Solaris' Strongest Resonator

Lucian sighed, never expecting that he couldn't even defeat a Sentinel who was holding back.

But then again, Jué was an ancient being who had lived for thousands of years. Not only did she possess vast combat experience, but her Resonance strength was likely among the very top in all of Solaris.

Not to mention, she also wielded supreme authority.

Hmm… for now, he'd set Jué as his next goal to strive for…

Though he practiced his swordsmanship daily, it hadn't been long, and his intensity wasn't high.

Only by fighting against high-level opponents, like in the Tacet Field, would his techniques and skills level up faster.

Hmm… fighting the Sentinel every day wasn't feasible—their battles would cause too much destruction and could only take place in a space like the Sonoro Sphere.

But dragging Threnodian out of his cell to beat him up daily? That should work!

Rover asked again, "Will Jinhsi govern Jinzhou from now on?"

Jué: "After Jinhsi and Lucian inherited the power of Time, they completed the laws of Time. Jinzhou no longer faces the hidden dangers of temporal disturbances."

"Now, Jinhsi has taken up the mantle of authority—she is the true ruler of Jinzhou. From this day forward, I will only assist her in governance."

"As for Lucian, as Jinhsi's intelligence officer, he shares the power of Time and will inevitably shoulder her burdens in the future."

Lucian was stunned. "So… I have to stay in Jinzhou from now on?"

Rover was the first to object: "Absolutely not!"

However, the Sentinel offered a compromise: "That won't be necessary. You need only return to Jinzhou at critical moments to lend aid."

"After all, Lucian knows nothing of governance. It would be better for him to continue fulfilling his duties as an intelligence officer, though his status will be slightly beneath Jinhsi's—or perhaps they may stand as equals."

"That will be for Jinhsi to decide upon waking."

Changli smiled warmly. "I find this arrangement agreeable. Jinhsi will surely approve."

Rover asked, "Why didn't you explain the truth to Jinhsi from the start?"

Jinhsi had ventured alone into Mt. Firmament to find the Sentinel and a way to save Jinzhou—a perilous journey.

Jué: "I had simulated this scenario, but there were too many variables to reach a definitive conclusion."

"To achieve this outcome required both sufficient strength and unwavering resolve. Had I revealed the truth to Jinhsi earlier, it would only have burdened her mind without aiding her growth in power or fortitude."

"And now, this moment was not one I had foreseen. It was the interference of Fractsidus that hastened its arrival."

Lucian's gaze sharpened. "Fractsidus?"

"Come to think of it, Fractsidus didn't interfere with us at all."

"And that Phrolova…"

"What exactly are they scheming in the shadows?"

Changli's expression turned solemn. Fractsidus had imprisoned Jué, preventing her from using the Mianloong Chamber to heal her injuries.

Moreover, their earlier abduction of Jinzhou's intelligence officer, Lucian, was an additional crime.

But Fractsidus' sins extended far beyond these—many of their activities remained hidden.

It seemed the Fractsidus forces within Jinzhou's borders needed to be purged with greater intensity…

Rover smirked. "Well, someone once said that handling a puny Fractsidus is as easy as turning one's hand. No need for us to worry, right?"

Lucian burst into laughter. "Naturally. Rover, such trifles are beneath our concern."

Changli smiled. "We'll also increase our efforts to purge Fractsidus."

Rover nodded slightly, satisfied.

"I see the temporal flow in Mt. Firmament has also dissipated. What effect will this have on the people of Hongzhen, who've been frozen for so long?"

Jué explained: "Mt. Firmament is no longer troubled by temporal disturbances—entry and exit are unimpeded."

"But for the current people of Hongzhen, the temporal debt has not been absolved."

"Fortunately, under the protection of Jinhsi's Resonance power, the people of Hongzhen need not repay their lifespans so long as they do not leave Mt. Firmament."

"For now… this remains a stopgap measure."

"For thousands of years, the stones of Mt. Firmament stood unmoved, its winds and snows unchanging. But now, the spring thunder has sounded—a time for all things to revive."

"The future of Hongzhen's people remains a long road. With a wise ruler, they may soon return to the right path."

Rover gave a slight nod. She had no further questions.

But just then, the Tacet Mark on the back of her hand glowed faintly.

Jué noted: "Your Tacet Mark… shows an anomaly."

Rover called out: "Abby, time to eat."

The moment she spoke, a white figure darted out.

"Huh…? Food's ready?"

It turned its head and met Jué's cold gaze.

Abby lit up with joy. "Is this today's meal?! So big!"

Jué: "…?"

Lucian sighed. "Ah, poor Abby. Can't even eat a hot meal."

Abby blinked. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Its nose twitched as it sniffed the Sentinel's scent. "She smells… like that 'unnatural' scent I noticed back in Jinzhou…"

Rover explained: "She's the Sentinel we were looking for."

Abby rubbed its head and chuckled sheepishly. "Ohhh, so you're the Sentinel! Hehe, nice to meet you!"

It suddenly understood what Lucian had meant earlier.

"Hey!" Abby stomped its foot. "Why'd you only call me now?! Feels like I missed all the fun stuff!"

Lucian: "Once we get to Hongzhen at the foot of the mountain, I'll make you more Satiety Pills. Then you won't need to sleep at all."

On the way to Mt. Firmament, Lucian had already gathered many materials. He'd also noticed a synthesis station in Hongzhen, which would make things much more convenient.

Jué observed: "…Though its aura is similar to mine, there are differences."

Rover asked: "Do you know what it is?"

Jué shook her head slightly. "It lies beyond my knowledge. But since it resides within your Tacet Mark, it must be by your will."

Rover shrugged. "Then who can answer my questions?"

Jué pondered. "Lady Arbiter, have you heard of the Black Shores?"

"The Black Shores are the origin of your existence in this world. If you seek answers, perhaps you should visit."

Lucian was puzzled. The Black Shores were Rover's origin in this world?

But he remembered that Rover had first appeared at Gorge of spirits—after all, that was where Chixia and Yangyang had found her.

Unless this referred to Rover's past self—that she had begun her journey at the Black Shores?

Recalling that strange dream, where someone calling themselves Shorekeeper had told him to protect Rover and to keep it from her…

Because of that, the black flower representing the Black Shores had remained untouched in his system inventory.

But Rover also had a black flower given to her by Aalto.

"I understand."

Not only Jinhsi, but even Jué was guiding her to the Black Shores. It seemed that would be their next destination.

Jué reassured her: "Do not fret. The vast tides will carry you back to your origin."

Lucian cheered: "Great! The world is vast, but sleep comes first! Let's go home!"

Jué nodded slightly. "Lady Arbiter, you may return to Hongzhen to reunite with your friends."

"Mt. Firmament is no longer forbidden. From now on, Hongzhen's fortunes will be vastly different."

Changli also smiled. "I've asked Sanhua to prepare lodging in Hongzhen. Should you return to Mt. Firmament in the future, you may stay there."

...

Hongzhen

The group recounted their journey to Xinyi.

High on a stone platform, Phrolova clutched the tightly bandaged wound on her snow-white shoulder, glaring down at Lucian and the others.

A follower behind her hesitated. "Lady Phrolova, your injury…"

Phrolova: "Hmph…"