Immortal Paladin

[POV: Loki]

Loki sipped from his glass of crimson wine, savoring the mellow sweetness as laughter and music drifted through the magnificent banquet hall.

The Human Empire had spared no expense in displaying its prosperity. Vast crystal chandeliers hung from an arched ceiling painted with scenes depicting the rise of mankind among the stars.

Pillars carved from luminous white jade stood like silent sentinels, supporting balconies where musicians played heavenly instruments whose melodies echoed across the hall.

Long tables stretched from one end of the palace to the other, burdened beneath mountains of delicacies gathered from every corner of the Greater Universe. Roasted celestial beasts glistened beneath fragrant sauces, shimmering fruits from immortal orchards floated upon silver platters, translucent fish harvested from astral seas rested beside fragrant herbs unknown to mortal worlds, and wines aged within miniature dimensions filled ornate crystal decanters.

Servants dressed in immaculate white moved gracefully between countless guests, ensuring not a single cup remained empty for long.

The gathering itself rivaled the feast in grandeur.

Delegations from countless greater realms mingled beneath the imperial banners. Ancient beasts conversed with heavenly spirits while demon kings shared tables with monarchs of distant civilizations. Cultivators whose reputations shook entire galaxies exchanged pleasantries with divine artisans and celestial merchants.

Even races that had remained isolated for countless millennia answered the Human Empire's invitation. Every conversation carried hidden intentions beneath courteous smiles. Alliances were forged over wine, rivalries softened beneath shared laughter, and fortunes changed with the exchange of a single contract.

Among the guests wandered figures clad in black and pale robes embroidered with silver rivers and ghostly lotuses. Even the Greater Ghost Realm had answered the invitation despite the widely known destruction of the Underworld. It remained a curious affair.

According to the rumors circulating through every tavern and imperial court, the Supreme Bearer had reconstructed the Underworld somewhere within his own domain. Whether that claim was truth or merely another exaggerated legend, few could say with certainty.

Loki quietly drifted among the Underworld delegation, blending into the crowd as naturally as a shadow beneath candlelight.

Several Judges stood together in composed discussion while a number of Death Daughters accompanied them with measured elegance. Their presence surprised him more than anything else. The last reliable report claimed Conquest had subdued every Death Daughter and imprisoned them within a strange state of undeath.

Seeing them walking freely beneath the Human Empire's banners suggested a dramatic shift in circumstances. If they had regained such freedom, then the Supreme Bearer clearly regarded them with considerable favor.

"Our reconstruction proceeds steadily," one Judge answered calmly to an elderly cultivator adorned in golden robes. "The foundations have already been established. The dead require order regardless of the world's condition."

"In that case," the cultivator replied with an amiable smile, "the Golden Heaven Sect wishes to reopen trade. Spirit ores are plentiful within our territory. Perhaps your artisans require fresh materials."

"The proposal shall be considered."

Nearby, one of the Death Daughters accepted a cup of wine without drinking it.

"The Ghost Sea Pavilion possesses several abandoned soul rivers," offered a merchant prince. "Should your people require territory to expand, favorable terms may be negotiated."

"Our homeland exists," the woman answered without emotion. "We have no intention of abandoning it."

Another cultivator lowered his voice conspiratorially.

"I have heard your realm now possesses unique methods of preserving divine souls. The Crimson Palace would pay dearly for such techniques."

A second Judge folded his hands behind his back.

"The Underworld does not sell its laws and mysteries."

The merchant chuckled awkwardly.

"Everything has a price."

"Not everything."

Elsewhere another conversation unfolded.

"Lady Gao Fu," said a noblewoman with a graceful bow, "our sovereign hopes diplomatic relations may flourish between our realms."

"We welcome sincerity."

"And military cooperation?"

"That depends entirely upon whether your sovereign mistakes cooperation for exploitation."

Despite their composed exchanges, the reception afforded to the Underworld delegation remained noticeably colder than that enjoyed by nearly every other realm.

"They certainly arrived quickly for people without a home."

"I would have expected them to hide in shame."

"The Underworld collapsed because it was weak."

"Weak? They allowed the Great Beast to exist beneath their noses."

"Imagine losing an entire universe."

"They're wanderers now."

"Homeless ghosts pretending to be a greater realm."

"They should be thanking the Human Empire for allowing them inside."

"I've heard the Supreme Bearer simply collected whatever scraps remained."

"Their Judges still carry themselves proudly."

"Pride costs nothing when you've already lost everything."

"They lacked the courage to stop the Great Beast. Now they expect sympathy."

Loki listened without interrupting. His curiosity lingered upon the Great Beast itself rather than the mockery surrounding its victims.

Rumors painted the creature as an impossible horror capable of consuming worlds whole, yet reliable information remained frustratingly scarce. The Hollowed World had become an enigma hidden beneath layers of secrecy. Few eyewitnesses remained alive, and fewer still seemed willing to speak openly.

"Now, who do we have here?"

The pleasant voice drew Loki from his thoughts.

