Chapter 32
The cultivation world was no place for compassion.
Within it, ordinary human propriety held no sway.
If something could be leveraged for advancement, then there was no prohibition against subjugation.
Huan Zheng, in his fragile yet available state, became a reflection of that principle.
And when principle merged with opportunity, there was no reason to turn away.
All lingering doubts dissipated instantly, driven away like mist by the rising sun.
No longer obstacles, nor voices needing reconsideration.
What remained was a single will, hardened into purpose.
Ling Xu no longer saw Huan Zheng as a companion of the journey.
He now occupied a new position, lower than a comrade, distant from any alliance.
He had become a bulwark, the first line of defense against threats, clearly meant for the master, a fortress absorbing every attack before it could touch Ling Xu's skin.
And within the invisible hierarchy, Ling Xu's intent had finally taken its final form.
No difficulty, no mercy.
Only cold calculation, dressed as strategy, and the icy wisdom born of repeated betrayal, continuously reflecting its own face.
Beneath the crimson sky, now spilling gold-tinged red more than anything else, Ling Xu stood tall, eyes fixed on Huan Zheng, weakened and frail.
His body still rested on the ground, the skin scarred from the deep torment of Mustraya.
Every word spoken hung in the air, clinging to Ling Xu like cold dew, marking boundaries of betrayal and opportunity, restructuring a hierarchy that had until now existed only in shadow.
Ling Xu understood that in the cultivation world, weakness was no reason for mercy, and sacrifice embedded in every offer was the most concealed form of power.
Visible and lethal all at once.
The space was silent, yet Ling Xu's thoughts resonated louder than anything else around.
The arrangement involving Lintang Awareness had been meticulously mapped in her mind, resembling a war strategy drawn on an invisible chart.
She lowered her gaze briefly to Huan Zheng, who now held nearly half of the Lintang Kemahaesaan fragments.
Although split into two, Huan Zheng held 49 fragments while Ling Xu retained the remaining 51 within her spiritual body.
Within each fragment lay an invisible bond, an eternal agreement ensuring that should the master, Ling Xu, face any problem, the fragments within Huan Zheng would feel it as well.
The Mustraya toxin in Huan Zheng's body served as a reminder, an ultimatum highlighting the weakness inherent in any lapse of caution, and as a sign that power could not simply be severed.
Each fragment of Lintang Kemahaesaan became a binding instrument, asserting Ling Xu's authority, while maintaining vital connections through Huan Zheng, preserving balance and near-eternal security.
Ling Xu traced the elongated shadow on the floor, realizing that Huan Zheng's compliance was not merely choice, but a duty enforced by the structure of the Lintang Kemahaesaan itself.
The fragments Huan Zheng held contained not only power, but data and essential information flowing continuously between them, ensuring Ling Xu's body, housing 51 fragments, remained monitored and protected.
Every movement, every step Huan Zheng took, was now under subtle, structured influence, as if Ling Xu's hand guided him, preventing potential disaster or unwanted activation of Mustraya.
Their longevity and continuity were safeguarded by this invisible bond, where not a single fragment could be removed without consequence.
All that occurred had become part of an unshakeable order, where Ling Xu was not only controller but absolute authority.
Huan Zheng, despite holding a portion of the power, was compelled to adapt, allowing Ling Xu to orchestrate most of his movements.
Information was shared, vital data about Ling Xu transmitted, ensuring the master's power remained undisturbed.
This was the subtlest yet most effective form of control, where obedience became a natural law, preserved robustly through agreements and bonds between fragment and master, cemented by an unbreakable principle of power.
No room for refusal, let alone objection.
Every action of Huan Zheng now lay firmly in Ling Xu's grasp.
And this meant every potential danger could be managed, every threat—including Mustraya within Huan Zheng—could be deactivated or reactivated according to the true controller's will.
Light reflected off the dusty ground, highlighting Huan Zheng still lying weak, body bearing the remnants of Mustraya's violent shock.
Ling Xu's gaze was sharp and unwavering, reinforcing the principle that must underpin the agreement.
No intention of betrayal, no space for deceit, and no sword drawn without leaving qi traces.
Huan Zheng's consciousness was now under full supervision; every action he took had to follow the prescribed path, ensuring Mustraya no longer gnawed at his mind, leaving no room for disobedience.
Firmness was not merely rule, but protection in a harsh shell, for in the foundation of cultivation, a single misstep could mean total ruin.
Under obedience enforced by necessity and fear, Huan Zheng had to evaluate and verify the full service demanded by Ling Xu.
No matter the sorrow or pain that lingered, Huan Zheng's body and soul were required to be present, always ready to face every situation, regardless of scale.
Even when burdens exceeded capacity, Huan Zheng's task remained unchanged.
Protect and support Ling Xu, for the safety of the new master became the ultimate measure of a subordinate's competence.
Mustraya's power may be hidden, but Ling Xu's influence was far more tangible and demanding, compelling Huan Zheng to submit entirely, aligning his existence to ensure survival and unshakable control.
All suffering inflicted upon Huan Zheng was not merely physical trial, but instruction shaping absolute loyalty and obedience.
Every drop of sweat, every pain coursing through his body, became an inseparable part of his bond with Ling Xu, ensuring no lingering doubt, no chance for rebellion.
Huan Zheng's consciousness now harmonized with Ling Xu's will, part of the unseen network safeguarding the master of Lintang Kemahaesaan, simultaneously extinguishing internal threats that once sought to undermine it.
To be continued…