Chapter Eleven: The Power Beyond Time

October 14th, the autumn chill deepened.

Tia stepped onto the stone stairs, and the strange spiritual pressure around her neck vanished at that moment. Before her lay the residence of the Azure Cloud Sect—behind snow-white walls stood a two-story building in ancient style, its green-tiled eaves soaring, austere and dignified. Through the wide-open doors, one could see the courtyard paved neatly with blue stone slabs.

She made her way to the entrance, knocking on the side door. “Sect Master, may I come in?”

“Enter,” came the unhurried reply from the left.

Tia crossed through the hall, turned left, and entered the dining room. The furnishings were simple. On the rectangular table rested several homely dishes: stir-fried small fish with green peppers, beef with green peppers, and a large plate of chicken stewed with mushrooms.

Aside from Bai Yujing seated at the head, a young woman sat in the left armchair. She was graceful, her figure voluptuous, a delicate oval face adorned with a faint smile, as if to welcome Tia’s arrival. But such welcome was certainly not born of kindness.

Tia looked at Liu Shuangling, feeling that this woman radiated malice from every pore.

Bai Yujing spoke calmly, “Take a bowl, serve yourself some porridge, and sit with us.”

“Alright.” Tia did not refuse. She ladled a bowl of porridge and obediently took the right armchair.

Bai Yujing said, “Introduce yourself.”

“Tia, junior sister, my name is Liu Shuangling.” A flash of mischief crossed her eyes. “Like you, I was ‘invited’ to join the Azure Cloud Sect. From now on, we’re sisters in adversity.”

“Please guide me, senior sister.” Tia smiled. Her earlier intuition was proven correct: this woman was of her kind.

Bai Yujing sensed the subtle tension between them but did not force them to get along, instead speaking to himself, “I'll briefly explain the rules of the Azure Cloud Sect. Here, you must be honest—be your true self. No pretense. I am extremely sensitive to lies. If you harbor any evil thoughts, direct them at me. You are welcome to attempt assassinations, ambushes, poison—whatever you like, anytime. But you cannot harm fellow disciples or innocent people. If I find out otherwise, you’ll bear the consequences.”

Tia was stunned.

This atmosphere was nothing like she had imagined. She thought Bai Yujing had brought her into the Azure Cloud Sect to lecture her on grand principles, to restrain her with rituals and rules. She never expected such freedom. This was surely a trap?

Suspicious by nature, Tia quickly set down her chopsticks. “Sect Master’s strength is far beyond my imagination; I wouldn’t dare lay a hand on you.”

Bai Yujing’s expression darkened. “I said: no lies.”

Tia tried to insist she meant it sincerely. Bai Yujing flicked her forehead with his finger.

Bang!

Tia felt as if her head had been struck by a heavy hammer; her ears rang, stars whirled before her eyes. It was a while before she recovered, rubbing her forehead to find a swelling bump.

“Heh heh.” Liu Shuangling laughed in triumph, relishing the moment—finally, someone else shared her pain.

Tia’s face flushed red, murderous intent surged in her heart. She abruptly looked up, glaring at Bai Yujing, her voice squeezed between clenched teeth. “Enough! You stone-faced bastard, don’t think I’m afraid of you!”

Liu Shuangling’s laughter grew brighter, applauding. “Go, little sister! I support you in defeating the evil overlord!”

Bai Yujing paid no mind to Tia’s rage and murderous intent, remaining as indifferent as ever. “As I said, you may try to kill me anytime.”

“Then go die!” Tia roared, drawing the famed sword at her waist. Its blade flashed coldly through the air. “Cease all time, return to the void—Void Dusk!”

With the utterance of her release command, the sword erupted in dazzling silver-white light, which split into four, occupying the four cardinal directions. The white light faded, and four sword shadows transformed into massive bronze gears, floating and slowly turning in the air.

The clatter of gears echoed through the void, as if time itself trembled.

Next, floor, ceiling, walls—even the air—began to distort, morphing into countless interlocking gears of all sizes, turning together. The entire space seemed dragged into a vast mechanical world.

“Oh, this is impressive~” Liu Shuangling glanced around, the gears beneath her feet perfectly interlocked, as if she still stood on solid ground. The gear surfaces were smooth as mirrors, offering no imbalance with their motion.

Tia ignored Liu Shuangling entirely, her gaze coldly fixed on Bai Yujing, a triumphant smile curling her lips. “I was worried you’d stop me before the release—good, you’re just as arrogant as I expected. Now that the release is complete, I am the absolute invincible presence in this space.”

“So it’s a rules-type sword spirit, then.”

Liu Shuangling analyzed, her gaze sweeping over the turning gears, thoughtful. “Judging by this, your sword spirit ability must be related to time?”

“Correct. Void Dusk’s power is to create a space where time can be halted.” Tia’s face shone with pride; at this moment, she finally reclaimed her own glory and strength. She stood at the center of the gears, as if a deity commanding all. “Anyone with the intent to attack me will have their time forcibly paused.”

“That’s truly terrifying.” Liu Shuangling’s expression turned eager; perhaps this little sister really could kill Bai Yujing. In this world, rules-type sword spirits were the most troublesome of powers. Once their rules took effect, no one could defy them.

Tia touched her neck, her murderous intent burning stronger. “Thanks to you these past days, I’ve been like a dog chained with a collar of fear, unable to sleep. Now, let me end this humiliation.”

She advanced, feline in her stride.

Bai Yujing slowly rose from the table, as if ready to fight.

“Useless!” Tia sneered, her right fist pounding toward Bai Yujing’s face like a cannon.

Bang!

Bai Yujing raised a hand, easily deflecting the blow. Then, his fingertip flicked, striking the swollen bump on Tia’s forehead once more.

“Ah!” The arrogance in Tia’s eyes vanished, replaced by bewilderment and shock. Clutching her forehead, her voice trembled. “You... How could you attack me? My ability should have already taken effect!”

Bai Yujing gripped her smooth fist, speaking blandly, “Your ability did indeed work as you wished. But our understanding of rules differs. In my eyes, so-called rules are nothing but illusory shadows. Even if time stops, it’s only a veil easily torn apart. You believe time’s pause is the limit, treat rules as absolute and unbreakable—that is ignorance.”

Tia’s face turned pale. The clatter of gears seemed to mock her overestimation of herself.