. Still, it took her less than a single breath to recover before hugging her child, hot tears flowing down her cheeks.


    The crowd exploded, and uproar filled the lobby, yet it was fleeting. Soon, uneasiness reigned again as the audience finally saw the remains of the four unmanned drones. Two were total losses. Their exteriors were shattered, and their circuitry spilled out of the vessel, half charred, half broken. A third was in slightly better condition, with only a single dim light slowly blinking, yet it would never float again. Only the last one remained, if only barely operable.


    ¡°How dare you resist! I''ll have your heads for this!"


    The same incorporeal voice resounded once again, shattering the brief celebration. The last drone struggled to rise from the ground, haphazardly hovering in place; the light it once emitted was now nowhere to be seen. It couldn''t offer any immediate threat, yet it still hovered over the crowd''s hearts.


    They looked at each other as if seeking a way out where none could be seen. Ning Shan even saw some of them gradually change how they looked at him¡ªthose who were aware of his actions. While they once seemed elated that the woman had survived, it had become something akin to resentment. Knowing their thoughts, Ning Shan merely shrugged as someone else had his undivided attention.


    The married man took a few steps forward, standing before the hovering drone. His expression had hardened, almost as if it had become stone. He looked at the broken piece of machinery almost as if he were looking at a corpse. Still, what truly caught Ning Shan''s attention was the expression of the woman who stood slightly behind him.


    Gone were her timidity and nervousness; all that remained was a glacial look of indifference. It was even more striking than her husband''s. It wasn''t pride or arrogance but something more visceral, almost as if she didn''t consider the man beyond the machine to be of the same species.


    "You will not," the man said, pressing two fingers behind his ear.


    Something seemed to flash in his eyes, if only briefly. He then scoffed, looking at the broken drone as if with pity, only to turn away without seemingly doing anything. He then walked toward the woman holding her child, showing the infant a radiant smile, which made him unexpectedly giggle.


    ¡°My apologies,¡± the man added as he spoke to the woman, showing an apologetic smile. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware things were this bad.¡±


    ¡°How dare you ignore me after all this! I...¡±


    The voice was cut short as the drone suddenly grew dark. All signs of life ceased as the drone fell to the ground with a thud. Leaving the crowd stunned once again. Still, his earlier actions hadn''t been missed.


    "What did you do?" the mother asked, holding her child. Her expression was one of gratitude but also confusion.


    "I just did what I should," the man replied, only for his wife to return to his arm and her usual demure expression.


    The woman frowned slightly yet shook her head soon after.


    "May I know your name?" she asked. "I, at least, wish to know who saved my son and I."


    The man looked conflicted. He turned his head toward Ning Shan, only to see him look to the side as if he couldn''t be bothered. The man only showed a helpless smile. Ning Shan''s actions had been much too quick for people with normal senses to observe. All they saw was a flash, then the four drones crashing into each other. Only a few knew his involvement, and he preferred it that way.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be this way,¡± the man replied helplessly. ¡°I just couldn¡¯t stand the way things were going. I couldn¡¯t stand them using what I designed in such a way.¡±


    ¡°You are..." the mother said, her pupils growing wider.


    A slight uproar erupted within the crowd, and even Sera couldn''t help but be shaken by the revelation.


    ¡°Are you really Nathan Hunt, the genius that propelled the Cradle¡¯s technology a hundred years into the future?¡± she asked, unable to believe her eyes.


    "The one and the same!" Nathan''s wife said proudly, only for the crowd to explode into cheers soon after, almost as if the previous threat had only been a figment of their imagination. Ning Shan was the only one to remain calm, even chuckling slightly as the man himself looked somewhat troubled by the attention.


    It seems I didn¡¯t bet wrongly, Ning Shan thought.

 Chapter 32 - Forced Resolution

    The woman with a child in her arms clung to Nathan''s sleeve. She expressed her gratitude with tears in her eyes, only for Nathan to do his best to clumsily try and calm her down. By his side, his wife looked at her man with a gentle smile, looking pleased at the crowd''s reception.


    Most were surprised to learn of his identity, looking upon him with reverence. Even Sera looked taken aback yet chose not to approach him. Instead, she sneakily made her way toward Ning Shan, who was silently observing the spectacle from the edge of the lobby, all the while examining the metallic remains of the floating drones.


    Their external shells were cracked with their circuitry spilled out. Ning Shan rummaged through them yet couldn''t understand how such machines could come to life. This type of mechanical and electrical engineering was so far removed from what he knew.


    While well-versed in artifact refining, he could scarcely believe that inanimate objects could come to life without any traces of spirituality. After all, he had always believed that only the Heavenly Dao could give sentience to all beings. It seemed things were different in a world devoid of it.


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Sera asked, watching the couple, feeling slightly conflicted.


    ¡°How would I?¡± Ning Shan replied, still tinkering with the drones¡¯ remains. ¡°I just gambled, and it seemed to have paid off.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you,¡± she scoffed. ¡°You mean to tell me you chose to take the elevator, only to encounter Nathan Hunt. I¡¯d have an easier time believing this world was once bathed in glorious light.¡±


    ¡°Is he famous?¡±


    Sera turned to face him, looking slightly shocked, only to shake her head soon after.


    ¡°I keep forgetting how clueless you are in your surroundings with how confident you always look,¡± she sighed. ¡°Where does it all come from?¡±


    ¡°Will doubts keep you alive?¡± he replied. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m infallible, but sometimes action is necessary, and doubts will only drag you down.¡±


    ¡°Survival..." she muttered, finding truth in his words. Maybe they weren''t so different after all. "Those drones you''re tinkering with, Nathan Hunt is the man who designed them. In fact, he''s the one that designed most of the convenience we enjoy. Let''s just say that life within the Cradle wouldn''t be as pleasant as it is."


    ¡°Yet, that convenience comes with a price,¡± he replied. ¡°From his reaction, I doubt he wished for his inventions to be used in this way.¡±


    ¡°Well... I only heard he wasn¡¯t interested in politics,¡± she hesitated. ¡°I¡¯m sure you can infer the rest.¡±


    ¡°Of course," Ning Shan said as he rose, done with the broken drones, before advancing toward the only one still in good condition. "I''ve seen countless people in similar situations. None had graceful endings once their usefulness ran out."


    ¡°I doubt they would go that far,¡± Sera said, frowning at his words. ¡°If they had the guts to do it, it would have been done a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to know the depths of human depravity,¡± he shrugged.


    He picked up the slightly dented metallic ball, only to jab a single finger in the gap between a sensor and the plating, ripping its exterior apart and exposing its mostly intact inner circuitry. Unlike the other inert ones, this one seemed to still pulse with energy, almost like a heartbeat within.


    Ning Shan could feel the flow within the wires, tracing them back to their origin, a slight yellow crystal within its core. Turning his back to the crowd, he reached further, displacing all that stood in the way, only for his finger to reach the crystal while Sera watched his actions with curiosity.


