Xu Que made a temporary decision, with an ultimatum of one hour

As time slipped by, a new wave of interdimensional rifts finally opened.

Though these rifts appeared randomly, each nation had its own network of fluctuation-monitoring devices, ensuring that any anomalous activity would trigger immediate deployment of military forces to secure the area. 

While there was always the risk of someone attempting to rush in, few dared to recklessly enter rifts of unknown levels. With only one life to risk, a high-level rift meant certain death or a wasted return stone. On the off chance one found a rift matching their own skill level, any success in clearing it would require them to hand over their conquered territory.

No one was foolish enough to risk their life for free.

The next day, Xu Que arrived in Shangjing. Rather than head directly to the interdimensional rift, he circled the Imperial Hunter Corporation and lingered around the Chen family estate. The Chen family, known for ruthlessly exploiting others, was something Xu Que intended to eradicate.

First, he could prevent those nightmares from recurring. Second, he needed to make it clear that Xu Que was no man to be trifled with.

He'd already made his intentions known. He was no longer the weak Xu Que of his past life; he was a reborn avenger, a man who never forgave.

Just as Xu Que was about to leave the Chen estate, a figure emerged from within the walls, moving with sharp speed.

Their eyes locked. Neither spoke at first—Xu Que recognized this man from his past life.

One of the top ten Hunters—Fan Qiang.

And Fan Qiang, in turn, knew Xu Que well.

"You plan to make a move on the Chen family?" Fan Qiang probed.

Xu Que ignored Fan Qiang's question and asked one of his own—a question that left Fan Qiang off guard.

"Aren't you with Tianhui Corporation? Why are you here with the Chens?"

A slight panic stirred within Fan Qiang; he hadn't expected Xu Que to recognize him.

"Do I need to report to you?" Fan Qiang answered, attempting to mask his unease with forced composure.

Xu Que's gaze hardened. "True, for someone who feigns weakness only to betray employers and fellow hunters, no explanation is required."

Fan Qiang was taken aback—he had never done such a thing. Clearly, Xu Que was speaking in a language only he understood: one rooted in a past life.

"You're talking nonsense!" Fan Qiang's expression darkened. "The Chen family isn't someone you want to provoke. I suggest you leave."

"Oh?" Xu Que's lips curved into a wry smile. "In that case, deliver a message to the Chens: if they want to avoid annihilation, they should learn to stay in line."

"Delusional fool. If you want to make an enemy of the Chen family, then you'll leave your life here!" 

No sooner had Fan Qiang's threat escaped his lips than he charged forward. But just as he reached Xu Que, his vision blurred, and the next moment, his body was hurled backward like a cannonball.

A loud crash outside the estate wall brought security guards rushing to the scene.

Ignoring the guards, Xu Que approached Fan Qiang's crumpled form, pulling him roughly from the debris.

"Who are you?" demanded one of the security captains, warily eyeing Xu Que.

Xu Que paid him no heed, speaking only to Fan Qiang. "You'll get one chance. If I don't see a show of sincerity from the Chen family…"

He left the threat unspoken but clear. His words were both a warning and a promise.

Initially, he'd planned to test the waters with the Chen family quietly, hoping to send a message to certain powers. But Fan Qiang's interference now demanded a shift in strategy.

Was he concerned about drawing Shangjing's wrath?

Hardly. They'd already shown their true colors. If they dared make a move, he had no qualms about erasing them.

As Xu Que departed, no one dared stop him. Before them, Fan Qiang lay broken—proof that Xu Que's strength surpassed their wildest imaginations.

"Don't just stand there. Inform Mr. Chen!" Fan Qiang rasped, barely managing to shout.

Soon, news of Xu Que's provocation reached Chen Tianfang.

"Should we gather more men, sir?" a suited middle-aged man asked.

Chen Tianfang sneered at the suggestion. "Gather men? Fan Qiang was felled with a single blow, yet you think C-level ability users can take that man down?"

"Perhaps we should request help from B-level powerhouses," suggested Chen Jun. "No matter how strong Xu Que is, he can't stand against several B-levels at once."

"We'll assemble them, but we'll need some top brass involved. They've profited from us long enough," Chen Tianfang replied, drumming his fingers on the desk.

By late afternoon, Xu Que sat in a desolate ruin, absorbing spiritual energy. Just as he solidified a star within, his phone rang.

Seeing that it was Shen Tianhe, he frowned but answered.

"What's going on with you? What possessed you to stir up trouble in Shangjing?"

"Has Shangjing come asking questions?" Xu Que inquired calmly.

"Not directly, but they've contacted Elder Ye," Shen Tianhe continued, his tone anxious. "Given Elder Ye's connections to the Ye family in Shangjing, I'd prefer you avoid escalating things."

Xu Que chuckled. In his former life, he might have backed down. But this time, things were different. Now at the pinnacle of human power, he wasn't bound by outdated rules.

This time, he would make the rules.

"I have no intention of seeing Blue Star destroyed, nor of watching those who live by exploiting others continue to thrive."

"If I'm set on destroying the Chen family, who will oppose me?" Xu Que asked, his voice cool.

"You still don't understand what I'm telling you?" Shen Tianhe snapped.

"I know you mean well, Uncle Shen," Xu Que replied calmly, "but you don't see what I see. Those in power, blinded by short-term gain, are oblivious to the blood on their hands. It's time for them to fall."

Before Shen Tianhe could respond, Elder Ye's voice suddenly took over the line.

"Xu, it's Ye Zhentian. You mustn't be reckless. Shangjing's waters are deeper than you realize."

"Elder Ye, I'm sure you understand the situation in the Northeast," Xu Que replied, his tone measured. "If I told you what some people plan to do, you might feel differently."

A pause. Elder Ye's voice turned sharp. "And what is it they plan?"

"They intend to seal access to any interdimensional rift beyond C-level, denying others entry as well. Twenty-one days from now, the Northeast could become a sanctuary for alien creatures."

Elder Ye's shock was palpable. Still, he pressed on. "How do you know this?"

Xu Que refrained from mentioning his past life but relayed only the intelligence he'd gathered.

As he hung up, he resumed his meditation, knowing that this was just the beginning.

Meanwhile, Elder Ye and Shen Tianhe, troubled by Xu Que's revelation, began making calls, intent on averting the crisis that now loomed over the Northeast.