The ritual chamber pulsed with corruption so intense that Lin Feng's void cultivation recoiled instinctively. Shadow Serpent sat at the center of a formation carved in blood—forty-three channels radiating outward like a grotesque spider web, each glowing with spiritual energy siphoned from bound captives.
Not just demonic cultivation, Lin Feng's analytical mind recognized with cold horror. Blood sacrifice. He's using human lives to fuel breakthrough.
Through his spatial perception, he counted seventeen captives—all mortal, all barely conscious, spiritual energy being drained systematically to feed Shadow Serpent's advancement. The ritual was approximately sixty percent complete, demonic cultivator's spiritual signature fluctuating as he attempted stabilization at Sovereign Monarch Level 5.
Lin Feng's consciousness divided into nine streams, analyzing the ritual structure from every angle:
Stream One: Mapping formation geometry and energy flowStream Two: Calculating optimal disruption pointsStream Three: Monitoring Shadow Serpent's breakthrough progressStream Four: Tracking chamber exits and patrol patternsStream Five: Coordinating void energy for disruption strikeStream Six: Maintaining dimensional isolationStream Seven: Processing combat contingenciesStream Eight: Monitoring spiritual energy reservesStream Nine: Overall coordination and threat assessment
Through his dao companion bond, he felt Qingxue's alarm intensify—she sensed his proximity to extreme danger and was no doubt arguing with Zhang Tian about immediate extraction.
But extraction meant leaving seventeen innocents to die fueling demonic breakthrough. It meant Shadow Serpent achieving Level 5 before Azure Sky assault could stop him. It meant higher casualties among the combat team.
Unacceptable.
Lin Feng identified three critical formation nodes—disrupting any one would cascade failure through the entire ritual structure. The problem was that all three nodes were within ten meters of Shadow Serpent's position, and even partially focused, a Sovereign Monarch Level 4 would detect hostile spiritual energy at that range.
Unless that spiritual energy was void-based and deployed from dimensional isolation.
He had perhaps three minutes before Azure Sky assault began—enough time for one strike, no room for error, and absolute commitment to whatever consequences followed.
Lin Feng moved silently through the chamber's periphery, his spatial perception tracking Shadow Serpent's consciousness focus. The demonic cultivator was entirely absorbed in breakthrough stabilization, spiritual energy cycling through increasingly violent patterns as he forced advancement beyond natural capacity.
Two minutes to assault. Position for strike.
He approached the western formation node—carved spiral that channeled energy from six captives directly into Shadow Serpent's core. Disrupting it would collapse one-third of the ritual's power supply, forcing either ritual abandonment or catastrophic destabilization.
One minute thirty seconds. Begin void energy gathering.
Lin Feng compressed void energy within dimensional isolation pocket, creating a spatial attack that existed in isolated dimensional space until deployment. The technique was theoretically possible based on his dimensional engineering studies but completely untested in actual combat.
Definitely should have practiced this first, his analytical mind observed dryly.
One minute. Prepare strike.
The dimensional isolation pocket containing compressed void energy was ready—approximately forty percent of his total spiritual reserves concentrated into single devastating strike. He positioned it directly above the western formation node, spatial anchoring allowing precise placement despite physical distance.
Thirty seconds. Azure Sky assault imminent.
Through compound walls, his spatial perception detected combat team approaching assault positions. Commander Liu had taken point, Elder Feng and Elder Shen flanking, Zhang Tian coordinating from support position with Master Zhao.
Twenty seconds. Commit or abort.
Shadow Serpent's spiritual signature surged—breakthrough approaching critical juncture. If Lin Feng waited for Azure Sky assault, the ritual might complete first.
Ten seconds. Decision made.
He released the dimensional isolation pocket directly onto the formation node while simultaneously activating spatial anchor for emergency extraction.
The compressed void energy exploded outward as dimensional isolation collapsed, void energy interacting catastrophically with demonic formation structure. The western formation node shattered completely, six channels of siphoned spiritual energy severing instantly.
Shadow Serpent's eyes snapped open—immediately aware despite breakthrough absorption—as the ritual destabilized violently.
"INTRUDER!" His voice carried Sovereign Monarch authority that would have paralyzed weaker cultivators. "WHO DARES—"
The Azure Sky assault began precisely on schedule—compound walls exploding inward as formation-enhanced explosives created three simultaneous breach points. Commander Liu led charge through eastern breach, spiritual sword manifesting in blazing azure light.
Shadow Serpent's attention divided instantly between internal sabotage and external assault. His spiritual energy erupted outward in defensive barrier while attempting to salvage the collapsing ritual simultaneously.
Lin Feng used Void Step to relocate across the chamber, targeting the second formation node while Shadow Serpent was still reacting to multiple threats. His consciousness streams processed tactical situation at maximum capacity:
Fifteen demonic cultivators converging on ritual chamber. Azure Sky combat team engaging ten more at compound entrance. Shadow Serpent attempting ritual stabilization despite disruption. Seventeen captives still bound to failing formation.
