The Veil Torn
The Empress staggered, her veil aflame, the crimson silk curling into ash. For centuries, she had ruled unchallenged — not by sword, not by sect, not by heaven itself. But Hei Long's shadow had split her mantle apart.
She drew herself taller, divine fire wreathing her once more. "Then I will burn as the empire itself. If you would take my throne, you will destroy the heavens to claim it."
Her aura expanded, swallowing the horizon. Rivers screamed. Mountains groaned. The sky bled red.
The Sword's Last Cry
Qingxue leapt again, her blade shattering against the Empress's aura. Fragments of steel scattered like stars, but she did not fall. Gripping the broken hilt, she struck with pride louder than any weapon.
"I am his sword," she roared. "Even broken, I cut!"
The Empress's shield faltered, crimson flames cracking under her defiance.
The Fox's Inferno
