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Chapter 1,272.
🕑 Added 2024-09-02 16:00:37 +0000 UTCA/N: We're back!
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Esmeralda reluctantly stirred, resisting the chill and exhaustion's attempts to drag her back into the comforting darkness. Bleary eyes opened, and thoughts resisted being put into a coherent order for a good while. She felt as lost as when she woke up in her next incarnation, her physical form unable to bear the weight of her consciousness. Thankfully, clarity returned much faster. It was the sixth time she’d awoken over the past weeks, and she sensed that it was her last rest.
She once again felt shocked at the tribulations she'd been forced to endure since hitching her wagon to this ill-fated chaperone. Esmeralda was once known as an irredeemable troublemaker, but she couldn't help but feel like a layman attempting to replicate the feats of a true master. At least it looked like things had stayed stable since she fell asleep last.
The barrier still staved off most of the draconic cold, and what seeped into her shrine was turned rootless enough to become a tool for suppressing her curse. Zac also appeared in stable condition. Esmeralda could feel his current state was similar to that of plant cultivators, thoughts moving at glacial speeds as he stayed attuned to his Heavenly Path.
The calm wouldn't last much longer. She could barely see the surroundings through a dense curtain of lights, and Esmeralda didn't need to calculate Heaven's secrets to know they were just minutes from being sent away.
Esmeralda couldn't stop the cold grip of trepidation from creeping into her heart as the moment of truth drew closer. They'd been quite confident in their theories, that she could gain passage as a contracted beast, and that her age issue had been circumvented through her endless reincarnations.
What if they were wrong?
The seal suppressing the [Timescape Spiral] was only a shell after lending Zac its strength, and they were stuck in a Heaven-forgotten corner of the frontier. She was doomed if the System shut her out. She didn't even have something to barter with those greedy old bastards for another seal, should she somehow reach them in time. It had to work.
Esmeralda urgently covered herself in talismans that could obscure one's presence. She didn't hold much hope in their efficacy, but the familiar arrangement brought some comfort. Finally, she gingerly took out the ancient statue, its vibrant blood mark still pulsating. Finally, she roused her drained bloodline to temporarily add unfathomable distances between her soul and any threads of Karma.
The outside was completely consumed by the soul lanterns only moments later, and Esmeralda felt a subtle shift. She didn't dare breathe, move, or think for a good while. Minutes of comforting consistency allayed some of her fears, and she gingerly extended her senses outward. With her guide encased in draconic ice, she needed to ensure he wasn't steering them both down a cliff.
There was a powerful resistance that prevented her Soul Sense from stretching further than a few meters. Meanwhile, physical sight was still overwhelmed by a blinding light from innumerable lanterns burning with Fate fueled by Faith and ancient memories. Esmeralda grunted in annoyance and blinked rapidly. A set of runes appeared in her left eye, and distances became irrelevant. The surroundings were suddenly on full display.
Esmeralda audibly gasped as ancient memories rose from the haze at the familiar scene. The Grand Tapestry of Time was flowing right beneath her, the river so wide that it looked like a boundless sea. She shivered at the unfathomable forces it held and added a few extra seals on the [Timescape Spiral]. She'd be in deep trouble if it were allowed to draw sustenance from those waters.
Thankfully, they were quite the distance from the River of Time, sailing down on a much smaller stream filled with glimmering soul lanterns. Peering into the waters, she spotted both familiar and unfamiliar faces. A few were covered in golden light and seemingly in trance. Others were looking back and forth, trying and failing to understand the situation.
A few strangers stood out. There was an ugly thing that stuffed a burning light into its mouth. A vicious expression appeared on its face, and Esmeralda quickly moved her gaze before it was too late. Her eyes landed on a stone-faced baldy surrounded by three illusory avatars. Each one held a lantern in its hands. The monk noticed something even faster, and Esmeralda helplessly turned away. When did youngsters become so scary? Both spotted her and were ready to strike back.
Both river and stream were moving in the same direction. It even looked like the stream of Imperial Fate used thunfailingng flow of the Temporal River to advance. They ended far in the distance, where a huge continent waited like an island. The Grand Tapestry of Time was crashing right into it, causing great frothing clouds that obscured most of the continent.
Such a scene should be impossible, yet there it was. Even more surprising was that the continent was winning the clash of powers. A mysterious force kept it rooted in place, preventing it from being swept away. The river couldn't stop flowing, so it could only go around into an unknowable future.
The continent was clearly their destination, and Esmeralda used every tool available to search for clues. Unfortunately, the churning waters of time cast a shimmer that constantly changed what she saw. It was impossible to say whether she was looking at the present or a glimpse of the past.
