Arc 7The Fated Black River

Zhou Heng rewrote the Seventh Chapter, founded the Light faction, and entered the Fated Black River to purify its spirits and kill Zhou Ming. After gaining authority over the river, he infiltrated Beno Saqiesi’s villa and found a hidden golden gate.

  • Zhou Heng trapped Wang Minli and her companions in the Star Field, then reached Radiant City and reported the Longevity-Cursed Species’ hunt for elves and the Fated Black River to the Blue Star Federation.
  • After surviving Su Linghong’s assassination attempt, Zhou Heng killed her, completed the Elven Throne, and defeated Wang Yuliang with Emperor's Swordlight.
  • Zhou Heng used a Lord of Rules audience to rewrite the Seventh Chapter as “Radiance of the Raised Holy Sword: ‘Slay Longevity!’” and founded the Light faction.
  • Zhou Heng gained Wind God's Throne, killed Wang Yuliang, purged the Fair Field, completed Elven Redemption, and set off downstream on the Elven Throne.
  • Zhou Heng took Phantom Light · Elven Throne from Zagumei and entered the Fated Black River, where he chose to help its suffering spirits instead of pursuing the contest’s intended goal.
  • Zhou Heng accepted the Fated Angler’s quest, killed Zhou Ming in their one-chance battle, and purified the river for three months, earning a sliver of its authority and one Space-Opening Right.
  • Zhou Heng surveyed the Sakas Empire, learned that the Light faction had made little progress and Beno Saqiesi had bought all his Chapter Nine currency, then chose to infiltrate Beno’s base.
  • Zhou Heng entered Beno Saqiesi’s villa, found a hidden passage behind an artwork, and reached a golden gate as Beno warned him not to touch anything.
Chapters 151–175 Vol. 2 Read

Ch. 151The Flying Moonlight Deer

Zhou Heng followed a Moonlight Deer through the Wandering Moonlight Forest, uncovering experimental records about the creation of flying Moonlight Deer and a mysterious stone hand. As three Legendary Triple members of the Longevity-Cursed Species entered the forest after him, Zhou Heng continued seeking whatever Fate Hint had prepared to help him trap them.

  • A Legendary Triple woman of the Longevity-Cursed Species led two companions into the Wandering Moonlight Forest, convinced Zhou Heng was inside.
  • Guided by a Moonlight Deer, Zhou Heng found an L12715 Experiment Recorder and learned that a researcher had transformed Foundation Deer into Moonlight Deer through exposure to moonlight.
  • The recordings revealed that the Vast Star Nation had demanded flying deer and that the Twelve Hero Kings had eventually rebelled, though the Nation’s foreknowledge remained uncertain.
  • The Moonlight Deer retrieved an appraised-as-ordinary broken right palm from a tree hollow, but Zhou Heng suspected it held a hidden secret.
  • Zhou Heng fed the deer more Moon Deer Grass and continued deeper into the forest, intending to prepare a trap for the three approaching enemies.

Ch. 152Fate Detection and Child of Fate

Wang Minli and two longevity-cursed fighters investigated signs that Zhou Heng might have a fate-related talent, then learned they had been sent as expendable scouts. After opening the family’s support box and coordinating their abilities, Wang Minli led them into the Wandering Moonlight Forest to find Zhou Heng.

  • One of the men found Moon Deer Grass, and Wang Minli suspected Zhou Heng had a fate-related talent.
  • The other man showed records linking the Moon Deer Grass to Wang Lu’s earlier use of it, but Wang Minli still believed the Longevity Families had sent them to test Zhou Heng.
  • Wang Minli opened the family’s metal box and activated a Dimensional Camera that would last one day.
  • Wang Minli learned Shima and Su Er’s attributes and assessed their roles alongside her own fire-mage abilities.
  • Wang Minli devised a plan to find Zhou Heng and bring him to the Longevity Families, then led the group into the Wandering Moonlight Forest.

Ch. 153Dance of Heaven and Earth's Light (Fire)

Zhou Heng played the Elegant Ancient Flute before the damaged statue of the Dancer of Heaven and Earth's Light, receiving a powerful class skill and merging it with Burning Rage. After restoring the statue's right palm, he received a mysterious star-colored item whose identity remained unrevealed.