Standing before him was a beautiful woman with braided dark hair cascading over a dress woven from deep sapphire and midnight silk. The embroidered patterns shimmered like moonlight dancing across a calm ocean.

Loki smiled warmly.

"I almost failed to recognize you. The last dress you wore possessed the elegance of a winter night. This one surpasses even that. The blue complements your eyes wonderfully, while the darker shades only serve to highlight how gracefully you carry yourself. Some women rely upon jewels to command attention. You make them seem unnecessary."

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Liang Na's expression never softened.

Instead, her frown deepened.

"You blew my cover," Liang Na said through gnashed teeth. "And now, I'm forced to participate in these stupid banquets. Worse, I'm now required to have an official title among the ambassadorship retinue. I loathe you."

Loki's smile only widened.

"Oh, you like me."

A second woman stepped between them before Liang Na could formulate a reply.

"Lady Liang Na, I suggest that you ignore this uncouth man," Gao Fu said coolly.

Standing beside her was Xin Nu, one of the Children of the Human Emperor. Both women possessed the unmistakable bearing of extraordinary cultivation, though Loki knew histories about them that many within the hall did not.

The two had once been among the treasured gifts presented to the Origin King. Their appearance here could only mean one thing. The Holy Emperor had defeated the Origin King and claimed the Six Queens as spoils of war.

Loki raised an eyebrow.

"Are the two of you certain you belong here? Beautiful flowers are meant for gardens." He offered a theatrical sigh. "Ah, forgive me. That comparison insults flowers. After all, whores have no place beside genuine beauty."

Silence descended around the four of them.

Xin Nu's fingers tightened around her wine cup until faint cracks spread across its surface.

Gao Fu's eyes narrowed into icy slits.

Neither woman moved nor spoke Both merely ground their teeth while glaring at him with undisguised contempt.

Loki found their restraint endlessly entertaining.

The disturbance quickly spread through the surrounding guests.

"Did he just insult Lady Xin Nu?"

"Isn't she one of the Human Emperor's daughters?"

"Why is she standing with the Underworld delegation instead of the imperial family?"

"I heard she was exiled years ago."

"No, no. She was presented to some distant sovereign as tribute."

"Then why is she here?"

"Probably seeking her place back."

"How humiliating."

"The imperial family never acknowledges her publicly."

"Perhaps that's why."

"What an unfortunate fate."

Liang Na pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Why are you doing this?"

Loki answered with complete honesty.

"I'm bored."

Liang Na stared at him for several long seconds.

"Fuck off."

Loki nodded appreciatively.

"Very eloquent."

Leaving the three women behind, he wandered deeper into the sea of guests until the crowd grew impossibly dense.

At the center of the gathering stood the six champions personally chosen by the Supreme Heart. Nobles, sect masters, monarchs, and wandering immortals alike surrounded them in endless admiration. Precious treasures were presented one after another, invitations to private estates changed hands by the minute, and every influential figure sought even a brief opportunity to establish goodwill with those fortunate enough to receive the Supreme Heart's favor.

While news of the contest between the Supreme Heart and the Supreme Bearer remained hidden from the wider Greater Universe, it did not stop the Supreme Heart from quietly cultivating rumors of its existence.

Those whispers had spread remarkably far despite lacking any verifiable source.

Loki knew exactly why. He had personally played a role in feeding those rumors whenever the opportunity arose, ensuring they reached the ears of kings, immortals, and wandering cultivators alike.

As for the Supreme Heart's true intentions, Loki had never bothered asking.

Supreme Beings rarely explained themselves, and when they did, the explanation was often more bewildering than the mystery itself. Whatever game the Supreme Heart intended to play did not concern him. Loki was merely here to settle an old favor, one that had remained unpaid for longer than he cared to admit.

Loki slipped effortlessly through the gathered nobles until he reached the six celebrated champions. Courtiers reluctantly made way for him, mistaking his appearance for that of an elderly shaman wrapped in weathered robes embroidered with symbols of fire and prophecy. His disguise deceived every sense, from sight to divine perception.

The old shaman inclined his head respectfully.

"My apologies for the interruption," he said with measured courtesy. "His Majesty has requested the six honored champions to meet this personage, a humble oracle recognized by His Majesty. It's just a few words to impart before the festivities continue. Please, come with me."

The surrounding guests immediately stepped aside.

"An oracle?"

"So His Majesty finally summoned one."

"I heard he sought a flame diviner."

"Perhaps it concerns tomorrow's ceremony."

"Only the chosen would receive such treatment."

"What fortune."

The sulfur-scented woman rose first, crimson flames flickering briefly around her elegant figure.

"Father did say he would send an oracle with understanding of the flame to divine us."

The towering beastman beside her nodded, his lupine head turning toward Loki.

"That is true."

The pale man whose very presence carried the chill of countless graves folded his sleeves together.

"Lead the way."

Loki quietly observed them as they followed.

Among the six champions stood a demonic woman whose bloodline reeked of brimstone, a wolf beastman with overwhelming physical vitality, an undead assassin whose heartbeat had long ceased, a self-proclaimed Sword Emperor radiating arrogant confidence, a two-faced asura whose twin expressions displayed rage and amusement simultaneously, and finally, a silent monk whose tranquil gaze betrayed neither fear nor anticipation.