    As he touched the yellow object, black lightning jumped from his flesh onto the crystal. It burst apart, crumbling into yellow dust, but then began to swirl almost as if a tempest was born within the machine. The cloud of yellow dust spun as if a galaxy, colliding with his flesh and the black lightning arcing upon it, sapping away its angular momentum. Soon, the cloud disappeared, eaten away by his flesh.


    The dust flowed within his meridian, seeking a way to his core, only to be added to the red planet within. As the yellow dust entered his inner universe, it burst apart, its colour changing, almost as if it could divide itself into inferior particles. From the small amount he ingested, an ocean of dust filled his core, a ratio of nearly a hundred to one. Ning Shan couldn''t help but smile.


    The red dust spun around his core, attracted to the red planet. Just as it had less than an hour before, the planet swelled until it exploded, scattering all its dust into a large cloud. His core was packed to the brim, even pushing against the black barrier that restrained it within, making it expand slightly.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    Less than a fraction of a second later, the planet condensed again, this time with seven rings of red dust orbiting it. Ning Shan couldn''t help but be surprised how easily he had reached the seventh level. This method was much faster than slowly inhaling qi, trying to incorporate it into one''s cultivation. There was no need for suitable techniques; there was only a lack of resources.


    He wondered how fast he could advance, given the chances, yet there was one thing on his mind. Each time he advanced, the planet seemed much more unstable when it burst, its explosion much more violent each time. If not for the lightning reigning it in, he might have suffered some irreparable damages.


    ¡°I can''t help but wonder why you aren''t dead doing what you just did," Sera whispered to him, looking conflicted. "Most people would die touching it without its stable crystal shape, yet it seems you can easily break the equilibrium, returning it to its dust form. How do you do it?"


    Ning Shan merely smiled and remained silent.


    ¡°Trying to be mysterious?¡± Sera scoffed. ¡°Suit yourself, but remember that many won¡¯t be as understanding as I am!¡±


    Ning Shan chuckled, watching the young girl pout under her hood and cross her arms. While appearances could be deceptive, she didn''t look much older than sixteen. While she sometimes exuded the attitude of a veteran with heaps of life experiences under her belt, she mostly seemed to act her age: socially awkward and a nervous wreck.


    ¡°Still, he seems quite young to be such an influential individual," Ning Shan remarked, looking back at Nathan Hunt and his wife, who seemed flooded with people inquiring about his work.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be deceived; that man is much older than he looks,¡± Sera replied.


    ¡°How old would that be?¡± Ning Shan asked, turning toward her.


    ¡°Who knows?¡± she shrugged. ¡°Rumours is that he even predates the establishment of the Council. Some say he was even involved in the Cradle¡¯s construction, dating back to the collapse.


    ¡°The Collapse?¡± he inquired, intrigued.


    ¡°I¡¯m too young to know about it, and the Council chose to lock down that information. It¡¯s all just rumours by this point; nothing verifiable,¡± she said, shaking her head. ¡°If you wish to know, why not just ask him? It seems you were hitting it off.¡±


    ¡°I may just do that,¡± he replied, smiling slightly. ¡°The Council; is that your government?¡±


    ¡°A part of it,¡± she hesitated, her gaze wandering around. ¡°It¡¯s... complicated.¡±


    Ning Shan remained silent, pondering on what he had heard. This world possessed a structure not unlike his own, yet it still felt foreign. Unlike his sole rule over the land, control seemed to be dispersed between various individuals with all their own agendas.


    It''s no wonder they are so strict on security. I don''t doubt unrest exists here but is squashed through overwhelming force. I may have to lay low for a while, he thought, kicking away one drone¡¯s remains. Well... I''m sure he''ll take care of it...


    After a moment more of reflection, the crowd soon parted, slowly dispersing as the people returned to their lives. Some chose to return to their homes within the building, while others left merely the clothes on their back, too afraid of retaliation despite Nathan Hunt''s assurances. Even fewer of those who had left returned.


    ¡°Should I call you Sir Hunt from now on?¡± Ning Shan said with a smile on his face as the man approached him, only to see him shake his head helplessly.


    "I''d rather not," Nathan replied. "It''s actually refreshing meeting people who do not know me. Sometimes, fame is a burden I''d rather not deal with, yet it is the inevitable consequence of my work."


    ¡°Power births influence, and influence births power. They are one and the same,¡± Ning Shan replied, only for the man to sigh.


    "All I wanted was to make a better life for people, and look where that got them," he said, pointing toward the drones'' remains. "Everyone uses my work for their own ends, irrespective of my own wishes."


    "Every sentient being works in their own self-interest. You cannot hope to change their natures. Trying to do so is a recipe for disaster," Ning Shan replied, unconcerned.


    ¡°You speak as if you have experience,¡± Nathan¡¯s wife said. ¡°I do have to wonder why a hunter would speak of philosophy.¡±


    Ning Shan turned to the woman, scrutinizing her. She was beautiful, seemingly the same age as her husband¡ªat least outwardly. Her dress was modest, yet one could tell how high-class its materials were. Even in his former world, Ning Shan would be hard-pressed to find one as exquisite. Though slight, he could even feel the dust flow within, probably imparting defensive capabilities not unlike the artifacts he knew of. In this way, both worlds were quite similar.


    ¡°That¡¯s quite prejudice of you,¡± Ning Shan replied. ¡°Do you not believe people have their own thoughts? Must all lines of thinking be rigidly controlled by one¡¯s status?¡±


    The woman was stunned, unable to retort. Still, she didn¡¯t show outrage as Ning Shan expected. Instead, she began pondering seriously, only for Nathan to run his fingers into her long hair, caressing her head.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to forgive her,¡± he said. ¡°Her father is the overprotective type. Merely having him agree to let us come to this level took a lot of convincing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s foolish to expect a sentient being to fully understand another¡¯s perspective without the same life experience. The act of trying is praiseworthy enough. Besides, I am guilty of it as well, as is everyone. On another note, what do you intend to do about this?¡± Ning Shan said, pointing to the small mound of broken electronic parts.


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Nathan shrugged. ¡°This will stop here if they know what¡¯s good for them. Otherwise... Well, I¡¯ll deal with it if it comes to it.¡±


    Sera let out a long breath of relief as she heard his assurances. All the tension left her, and she almost collapsed as she felt a slight vertigo assault her. Ning Shan¡¯s hand came just in time to keep her upright, sliding it beneath her armpit. However, the sudden action displaced her hood, allowing her face to be seen.


    She reacted swiftly and pulled her hood down, yet the couple didn''t miss the sight of her face and her differing features. Surprise flashed on the woman''s face, yet her husband showed nearly no reaction, almost as if he had already seen too much of something similar. In fact, he didn''t even address it, only smiling slightly. Following his lead, Ning Shan chose to change the subject.


