A gigantic rift split open in the void. A powerful suction roared from its depths, twisting and warping the space all around.
With a thunderous shout, Jared swung again, widening the fissure until it spread into a full-fledged passage leading straight to Third Heaven.
Inside that passage, lights flashed and shimmered, and through the flicker one could faintly glimpse the spectacular scenery beyond.
“T-This… How is this even possible?”
Jemima and Jhaelyn stared wide-eyed, their faces awash with disbelief. Never had they seen anyone split the void so effortlessly and carve out an entirely new passage.
“Come on,” Jared said with a casual grin, then turned toward Flaxseed. “Mr. Flaxseed, care to blaze a trail through Third Heaven with me?”
Flaxseed bared his teeth in a hearty laugh. “Wherever you go, I’m right behind you. When I’m with you, I’m never short of female company, anyway!”
The four stepped into the passage, which slowly sealed shut behind them.
The very instant they emerged on the far side, a tide of celestial energy so thick it almost took physical form surged over them.
Above Third Heaven stretched a sky of uncanny violet, within which enormous floating islands drifted, each island radiating a formidable presence of its own.
“So this is the air of Third Heaven-completely different indeed!” Gazing at this unfamiliar yet exhilarating world, Jared’s eyes blazed with fighting spirit.
The Destiny Sect, the Barbaric Clan, Bloodshadow Palace, and even the Seventh Hall, Jared intended to visit them one by one.
With the power wielded now, could very well prove invincible throughout Third Heaven. Barely had the quartet set foot in this realm when word of their arrival reached every corner.
Several ancient families began watching Jared closely; anyone capable of opening a void passage was no ordinary cultivator. Each family dispatched its spies, eager to uncover Jared’s background.
Meanwhile, in a mysterious corner of Third Heaven, an elderly man cloaked in black slowly opened his eyes. A chill glinted within them.
“A youngster out of Second Heaven who can carve a passage through the void… Intriguing… Truly intriguing….”
***
Jared, Jemima, Jhaelyn, and Flaxseed casually chose an island on which to settle for the moment. Once they were familiar with their surroundings, Jared planned to pay those various powers a proper visit.
What Jared did not know was that the island they had selected was called Azurecloud Island, rich in celestial energy, but remote enough to serve as a temporary haven.
They had barely established a foothold, however, when trouble came knocking.
Azurecloud Island was the domain of a minor power known as the Azurecloud Sect. Though not prominent in Third Heaven, the sect was by no means negligible.
When disciples of that sect discovered outsiders occupying their island, they reported the matter to their headquarters at once.
Upon hearing the news, the sect leader, Everett Cloud, personally led a band of strong cultivators to the scene.
“Who are you brats that dare occupy my Azurecloud Island!” Everett hovered in the sky, looking down on Jared and the others with undisguised arrogance.
Jared lifted his gaze and answered calmly, “We’re only staying temporarily. Once we find a more suitable place, we’ll leave of our own accord.”
He spoke exceedingly politely, for had no wish to clash with the Azurecloud Sect before him. It was not that Jared was soft-hearted, it was simply that, in his eyes, these people were no different from ants.
And who has the enthusiasm to brawl with ants?
Eyeing them up and down, Everett realized their strongest member was merely at the Wandering Immortal Realm Level Five.
How had cultivators of such paltry strength reached Third Heaven in the first place?
“You’re from Second Heaven, aren’t you? Were you swept here by chaotic void currents?” Everett asked with evident curiosity.
Jared had no desire for a lengthy explanation, so merely nodded.
Seeing that they were indeed Second Heaven cultivators accidentally dragged here by the void, Everett grew even more overbearing.
“Hmph! Azurecloud Sect is no place for a casual stay. Either leave now or die. The choice is yours,” sneered coldly.
