Secrets of the Token! Unrest Rises Again, Undercurrents Surge

The winds of outer space carried faint stardust as golden, crimson, and gray streaks tore through the darkness. Ximen Qing sped toward Earth with Gray Shadow and Nappa. A faint golden-crimson aura lingered around Ximen Qing, while his palm clenched tightly around the black token. Even with energy protecting his body, its bone-piercing chill still seeped through faintly, clinging to him like a disease in the marrow.

"My lord, you've been holding that token the entire way. Shall I keep it for you for now, so that strange energy doesn't disturb you?" Gray Shadow followed closely behind him, his gaze fixed on Ximen Qing's palm and his expression grave. He had always been wary of the token's bizarre markings. The chill from briefly touching it earlier still lingered at his fingertips.

Ximen Qing slowly shook his head, his fingers tracing the twisted patterns on the token's surface. His voice was low and solemn. "No need. If I hold it myself, I may be able to detect a trace of its hidden energy fluctuations and uncover some clues. This is no ordinary object. Whatever lies behind Dark Abyss was able to leave behind a token like this, so its strength must not be underestimated. We need to uncover its origins as soon as possible."

Nappa hurried after them, looking anxious but not daring to say too much—though reckless by nature, he understood the gravity of the matter. The destruction of the Shadow Guardian was merely the beginning. The secret behind that token was the true threat to peace in the universe. "My lord, do you think the patterns on this token could be the mark of some ancient dark faction?" After hesitating for a moment, he could not help voicing his speculation.

"Hard to say." Ximen Qing frowned slightly, a thoughtful glint passing through his eyes. "The markings of Dark Abyss's dark faction may be cold and sinister, but they carry a violent aura. The patterns on this token, however, are strange and obscure. There is no violence in them at all—only a chill that reaches into the bones. They seem more like some kind of inherited mark, or... a token used for summoning."

The moment he finished speaking, the black token in Ximen Qing's palm suddenly grew faintly hot. A weak black glow emerged from the patterns on its surface, and that frigid energy surged in an instant. Even suppressed by his golden-crimson aura, a thread of coldness slipped through his fingertips and into his meridians, causing his aura to falter slightly.

"My lord!" Gray Shadow and Nappa cried out at the same time. They immediately stopped and vigilantly scanned their surroundings, fearing an unknown enemy might launch a sneak attack. Ximen Qing raised a hand to signal them to remain calm. Golden-crimson energy surged from his fingertips as he forcibly suppressed the chill within his meridians. The token in his palm gradually calmed as well, its black glow fading until it returned to its cold, pitch-black state.

"It's nothing." Ximen Qing slowly regulated his breathing, his expression becoming even graver. "The token's reaction just now wasn't caused by an enemy attack. It seemed to sense an echo from some kind of energy, but that response was extremely weak and vanished in an instant. I couldn't pinpoint its location. It seems this token may be able to guide us to the force behind it."

Gray Shadow's heart tightened. "My lord, could the force behind this be testing us in secret? Or could there be other similar tokens sending signals somewhere in the universe?"

"That is possible." Ximen Qing nodded slightly, tucked the token into his robes, and sealed it tightly with golden-crimson energy. "No matter which it is, we cannot lower our guard. We'll return to Earth first and tell Grandpa Gohan about this. His experience runs deep; perhaps he can recognize the markings on the token. At the same time, we need to arrange for people to study its energy fluctuations in secret and investigate the source of that echo."

The three of them wasted no more time and accelerated once again, their golden-crimson light streaking through space. Along the way, Ximen Qing kept watch over the energy fluctuations around him, but he never sensed that strange echo again, nor did he discover anything unusual. About two hours later, Earth's outline gradually became clear. Outside the atmosphere, the Saiyan warriors on watch saw the three of them and immediately bowed respectfully.

"No need for formalities." Ximen Qing raised a hand slightly and withdrew his aura. He led Gray Shadow and Nappa down toward the former celebration grounds on Earth. The place had now returned to calm, with only scattered warriors standing guard. Grandpa Gohan sat beside the stone steps, gazing at the stars on the horizon with a peaceful expression.

"Grandpa Gohan." Ximen Qing stepped forward softly, his tone gentler now. The majesty around him had faded, replaced by the mild obedience of a younger generation member. Hearing his voice, Grandpa Gohan slowly turned around. Seeing that the three had returned safely, a gratified smile appeared on his face. "It's good that you're back. Has the matter in the Big Dipper Star System been settled?"

"Yes. The remaining dark forces have all been purged, and the hidden dangers in the three border star systems have undergone an initial investigation. Reconstruction has also begun." Ximen Qing sat beside Grandpa Gohan, his gaze turning solemn. "However, we found something unusual in the Big Dipper Star System. It is a matter of great importance, so we came back specifically to inform you."

