113: Chapter 113 Battlefield of the Heavens, Void Rift

Inside the Samsara Residence, Lin Wan had just ended his seclusion, stabilizing his cultivation at the Peak of the Early Stage of Void Refining. Just as he was about to familiarize himself with his "Daozi" privileges, exchange some resources, and welcome his wife, daughters, and clan members who were about to arrive at the Samsara Immortal City, a cold and pleasant voice transmission rang in his ears.

"Lin Wan, have you emerged from seclusion? If you have some leisure time, please come to the Guanghan Palace for a chat. Yaoxi."

It was Fairy Yaoxi's voice transmission. Her voice was calm, yet it carried an imperceptible trace of gravity.

Lin Wan's heart stirred. Before his seclusion, Fairy Yaoxi had mentioned that she had important matters to discuss with him once he emerged. Now that he had just come out and her transmission had already arrived, it seemed this matter was quite urgent.

"Perfect, I also have some matters I would like to ask Fairy Senior about," Lin Wan replied with his Divine Thought. Then, with a flicker of his body, he transformed into a faint, chaotic stream of light, silently leaving the Samsara Residence and heading toward the Guanghan Palace where Fairy Yaoxi resided.

Ziwei Enclosure, Guanghan Palace.

Unlike the vibrant purple Qi and grand atmosphere of the Samsara Residence, the Guanghan Palace was situated atop a cold, solitary, and lofty Moonlit Immortal Mountain. Built entirely of Cold Jade and Moonlit Stone, the palace was elegant and overflowed with pure light. Surrounded by swaying moon laurels and babbling spiritual springs, it appeared exceptionally serene and holy, yet carried an indescribable sense of aloofness and distance.

Lin Wan landed on the plaza in front of the palace, where a maidservant dressed in moon-white palace attire immediately stepped forward to lead him inside. Passing through several halls, they arrived at a waterside pavilion bordering a cliff. Outside the pavilion, a sea of clouds churned, immortal cranes soared, and a massive, seemingly touchable phantom of a bright moon hung high above the sea of clouds, casting down cold moonlight.

Fairy Yaoxi was dressed in a moon-white palace gown, wearing no makeup, her black hair cascading down like a waterfall, tied up only with a simple jade hairpin. She stood leaning against the railing, gazing at the moon over the sea of clouds. Her cold, peerless profile, illuminated by the moonlight, seemed even more ethereal.

"Junior Lin Wan greets Fairy Senior," Lin Wan stepped forward and bowed in greeting.

"No need for formalities, please sit." Fairy Yaoxi turned around and gestured for Lin Wan to sit on a jade stool in the pavilion, while she took her seat at the head. A maidservant served spiritual tea, its fragrance curling up and refreshing the mind.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist, on your great progress in cultivation, completely refining the 'Purification Fragment' and achieving Perfection in your Dao Fruit." Fairy Yaoxi's gaze fell upon Lin Wan, a flicker of wonder flashing in her cold eyes. With her level of cultivation, she could naturally see that Lin Wan's current aura was deep and harmonious, far stronger than when he had first entered the Void Refining stage three years ago. He already subtly possessed the demeanor of standing on equal footing with an established Peak Void Refining Cultivator like herself.

"Senior flatters me, it was merely a stroke of luck," Lin Wan said humbly. He took a sip of the spiritual tea, only to feel a cold, pure surge of moonlit power flow down his throat, nourishing his Divine Soul. He couldn't help but praise, "Excellent tea."

"This is 'Moonlit Condensation Dew' grown beneath the moon laurel trees by the spiritual spring. It takes ten thousand years to obtain a single pot, and has the effect of nourishing the Divine Soul and clarifying the Dao Heart, which is also of great benefit to Void Refining Cultivators," Fairy Yaoxi said calmly. Then, she shifted the topic, her expression turning slightly grave. "Lin Wan, inviting you here this time is to discuss a few important matters, some of which concern you personally, as well as the overall future of the Alliance."

