Emperor of the Source

A few days passed, and within that short span of time, several unexpected developments began to unfold for the Crimson Vital Sect, reshaping its position within the Andromeda Galaxy in ways that even its own leadership had not fully anticipated.

Across the galaxy, thousands of minor sects were being rapidly absorbed into the spheres of influence of the four dominant powers, each of those sects moving decisively to consolidate their strength in preparation for the inevitable war of supremacy. At this stage, resistance from independent minor sects had become exceedingly rare, as the recent events had made one truth painfully clear to all: resistance without sufficient strength would only lead to annihilation.

Having witnessed firsthand the consequences faced by those who had defied overwhelming power, most sects abandoned the idea of defiance altogether and instead focused on choosing which of the four major forces they would align themselves with.

Every minor sect received proposals, contracts, and offers, each tailored with calculated precision by the Ashen Vortex Sect, the Thousand Veils Sect, the Grave-Sky Sect, and the Ironbound Path Sect. These were not mere invitations; they were structured pathways into subjugation, wrapped in the language of protection and mutual benefit.

Amidst this large-scale absorption, an unexpected shift occurred as several minor sects chose to approach the Crimson Vital Sect instead, offering their submission voluntarily. Despite not yet being formally recognized as an Upper Minor Sect within the Andromeda Galaxy, the Crimson Vital Sect had demonstrated something far more important than classification or reputation.

In a time of war, hierarchical labels and market index value held little meaning compared to raw, undeniable strength, and Adrian's recent display of power had left a profound impression across the galaxy. To many, it was no longer a question of status, but of survival, and aligning with a force that could decisively eliminate Peak Rule Stage cultivators without effort was seen as a rational choice.

Among those who sought submission were sects such as Eternal Bloom, Blackfire Smith, and several others, none of which specialized in direct combat but possessed valuable resources, craftsmanship, or production capabilities.

Hestia accepted each of them without hesitation, but unlike the other dominant sects, she did not impose restrictive or exploitative contracts upon them. Instead, the agreements she established resembled alliances more than subjugation, focusing on cooperation, mutual benefit, and trade rather than complete control. The terms allowed these sects to retain a sense of autonomy, avoiding the suffocating loss of freedom that often accompanied submission to larger powers.

Adrian had attended several of those meetings, observing as Hestia negotiated terms that left the visiting sect leaders visibly relieved. One elder from the Eternal Bloom Sect had actually wept openly when Hestia confirmed they would retain governance of their own territories.

This approach quickly proved advantageous. With access to these allied sects, the Crimson Vital Sect could now acquire essential materials at significantly reduced costs, enabling large-scale production of artifacts such as healing rings, storage rings, and various enhancement items.

These resources could be distributed efficiently across their growing forces, strengthening their overall military capability without placing excessive strain on their reserves. What had initially appeared as a small and unexpected development began to evolve into a strategic advantage that could significantly impact their long-term position in the war.

However, beyond these visible changes, there existed another dimension to the unfolding galactic conflict that few openly discussed, even within the countless analyses circulating across the forums. While most attention was focused on sects, cultivators, and military strength, a far more fundamental concern lingered beneath the surface, one that directly affected the lives of countless individuals beyond the battlefield.

Adrian sensed it through the [Crown of the Source] before anyone brought it forward. The connections he'd established with the disciples carried more than just willforce: they carried emotion, worry, fear for loved ones left behind in territories that would soon become battlegrounds.

…

Within a conference room in the Crimson Vital Sect's headquarters, Lara brought this issue forward. "Master, what are we going to do about our empires? The disciples are becoming increasingly concerned, and many have already begun raising questions."

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Seated at the head of the conference table, Hestia nodded slowly, her expression reflecting a deep understanding of the concern being raised.

The empires under their control were not merely territories or sources of resources; they represented the true homes of their disciples.

While cultivators spent the majority of their time within the sect, their families, friends, and origins were rooted within those empires. Parents, siblings, relatives, and countless connections remained behind, forming the foundation of their lives beyond cultivation. In many cases, even those who had joined the sect from distant regions had relocated their families into these empires, making them an integral part of the sect's extended structure.

