In the heartland of the Eastern Region, above the utmost heavens.
A boundless sea of clouds stretched afar, threaded with a thousand streams of auspicious radiance.
A towering immortal palace hung suspended in the ninth heaven, appearing and vanishing through the mists.
This was one of the Five Luminaries of the Eastern Region, seated upon the Mars Imperial Position and known as the orthodox lineage of the mystic gate—
Jade Capital Tower.
Unlike the smoke and miasma of the mortal world, and unlike the demon aura soaring into the skies over Spirit Mountain.
This was a place of true purity and inaction, where all laws returned to one.
Yet—
Deep within Jade Capital Tower.
Inside a solitary peak wrapped in layer upon layer of restrictions.
Rumble—!!!
The spiritual energy that had once filled heaven and earth was now boiling like scalding water, erupting into a frenzied upheaval.
The violent spiritual energy transformed into visible gale-force winds that ravaged the cave abode.
At the center of the storm.
A gaunt figure sat cross-legged.
The man was handsome, but his sword-like brows were tightly furrowed. An unhealthy flush colored his paper-white face.
"Pfft—!!"
At last.
The man's body suddenly shuddered.
A mouthful of dark, stagnant blood sprayed wildly from his lips.
When the blood struck the ground, it was like molten lava tumbling down.
As that mouthful of stagnant blood left him.
The surrounding spiritual energy, violent to the extreme, gradually calmed as well, eventually sinking into dead silence.
The man slowly opened his eyes.
Trembling, he raised a hand and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth.
Looking at the crimson stain on his fingertips, he curled his lips into a self-mocking, bitter smile.
Within the cave abode.
Ripples suddenly spread through the air.
The newcomer wore a dull