The final beacon lay within a basin of fractured jade mountains—cratered by past wars, haunted by lingering spirits. Crimson fog veiled the cliffs. Lightning flickered, not from clouds, but from the cracks in space itself.
Li Xuan stood on the ridge overlooking it all.
His cloak fluttered behind him, ragged. His saber was sheathed—for now. The moment felt wrong.
System Notification:
—Final Memory Beacon Located—
—Warning: Sovereign Shadow detected in proximity—
—Mission: Secure Final Beacon—
—Consequence of Failure: Soul Suppression, System Lockdown (Temporary), Skill Degradation—
Long Chen's voice echoed inside the system core, sarcastic but sharper than usual.
["You ever get the feeling that the final boss showed up early just to test your patience? No pressure, brat."]
Li Xuan smirked faintly. "Pressure's for people who hesitate."
He stepped into the basin.
The moment his foot touched the jade floor, the ground trembled. The beacon lit up—an ethereal pillar of gold light. But standing before it was a figure cloaked in black mist.
Not human. Not fully alive.
Its form was tall, regal, and oppressive. A black crown of bone rested on its brow. Its eyes glowed red like bleeding stars. It said nothing—but its presence screamed Sovereign.
System Notification:
—Sovereign Shadow: Tier Unknown—
—Estimated Combat Probability: 3% Survival—
—Simulation Realm Not Accessible in Sovereign Radius—
—Recommendation: Flee—
Li Xuan's knuckles cracked.
"Three percent? I've killed for less."
And then he drew his saber.
Combat Initiated.
The Sovereign Shadow didn't move with speed—it moved with inevitability.
One hand rose. A chain of black flame struck out like lightning.
Li Xuan dodged sideways, but a fraction of it scorched his ribs. Pain lanced through him.
He gritted his teeth. "Let's test something."
He activated Reactive Saber Flow—but it failed to read the creature. It had no rhythm. No instinct. No openings.
Only death.
He ducked, pivoted, then used Phantom Step to vanish and reappear behind it—but the Sovereign turned, anticipating him.
A black blade swung.
CLANG.
Sparks flew. Executioner cracked slightly. He was thrown back thirty feet, skidding across the jade rock, coughing blood.
Long Chen's voice returned—serious now.
["Change of plans. Don't fight to win. Fight to steal. Grab that beacon. Earn your legacy the dirty way."]
Li Xuan wiped the blood from his lip.
"…My kind of plan."
He bolted left, leaping across shattered stones. The Sovereign raised a hand—chains of blood erupted from the earth.
Too slow.
He activated Face-Slapping Divine Art as the Shadow began to chant—interrupting it with a split-second dash and a flat strike to the face.
The Shadow staggered.
[Effect triggered: Ego Disruption – 0.3 seconds]
That was enough.
Li Xuan slid beneath the pulsing beacon and plunged his hand into the light.
Agony. It felt like his soul was being branded.
But he didn't scream. He endured.
System Update:
—Final Beacon Secured—
—Memory Cluster Complete—
—Condensing Warlord Legacy III…—
Behind him, the Sovereign Shadow screamed—a wordless howl of fury.
Li Xuan grinned through gritted teeth. "Too late."
A burst of golden light erupted from the beacon—and Li Xuan vanished with it.
The Shadow's blade struck only empty air.
—
Elsewhere—within the Simulation Realm Core
Li Xuan collapsed to one knee as the golden light faded. His body steamed. His soul ached. But his eyes—his will—remained unbroken.
System Notification:
—Legacy Skill Unlocked: Heaven's Iron Will (Passive)
Grants resistance to fear, suppression, and soul-based attacks. Passive bonus to mental clarity under pressure.
—System Update: Long Chen Points +300 (Mission Completion Bonus)
—Total LCP: 601—
—Shop Unlocked: Tier-2 Legacy Techniques—
Long Chen chuckled.
["You insane bastard. You pulled it off. Welcome to the next circle, brat. This is where most start dying faster than they grow. You ready for that?"]
Li Xuan stood, blade at his side.
"I'm already there."
—
System Status:
• Cultivation: Foundation Establishment – Mid (532 / 800 EXP)
• Long Chen Points: 601
• Traits: Predator's Pressure, Tactical Instinct, Heaven's Iron Will
• Techniques: Phantom Step, Reactive Saber Flow, Face-Slapping Divine Art
• Weapon: Heaven-Shearing Executioner
• System Interfaces: Shop, Simulation Realm, Mission Hub
• Controller: Long Chen
• Current Mission: None (Awaiting New Assignment)
• Consequence Status: No current penalties