The more the decrepit old world resisted her inquiry, the angrier Esmeralda got. Nothing had been going her way lately. Now, even an old block of stone was looking down on her. She refused to believe she was unable to unearth any of its secrets, and her hands turned into a blur. Flashes of ancient runes appeared, echoing the long-lost power of her fully awakened bloodline.
For eons, Esmeralda had avoided using her true abilities. Instead, she’d made do with the undead shell constructed to throw off the curse’s scent. Now that things had come this far, what was the point in holding back? To accomplish her goal, she would even unseal the loop if need be. An illusory rune joined the others in Esmeralda’s eye. The curtains parted, her eyes exploded, and cracks spread from the bleeding sockets to cover her entire body.
The damage was nothing compared to the shock to her mind. If Esmeralda hadn’t maintained a sliver of her original soul’s strength, she would have been wiped from existence. Heaven’s secrets were not so easily seized. Yet Esmeralda grinned with excitement. Wasn’t this what it was all about?
For a brief moment, the continent hadn’t looked like a crumbling piece of rock holding against the flow of time. It had transformed into an altar so large it strained against the terminus, marred by innumerable scars. Place atop it was a chalice surrounded by nine unlit candles, each emitting a distinct, hair-raising aura.
The scene was majestic, but it was clear the altar was lacking something. Currently, it could at most be considered a taboo future rejected by the cosmos. The altar was suppressed by seventeen chains and four mountains hidden within the folds of reality. The altar was like an undying, unyielding beast chained down for ages. And its hidden struggle was about to bear fruit.
Seven of the chains had snapped while rust covered the rest. Meanwhile, the altar was slowly building strength, gradually coming into being. The River of Time was a sea of blood, crashing against the mountainous altar. Some of it seeped into the scars, leaving behind part of its power. Some splashed onto the still-standing chains, adding new layers of sanguine rust.
The much smaller river of memory lanterns and Imperial Fate instead poured toward the yet-ignited candles, slowly imbuing their runes with power. Most importantly, something terrifying was growing within the chalice, something that could alter the course of history. Only, its true appearance eluded Esmeralda’s gaze even after paying such a steep price.
“Emperor Limitless, just what are you scheming?” Esmeralda gasped as small illusory spirals rippling with time appeared in her hollow eye sockets, regrowing the set she’d just lost.
At that moment, a tremendous consciousness passed over the river of Imperial Fate. It held ancient, unending power. A mere thought could extinguish the countless memory lanterns and the trialtakers they transported. Esmeralda yelped and pushed deeper into her isolating pool, activating a series of runes hidden throughout her shrine.
The river briefly shook before a film of System-controlled Destiny separated the memorial river and the outside world. It also prevented her from gauging the consciousness's identity, not that Esmeralda minded. Knowing what old bastards were hiding in the cracks to observe the battle for the Fifth Pillar wouldn't do her any good. If anything, it was the opposite.
Even some of the participants could sense her gaze, so there was no need to mention those old bastards. Worse, more than one had methods to kill through the most tenuous of connections. Such methods would have been a joke to Esmeralda at her height. Avoiding pursuit and retaliation from such beings was often more exciting than the theft itself. Now, she could only hold her temper in check.
Esmeralda’s mind was still a mess after witnessing the scene, and the many presences added to her confusion. There was no way that the observers would fail to notice what was going on. If anything, they should be able to delve much deeper. Yet none of them seemed ready to intervene. Were they so confident in overcoming Emperor Limitless’s machinations? Or was the time not yet ripe? Were they waiting for that thing inside the chalice to come into being?
The sweeps kept going, and Esmeralda soon got used to them. Curiosity and desire getting the better of her, she carefully extended her senses once more. The distant continent was drawing closer with great speed, and Esmeralda realized that the motes weren't all heading in the same direction. The soul river branched into nine rivulets, which continued into the mainland. They didn't reach much further, ending in churning clouds holding the power of displacement.
The soul lanterns were sorted and sent inland. Was their destination random? A few surreptitious calculations said no. There was a connection between land and lanterns. It all formed an exceedingly complex system related to the vision. Everything held meaning, and everything moved according to design. Even the trialtakers had become part of the machine.
Soon enough, they'd been dragged to the continent's periphery. Broken-off splinters formed bands of islands, just like you saw with any continent. The energies the islands held easily surpassed that of a C-grade continent. Thankfully, the scales were nowhere near the endless lands of Ancestral Realms or Primal Heavens, though the islands still dwarfed conventional D-grade worlds.