The smile on Grandpa Gohan's face gradually faded. Sensing the gravity in Ximen Qing's tone, he immediately grew serious. "What is it? Could there still be an unresolved danger?"

Ximen Qing took the black token from his robes and handed it to Grandpa Gohan. "We found this at an abandoned stronghold on the edge of the Big Dipper Star System. It definitely does not belong to Dark Abyss or the Shadow Guardian's faction. Its patterns are strange, and it contains an exceptionally bizarre, frigid energy. Touching it brings a bone-piercing chill. It can even repel my golden-crimson energy, as if it intends to backlash against me."

Grandpa Gohan received the token with both hands. The moment his fingertips touched it, he frowned and quickly infused a trace of energy into his body for protection. Shock flashed through his eyes. "What strange energy! This coldness is unlike ordinary shadow energy. It feels more like it came from some deathly silent land at the very edge of the universe. I have never seen patterns like these before."

His fingers traced the twisted markings on the token, and his expression grew increasingly grave. After examining it repeatedly for a long while, he slowly shook his head. "My experience is limited. I have never seen such a mark, so I cannot tell which faction it belongs to or what it is used for. But one thing is certain: the owner of this token must be extremely powerful, far beyond Dark Abyss. They may even... be an existence not from this era."

"Not from this era?" Nappa cried out, his face full of disbelief. "Grandpa Gohan, are you saying this token came from an even more ancient age of the universe? That the force behind it is an ancient dark faction that has survived for tens of thousands, perhaps even hundreds of thousands, of years?"

"That is possible." Grandpa Gohan nodded slowly and handed the token back to Ximen Qing. "Since the birth of the universe, countless eras have risen and fallen. Every era has seen powerful forces emerge and perish. Dark Abyss's dark faction may seem deeply rooted, but perhaps it is only a branch of some ancient force, or perhaps it borrowed a trace of an ancient force's power. This token may be the key that connects us to that ancient force."

Ximen Qing took the token and clenched it tightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "No matter what era it comes from, no matter how ancient or powerful the force behind it may be, as long as it dares disrupt the peace of the universe and slaughter my people, I will never let it go. But right now, we know nothing about it. We cannot even recognize its markings. Investigating the force behind it will be extremely difficult."

"There is no need to rush this." Grandpa Gohan gently patted Ximen Qing's shoulder, his tone steady. "Though I cannot recognize these patterns, we may be able to consult the ancient records of the universe. Those records contain the factions and secrets of every era, and perhaps we can find clues concerning this token. In addition, you can issue orders to every universe faction that has submitted to you, telling them to watch for ancient records and similar tokens. Gather clues widely."

"Thank you for the reminder, Grandpa Gohan." Ximen Qing nodded slightly, then immediately turned to Gray Shadow. "Gray Shadow, arrange two things at once. First, select trusted elites to study this token's energy fluctuations in secret and investigate the source of the energy echo it sensed earlier. They must be cautious and must not alert the enemy. Second, send orders to all universe factions, telling them to gather every clue related to this token, especially records from ancient texts. The instant they find anything, they are to report it immediately. No concealing information."

"Your subordinate obeys!" Gray Shadow bowed in acknowledgment and immediately turned to leave, his figure transforming into a black shadow as he departed. He understood that gathering these clues concerned the peace of the universe and allowed no room for the slightest negligence.

Ximen Qing then looked at Nappa, his tone imposing. "Nappa, you will strengthen the defenses of Earth and the three border star systems, especially the Big Dipper Star System. During reconstruction, make sure enough elite warriors are stationed there. Guard it strictly and prevent any further surprise attacks from dark remnants. At the same time, assist the local people in speeding up reconstruction and ensure that the people can live and work in peace."

"Understood!" Nappa answered in a loud voice. He immediately rose and turned to arrange the defenses and reconstruction efforts. The Saiyan aura around him was taut with tension, and he did not dare relax in the slightest.

After the two left, Grandpa Gohan looked at Ximen Qing again, concern in his voice. "Ximen Qing, I know you are eager to eradicate every hidden danger and protect peace in the universe. But the force behind this is far too mysterious. We know nothing about it at present. You must not act rashly, or you may not only alert the enemy—you may also put yourself in danger and bring disaster upon the beings of the universe once more."

"I understand, Grandpa Gohan." Ximen Qing nodded slowly. The sharpness in his eyes gradually subsided, replaced by calm resolve. "I will not investigate recklessly. I'll gather clues first, uncover their background, make thorough preparations, and then strike in one blow to root them out completely. But I have a feeling that this force will not give us much time. They may already be preparing in secret, waiting for their chance to act."

