Against the backdrop of spiritual energy running dry in the "Post-Investiture Era," this story asks what true power means. Is it monopolizing resources, or finding a new path? Is it submitting to fate, or making humanity master of its own destiny?
As the flames of war engulf the city and turn the horizon red, the cold voice that had lain silent in the depths of Zhou Yan's mind for twelve years finally speaks:
[World foundation parameters scanned... Heavenly Dao Deduction System activated.]
[Higher-dimensional energy extraction protocol detected... Analyzing...]
[Temporary mission issued: Survive. Warning: A "Spirit Official" has locked onto an anomaly in this area. Estimated arrival: three shichen.]
Zhou Yan looks at the dense prompts revealing flaws in cultivation techniques and the diagram of energy flows in his surroundings, which have suddenly appeared in his field of vision. Then he looks at the crossbow in his hand, modified for self-defense and capable of slightly disrupting the structure of spiritual energy.
He takes a deep breath of the foul air of this age without spiritual energy, then turns toward the cellar. Inside are a few "little toys" he has secretly collected over the years, based on knowledge from his previous life.
Immortals? Spirit Officials?
Times have changed. Perhaps it's time those lofty beings got a taste of what the End of Dharma feels like.
