92: Chapter 92 Return, Shock, Prelude to the Storm

Chaotic emerald light, like a shooting star cutting through darkness, flashed out from the terrifying hundred-mile-long spatial rift that had begun to slowly mend, reappearing beneath the sky of the Five Regions.

"Inspector!"

Yue Lingfeng, who had been waiting anxiously in the distance outside the rift and had almost been unable to stop himself from rushing in, was overjoyed to see that familiar figure burst out. However, as he approached and felt the aura on Lin Wan—an aura vastly different from before, deeper, more vast, and seemingly containing endless vicissitudes and the intent of Reincarnation—his heart skipped a beat, and he hurriedly stopped and bowed respectfully.

"This subordinate welcomes the Inspector back! Inspector, are you... alright?" Yue Lingfeng asked cautiously. He could feel that although Lin Wan's aura was steady at this moment, even stronger than before, he possessed an indescribable air, as if he had been baptized by endless years, making one involuntarily feel awe.

"It is nothing." Lin Wan nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping across the ground below. He saw that the dense evil Qi and chaotic energy that had originally filled the surroundings of the rift had now mostly dissipated. The massive rift was slowly shrinking and mending at a slow but steady pace, and the heart-palpitating darkness and distortion at its edges were gradually fading. Clearly, with the annihilation of the Chaos vortex and the fall of the 'Apostles', this passage connecting to 'the end' had lost its source of support and was being repaired by the Laws of this world.

"Where are Elder Zhou and the others?" Lin Wan asked.

"Reporting to the Inspector, Elder Zhou, Master Liaokong, and the others have, according to your instructions, led the reorganized personnel of the Xuanyin Alliance and the rescued Cultivators to retreat to the 'Demon Suppression Pass' three thousand miles away to establish a defensive line, and have issued the highest alert to the Alliance headquarters and all parties. This subordinate remained here to wait for the Inspector's return," Yue Lingfeng replied quickly.

"Well done." Lin Wan nodded, taking another look at the healing rift. "The source of this rift has been cleared by me, and the threat is temporarily resolved, but the residual aura of 'the end' still needs time to be purified. Send word to Elder Zhou to dispatch reliable personnel to set up long-term observation and purification Formations here, and monitor strictly to prevent any further changes. At the same time, announce the news of my safe return to the headquarters and all parties, and state... that the threat of the Liangjie Mountain spatial rift has been initially pacified, but the threat of 'the end' has not been lifted; instead, it may accelerate its erosion elsewhere due to this setback, requiring the Alliance and the Five Regions to prepare for a full-scale war early."

"Yes! This subordinate will go and do it immediately!" Yue Lingfeng's spirit was lifted, and he quickly agreed. Not only did the Inspector return safely, but he had also single-handedly pacified that terrifying rift! What a great achievement! Once this news spread back, it would surely shake the Five Regions again!

"Also," Lin Wan paused and added, "In my name, send a letter to the 'Five Directions Council Elders' Council', stating that I will return to Heavenly Capital in a few days. I have... major discoveries regarding the essence, erosion methods, and countermeasures of 'the end' that I need to report in person, and I request to convene the highest-level 'Anti-Calamity Alliance Meeting' to discuss... the grand plan for survival!"

Yue Lingfeng's heart tightened; from Lin Wan's tone, he could hear the seriousness of the situation. "Major discoveries", "grand plan for survival"... It seemed that what Lin Wan experienced and saw deep within the rift was far beyond their imagination.

"This subordinate understands! I will convey the Inspector's intention word for word!" Yue Lingfeng said solemnly.

Lin Wan said no more. He took one last look at the sky that was healing like an ugly scar, then moved, turning into a beam of light, heading towards the 'Demon Suppression Pass'. He needed to reunite with Elder Zhou and the others to understand more about the external situation, and also take this opportunity to digest and sort out his gains from this life-and-death Reincarnation, especially the insights and power regarding "Reincarnation" brought by the "Source Seed of Life".

