C17: The Gathering Storm

☯☯☯🌪️💥🔥

The Eternal Grind fleet cut through the clouds of the Central Immortal Domain like a blade. Word of the destruction of the Profound Heaven Sword Sect’s expedition had already reached the major powers. Lin Xiao’s name was now spoken with a mix of fear and greed across countless immortal cities.

On the command deck of the flagship, Lin Xiao stood with his hands behind his back. His high ponytail swayed gently in the immortal winds, the red and black lightning around him now carrying faint traces of golden imperial light. Su Mei, Murong Xue, and Fairy Luo Qing stood beside him, each exuding powerful auras after recent breakthroughs.

A scout ship approached rapidly. A loyal subordinate knelt before Lin Xiao.

“Master, the **Nine Emperor Alliance** has issued a formal summons. They demand your presence at the Grand Conclave in three months. They wish to ‘discuss’ the future of the Central Domain.”

Lin Xiao’s lips curved into a cold smile. “Discuss? They mean to test me or suppress me.”

Fairy Luo Qing spoke softly, “The Alliance controls the central territories. Refusing their summons openly would paint you as an enemy to the entire domain.”

“Then let them paint me as they wish,” Lin Xiao replied. “We will attend. But on my terms.”

He turned to his women. “Continue dual cultivation tonight. I want all of you at peak condition before we reach their territory.”

The days that followed were filled with relentless forward momentum. Minor sects and clans along the route either submitted tribute or were crushed when they tried to obstruct the fleet. Lin Xiao showed no unnecessary cruelty, but he offered no second chances to those who challenged him.

By the time they reached the outer edges of the Alliance’s influence, his cultivation had firmly stabilized at the peak of the Half-step Immortal Emperor Realm. The Chaos Emperor Scripture was nearly fully mastered, granting him greater control over his chaotic lightning.

☯☯☯🌪️💥🔥

One week later, they arrived at the neutral floating city of Aether Peak, a massive hub where powers from across the Central Domain gathered.

As the fleet docked, representatives from various major sects waited. Among them was a striking woman in phoenix robes – Princess Yan Zi, a direct descendant of the Vermillion Phoenix Clan and a renowned beauty at the early Immortal Emperor Realm.

She approached with elegant steps, her fiery red hair flowing like flames. Her eyes assessed Lin Xiao with open interest rather than disdain.

“Lin Xiao,” she said, her voice clear and confident. “Your rise has been remarkable. The Vermillion Phoenix Clan does not seek conflict with you. Instead, we offer an alliance. Marry into our clan and we can stand together against the Alliance’s pressure.”

Su Mei and Murong Xue tensed slightly, but Luo Qing remained calm, having already accepted her place.

Lin Xiao studied Princess Yan Zi carefully. She was powerful and carried ancient bloodline strength.

“Marriage?” he asked directly. “I do not marry for alliances. If you wish to stand with me, prove your sincerity. Join me willingly.”

Yan Zi’s eyes flashed with surprise, then a hint of challenge. “Bold. Very well. I will travel with your fleet for now and observe whether you are worthy of such commitment.”

Lin Xiao accepted her presence without further words. Adding another powerful woman to his side only strengthened his position.

☯☯☯🌪️💥🔥

That evening, in the grand residence prepared for him in Aether Peak, Lin Xiao cultivated while the women attended him. No long internal reflections — only focused action. He pushed the Chaos Emperor Scripture harder, refining the imperial laws he had stolen from the Zhao experts.

A quiet knock interrupted them. A scout entered.

“Master, the Eternal Night Pavilion, a hidden assassin organization backed by one of the Nine Emperors, has accepted a contract on your life. They have already sent elite killers into the city.”

Lin Xiao’s expression remained calm. “Good. Let them come.”

That night, shadows moved through the residence. Three elite Immortal Emperor assassins struck simultaneously, using supreme stealth techniques and deadly poisons.

The battle was swift and silent.

Lin Xiao fought in close quarters, his movements precise and efficient. Red and black lightning flashed in the darkness as he dismantled the first assassin with a single slash that severed both arms and head. The second he caught mid-strike, crushing the man’s throat and plundering his shadow laws on the spot.

The third assassin, the strongest, nearly landed a fatal blow on Murong Xue before Lin Xiao intervened. He grabbed the blade with his bare hand, lightning corroding it instantly, then drove his palm through the assassin’s chest.

【Plunder completed. Shadow Emperor Laws acquired.】

By morning, the Eternal Night Pavilion’s attempt had failed completely. News of Lin Xiao effortlessly killing three elite Immortal Emperor assassins spread rapidly.

Princess Yan Zi, who had watched the fight from afar, approached him at dawn with newfound respect.

“You truly are different,” she said. “I will formally join you.”

Lin Xiao simply nodded and pulled her into the group. Another powerful piece added to his growing force.

☯☯☯🌪️💥🔥

As the days passed leading up to the Grand Conclave, more challenges arrived. A rival ancient clan sent a delegation demanding compensation for “disturbing the balance.” Lin Xiao met them in the city square and ended the discussion in blood.

Each victory made his fleet stronger and his harem more devoted. Su Mei handled logistics with growing skill. Murong Xue became his cold enforcer. Luo Qing provided political insight. Yan Zi brought bloodline power and connections.

Lin Xiao’s cultivation continued its steady climb. He was now touching the true Immortal Emperor threshold.

On the eve of the Grand Conclave, he stood alone on the highest tower of Aether Peak, looking out over the vast Central Domain.

The real test was coming. The Nine Emperor Alliance would not let him rise unchecked.

But he had no intention of bowing.

The Eternal Grind moved forward relentlessly.

☯☯☯🌪️💥🔥