The Multiverse was never fair , - Lova said . - But you shouldn’t worry overly much about that aspect . The System is giving this matter an almost shocking level of attention , and it’s already indicated it won’t accept any foul play . You won’t encounter things like what happened inside the Stand of Saeward . The rule on age includes a series of hidden restrictions that even the strongest will have to work within . To break those rules would be to declare war against the Heavens . -
Zac shuddered at that thought , remembering the words of Sendor and Engo . The Thrones , the Seals , the Terminus Council , and the war for the direction of the Era . It almost felt like the hidden masters of the Perennial Vastness were holding their breath , just waiting for all hell to break loose . Sendor had assured Vastermal of his neutrality , but that could also mean he had his own plans and ideas .
Silence stretched , and Even Esmeralda seemed subdued by the heavy topic . Lova sighed and shook her head , taking out an Information Crystal .
I’m sorry . These are not matters you need to worry about . Just focus on yourself and your goals while following your heart . I’ve outlined the proposed terms of cooperation here . It would be a binding contract enforced by teacher and the System itself , should you accept . Neither you nor Esmeralda can renege after it’s signed . -
A quick scan confirmed it was a contract enforced under the ruleset of the Apostate of Order , and it was quite generous . Zac’s only obligation was to provide passage into the trial . Meanwhile , Esmeralda had to do her best to help Zac accomplish his goals inside the Left Imperial Palace , even after she attained her goals .
There was one problem , though . Esmeralda’s goals were identical to the Undead Empire’s . Was there a conflict there?
Zac frowned . - There might be a problem considering the specific treasure Esmeralda needs . I already have a similar agreement in place . If there’s only one— -
Nine , - Lova said . - There should be nine utmost treasures beyond the true inheritance . Like the Heavens , the pillars were constructed following the rule of eight by nine . The one is the Eternal Heritages at their core , and the nine bound it to the Limitless Empire’s purpose . -
Still , Esmeralda is cultivating Death , and . . . - Zac hesitated .
You can see this as a small payment from me for helping my old friend , - Lova said . - I can somewhat guess what’s going on . The agreement you have is no doubt with the Undead Empire . It makes sense they wouldn’t dare aim for the grand prize . Their aim , if I had to guess , is the core of the Hollow Court . Esmeralda doesn’t want that item , so there’s no conflict . -
How do you know that? - Zac asked .
Not many would have the answer , but the followers of the Perennial Vastness are awarded unique insight . - Lova smiled . - Master has been around for a long , long time . He was even consulted on the grand undertaking back then and recorded some of the details . -
Zac raptly listened , afraid to miss a single word or inflection in case it was an important detail .
The reason I can say with good authority that the Undead Empire is targeting the Hollow Court is that they were the ones who helped build it . -
What? How’s that possible? - Zac said . - They didn’t even exist back then . -
The ancient era was a different time . The star of the Limitless Empire was almost blinding , like an insatiable beast , consuming everything in its path . They had accumulated strength far beyond what you can imagine . Even today , nothing comes close . The emperor and his trusted generals traveled the dimensions , seizing one powerful treasure after another and slaying everything that had staked a claim on the Dao .
Some were powerful enough to resist their conquest for a while . But the Empire’s expansion could only be delayed , never halted . Even the greatest beings were forced to compromise . The Primo was one of them . He was forced to pay a painful price in return for the emperor looking the other way and turning his blade in another direction . -
Zac could barely believe what he was hearing . The very same Primo that ruled today lived before the System? No wonder he’d never heard any murmurs of the four Divine Races trying to seize control over the Founders . Messing with that kind of old monster was to ask for trouble .
Looking the other way? - Zac frowned . - What does that mean? -
The Dao is eternal , but the Heavens are neither inexhaustible nor incorruptible . Simply existing for someone at that level is bound to become a hindrance to the aspirations of others . -
Zac had already learned that peak beings impacted the Dao and what it meant . The struggle between the Buddhist Sangha and the Apostate of Mercy exemplified that . Zac didn’t know what made Laondio change from the idealistic alchemist in his Bloodline Vision to the ruthless conqueror he was known as today , but Zac could imagine his thoughts .