Yue Lingfeng dared not delay and immediately took out his communication array disk to get busy.

Heavenly Capital City, Anti-Calamity Alliance Headquarters.

"Liangjie Mountain spatial rift has produced a super-scale, terrifying fissure suspected to be directly connected to the source of 'the end'. Inspector Lin Wan went deep alone to investigate and has not returned, his life or death unknown..."

"The evil object in Burning Flame Valley has been purified by Inspector Lin Wan. The Skyfire Sect is suspected of concealing and obstructing, and has been questioned..."

"The Nether Palace in the Ten Thousand Ghost Cave has been destroyed, Alliance Leader You Ming Zi has been executed, a large number of ghosts have dissipated, and the hidden danger is temporarily removed..."

"Inspector Lin Wan encountered a high-level existence of 'the end' deep within the Liangjie Mountain rift, broke out in a fierce battle, finally escaped safely, and... destroyed the source of the rift in one fell swoop, killed three 'Apostles' of the 'the end' at the Late Stage of Soul Transformation, destroyed twelve altars, annihilated the Chaos vortex, and initially pacified the threat of the rift!"

"Inspector Lin Wan has issued the highest-level alert, stating that he has major discoveries regarding the essence of 'the end', and requests to convene the highest-level 'Anti-Calamity Alliance Meeting' to discuss the grand plan for survival!"

A series of explosive messages spread like a hurricane through the special channels of the Alliance, quickly reaching the high-level officials of Heavenly Capital City, and spreading to the major forces of the Five Regions even faster.

The entire Heavenly Capital City, the entire high-level leadership of the Anti-Calamity Alliance, and even the top forces of the Five Regions that received the news were stunned and shaken by this series of messages!

The affairs of Burning Flame Valley and Ten Thousand Ghost Cave were already shocking enough, demonstrating the iron-fisted methods and terrifying strength of this new Inspector. But the most shocking was undoubtedly the Liangjie Mountain rift incident!

To go deep into such a desperate place alone, face a terrifying rift suspected to be the source of 'the end', encounter 'Apostles' of 'the end' at the Late Stage of Soul Transformation, and actually... not only come out alive but also destroy the source in one fell swoop, killing three 'Apostles' at the Late Stage of Soul Transformation?!

What kind of concept is this?! Late Stage of Soul Transformation, and from the 'the end' faction—their combat power is absolutely far beyond those of the same rank! Lin Wan was actually able to fight three against one, win, and even annihilate them?! Doesn't this mean his strength had already reached the Late Stage of Soul Transformation, or perhaps... touched the threshold of Void Refining?!

How old is he?! How long has he been in Soul Transformation?! This cultivation speed, this terrifying combat power, is simply unbelievable! "Prodigy" cannot even describe it!

"This child... has become a force to be reckoned with." Deep within the Human Emperor Palace, Emperor Yan set down the Jade Slip of intelligence in his hand. His face, shrouded in Dragon Qi of the Emperor, seemed even more blurred, but his tone carried a trace of undisguised amazement and solemnity. "The Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed is indeed extraordinary. What is even rarer is his Heart-Nature, courage, and sense of responsibility. This achievement at Liangjie Mountain is enough to make his reputation reach its peak in the Alliance and the Five Regions. Requesting to convene the highest Alliance meeting, it seems, is because he saw... the truth... deep within that rift that even we haven't touched."

"Your Majesty, those 'Apostles of the end'..." A Soul Transformation Elder of the Human Emperor Palace standing by the side said, his voice carrying a trace of dryness.

"Indeed, 'Apostles'. This is the first time that clear, fully intelligent minions of 'the end' reaching the Late Stage of Soul Transformation have appeared in our field of vision." Emperor Yan's voice lowered. "This means that the erosion of 'the end' against us is no longer small disturbances, no longer scattered energy and unconscious monsters. It is... the prelude to a full-scale invasion, organized, premeditated, and commanded by high-level existences. What Lin Wan saw is likely just the tip of the iceberg. His request to convene the highest Alliance meeting is correct. It is time to bring some deeper secrets to the table."

