Two days of consolidation passed in intense focus.
Lin Feng spent every waking hour refining his newly achieved Divine Domain Level 2, ensuring the Law of Liberation was stable and integrated fully into his cultivation. The advancement had been rapid—too rapid by normal standards—and required careful stabilization to prevent foundation cracks.
Patriarch Cloud supervised personally, pushing Lin Feng through exercises designed to test the new law's limits. In the cultivation chamber, Lin Feng learned to manifest liberation in practical ways—breaking formation bindings, disrupting spiritual techniques mid-execution, even beginning to challenge the constraints of space and time within his domain.
"Your law is powerful but dangerous," the Patriarch observed after one particularly intense session. "Liberation can free yourself from harm, but it can also free your enemies from consequences. Used carelessly, it becomes a double-edged sword."
"I understand, Patriarch. Control is paramount."
"Not just control—wisdom. The Void Emperor's Law of Consumption was straightforward: devour everything. Your Law of Liberation is more nuanced. You must constantly judge what should be freed and what should remain constrained."
The philosophical distinction was crucial. Lin Feng's void wasn't inherently destructive like the Void Emperor's had been. It was transformative, liberating, capable of both creation and destruction depending on intent.
Another way I'm different from him. Another step on my own path.
Meanwhile, the sect buzzed with tension. Word had spread that Li Xian was returning with a significant entourage—not just attendants but specialists, formation masters, and reportedly even a soul examiner from the Azure Sky Family's main branch.
Disciples whispered nervously. Everyone knew Li Xian's target was Lin Feng, but his methods remained unclear. Would it be direct confrontation? Political maneuvering? Some scheme to force Lin Feng into a position where his secrets would be exposed?
Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt Yun Qingxue's constant anxiety. She'd been pulled into preparations for Li Xian's arrival—as his fiancée, she was expected to greet him formally, maintain appearances, play the role of the dutiful promised bride.
I hate this, her mental voice reached him during the second evening. Pretending to be happy he's returning, accepting his possessive touches, listening to his plans for our 'future together.'
Only a little longer. Once we build the case against him properly, the engagement can be broken.
That could take months! Years! Her frustration bled through their connection. And every day, I'm expected to smile at the man who's trying to kill you.
I know. But we're stronger now. I'm Divine Domain Level 2. You're consolidating toward Level 5. We're not helpless anymore.
We're still not strong enough to challenge a Sovereign Monarch directly.
That was true. Li Tianlong remained the real threat—Sovereign Monarch Level 5, with resources and influence that dwarfed anything Lin Feng or even the Patriarch could mobilize.
The connection faded as Yun Qingxue was called to yet another preparation meeting, leaving Lin Feng alone with his thoughts and training.
On the morning of the third day, Lin Feng stood with other disciples at the Eastern Gate, watching as the Azure Sky Family delegation approached.
The procession was impressive. Twenty cultivators, all at Golden Transformation or higher, riding spirit beasts or floating on formation platforms. At their head, Li Xian sat astride a azure-scaled drake, his cultivation aura radiating Divine Domain Level 2—he'd advanced during his absence.
We're equal in rank now. That's going to make him even more confident.
Beside Li Xian rode his father, Li Tianlong, whose Sovereign Monarch presence made the very air feel heavier. And behind them, a collection of individuals whose spiritual signatures marked them as specialists—formation experts, spirit analysts, and one figure whose aura made Lin Feng's instincts scream danger.
The soul examiner. An elderly woman at Immortal Emperor Level 1, her spiritual sense so refined it felt like being studied under a magnifying glass.
The delegation entered through the gate with ceremonial fanfare. Patriarch Cloud and the Grand Elders waited to receive them, along with the sect's leadership. Yun Qingxue stood in formal robes, her Ice Goddess mask perfectly in place, showing no emotion as Li Xian dismounted and approached her.