  • Zhou Heng found a featureless female statue with a broken right hand in the stone-pillared clearing and recognized it as the likely source of the Ordinary Broken Right Palm.
  • Zhou Heng activated the Dancer of Heaven and Earth's Light class and played the Elegant Ancient Flute, while Wang Minli and her companions heard the music and rushed toward him.
  • The statue appeared to come alive in the moonlight and gave Zhou Heng the Dance of Heaven and Earth's Light skill.
  • Zhou Heng merged Burning Rage into Dance of Heaven and Earth's Light, creating Dance of Heaven and Earth's Light (Fire), a powerful battlefield support skill.
  • Zhou Heng fitted the Ordinary Broken Right Palm onto the statue and received a strand of star-colored material, which he appraised with a surprised expression.

Ch. 154Vast Star Nation Star-Silk

Zhou Heng used Fate Hints to trap Wang Minli, Shima Mingcijiro, and Su Er in a Star Field, then left them for the Moonlight Deer while heading toward a new mission in Bolun. He consumed the Vast Star Nation Star-Silk and gained +1e to his dark attribute.

  • Zhou Heng followed Fate Hint One and hung Star Sways on the stone pillars to create a Star Field before his enemies arrived.
  • Wang Minli, Shima Mingcijiro, and Su Er rushed into the plaza, were trapped inside the Star Field, and found themselves unable to pursue Zhou Heng.
  • Zhou Heng lit the cigarette containing the Vast Star Nation Star-Silk and walked away, deciding to seek the remaining items for the Elven Throne and protect elves in a tier-three main city.
  • Wang Minli accused Zhou Heng of having the SS-rank talent Fate Detection and threatened him as he left.
  • Zhou Heng finished the cigarette and gained +1e to his dark attribute.

Ch. 155Emergency Defense Line

Zhou Heng reached Radiant City and learned about the Blue Star Federation before discovering an emergency mission to defend the Wenhu River route. After Fate Hint advised him to report what he knew about the Elf Race, he asked the Federal Army to open a special channel.

  • Zhou Heng arrived in Radiant City and learned that it was a major city under the Blue Star Federation, whose organizations included the Supreme Council, the Federal Army, and private companies and guilds.
  • Zhou Heng entered the Federation Hall and saw player and NPC reservists, including members of the Elf Race.
  • A female NPC announced a Federal Army mission to defend the Wenhu River route and evacuate reservists and elves from the Longevity-Cursed Species.
  • Zhou Heng read the mission and wondered why the Longevity-Cursed Species was slaughtering the Elf Race.
  • Fate Hint advised Zhou Heng to give the Federal Army important information about the Elf Race, and he asked the female NPC to open a special channel.

Ch. 156The skill paired with the Sakast Imperial Sword

Zhou Heng reported crucial information about the Fated Black River and the Elf Race through the special channel, prompting the Federal Army Joint Council to act against the Longevity-Cursed Species. The council agreed to give Zhou Heng the skill paired with the Sakast Imperial Sword and send nearby elves to him.

  • Zhou Heng used the special channel to report the reason the Longevity-Cursed Species were slaughtering the Elf Race and key information about the Fated Black River.
  • Zhou Zhenmin received Zhou Heng's message at the Federal Army Joint Council, where the Legion Commanders learned that the Fated Black River was tied to Divine Truth and the path to godhood.
  • Zhou Zhenmin suspected Okamoto Wangfu of being a mole, then used the radiance from his eyes to capture him.
  • Mi Gabrielite and Olef proposed rewarding Zhou Heng and helping him craft the Elven Throne, while Zhou Zhenmin called for immediate action to protect the elves.
  • The council unanimously approved giving Zhou Heng the skill paired with the Sakast Imperial Sword and escorting nearby elves to him.

Ch. 157Assassination attempt

Zhou Heng survived Su Linghong’s bombing attempt in Federation Hall and learned through Fate Hint that she was behind it. He raced toward Wenhu River Pass to confront her, where Su Linghong and Wang Yuliang prepared for his arrival.

