Remnants Unpurged! The Burden of the Sovereign, A New Journey Begins

As the moonlight deepened, Earth's night grew ever quieter. The lingering warmth of the celebration still hung in the air as Ximen Qing sat silently at the venue for a long time with Grandpa Gohan, Nappa, and Gray Shadow. The tenderness of setting aside their sharp edges flowed gently through the evening breeze. Only when Grandpa Gohan began to look weary did Ximen Qing gently help him to his feet and instruct Nappa to send someone to escort him back to rest. He and Gray Shadow remained behind, their gazes once more turning toward the vast depths of the universe.

"My lord, you seem troubled." Gray Shadow stood upright, his tone mild but still vigilant. Having followed Ximen Qing for many years, he was especially sensitive to the subtle shifts in this Sovereign's emotions—beneath the earlier peace, a barely noticeable heaviness had remained hidden in Ximen Qing's eyes.

Ximen Qing slowly raised his hand, a faint golden-red aura curling around his fingertips. His gaze pierced through the atmosphere toward the dark reaches at the edge of the universe. Some of a Sovereign's majesty returned to his voice, though it was less sharp now and more composed. "I keep feeling that things are not so simple. Dark Abyss ran the dark forces for hundreds of thousands of years. His foundations ran deep. Even if I killed him and completely destroyed his main stronghold, that may not have been enough to eradicate all his remnants."

Gray Shadow's heart tightened. He immediately shed his relaxed expression, and the aura around him tensed once more. "My lord is correct. Dark Abyss had four great dark guardians under his command, as well as countless dark outposts hidden throughout various star systems. During that battle, we only defeated three of the guardians. The remaining Shadow Guardian, as well as the dark remnants scattered across the edges of the universe, have yet to be fully purged."

"You remembered." Ximen Qing nodded slightly, a trace of approval flashing in his eyes. "When I killed Dark Abyss that day, I sensed a weak strand of dark aura taking the chance to flee. The celebration was about to begin, and I did not wish to ruin everyone's spirits or plunge the beings of the universe into panic again, so I kept it quiet. Thinking back on it now, that aura was most likely Shadow Guardian's."

The moment he finished speaking, the golden-red aura around Ximen Qing suddenly stirred. A token forged from cosmic crystal at his wrist began to emit a faint red glow. Dense patterns emerged across its surface. It was the Sovereign's Token he had forged by gathering the power of the universe after becoming its Sovereign—created specifically to receive urgent reports from forces across the universe.

"My lord, the Sovereign's Token is reacting!" Gray Shadow immediately stepped forward, his expression grave. He knew that unless something major and urgent had occurred, no force would dare disturb the Sovereign of the universe so soon after the celebration had ended.

Ximen Qing raised his hand and grasped the Sovereign's Token, injecting a trace of battle power through his fingertips. The token's red light instantly flared, and an urgent voice rang clearly from it, filled with barely concealed panic and desperation. "Sovereign! Help us! I am the clan leader of the Big Dipper Star System. Our territory has suddenly come under attack by an unknown dark force! Their methods are ruthless, and their battle power is formidable. Wherever they go, living beings are slaughtered. Countless clansmen have been killed or injured. We suspect the dark remnants are responsible. Please, Sovereign, send aid at once!"

When the voice faded, the token's red glow gradually dimmed, leaving only a weak pulse. Clearly, the clan leader of the Big Dipper Star System had most likely already met with disaster. This distress signal had been sent with the very last of his strength.

Ximen Qing's face instantly darkened. All warmth vanished from his eyes, replaced by piercing coldness and sharp fury. The golden-red aura around him surged wildly, and the pressure of his 120000 permanent battle power erupted without restraint. Even casually released, it caused Earth's atmosphere to tremble faintly. In the distance, the Saiyan warriors sensed their Sovereign's wrath and immediately prepared for battle.

"Just as I thought—the remnants have not been eliminated!" Ximen Qing's voice was ice-cold, every word brimming with killing intent. "I have only just declared peace throughout the universe, and they dare openly challenge my authority, slaughter the beings of the universe, and trample the new laws of the universe. They truly do not know the meaning of death!"

"My lord, please calm your anger!" Gray Shadow dropped to one knee, his voice resolute and decisive. "I request permission to accompany you to the Big Dipper Star System immediately, to exterminate the dark remnants, avenge its people, and severely punish those who dare challenge your authority!"

