Yan completed the final circulation. The celestial-refinement method’s normal backlash strengthened his body, foundation, and soul. The storm-facing array recognized him as a reliable conductor of celestial energy. He crossed into Heaven Crossing.
The plateau air cleared around the platform, though the storm still pressed beyond the ridge. Yan’s breathing steadied. He could feel the current answer his direction without resistance.
Qinghe checked the sensors against the first cycle and marked the change across each stage. “Your readings changed in sequence. Nothing dropped out.”
Yan grinned at the new realm. “What can the next forbidden art teach me?”
Qinghe laughed once and handed him the repair report. “Read this first.”
He scanned the pages. Long Reed’s first pylon had burned. Its release had worked, and a replacement had passed only a smaller-load test. The council had kept its cord and its right to stop. Yan folded the report and gave it back.
“Then we still have work to do.”
A residual current rolled across the plateau. Yan tested his new realm by directing it through the practiced pathway. He held the energy steady, but a loose stone thrown by the gust clipped his cheek and opened a real cut.