  • Su Linghong’s bomb hit Federation Hall, but Zhou Heng survived with only 0.05 damage as his legendary health transformation was exposed.
  • Zhou Heng struck Su Linghong’s puppet, which dissolved into sludge, and Fate Hint identified her as the SS-rank talent wielder behind the assassination attempt.
  • Zhou Heng summoned Bose·Mo'er and set off for Wenhu River Pass to kill Su Linghong.
  • At Wenhu River Pass, Su Linghong told Wang Yuliang that the assassination had failed and revealed Zhou Heng’s legendary health and 16-million base attack.
  • Wang Yuliang concluded Zhou Heng would come to Wenhu River to save the Elf Race and planned a trap with Su Linghong.

Ch. 158530,000 Free Attribute Points

Zhou Heng followed Fate’s guidance to find Su Linghong at Nabona and attacked her, but his arrows could not pierce her defenses. He realized that Light Holy Sword’s holy damage and the 530,000 free attribute points from Wind’s Majesty could give him a way to defeat her.

  • Zhou Heng followed Fate’s guidance through Wenhu River Pass and found Su Linghong inside the Nabona complex.
  • Zhou Heng used Starwind’s Dimensional Strike from the Starry Sky to bombard Nabona, prompting Su Linghong to emerge and prepare to fight.
  • Su Linghong summoned five puppet doppelgangers and ordered them to attack, but Zhou Heng froze her with a Small Time Stopper.
  • Zhou Heng renewed the time stop as his arrows dealt no damage to Su Linghong’s armor.
  • Zhou Heng realized he could use Light Holy Sword’s holy damage and allocate Wind’s Majesty’s 530,000 free attribute points to magic.

Ch. 159The Prostrate Light Elemental Lifeform

Zhou Heng used Light Holy Sword to kill Su Linghong, then collected her drops and completed the Elven Throne with Bose’er’s fusion. The chapter ended with Zhou Heng sitting on the throne as a voice urged him to do so.

  • Zhou Heng consumed 530,000 free attribute points and used Light Holy Sword to repeatedly deal massive holy damage to Su Linghong.
  • Zhou Heng kept Su Linghong trapped with Small Time Controllers until the damage killed her, and she sent Wang Yuliang a final warning.
  • Wang Yuliang received Su Linghong’s encrypted death message and teleported to Wenhu River Pass, fearing that Zhou Heng would take her possessions.
  • Zhou Heng collected Su Linghong’s drops and used the Elven Throne materials to begin constructing the throne.
  • Bose’er fused with the Elven Throne, which completed its construction, and Zhou Heng sat on it as a voice urged him to do so.

Ch. 160Elven Throne

Zhou Heng remained seated on the Elven Throne and used its passive effects to intimidate Wang Yuliang, who fled before summoning level-100 modified Vast Imperial Guards and Longevity-Cursed Species reinforcements. As Wang Yuliang and his forces tried to stall for three minutes so he could activate his skills, Zhou Heng waited for the Blue Star Federation Official’s promised gift to arrive.

  • Zhou Heng sat on the Elven Throne, gained powerful mana and speed boosts, and glimpsed the Fated Black River.
  • Fate Hint warned Zhou Heng that Wang Yuliang was approaching and that a gift from the Blue Star Federation Official would arrive as Wang Yuliang activated Fair Field and Unyielding Health.
  • Wang Yuliang saw Zhou Heng on the throne and tried to flee, but Zhou Heng rose into the air after him.
  • Wang Yuliang scattered metal spheres that released level-100 modified Vast Imperial Guards and summoned Longevity-Cursed Species to hold Zhou Heng off while he activated his skills.
  • The Longevity-Cursed Species gathered at Wenhu River Pass, believing they needed to delay Zhou Heng until Wang Yuliang’s skills activated.

Ch. 161A missile from the distant sky

Zhou Heng drew the Longevity-Cursed Species into a battle while protecting the elves, and Wang Yuliang realized Zhou Heng was waiting for support from the Blue Star Federation. As Wang Yuliang activated his battlefield-wide skills, a missile arrived from the distant sky and dropped a Fifth-Turn Certificate and a skill book to Zhou Heng.