"My beloved," Li Xian said loudly enough for all to hear, taking her hand and kissing it with proprietary intimacy. "How I've missed you. The months apart have been agonizing."
"Welcome back, Young Master Li," Yun Qingxue replied formally, her voice conveying nothing but politeness.
Through the Dao Thread, Lin Feng felt her revulsion at the touch, quickly suppressed. He forced himself to remain calm, to not react visibly. Drawing attention now would serve no purpose.
"Patriarch Cloud," Li Tianlong said, his voice carrying authority equal to the ancient cultivator's own. "Thank you for your hospitality. We've come to address some... concerns that have arisen regarding sect security."
"Of course, Patriarch Li. Let us discuss these concerns in private." Patriarch Cloud's tone was diplomatic but firm. "Your delegation may rest in the Azure Guest Hall while we speak."
"Actually," Li Xian interjected, his eyes finding Lin Feng in the crowd of disciples, "I'd like to address one concern immediately, if you'll permit it. The matter of Outer Disciple Lin Feng's unusual cultivation."
The crowd went silent. This was it—the confrontation everyone had been anticipating.
Patriarch Cloud's expression didn't change. "That matter is internal to the sect. Lin Feng is my direct disciple, under my personal supervision."
"And we respect that completely," Li Tianlong said smoothly. "However, given reports of void cultivation—a technique with concerning historical associations—the Azure Sky Family believes a thorough examination would benefit everyone. Demonstrate beyond doubt that there's no danger, put rumors to rest, allow Lin Feng to advance without suspicion hanging over him."
Clever. Frame it as helping me rather than investigating me.
"What kind of examination?" Patriarch Cloud asked, though his tone suggested he already knew.
"We've brought Venerable Nie—" Li Tianlong gestured to the elderly woman, "—one of the Azure Sky Family's most skilled soul examiners. A brief examination of Lin Feng's spiritual foundation and cultivation techniques. Completely non-invasive, purely diagnostic. If he's innocent of any wrongdoing, as I'm certain he is, the examination will confirm it."
Soul examination. The very thing Yun Qingxue had warned about. If Venerable Nie probed Lin Feng's consciousness, she'd discover everything—the Void Emperor's memories, the true nature of the Inverse Void Dao, all his secrets laid bare.
"That's an invasive procedure," Elder Yuan spoke up. "Requiring a cultivator to submit to soul examination suggests suspicion of serious wrongdoing. What exactly is Lin Feng being accused of?"
"Nothing specific," Li Xian said, his smile sharp. "We're simply concerned about the safety of someone who defeated an inner disciple through techniques no one can explain, who practices void cultivation without clear lineage, who advanced impossibly fast. Surely clarifying these mysteries benefits everyone?"
The political trap was elegant. Refuse the examination, and it implied Lin Feng had something to hide. Accept it, and his secrets would be exposed. Either way, Li Xian won.
Patriarch Cloud was silent for a long moment, considering. Through subtle spiritual sense, Lin Feng felt the ancient cultivator reaching out to him:
Your choice. I can refuse on your behalf, but it will cost political capital and confirm their suspicions. Or you can submit to examination, trusting that your void cultivation can resist the probe. Either path has risks.
Lin Feng's mind raced. Could he resist soul examination? The Law of Liberation theoretically allowed challenging any constraint, including mental intrusion. But Venerable Nie was Immortal Emperor Level 1—far stronger than him. And resisting too effectively would itself be suspicious.
What if there's a third option?
An idea formed, audacious and risky. Instead of hiding from the soul examination or resisting it, what if he controlled what was found? Used the Law of Liberation to selectively free certain memories while keeping others constrained?
It would require perfect control. One mistake, and everything gets exposed.
But it was better than the alternatives.
Through the Dao Thread, he felt Yun Qingxue's panic as she realized what he was about to do.
Don't! It's too dangerous!
Trust me. I have a plan.
Before she could argue further, Lin Feng stepped forward from the crowd of disciples. "Patriarch Cloud, if it puts concerns to rest, I'm willing to submit to examination. I have nothing to hide."