One island in particular exerted a great attraction, causing some of the weaker lights to split off from the river. Esmeralda didn't take the scene to heart until she saw one brat after another being dragged out of the river and toward the world. Most of them wore shocked expressions and tried various tricks to get back to the river. Nothing seemed to work.
Esmeralda cursed when the pull on her frozen ferryman grew stronger, prompting them to sink deeper into the river. The thing she sought definitely wouldn't be found on some minor world. Thankfully, she had various measures to mitigate most forces that would try to bind her down or trap her.
A light coming from a hidden spot near the Shrine of Kanba's entrance in Zac's chest preempted her resistance. They stabilized, continuing on their journey. Esmeralda spotted a few others avoiding being dragged under, including most of Zac's subordinates. She looked at the falling cultivators, putting two and two together.
"Should've worked harder," Esmeralda sniggered.
Those being pulled down were no doubt the trial takers who'd failed to assemble a complete entrance ticket. Esmeralda wouldn't be surprised if a bloody gauntlet waited for them below, a final chance to complete their seals and join the real trial. She didn't care. There were bigger fish to fry.
Esmeralda turned her attention to the splitting river mouths. The first trialtakers were already being split up, and it was clear their treatment differed. Those enclosed in lights were gently guided to specific rivulets, while those without were simply dragged into the closest one. A scant few managed to change river through special means while most were unable to resist the river's pull.
With nine branches, each should represent one of the lower courts, one of the candles waiting to be lit. Entering the wrong one wouldn't necessarily ruin her plans, but it would definitely make her life harder. But which one to pick? They all looked the same, and none emitted any special aura. Activating her special vision again was out of the question. This close to the continent, the backlash would be far greater.
The continent remained obscured, giving no further clues to go by. The deadline grew closer and she frantically looked around her. The lanterns were the key, but she wasn't a trialtaker. She could barely gain anything from observing the lights. With so many bobbing about, discovering the right one was like finding a needle in a haystack.
Esmeralda wouldn't give up because of that. Overcoming all odds and overturning fate were the fundamentals of cultivation, and she was destined for greatness. She'd suffered for eons because of one little mistake, and the universe owed her reparations. Eyes bloodshot, her senses roved over the surrounding lights, using the scant energies she'd recovered to glimpse their secrets.
It was there! Esmeralda almost jumped out of the shrine on instinct as her full attention honed onto a lantern that shone much brighter than the surrounding lanterns, only stopping herself at the last moment. She was just sensing a memory of what she sought, not the real thing. That was enough. Whoever that lantern represented had come in contact with the item she sought, and the encounter had left an indelible mark on their soul.
Eyes wild, Esmeralda made a grasping motion. Nothing happened. [Nab], the amazing innate ability that had accompanied her from a tadpole to the peak, grasped nothing but air. The radiant lantern continued its journey, drifting further and further away. Increasingly desperate, Esmeralda tried various methods, finally even extending her tongue to wrap it up.
Worse, she could tell it was moving toward a different branch than herself. Should she jump out and follow it? No, something about her status was clearly lacking. More likely than not, she'd fall right through the lanterns and be swallowed by the temporal river below. Provided none of the old bastards noticed the item on her first. She needed help.
Stamping with anxiety, she shouted with her Daovoice, hoping Zac could hear it in his current state. "I found a clue, but I can't get it alone!"
After a brief silence, Esmeralda got the answer she'd hoped for in the form of a distant 'go.' A series of runes appeared on the unmoving Draugr, adjusting his course before accelerating toward the escaping lantern.
Further up the river, Zac slowly roused from his slumber. With the chill holding him in its grip having become rootless, the balance was already breaking. The flames of Life were gradually expelling the cold while his Soul Cores creaked, showing the first signs of movement in over a week. The process would take a while, though he could still vaguely sense how Esmeralda led his Draugr half into the dense cloud in pursuit of whatever clue she'd found.
Already, Zac could tell what would emerge from the ice wasn't the same as what went into it. Only scraps remained from the glaring light assailing his Soul Aperture, and the fiendish energy tearing his bodies apart was just an echo of its former self. He'd managed to hold onto his Void State, instinctively channeling the [Void Emperor Apotheosis] throughout his rest.
As such, the Law-imbued treasures he'd consumed just before freezing himself were almost fully absorbed, becoming nourishment and progress. Zac even sensed he could forcibly accelerate his recovery if need be. He didn't. Zac would have to resume his core formation the second the ice failed to fully seal his Quantum Space, and the journey wasn't over.
The quantum connection trembled as his Draugr half sailed into a churning cloud, and an opaque haze covered his shared senses. Zac had no time to ponder the implications. At that moment, a radiant mote pushed its weaker neighbors aside and slammed into his forehead. The sudden intrusion shook his turbid mind, and his first instinct was to rebuff it. However, a wisp of familiar scent made him stay his hand, and a golden light soon ensconced him.