Yaochi Holy Land, deep within the Immortal Palace.

"A single sword strike to slay three Apostles, annihilating the Chaos vortex..." Fairy Yaoxi's beautiful eyes sparkled with different colors as she played with a warm jade pendant in her hand. "The successor of the Five Elements Dao Venerable can always bring surprises. No, not just surprises, but... shocks. It seems that some of our plans may need to be adjusted because of this. He, perhaps, can really become that... 'variable'."

Wuji Sword Sect, Sword Tomb.

"What a Lin Wan! What a 'Reincarnation' Sword Intent!" Sword Master Jian Wuming stood on the peak of a lonely mountain filled with countless broken swords, his Sword Intent soaring to the sky, his eyes burning with Battle Intent. "Although I didn't see it myself, the Sword Intent described in the report—cutting off Karma and ending calamities—has already touched a higher level of the 'Dao'. This child's sword is no less than mine. I really want to... have a good fight with him! However, now is not the time. The claws of 'the end' have already reached the doorstep. It is time to sharpen my old sword."

Tianyan Sect, Star Gazing Tower.

"Reincarnation... Source Seed of Life... Cutting off Karma..." Elder Xingshu stood before the huge star trajectory map, his fingers quickly sliding in the void, deducing something. His face showed confusion at times and realization at others, eventually turning into a long sigh. "It's chaotic, everything is chaotic. The trajectory of the Heavenly Dao has completely deviated because of him. The shadow of 'the end' has become clearer because of this, but also... a 'variable' that has never existed before has appeared. The Karma on this child has already reached an immeasurable state. The future... is unpredictable, unpredictable indeed."

Taishang Alchemy Sect, Alchemy Cauldron Heavenly Palace.

"Ending 'Karma', cutting off 'calamity'... This is no longer an ordinary Divine Ability, it is close to the authority of the 'Dao'." Great Elder Danchenzi stroked his beard and pondered, his eyes flashing with sharp light. "If one could obtain a trace of its true meaning and integrate it into the Dao of Alchemy, perhaps one could refine a supreme Divine Pill that truly defies Heaven and changes fate, cutting off the obstacles of Karma... This child must be befriended!"

And in the Eastern Wasteland, Skyfire Sect.

"Bang!"

Emperor Yan slammed his palm onto the red jade table in front of him, shattering it into pieces. The crimson gold flames around his body danced wildly, showing the monstrous anger and... a trace of indescribable fear in his heart.

"Lin Wan! It's Lin Wan again! He actually didn't die! And he made such an unparalleled contribution! His reputation is at its peak!" Emperor Yan's roar echoed in the empty hall. "The head of the Inspectors... Hmph! If it weren't for those old guys like Emperor Yan holding back, I would have personally taken action to smash him into ten thousand pieces! Now, with the prestige of pacifying the Liangjie Mountain rift, his reputation, strength, and status are no less than mine. It will be difficult to move against him now!"

"Sect Master, please calm down." Below, a Skyfire Sect Elder said cautiously, "Regarding the Burning Flame Valley incident, the Alliance has sent an inquiry, requiring the Sect Master to go to Heavenly Capital to accept an investigation... How should we respond?"

"Investigation?" Emperor Yan sneered, flames dancing in his eyes. "Tell them that the Burning Flame Valley matter is an internal affair of our Skyfire Sect. This Seat will handle it personally, and it is not for outsiders to interfere! As for going to Heavenly Capital? Hmph, just say that this Seat is at a critical moment of Cultivation and has no time to spare! Let them wait!"

Although his words were tough, Emperor Yan also knew clearly that after this incident, the Skyfire Sect had already lost the initiative within the Alliance and was in a passive position. Especially since Lin Wan was now in the limelight, if he insisted on pursuing it, there might be some trouble.