"Please speak, Senior, this Junior is all ears," Lin Wan also set down his teacup and said solemnly.

"The first matter is regarding your family," Fairy Yaoxi said. "In accordance with Your Majesty's decree, the Alliance has dispatched elites to safely escort your Lin Clan members from the Eastern Wasteland, along with your three Dao Companions and three daughters, to the Samsara Immortal City. Currently, they have been temporarily settled in the 'Yingxian Villa' on the outskirts of the 'Ziwei Enclosure'. Now that you have emerged from seclusion, you may go to meet them and bring them back to live in the 'Samsara Residence'. The Alliance will provide your clan members with appropriate identities, resources, and protection. You can rest easy regarding this matter."

Hearing that his wife, daughters, and clan members had arrived safely, a heavy stone in Lin Wan's heart finally lifted. He said gratefully, "I am deeply grateful to Fairy Senior and the Alliance for your trouble."

Fairy Yaoxi nodded slightly and continued, "The second matter is about your 1.45 billion contribution points and your 'Daozi' privileges. You can go to the Merit Hall at any time to exchange your contribution points for whatever you need. The 'Daozi' privilege means you possess the Alliance's highest level of resource allocation, intelligence sharing, and the right to participate in decision-making for certain affairs. As for the specific details, I will have a maidservant deliver a Jade Slip to your place later. You need to familiarize yourself with them as soon as possible and utilize these resources to rapidly increase your strength. The Alliance places high hopes on you."

"This Junior understands and will certainly not fail the Alliance's trust," Lin Wan said solemnly. He knew well that this "Daozi" privilege and the massive amount of contribution points were both a reward and a heavy responsibility.

"The third matter," Fairy Yaoxi's voice became even graver, and her gaze drifted toward the vast sea of clouds and the phantom moon outside the pavilion, as if looking at a far more distant place, "is regarding... the Heavens Battlefield, and the recently appeared... Void Rifts."

"The Heavens Battlefield? Void Rifts?" Lin Wan frowned slightly. It wasn't the first time he had heard these two terms, but for them to be mentioned with such a grave tone by the upper echelon of the Alliance, it was clearly of extraordinary significance.

"Do you know what position our 'Samsara Immortal Alliance', or rather, the entire Tiannan Continent, and even our 'Tiannan Realm' occupies among the Myriad Heavens and Realms?" Fairy Yaoxi asked.

"This Junior only knows that the Tiannan Continent is a Major Thousand World where the Five Regions coexist, and it can be considered powerful among the surrounding domains. However, as for its specific standing within the Myriad Heavens and Realms, I am not clear," Lin Wan answered truthfully. The time since his rise was too short, and most of his energy had been spent on cultivation and fighting "the end," leaving him with limited knowledge of the layout of the heavens.

"The Tiannan Continent is indeed a Major Thousand World with deep foundations. Our 'Samsara Immortal Alliance' integrates the Five Regions and is considered a hegemon among the surrounding domains," Fairy Yaoxi said slowly. "However, the Myriad Heavens and Realms are vast and boundless. Major Thousand Worlds are as numerous as the sands of the Ganges, with countless Mid-Thousand and Minor Thousand Worlds attached to them. Above the Myriad Heavens and Realms, there also exist even more ancient, vast, and Law-complete supreme domains such as the 'Immortal Realm', 'Divine Realm', and 'Demon Realm'. The 'Tiannan Realm' we reside in is merely a corner of the vast heavens, quite inconspicuous."

"And the 'Heavens Battlefield' is not a specific battlefield, but a general term for those domains or buffer zones between domains within the Myriad Heavens and Realms where large-scale, continuous wars and conflicts break out due to various reasons (such as resource competition, struggles over the Dao, racial vendettas, erosion by 'the end', etc.). There, the Laws are chaotic, forces intertwine, and slaughter is continuous. It is a whetstone for the strong, but a grave for the weak."