  • Zhou Heng received notifications that more elves had escaped pursuit and reached the Blue Star Federation encampment, advancing his Elven Redemption quest.
  • A level 100 Longevity-Cursed Species attacked Zhou Heng with lightning, but Zhou Heng stopped the attack using a Small Space-Time Controller.
  • Wang Yuliang reasoned that Zhou Heng was waiting for a resource delivery from the Blue Star Federation and decided he could not flee.
  • Wang Yuliang activated Fair Field and Unyielding Health, setting units' movement speed and health across a 500-kilometer radius.
  • A long-range missile dropped a level 50 Fifth-Turn Certificate and a skill book above Zhou Heng, who moved to collect them.

Ch. 162Fifth Turn, the Highest Sequence Rule of Boundless Endless

Zhou Heng used Emperor's Swordlight (Majesty) to devastate Wang Yuliang’s forces and level up to 50, then began his Fifth Turn advancement. Fate Hint led him to consider three seemingly impossible, higher-coefficient achievements tied to the Seventh Chapter.

  • Wang Yuliang activated Fair Field, equalizing movement speed and reducing health to 1 while granting revival without a Revival Coin.
  • Zhou Heng learned Emperor's Swordlight (Majesty) and unleashed its attack across a 50-kilometer radius, permanently erasing Wang Yuliang’s companions and leaving Wang despairing.
  • The swordlight bombardment killed enough monsters for Zhou Heng to advance from level 41 to level 50.
  • Zhou Heng used the Fifth-Turn Certificate and received new slaughter achievements plus three higher-coefficient choices involving the elves, the Sakas Empire, and remaking the Seventh Chapter.
  • Zhou Heng considered the three difficult achievements from Fate Hint’s perspective, and a Fate Hint appeared.

Ch. 163An audience with the rules, rewriting the chapter

Zhou Heng sought an audience with the Lord of Rules and used his one request to rewrite the Seventh Chapter, leaving the new chapter set as “Radiance of the Raised Holy Sword: ‘Slay Longevity!’”

  • Zhou Heng repeatedly recited Fate Hint Three’s invocation while Wang Yuliang and the Longevity-Cursed Species attacked him, but the Small Time Controller kept their strikes from landing.
  • After an hour, Zhou Heng completed the audience ritual and was transported before the Lord of Rules, whose projection granted him one chance to make a request.
  • Zhou Heng asked to modify the Sakast Region’s Seventh Chapter, and the rules warned that failure would erase him, Blue Star Federation’s player count would fall by 10%, and 500 years would be severed from the chapter of The Ancient Years.
  • Zhou Heng wrote the new title, “Radiance of the Raised Holy Sword: ‘Slay Longevity!’” and the Seventh Chapter was rewritten.
  • Zhou Heng gained the “A Brand-New Chapter” achievement, a permanent monster-drop increase, an opportunity to pray to Divine Truth for a special class, and Level 51.

Ch. 164Wind God's Throne

Zhou Heng used the Gift of Truth to rewrite the Seventh Chapter and establish the nation-level faction Light, then obtained the Truth-level class Wind God's Throne and fused it with Starry Sky Shooter of Star Devouring. The chapter ended with Zhou Heng examining his greatly enhanced class and its abilities.

  • Zhou Heng received the Gift of Truth after his fifth advancement and saw a world announcement that he had forcibly rewritten the Seventh Chapter.
  • Zhou Heng named the new nation-level faction Light, prompting a series of world announcements that stunned the Longevity-Cursed Species and the Blue Star Federation.
  • Zhou Zhenmin celebrated the chapter reset, while Wang Yuliang tried to send an encrypted message about Zhou Heng to his headquarters.
  • Zhou Heng crushed the Gift of Truth and was transported to a special space, where the Lord of Lifespan recommended a class for him.
  • Zhou Heng obtained Wind God's Throne and fused it with Starry Sky Shooter of Star Devouring, gaining powerful wind-based abilities and improved attributes.