"It seems that I must accelerate the contact with 'that side'..." A trace of coldness and determination flashed in Emperor Yan's eyes. "Since the Righteous Path does not tolerate me, then don't blame this Seat for finding another way out! 'the end'... perhaps, it is not impossible to cooperate..."

Northern Plains, the newly established headquarters of the "Yin Sha Alliance," barely pieced together by the remnants of several ghost and Demonic Path forces.

A dead silence.

The news of Alliance Leader You Ming Zi's fall, the destruction of Ten Thousand Ghost Cave, and the loss of the elite of the Xuanyin Alliance had already arrived. Now, hearing Lin Wan's terrifying combat record of single-handedly pacifying the Liangjie Mountain rift and killing the "Apostles of the end," these forces in the Northern Plains, who were already weak and had different intentions, were even more scared out of their wits, and everyone was in danger. No one dared to mention "revenge" or "expansion" anymore, only thinking about how to protect themselves, and even began to secretly connect, preparing to show favor and surrender to the Alliance, to the Southern Region, and to Lin Wan.

Western Desert, Vajra Temple.

"Amitabha, Donor Lin Wan has immeasurable Karma, saving our common people from fire and water." Master Liaoyin put his hands together, his face showing relief. "The calamity of Liangjie Mountain, if not for the donor turning the tide, the consequences would be unimaginable. Now that the donor has returned with great merit and great enlightenment, requesting to convene the highest Alliance meeting to discuss the grand plan for resisting the calamity is truly a blessing for the common people. Our Western Desert Buddhist Kingdom will naturally support it with all our strength."

Southern Region, Qingyun Sect, Guixu Peak.

"Brother Wan (Father)... is fine! That's great!"

Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, Lin Jingyun, as well as Han Lingtian who had just rushed back from Heavenly Capital City with his injuries healed, along with True Monarch Daoxuan, Peak Master Yue Lingyun, and others, were all moved to tears of joy after receiving the news of Lin Wan's safe return and his astonishing achievement. The heavy stone in their hearts finally fell. Especially Liu Ruyan and Chu Qingyao, who had been worried sick these days and had almost lost weight, finally let go of their worries and hugged each other, weeping.

"Junior Brother (Junior Martial Uncle) Lin... is really... too amazing!" Han Lingtian's face was flushed with excitement, wishing he could fly to Lin Wan's side immediately.

"This child has truly grown into the pillar of our Southern Region, and even... one of the hopes for the future of the Five Regions." True Monarch Daoxuan stroked his beard and sighed, his eyes full of relief and pride.

"Pass the order down, the whole sect will celebrate! Celebrate for Grand Elder Lin! Celebrate for the Inspector!" Peak Master Yue Lingyun directly ordered, and the entire Qingyun Sect was suddenly immersed in jubilation.

The entire Five Regions was surging with wind and clouds due to Lin Wan's return and the outcome of the Liangjie Mountain battle, and the undercurrents became even more urgent. Some were cheering, some were shocked and in awe, some were jealous and resentful, and some... were plotting even more sinister conspiracies in the dark.

And Lin Wan, who was at the center of the storm, briefly reunited with Elder Zhou and the others at the "Demon Suppression Pass" to understand the situation, before entering a short period of seclusion again. He needed time to thoroughly digest and master the newly born power containing the true meaning of "Reincarnation," and to organize his thoughts, making the fullest preparations for the upcoming "Highest Anti-Calamity Alliance Meeting" that would determine the future destiny of the Five Regions.

He knew that after this incident, he could no longer stay out of it and develop in a low-key manner. He had already been pushed to the forefront of the era, becoming an indispensable, and perhaps the most critical, force in countering "the end."

The road ahead would be more difficult, and also... more magnificent.

But he was no longer afraid.

Because his "Dao" had already been reborn in the cycle of life and death, and had embarked on the path to a higher, further, and more magnificent — Road of Reincarnation.

And the end of this road, perhaps, is that final — battle of the end.