Thousands of disciples gathered outside Azure Cloud’s main gates. Their constant chatter filled the air as formation flags waved in different colors. Elders from many alliances stood in clusters, arguing over training rights and leadership positions. Kai stepped out of the main hall with several Azure Cloud elders by his side.“Elder Li,” Kai said, “how many have arrived?”“More than expected,” Elder Li replied. “At least eight thousand disciples from the allied sects and almost five hundred elders.”Kai nodded. “Where are the complaints coming from?”Elder Li pointed toward the crowd. “Mostly from sects that were rivals even before the alliance. They refuse to train side by side.”Kai walked forward. Several elders immediately turned toward him.One of them stepped ahead. “Sect Master Kai, this gathering is too large. How do you expect us to share training space with our long-term rivals? This will not work.”Another elder interrupted him. “Our disciples will not accept unfair treatm

provinces, but none of them carried good news. He looked at the hovering map produced by the system as it marked trails of energy residue across the land.“System,” Kai said softly, “confirm the readings again.”[Confirmed. Three locations contain the exact same signature as the masked cultivator. Probability of connection: 99%.]Elder Shan stepped forward. “Three sites? How is he moving across the continent this fast?”Kai answered, “He is using something linked to the higher realm. The energy feels too refined.”Elder Lian frowned. “Then we cannot delay. If he caused the mini-rift inside Azure Cloud, he could do more.”Kai shook his head. “We strike fast, but not blindly. The masked cultivator is baiting us.”Elder Ruo let out a sharp breath. “You think he wants us to split our forces?”Kai said, “I think he wants to distract us. But ignoring these signs is more dangerous.”The system expanded the map. Three red dots glowed on it.[Recommended Action: Divide teams into three units.

The warning from the system echoed through Kai’s mind the moment he stepped out of the council chamber.[Alert. Rift Severity Level Increased. Upcoming spike estimated within forty-eight hours.]Kai stopped walking. Disciples passing by noticed the serious look on his face. Elders behind him exchanged glances. One of them stepped forward.“Did something happen?” Elder Jian asked.Kai nodded once. “The system detected a new spike. It will be stronger than the previous ones.”Elder Shan exhaled sharply. “How strong?”Kai did not look away from the sky. “Strong enough that we cannot treat it like the last three.”“Then we must prepare immediately,” Elder Shan said.Kai turned to him. “Gather all division leaders. We need a full briefing.”Within the hour, the core hall filled with captains, elders, and formation heads. The tension was thick. The chatter stopped when Kai stepped inside.One captain stepped forward. “Sect Master Kai, what level of threat are we facing?”Kai spoke in a calm

Kai stepped out of the transport array and looked at the wide desert basin stretching before him. Heat waves distorted the horizon, and the wind carried dry sand across the cracked ground. His elite teams formed behind him in tight lines.Elder Jian walked up beside him. “Sect Master, the scouts reported energy spikes before you arrived.”“System, what is the current rift status?” Kai asked.System voice rang in his mind. [Warning. Rift formation speed is rising. Current growth rate: 182% above projected.]Kai nodded once. “Everyone be alert.”Captain Ren stepped forward. “Sect Master, the soil feels unstable. Should we widen the defensive perimeter?”“We will know soon,” Kai replied.A sudden tremor shook the ground. Sand poured downward in several streams as the earth cracked open beneath them. A wide collapse swallowed half the basin, forming a massive sunken chamber.Captain Mira gasped. “The entire ground gave way.”Kai looked into the hole. “Move back from the edge.”System: [St

sand continued to shake as the rift pulsed in harsh waves. Kai stepped toward the swirling center and raised his hand. “Hold the outer lines. Do not let the energy spill any further.”An elder shouted from behind him. “Kai, the pressure is still rising. We cannot hold it for long.”Kai activated his Sovereign Domain, letting it wrap around the unstable rift. “I will force it down. Keep the seals ready.”System voice echoed in his mind. [Host, rift energy density is exceeding safe levels. Adjusting suppression ratio.]Kai tightened his grip on the energy flow. “Give me the correct ratio.”[Processing… Ratio calibrated. Deploy now.]Blue light spread from Kai’s palm and locked onto the rift’s core. Wind roared outward as the swirling cracks fought against his control. Disciples shielded their eyes, bracing themselves.A young captain yelled, “Domain pressure is stabilizing. Everyone hold formation.”Kai kept his voice steady. “Seal Team One, prepare the inner layer.”They responded imme