"When our 'Samsara Immortal Alliance' was first established, aside from integrating the forces of the Five Regions to combat the internal erosion of 'the end', another crucial objective was to cope with threats from the 'Heavens Battlefield', protecting the Tiannan Realm from being dragged into those even more brutal and dangerous whirlpools of war. After all, with the strength of the Tiannan Realm, if we were to be dragged into certain large-scale 'Battlefields of the Heavens', we would face the danger of total annihilation."

Lin Wan felt a tremor in his heart as he heard this. So, beyond the Five Regions, there lay such a vast world and such brutal competition. The Alliance's enemies were not just "the end," but also threats from the "Heavens Battlefield."

"Then what exactly are 'Void Rifts'?" Lin Wan asked.

"'Void Rifts' are unstable spatial passages connecting different domains, or different regions within the same domain," Fairy Yaoxi explained. "The reasons for their Formation are complex—they could be naturally generated, torn open by the clashes of mighty figures, or triggered by some forbidden Formation or treasure. 'Void Rifts' are extremely unstable, their interiors filled with spatial turbulence, temporal distortions, and various unknown dangers; ordinary Cultivators entering them face a near-certain death. However, once stabilized, or artificially secured, they can become convenient passages for traversing domains, launching surprise attacks, or transporting resources and troops."

"Recently, the Alliance has detected an abnormal number of 'Void Rifts'—suspected to have been artificially opened or guided—appearing in several previously relatively peaceful domain buffer zones around the Tiannan Realm, as well as in some desolate Star Domains. Some of these rifts connect to domain ruins that have long been eroded by 'the end' and turned into dead lands, while others lead to unknown regions filled with Chaos and slaughter. What is even more troublesome is that there are signs indicating the appearance of these rifts is no accident; behind them, the shadow of the 'Void Church' seems to loom."

"Do you mean... the 'Void Church' is using these 'Void Rifts' to mobilize troops and resources from other domains they have eroded, or... to channel the erosion of 'the end' through the rifts into the Tiannan Realm?" Lin Wan's expression turned grim as he instantly grasped the key point.

[part:gemini-3.1-flash-lite]

"Not bad." A flash of cold light crossed Fairy Yaoxi's eyes. "The fall of the 'Lord of Ashes', the sealing of the 'the end' mark, and the theft of the 'samsara mirror' fragment have clearly enraged the 'Void Church'. They are no longer satisfied with their past methods of infiltration and internal division. Instead, they have begun to employ more direct and violent means—mobilizing forces from other battlefields through 'Void Realm' rifts, preparing to launch a... comprehensive, cross-realm invasion war against the Tiannan Realm!"

"The Alliance has preliminarily identified at least four newly emerged, relatively stable 'Void Realm' rifts that are being stabilized and expanded by the power of the 'Void Church'. One is located near the 'Myriad Demon Cave' in the Western Desert, faintly resonating with the breach previously suppressed by Master Liaoyin, suspected of connecting to a Demonic Path domain eroded by 'the end'. One is located in the depths of the Void Realm on the outskirts of the 'Five Elements Barrier' in the Southern Region, leading to a 'Wasteland Star Domain' filled with chaotic energy and 'the end' monsters. One is located deep in the 'Eternal Silent Ice Plains' of the Northern Plains, combining with the power of the awakened Frost Giant, seemingly connecting to a frozen dead world eroded by 'the end'. The last one... is located in the Void Realm turbulence zone at the border of the Central State and the Eastern Wasteland, the most hidden and dangerous. Its fluctuations... are somewhat similar to the aura of that 'Holy Lord', possibly leading directly to an important stronghold of the 'Void Church', or even... the lair where that 'Holy Lord' resides!"

"These four 'Void Realm' rifts are like four sharp blades pressed against the throat of the Tiannan Realm. Once they are thoroughly stabilized and expanded by the 'Void Church' to form stable invasion channels, endless 'the end' monsters, eroded powerhouses, and even 'Lord'-level existences will surge into the Tiannan Realm through the rifts! My 'Samsara Immortal Alliance' will face an unprecedented desperate situation of being attacked from two or even multiple sides!"