He deployed spatial formation around the second node—not destroying it immediately, but isolating it from surrounding energy flows. The ritual's power supply dropped another third, forcing Shadow Serpent to choose: abandon breakthrough attempt, or continue despite knowing it would likely fail.
The demonic cultivator chose violence.
Shadow Serpent surged from ritual position, abandoning breakthrough entirely to eliminate immediate threat. His spiritual pressure crashed down like physical weight—Sovereign Monarch Level 4 releasing full power in confined space.
Lin Feng's consciousness nearly fragmented under the pressure. Only his void cultivation's fundamental nature—being empty rather than filled—allowed him to partially deflect the overwhelming force.
"YOU," Shadow Serpent snarled, recognition dawning in corrupted eyes. "The Void Walker. The Crimson Slayer. I should have known."
Great. He knows who I am. That's definitely going to make this easier.
Shadow Serpent attacked with speed that made Lin Feng's spatial perception struggle to track. The demonic cultivator crossed twenty meters in less than a second, clawed hand wreathed in corrosive spiritual energy aimed directly at Lin Feng's throat.
Void Step carried him away, spatial anchor activating simultaneously—emergency extraction toward the position one kilometer distant where extraction point waited.
The anchor pulled—
—and stopped.
Shadow Serpent's spiritual energy had created spatial lock, disrupting teleportation capabilities through raw power overwhelming Lin Feng's formation.
Extraction compromised. Spatial lock active. New plan required immediately.
Lin Feng's consciousness streams recalculated tactics in microseconds. He couldn't teleport, couldn't outrun a Sovereign Monarch, and definitely couldn't defeat one in direct combat. Available options: survive until Azure Sky combat team reached ritual chamber, use terrain to avoid direct engagement, create sufficient chaos that Shadow Serpent couldn't maintain focus on single target.
He chose chaos.
Using every void formation he'd mastered, Lin Feng created spatial disruptions throughout the chamber. Dimensional pockets opened randomly, gravity fluctuated unpredictably, space itself became unstable as he prioritized maximum chaos over efficient energy use.
Shadow Serpent's pursuit became complicated as spatial distortions forced him to navigate carefully rather than attacking directly. Each second of delay allowed Azure Sky combat team to penetrate deeper into compound.
"CLEVER INSECT," Shadow Serpent roared, spiritual energy surging to dispel Lin Feng's formations systematically. "BUT INSUFFICIENT."
A wave of demonic energy crashed through the chamber, overwhelming most of Lin Feng's spatial disruptions through raw power. The cultivator's level advantage was simply too great—what would stall Divine Domain cultivator barely inconvenienced Sovereign Monarch.
Lin Feng deployed dimensional isolation as Shadow Serpent closed range again, temporarily vanishing from spiritual detection. The technique lasted three seconds before Shadow Serpent's overwhelming spiritual pressure disrupted the dimensional pocket through sheer force.
Down to fifteen percent spiritual energy. Two more significant techniques maximum before complete depletion.
Through compound corridors, his spatial perception detected Azure Sky combat team fighting through fifteen demonic cultivators. Commander Liu was cutting through opposition efficiently, but they still needed another thirty seconds to reach ritual chamber.
Thirty seconds. Need to survive thirty seconds against Sovereign Monarch Level 4 with fifteen percent spiritual energy remaining.
Shadow Serpent attacked again—impossibly fast combination strike that Lin Feng barely evaded using Void Step. The demonic cultivator's follow-up caught him mid-teleport, corrosive energy slamming into his hastily deployed void barrier.
The barrier shattered. Lin Feng was thrown across the chamber, crashing into stone wall hard enough to crack ribs. His consciousness fragmented briefly from pain and shock, streams collapsing from nine to five as infrastructure struggled to maintain coherence.
Five percent spiritual energy. One technique remaining. Twenty seconds until support arrives.
Shadow Serpent approached with predatory confidence, knowing his prey was nearly depleted. "The Crimson Empress spoke of you. She said you had unusual potential, that eliminating you would require patience and planning." He raised one clawed hand. "I choose directness."
Lin Feng's consciousness streams—reduced to five but still functional—calculated one final gambit. The third formation node was three meters behind Shadow Serpent. If he could trigger void energy explosion centered on that node while Shadow Serpent was executing killing strike, the resulting chaos might save him.
Might.
Also might kill him along with Shadow Serpent.
Acceptable odds given alternatives.
He gathered his remaining spiritual energy—five percent, barely enough—and compressed it into single void energy spike. Not a sophisticated technique, just raw void essence condensed to maximum destructive potential.
Shadow Serpent's killing strike descended toward Lin Feng's position.