A series of memories came pouring in as he floated down another path, guided by history and fate.
Comments
NiceTryMate
Ha! That’s way more exciting than my prediction. Now i hope you are right.
Luke Scheffe
Half of the times you mentioned lights, you incorrectly assumed that they weren’t destiny lights. That’s what the primordial was eating, and what the lanterns were.
Luke Scheffe
The void emperor bloodline is definitely part of the system. It was mentioned by Sendor that it was one of its main tools.
Luke Scheffe
I think it’s a blueprint for a supreme path made from every path ever walked. Once it’s perfected, the heavens will invert and infuse it, making a true, complete path.
Chemistrywarrior
At least 20 minutes delay 😂💁🏼♂️
Lex Luther S
Well that's unfortunate.
Jeff McCulley
“Starclad” was just the name given to one of them, by the temple that worshipped or supported them or whatever. Just reread that. I think Wal’Zo convinced Zac to stop being a dumbass. Just n time, too. After all, the more I see, the more it looks like this trial is practically designed for him. I mean, that’s obviously the actual Empyrean Chalice, right? Rava is going to be SO smug.
Jeff McCulley
I can see a couple more reasons for hope. One, as Zac was leaving the Templar Barracks in Zach. 1,205, we got this: “All but a few sealbearers had already entered.” I don’t know how many “a few” is, but out of 20, let’s say three. One was Rhubat, who was still injured at that point, I think Janos was still comatose from his breakthrough. Techno Jaol is a question. Anyway, if Zac & Co got significant gains from training with Rava for three weeks, the remaining sealbearers (assuming Lissa got an invite) would have benefitted even more from three months there.. Two, if Zac made sure his armies were well equipped, that’s going to be nothing compared to how the Atwood Empire kitted out the remaining sealbearers before they left. Plus, I’m pretty sure that a worried Carl spent a decent chunk of his accumulated Merit on her before he left. He might not have had Zac or Emily merit, but he wasn’t at the bottom of the rungs, either.
Chemistrywarrior
When you hope the new chapter drops before ypu board the airplane. 👀
Lex Luther S
It's important to note that Carl's wife became zacs 2nd Seal bearer for the Hollow court after her hand was forced to kill that pirate woman after her attempt to escape. Which does not bode well for her. Even if she's a hegemon her strength is sorely lacking compared to others. The only hope is by some miracle she encounters a hollow court Seal holder weaker than her.
Jeff McCulley
Hmm. A chalice. Surrounded by candles? This is the Empyrean Chalice. Zac is the Holy Son. More likely he’s going to take a hot bath, or something. “Hey Iz, line my hit tub?”
Jeff McCulley
I kinda think that it would be hilarious if the Great Redeemer showed up at Earth, all pent up and thirsting for vengeance…and the Pernumia Ino offhandedly swats him, without the ship spirit bothering to wake up.
Jeff McCulley
I read this portion with interest: “Those being pulled down were no doubt the trial takers who'd failed to assemble a complete entrance ticket.” The relevant part being this: “…a few others avoiding being dragged under, including most of Zac's subordinates.” “Most of”? That made me go back and reread. Alas, that proved just a mite troublesome. Recapping in short…well, kind of in short: In Chapter 1,234, we’re given a bit of a puzzle. It starts with: “Six of his sealbearers finished their seals over the four weeks after Galau got his, while Kruta got his second piece.” I’m reading that as Galau starting the trend by having gotten his final piece in the rotten eye. This chapter goes on to explain that they had found seven seals (five in the wild), including the one that Joanna yielded to Galau. However, it only mentions two of the six, because Carl and Ra’Klid, completing designation quests, were the only two of the six named. Four were left anonymous. It might be notable that Ibtep did NOT complete his long ago mentioned quest (with his mount) here. By process of elimination of those who had already completed their seals (Emily and Janos), plus those who were noted completing theirs later, we’re left with five possibilities for who is as yet incomplete. With four not named. That’s Ogras, Rhuger, Bubbur, Ibptep and Jaol—out of Zac’s Cycke of sealbearers on the Yohelion. So, only one of these five went to the “islands”. Catheya isn’t supposed to be part of Zac’s cycle, but I’m assuming she got her third there at the end in the Pernumia Ino. So, which one of the five was the one? It could have been any. There’s only one other clue we’re given here. “‘Should've worked harder,’ Esmeralda sniggered.” It depends on whether Esmeralda’s snide comment was a general reference, or specifically to Zac’s companions. In the latter