Defiance of the Fall Chapter 1389: Sabotage

“That’s a new development,” Esmeralda remarked, stepping out from the Shrine of Kanba. “Call me pessimistic, but I doubt that’s a favorable sign.”

“You could say that,” Zac replied with a rough, gravelly voice, his eyes fixed on the firmament.

The magical formation above was nearly a perfect replica of the one he had encountered on the flip side. Fortunately, this version was more of a spectral projection than a physical construct; it lacked the thousands of auxiliary arrays and the massive castle that anchored the original. Nevertheless, even the small portion of power it radiated was potent enough to push back the heavy clouds.

The sight defied logic. Theoretically, this faded projection should not possess the strength required to repel Sevona’s storm clouds, which were fueled by the island’s own essence. While the clouds had less prestigious origins than the magic circle, they held the advantage in raw, unbridled power. Zac couldn't be certain, but it felt as though the clouds were bewildered. Instead of utilizing brute force to resist, the circle had essentially deceived the Natural Formations into believing it was a native part of the island.

The ruse wasn't flawless, as the clouds continued to exert pressure, but the circle appeared to be gaining momentum rather than fading. He wondered if the desert fortresses were acting like tuning forks, forcing the two disparate timelines to merge.

[Did you sense anything inside?] Zac inquired, opting for a telepathic link just to be safe.

Esmeralda simply shook her head in the negative.

As Zac outlined the current situation, Esmeralda’s features darkened with concern.

[Idiche?] Zac called out, suddenly struck by the fact that she hadn't uttered a single sound since they had arrived.

He turned to find her staring into the void, her eyes glazed and vacant. “Are you alright?”

Receiving no response, Zac gripped Idiche’s shoulder and channeled Void Energy along with his Dao into her. The Void Energy was accepted without resistance, but his Dao was violently repelled by something situated in her upper spine. It radiated an ancient presence similar to what he had glimpsed in her eyes while she slept. That mysterious power was currently battling the massive influx of corruption flooding Idiche’s Soul Aperture, and it had branded Zac’s Dao of Death as a hostile entity.

Zac immediately withdrew his Dao and aligned his efforts with the unknown power. He pulled a significant portion of the corruption back into [Purity of the Void] to be processed. Any fragments that resisted his pull were struck with Void Energy, leading to their total annihilation. In a single motion, Zac purged a vast amount of the madness before pulling back his energy. The remaining corruption should be manageable for Idiche to handle on her own.

“That… What was that…” Idiche muttered a minute later, her gaze still somewhat distant.

“As I told you, those whispers are nothing but lies.”

“But… it felt so authentic,” Idiche gasped as she regained her composure. “It felt as though the realizations I had in my dreams were finally within my reach.”

“The corruption hides a seed of genuine enlightenment; that’s the trap,” Zac explained with a shrug. “You believe you’re using it to transcend your limits, unaware that it has already moved the finish line. Before long, you won't even recognize who you used to be. Eventually, only the malice remains. You’ll see what I mean when we finally confront the invaders.”

“You speak with a lot of authority on the subject,” Idiche noted suspiciously. “I’ve noticed how greedily you’ve been gathering those crystals. You should probably heed your own advice.”

“That’s different. The princess has a specific interest in those items,” Zac countered quickly, though he knew there was a kernel of truth in her warning.

Zac knew he couldn't become so dependent on Ultom’s insights that he lost his own ability to resolve cultivation hurdles. Then again, the luxury of solving problems without external help was something Zac had rarely enjoyed since beginning his path. Only his stint in the Perennial Vastness offered anything resembling the centuries of stability most cultivators took for granted.

“I don't think we’ve been spotted yet, but we should relocate just to be certain,” Esmeralda advised.

Zac nodded and resumed the lead as they crept toward the concealed valley. They quickly discovered that despite the incredibly dense ambient energy, there were no Natural Formations to block their path. Their movement was so unhindered that they paused several times to ensure they hadn't fallen into a sophisticated illusion.

They hadn't. Within ten minutes, they reached a hidden ridge overlooking the valley. A massive lake dominated the area, reminding Zac of his own Soul Aperture from the past. Rather than a collision of Life and Death, this lake was a turbulent mix of pure corruption and terrifyingly realistic illusory water. A jagged island sat in the center, mirroring his Soul Core.

Observing the altar being built on that lone island, it was clear that Sevona’s attempts to halt the incursion were about to be sabotaged.

“So, this is where they’ve gathered,” Esmeralda whispered as they surveyed the area.

A handful of individuals were finishing the altar, while a larger group of invaders systematically laid out a complex formation that covered the entire island. Zac counted eighteen people on the island, with another six positioning array flags around the lake's perimeter. They had also widened the channel meant to drain rainwater. While underground streams seemed to feed the lake, the drainage was clearly exceeding the inflow now that the storm had ceased.

