On the outskirts of the Star Dou Forest, tens of thousands of meters above the ground.
A streak of black light tore across the sky. The fierce gale howled past, but as it neared within three feet of him, it parted of its own accord, turning into a gentle breeze.
Gu Yuejin stood with his hands behind his back, treading on empty air as he gazed down alone at the mountains and rivers rushing past beneath him.
He glanced back toward the Star Luo Empire in the south. Through layer upon layer of clouds, he seemed able to see the imposing White Tiger Duke's Mansion.
The corner of his mouth curled into an amused smile.
"The White Tiger Duke's Mansion..."
"Dai Hao, you're probably still fighting tooth and nail on the border for that so-called glory of the empire, aren't you?"
"Though I'd love to meet you and crack open your skull to see if you're missing a few screws."
"But the time isn't right yet."
A cold glint flashed in Gu Yuejin's eyes, the calculating composure of a man destined for greatness.
"The best revenge isn't simply killing someone."
"It's crushing them in the very field they're proudest of."
"It's trampling them underfoot in front of the whole world, shattering their dignity, and making them watch as the 'useless' illegitimate son they once considered a disgrace climbs, step by step, to heights they could never reach."
"Now that is what it means to destroy someone utterly."
Having made up his mind, Gu Yuejin changed course. Instead of crossing the Star Luo Empire to return to the Sun Moon Empire, he chose a more remote, but safer route—through the Heaven Dou Empire.
He had returned from this trip with a bounty.
The Eighth Soul Ring he had obtained from the