High in the heavens, billions of silver fate lines drifted like a net woven by a god, trailing down into the mortal world.
The white-robed figure stood where sea met sky, an ebony folding fan in hand, laughing wildly toward the heavens.
The vast ocean bowed beneath his feet.
With victory in his grasp, he began to recite a poem.
Only a poem could express the exhilaration this scene stirred in his heart.
"The heavens cast their net to bind the world; causality ropes ten thousand souls.
A thousand threads weave fate's cocoon; one decree seals every mortal's doom.
Speak not of Pioneers defying fate; destiny has never bent to human will.
By divine decree, I judge life and death. Who in this world would dare... defy a true god!!!"
For a time, the Fate Painter's triumphant laughter echoed across the sea, unfathomable divine radiance enveloping him.
This was his moment of glory. In this battle for the ages, he had earned MVP.
He had... pinned down the Pioneer!!!
"Pioneer!" The Fate Painter cast him a mocking look. "With my lord above, your fate is sealed. Fate has entwined you, and every move you make is under my control. This... is the end you cannot escape!"
Bai Ye raised his eyes, nothing but indifference in their depths.
"Still not enough."
The inexplicable remark made the Fate Painter frown slightly.
"This degree of power over fate... is too weak."
Bai Ye murmured to himself, a glimmer flickering in his indifferent eyes, as though he were calculating something.
The Fate Painter froze briefly, then sneered. "Still talking tough with death at your door? You're already helpless against my lord's projection. Once the dust settles and my lord descends in person, let's see you..."
"No need to wait." Bai Ye suddenly interrupted him,