    ¡°Since you decided to hire me, I should do what I¡¯m paid for,¡± he said. ¡°Do you have a destination in mind, or do you wish to head back up?¡±


    ¡°This trip was supposed to be an informal one,¡± Nathan replied. ¡°Many do not even know we left, but now, there is no way for my location to keep from spreading. Unfortunately, our trip must end here.¡±


    He turned to his wife, giving her an apologetic look, yet she smiled back.


    ¡°A shame, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have another chance to spread your wings.¡± Ning Shan said. ¡°Now then, dear customers, allow me to show you the way.¡±


    With this, Ning Shan turned on his heels before heading toward the elevator that had brought them to this place.

 Chapter 33 - Conspiracy Brewing In the Dark

    High above the ninth level was a large room close to the outside world. On one wall was an array of monitors, showing countless video feeds of the various levels of the Cradle. Facing them was a single chair with a young woman seated upon it.


    Her hair was as red as a flame reaching the crux of her back. Her features were youthful, barely in her early twenties, yet appearances were misleading. She wore a tight bodysuit that accentuated the curves of her body, with the emblem of the city prominently visible near her heart. In her hand was a small bag, from which she took small pellets before gleefully putting them in her mouth, all the while watching the monitors intently.


    To her side were massive rows of individual pods, all neatly lined up. They looked like glass coffins: transparent containers big enough to accommodate a single body. Through the glass, one could see a fog within, emitting a slight bluish glow, but also the outline of a human body soundly asleep. The pods were countless, almost as if an army was ready to wake at any moment, only waiting for the opportunity.


    Suddenly, one of the pods began to vent its content, the fog filling the room as it was propelled out of the pod, only to be sucked away by the room''s ventilation system. Slowly, the pods opened, revealing the figure within. It was a man sporting the same bodysuit as the fiery-haired woman. Even as the pod fully opened, the woman barely offered a glance, too engrossed in the information displayed on the monitor.


    "Bastard!" the man yelled, his eyes snapping open and rising to a seated position in a single motion.


    His hair possessed a greenish hue, as did his eyes. They also seemed wet from the lingering fog, which soon dissipated into the atmosphere. Less than a minute later, the man was completely dry. He rose from his glass coffin, only to kick the side of it. His feet collided with the metal plating, resulting in a loud bang that echoed for a while longer. Still, the man''s anger only mounted as pain assaulted him. He couldn''t help but fall to his knee, clutching his wounded foot as he waited for the pain to fade.


    "Aren''t you going to say something?" he barked as the woman seemed oblivious to his existence. Only then did she reluctantly address him without turning her gaze.


    ¡°Why should I?¡± she shrugged. ¡°You only have yourself to blame.¡±


    After the pain faded, the man finally rose to his full height before reaching the woman''s seat, making it turn around to face him, his anger still clear.


    ¡°Aren''t you going to do something?" he asked, awaiting a response, yet she offered none. Her gaze was utterly emotionless.


    ¡°Isn''t that your problem?" she replied, taking another small pellet from her bag before putting it in her mouth. The sweet sensation spread within her body, almost making her smile, yet her face remained completely neutral.


    ¡°You clearly saw what he did! He¡¯s a threat that should be dealt with!¡±


    ¡°Do not forget your role,¡± she replied, her tone harsher than it was. ¡°Emotions have no place here. We work for the city¡¯s best interest, not to validate your twisted sense of superiority.¡±


    The man was taken aback, so much so that he didn''t even realize his hands had grasped the young woman''s shoulders, squeezing harder than he expected to. Dread flooded his heart as he realized what he had done. He quickly took a few steps back, lowering his head as if a child knew he had erred. He remained silent, yet she saw him bite his lips, clearly unreconciled. She couldn''t help but sigh and shake her head.


    ¡°This matter ends here,¡± she said.


    "Commander, why?!" the man blurted out yet quickly recomposed himself.


    ¡°Orders from the top. It¡¯s out of our division¡¯s hands. We are to only monitor him... for now.¡±


    ¡°Did the Council order this?¡± he asked. ¡°Don¡¯t they know how dangerous he is? There¡¯s no record of him within the city¡¯s database. He must have been sent here to spy on us; there¡¯s no other explanation!¡±


    She sighed once again, looking him straight in the eyes. He couldn¡¯t bear to sustain her gaze and looked away shortly after.


    ¡°The order came straight from the mayor. Look,¡± she replied, but then one of her eyes suddenly changed colour.


    It became deep blue; then, a screen was projected into the air, showing the exact moment Ning Shan sprung into action, hitting two of the drones away and rendering them completely inoperable. Still, the image remained, allowing them to witness the following scenes.If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    ¡°Nathan Hunt? That was him?¡± the man frowned.


    ¡°And his wife. You see what we are dealing with?¡±


    "Is the Mayor involved?" he asked sheepishly. While his anger had been replaced with an overpowering fear, it still smouldered in the depths of his heart.


    ¡°Relax. He knows better than to put pressure on the Security Division,¡± she said, snacking with abandon. ¡°Still, that doesn¡¯t mean there¡¯s no repercussions. I told you I didn¡¯t care as long as it didn¡¯t affect me, but you went too far this time. There must be punishment.¡±


    The man''s eyes grew wider. He tried to take a few steps back, seeking to turn away and run, yet the red-haired woman was faster. Her eyes turned completely blue, and she extended a finger toward the green-haired man.


    There was no thunderous explosion nor a giant beam of light. The man simply clutched at his head as he fell to his knees. His mouth snapped open, yet only a voiceless scream emerged from it. His eyes rolled back in their orbits, showing only white as the man writhed on the floor with pain, unable to do anything but curl up in a fetal position and await the pain to recede.


    The pain lingered for what seemed like an eternity, like a burning sensation coming straight from the man¡¯s core, attempting to sear right through him, almost as if someone was digging straight into his brain.


    He gasped, unable to draw breath while his muscles spasmed uncontrollably. He frothed at the mouth like a rabid animal, unable to control his basic instinct. All that remained was a distant survival instinct hidden beneath the veneer of civility and the unending pain.


    After a while, the girl''s finger dropped as she turned around, returning to the countless screens mounted to the wall, finally freeing the man from his agony.


    His lungs drew breath for the first time in a while, allowing the pain to recede. Still, the man remained on the ground in a pool of his own sweat, dread evident in his eyes. He didn''t possess the courage to raise his gaze, much less utter a sound. He could only wait for his heartbeat to return to normal, all the while hearing it clearly pounding inside his head. Yet, he froze once again when he heard her speak.


    "I will only warn you once. Do not involve yourself any further in this," she said, yet her tone seemed concerned. The man was stunned as this was uncanny for her¡ªespecially after what he had endured. "Some people have plans for him¡ªpeople you cannot afford to cross. This will be my only warning. This is for our own good."