Lin Feng released the void spike directly at the third formation node behind Shadow Serpent while simultaneously activating every defensive technique he could manifest with zero spiritual energy remaining.
The formation node exploded.
The ritual structure collapsed completely, all remaining spiritual energy releasing simultaneously in catastrophic cascade. Shadow Serpent's killing strike was interrupted as he was forced to defend against massive explosion originating from directly behind him.
Lin Feng's void barrier—powered by desperation more than actual energy—partially deflected the explosion's force. Partially.
He was thrown across the chamber again, consciousness finally fragmenting completely as infrastructure collapsed under compound trauma. His last coherent awareness registered Azure Sky combat team breaching into ritual chamber, Commander Liu's sword engaging Shadow Serpent, and Qingxue's alarm through dao companion bond reaching panic levels.
Then nothing.
Awakening
Consciousness returned gradually, fragmented streams reassembling slowly like shattered mirror being carefully pieced together. Lin Feng became aware of sensations in sequence: pain (considerable), spiritual energy (nearly zero), location (unknown but relatively safe), time (indeterminate).
He opened his eyes to discover Qingxue sitting beside him, her expression carefully controlled but dao companion bond radiating overwhelming relief.
"You're awake," she said quietly. "That's good. I was preparing to murder you myself if you died from that stunt."
"Shadow Serpent?" Lin Feng's voice came out hoarse.
"Captured. Currently being interrogated by Azure Sky. The ritual disruption left him destabilized—breakthrough attempt failing mid-process significantly weakened his combat effectiveness. Commander Liu subdued him after ten-minute engagement."
"Casualties?"
"Three Azure Sky operatives wounded, none killed. Seventeen captives recovered alive. All forty-three demonic cultivators killed or captured." Qingxue's tone shifted from relief to ice. "You, however, suffered three cracked ribs, severe spiritual energy depletion, consciousness infrastructure damage requiring three weeks recovery minimum, and complete violation of extraction orders that nearly got you killed."
Lin Feng's consciousness streams—currently limited to three functional streams—processed her assessment. "But mission successful."
"Mission successful," she agreed coldly. "At cost of you being unconscious for sixteen hours, requiring intensive spiritual healing, and making tactical decision without authorization that could have resulted in your death."
Through their bond, he felt the complex emotions beneath her controlled exterior—genuine relief at his survival, fury at his risk-taking, and grudging acknowledgment that his gambit had worked.
"Would you have made different decision?" he asked carefully.
Long silence. Then: "No. If I'd had your capabilities, I would have done exactly the same thing. Which is why I'm furious—because I understand the logic and hate that the logic was sound."
"So you're angry that my tactical decision was correct?"
"I'm angry that correct tactical decision nearly killed you. There's a difference." She produced jade slip. "Zhang Tian wants debrief once you're recovered. Han Shu and Liu Feng are having pointed discussion about whether your bodyguards should have prevented you from making suicidal decisions. And Grand Elder Bingxin is... displeased... that you damaged consciousness infrastructure she's been carefully cultivating."
Lin Feng's analytical mind cataloged the complications his decision had created. Mission success didn't eliminate concerns about command disobedience, reckless risk-taking, or recovery time lost from intensive cultivation schedule.
"How bad is consciousness infrastructure damage?" he asked.
"Three streams maximum for next three weeks. Limited spatial perception range. No dimensional techniques for two weeks minimum. Basically you're operating at forty percent capacity until full recovery."
That was significant setback for the eighteen-month timeline. Three weeks operating at reduced capacity meant lost cultivation progress, delayed dimensional engineering study, and compromised combat training.
"But forty-three thousand spiritual stones payment will fund three months of operations," Qingxue continued, her tone softening slightly. "Mission intelligence identified Shadow Serpent's complete recruitment network—Azure Sky is systematically dismantling remnant Crimson Empress organization. And you prevented Sovereign Monarch Level 5 breakthrough that would have created continental-level threat."
She paused, then added quietly: "You made impossible choice under pressure and succeeded. Just... try not to make habit of nearly dying for tactical advantage."
"No promises," Lin Feng said, managing weak smile despite pain. "Tactical advantage is kind of what I do."
"I know." She squeezed his hand gently. "Which is why I prepared organizational schedule adjustment accounting for three-week recovery period. We're still on track for overall timeline—assuming you don't nearly die again within next sixteen months."
Through their dao companion bond, Lin Feng felt her determination to keep him alive regardless of tactical opportunities. He also felt her acceptance that his cultivation path would continue generating dangerous situations requiring calculated risks.
Partnership that accepts both our natures, he thought. Even the difficult parts.
"Thank you," he said simply.
"For what?"
"For understanding why I made that choice. For being angry at the risk while acknowledging the necessity. For already having adjustment plans prepared before I woke up."
