Martial strength decides everything. Advancing to the Law Realm—or at least attaining Law Realm-level combat power—as quickly as possible is the most urgent priority... So Andrew Han has no time to spare for the Martial Arts Alliance’s confidential meetings.
"Elder Shawn Xiao."
Andrew Han sat on the living room sofa at home, pondering for a moment. "Elder Shawn, when will Sinovera’s Martial Arts World enter a state of alert?"
"At the latest, by the end of the month. At the earliest, next week." Shawn Xiao’s voice was heavy, clearly burdened. As time passed, he had gradually fallen behind Andrew Han, until now the gap was insurmountable.
Even though Andrew Han has killed a Netherfiend alone, the pressure is immense—much more so for Shawn Xiao.
On the other end of the line.
At the latest, by the end of the month. At the earliest, next week... Hearing such an urgent timeline, Andrew Han fell silent, and Shawn Xiao was at a loss for how to respond.
It came too quickly.
None of them were prepared.
From ancient times until now, there has never been a full-scale invasion. But as the era progresses, the enemy grows stronger... Demons run rampant, Specters proliferate, and all-out war is about to erupt—something Shawn Xiao and the other Alliance elders never anticipated.
Of course, that included Andrew Han.
If he had another year or so, he was confident he could reach the Law Realm... But at this rate, the balance might collapse before the end of the year.
Andrew Han furrowed his brow and spoke softly, "Has the Calamity problem been solved? The movements of Law Realm beings are too conspicuous—if the Calamity persists, and Law Realm powers descend forcibly, the consequences of all-out war would be unimaginable. It could destroy the atmosphere."
If the atmosphere collapses, humanity will be wiped out first.
And without the Earth's atmosphere to weaken sunlight, Specters would be exposed—certain death. Even Sect-Class Specters can't withstand direct sunlight.
"I don't know the detailed progress on the Calamity issue either," Shawn Xiao replied gravely. "As for the Specters, maybe they've found a way to avoid sunlight damage, so they're no longer afraid of the atmosphere collapsing."
For hundreds of years, human Law Realm guardians and Netherfiend titans have maintained a delicate balance.
Law Realm experts dare not go all out, fearing the destruction of Earth's ecological system... Netherfiends also refrain—without the atmosphere's shielding, even the greatest Specters can't survive direct sunlight. Countless factors have created this fragile equilibrium.
But now—
That balance is about to collapse.
"Alright."
"Understood. Thanks for the heads-up." Andrew let out a long breath, hung up the phone, and leaned back against the sofa with furrowed brows, simultaneously contemplating his crystal-diamond Inspiration and sensing his Magma-State Internal Power.
The crystal-diamond Inspiration rotated slowly, containing a power both profound and exquisite.
Magma-State Internal Power was poised to erupt, like a volcano fully primed, gradually evolving toward a higher plane—a transformation destined to come soon, awaiting the right moment for ascension.
"My Internal Power."
Andrew opened his left palm. The Magma-State Internal Power, nearly indistinguishable from real magma, manifested mysterious flames that danced above his hand.
Occasionally, a stray surge of force would leak out, heating the entire living room and distorting the air.
But it was still not enough.
Faced with the current situation, he was still too weak... Andrew pondered, then drew the Silver Star Pearl from his jeans pocket. Inspiration tentatively spread out, siphoning energy from within the Pearl.
"According to Master’s explanation..."
"This Silver Star Pearl is most likely an ultra-ancient relic with mysterious properties, a remnant from the era of Pangu and Nuwa. Modern technology can't even begin to analyze it, let alone reproduce or manufacture anything similar."
As he pondered, Andrew continued to draw energy from it.
Buzz—
The Silver Star Pearl shook violently, an inexplicable pull arising from within Andrew himself. It was as if the crystal-diamond Inspiration was especially eager for the Pearl... He clenched his left palm tighter, restricting its movement—there was no way he would allow the unknown to merge with his Inspiration.
He kept siphoning energy, strengthening his Inspiration.
The Silver Star Pearl quivered, scattering silvery radiance.
In the next room, Lucy was napping, while his parents chatted quietly in their bedroom. Andrew sat calmly on the sofa, eyes closed in deep concentration, silently reflecting.
Silvery light flooded the spacious living room.
Anyone present would have seen Andrew's left hand tightly gripping the Silver Star Pearl, its radiance streaming like a flowing brook through his fingers, spreading into the air and merging into his brow—a scene of profound and mysterious wonder.