There was no need for a detailed scan. The altar pulsed with the unmistakable aura of the Lost Plane, and most of the workers were utilizing corrupted energy for the installation. Much like the group they had seen previously, these people felt no need for secrecy. Zac understood why; reaching this location without the secret mountain path would have required immense effort and luck.

“What is happening? What are they planning?” Idiche whispered. “Wait, I recognize them! Over half of those people belong to the Hastor Society.”

Zac had a vague memory of the Hastor Society. Unlike the Explorer’s Guild, which recruited from across the Mercurial Courts, this group was primarily composed of Clan Hastor’s descendants and their loyalists. The Mercurial Court didn't officially support or ban the rise of powerful families, and several dozens had established lasting legacies within the Sect.

This was apparently a common trend in many Sects, even if such powerful clans threatened the Sect’s central authority. Ventus, who had been recruited externally by the Radiant Temple, often grumbled about the noble families in his homeland. Sect leaders usually ignored them as long as the families didn't overstep. Of course, some Sects eventually became clans in everything but name.

“Damn it, when did Zorm manifest his Inner World? I saw him just months ago, and he didn't look anywhere near a breakthrough. Was he hiding his strength, or has he been replaced?” Idiche muttered, her voice tinged with jealousy.

She was pointing out the only Monarch present. Given his muscular build and his role as an overseer, Zac guessed he followed a martial path. His aura was flickering, suggesting his Inner World hadn't fully settled yet. Even so, he was a dangerous opponent.

Suddenly, Idiche’s eyes burned with fury and confusion. She hissed through clenched teeth, “How is he still projecting Imperial Faith if he’s turned traitor?”

Zorm wasn't the only one. The entire formation was being constructed from a twisted blend of Faith, Time, and the corruption of the Lost Plane.

“They likely believe they are the true heirs to the Imperial Fate,” Zac said with a shrug. “You’ve felt that corruption. It can make black seem white.”

“Fine, I suppose that isn't the primary concern,” Idiche said slowly. “This group… I don't think we can take them. The Hastor Society is full of brawlers. I can't handle too many at once. I might be able to stall Zorm for a minute or two, provided he doesn't use that horrific energy.”

“And what if you fall asleep first?” Esmeralda asked with a smirk.

“I doubt it would change much. Our issue isn't just Zorm. I sense a hidden threat—someone else is watching from the shadows. There’s likely another Monarch nearby,” Zac noted. “And unlike those drakes, these people have the home-ground advantage. I don't see us winning unless we find a way to divide them.”

“I thought I taught you better. Violence isn't the only solution to every problem,” Esmeralda complained. “Let the Great Esmeralda handle this. Just be ready to clean up the mess afterward.”

“Oh? By all means. Watching a teacher work is always an education,” Zac said with a grin. The eager toad vanished after setting up a permanent isolation barrier around their position.

“Are you certain about this?” Idiche hesitated. “Your pet hasn't exactly been the most reliable partner so far.”

“Perhaps. It’s just that her specific talents haven't had a chance to be used yet.”

“And what talents are those, exactly?”

“Unauthorized wealth acquisition,” Zac replied after a brief pause.

“So, she's a thief? And you claim she’s your master,” Idiche laughed in disbelief. “You’re quite the lawkeeper.”

“To catch a thief, one must think like one,” Zac explained solemnly.

“I see your point, but we aren't here to rob the Hastor Society, are we?”

“Why not? Think about what happens if the array flags vanish at a critical moment. Or if that altar suddenly goes missing?”

Idiche glanced at the jewel-encrusted altar and then at the bubbling corruption in the lake. Realization dawned on her, and she retreated further behind their cover. “Oh. This is going to be disastrous.”

“You still need to be ready for a brutal fight,” Zac warned. “It would be great if the malfunctioning array killed them all, but we shouldn't count on being that lucky. We have to strike hard and fast the moment the opening appears. No mercy. No talking, no prisoners.”

“I understand,” Idiche replied seriously.

Zac didn't voice his doubts regarding Idiche’s combat effectiveness. These Court Disciples were clearly overprotected, and he wasn't sure how she would handle a life-or-death struggle against other Cultivators. It was a shame there had been no sign of Astora Theomore in Adventurer’s Cove. He remembered the chilling aura she had displayed during the purge at the Transformation Docks; she likely could have wiped out this entire group alone.

There was nothing else to be done. If the plan worked, excellent. If not, Esmeralda would at least disrupt the ritual. While victory wasn't guaranteed, Zac was confident they could retreat if things turned sour.

Two hours passed in silence as the Hastor Society finished their preparations. During that time, there was no sign of Esmeralda, which Zac took as a positive sign. However, Sevona’s water was losing the battle, and the magic circle in the sky was becoming more tangible by the minute.

Zac could even detect traces of that massive entity he had sensed in his vision. Could it be the one leading the operation from the other side? A consciousness that vast had to belong to at least a Divine Monarch, perhaps even something higher.