    She waved her hand yet couldn''t be bothered to turn around. The man''s expression was grim as he rose to his feet. Still, he wasn''t brave enough to argue. Despite the pain, the man¡¯s hand formed a fist, which he used to strike his chest where his heart was, resulting in a loud thud that resounded within the room.


    ¡°You¡¯re dismissed until your next shift,¡± she said. ¡°Take this time to reflect on your actions.¡±


    The man remained silent, yet his expression showed his unwillingness. Still, he turned on his heels and exited the room, leaving the woman alone¡ªalong with the countless other pods containing even more individuals dressed in the same body suit.


    Soon after the man left, a middle-aged man emerged next to the red-haired woman. She didn''t even bat an eye or look in his direction as she knew he wasn''t real but a three-dimensional representation of the man''s appearance overlaid onto the air itself¡ªnamely, a hologram.


    "That was quite harsh of you, wasn''t it?" the man said with a slight smile, peering through his lush black beard.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need dogs who do not listen to orders,¡± she replied dismissively. ¡°I can only hope he learned his lesson, otherwise...¡±


    The man only shook his head, knowing full well her intentions. All the screens converged on the same subject at that moment, drawing the man''s attention away from the woman.


    On the large screen, a close-up of Ning Shan allowed a good view of his facial features. The scene was still as if time had stopped, yet the woman couldn''t help but stare at him intensely. A slight smile even crept up her face, which the man couldn''t help but comment on.


    ¡°Did something finally catch your attention after all this time?¡± the man said, intrigued.


    She raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised, only for her finger to reach her face, tracing the contours of her lips, only now realizing her expression. She couldn''t help but chuckle, but it soon turned into a hearty laugh. The man remained unfazed, only watching the woman lose herself in laughter. Yet, it didn''t last long. Almost as if all joy had been expelled, she soon returned to her indifferent expression.


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she finally said. ¡°Look at this.¡±


    She raised a finger as if pressing an invisible key in the air, only for the screen to suddenly change. There was now a complete image of Ning Shan, along with detailed information about him, from something simple like his height to minute recordings of everything he had done since stepping into the Cradle. Nothing was missing, not even what happened when he was alone in his room.


    Still, the double helix slowly rotating next to Ning Shan''s image caught the middle-aged man''s attention. The man couldn''t help but frown as he stared, yet his surprise soon turned to disbelief. His gaze soon turned to the woman, only to see a mocking smile on her lips.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t imagining it, and no, I¡¯m not making it up,¡± she said, basking in the moment.


    ¡°Have you finally found what you were looking for?¡± the man replied, yet his expression betrayed his thoughts. He tried his best to hide the greed in his eyes, yet she quickly noticed it.


    ¡°It is yet to be confirmed," she shrugged, yet her tone soon turned much harsher. "Do not get any ideas; he is mine. As an old friend, I only showed this to you as a courtesy. You''ll regret it if you try to fight me for it!"


    Blue flames erupted in her eyes, bathing her surroundings in its glow. Despite this being just a projection, the man couldn¡¯t help but take a step backwards, raising both hands as if to protect himself, if only instinctively. The greed disappeared as fast as it arrived, as did his fear. He tried to show how stoic he was, at least externally.


    ¡°I know better than to fight you for it,¡± the man sighed. ¡°However, some fools may still try. How about I help you?¡±


    She turned and faced him for the first time with a frown.


    ¡°Your price?¡± she said.


    ¡°A small favour,¡± the man smiled.


    She remained silent, pondering as her gaze returned to Ning Shan¡¯s image. After a while, she finally sighed.


    "So be it," she said. "Better to owe you than to let him fall into another''s hands."


    ¡°Is he truly worth that much? If so, I don¡¯t see it. He may be an irregular, but he¡¯s only Red-Class at best. What can he even achieve?¡±


    "For now? Not much..." she replied, shaking her head. "But once he is given time to grow, he might even grant me my wish. It''s an opportunity I cannot miss."


    ¡°I truly hope so for your own sake, my friend,¡± the hologram said before finally disappearing, leaving the woman alone with her thoughts.

 Chapter 34 - To Step into the Abyss

    Ning Shan''s journey toward the nearest elevator was uneventful. Nathan regretted having to leave abruptly, yet he had no choice. Some matters required his attention, and he couldn''t afford to stay any longer now that his location was known to the broader world.


    There were no teary-eyed goodbyes, however. Nathan merely invited Ning Shan to join him on the 20<sup>th</sup> level, even promising to hire him as his personal bodyguard, something Ning Shan promptly declined. The offer simply didn¡¯t align with his own goals. He had no wish to be restricted to a small corner of the Cradle when a wider world awaited him.


    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe you let him leave just like that. Shouldn¡¯t you have thought about it more before turning him down?¡± Sera asked, unable to hide her disappointment.


    ¡°So I can latch on to his success?" he scoffed before walking away. "I imagine there are already enough trying to do just the same. Refusing would probably be seen as refreshing."


    ¡°You have no idea how hard life can be here," she replied, her tone slightly harsher. Ning Shan could clearly feel it was laced with her own past experiences. Still, he wasn''t inclined to ask.


    ¡°Living life is already hard," he said, if slightly uncaringly. "Anyone''s struggles don''t make them any more special than others."


    ¡°You¡¯re heartless,¡± she spat.


    ¡°Not any more than most,¡± he shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m just as selfish as everybody else.¡±


    Without a word, she followed suit. While they had their differences, Ning Shan was the only one she knew now, the only one still willing to associate with her. Although she knew the dangers that came with this man of unknown origins, she figured the rewards would be worth the risk.


    ¡°What now?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I doubt Nathan''s influence will last long," Ning Shan pondered out loud. "Sooner or later, whoever was behind those drones will come strolling back to finish the job, and I need to be ready for that day. In any case, my course of action is clear."


    Ning Shan strolled away from the southern elevator, going eastward. The Cradle was separated into different layers, each over a mile apart. With the constant darkness, one could only see the vague glow of the above layer, shining down, barely illuminating the layer below. However, this dim light was enough for most people to live their lives. After all, this darkness was all they had ever known.


    Each layer was a circular ring fastened on the crater''s wall by countless anchors. It was also kept afloat by countless generators producing some sort of anti-gravity field, allowing each layer to levitate in place.


    In each ring''s centre was an enormous gulf that spread from the crater''s top, allowing The Pillar to pierce through, down to the dark abyss below while The Pillar hovered midair, reaching only up to the fifteenth layer. As for why the lower layers possessed the same shape despite not needing to, even Sera had no idea. She only believed things to be the way they were.


    In each of the four cardinal directions was a large elevator spanning the whole height of the crater. However, according to Sera, those elevators stopped at the sixth layer, unable to go further. There seemed to be only two options to reach the bottom: pass through the government checkpoint or simply jump down, hoping you''d survive the fall. While Ning Shan was interested, he had no intention of doing something he couldn''t undo.