"There is no need to rush." Ximen Qing slowly withdrew some of his pressure. His tone remained cold, but now carried the steady calculation of a strategist. "Shadow Guardian is cunning and suspicious. This attack on the Big Dipper Star System may not be simple revenge. He may be testing my strength, or perhaps gathering the remaining forces to rise again. If we head there rashly, we may not be able to wipe them all out in one stroke."

At that moment, Nappa hurried over with an anxious expression. Seeing Ximen Qing's icy face, he immediately dropped to one knee. "My lord, I have just received reports that, besides the Big Dipper Star System, two other border star systems have also been attacked by dark forces. Their situations are identical to that of the Big Dipper Star System. The casualties are severe, and distress signals are arriving one after another!"

"A fine Shadow Guardian indeed. He has some skill, daring to strike three star systems at once to divide my forces." A cold curve formed at Ximen Qing's lips, while the killing intent in his eyes grew even stronger. "It seems he intends to take advantage of the fact that I have only just stabilized the order of the universe and have yet to establish a firm foundation. He wants to plunge the universe into chaos and seize the chance to rise."

He paused, his tone turning majestic and firm. His gaze swept across Nappa and Gray Shadow as he issued clear orders. "Nappa, immediately spread the command. Notify all forces that have submitted to me to count their troops at once and defend their territories closely. If they find any trace of dark remnants, they are to report it immediately. No one is to act on their own, lest they fall into the enemy's trap. At the same time, mobilize elite warriors from every force and have them gather outside the Big Dipper Star System. Form an encirclement and seal every possible escape route."

"Yes, my lord!" Nappa answered in a firm, ringing voice. He immediately rose and turned to relay the orders. His Saiyan aura surged, carrying an urgency that permitted no delay.

"Gray Shadow, come with me to the main battlefield in the Big Dipper Star System." Ximen Qing raised his hand, and golden-red flames once more coiled around him as his body slowly floated into the air. "I would like to see just how much courage this Shadow Guardian has, daring to stir up trouble beneath my very eyes and slaughter my people!"

"Yes, my lord!" Gray Shadow immediately rose, transforming into a streak of shadow as he followed closely behind Ximen Qing. His aura was taut, ready for battle at any moment. Even against the most cunning among the dark remnants, Shadow Guardian, he felt no fear—because with Ximen Qing present, he possessed his greatest source of confidence.

Ximen Qing's gaze sharpened. His golden-red aura surged as he carried Gray Shadow with him, transforming into a brilliant golden-red streak that instantly pierced through Earth's atmosphere and sped toward the Big Dipper Star System. Along the way, he could clearly sense a dense dark aura permeating the outskirts of the universe. It carried the stench of blood and violence, identical to the aura he had sensed when killing Dark Abyss, yet it possessed an additional, eerie chill.

"Shadow Guardian's battle power may not match Dark Abyss's, but he excels at concealment and ambushes. His methods are vicious and treacherous." As Gray Shadow sped onward, he quickly reported everything he knew. "During that battle, he escaped by relying on his concealment technique. I estimate that the remnants he has gathered are not especially powerful individually, but their numbers must be considerable. They are also familiar with the terrain of every star system and excel at guerrilla warfare."

Ximen Qing nodded slightly, his voice cold. "No matter what he excels at, no matter how many remnants he has gathered, as long as he dares harm the beings of the universe, challenge my authority, and destroy this hard-won peace, I will make him—and every dark remnant that follows him—pay a painful price. They will never be reborn!"

As his words fell, the golden-red aura around Ximen Qing surged once more, and his speed abruptly increased. The pressure of his 120000 permanent battle power spread toward the dark aura ahead. Wherever he passed, the dark energy in the universe was burned away and scattered by the golden-red flames. The low-ranking dark remnants lurking along the route did not even have time to flee before the pressure ground them into dust.

Following behind Ximen Qing, Gray Shadow's heart was filled with awe and determination. He knew that this battle might not be as brutal as the battle against Dark Abyss, yet it concerned the peace of the universe just the same. If the dark remnants could not be completely purged, if Shadow Guardian was allowed to rise again, then all their prior efforts and sacrifices would be wasted. The beings of the universe would once more fall into war and darkness.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield of the Big Dipper Star System, Shadow Guardian stood atop a field of ruins, dense shadow energy swirling around him. A savage smile covered his face as he watched the fleeing survivors of the Big Dipper Star System. His voice was vicious and arrogant. "Ximen Qing, do you think killing Lord Dark Abyss means you can unite the universe and bring peace? You are far too naïve! I will inherit Lord Dark Abyss's will. The power of darkness will eventually sweep across the entire universe! You, this so-called Sovereign of the universe, will sooner or later be overthrown by me and become nothing more than a stepping stone for my dark forces!"