William Han and Linda Chen, planning to come out and cut some fruit, stopped in awe at the sight in the living room. No matter how many times they'd witnessed Andrew's martial practice, it always left them shaken.
"Our son has practically become an immortal."
"That's right. Didn't Xiao Dong say that immortals really existed in ancient times? Come on, let's head back to the bedroom so we don't disturb him." The two of them carried the fruit back to their room, continuing their discussion about the supermarket opening.
Meanwhile, in the living room, Andrew furrowed his brow.
"The energy inside the Pearl is truly immense."
"Once I’ve absorbed all its energy, maybe I’ll be able to see the true nature of the Silver Star Pearl." He weighed the Pearl in his hand, a bit surprised.
The Pearl's weight had decreased.
Unfortunately, just using his hand couldn’t give him an exact measure; he only felt that the Silver Star Pearl was no longer as heavy as before.
Andrew blinked. "Interesting."
The Silver Star Pearl contained thousands of tiny stars, as if it held the entire cosmic sky, suffused with a wondrous, breathtaking aura. Andrew found himself gradually enchanted, as if a voice was softly calling to him.
One minute... three minutes... until, five minutes later, Andrew abruptly snapped out of it.
"What on earth is this thing!?"
"If it were merely an energy vessel, how could it have such a powerful allure!?" A trace of astonishment flashed across Andrew’s face as he shook the Pearl, forcibly severing the Inspiration link.
He walked straight out the door and headed for the Southvale Martial Arts Alliance Branch.
With his current clearance, Andrew was authorized to review all available records.
He intended to search the Alliance’s top-secret archives to see if there was any historical record of the Silver Star Pearl.
As for the origin of that silver Netherfiend, Andrew had a vague idea.
By chance it obtained the Silver Star Pearl and used it to ascend to Netherfiend, keeping it hidden for fear that other Netherfiends would discover the treasure and seize its opportunity.
But now, that opportunity belonged to Andrew.
Regrettably, the Alliance branch’s classified archives contained no record whatsoever of the Silver Star Pearl.
Andrew wasn’t in a hurry.
As long as he could absorb all its energy, Andrew believed the Silver Star Pearl would eventually reveal its true nature. These days, he was mostly out and about, traveling to nearby ancient battlefields to harvest more Graywhite Aura.
Strengthening his body, strengthening his Inspiration.
By now, Andrew had nearly reached his limits, but each infusion of Graywhite Aura still brought a tiny increase... No matter how slight, any improvement was better than none.
——
World United Research Organization.
It was a pristine, milky-white room; the bed was immaculately made, spotless, as if the space existed outside the dust and bustle of the mortal world.
Not a sound could be heard.
There was no movement at all.
"Sigh."
A middle-aged man with a weathered face sat slowly on the edge of the bed—this was Liam Lee, codename White Dragon.
He had devoted his entire life to scientific research, pouring countless days and nights into solving the Law Realm Calamity, enduring hardship and exhaustion beyond measure.
"Gone."
"You’ve all gone, and maybe that’s for the best... Sorry, Simon Si. If there’s a next life." Liam Lee took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
After a long while—
He took out a white towel from his pocket and gave it a shake. It was stained with blood, the marks glaringly obvious; this was the white towel belonging to Liam’s teacher, Professor Victor Zhou.
"How wonderful."
"Thank you... Andrew." For once, Liam Lee showed rare solemnity, folding the bloodstained towel with care as if it were a treasure, and gently placing it beside him.
He knew.
His teacher, Professor Victor Zhou, who had risked his life to shield him, was not dead.
He also knew.
Andrew had arrived in Nanhai, Inkni, smashing through the haunted Nether Domain and rescuing all the imprisoned scientists.
"To be honest."
"I really do envy you." Liam Lee, overwhelmed with emotion, slowly stood and gazed at the immaculate living room, a faint smile curling at his lips.
The room was vast and utterly silent.
Liam Lee chuckled softly. "Is hiding in the wall really that entertaining?"
Hmm?
A faint sound was heard, and from the milky-white wall, a rugged, square-jawed face protruded—thick brows, a high nose bridge, and hollow eyes. "How did you discover me?"
"Hello." Liam Lee turned, smiling at the face in the wall. "How should I address you, my dear colleague Huaxida—or perhaps... Netherfiend?"