Now, with a galactic war on the horizon, it was inevitable that these empires would be caught in the crossfire. The Andromeda Galaxy contained hundreds of such empires, each tied to different sects, and the Crimson Vital Sect itself governed two.

Yet, this reality was largely absent from public discourse, as most cultivators focused solely on their own survival, often abandoning the mortal populations within their territories as they prepared for conflict.

"The Korvan and the Thessar Empire," Torvain said quietly. "Combined population of roughly two billion mortals and lower-stage cultivators."

Varcain shifted in his seat. "I've reviewed the galactic forums extensively. Not a single sect has addressed this publicly. They're treating the empires as... acceptable losses."

Lara's jaw tightened fractionally. "That's because they don't care. To them, mortals are replaceable. Territories can be reclaimed after the war ends."

"If they survive the war," Maelis added softly.

The Elders or even Hestia were not as selfish as the majority of the galaxy to abandon their empires.

Hestia spoke after a moment of thought, her voice steady. "We will reinforce the defenses of our two empires and coordinate with Sect Leader Nightshade regarding additional protection. The scale of this war ensures that it will affect everything within the Andromeda Galaxy. We do not have the luxury of avoiding it."

Before the discussion could proceed further, Adrian spoke. "It does not have to be this way."

Every head turned.

"We have another option."

Adrian continued without preamble. "The Virelith Galaxy. We still have access to the relic world there, along with the portal that connects it. We can use that to relocate the populations of our empires."

"Not only that," Adrian added, "we can move our entire sect base there as well, treating the Andromeda Galaxy as one of the branches. This would serve as a secure fallback for the entire sect. Even if something unexpected happens, we would still have a safe foundation to rebuild from."

Silence stretched for several heartbeats.

Hestia listened carefully before responding, her expression thoughtful. "I have considered that possibility," she admitted, "But there are significant uncertainties. We have no reliable information about the situation within the Virelith Galaxy. There is no decentralized public network there that we can access, which means we cannot even assess the basic conditions."

Adrian inclined his head, acknowledging the point without interruption.

"More importantly, there are two private networks operating at a galactic scale. Such networks can only be maintained by powers comparable to the four strongest sects within the Andromeda Galaxy."

Hestia continued. "This suggests that the Virelith Galaxy may not be any safer than our current situation. If we attempt to relocate our empires and the majority of our sect without understanding the risks, we could be leaving one dangerous situation only to enter something even worse."

Lara nodded slowly. "Walking blind into another predator's territory."

"Precisely." Hestia's focus returned fully to Adrian. "We would need concrete intelligence before committing to such a move."

Adrian nodded in agreement, the logic irrefutable. Even he possessed no concrete knowledge of that galaxy, and acting blindly would be reckless beyond measure. "Then continue focusing on preparations here," he said. "I will make a trip myself to assess the general situation within that galaxy. Once we have a clearer understanding, we can decide how to proceed."

Varcain straightened, "Alone?"

"Yes. We can't waste time. I can move faster if I'm alone."

Hestia studied him for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she gave a slight nod, accepting his proposal. "Do not take too long," she cautioned. "No one knows how long this preparation phase will last. It could end within weeks, or it could extend for years."

Adrian allowed a faint smile to form. "That will not be an issue. Have you forgotten that I can form portals? If anything arises, simply send me a message through the UNI-OS, and I will return immediately."

Hestia's lips curved fractionally. "I had not forgotten. Go, then. But stay cautious."

"Always."

With that, the discussion concluded. Adrian rose from his seat, and the elders followed suit, offering brief nods of acknowledgment. Lara caught his eye as he turned toward the door.

"Bring back good news," she said quietly.

"I will try."

Adrian departed without further delay. Within minutes, he stood alone in a private chamber, casting the portal spell. The portal opened soundlessly, revealing the relic world beyond, and Adrian stepped through.

Adrian materialized within the Azure Garden inner-zone base. He turned his gaze toward the sky.

Beyond this sky lay the Virelith Galaxy, a region shrouded in uncertainty, holding answers that could determine the fate of the Crimson Vital Sect in the war to come.

Adrian flew forward into the unknown.