Ch. 165A use for the vast stockpile of resources

Zhou Heng used his wind attacks to prevent Wang Yuliang from sending a warning and killed him inside the Fair Field. He then established missions and stocked the Light faction with resources, leaving him to consider adding his Chapter Nine rewards to its shop.

  • Zhou Heng reviewed his greatly increased stats and realized he could use the wind within 1,000 kilometers to track and attack enemies.
  • Zhou Heng repeatedly interrupted Wang Yuliang’s attempt to encrypt and send a warning, slowed him with holy-damage wind attacks, and closed the distance.
  • Wang Yuliang demanded to know Zhou Heng’s talent before Emperor’s Swordlight and the Sakast Imperial Sword killed him.
  • Zhou Heng continued clearing Longevity-Cursed Species from the Fair Field while players and commanders joined the Light faction.
  • Zhou Heng set a Light faction mission to erase one member of the Longevity-Cursed Species for 10,000 contribution points and added the Vast Star Nation 10,000th Army Resource Vault.
  • Zhou Heng considered adding his currency and Starwind Treasure from Chapter Nine to the faction resources when a fate hint appeared.

Ch. 166Illusory Life and Death

Zhou Heng listed Chapter Nine’s Copper and Silver Coins, then swept the Fair Field clear of the Longevity-Cursed Species and wild monsters. As the Longevity-Cursed Species and the Blue Star Federation authorities reacted to his move, he drifted downstream on the Wenhu River, searching for a chance to break the deadlock.

  • Zhou Heng listed his Chapter Nine Copper and Silver Coins in the Light faction’s exchange shop and began purging the Fair Field.
  • Beno Saqiesi ordered his associates to make the Light faction acquire all the Chapter Nine currency and sent low-level kin to probe Zhou Heng’s intentions.
  • At the Federal Joint Assembly, Zhou Zhenmin approved Olef’s proposal to gather Chapter Nine currency and investigate its significance.
  • Zhou Heng eradicated the Longevity-Cursed Species and wild monsters in the Fair Field, completed “Elven Redemption,” and rose from level 51 to level 60.
  • Zhou Heng collected the drops, including an item called “Illusory Life and Death,” then set his Elven Throne drifting downstream along the Wenhu River.

Ch. 167Everything Was Part of the Plan

Ailun fled the longevity-cursed species after sending her infant child down the Wenhu River with a crescent hidden beneath his tongue. Zhou Heng learned from Fate that Ailun was Zagumei’s pawn and chose to enter the Fated Black River in her place, leaving Ailun trusting him as he prepared to act.

  • Ailun hid the Fated Key beneath her infant’s tongue, sent him down the Wenhu River, and ran upstream to draw the longevity-cursed species away.
  • Three members of the longevity-cursed species tracked Ailun, while Blue Star Federation players followed them and arrived near Zhou Heng.
  • Ailun asked Zhou Heng for help, and Fate’s hints revealed that Zagumei had arranged for Ailun to die and control the Phantom Light · Elven Throne.
  • Zhou Heng decided to enter the Fated Black River in Zagumei’s place and asked Ailun to trust him and open her body and mind.
  • Ailun agreed to trust Zhou Heng and prepared to let him act.

Ch. 168A 52-Second Limit

Zhou Heng sealed Ailun and raced to take Phantom Light · Elven Throne from Zagumei so he could enter the Fated Black River. As a Glorious legendary enemy attacked them, Zhou Heng had only 25 seconds left to secure the artifact and escape.

  • Zhou Heng used his 127.247 million attack to seal Ailun, then learned from Fate Hint that he had 52 seconds to get Phantom Light · Elven Throne from Zagumei and reach the Fated Black River.
  • Three Longevity-Cursed Species tried to alert their superiors, and Blue Star Federation players engaged them in battle.
  • Zagumei discovered that Ailun trusted her instead of resenting her, so she could not activate Phantom Light · Elven Throne with Ailun's despair.
  • Zhou Heng arrived on the Elven Throne and demanded the artifact from Zagumei, while a long-haired young man noticed them and began attacking through the forest.
  • Zagumei dodged an enormous timber strike as Zhou Heng lifted her into the air, and Fate Hint showed that 25 seconds remained.