“It’s almost time,” Zac whispered as the lake began to churn violently.

The invaders had linked the massive pool of corruption to the altar, and using that volatile power put them on a strict deadline. The infused Imperial Faith was fighting back, but Zac could see the materials of the array flags warping into an unstable mixture of Dao from different Eras.

“That array will blow in ten minutes if they don't start it,” Zac said, tightening his grip on his axe.

The Hastor Society waited another six minutes before Zorm and four of his followers lit six candles on the altar. Six columns of pure corruption erupted from the lake, surging upward with enough force to seemingly pierce the sky. The remaining rainwater was powerless to stop it. As the tremors grew, the grand array began to flicker with erratic Temporal Energies, and the valley shook as desert sand began to manifest out of thin air.

At that exact moment, six of the outer Array Flags vanished.

Three of the corrupted pillars collapsed instantly, replaced by massive geysers of groundwater. This refilled the lake and reignited the elemental conflict with fresh intensity. The four remaining outer flags couldn't handle the sudden surge in pressure and shattered simultaneously, causing cracks to spiderweb across the island’s main formation.

The Hastor Society scrambled to activate a backup containment field. However, this wasn't an accident—it was sabotage. Zac caught a faint shimmer near the altar, and every single Temporal Crystal vanished the moment Zorm’s focus was diverted. In their place appeared Miasma Crystals covered in runes Zac didn't recognize.

“NO—!” Zorm’s scream was drowned out by a cataclysmic explosion that slammed Zac into the ground.

Four chains anchored Zac to the earth, while another two prevented Idiche from being blown away by a shockwave of chaotic energy. The resulting destruction far surpassed the previous noise, and the scene left in the wake of the dust and corruption was one of total devastation.

The lake had vanished—both the rainwater and the liquid Dead Dao. It looked as though a giant had struck the mountain a second time, transforming the valley into a chasm that plunged miles down. The island remained as the epicenter, its edges barely clinging to the sides of the new rift. Zac was stunned by Esmeralda’s flair for the dramatic. She enjoyed calling him a troublemaker, but she was clearly just as chaotic.

The infiltrators fared no better. The massive discharge of corruption had exploded in their faces. Some were missing entirely, while others lay broken on the slopes. Most of the survivors had been warped into flesh-twisted monstrosities, similar to those Zac had seen in the alternate Transformation Docks.

It was time for the cleanup. Zac lunged forward at top speed, dodging the corrosive gas rising from the mountain’s new wounds. He heard Esmeralda’s laughter echoing through the valley as two streaks of light vanished toward the horizon. Not only had she wrecked the ritual, but she had also successfully baited the hidden Monarch away. The opportunity was too perfect to pass up, and Zac adjusted his strategy on the fly.

[Move out!] Zac commanded, charging toward the largest remaining piece of the island.

Less than a dozen miles lay between Zac and his targets, with no barriers in his way. He arrived in a whirlwind of Abyssal Death, releasing thick clouds of necrotic energy. With another burst of speed, he bypassed two invaders trying to stand, his arm moving in a blur as he unleashed two arcs of darkness. Still stunned by the explosion and blinded by the sensory-dulling field of [Abyssal Drive], they never stood a chance.

Zac was already moving by the time the invaders fell in heaps of mutated flesh. His targets were Zorm and the five guards surrounding him. They were the most powerful, but they had also taken the brunt of the magical backlash. Only two still looked human, and Zorm’s aura was a chaotic mess.

Zac was impressed that Zorm was still upright after such a disaster. Monarchs were truly like cockroaches—hard to kill. But everything had a breaking point.

“Incoming!” Zorm bellowed, throwing a massive punch.

The blow had the power to level a mountain, but it did nothing against the absolute void that consumed the land for miles around. The fog of [Fields of Despair] blinded the survivors, turning the ruined valley into a realm of the dead. [Deathmark] added a layer of lethal rot, and the first wave of wraiths began to crawl from the darkness.

Looming over the battlefield was a solitary, desolate eye surrounded by orbiting spectral figures. The sound of rattling chains formed a terrifying melody, welcoming the newcomers to the underworld. Zac had merged with the gloom, clad in the [Arbiter of the Abyss]’s judgmental robes as he closed in.

“Form up!” the wounded Monarch barked, smashing an axe-wielding wraith, only to realize his team had been separated.

Zac had done this by design. [Eye of Desolation] possessed two layers, and he had shifted the subordinates to the secondary one. His ultimate ability and [Deathmark] wouldn't be enough to finish the entire squad of Late and Peak Hegemons on their own. However, the restrictive environment was enough to keep them distracted while Zac focused on the primary target.

Usually, Zac would clear out the smaller threats first, but the second Monarch would eventually realize the trick and return. Zorm had to die before that happened. This was going to be Zac’s first true solo hunt of a Monarch.