case she might have been tainting a shot at Ogras…though I doubt that. Maybe Jaol? The only other indirect clue we have is that we haven’t seen Ibtep completing his long ago mentioned “with his mount” quest. Maybe this comment in Ch. 1,269 was a clue? “Merit would no longer be awarded starting in one month, and all ongoing designation quests would have to be finished within three to reap their reward.” So…Ibtep (theoretically) and other incomplete sealbearers have two more months on the islands to get their final nail seals? After all, Rhubat is likely the only one of the half dozen I’d do sealbearers left back on Rarth—assuming that no one else unearthed a seal—to have completed his set.that group starts with Boje and Lissa. I’ll mention that I’m guessing that a total noncombatant Boje is probably a Plainswalker of the Farsee Court—like fellow noncombatants Ibtep and Jaol. Though as a pharmacist, a Threadwinder of the Daedalian Court like Galau (merchant), Catheya (lich) and Ventus (numerologist) is at least possible. And…how do Rhubat and Thea hook back up with Zac? Ventus, I figure, will manage on his own. Probably bringing Inda. I expect Zac’s Cycles to keep growing. And this might be our last chance to run across some long departed Earthers. You know, like Smaug. Looking forward to this! (Please pardon my rambling)
Seamus Harley
I wonder if Vilari will meet anyone from the Ignis clan that she was from before she was turned
Douglas Sokolowski
I am looking forward to Zac eventually running into and defeating the Great Redeemer... hopefully not in an arc where earth is destroyed and Zac is getting revenge though that could be a good way to free Zac to roam the universe.
Mateo Lopez
From my rereading up too this point I’ve come to a conclusion. When Wal’zo was setting Zac straight, he mentioned how the Starclad were born perfected. And they couldn’t figure out a way to advance. Well when Wal’zo mentioned the Starclads helping the Eternal. He stated that they were looking the wrong way to raise the heavens. Wouldn’t that imply that the way to raise heavens would be to set a firm foundation through the void? Just like any other cultivation. It would make sense. Thoughts?
Alexander Hallonblad
Your. Addicts.are.back.pleaseMOOAAR!!
Craig
Who else forgot that TFD moved to 3x release a week?
NiceTryMate
I like this one. That would mean he would break through after or during Sanctuary, bc. of little knowledge of duplicity core. Maybe he can blow up sanctuary instead of OmniLord inheritance?
Andreas N.
I assume he will do Omni Lord trails after ultom he will kick up such a shit storm in ultom that he needs to flee some heartland monarchs and by chance the Omni Lord trails where now monarchs can enter appears before him
Loose Goose
Sweet! I didn’t notice that thank you.
NiceTryMate
Its not. Posted on July 5th, is a pdf and epub of the 50 chapters available to patrons. Something got bugged during TFD’s break, so he posted everything in a single post.
Loose Goose
Does anyone know why all the most recent chapters leading up to this are gone?
NiceTryMate
The void is also portrayed as a mountain, which would make sense in this situation.
NiceTryMate
Any predictions on the true nature of the void? I believe that the void is the earth, in the same way that the dao is the heavens. The void has an uncanny ability to replicate any dao energy, like the earthly dao peak (was mentioned in chapter right after breakthrough to hegemony, where Meckenzie describes her earthly peak dao).
NiceTryMate
Well, maybe. I think he got swallowed by the creation of the system. Zac has previously pondered that the boundless hunger the system shows has a connection to his bloodline. Furthermore, the Void Emperor could not have proven to the system that mortals were capable of piercing the terminus. The Void emperor has the original bloodline, which made him a super-cultivator at later cultivation stages, with high affinity for all peaks.
jsw
My current hypothesis is that The Void Emperor was the First Defier.
FriendorFo
You’re correct about the path not being solidified yet. I’m just eager to see a most likely Autarch as Zac’s sensei
NiceTryMate
Not a bad prediction. Joining the civil war taking place sounds scary and exciting! Tavza will probably not want him to come home before the war settles, as Zac would become one of the main targets. But doesn’t make sense for Arcaz to go to Sanctuary.
Robert C
I believe the reason he wasn't immediately taken on as a disciple, was because his path wasn't solidified. He felt he would do more harm than good. That has certainly changed. I never forgot about him, and have been thinking about him more since Zach hit the D grade. I expect Zach will have many Teachers on his way to the peak. But someone who has been on the back burner for years? Ever since the Tower of Eternity? We'll see.