Ch. 169Phantom Light · Elven Throne

Zhou Heng used the Phantom Light · Elven Throne to enter the Fated Black River just as the Wood Element creatures were about to kill him. After Zhou Ming reported his escape to Beno Saqiesi, Beno ordered Zhou Ming to pursue Zhou Heng and kill him with the Wailing Heart of Misfortune.

  • Zagumei recognized Zhou Heng's abilities as those of the Elven King's Wind God's Throne and gave him the Phantom Light · Elven Throne, pleading with him to save the Elf Race.
  • Zhou Heng appraised the artifact and realized the countdown's end was the moment to use it to enter the Fated Black River.
  • As the Wood Element lifeforms attacked, Zhou Heng pushed Zagumei clear and used the Small Time-Space Pauser to press the artifact to his brow when the countdown ended.
  • The Phantom Light · Elven Throne captured the Fated Black River and teleported Zhou Heng away; Zhou Ming watched the rift close and recognized that Zhou Heng had found a way to survive.
  • Zhou Ming reported Zhou Heng's level, suspected luck-related talent, and successful entry to Outer Ring Peak, where Beno Saqiesi read the message.
  • Beno Saqiesi decided Zhou Heng's suspected luck talent made him too dangerous to leave alive and ordered Zhou Ming to take the Wailing Heart of Misfortune into the Fated Black River and kill him.

Ch. 170Fated Angler

Zhou Heng entered the Fated Black River and learned that the final-thousand-years contest involved nearly a billion people Born of Destiny, but chose instead to help the river’s suffering spirits. After easing one spirit’s grief, he followed her directions and met the Fated Angler.

  • Zhou Heng discovered that the Fated Black River had become dark and viscous as anguished voices filled the surrounding darkness.
  • The Fated Black River warned Zhou Heng that it could not fall and pleaded for help protecting the last hope.
  • Fate Hint revealed that 999,999,999 people Born of Destiny were part of a contest orchestrated by the Blue Star Federation’s Federal Leader, but advised Zhou Heng to help the river’s suffering spirits instead.
  • Zhou Heng chose to help the spirits, and a grieving female silhouette accused him of arriving too late to save her child.
  • Zhou Heng showed her records of his killings of the Longevity-Cursed Species, and she thanked him before directing him to the Fated Angler.
  • Zhou Heng traveled deeper into the river, found the Fated Angler fishing, and introduced himself respectfully.

Ch. 171Attributes: 426720

Zhou Heng accepted the Fated Angler’s quest to defeat Zhou Ming in exchange for the Black River Purification Bottle and a chance to gain authority over the Fated Black River. Zhou Ming accepted a matching quest and prepared to fight Zhou Heng on the Faint Blacklight Path.

  • The Fated Angler offered Zhou Heng a dangerous quest, and Fate’s hints revealed that Zhou Ming had followed him into the river with the Wailing Heart of Misfortune.
  • Zhou Heng feigned sincere devotion to purifying the river’s sorrow and accepted the quest to defeat the Nature’s Warlock.
  • The Fated Angler sent Zhou Heng to the Faint Blacklight Path as Zhou Ming emerged from a rift and received his own quest to kill the Lucky Newbie Expert.
  • Zhou Ming activated Forest Great World, crushed the Wailing Heart of Misfortune, and assessed his powerful level 555 attributes and skills.
  • Zhou Ming prepared to fight without underestimating Zhou Heng, while Zhou Heng approached along the Faint Blacklight Path after observing Zhou Ming through Wind’s Vision.

Ch. 172That Fleeting Second

Zhou Heng faced Zhou Ming in a one-on-one battle, and the reversal of Zhou Ming’s luck-based attack let Zhou Heng copy his Silver Attack attribute. Zhou Heng killed Zhou Ming in a single, windup-free strike, while the chapter left Zhou Ming dead and Zhou Heng victorious.

