The battle in the Source District sent ripples of data across the Northern Region. Jiang Yi had recalibrated the local power equation, defeating three Supreme Elders of the Yao Guang Holy Land and seizing all source materials. The event enhanced the threat profile of the Thirteen Bandits.
In response, the Yao Guang Holy Land activated a dormant variable: a millennia-old powerhouse emerged from seclusion and moved north. The message was clear—a recalibration was imminent.
…
Location: Yuantian City Oasis.
Status: Data gathering.
Several days later, in a small oasis establishment, Li Yao parsed the fragmented conversations around him. The general sequence of events post-disruption became clear.
A system diagnostic ran in the background.
Conclusion: Asset Zhang Chong's emergency displacement protocol was correct. Remaining within the engagement zone of a Great Power conflict would have resulted in catastrophic system failure with a 99.7% probability.
The casualty rate—over 70% of Yao Guang personnel—was noted. His statistical survival was logged.
Analysis of Adversary Restraint:
Jiang Yi neutralized three high-value targets but left two Supreme Elders, and Zhang Chong was critically damaged, not terminated.
Hypothesis: This was a calculated threshold. Total elimination would have triggered a maximum retaliation protocol from Yao Guang, likely involving their Divine Weapon. The plundered resources constituted sufficient gain; further escalation offered a negative return.
"So, that's the benefit of a powerful institution," Li Yao murmured to himself, his tone low and observational. "It raises the cost of extermination."
It was a practical advantage. For now, his affiliation with Yao Guang acted as a passive defense modifier against most hostiles.
Having acquired the necessary situational update, he departed. His appearance was optimized for anonymity: simple grey traveler's clothes, a layer of dust, a suppressed energy signature. He drew no attention.
His destination remained the central node: the Holy City.
Travel Log Review:
Emergency displacement via Zhang Chong's spatial transfer. Estimated vector length: >1500 li.
Post-observation, proceeded to the nearest confirmed settlement.
*Current location: Yuantian City Oasis. Calculated distance to Holy City: 70,000-80,000 li.*
New Parameter Assessment:
Separation from his primary patron (Zhang Chong) increased immediate physical risk parameters. However, it also removed a constant observation variable.
Surface analysis: Loss of protection.
Strategic analysis: Gain of operational freedom.
His core subroutine—scripture refinement and trade—required absolute obfuscation. The probability of Zhang Chong or Elder Xun turning hostile was low, but the potential consequence—soul probe, asset confiscation—was total system failure.
Relying on the perpetual goodwill of a more powerful variable is an unsound survival algorithm. Autonomy is non-negotiable.
He left the city gates. A blazing divine rainbow—the Blazing Sun Divine Radiance—erupted, lifting him three zhang above the barren ground. Flying higher would be an unnecessary risk flag in bandit territory.
The landscape streamed below: an endless expanse of red-brown soil and rock, a desolate system with minimal resource signatures.
*The Heavenly Book's passive essence harvesting operated at 15% efficiency in this environment, but it was sufficient to create a net-positive energy cycle, rendering divine power depletion a non-issue.*
Travel was methodical. He moved at optimal speed during daylight. Despite the self-sustaining energy, physical fatigue was a biological constant. He halted at night.
Location: Makeshift rock shelter.
Time: Night.
Under a sparse starfield, Li Yao initiated a cultivation cycle. A fist-sized Pure Source crystal floated before him.
As the Yao Guang Scripture—the Bitter Sea Chapter—circulated, vast essence was guided into his body. His Bitter Sea churned, the central Life Spring erupting with renewed vigor, its source widening, light occasionally bursting from the depths.
His cultivation rate was exceptional. The reason was clear: his comprehension of the scripture was foundational, not imitative.
*The Heavenly Book's initial deduction did not merely optimize the scripture; it re-synthesized it from first principles. To cultivate it is to execute a perfect, native protocol. Efficiency: 99.9%.*
This state was likely akin to an Emperor's direct heir cultivating their progenitor's scripture, yet even they would only achieve perhaps 80% synchronization, burdened by legacy and reverence.
Li Yao was not burdened. He was the operator. The scripture was the code.
As the first light of the solar cycle breached the horizon, he terminated the meditation. The Pure Source was diminished by 3%. His power parameters had increased by a corresponding, calculated margin.
The Divine Rainbow ignited once more. The red wasteland stretched ahead, a problem of navigation and survival to be solved with relentless, emotionless logic.