Chapter 999: Return and Battle (Revised)

Chapter 999: Return and Confrontation (Revised)

A high-warp-class vessel carved through the cosmos in rapid jumps, a blade of white light slicing through a velvet curtain of darkness.

With the autopilot engaged, the cabin held only two souls: Ames and Hela.

Hela sat with rigid poise, eyes half-lidded, palms resting upon her knees as her fingers danced in subtle rhythms, weaving threads of death energy through the air to hone her command over the arcane.

Across from her, Ames reclined languidly upon a divan, one hand propping up her head, the other resting at her waist; a slipped sleeve revealed a wrist pale as frost, while the slit of her black dress framed two elegantly curved legs, crossed in effortless grace.

"Your diligence is truly relentless," Ames murmured, her gaze tracing the necrotic currents between Hela's fingers, unable to suppress a sigh of admiration. "Even at Beyond Grade A, you never cease your training."

Hela opened her eyes, her voice calm and measured. "Beyond Grade A is no terminus. The path ahead knows no end, and one must never grow complacent over fleeting triumphs."

"I believe you could afford some respite," Ames replied. "Balance between toil and rest, you know."

Ames shook her head with a helpless smile; she was thoroughly pleased with her prized disciple in every regard, save for this relentless drive, which made her own approach to mentorship seem positively languid by comparison.

"There will be ample time for rest later," Hela said, shaking her head. "Once we return, I intend to spar with Han Xiao to gauge my current strength. I cannot afford to slacken now; every marginal gain counts."

"Rest assured, knowing the Black Star, he will not let you suffer a crushing defeat that shatters your confidence," Ames chuckled softly, then swiped a finger to summon a holographic star map, glancing at their trajectory. "In two days, we shall reach the interstellar gate of the Ancient Star Desert. From there, we can proceed directly to the Constellation Corridor, and by borrowing the Black Star's credentials, take the Empire's military express lane. It will save us considerable time, and we shall soon return to the Shattered Star..."

Before she could finish, the communicator resting nearby suddenly chimed with a rapid trill, projecting the caller's identification.

"Black again... wait, it is actually old Aesop," Ames remarked, glancing over her shoulder. She had expected another relentless barrage of calls from Han Xiao, only to find Aesop on the line.

Sitting up, Ames drew the device into her palm with a subtle telekinetic pull and accepted the call, Aesop's visage flickering onto the screen.

"What do you need?"

"Where are you at present? When will you return to Longtan?" Aesop inquired.

"Still within the Ancient Star Desert, approaching the gate even now."

"The timing is still workable, but make haste," Aesop replied, his expression utterly serene. "I have foreseen it: in the near future, a newly ascended Beyond Grade A from the Void Spirit Sect will arrive at Longtan to issue a challenge. Your presence will be required."

How convenient; before Tolaine had even set his plans in motion, Aesop had already sensed the shifting threads of the world line. The old rogue's shameless ability had struck true once again.

Ames's eyes flickered with a half-amused, half-mocking light. "A newborn Beyond Grade A seeking me out? I see. Another soul hoping to build a reputation on my back. Heh. Of the five Beyond Grade As in the Shattered Star Ring, they single me out. Do they deem me the easiest prey?"

Longtan was currently stationed near Planet Azure, standing in mutual vigil with the Black Star Army, yet this was a duel between Beyond Grade As. Though the Army was an ally, they would not dare intervene without Ames's consent, especially when the challenger had specifically named Longtan. Besides, such a trifling matter was well within her own capacity to resolve, and she had no intention of calling upon the Black Star for aid.

Terminating the transmission, Ames noticed Hela's unwavering gaze fixed upon her.

"What, does this pique your interest?" Ames met her eyes and instantly grasped her disciple's intent.

"You are my mentor. Allow me to assist you this time," Hela nodded, a cold gleam flashing in her eyes.

She had originally planned to head straight to the Army headquarters upon returning to the Shattered Star Ring to deliver her glad tidings to Han Xiao, but this sudden disturbance swiftly altered her course. She resolved to visit Longtan first.

Her opponent was also a newly ascended Beyond Grade A, a rarity not often encountered.

