The last remnants of the Pantheon Cult had been cleared. That day, the Yaogu troops who launched a surprise assault had already stormed into the main hall.

The fighting wasn’t fierce. Most cultists were caught off guard—and Su Zhaoyu’s overwhelming power simply bulldozed the path forward.

Barefoot, Su Zhaoyu glided silently inward. Frost spread across the stone floor before her soles even touched it. Her smooth feet remained spotless, untouched by dust, as she walked calmly into the hall.

Though this former Pantheon Cult headquarters was well-informed, some still escaped the raid. The rest were eliminated.

Moving soundlessly deeper inside, Su Zhaoyu found a skywell-like chamber. A sacrificial altar rose from the floor, carved with intricate patterns converging into an eye shape—drenched in fresh blood.

The Eye of Divinity was gone.

She glanced once, then pressed onward.

Along the way, maids and soldiers presented recovered documents: blueprints, strategic plans. Su Zhaoyu reviewed each carefully, her brow tightening with every page.

All targeted White Peach Mountain and the Hero Association—waiting for them to cripple each other before the Pantheon Cult swooped in to reap the spoils.

Lu Feng had been right. They truly had the strength. Thankfully, his warning allowed them to intervene in time.

One detail surprised Su Zhaoyu, however.

The Eye of Divinity hadn’t belonged to the cult. It came from a “Divine Envoy.” After his arrival, the minor heretical sect rapidly expanded—halls established, followers multiplied. With the cult leader in seclusion, this envoy had become de facto leader.

Who was this “Divine Envoy”? Where did the Eye truly originate?

Su Zhaoyu’s guard rose.

Still, it was a decisive victory. Once matters settled, she’d personally thank Lu Feng.

Suddenly—clashing steel echoed outside the stone hall.

*They dare counterattack?* Su Zhaoyu’s eyes turned icy.

“Reporting, Your Majesty! The Hero Association has surrounded the hall—blocking our exit!” A blood-soaked fox Yaogu soldier rushed in.

“I’ll see for myself.” Su Zhaoyu stepped out, expression cold.

Outside, Hero Association forces sealed the exit, aiming to trap the Yaogu like fish in a barrel.

Leading them was Situ Qingxue—mithril armor gleaming, longsword at her hip, golden hair tied in a practical ponytail. A self-satisfied smirk played on her lips as she peered inside.

Her subordinates had already clashed with retreating Yaogu members.

“Hah! Su Zhaoyu—finally caught you, you smelly fox!” Situ Qingxue drew her blade, pointing inward.

Last time, Su Zhaoyu gave her a cold that cost a week’s leave. Revenge was overdue.

She admitted Su Zhaoyu’s strength as a minor boss exceeded expectations. But now? Fully geared. Every item a hard-earned cheat or trump card. No way she’d lose to a Ninth Tier-and-a-half opponent.

Cooperation against the Pantheon Cult didn’t mean friendship.

No sooner had she spoken than a freezing gale erupted from the hall. Flames coiled around her sword—but dimmed against the chill.

Situ Qingxue shivered, steadying herself. *Has her power grown this fast?*

“Haven’t you learned your lesson?” Su Zhaoyu’s voice drifted out—calm, mature, yet piercing every ear.

Su Zhaoyu emerged. Nine tails unfurled slowly behind her. Situ Qingxue’s grip tightened on her hilt.

“I lost last time. But victory is mine today!”

Flames reignited on her blade. She lunged, gear enhancements flaring visibly.

Su Zhaoyu merely raised one finger.

Before the sword neared her, the flames snuffed out. A biting wind swept over Situ Qingxue—chilling her to the bone.

*No way… She’s reached the Tenth Tier?*

Ninth Tier stood at humanity’s peak. Tenth Tier? Never recorded. In Situ Qingxue’s knowledge, no faction held such power.

Ninth Tier remained mortal. Tenth Tier transcended—godlike. A being who could reshape reality with a thought. The undisputed apex of worldly strength.

The gap between tiers was vast. Su Zhaoyu had lived millennia without crossing it. But once breached? Ten Ninth Tier experts wouldn’t suffice.

*Shouldn’t a Tenth Tier be the final world boss?! Why’s one here now?!*

Run. Now.

Dread surged. She tried to retreat—but Su Zhaoyu anticipated it. The gale intensified.

“Flame Sanctuary!”

A roaring fire barrier erupted around her—a defense ordinary ice couldn’t breach.

It vanished instantly under Su Zhaoyu’s divine-tier strike. Situ Qingxue froze solid.

Thankfully, a gem on her belt shattered, flooding her stiff limbs with energy. She bounced mechanically backward—just beyond range.

But the floor was slick with ice. She slipped, forehead smacking the wall. Tumbling like a ball down the steps, she rolled until her face hit a lamppost. Ashes rained over her.

“Ah-choo!”

Dusty and wobbly, she rose. Bumps swelled on her brow. Tears welled. Another violent sneeze. Snot dripped as warmth returned.

Hero Association members instinctively stepped back. Su Zhaoyu’s power was overwhelming.

“I’ll spare you today,” Su Zhaoyu said with effortless composure. “Killing you here hinders future progress.”

“You… Ah-choo!”

Sniffling, furious yet helpless—her recovered cold returned. *Minor boss to world-level boss?! What is this?!*

“Challenge me again anytime,” Su Zhaoyu added, voice laced with three parts mockery, seven parts confidence.

“Damn boss… Wait till next chapter—I’ll power up and crush you… Ah-choo!!!”

Another loud sneeze. Sticky trails dripped from her petite nose as she retreated with ill grace.

Watching them go, Su Zhaoyu’s lips curved slightly—amused. Her gaze settled on her palm, where a translucent blue ice crystal hovered. A brief reverie.

Tenth Tier—excluding the Primordial Gods—was now the strongest existence in this world.

All thanks to the God of Medicine. A proper visit of gratitude was long overdue.