Western Sea, Nether Land.
The coastal land grew day and night. In just three days, it had extended far into the sea, doubling the landmass of the Western Province. Vast currents of nurturing earth coiled over the land, while wind and sand swept across the sky in a murky haze.
Nether Kingdom Manor.
"Empty-Handed, it has been a long time."
A young man in a dark, mysterious robe sat high in the treasured hall. His expression was deep and somber, his yellow eyes gleaming. With every breath, he seemed to commune with heaven and earth. No boundary could be discerned anywhere on him; an unimaginable completeness and harmony rested upon his being.
He sat steadily without rising, his gaze turning toward his visitor.
"I did not expect you to come see me."
"They merely wanted someone familiar to deliver a message."
Below the dais, Empty-Handed's presence was subtle and obscure, wreathed in inky darkness. A blazing light of divine ability had already appeared within him, connected not to the Gloomy Netherworld, but to some vast history.
"A divine ability?"
"After you left, I also took my leave of Sect Leader Liu and returned to the blessed land. Right Historian Tao bestowed upon me a historical chronicle of Feng Li Heaven, replenishing my nature and life. Only then did I acquire a divine ability."
Empty-Handed studied the young man before him closely, still able to make out faint traces of the child from the Great Desert all those years ago. He found himself a seat without invitation or fear, surveyed the palace, and clicked his tongue. "Duke of the Nether Kingdom-what an impressive title. This Mysterious Palace would count as luxurious in any Imperial Dynasty. The Golden Crow certainly values you."
"Values me?"
Xu Fayan clapped his hands softly.
The dark