With a wave of his hand, countless dark warriors swarmed forward and continued slaughtering the remaining people of the Big Dipper Star System. Wherever shadow energy reached, vegetation withered and living beings perished. The entire Big Dipper Star System was shrouded in despair and darkness.

Then, a brilliant golden-red streak tore through the darkness of the Big Dipper Star System and descended upon the battlefield in an instant. An overwhelming pressure crashed down like Mount Tai, instantly enveloping the entire battlefield. Every dark warrior was intimidated by it. They all froze in the middle of their movements, their bodies trembling as they became unable to move.

Shadow Guardian's expression changed drastically. He abruptly turned toward the golden-red figure, his eyes filled with terror and disbelief. He could clearly feel that this pressure was several times stronger than Dark Abyss at his peak. It was the power belonging to the Sovereign of the universe, a height he could never hope to reach.

Ximen Qing floated in midair, his golden-red battle attire gleaming brilliantly in the darkness. The coldness and killing intent in his eyes seemed ready to devour Shadow Guardian whole. His voice carried a force that pierced through everything and echoed across the entire Big Dipper Star System. "Shadow Guardian, you are seeking death!"

Gray Shadow landed on the ground, standing before Ximen Qing as he stared sharply at Shadow Guardian and all the dark remnants. His aura was taut, ready to fight at any moment. Shadow Guardian trembled all over, yet still forced himself to remain calm. A trace of luck flashed through his eyes. He knew he was no match for Ximen Qing, but he still attempted to stall for time with words while awaiting the arrival of more remnants. "Ximen Qing, do not go too far! Lord Dark Abyss may be dead, but the foundations of the dark forces run deep. If you insist on exterminating us all, you will provoke the desperate counterattack of every dark remnant. When that happens, you may not escape unscathed either!"

"A counterattack?" A wild and icy smile appeared on Ximen Qing's lips as his golden-red aura surged again. "With defeated stragglers like you, do you deserve to speak of a counterattack? Today, I will completely purge every dark remnant and let the entire universe know that anyone who challenges Ximen Qing's authority and tramples the peace of the universe has only one path—death!"

Before his words had even faded, Ximen Qing moved. He appeared before Shadow Guardian in an instant, powerful golden-red energy gathering at his fingertips as he struck fiercely toward him. Shadow Guardian's face drained of color. He immediately activated all of his shadow energy, condensing it into a black barrier in an attempt to block the attack. But before the golden-red energy backed by 120000 battle power, his barrier was no sturdier than paper.

Bang— With a deafening explosion, the black barrier shattered instantly. Golden-red energy slammed into Shadow Guardian's body. He let out a shrill scream and flew like a kite with its string cut, crashing heavily into the ruins. A mouthful of black blood sprayed from his lips, while the shadow energy around him fell into chaos and his battle power plummeted.

When the dark warriors saw Shadow Guardian severely wounded in a single blow, they were all terrified out of their wits and attempted to flee. But Gray Shadow blocked their path. At the same time, orderly footsteps thundered from afar—Nappa had arrived with elite warriors from the various universal forces. They surrounded the entire battlefield, completely cutting off every route of escape for the dark remnants.

Ximen Qing slowly descended before Shadow Guardian and looked down at him from above. His voice was cold and devoid of the slightest mercy. "Speak. How many dark remnants are still hiding in the universe? Where are all the dark outposts?"

Shadow Guardian lay on the ground, his body convulsing. His eyes were filled with hatred and unwillingness, yet he still refused to bow his head. "Even if I die, I will not tell you! The power of darkness will rise in the end. Sooner or later, you will—"

Before he could finish, Ximen Qing's fingertips exerted the slightest force. A strand of golden-red energy shot out again, piercing directly through Shadow Guardian's heart. Shadow Guardian's body went rigid. The hatred in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by endless terror. Until his death, he could not believe that the counterattack he had painstakingly planned could not even withstand a single move from Ximen Qing. The dark power he had pursued his entire life was so insignificant before the power of the Sovereign of the universe.

