The effect of the skill left the observers’ mouths agape.

​Neo did not have any weapon, and yet, his whole body felt like a terrifying, sharp sword.

​"Wait, no!"

​The leader finally realized the catastrophic mistake he had just made.

​It was far too late.

​Neo swung his arm in a casual, sweeping motion.

​The blinding arc of solar fire slashed through the group in a fraction of a second.

​There was no struggle and absolutely no resistance.

​The hoodlums did not even have the chance to raise their shields before the intense heat engulfed them entirely.

​Their flesh, bones, and armor were instantly vaporized.

​Neo did not give them a second glance.

​"Let us go!"

​He opened another Void Portal toward Zenith, signaling Noir and Zestia to follow.

​After they disappeared, everyone felt light, as if a mountain had pressed on their hearts while he was there.

​"That young man is terrifying, I tell you."

"Yeah. He did not even chant a spell."

​"And did you see the density of his flames? I have trained the law of Fire for three months, and my absolute peak attack does not hold a fraction of that heat."

​"Humph. It does not matter how strong his personal combat power is. Lord Epos is ranked 50th. A single man cannot fight an entire established cosmic fleet."

Myria’s lead Moon guard spoke: "Your Highness, We must depart as well. The Dark Moon Empire needs your guidance, especially now that you have secured the Celestial Seed."

Myriad silver eyes were full of melancholy and loss.

​"Did you feel it, Simmone? When he unleashed that blade, there was no hesitation. No wasted movement. It was absolute execution."

​"I had seen it, Princess. He is indeed a monster. But he is walking down a path of absolute ruin. Challenging the Spider Expanse is pure suicide. We should distance ourselves from Zenith completely."

​"Distance ourselves? But he stabilized my core when the altar nearly shattered it. He saved my life, Simmone. And then he mocked my pride right in front of everyone."

​"Princess, he is an anomaly who will be dead in seven days. The Dark Moon cannot afford to be dragged into his grave."

Moon eyes turned icy.

​"From my understanding Epos does not make empty threats. He will surely send his vanguard. I want full intelligence on the Shadow Expanse’s troop movements. Immediately."

​"Princess, you cannot possibly be thinking of assisting him! The Emperor will never allow us to deploy forces for a human."

​"I am not deploying forces to save him, Simmone. I am deploying scouts because if Zenith falls, Epos will control the eastern sector. And that directly threatens our borders."

Simmone understood their Princess was just making up an excuse, but she couldn’t say that aloud.

She had no choice but to obey.

​"As you command, Your Highness. I will establish a spy network near the Zenith borders."

​"One last thing: do not let anyone notice our presence.I refuse to believe a man who can shatter a Celestial Altar will simply roll over and die. I want to see exactly how he plans to survive this."

---

After making two consecutive jumps through the void tunnels, Neo and his group reached the orbit of the Zenith planet.

​Thankfully, there were no signs of war or attack currently going on at the moment.

​Neo exhaled in relief.

​Afterward, they descended onto the planetary body with effortless grace.

​The development of Zenith was unbelievable.

​Farming had become fully automated, while making weapons and tech gadgets was in full trend.

​Currently, it was evening. Every shadow stretched too long for its size.

​Several civilians suddenly looked up and saw Neo’s handsome figure.

​They instantly dropped to one knee, as if they were in absolute reverence.

Neo acknowledged them with a nod, then flew toward the Imperial Palace.

​Upon reaching the outer courtyard, he noticed a lively, small-sized spaceship flying around.

​As he focused, he saw his little sister Nina piloting it with absolute focus. She seemed very happy and content.

​And this made Neo smile too.

​Seeing this, the two women could not help but feel jealous.

​It was fortunate Nina was his blood sibling, otherwise they would have died from jealousy alone.

​After all, he had never smiled the same way at them as he was now.

The small spaceship suddenly halted in mid air as Nina spotted the three figures descending into the courtyard.

She landed on the ground as fast as she could.

​"Big brother!"

​She excitedly leaped out of the cockpit and sprinted toward him with reckless abandon.

Neo stepped forward and caught her easily, wrapping his arms around her small frame.

The cold, ruthless tyrant who had just annihilated a group of rogue Beyonders without a second thought completely vanished. In his place stood a gentle, protective older brother.

​"You came back safely big brother. I saw the cosmic storm in the sky a few days ago. The royal guards said the Celestial Fishing River is extremely dangerous. I was getting worried you might actually get wounded."

​Neo gently patted her head.

"It takes a lot more than an ancient River to give me a scratch, Nina. Have you been practicing your piloting while I was gone?"

​"Of course! I have to get strong so I can fly your flagship one day," she replied proudly, pulling back to look up at him.

​It was then that her bright eyes looked past Neo, landing on the two beautiful women standing right behind him.

Noir offered a sweet, alluring wave, while Zestia offered a shy, polite smile.

​Nina’s eyes shone with mischief.

She stepped around Neo, clasping her hands behind her back as she inspected the two women with a knowing glance.

​"Welcome back, Sister-in-law Noir. And... Welcome to you too Sister-in-law Zestia!"

​Zestia’s face instantly turned the color of a ripe tomato. She waved her hands frantically in front of her chest, stuttering in pure embarrassment.

"S-Sister in law? No, no, no! Wait, little sister, you have a massive misunderstanding! I am just a ally of your brother.!"

​Noir, however, burst into a melodious, delighted laugh. She stepped forward and gently pinched Nina’s cheek.

"Oh, you are just the sweetest little thing, Nina. Darling has a wonderful sister. You can definitely call me your sister-in-law."

​Neo let out a helpless sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Nina, do not tease them the moment we get home. We have a war to prepare for and serious matters to discuss inside."

​"I was only stating the obvious, big brother. Come inside! Dinner is almost ready, and you owe me a full story about the trial."

"Sure you do."