The lie came easily—he had everything to hide, but confidence was crucial to selling the deception.
Li Xian's eyes gleamed with triumph. "Excellent! See, Father? The boy has nothing to fear. Venerable Nie, please proceed."
The elderly soul examiner approached, her spiritual sense extending like invisible tendrils. Up close, Lin Feng could see her eyes were milky white—she'd sacrificed physical sight to enhance spiritual perception centuries ago.
"Young cultivator," her voice was surprisingly gentle. "Soul examination can be uncomfortable but shouldn't be painful if you don't resist. Simply open your mind and allow me to observe your spiritual foundation and cultivation methods. I'm looking for signs of demonic corruption, forced cultivation, or forbidden techniques. Nothing more."
"I understand, Venerable Nie."
"Then let us begin."
She placed her withered hand on Lin Feng's forehead. Immediately, he felt her spiritual sense pierce through his surface consciousness, probing deeper toward his true self.
Now. Activate the Law of Liberation.
Lin Feng's Divine Domain manifested internally—the Eternal Void surrounding his consciousness like a protective cocoon. Within that darkness, he could feel Venerable Nie's probe trying to navigate, trying to map his memories and techniques.
But in the void, normal navigation failed. The examiner's spiritual sense encountered not resistance but absence—paths that led nowhere, memories that couldn't be grasped, thoughts that slipped away like water.
"Curious," Venerable Nie murmured. "Your spiritual structure is... unusual. Like trying to examine fog."
She pushed deeper, and Lin Feng allowed it—but guided it. Using the Law of Liberation, he freed certain memories while constraining others. He showed her:
His time as a servant (true, safe to reveal) Finding an ancient cave in the forbidden mountains (true, already known) Consuming a powerful advancement pill (true, explains his rapid growth) Learning void cultivation techniques from ancient texts (partially true, conceals the Void Emperor's identity)
What he kept hidden, buried so deep in the void that even expert examination wouldn't find it:
The Void Emperor's complete memories The true nature of the Inverse Void Dao His actual Divine Domain Level 2 cultivation The full extent of his inherited knowledge
It was like showing someone a book while hiding entire chapters. They'd see enough to satisfy curiosity without glimpsing the full truth.
Venerable Nie's probe continued for several more minutes, thorough and professional. Lin Feng felt her testing different aspects of his cultivation, searching for the telltale signs of demonic corruption or forbidden techniques.
Finally, she withdrew her hand and stepped back, her milky eyes thoughtful.
"Well?" Li Tianlong asked. "What did you find?"
"The boy's cultivation is unusual but not forbidden," Venerable Nie said carefully. "His void techniques are ancient—possibly from the Era of Warring Immortals—but show no signs of demonic influence. His rapid advancement appears genuine, likely due to the high-quality pill he consumed combined with exceptional meridian quality."
"But the void cultivation—" Li Xian began.
"Is perfectly legal," the soul examiner interrupted firmly. "Unusual, yes. Dangerous if misused, certainly. But not forbidden by any sect law I'm aware of. The boy has committed no crime."
Li Xian's face went through several expressions—disbelief, frustration, rage, all quickly masked. "Surely there's something suspicious—"
"Young Master Li," Venerable Nie's tone took on steel. "I have been examining souls for six hundred years. I know demonic cultivation when I see it, and I know innocence. This boy is eccentric in his methods but pure in his intentions. Unless you're questioning my professional judgment?"
The trap had reversed. Li Xian couldn't challenge Venerable Nie's expertise without insulting the Azure Sky Family's own specialist.
"Of course not, Venerable Nie," Li Tianlong said smoothly. "Your word is beyond question. If you declare Lin Feng innocent, then the matter is settled."
But his eyes, studying Lin Feng intently, suggested he didn't believe it was that simple.