    There was no elevator on the east side. Instead, a giant fissure spanned the length of the wall, from the top down to the bottom. People merely speculated about how it came to be, as there was no tangible evidence. All that was recorded was that one day, the Pillar shook with such force that it opened a fault line within the rock, almost destroying the Cradle in the process.


    Ning Shan raised his head and couldn''t help but wonder how much force would be necessary to create such a large wound on the stony surface. After all, the cliff was strong enough to support the entire weight of multiple city layers. To carve such a deep crevasse within the earth was beyond mortal means. Only a natural disaster could achieve such a thing. Still, this very crevasse was his target.


    ¡°Are you intending to enter the Shaft?" Sera asked, frowning slightly. "I must warn you. It is much more dangerous than people make it out to be. Countless people get lost each year, disappearing without any traces."


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "You don''t have to come with me, you know?" he replied, yet his stride didn''t falter.


    He had braved much more dangerous environments in his youth, from hidden battlefields lost within closed-off dimensions to the ruins of bygone empires teaming with the spectres of ages past. This mere labyrinth wouldn''t give him pause. He would conquer it just as he had done so many times before.


    Besides, he didn''t have much choice. He needed currency to achieve his plan, and his best chance was to gamble. Ever since his arrival in this world, one thing had been on his mind. Without the existence of qi to sustain him, would he begin to age? Would he begin to walk further toward death?


    It had been so long since he had to think of his own mortality. Somehow, he had missed the feeling¡ªthis feeling of urgency. He couldn¡¯t remain still. If his time was now limited, he knew he couldn¡¯t afford to waste it anymore.


    Back then, he would have taken his time, choosing the most secure course of action, allowing for the greatest chance of victory. But now? He would need to bet it all on a single opportunity to make it big, and this Shaft was his one chance. After all, many others took those same chances and emerged victorious, changing their lives. He could only bet that he could do the same. Still, this was merely one of the reasons he needed to go.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll go!¡± Sera blurted, yet couldn¡¯t hide her nervousness.


    Ning Shan couldn''t help but chuckle, yet didn''t push further. If anything, he was glad she chose to come with him. Until now, her input had been invaluable, allowing him to take an informed stance, which he couldn''t have taken otherwise. Still, he wondered how long this would remain and how long he would accommodate her. He believed this trip would grant him such an answer.


    After less than a ten-minute walk through the winding streets of the 9<sup>th</sup> layer, both arrived before the entrance to the Shaft, standing beneath the large fault in the rock. Ning Shan could Imagine its magnificence should light be shone upon its surface, illuminating its depths. Still, it was even grander from up close.


    The Fault was over twenty meters wide and seemed to stretch on for miles, creating a makeshift road through the rock. On each side were countless stores, restaurants, inns, and even brothels catering to a specific demographic. In fact, such a demographic could be seen nonchalantly walking the streets, prominently displaying large weapons in their hands, yet none seemed to bat an eye.


    This seemed like a different world than the order they knew on the other side, almost as if the world had changed its rules to match the new environment. Still, it seemed to suit the people here. They were much more unrestrained than back onto the 9<sup>th</sup> layer.


    Whore didn''t hide within the back alleys but prominently advertised themselves to the highest payers from the numerous balcony of their very stores, enticing potential customers. The stores sold anything one could ever dream of, from deadly weapons to highly addictive drugs to numb the sense or enhance them, but also people themselves. In fact, slavery seemed to be thriving.


    Ning Shan even spotted an individual who looked strangely similar to Sera. He possessed all the same characteristics a human would, yet his skin had scales resembling a lizard. Even his eyes seemed reptilian. In fact, he could even see a long tail emerge from a small hole in the back of the man''s trousers.


    Ning Shan glanced at Sera, only to see she had put on her mask and hidden her hair beneath her hood. He checked just to make sure, but the concentration of red dust was abysmally low, and none of the other patrons had their masks on. He couldn''t help but shake his head, yet he chose not to say anything. Instead, he approached the nearby stall where the lizard man was waiting, only for Sera to follow him reluctantly.


    "Greetings," Ning Shan said to the shopkeeper, trying to look amicable. "I must admit, this is my first time seeing one of his kind. Do you mind if I ask a few questions?¡±


    The shopkeeper eyed him up and down, a slight frown on his face, yet no words came out of his mouth. Still, Ning Shan was undeterred. His smile remained as he made a small gesture for Sera to step forward. Bewildered, she didn''t know how to react, yet Ning Shan''s actions surprised her even more. His voice grew harsher, and his smile faded as he looked toward her.


    ¡°How long are you going to make the good man wait?¡± he snapped.


    Taken aback by the change, her body shook slightly, if only unconsciously. Still, it was then that she noticed the slight glint in his eyes. Her mind raced as her gaze shifted from Ning Shan to the shopkeeper, trying to find the meaning of his action. It was only when she took the time to calm down that realization hit her.


    Slowly, she reached within her clothes, taking out a small glowing red crystal no bigger than the size of one phalange. Still, the look in the shopkeeper''s eyes changed, and a smile crept on his face. She placed the crystal on the counter, only for the man to snatch it when it hit the hard surface. Sera had to do her best to stop herself from trying to snatch it back.


    ¡°What do you wish to know?" the man asked, suddenly more amicable.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but be attracted to the specimen over there,¡± Ning Shan said, trying his best to sound like a highborn fool experiencing the world for the first time. ¡°Am I to understand he is for sale?¡±


    ¡°Sale?! Lord, no!" the man exclaimed, yet Ning Shan felt his tone was too exaggerated. "I''m sure you are aware that slavery has long been abolished by the government. I wouldn''t dare to sell such merchandise! This thing is merely trying to sell his services for a modest price."


    Ning Shan looked closer at the lizard man but could barely stop himself from laughing out loud. Despite his words, the shopkeeper barely even tried to mask his intent. After all, the scaled man was bound at the wrist and ankles with thick heavy chains, disallowing almost all movements. There was even a flashing ring strapped to his neck. One could easily assume the purpose of such an item.


    ¡°Is he a mercenary, then?¡± Ning Shan replied, showing an oblivious smile, which only prompted the man to become even more devious.


    ¡°But of course!" he said. "Should you buy his services, he will listen to all orders without fault, even disregarding his safety in the process. You won''t find a more obedient worker than him."


    ¡°Interesting,¡± Ning Shan said, leaning slightly closer. ¡°Tell me, where did you find such a fine specimen?¡±


    ¡°The poor soul¡¯s last employer went missing in the shaft, leaving only him behind,¡± the shopkeeper said, also leaning forward, talking in a hushed tone. ¡°Rumour said he spent a week roaming alone until hunters found him and brought him back to the surface. To repay this life-saving debt, he chose to sell his services here. Isn¡¯t it such a sad story?¡±


    "Quite," Ning Shan replied as he straightened himself.