Save for the monk, every one of them carried the unmistakable aura of the Supreme Heart's bloodline.

Loki smiled pleasantly as they descended through the palace.

"The six of you truly deserve the admiration you've received tonight. Throughout countless worlds, many dream of standing where you stand now. Fewer still earn the favor of a Supreme Being. Ahead lies a path few will ever glimpse. Most who reach it lose themselves before the journey truly begins. Only the exceptional overcome what awaits beyond. Treasure the opportunity. Your names may yet be remembered long after empires become dust."

The Sword Emperor chuckled proudly.

"I expected nothing less."

The wolf beastman grinned.

"Our father has never disappointed us."

Even the demonic woman allowed herself a faint smile.

Their footsteps echoed as the palace corridors gave way to a vast subterranean chamber. The basement stretched wider than many fortresses, reinforced by ancient arrays and polished stone. Weapon racks lined the walls while a spacious training ground occupied the center beneath enchanted lanterns.

The two-faced asura slowed to a halt.

"This is not the room for divination. What are you playing at?"

The Sword Emperor frowned.

"Why bring us here, oracle?"

Loki sighed softly.

"I suppose there's little point pretending any longer."

The elderly shaman dissolved like smoke and the illusion shattered. His weathered robes vanished, revealing his familiar attire, while his youthful face returned beneath strands of golden hair.

The wolf beastman's eyes widened.

"Lord Loki? What is the meaning of this?"

Loki answered with steel.

His sword flashed once.

The wolf beastman's head separated cleanly from his shoulders before anyone managed to react. Blood painted the polished floor as the enormous body crashed lifelessly onto the stone.

The Sword Emperor roared and unleashed a brilliant sword strike aimed directly at Loki's neck.

The blade passed harmlessly through empty space.

Loki had already stepped behind him.

Another flash.

The Sword Emperor's head tumbled across the training ground.

"A rather bloated title," Loki remarked as the corpse collapsed. "Sword Emperor. You hardly qualified as a competent swordsman."

The two-faced asura bellowed with fury as both faces screamed simultaneously. Twin battle axes materialized within his grasp while monstrous strength erupted from every muscle. He charged like an avalanche.

At the same instant, the undead assassin disappeared.

The faintest ripple behind Loki revealed the assassin's killing strike moments before it landed. Loki simply turned. His sword traced a graceful arc. The assassin emerged in two perfectly divided halves before his daggers ever reached their target.

Without slowing, Loki pivoted into the asura's charge. Three elegant strikes crossed one another. Both axes shattered. The asura's massive body followed immediately afterward, carved into several neat sections that scattered across the stone floor.

A fragrant breeze suddenly brushed against Loki's cheek.

The demonic woman appeared beside him with seductive grace.

Ancient hexes wrapped around his soul while invisible charms sought to invade his thoughts. Her lips met his in a passionate kiss as countless curses flowed through the contact.

Loki calmly inhaled, and then he exhaled.

Golden divine flames erupted directly into her body. She convulsed once. Her flesh swelled grotesquely before collapsing inward. The explosion reduced her to drifting ash. Loki wiped his mouth with visible disgust.

"That was disgusting."

"NOT YET!"

The severed pieces of the two-faced asura violently crawled together. Muscles regenerated. Bones reformed. Within moments the warrior stood once more.

"FEAR MY NAME!"

Loki finally released his cultivation. The Ruler of Laws descended upon the chamber like the weight of creation itself. Every law governing space, time, and existence bent obediently around him.

The asura's triumphant expression froze.

Loki vanished as countless sword lights engulfed the chamber.

Each slash ignored flesh entirely, severing concepts instead. Regeneration ceased to matter when existence itself had been cut apart. The asura fragmented into innumerable pieces before dissolving into nothingness.

"I didn't even bother remembering your names," Loki said as he lowered his sword. "Well, except you."

Only the silent monk remained. The bald cultivator stood exactly where he had been from the beginning, his emotionless eyes quietly observing the massacre without horror, anger, or sorrow.

Loki sheathed his sword.

"It's your master's orders, so don't think too badly of me, okay?"

The monk remained silent. Not even a blink acknowledged the words.

Loki laughed quietly.

"That's just boring."

He folded his arms behind his back.

"Anyway, your master is surprisingly ruthless. In order to fool the Supreme Bearer's precognition, he was even willing to shake hands with the Supreme Fate. Do you know how remarkable that is? Those two were once the closest of friends before deciding to walk separate paths. Over countless ages they became bitter enemies, each standing opposite the other. Yet for this single plan, they reached an understanding again."

He glanced toward the silent monk.

"Hm. Luo Fen, right?"

For the first time, the monk's eyes shifted ever so slightly.

"Good luck on your match, Luo Fen."

Golden flames engulfed Loki's figure. He disappeared without another word. Only his fading voice lingered within the empty chamber.

"Now we're even, Supreme Heart."

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