Chapter 44: The Emperor's Edict: Forging a Legacy
The Starfall Tribe, a union of the once-divided Cloud Serpent and Star Ore clans, thrived under Liam's leadership. The Outer Reaches, once a land of perpetual conflict, had been transformed into a nascent empire of peace and prosperity. The defeat of Patriarch Inferno and his dark alliance had cemented Liam's status as a legend, and his edicts were followed with a reverence that bordered on worship. Yet, even amidst this newfound peace, Liam knew his journey was far from over. His Golden Core Peak Stage was the pinnacle of the mortal realm, but the path to the Nascent Soul Realm was a monumental leap that required a catalyst beyond the resources of the Outer Reaches.
He gathered his key advisors in his private residence: Sael, her presence commanding as the head of the military, and Lyra, her quiet wisdom a calming influence. Elder Kai, a symbol of the old era's trust, also sat by his side.
"Sael, Lyra," Liam began, his voice firm yet calm. "The Starfall Tribe is now stable. Our defenses are formidable, and our people are united. But I must leave. My path to the Nascent Soul Realm requires a journey to the mortal empires, to seek knowledge and the Essence of Genesis."
Sael's eyes blazed with a fierce loyalty. "As you command, Liam. My whip is yours. I am ready to follow you."
Lyra's gaze was filled with unwavering faith. "We have prepared for this, Liam. Our knowledge of spiritual resources and our healing arts will be at your disposal on the journey."
Elder Kai's face, however, was filled with a mix of pride and apprehension. "Protector Liam, your departure... it will leave a void. The Outer Reaches, though peaceful now, are still a land of shifting powers. The remnants of our enemies may return."
Liam nodded. "I have considered this. My Golden Core Peak Stage power is a deterrent in itself, but it must be more than that. The Starfall Tribe needs a self-sustaining legacy." He then laid out his plan.
He would leave behind a powerful spiritual array, a condensed and refined version of the defenses he had built, capable of withstanding even a Golden Core Peak Stage assault for a significant period. He would also impart a small, but profound, portion of his insights from the Star Emperor's Scripture to the tribe's top cultivators, giving them a foundation for growth that would be a legacy in itself. Sael and Lyra, having cultivated alongside him and learned his unique insights, would be crucial in documenting and teaching these techniques. He would also appoint a council of leaders, with Elder Kai at its head, to govern in his absence.
As the preparations for his departure neared completion, a new, unforeseen challenge arose. A messenger, a young scout from the tribe, burst into Liam's residence, his face pale with terror. "Protector Liam! A figure has been spotted at the southern pass! He... he is a Nascent Soul Realm expert! And he is asking for you!"
A hush fell over the room. Nascent Soul Realm! A figure of legend, a being of immense power. This was a realm far beyond Liam's. Sael's hand instinctively went to her whip, her eyes narrowing with a protective fury. Lyra's face, too, was a mask of concern.
"What is his name?" Liam asked, his voice calm, his Golden Core Peak Stage power surging, ready for anything.
"He... he did not give his name, Protector Liam," the scout stammered. "He simply said he was from the Azure Sky Realm, and that he was here to retrieve the 'Protector' of the Starfall Tribe."
Liam's eyes widened, a profound realization dawning on him. The Azure Sky Realm. This was not a coincidence. This was a message from Celestia. She had not only been watching him but had sent a powerful messenger to guide him to his next destination. This was her way of testing him, of ensuring he was ready for the true cosmic journey.
He knew he could not confront a Nascent Soul Realm expert, not yet. But he also knew that this was not a threat. It was an invitation, a test of his resolve.
"Elder Kai, prepare a welcoming feast," Liam commanded, his voice filled with a new resolve. "The Nascent Soul Realm expert is our honored guest. He has come to guide us to the next stage of our journey." He looked at Sael and Lyra, a faint smile on his lips. "It seems my path to the mortal empires has been… expedited."
The Nascent Soul Realm expert, a majestic man with a serene aura and eyes that held the wisdom of a thousand galaxies, was indeed from the Azure Sky Realm. He was a guardian of the celestial paths, sent by Celestia to retrieve Liam and his companions. He was not there to test him, but to guide him. He was a being of a realm far beyond Liam's, but his presence was one of calm, not of power.
"I am Sentinel Arion, of the Azure Sky Realm," the expert introduced himself, his voice a soft, melodic hum that resonated with Liam's core. "Guardian Celestia has sent me. She has been... observing your progress. Your battle against the Blazefire Sect and your leadership of the Starfall Tribe have proven your worth. You are ready for the true path."
Liam nodded, his heart swelling with a mix of pride and anticipation. "The Starfall Tribe is now secure, Sentinel Arion. I am ready."
The farewell was brief but heartfelt. Liam entrusted the Starfall Tribe to the council, promising to return one day, stronger than before. Elder Kai, though sad to see him go, understood the profound destiny that awaited Liam. The tribesmen, now united, stood tall and proud, a testament to Liam's legacy.
As Liam, Sael, Lyra, and Sentinel Arion departed, they left behind a thriving, unified tribe, a monument to Liam's compassion and power. Their path now led them to a realm of true cosmic power, to the legendary Azure Sky Realm, a place where immortals and Dao Lords resided. Liam's journey, once that of a scavenger orphan, was now that of a destined Emperor, a true force in the cosmos. His first seed had been planted, and now he was ready to face the celestial gates themselves. The greatest adventures of his life were about to begin.