It would serve as a perfect crucible to test exactly what tier her current combat prowess had reached.

...

Upon one of Longtan Floating Island's subsidiary landmasses, a cohort of freshly recruited cadets drilled across the plaza, overseen by Verna, the current commander of Longtan's expeditionary forces.

More than two decades had passed since Longtan took root near Planet Azure, years marked by rapid expansion; the floating isles had grown, and their ranks had swelled considerably. Though their operations still paled beside the Black Star Army or the War Domain, they had long shed their former lethargic scale, now standing as a legitimate Beyond Grade A faction.

Consequently, Longtan's officer corps had expanded, burdening each member with heavier duties. Verna, having succeeded Han Xiao's former post, had served Longtan faithfully since, never shirking her responsibilities.

Though naturally gentle in temperament, her stern countenance when discipline was called for commanded respect, ensuring the drilling cadets dared not idle, burying themselves in rigorous training.

"Beep beep."

At that moment, the micro-communicator on her wrist chimed; it was a call from Aesop.

The moment the line opened, Aesop dispensed with pleasantries, issuing a direct command:

"Muster the fleet and establish a defensive perimeter."

"So suddenly?"

Verna muttered under her breath but harbored no hesitation, loudly ordering her subordinates to board and mobilize the fleet for launch.

Ames had explicitly instructed that in her absence, Jenny and Aesop held supreme authority, and the troops were to obey their commands without question.

Under Verna's direction, Longtan's armed forces swiftly assembled, encircling the floating island and weaving a tight defensive formation.

The crew initially braced for imminent action, yet as time drifted by, the skies remained tranquil, and no further orders descended from above.

"Why the silence? What are we waiting for now?"

"Could this be a drill?"

Just as confusion rippled through the ranks, the atmosphere shattered!

"Bzzzzzz—"

Every ship's AI erupted in synchronized alarm sirens as a colossal armada materialized on the detection radars, closing in at breakneck speed!

In the next instant, streaks of luminescence lanced from the void, halting in the exosphere of Planet Azure to reveal the true visage of a war fleet, each hull boldly emblazoned with the insignia of the Void Spirit Sect.

"The Void Spirit Sect?!"

Verna's complexion paled, shock washing over her features.

If she was startled, the rest of Longtan's personnel were utterly aghast; tension seized every soul, nerves drawn taut as bowstrings, bracing for a formidable foe.

Longtan, after all, differed greatly from transcendent powers like the Black Star Army that routinely engaged with cosmic civilizations; such encounters were rare for them, and the sudden appearance inevitably sparked a storm of anxious speculation.

Longtan was not alone in its alarm; the observation outposts on Planet Azure were equally roused!

Observers frantically relayed the news to headquarters, the intelligence racing up the chain of command, bypassing multiple tiers until it landed directly upon the desk of Bennett's executive council.

"An unannounced visit from the Void Spirit Sect?!"

Within the administrative spire of Planet Azure, Bennett was equally taken aback.

As the leader of a civilization shielded by the quadruple aegis of the Peace Treaty, the Black Star Army, the Crimson Empire, and Longtan Floating Island, he harbored no fear of malicious intent from the Sect. Yet their brazen, uninvited arrival flagrantly violated diplomatic protocol, clearly signaling ill will, which inevitably sowed seeds of dread in his heart.

With this in mind, Bennett issued his orders without a moment's hesitation.

"Summon the Black Star's avatar at once!"

The words had barely left his lips when his peripheral vision caught two silhouettes rocketing skyward beyond the window; turning his head, he saw that Nilo and Mia had already vanished into the horizon, racing ahead to scout the situation.

Meanwhile, aboard the flagship of the Void Spirit armada, Tolaine gazed upon Longtan's battle-ready perimeter and curled his lip in mild disappointment.

"Tch. I thought I might startle them, catch them scrambling in panic... It seems they anticipated our arrival. Did our cloaking fail? Or is it that legendary prophetic gift of Aesop's?"

Shaking his head, Tolaine dismissed the thought; this sudden appearance was merely a whim of mischief, not a genuine ambush. In the end, he intended to kick down their doors with honorable transparency.