Qingxue's expression softened further. "Someone has to handle logistics while you're busy making tactically brilliant but personally terrifying decisions. That's what partnership means."
Three Days Later - Debrief
Zhang Tian's expression was difficult to read as Lin Feng provided detailed mission report in Azure Sky's secure facility. The Patriarch had listened without interruption for thirty minutes while Lin Feng explained his tactical reasoning, decision to remain despite extraction orders, and ritual disruption sequence.
"You disobeyed direct order," Zhang Tian said when Lin Feng finished. Not accusation, just statement of fact.
"Yes," Lin Feng acknowledged. "I assessed that ritual disruption would save lives during assault and prevent Level 5 breakthrough. Tactical benefit exceeded risk of personal injury."
"You were nearly killed."
"Nearly. But not actually." Lin Feng met Zhang Tian's gaze steadily. "Would you have preferred Shadow Serpent achieve Level 5 breakthrough during assault? Or higher combat team casualties fighting through compound without intelligence advantage?"
"I would have preferred following established extraction protocols that exist specifically to prevent operatives from making lone tactical decisions with incomplete information." Zhang Tian's tone remained neutral. "However."
He produced jade slip containing mission analysis.
"However, your assessment was correct. Shadow Serpent was ninety seconds from completing breakthrough when you disrupted the ritual. If assault had proceeded without disruption, he would have achieved Level 5 before engagement—likely resulting in multiple combat team casualties and possible mission failure. Your tactical decision, while violating command structure, demonstrably saved lives and ensured mission success."
Zhang Tian set down the jade slip. "Which creates interesting dilemma. I should reprimand you for command disobedience. I should reduce mission payment for protocol violations. I should restrict your future operation involvement."
"But?" Lin Feng prompted.
"But you accomplished exactly what we hoped—prevented demonic organization rebuild and eliminated continental-level threat. And you did it through tactical genius rather than reckless abandon. The command disobedience was calculated rather than impulsive."
Zhang Tian's expression shifted to something approaching respect. "In recognition of mission success and tactical excellence, Azure Sky is paying full forty-three thousand spiritual stone contract plus ten thousand bonus for preventing Level 5 breakthrough. However—"
His tone hardened.
"—if you accept future Azure Sky contracts, you will be designated 'autonomous operative with tactical discretion.' That designation provides freedom to make command decisions but also makes you fully responsible for consequences. No institutional support if your tactical decisions result in catastrophic failure. Clear?"
Lin Feng's consciousness streams analyzed the designation. It gave him freedom to operate according to tactical assessment while Azure Sky protected themselves from liability if his decisions went wrong. Fair arrangement given circumstances.
"Clear," he confirmed. "Autonomous operative with tactical discretion."
"Good. Mission debrief complete. My operatives will transfer payment to your accounts within three days." Zhang Tian's expression returned to his characteristic pragmatism. "I look forward to not working with you again until you're fully recovered and no longer making my strategic planning complicated."
"Appreciated," Lin Feng said, recognizing the dismissal.
As he left the briefing chamber with Qingxue, his dao companion observed: "You just negotiated autonomous operative status with one of the continent's major intelligence factions."
"I disobeyed orders and nearly died, then got rewarded for it because the tactical gambit worked," Lin Feng corrected. "I'm not certain that's sustainable career strategy."
"Probably not," Qingxue agreed. "But it's consistent with your established pattern of accomplishing impossible things through calculated risk-taking."
"Calculated," Lin Feng emphasized. "Not reckless."
"Tell that to your cracked ribs and consciousness infrastructure damage."
"Tactical investment," he countered.
"Which is functionally identical to reckless risk-taking when viewed from outside perspective." But her tone carried amusement rather than genuine criticism. "Come on. Grand Elder Bingxin wants to assess your consciousness infrastructure and probably lecture you about taking better care of capabilities she's invested months developing."
"Looking forward to that conversation," Lin Feng said dryly.
Through their bond, he felt Qingxue's continued relief at his survival mixed with resignation that this pattern would repeat throughout their partnership. He was void cultivator who made impossible possible through calculated risk—that wouldn't change regardless of cautious advice.
Three weeks recovery. Fifty-three thousand spiritual stones acquired. Major demonic threat eliminated. Consciousness infrastructure temporarily damaged but repairable.
Net tactical advantage: positive.
Personal cost: considerable.
Would do again if necessary: absolutely.
The Inverse Void Dao emphasized liberation through accepting contradiction—including the contradiction of being simultaneously careful planner and risk-taking operative who made command decisions against explicit orders when tactical analysis demanded it.
Three weeks recovery ahead.
Then back to the eighteen-month impossible timeline.
Currently month three, day twenty.
Fifteen months and ten days remaining until Hollow Peak Sect founding.
The countdown continued.
Even when temporarily inconvenienced by cracked ribs and consciousness infrastructure damage.
End of Chapter 78