Fairy Yaoxi's voice, like cold ice, struck Lin Wan's heart. The situation had actually deteriorated to such a degree! The counterattack of the 'Void Church' had come so quickly and so violently!

"Does the Alliance... have any countermeasures?" Lin Wan asked in a deep voice. He knew that Fairy Yaoxi telling him these things was by no means just to report the situation.

"Your Majesty and the Alliance Council of Elders have urgently discussed countermeasures," Fairy Yaoxi said. "The current strategy decided upon is a combination of 'blocking' and 'dredging', taking the initiative to attack and controlling the battlefield as much as possible outside the rifts or on the outskirts of the Tiannan Realm."

"Specifically, it means forming four 'Expeditionary Armies' to head to the vicinity of those four 'Void Realm' rifts, establish forward bases, set up defensive lines, snipe and wipe out the 'the end' forces surging through the rifts, and seize opportunities to Seal or destroy the rifts themselves, at least to delay the speed of their stabilization and expansion, buying more preparation time for the Alliance."

"These four 'Expeditionary Armies' will be composed of the Alliance's most elite forces, with each requiring at least one Void Refining Peak great expert to preside over it, supplemented by multiple Void Refining experts, as well as a large number of Soul Transformation and Nascent Soul elites. The Western Desert route will be led by Master Liaoyin and the forces of the Buddhist Kingdom, with Fellow Daoist Sword Master Jian Wuming leading some elites from the 'Demon-Slaying General Corps' to provide support. The Southern Region route will be led by True Monarch Daoxuan, Han Lingtian, and the Southern Region Anti-Calamity Alliance, with the Alliance sending Void Refining experts to support. The Northern Plains route is the most troublesome; that Frost Giant is suspected to be at the 'Lord' Peak, or even touching a higher level, requiring Great Elder Danchenzi, the Earth Vein Venerable, and inviting several reclusive old Void Refining monsters to join forces to deal with it."

Fairy Yaoxi spoke up to this point, her gaze falling on Lin Wan. In her clear, cold eyes, there was a hint of inquiry, as well as a hint of determination.

"As for that last place, which is also the most dangerous one—the 'Void Realm' rift at the border of the Central State and the Eastern Wasteland, suspected of leading directly to the 'Holy Lord's' lair... His Majesty and the Council of Elders have decided that I will lead the army personally, with the Old Man Tianji, Tian Shu Zi, as well as some core Elders of the Alliance and the most elite forces of the 'Demon-Slaying General Corps' to go and handle it."

"And Lin Wan, you..." Fairy Yaoxi paused. "His Majesty hopes that you can accompany me to this most dangerous rift. There are three reasons."

"First, you possess the 'Reincarnation' Dao Fruit and have fused with the 'Purification Fragment', making you the most effective at suppressing the power of 'the end', which is key to countering the 'Holy Lord's' power. Second, you have already achieved a 'Void Refining' Breakthrough, possess sufficient strength, and have infinite potential; such a great war is the best opportunity for tempering and improvement. Third... it is also a test for you from His Majesty and the Council of Elders."

"A test?" Lin Wan's eyes flashed.

"Correct." Fairy Yaoxi nodded. "The position of 'Dao Child' is no small matter. It enjoys the highest resource allocation from the Alliance, but it also means bearing the greatest responsibility and risk. This expedition is extremely dangerous; facing the 'Holy Lord's' power, you may even encounter the will projection of the 'Holy Lord' himself, or even... the true 'King'-level existences under his command. If you can prove your value and commitment in this battle, then the position of 'Dao Child' will be completely solidified, and the Alliance will spare no effort to Cultivate you, paving the way for you to reach higher levels. If you fear, retreat, or perform poorly... the name of 'Dao Child' may be tarnished, and the Alliance's resource allocation will be re-evaluated."