    "How about it? I''m sure you might have a use for such a survivor," the man said, yet Ning Shan had already started walking away, completely ignoring the man. Taken aback, it took a few moments for the man to come to his senses, yet Ning Shan was already long gone.


    It seems the Shaft itself isn¡¯t the only danger, Ning Shan thought, a slight smile on his face as he plunged deeper into the darkness.

 Chapter 35 - The Whims of Fate

    ¡°Does this happen often?¡± Ning Shan said as they travelled further within a bleak corridor, only a dim light covering them from the level above.


    The bustling mercantile street had been replaced with peace and quiet, almost as if they had entered another world entirely, despite the fact that they weren''t alone. Other hunters, dressed in full battle gear, were coming and going alongside them, some showing battle scars or even carrying the gear of their dead comrades. Of course, no corpses were to be seen, yet their expressions as they removed their masks only told tales of the grim reality.


    ¡°Deaths, you mean?¡± Sera replied, giving the other hunter teams a wide berth as she hid behind Ning Shan. ¡°If anything, the Shaft is even more dangerous than the surface. At least, some believe so.¡±


    ¡°Is that why your team chose to search that city instead?¡±


    "That''s certainly part of it," she replied. "However, it''s mostly because the boss... my former boss got some good information about a vein worth harvesting. While I was skeptical¡ªwhat do you know¡ªwe found it, so it was reliable information, even though they all perished for it."


    ¡°Any ideas where that information came from?¡±


    "Who knows?" she shrugged. "Despite being a bastard, the guy had connections. It may have been a leak from the government or simply came from within the Depths. There''s no way to know at this point."


    ¡°The Depths... It was mentioned before. Is that where you came from?¡±


    Sera hesitated. Ning Shan could feel her tense unconsciously, almost as if her body itself rejected the notion. Still, he didn¡¯t press her further.


    "I..." she finally said, yet her voice trembled ever so slightly. Despite her mask, Ning Shan could see her eyes grow cloudy, almost as if she was lost in a web of memories she couldn''t extirpate herself from. "Is it important?"


    ¡°Not really,¡± Ning Shan shrugged. ¡°As long as it isn¡¯t an immediate concern.¡±


    "It''s not," she replied, sighing with relief. "There used to be entrances to the Shaft in the Depths, but they are now blocked off. We shouldn''t encounter them unless they climbed out of there."


    ¡°What are the Depths, anyway?¡±


    ¡°A garbage dump. At least, that¡¯s what the people up top call it,¡± she said, pointing upwards. ¡°Practically speaking, it refers to the lowest five layers of the Cradle. They scarcely interact with the other layers..."


    She abruptly stopped, only for her demeanour to completely change, almost as if relief had washed over her.


    "We''ve reached the entrance," she added.


    What Ning Shan saw wasn''t what he expected. He was told the Shaft was a gateway to another dimension where a giant labyrinth resided, yet what stood in front of him was merely a rock wall spanning the height of a mountain, with simply a slight gap in the stone, almost as if someone had poorly chiselled a tunnel into the rock.


    Still, something seemed amiss. He activated his peculiar sight, only to see a tempest of red particles collide with the void before him and disappear beyond the boundary. In fact, beyond the darkness of this entrance was nothing but blackness, as if everything seemed to be. Without Sera''s assurance, he would have believed this to be a trap meant to get rid of him, rendering his existence null.


    As he observed the boundary, a mass of flesh seemed to emerge from the darkness. Surprised, Ning Shan reacted fast, retrieving the rod floating around his core, holding it tight in his hand, and preparing to unleash the deadly blade from within, only to relax soon after.


    As the flesh emerged, its features became much more defined until a burly, half-naked man could be gleaned from it as the darkness receded. Resting on his shoulder was a massive sword, standing the same height as Ning Shan. Unlike this world''s weapon, the blade was rudimentary at best, made of something resembling steel, but for some reason, Ning Shan couldn''t help but feel a familiar energy swirling within.


    Is that an artifact? He thought, eyes widening at the sight.


    Looking closer, he even recognized the familiar markings used to direct the flow of qi within the weapon, conferring their abilities and strength. However, just as soon as the weapon emerged from the boundary, the familiar energy seemed to disappear completely, almost as if it was trapped within, unable to manifest itself into the outside world.This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Looking closer, Ning Shan saw a layer of red dust covering the blade, leaving no traces untouched. Still, occasionally, he could see a small pulse emerge from the weapon, only to be pushed back by the waves of dust until it disappeared completely, unable to show its true might.


    Two other individuals followed the man, though both wore much more clothing, obscuring much of their features. However, from their body proportion, Ning Shan could deduce them both to be female.


    One''s weapon was a massive bow strapped to her back, making her look small in contrast despite being anything but. In fact, she stood almost two metres tall, dwarfing most of the other hunters present, though the burly man was easily taller than her.


    The bow itself was plain, if not crude, yet the power Ning Shan could glean from it was anything but. Even the simple string keeping the bow together seemed strong enough to hold the world were a sufficient anchor to be present. Ning Shan could barely conceive of the force needed to launch a single arrow, yet what concerned him more was that the woman seemed to have none. He couldn''t help but wonder what this bow was made to launch.


    The other woman was much more petite; yet again, her weapon surprised Ning Shan. On her back was a large shield over two-thirds her size. Furthermore, she wore thick metallic armour. Unlike the crude weapons of her companions, her armour seemed extremely high-tech, even hidden beneath her cheap garbs.


    From what he saw, her whole body seemed covered in mechanical parts, aiding her movements. However, unlike the mechanical limbs he noticed on many citizens, hers seemed much more intricate, allowing for more precise movements. Despite it all, they appeared quite bulky, making Ning Shan unsure whether this was her limbs or a superficial armour. Nevertheless, she walked with nary a sound, almost as if she was but a breeze in the night.


    All three wore masks covering their faces, yet unlike Sera''s, theirs seemed much more secure, allowing a greater field of view. Furthermore, as soon as they exited the passage, their masks retracted automatically, allowing them to breathe the Cradle''s fresh air.


    Still, something concerned Ning Shan, and he couldn''t help but turn toward her. He saw her gaze lowered, and she was looking at the ground. In fact, most of the other hunters did the same, even shivering a little as they refused to look at the trio directly.


    Playing along, Ning Shan let the trio pass unobstructed. While there were not many hunters around, the passage was still narrow. However, as soon as the trio appeared, they all parted ways, allowing them to pass through the middle as if a kingly procession.


    None of the three showed even the slightest reaction as if this was but expected, ignoring all others without a word, almost as if they were nonexistent. Still, just as the petite woman passed next to Ning Shan, she stopped momentarily, gazing at him.


    While he could have ignored her, Ning Shan felt compelled to return the gaze, smiling a little, only for her to frown. Even her two companions turned around, somehow intrigued by the small woman''s actions.


