Rebellion ignited.
Sword Sovereign Han Qiu joined him.
Saintess Luo Yuer stood at his side.
Beast King Sun Tairan roared defiance.
They did not seek rulership.
They sought fracture.
The Heavenly Court deployed Legions.
Worlds trembled.
Luo Yuer sacrificed herself to block a Celestial Execution Array.
Dying in his arms, she whispered:
"Shatter it."
His Dao cracked deeper.
Standing before the Celestial Ladder—
He could ascend.
Join them.
Rule beneath the True Dao Engine.
Or destroy the ladder.
Destroy himself.
Free everyone.
He looked at the sky.
At the crack that started it all.
And stepped forward.
Not upward.
But through.
The heavens screamed.
And for the first time—
They felt fear.