X_XSilver
I was thinking that Zac was going to Sanctuary while Arcaz went to Abbysal Shores immediately after Ultom. He would build the foundation of his ascension to monarchy in both places at once
Gaige Bradley
Nice to be back, can't wait for the story to continue
FriendorFo
I know it’s silly, but every time I read Billy’s character, I think of that cartoon Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy. Makes me read his name as “BIIIIILLLLYYYYYY.” So I picture him as this giant, dumb but lovable (obviously) yet rad af dude.
Jeff McCulley
That guy might be passé now, just as the Great Redeemer seems to be. Zac’s path seems to be shifting more towards Emperor, a guy with responsibilities, than just a simple brawler. What I want to see is a checkin with Billy.
GMO pineapple
Ngl this seems like the best guess work I’ve seen in a while and I’m so hyped for the next couple of years of chapters
Lex Luther S
Leyara felt her thoughts grow hazy. Willpower alone was not enough to suppress the Flame of Destiny. She desperately fought back against the inevitable, buying as much time as she could. So long as she could see him. And there he was. "Always up to something," Leyara smiled, using her last strength to nudge one of the lights. My guess is Leyara is the one that sent that mote that struck zac at this chapters end. With the familiar scent and all.
Tyler S.
The sunday post was only if his Dragoncon schedule interfered whis his posting schedule
Nic
Longest 2 months of my life so happy it's back haha
Justin Oliver
Amazing, thanks!
NiceTryMate
Good to be back! Looking forward to the Ultom arc, and what comes next! There has been allot of foreshadowing for both this arc and beyond. Here are the hints I have uncovered about the future storyline arcs. Are there any future arcs you have found, that I missed? 1) Ultom - late hegemony: discovering secrets of the void. Looking forward to having our malevolent star and the firebug Iz interacting more. 2) Sanctuary- late/peak hagemony: A bit more space opera. While finding a way to hide his sister from the ruthless heavens, he might stumble across his biological father and explosion-loving uncles and aunts. During this arc, depending on the formation of his high grade core, he might have to rebuild it once again to attain peak quality, so he can take the last step into peak grade. He might not have a core that can level all the way to 225 with the one he’s currently working on. He will also uncover the challenges required to integrate his Keyar Elu inheritance into his monarchy breakthrough. 3) The Omnilord Trial/inheritance - peak hegemony: This trial was mentioned by Tavza before he took a dip in the abyssal pond, and it apparently holds “the key to the future”, and only allows peak hegemons to enter. The omnilord does sound allot like the moniker the Void Emperor would have held before being tossed out of the cosmic destiny. Maybe this is where he creates his inner world, annihilating the entire trial in the process? :)) 4) Radiant temple disciple + Zecia cleanup? - Monarchy: not many hints on what happens during monarchy. I believe that the reason the Sanga purposely made Zecia lose the war was for Zac to have an easier time conquering it. It was also stated during an interlude after the tower climb that an Autach of the radiant temple, A’Feris, wanted to pick up Zac after he managed to find his path. I don’t really see Zac accepting the offer unless he meets a wall in his cultivation. He’s not very trusting, after all. 5) breaking through to Autarchy: I don’t think Zac will do things the normal way. We know that building a staircase to the heavens is the right way to ascend, but one can also become an earth immortal, where a supremacy holds the heavens at bay while the monarch creates chains to link them to the earth. I imagine Zac to be bold enough to do both. Earth immortals gets extra tribulations, which is a theme Zac seems to enjoy. Hopefully we get a battle more hectic than the Eveningtide Asuras’ breakthrough. 6) Waking nautilus - Devine Monarchy/Autarchy: A cataclysmic inheritance. I doubt this is where he breaks through, since Be’Zi was struggling in the outer regions while being an Autarch. If there is any place to learns where to wield chaos more naturally, it would be here. 7) Exploring the abyssal shores - Autarchy(?): We have seen many noteworthy locations to explore in bloodline visions, as well as a bloodline locked treasure to open for the abyssal shores. 8) Fall of the Imperial Heavens - Late/peak Autarchy: Iz has mentioned that stolen fate can, and will, eventually crush the imperial heavens. It also seems like the Atwood empire is the second coming of the limitless empire. At least Kator and the 7th heaven flamebearer believe so. 9) Time travel arc (peak Autarchy/ supremacy) - two clues connecting Zac to the first defier. It is stated that “the first defier arrived out of nowhere, and left shortly after, leaving nothing but chaos in his wake”. Additionally, when visiting Kamasutra, the Threaded Hell, he was greeted by a lord who said “welcome back”. Could happen before supremacy, but he would have to be sufficiently strong to convince the system to open cultivation for mortals. 9) Old Man River is going to be pissed!
Jason Hatter
When did she do that? I'm struggling to remember.
Jeff McCulley
Posted full answer at the top.
