In the distance, Nie Tong watched Yun Lintian with newfound respect. "He lasted longer against the vortex than any of us would have."
Qian Jinglei nodded. "The combination of three divine powers... his comprehension is peerless."
Xiong Yu remained silent, his earlier arrogance replaced by grudging acknowledgment of Yun Lintian's strength.
Wiping blood from his lips, Yun Lintian closed his eyes in contemplation.
"The three powers weren't enough," he murmured. "The vortex consumes all energy thrown against it."
His mind raced through possibilities. The Seed of Time pulsed in his Divine Core, whispering fragments of insight.
Suddenly, his eyes snapped open.
"Not resistance... harmony."
Standing slowly, Yun Lintian approached the lake once more. This time, his aura shifted—becoming fluid, adaptable.
Without hesitation, he took a step forward onto the lake.
