The sky did not darken naturally.
It warped.
Clouds folded inward like a closing eye, lightning flashing silently within them. Cultivators across the sect froze, a deep instinctual fear gripping their souls.
Elder Yue appeared beside Li Shen instantly.
"This is no natural phenomenon," she said grimly. "Heaven has noticed you."
Li Shen looked up. For the first time, he felt something looking back.
Not a god.
A system.
A cold, absolute presence that measured existence itself.
His chest burned as an invisible mark etched itself into his soul.
Elder Yue grabbed his shoulder. "Listen to me carefully. From this moment on, every step you take will invite calamity."
Li Shen nodded slowly.
"Good," she said. "Fear would have disappointed me."
Thunder finally roared.
Lightning traced shapes like chains across the sky.
Heaven was preparing judgment