Patriarch Cloud spoke, his voice carrying subtle satisfaction: "Then we're all satisfied. Lin Feng has been examined and cleared. I trust this resolves the Azure Sky Family's concerns?"
"It does," Li Tianlong said, though his tone suggested otherwise. "We apologize for any inconvenience. The safety of our allied sects is paramount, and we felt obligated to ensure no danger lurked unseen."
"Your concern is appreciated." Patriarch Cloud's formal tone matched the other patriarch's. "Now, shall we discuss the actual matters that brought you here? Trade agreements, training exchanges, and of course, the upcoming spring wedding?"
At the mention of the wedding, both Lin Feng and Yun Qingxue tensed. Through the Dao Thread, he felt her spike of distress.
"Ah yes, the wedding," Li Tianlong smiled. "Actually, that's part of why we've come. Li Xian and I have decided to accelerate the timeline. Rather than waiting until next spring, we'd like to hold the ceremony in three months."
The announcement hit like a thunderbolt. Three months—not the year they'd been counting on to build a case for breaking the engagement.
Yun Qingxue's face remained impassive, but through their bond, Lin Feng felt her shock and horror.
"That's quite sudden," Patriarch Cloud said carefully. "Such an important ceremony requires extensive preparation."
"We're prepared to handle all arrangements," Li Tianlong assured him. "The Azure Sky Family has the resources to organize a wedding worthy of our two families' alliance. And frankly..." His gaze swept over the assembled disciples, lingering pointedly on Lin Feng, "recent events have made us eager to formalize the bond between our families more quickly. To eliminate any... uncertainty about relationships and loyalties."
The message was clear: marry Yun Qingxue off before her connection to Lin Feng could develop further.
"I see," Patriarch Cloud said neutrally. "This is a significant decision. We'll need to discuss it formally with the Yun family and sect leadership."
"Of course. We're not demanding immediate agreement—just asking that serious consideration be given to accelerating the timeline." Li Tianlong's smile was political perfection. "For the good of both our families."
The formal reception continued, but Lin Feng barely heard the rest. Three months until Yun Qingxue would be married to Li Xian unless they found a way to stop it.
As the crowds dispersed and the Azure Sky delegation was led to their accommodations, Lin Feng felt a sharp tug through the Dao Thread.
Lotus Pavilion. Tonight. We need to talk. Now.
He sent back agreement and made his way through the sect, his mind churning with implications. The soul examination had gone as well as could be hoped—his secrets remained safe. But the accelerated wedding timeline was catastrophic.
At the Lotus Pavilion, he found Yun Qingxue pacing furiously, her Ice Goddess mask completely abandoned. Raw emotion played across her face—fear, anger, desperation.
"Three months," she said without preamble. "Three months until I'm married to that arrogant, murderous bastard."
"We'll find a way to stop it."
"How?! We needed time to build evidence, to document his schemes, to create a legitimate case for breaking the engagement. Three months isn't enough!"
"Then we accelerate our own timeline." Lin Feng activated privacy formations, ensuring complete security. "We prove Li Xian is unsuitable through direct action, not slow investigation."
"What kind of direct action?"
"We catch him in an undeniable crime. Something so blatant that even the political alliance can't excuse it." Lin Feng's voice was firm. "He's planning something—he didn't return just for the wedding announcement. Whatever scheme he's building, we expose it publicly, force his hand, make him reveal his true nature where everyone can see."
"That's risky. If we're caught trying to entrap him—"
"More risky than you marrying him and being trapped in that family forever?" Lin Feng moved closer, taking her hands. "Yun Qingxue, I won't let that happen. I don't care what it costs, what I have to reveal, what risks I have to take. You're not marrying Li Xian."
Through the Dao Thread, his absolute certainty flowed to her. Not empty bravado, but genuine determination backed by growing power.