    Ning Shan couldn''t help but be interested in her eyes. They were a deep green, the colour of nature which this world sorely lacked. Maybe nostalgia prompted him to look even deeper, yet the woman couldn''t help but become interested in the man before him. However, as soon as she looked into his deep black eyes, such fleeting interest disappeared utterly. She scoffed and turned around, ignoring him, almost as if the memory of this encounter had already faded from her mind.


    Less than a moment later, all three had already faded into the darkness, and the world began to turn again, with several nearby hunters seeking to pass the threshold.


    "What was that?" Ning Shan asked softly, only to realize Sera was still shaken from the events. Only when his hand fell on her shoulder did she finally snap out of it.


    ¡°Do you know who those three are?¡± he added, his interest piqued.


    "I... don''t know," she replied, her voice shaking slightly. "One thing''s for sure, they are at least Green-Class Hunters. There''s no way a Red-Class like me can know their names, much less dig up that information. If anything, I''m sure it''s locked up tight by the government. After all, most Yellow-Class and up are affiliated with the government. Not many of them remain independent."


    "Is that so?" Ning Shan muttered, replaying the scene.


    Somehow, he couldn''t free the image from his mind. The woman was attractive, her features well proportioned, but not enough to leave such a lasting image in his mind. After all, which peerless beauty hadn''t tried to court him in his previous world?


    No, what he couldn''t get out of his mind were her eyes. They were filled with such depths, such power. Somehow, they reminded him of himself, which couldn''t help but make him chuckle at how narcissistic it all sounded. Still, that colour had something attractive to it. He hadn''t felt the same as he looked into Sera''s deep red eyes. After all, despite her differing features, she wasn''t unattractive herself.


    Still, this wasn''t the time to ponder such things. Having arrived at the boundary, Ning Shan now stood before the precipice. Somehow, he felt apprehension as he looked into the deep darkness. While light was scarce everywhere, it seemed even more so here. Yet, his curiosity soon overpowered it all.


    He took a step forward and felt the world change. His surroundings grew utterly silent; even Sera had disappeared. He stood alone within the vastness of space, with neither up nor down, left or right. Even time seemed to have disappeared, while only he remained, his existence a fact that couldn¡¯t be rebutted.


    He floated there as everything became meaningless. His thoughts began to wander, free and unfettered, with no destination in sight. Still, the moment was fleeting. What felt like a lifetime was but a moment in reality as the world began to spin once again, bringing him out of his stupor. However, it was then that something went wrong.


    Just as he thought to emerge from the other side, a break resounded around him, almost as if reality shattered, but more like a glass vase had been smashed on the hard stone floor. The sound jolted him awake, just in time to raise his hands to soften the impact.


    Ning Shan''s body was propelled forward, ejected from the boundary onto the hard stone floor. Using his outstretched hands as cushioning, he began to roll on the ground, quickly losing speed, but abruptly stopped as his back collided with a nearby wall.


    Disoriented, Ning Shan tried to rise, only to find himself unsteady. His mind reeled from the uncanny experience, still swimming in the dark void without care, only for grim reality to strike him like a battering ram.


    He was alone.


    He remembered Sera being next to him as he took that step. He even felt her small hand holding tightly to the sleeve of his leather vest, yet she was nowhere to be seen. Even as he scanned his surroundings, there were no signs of any living being¡ªnone except for a single thing.


    Not far away, illuminated by the glow of fluorescent rocks, stood a large metal rod deeply encased in the stone. It was almost as if it had been thrust with inhumane strength yet hadn''t fractured the stone itself. It was eerie, to say the least.


    This can¡¯t NOT be a trap...Ning Shan thought, yet he approached the rod nevertheless.

 Chapter 36 - Patterns Within Chaos

    Ning Shan''s surroundings were disconcerting, to say the least. When speaking of the Shaft, he had imagined a mystical world located in sub-dimension where danger and opportunity commingled, creating the perfect environment for Ning Shan to hone his craft and rise again before tackling this new world he found himself in.


    Instead, he stood within a damp, dark cavern covered in stalactites, with only the sound of falling water accompanying his thoughts. No other signs of life surrounded him, and even the ever-present red dust seemed much too lacklustre. This was a barren world but also much too narrow.


    From the echoes of water droplets, Ning Shan estimated the dimensions of this cave of stone, only to be surprised by its size. He couldn¡¯t help but thank the heavens he wasn¡¯t claustrophobic, or he might have collapsed immediately upon arriving.


    The cavern was barely tall enough for him to stand, his head brushing against the inverted stone pillars. By extending his hands, he could even reach both sides of the tunnel. With his eyes closed, Ning Shan used his ears and sense of touch to guide himself, using the wall to show him the only path. The tunnel opened slightly, revealing a place he could only liken to a garden of stone.


    Ning Shan observed this open space using his enhanced sight, but since the red dust was lacking, what he saw was vague and blurred. His only choice was to create some light. Using the red dust as a catalyst, Ning Shan severed a piece of the black lightning out of his core, making it swim through his flesh until it appeared wrapped around his hand.


    The lightning only offered a dull glow, yet in this pitch-black darkness, this was enough to illuminate this cavern, reaching to the wall. However, when he gazed into the middle of this garden, his eyes couldn''t help but narrow.


    A long rod propped upright stood in the centre, as if on a pedestal, one end deep into the stone. The rod alone was as tall as Ning Shan, not to mention whatever length was hidden in the rock. As he was too far away, he couldn''t make out the designs engraved on its surface, though he could see them due to the shifting of the light.


    With apprehension but also curiosity, Ning Shan chose to approach the pedestal, his senses on high alert for any movement. Yet the garden was as peaceful as could be. There wasn''t the slightest trace of a breeze, with the only disturbance being Ning Shan himself and the constantly falling water droplets.


    Now, before the rod, Ning Shan could finally see it in all its splendour. Its surface seemed hard¡ªmuch harder than the surrounding stone. Yet, the designs carved on its surface were intricate and expertly carved, almost as if the material itself shifted to accommodate them.


    As he looked closer, shining the black light onto them, Ning Shan couldn''t help but be stunned, for he knew the symbols. In fact, he was familiar with them, for this was a language of his previous world¡ªan obscure one, but nevertheless one he recognized. Still, his knowledge was rudimentary, yet enough.


    How... he thought. Since the Heavenly Dao could transfer me here, I expected the two worlds to be connected, yet I didn''t expect to find a link to my previous world so soon. Maybe they are closer than I expected. With any luck, this sub-dimension may be a bridge between the two.


    Pushing aside his wandering thoughts, Ning Shan chose to gamble. Throwing caution to the wind, he grasped the circular shaft in his hand, gripping firmly as he readied himself, waiting for something to happen, yet nothing did. In fact, he couldn¡¯t help but smile deprecatingly; his only solace was that no one was there to see this embarrassing sight.