Jeff McCulley
The Motes? Since people asked what’s happening at the end, I went back and excepted these bits from Chapter 1,270. “Zac glanced at the motes of destiny floating around him. They'd more than tripled in number since they first appeared, and their luster had grown stronger. Some had already gone beyond being ornaments. Each evolved light held a lifetime's worth of experience. Literally.” “It wasn't the clarity of Ultom. It was like the motes were a complete soul, holding memories and emotions.” “They believed it was meant as an opportunity to get a leg up on the trial, where finding the right set of memories would be useful somehow.” So, what Leyara did was made sure Zac had the very best “right set” of memories. Apparently, the memories of one of the Limitless Emperor’s more…relevant…followers. Relevant to this trial.
Joshua Little
Thanks for the chapter.
liquid_helix
Nice
Timothy Dana
But he teased us on Sunday and did post until Monday … doesn’t that mean the we deserve another chapter this week
Timothy Dana
Please, we all know how this will really throw down: Zac eats the chalice and then he will explode
Thomas Todd
The gift was whatever light Zac interacted with, it's probably incredibly well suited to him (by whatever metric that ends up being) or actually special
FriendorFo
I’m hoping that after the Ultom arc we get a glimpse of the once mentioned “being” that was considering taking Zac for a protege
FriendorFo
Ooooo didn’t even consider it might be Ventus. That’s a damn good guess
Kaladin
The unfailing
George
yesterday was sunday
bryan ortiz
What is "thunfailingng"??
Timothy Dana
But he didn’t post yesterday… so maybe he can release one more chapter to catch up
Hartmann
Venus Kalavan is the star-numerologist from the Radiant Temple who Zac met in the Twighlight Ascent and the Perennial Vastness. He is Sealbearer of the same Court as Catheya and Galau. He provided the road to the Divine Graveyard.
Kaladin
Who was Ventus again? Also what gift did leyara send, it was when she was partially lucid right?
Jay00
Hell yea I’ve been feinin this last two months
The Lost Pages
Welcome Back! Who is ready to see a chalice explode?
Thenais
This chapter was on LSD. Really weird
Jeff McCulley
I was going to fiddle with this a bit more but…why not? 1,172 Notes and Observations “A few were covered in golden light and seemingly in trance.” Just received a Seal, having an epiphany? “an ugly thing that stuffed a burning light into its mouth. A vicious expression appeared on its face…” Presumably the Primordial, who may well have just eaten one of her companions. If there is more than one sealbearer out there so resembling her, that’s just sad. “Seven of the chains had snapped while rust covered the rest.” Seven is the number of Authorities claimed…or, claimed by the System? Need to reread. “nine unlit candles” Suddenly I find it very fortunate that one of Zac’s companions is called Little Candle. Light ‘em up! “Esmeralda spotted a few others avoiding being dragged under, including most of Zac's subordinates.” I found myself wondering which of Zac’s immediate subordinates still didn’t have complete cycles—I’d assume that most of the second cycle left at home didn’t. Like Lissa and Boje. The ones with Zac I’m not sure about are Bubbur, Rhuger, Ibtep and Jaol—though you’d think that Rhuger might have found one while in a Starfall Court facility? The advantage that Zac’s second string should have is that, hopefully, they’ve all been training with Rava over the intervening months. “Whoever that lantern represented had come in contact with the item she sought, and the encounter had left an indelible mark on their soul.” Sounds almost like it could be Ventus? But how could someone less than a hundred years old have had contact with an item that’s been stuck in a Court for ages? “…a lantern that shone much brighter than the surrounding lanterns.” Or a Flamebearer? “The radiant lantern continued…” Well, Ventus IS a member of the Radiant Temple, after all. Rolling my eyes here. Oh. And Inda, the Endemire Sage’s granddaughter, should be with him. I kinda feel like Zac will be up to three full Cycles before too very long. Oh, hi Thea! Long time no see! “Further up the river, Zac slowly roused from his slumber.” Human Zac. I am reminded that the two were frozen side by side, putting an end to smuggle Human Zac into the trial in the Shrine with Esmerelda as a secret weapon. Contrary to that plan, it appears that Draugr Zac is going off with Esmerelda on their lonesome, while all/most of the primary sealbearers stick with Human Zac. Noteworthy, it appears that Esmerelda may get her “fix” first, which is fitting considering his gratitude for her sacrifice. However, that implies that she’ll be around to help after she’s “fixed” through most of the trial. At least, I’m assuming she’ll have to progress back to Supremacy through fairly normal growth, rather than jumping straight there. “Zac would have to resume his core formation the second the ice failed to fully seal his Quantum Space…” Okay, so if Human Zack will likely have his Sealbearers to effectively act as Dao Guardians, what’s Draugr Zac going to do while he finishes? Have Ezzy mask him? “At that moment, a radiant mote pushed its weaker neighbors aside and slammed into his forehead.” Ah, Leyara’s gift. Glad he (and we) won’t have to wait! Looking forward to the next chappy! Lastly, with humor… “The more the decrepit old world resisted her inquiry, the angrier Esmeralda got.” I found myself inevitably reminded here of the old American TV show Bewitched, where Samantha’s mother was named Esmerelda. And when things weren’t going as she liked, she’d get angry and change them. Further, she’s often portrayed in flowing green robes. Can’t help but feel the two Esmereldas are related. ;)
Jeff McCulley
““Further up the river, Zac slowly roused from his slumber.” That’s human Zac. Theoretically most of the sealbearers will stick with him.