"Why?" she asked quietly. "Why risk everything for me? The Dao Thread binds us, but you could suppress it, focus on your own survival—"
"Because you're not just my fated companion," Lin Feng interrupted. "You're my partner. My ally. My..." He paused, then said what had been growing in his heart for weeks: "You're the person I'm falling in love with. And I protect the people I love."
Yun Qingxue's ice-blue eyes widened. Through the Dao Thread, he felt her emotions—shock giving way to warmth, fear melting into hope, the careful walls she'd built around her heart beginning to crack.
"You can't say things like that," she whispered. "Not when I'm engaged to someone else, not when everything is so complicated—"
"I can say it because it's true. Because pretending otherwise is its own kind of lie." Lin Feng's voice was gentle but firm. "I know the timing is terrible. I know the political situation is impossible. But I also know that the Dao Thread doesn't bind us as tightly as what I feel when I see you, talk to you, train with you."
"Lin Feng—"
"You don't have to say anything back. I'm not asking for declarations or commitments beyond what we already have." He squeezed her hands gently. "I'm just saying that whatever happens in the next three months, whatever we have to do to stop this wedding, I'll do it. Not because destiny demands it, but because I choose to."
For a long moment, Yun Qingxue simply stared at him. Then, in a voice barely above a whisper:
"I'm falling in love with you too. I have been for weeks, maybe since the examination when you nearly died and I realized losing you would break me." Tears gathered in her eyes—the Ice Goddess crying, an impossibility made real. "But I'm terrified. Because loving you means choosing you over my family, my sect, everything I've been raised to prioritize. And I don't know if I'm brave enough to do that."
"You are. You've been doing it every time you defended me, trained with me, trusted me with your secrets." Lin Feng reached up to wipe away her tears. "And you don't have to choose alone. We'll face whatever comes together."
She laughed shakily. "Together. Against a Sovereign Monarch, political alliances spanning generations, and possibly three Demi-Gods eventually. We're either the bravest or the most foolish people alive."
"Why not both?"
That startled a real laugh from her. Then she stepped forward, closing the distance between them, and did something Lin Feng hadn't expected.
She kissed him.
It was brief, chaste, barely more than a touch of lips. But through the Dao Thread, the sensation amplified—two souls acknowledging their connection, accepting it, choosing it deliberately rather than just accepting fate's decree.
When she pulled back, her eyes held new determination.
"Three months," she said. "We have three months to expose Li Xian, break the engagement, and figure out how to survive what comes after. Starting now, we stop being reactive. We start planning, acting, taking control of our own fate."
"Agreed. What's our first move?"
"Information. Li Xian brought specialists and soldiers—far more than a simple visit requires. He's planning something specific, probably targeting you. We need to know what, so we can counter it."
"I know someone who might help." Lin Feng thought of Fan Wu, the Lucky Wanderer. "His constitution ensures he's in the right place at the right time. If anyone can 'accidentally' overhear Li Xian's plans, it's him."
"Good. I'll increase my monitoring of Azure Sky communications. Between my position and the Dao Thread, I can coordinate our efforts perfectly."
"And I'll continue advancing. The stronger I get, the fewer options Li Xian has against me."
They spent the next hour planning, strategizing, considering contingencies. By the time they separated, both felt more prepared for the battle ahead.
As Lin Feng returned to his quarters, he reflected on how much had changed in just weeks. He'd gone from hiding and surviving to actively fighting for his future. From accepting fate's cruelty to defying it. From being alone to having someone he loved standing beside him.
The Void Emperor died alone, betrayed by those he trusted.
I'm building something different. Bonds forged in truth rather than politics, love chosen rather than convenient, strength shared rather than hoarded.
Maybe that's what will let me succeed where he failed.
Through his window, Lin Feng could see the Azure Guest Hall where Li Xian and his delegation rested, plotting their next moves. Three months until the wedding. Three months to change everything.
The countdown had begun.
But this time, Lin Feng wasn't just reacting to threats.
He was preparing to take the offensive.
END OF CHAPTER 16
TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 17: SHADOWS AND SCHEMES