  • Zhou Heng and Zhou Ming met on opposite sides of the Faint Blacklight Path as their one-chance battle began.
  • Zhou Ming activated the Wailing Heart of Misfortune, but it reversed because Zhou Heng had no luck-type initial talent and began copying a temporary attribute.
  • Fate guided Zhou Heng to stop the copying wheel after nine seconds, and he copied Zhou Ming’s Silver Attack attribute.
  • Zhou Ming used his field potions and Miniature Space Oscillator, then activated Nature’s Heroic Spirit as Zhou Heng attacked.
  • Zhou Heng struck Zhou Ming with blades of gentle breeze, emptied his health, and killed him before he could finish speaking.

Ch. 173The Black River Purification Bottle

Zhou Heng received the Black River Purification Bottle from the Fated Angler and spent three months purifying resentment along the Fated Black River. After gaining a sliver of authority and a Space-Opening Right, he entered a strange control-room-like space, where a black creature begged him to save it and a ribbon of light expanded his vision.

  • Zhou Heng picked up the Miniature Space Oscillator after killing Zhou Ming, then returned to the Fated Angler and claimed his reward.
  • The Fated Angler gave Zhou Heng the Black River Purification Bottle, which let him walk on the Fated Black River and absorb resentment.
  • Zhou Heng followed the river downstream, purifying spectral figures while their anguished voices challenged and distressed him.
  • After three months of purification, Zhou Heng received a sliver of authority over the Fated Black River and one Space-Opening Right.
  • Zhou Heng entered a strange space, where a small black creature called him by name and begged for help.
  • A black ribbon of light flew toward Zhou Heng and caused his field of vision to expand without limit.

Ch. 174The spiral stairway of dance and blood

Zhou Heng used his spatial authority to survey the Seventh Chapter and saw the devastation of the inner ring, where people sacrificed themselves to protect a spiral stairway leading into the clouds. After Fate Hint revealed a chance to recover his Chapter Nine currency and seize two useful items from Beno Saqiesi, he decided to infiltrate Ring Mountain Province.

  • Zhou Heng surveyed the Sakas Empire and saw Blue Star Federation forces battling the Longevity-Cursed Species across the outer and middle rings, while Ring Mountain Province remained hidden from view.
  • He saw the inner ring reduced to scorched ruins and discovered an elderly man nailed to a cloud-white seat beneath a spiral stairway, protected by four dancers and a bloodied figure underground.
  • A Longevity-Cursed Species attacker emerged and was killed when it self-destructed after the bloodied figure seized it; Zhou Heng realized the defenders were sacrificing themselves to stabilize the stairway.
  • Zhou Heng checked the faction panel and found that the Light faction's Slay Longevity progress had advanced only 4% in three months, while his Chapter Nine currency had been bought out.
  • Fate Hint told Zhou Heng he needed to purify another 99 million Grievance to send away the Fated Angler, but also revealed that he could recover his currency and intercept two useful items by infiltrating Beno Saqiesi's base.
  • Zhou Heng chose to head to Ring Mountain Province and infiltrate Beno Saqiesi's base.

Ch. 175Countdown: 130s

Zhou Heng followed fate’s guidance into Beno Saqiesi’s villa on Ring Mountain Peak and uncovered a hidden passage leading to a mysterious gate. Beno abandoned his confrontation with Zhou Zhenmin to rush back, while Zhou Zhenmin suspected Zhou Heng was behind the intrusion and prepared to report his discoveries about the Great Copper of the World quest.

  • Zhou Heng opened a spatial passage to Ring Mountain Peak and entered Beno Saqiesi’s villa after fate guided him there.
  • Zhou Zhenmin reasoned that Beno’s frantic effort to collect Chapter Nine currency and the currency’s inability to merge with theirs pointed to a larger plan involving the Great Copper of the World quest.
  • After Zhou Zhenmin asked Beno about the quest, Beno sensed an intrusion at his villa, abandoned their confrontation, and rushed toward Ring Mountain Peak.
  • Zhou Zhenmin suspected Zhou Heng had entered enemy territory and left to report what he had learned about the quest.
  • Zhou Heng followed fate’s instructions to reveal a hidden passage behind an artwork and found a golden gate beside two statues marked with nine-petaled lotuses.
  • Beno’s voice threatened Zhou Heng as he reached the gate, warning him not to touch anything.
Arc 7 of 68