"Stubborn to the end." Ximen Qing withdrew the energy from his fingertips, his voice cold as he turned toward Nappa and Gray Shadow. "Spread the order. Purge all dark remnants with full force. Search every star system in the universe one by one. Anyone connected to the dark forces is to be killed without exception. All hidden dangers must be eradicated completely. Leave no future trouble behind!"

"Yes, my lord!" Nappa and Gray Shadow replied in unison, their voices firm and powerful. They immediately turned and led the elite warriors in charging toward the dark remnants on the battlefield. Golden-red energy collided with shadow energy. Explosions and screams echoed through the entire Big Dipper Star System as the great campaign to purge the dark remnants officially began.

The battle had begun, yet Ximen Qing did not immediately join it—the dark remnants on the battlefield were more than manageable with Nappa and Gray Shadow leading the elite warriors. He slowly descended, his gaze sweeping across the devastated ruins before landing on the surviving people of the Big Dipper Star System. They huddled in corners, covered in wounds, their eyes brimming with fear. The coldness in his eyes faded slightly, replaced by a restrained gentleness.

He waved a hand, and a gentle strand of golden-red energy slowly spread out, enveloping the wounded survivors. The agony of their injuries gradually eased, and the bloodstains on their bodies were softly wiped away by the energy. A young child, tears still hanging from his face, looked up at Ximen Qing floating before him. The fear in his eyes gradually faded as he timidly reached out a little hand. "S-Sovereign..."

Ximen Qing bent slightly, his voice calm and steady. The sharpness he had displayed on the battlefield was gone, yet his words carried the responsibility of a Sovereign. "Do not be afraid. The dark remnants will soon be completely purged. You are safe now." His voice was not loud, but it carried a strength that pierced directly into their hearts, instantly calming the panicked survivors.

Several surviving elders of the Big Dipper Star System struggled to their feet and bowed deeply to Ximen Qing. Their voices were choked with gratitude. "Thank you for arriving in time, Sovereign! Thank you for saving our lives! If not for you, the Big Dipper Star System would likely have been completely destroyed!"

"There is no need for such ceremony." Ximen Qing slowly raised his hand, signaling for them to rise. Some majesty returned to his voice, but it did not lose its warmth. "Protecting the beings of the universe and keeping every star system at peace are responsibilities I bear as the Sovereign of the universe. This outbreak of the dark remnants happened because I failed to completely eliminate the hidden threat and allowed you to suffer such a calamity. I will take responsibility."

He paused, looking into the distance with a firm tone that allowed no argument. "Once all the dark remnants have been purged, I will send cosmic crystals and rare spiritual medicines to treat the wounded and rebuild your homes. I will not allow you to endure such suffering again. So long as I am here, no one will dare harm you with the power of darkness again."

"Thank you, Sovereign! Thank you, Sovereign!" Every surviving clansman fell to their knees in gratitude. Their eyes were filled with reverence and thanks, while hope for life rekindled in their once-desperate gazes. They knew that with the protection of this Sovereign of the universe, their home would eventually flourish again and their lives would return to peace.

After comforting the survivors, Ximen Qing slowly rose and floated into the air again, turning his gaze back to the battlefield. By then, Nappa and Gray Shadow had led the elite warriors in purging more than half of the dark remnants. The remaining stragglers were resisting desperately, but their former arrogance was long gone. They could only struggle bitterly inside the encirclement. Their destruction was only a matter of time.

Noticing Ximen Qing's gaze, Gray Shadow turned and bowed to him. Ximen Qing gave a slight nod, golden-red energy gathering at his fingertips. Comforting the survivors was his responsibility, but he would never show even the slightest mercy toward dark remnants who slaughtered living beings and trampled the rules. Today, he would uproot them all and eliminate every future threat.

Ximen Qing floated in the air, his gaze sweeping over the entire battlefield. His eyes were filled with resolve and majesty. He knew that this battle might continue for a long time and require even greater sacrifices, but he had no other choice—he was the Sovereign of the universe. Protecting universal peace and safeguarding all living beings in the universe were his responsibilities, his lifelong mission.

The evening breeze swept past, carrying the scent of blood, but also a thread of hope. Ximen Qing knew that as long as the dark remnants were completely purged, as long as all universal forces stood united, this hard-won peace would endure forever. The beings of the universe would live and work in peace forevermore. And he, Ximen Qing, the universe's sole Sovereign, would continue forward with this responsibility and his formidable strength, guarding the universe he had protected with his life and writing an eternal legend that belonged to him—and to the entire universe.