Jeff McCulley
The mote is the wisp of memory that Leyara picked out and sent in her moment of self awareness.
Jeff McCulley
Why just two?
Jeff McCulley
Thanks for the Chapter! Welcome back!
Jeff McCulley
Or, one to be conventional, one to wreak havoc with Ezzy. Or, Draugr Zac might accumulate their second (or third) cycle. Especially if that’s Ventus they’re chasing. Waiting to see who Thea pops up with.
Jeff McCulley
Edits? used thunfailingng flow > used the unfailing flow Place atop it was >Placed Thought I saw one more on my first read, couldn’t find it. Eyes not so great.
hachetnif
Yes, it's time for him to blow up the trial
StuBee3
Fun! TFTC 😎
Malakal
Probably not his schedule was Monday Wednesday Friday
Surgebinder
We're back! The tribulations are over! what a banger chapter to come back.
Timothy Dana
Will there be a chapter tomorrow?
Stephen Taylor
I’m guess one body for the outer courts, the other for the flame.
Kharas
Yeeeess!! Its been a long break! I hope its been worth it for TFF! Cant wait for the first update from earth!!
RGrocks
That was one of the hardest and longest 2 months to wait for
Myrtland
Welcome back all!
Austin Barton
We back bitches!!!!!
Charles T Martin
Welcome back
Kevin Albers
Oh sweet so he kept his bodies separated, can he potentially light two candles on his own?
Oldfaithful
Welcome back 🙏
Lex Luther S
We are SO BACK BABY. And what a chapter this was. From zac and esmeralda finding their path forward to Esmeralda finding the treasure she needs to even seeing the true sight of this gargantuan continent. Just what was that mad emperor attempting?🤔? I truly can't wait to find out. The best part is Zacs bodies and soul having fully absorbed those supreme precious Law treasures. Makes me look forward to see his gains and his future breakthrough to Peak hegemony because his current resistance to the heavenly laws is insane. And that mote of light. Wonder what it was given it basically forced not only the other motes out the way but didn't even wait for Zac to touch it. And the other path bit is a tad worrisome but maybe it'll bring about greater gains for both zac and Esmeralda. I'm curious where zacs human body is. Is it in the shrine or will it appear next to his draugr body after it settles? Questions Questions so Wednesday get here already. Hmmm maybe that mote of light was from Leyara, given the part about it being a familiar sent.
Bryce H.
After 2 months of seclusion, TFD returns from his cave to bring us more teachings
Rushin Lad
What a glorious surprise to awaken to
Lizy Flore
Thank you !
Andrew
Thank you!
Alex
Worth the wait
Thomas Todd
Love get Esmeralda PoV, Zac seems to be back and after finishing his core he'll be ready to show the other Flamebearers who's boss
Thomas Todd
Did a full reread, finished the previous Patreon chapter this morning. Timed it perfectly
Krispy sock
Ohhh yeahhhh!!!
Rid
THIS IS NOT A DRILL, TFD HAS LEFT CLOSED DOOR CULTIVATION AND IS BACK AMONG US 🎉🥳
Jonas Lemke
Nice
Lonez Zhavec
IM ALIVE!!!
Alexander Hallonblad
I don't know what that spund was, just go with it. We're going toad!
Borbino the great
Yesss so happy it’s back!!
Kiel Grisham
We’re back baby!!!
Alexander Hallonblad
Yewweaaaaaahhhhh
Qybalt
BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD
Shup Idot
Praise the sun
Corac
Woot. Long 2 months but I hope you had a good summer break. Look forward to this next arc
Dranek19
We back babyyyyy
Blake N.
Ahh! My crack shipment has arrived
Danny
Oooooh buddy es geht wiedet los wuup wuup
Sl0th
🎉🎉🎉🎉
Chemistrywarrior
FIX !!!!!
