An invisible influence spread rapidly through the Void, without so much as a ripple.
It split constantly, occasionally weaving back together. Through histories fate could not perceive and time could not touch, it wove a vast net. At last, hazy light and shadow gathered into a human figure.
"Finally got out."
Shang Yang arrived at a cliff beneath glittering stars. An occasional meteor streaked across the sky. This world had never been catalogued by the All-Heavens City, but he had influenced it before.
It was like changing vehicles midway through a journey. From the look of things, that band of taboos had no interest in him, either.
"My final transaction ends here, La Signora Yaotian. Please pay what you owe."
Shang Yang stepped aside. After those few steps, a figure with silk draped around her shoulders appeared where he had just stood:
"You gathered nearly all the All-Heavens City's influence, yet failed at the most critical moment. And I needed a vessel capable of influencing reality."
"I saved you, and as my vessel, you gave me the chance to trade away the All-Heavens City. So we're even on that transaction."
"But taking you with me when I escaped that Forbidden Zone was an additional transaction. As agreed, please hand over your Vow Power as payment."
The All-Heavens City, which held the greatest share of the weight, had been traded away. Yaotian had refined almost all the remaining influence.
What could he possibly do now to complete that final step?
"Vow Law. I never thought I'd encounter a situation like this when trading influence."
Shang Yang sounded rueful.
"I was too complacent. How could a being like Your Excellency have only the contingencies visible on the surface?"
Yaotian spoke without servility or arrogance, though the desolation in her eyes left her