    ¡°Maybe I thought too much,¡± he chuckled, the soft words breaking the silence as they bounced off the rock walls.


    Interestingly enough, the words that came out of his mouth weren''t the same ones he had used since coming to this world but were from an ancient dead tongue no one had spoken for eons. Every trace of its pronunciation had been swept away by the sands of time; only written accounts remained.


    The words came unconsciously, spilling out of his mouth like water from a dam, and only when they were finally free did Ning Shan realize what he had done.


    However, before he could find the reason for such a thing, the design on the rod in his hand began to glow, filling the small underground rock garden with light. Eroded by untold eons, the surrounding rocks had been polished to a mirror sheen. While Ning Shan''s black light wasn''t strong enough to bounce off of it, the glow from the rod certainly did.


    It blinded him, searing his skin as if he stood within the focus point of a glass parabola. He tried to retract his hand, even using his jacket and sleeve as a shield, yet nothing worked. His palm remained firmly attached to the long pole.


    While the pain was intense, Ning Shan could still bear it thanks to what he had endured when arriving in this world. Still, it mounted with every moment, and his instinct screamed at him to let go, yet his body refused to obey. He could only keep holding onto the rod, suffering this pain. While only briefly, the thought of severing this limb¡ªif only to get away¡ªflashed in his mind.


    However, he chose to grit his teeth. He wasn¡¯t one to buckle under mere pain. This simply wasn¡¯t in his nature, yet the pain began to take its toll on him. No matter how tough he was, his mind could only take so much torture. How he wished he still had use of his qi, if only to numb his nerves.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Activating Imprinting Protocol...


    Just as he felt his mind swim in and out of consciousness, a familiar window of light appeared before his eyes, jolting him awake. He became lucid, his mind thinking clearly. It even felt as if his mind had been separated from the flesh, feeling the pain as something merely external to himself.


    Imprinting...!


    His eyes opened wide as he gazed upon the pulsing cryptic characters, their light rushing through Ning Shan''s flesh as if his skin were transparent. They sought to burrow themselves into his core, flooding his system like a giant tsunami crashing on the shore.


    He felt his body reel back despite the illusory impact, mere weightless light bouncing around his body and hitting his optical nerve, blinding him. He felt a pang of vertigo but also felt as if his mind floated above his body, being a mere observer of the process.


    Commencing Data Transfer...


    The characters began to move, rising from the thick rod as they glided above the surface, climbing onto his arm and burrowing into his skin until nothing remained but a perfectly round cylindrical rod.


    The characters began floating within his flesh, burrowing ever deeper, the pain intensifying with every moment, yet his mind had already grown numb to it. In fact, he only watched the process happen, unable to interfere with it, but also unable to move.


    As they reached the core of his cultivation, the characters came into contact with the black lightning protecting the boundary. A large battle ensued, the two forces struggling against each other as if two armies waging war.


    They pushed and pulled, the boundary contracting and expanding as they struggled. Unable to bear it anymore, Ning Shan finally fell to his knees, his mind on the verge of breaking, yet the two forces grew stronger. Furthermore, this was in no way a two-way battle.


    Deep inside the black lightning cage, the red planet grew restless, its gravity on the verge of collapsing. As the lightning used more and more energy to repel the invading force, it offered an opportunity for the red planet to strike back against its captor, destabilizing Ning Shan¡¯s core even more.


    The red planet exploded into a nebula of red dust along with its rings, filling his entire inner universe with its presence. However, it was stopped at the boundary, unable to go any further as the black lightning stood at the edge, ever vigilant in its duty.


    However, it was now pressed on both fronts, the only boundary between two merciless opponents. It raged as if a cornered prey, yet its resistance seemed futile. After all, even a single foe was already its match, forming an equilibrium. But now, it had to contend against two at the same time. Keeping one in while keeping the other out.


    Ning Shan''s body also stood in the middle, bearing the brunt of the conflict. His skin ruptured like countless fissures in a dam, spilling its contents over uneven rock ground and tinting it dark red.


    His blood left him at an alarming rate, yet he was powerless to resist. In fact, it took all he had to keep breathing, a conscious effort as almost all other processes had been halted, if only to provide most of his body''s energy toward resisting this three-way conflict.


    However, something surprising happened. As if knowing its impending demise, the black lightning relented, opening a breach in its defence, allowing the other two forces to come in contact for the first time.


    This meeting was like an explosion as the two ferocious forces collided, their intentions opposite: one to enter and the other to leave. It became a deadlock as the two rammed into each other, pulling all their forces toward the same point, finally allowing the black lightning boundary a slight reprieve.


    While the pain and damage to his body remained, Ning Shan could finally take a deep breath and observe much more closely. Still, more than the two fierce forces, what was truly bewildering was the black lightning. It acted much differently than the two. They seemed as if two predators fighting over territory, while the lightning acted as if with purpose, with intellect.


    As the obscure characters and the red dust nebula battled, using their full might against each other, even ignoring the black lightning, the lightning slowly surrounded them as if trying not to spook them, only to spring the trap soon after.


    Both were now back in the cage, their strength mutually sapping each other, unable to contend against the lightning imprisoning them. Somehow, within the chaos now reigning in his core, Ning Shan felt as if he saw a sneer coming from the black lightning, yet attributed it only to delirium. After all, he was on the verge of collapse, his nerves raw and tired, even as the pain began to recede, the conflict now contained within. The storm wasn''t over, yet the worst had passed.


    Ning Shan finally collapsed, his face falling into a puddle. He felt its cool touch on his cheek, and the assurance of victory rose in his heart. He had gambled and won, yet by any other metrics, this would have been seen as foolish. He knew, more than anyone else, how perilous his actions were, yet he hadn''t risen to his previous height by playing it safe.


    He had survived his fair share of cataclysmic events and had always emerged victorious. This was merely another one for the list. Still, he held no illusion that his luck would last forever. Sooner or later, he would face something he couldn''t overcome, but he would rather take the plunge, seeking to pry victory out of the jaws of defeat, instead of capitulating to an unknown future.


    After a moment of rest, Ning Shan finally rose to his feet, only to find that his hand still held the dark rod, never once leaving his grasp, almost as if¡ªif only unconsciously¡ªhe had been too afraid to let go.


    In a moment of frustration from what he had to endure, Ning Shan tugged on the rod, if only break it in two and have this inanimate object feel his pain. Yet, rather than the rod breaking, it was the ground that let go, with barely an effort from Ning Shan.


    What emerged from the rock seemed like a large arrowhead: a black one, adsorbing any light as if a dark abyss or a black hole sucking everything into its core. With a swipe of his hand, the blade cut through space, but also a stalagmite that stood in its path as if it wasn''t even there, leaving not even a trace on its surface. It was only when Ning Shan took a step to observe it more closely that the two pieces of rock finally slid apart, revealing a mirror-sheen cut between them.


    What a sharp spear!