Fairy Yaoxi's words were blunt and cruel, but they also stated the reality. The Alliance would not Cultivate a "flower in a greenhouse" for nothing; the glory and resources of the "Dao Child" needed to be exchanged for with solid achievements and blood.

Lin Wan was silent for a moment. Facing the power of the "Holy Lord" himself, or even the "King"-level existences under his command—the danger in this was self-evident. But at the same time, opportunities also coexisted with it. Fighting against true powerhouses and tempering oneself on the edge of life and death was the best way to quickly improve one's strength and perfect the "Reincarnation" Dao. Moreover, if he could make great contributions in this battle, not only would he be able to completely solidify his status as "Dao Child", but he would also gain deeper trust and support from the Alliance, which would be of great benefit in searching for other "samsara mirror" fragments, countering "the end", and protecting his family.

"When do we set off?" Lin Wan did not hesitate too much and asked calmly. His eyes were clear and firm, with no trace of fear.

A flash of approval crossed Fairy Yaoxi's eyes, and she said, "All parties are currently gathering forces, preparing supplies, and arranging backups. It is expected that after three months, the four armies will set off simultaneously. You still have three months to handle personal affairs, exchange resources, improve your strength, and make preparations."

"Three months..." Lin Wan nodded; the time was still quite sufficient. "This Junior understands. At that time, this Junior will certainly follow Fairy Senior to the rift and meet with the lackeys under that 'Holy Lord'."

"Very good." A faint smile appeared on Fairy Yaoxi's face, like an ice lotus blooming, stunningly beautiful. "Since that is the case, use these three months to prepare. In the 'Merit Hall', there are many treasures and secret techniques for countering 'the end', strengthening yourself, and saving your life while escaping; you can make good use of your contribution points to exchange for them. If you have any questions, you can come to the 'Guanghan Palace' to find me at any time. In addition, your family members also need to be properly settled. The 'Samsara Residence' has a great Formation set up by His Majesty, so it is safe and secure; you can bring them there to live."

"Yes, this Junior has noted it." Lin Wan stood up and bowed solemnly. "Thank you, Fairy Senior, for informing me. If there is nothing else, this Junior will take his leave to handle various matters."

"Go." Fairy Yaoxi waved her hand.

Lin Wan said no more, turned into a stream of light, and left the "Guanghan Palace".

On the way back to the "Samsara Residence", thoughts churned in Lin Wan's mind. The heavens battlefield, the Void Realm rifts, the four expeditionary armies, the threat of the "Holy Lord"... one by one, everything indicated that the true "war of the end" that would sweep across the heavens and myriad worlds had already begun. And he was already at the center of this catastrophe.

The pressure was like a mountain, but in Lin Wan's heart, there was no fear, only a strong determination to become stronger, to protect, and to carve out a path of survival, or even a path of transcendence, amidst this great catastrophe.

"Three months... time is tight. I need to go to the 'Yingxian Villa' first to bring Wanqing and the others home. Then, go to the 'Merit Hall' to exchange for what I need. After that, I must go into seclusion to digest everything I have exchanged for, further improve my strength, and make final preparations for the expedition to the rifts."

"Wanqing, Wanyi, Wanxin... and everyone in the Lin family, I'm sorry. We have just reunited, and we have to part ways again, and I may even have to rush to a dangerous place. But, to be able to win a stable future for you and for this realm, I... have no other choice."

A hint of tenderness flashed in Lin Wan's eyes, which then turned into incomparable determination.

He accelerated and sped towards the "Yingxian Villa" on the outskirts of the "Ziwei Enclosure".

The joy of reunion was about to be replaced by the sorrow of parting and the urgency of preparing for war. But this is the path of a Cultivator; in the process of pursuing the Dao and protecting what is cherished, it is destined to be filled with partings and reunions, blood and storms.

And he, Lin Wan, was already prepared to face all of this.