He turned to the fleet commander at his side, jerking his chin forward. "Open a broadcast channel. Declare my intentions."

The commander nodded, relaying the order to his subordinates.

...

The Void Spirit fleet arrived with imposing momentum, putting Longtan and Planet Azure on high alert; only after a tense exchange did both sides reach an accord, the Longtan armada parting to form a corridor, permitting Tolaine's vessel to descend upon the floating island.

Whoosh—

The craft settled upon the main island's docking bay, its hatch sliding open with a sharp hiss as Tolaine strode down the ramp, his boots meeting the soil of Longtan.

He was immediately encircled by a ring of Longtan warriors, weapons raised, every face etched with palpable tension.

It could not be helped; the recent broadcast had already laid bare the visitor's identity and purpose. With Ames absent from her throne, facing a hostile Beyond Grade A, dread naturally coiled in the hearts of the majority.

Tolain cast a sweeping glance and spoke coldly, "Send out whoever is in charge."

A ripple of unrest passed through the crowd as Iso and Jenny stepped forward, their subordinates flanking them.

Jenny’s face remained impassive. "I am the Grand Steward of Dragon Tan. Her Excellency the Dragon Seat is not at home; you have chosen an ill-fated moment."

"I care not whether she is present or absent. Give me but one answer: does she dare accept my challenge?" Tolain stood with his hands clasped behind his back, striking the haughty pose of a seasoned master.

"The decision is not mine to make." Jenny shook her head.

"Then spare me your prattle, you bald hag, and contact Ames. Let her deliver the answer herself." Tolain showed not a shred of courtesy.

Unlike the dignified bearing of most Beyond Grade A entities, he had washed his hands of crime yet still carried the brazen swagger of a wanted outlaw—arrogant, unrestrained, and brutally blunt.

"B-Bald?!"

Jenny froze for a heartbeat, then erupted in sudden, volcanic fury.

My hairline is merely a touch higher, damn it! I am not bald! I still have hair!

At that moment, Iso spoke in a measured tone. "I have already notified Ames. She accepts your challenge."

"Oh, so you are Iso?" Tolain turned his head, eyes gleaming with keen interest. "I have heard your name. They say you are an ageless immortal with rather impressive talents. What say you? Care to throw in your lot with me?"

"You lack the standing." Iso wore a faint smile; though not Beyond Grade A himself, his presence was far more grounded and commanding than the newly ascended Tolain, exuding the aura of a true patriarch.

"Tch." Tolain snorted coldly, dismissing him, and raised his voice. "Since Ames has agreed, I shall wait right here until her return... What are you gawking at? Arrange my quarters at once!"

Just then, a succession of figures streaked across the sky from Planet Aquamarine, landing upon the dock with heavy, metallic clangs.

Among them were Nero and Mia; the rest comprised the mechanical legion Han Xiao had stationed on Aquamarine, including a single Sovereign avatar.

At the sight of Black Star’s forces, the surrounding Dragon Tan warriors instantly exhaled in relief.

The prestige Han Xiao had forged within Dragon Tan endured to this day; in the hearts of many members, their ally Black Star felt far more dependable than their own supreme commander, the Dragon Seat.

Han Xiao’s consciousness had already descended into the avatar. He parted the crowd, sizing Tolain up from head to toe, his voice laced with bewilderment:

"What’s this? Have you grown weary of living?"

He knew the newly ascended Beyond Grade A might stir trouble, but he never expected such brazen recklessness—daring to march onto his homeworld. Was the man courting death?

His status was no longer what it once was; if provoked, he would not hesitate to eliminate a Void Spirit Beyond Grade A. The Empire had tasked him with keeping the peace, after all, and nothing cemented authority quite like a public execution.

"Ah, it is you." Tolain cast a sidelong glance and replied flatly, "Lord Black Star, I am not here for you today. This matter does not concern you."

Well, this bastard’s arrogance knows no bounds. I’ve lost count of how many loudmouths like you I’ve beaten to death... Han Xiao muttered inwardly.

