400 days.
Chief Ren remembered clearly that he had been sitting for a full 400 days.
Before the Scattering Spirits Space had been set up, he had harmed his body through methods such as drawing spinal fluid and letting blood to slow the circulation of his aura. After the Scattering Spirits Space was arranged, he had to press his entire body against the "Scattering Spirits Array" and use external force to extract the aura within him. His lower body was nearly paralyzed, leaving him only able to sit.
Generally speaking, lying down would have been best. Soaking in a life-support pod, or hanging upside down with tubes inserted all over his body, would have worked too... But out of a young man's concern for appearances, Chief Ren had still chosen to sit.
He had sat for a full 400 days, nearly forgetting what it felt like to stand.
His feet touched solid ground. The muscles in his calves tensed slightly, his waist drove his whole body, and his chest straightened. Nature's most exquisite machine began to operate, every gear turning just right, every cell in his body letting out a comfortable murmur.
He stood up.
He was no longer in the Scattering Spirits Space. There was only one person sitting here.
"This venerable one knows you have many questions. I'll answer three first."
Before Chief Ren sat a man in a resplendent golden robe, his features hidden in shadow, seated on an ergonomic platinum chair.
Below him was a dark red planet. They were in the vastness of space, enveloped by a pale golden protective barrier. Chief Ren could sense the immeasurable, terrifying energy concealed within it.
This was Immortal Source.
This was the Supreme Sovereign.
The Supreme Sovereign crossed one leg over the other, interlaced his fingers, and spoke