Grandpa Gohan sighed softly and looked into the depths of the universe, his expression solemn. "The universe is vast, and there is no end to its strange things. Hidden dangers will never disappear completely. As the sovereign of the universe, you bear the responsibility of protecting all of it. The road ahead will surely become even harder. But rest assured, I will always stand by you. Nappa and Gray Shadow will continue to follow you, and all living beings in the universe will support you as well. If we unite our hearts and strength, we will certainly overcome every danger and protect this hard-won peace."

Warmth rose in Ximen Qing's heart. The heaviness in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by greater determination. "Thank you, Grandpa Gohan. With you here, with everyone here, I have nothing to fear. No matter how difficult the future becomes, I will give everything I have to protect this universe and all my people. I will never allow them to fall into war and darkness again."

Just then, the Sovereign's Token on Ximen Qing's wrist suddenly emitted a rapid red glow. An urgent voice came through it, carrying barely concealed panic and desperation, along with an eerie tremor. "Lord Sovereign! Help! I am the chief of the Western Pole Star System! Strange black shadows have suddenly appeared in our territory—those shadows have no fixed forms and twist through the air like living creatures. They possess tremendous strength and bizarre methods. Everywhere they go, energy barriers are instantly corroded and shattered by frigid energy. Our people have suffered terrible casualties! And on their bodies are carved strange markings similar to the black token you previously ordered us to search for!"

As the voice fell silent, the red glow of the Sovereign's Token gradually dimmed. Clearly, the chief of the Western Pole Star System had already met with misfortune. This was a distress signal sent with the last of his strength.

Ximen Qing's expression instantly darkened. All warmth vanished from his eyes, replaced by piercing coldness and killing intent. His golden-crimson aura exploded wildly as the pressure of his 120000 permanent combat power burst forth without restraint, making even the surrounding air tremble.

"So they've come after all!" Ximen Qing's voice was icy to the bone, every word filled with murderous intent. The black token in his palm began growing warm again. Clearly, the black shadows that had appeared in the Western Pole Star System were inextricably connected to it. "They truly haven't given us much time. They dare attack another star system and slaughter my people!"

Grandpa Gohan's expression turned grave as well. He quickly said, "Ximen Qing, there's no time to lose. Go to the Western Pole Star System immediately and provide support! Those black shadows have bizarre methods and formidable strength. If we delay, the Western Pole Star System may be destroyed entirely!"

"Mm!" Ximen Qing rose sharply to his feet, his golden-crimson aura surging as he stared fiercely into the depths of space. "Grandpa Gohan, I'll leave Earth in your care. I'll take Gray Shadow and Nappa to the Western Pole Star System at once, wipe out those black shadows, and uncover their true nature!"

Before his words had even faded, Gray Shadow and Nappa rushed over. They had clearly heard the distress signal from the Sovereign's Token as well. With grave expressions, they dropped to one knee. "My lord, your subordinates are ready. Please give the order, and we will depart for the Western Pole Star System immediately to destroy the enemy!"

"Move out!" At Ximen Qing's command, his body rose into the air in an instant. His golden-crimson aura erupted as he led Gray Shadow and Nappa, transforming into a dazzling streak of golden-crimson light that shot through Earth's atmosphere toward the Western Pole Star System.

In the night, the golden-crimson streak tore through the black universe, carrying boundless fury and unwavering determination toward the Western Pole Star System. The black token in Ximen Qing's palm grew increasingly hot, while its strange, frigid energy gradually became more restless. He knew that this trip to the Western Pole Star System would not merely be a campaign of extermination—it would be the crucial battle to uncover the token's secrets and learn the true nature of the unknown force.

At that very moment, on the battlefield of the Western Pole Star System, countless black shadows twisted and darted through the ruins like ghosts. They had no distinct facial features or bodies, only clusters of condensed, frigid black mist. An eerie chill from the same source as the black token swirled around them. Wherever they passed, grass and trees withered instantly, and mountains and rocks crumbled into dust. Their attacks followed no fixed pattern. At the touch of their black mist, the people were corroded by frigid energy, their bodies gradually stiffening before turning to ash. Their methods were strange and vicious, leaving the people of the Western Pole Star System utterly unable to resist. They could only flee in misery as the entire star system became engulfed by despair and bone-deep cold. Among the shadows, one towering figure stood upon the ruins. Its form was several times more solid than the others, with a faintly humanoid outline. In its hand, it held a black token identical to the one in Ximen Qing's possession. Black light flowed across the token, making the mist around it even denser. It had no clear expression, yet it radiated an absolute, icy malice. Where its mouth should have been, the corners lifted slightly into a horrifyingly eerie smile. Its gaze pierced through the stars toward Earth, and its voice was cold, arrogant, and inhumanly hoarse. "Ximen Qing, the game has only just begun..."