He had reviewed all the intelligence the Empire shared on the new Beyond Grade A cohort and recognized the man before him as Tolain, the "Red Devil" who had pledged to the Void Spirits. In his past life, the fellow had been a notable figure—neither exceptionally strong nor particularly weak among his peers, yet perpetually buoyed by an inexplicable confidence. His flamboyant, troublemaking nature should have gotten him killed long ago; surviving this long was sheer, dumb luck.

Beyond Grade A personalities ran the gamut: there were titans like the Mechanic Nation and the Dark Emperor, old foxes like Sorokin, idle drifters like Ames, prideful souls like Heber, men like himself whose handsomeness shone through even the most modest demeanor, and then there were loud, boorish peacocks like Tolain.

"The Dragon Seat is my ally. Since she is absent, shall I keep you company?" Han Xiao tilted his head slightly.

"Spare me." Tolain raised a palm, his expression aloof and unyielding. "I cannot defeat you."

Han Xiao blinked, momentarily stunned.

With a face like that, I thought you were about to spit out some vicious threat!

Could this be the art of delivering the most cowardly surrender in the fiercest tone?!

Backing down so decisively, cutting off my every move—you really are a clever little devil!

Han Xiao had intended to teach Tolain a lesson, yet never expected the man to be so shamelessly straightforward, yielding with such brazen nonchalance.

For all his posturing, Tolain knew his limits. Aware that Aquamarine was Black Star’s homeworld, he dared not provoke a peak Beyond Grade A like Han Xiao, thus stubbornly insisting his challenge was solely for Dragon Tan, refusing to cross blades with Han Xiao at any cost.

Faced with such slippery, shameless defiance, Han Xiao found it difficult to simply strike him down. Challenges among Beyond Grade A entities still followed certain codes; even as an ally, he could not rashly overstep and fight another’s battle.

Just then, the nearby space suddenly rippled, and the Sanctuary of Arcane Arts leapt forth from the void.

At the sight, Han Xiao was utterly taken aback.

Austin?

You again, damn it?!

How do you manage to be everywhere at once? You truly have a knack for crashing the party!

This time, however, Austin was not merely a bystander. After the Sanctuary materialized, a smaller portal spiraled open beside it, spitting out a compact vessel that descended smoothly onto the Dragon Tan dock.

With a hiss, the hatch slid open. A pair of pale, slender legs stepped out, followed by Ames and Hela descending the ramp one after the other.

"Traveling by conventional means would have taken too long, so I asked Austin to lend a hand with the teleportation."

Ames offered a gentle smile to the assembled crowd.

Han Xiao could not help but look up. Atop the Sanctuary, the childlike Austin sat cross-legged in midair, two fingers pressed together and flicked casually from his brow in a mock salute directed straight at him.

"Showoff," Han Xiao grumbled under his breath.

After a few brief pleasantries, Ames finally turned her gaze to Tolain, the smile vanishing from her features.

"So you are the one who wishes to challenge Dragon Tan?"

"Why ask what you already know?" Tolain grunted.

Ames nodded, then suddenly took a step back, bringing Hela into full view. A faint smirk touched her lips. "You wish to cross blades with me? Very well. Defeat my disciple first. She counts as one of Dragon Tan’s own."

Hela stepped forward without hesitation, planting herself squarely before Ames.

Though Han Xiao’s avatar stood nearby, she had not spared it a single glance since landing. Her eyes remained locked onto Tolain, her expression cold and utterly focused.

"Her?"

Tolain looked mildly surprised. He gave her a quick once-over, recalling the Black Star Army dossiers he had recently reviewed, and a flicker of displeasure crossed his face.

"I recognize her. A cadre of the Black Star Army, if I recall correctly. A mere Calamity Grade. Are you sending her to her death, or are you simply trying to insult me?"

Yet, the moment the words left his lips, a torrent of death energy erupted violently from Hela, accompanied by a dense, soaring wave of power that tore toward the heavens!

Rumble—

The shockwave blasted outward with ruthless force, echoing like muffled thunder. The ground of the Dragon Tan dock fractured, and the surrounding crowd was thrown into disarray.

Hastily regaining their footing, everyone turned back to the center, their eyes fixed on Hela as she radiated crimson energy, every face etched with shock and disbelief.

An energy fluctuation of this magnitude... a new Beyond Grade A!!