Two full cycles of the moon had passed since the complete capitulation of the Crimson Tide Guild, plunging the sprawling, neon-lit streets of Abyssal Pearl City into an era of unprecedented, absolute order. Located on the affluent eastern shores of Sea-Moon Island, the city functioned flawlessly under the firm, unyielding grip of City Lord Lin Wanyue. To the mortal residents and the countless low-level wandering martial artists who crowded the harbor districts, the transition of power appeared seamless. The markets thrived, the defensive arrays hummed with deep-earth spiritual energy, and the local guard patrols operated with rigid discipline.
However, deep underground, far beneath the opulent white-jade halls of the City Lord's estate, the true sovereign of the territory held court in absolute silence.
