The plaza was a wild mix of colors – not exactly what you'd call a relaxing sight. Flags from the Seven Empires, each shouting their identity, snapped in the sea breeze. Qing Lang's blue shimmered, Crimson Fang's red glared, Jade Serpent's green caught the light, and the others all bickered for attention. Lanterns glowed gold against the darkening sky, trying to soften the scene.
The main pavilion had tables made from coral and pearl. Someone had gone all-out. On them were fruits you wouldn't believe – peaches the color of the sky at dawn, melons like purple jewels, and grapes that looked like drops of sunshine. People passed around cups of wine that smelled strong enough to knock you over.
Mermaids, with tails that looked like someone spilled gemstones all over them, danced in pools made of crystal. They sang about old victories, but their voices had a sad sound that made even tough warriors uneasy.
And in the middle of all this was Mei Xuan. She sat on a huge throne that looked like a crown made of waves, and everyone was cheering for her: the new Commander of the Spirit was wonderful.
To Lady Mei Xuan! They yelled.
For smashing the Hai Zhen Empire – those traitors!
For keeping the Seven Empires safe!
The cheers were loud, like drums before a war. Everyone raised their cups, jewels flashing, clothes rustling.
But near the back, the people from Hai Zhen looked like they were about to be sick. Master Qian Xu, who was as white as a ghost, shook like a leaf. The cultivators behind him shifted, eyes darting all over the place, as guards aimed spears in their direction.
Traitors…? he whispered, his voice cracking. She… she lied to them. Only the Spirits know what she told them!
Liang Feng was kneeling in chains made of lightning and magic. His head hung low. He was fighting against the chains, but they were too strong, made to stop even a god in his tracks.
People whispered around him.
So, that's the thief? The one they were going to give as a present?
Worthless. Look at him squatting there like a dog.
I heard he's an assassin from the Shadow Clans… trying to kill the Mother!
Liang smiled, but it was a bitter one. He let them talk. Let them cheer. It wasn't over yet.
Then, suddenly, big golden instruments boomed across the plaza, stopping the party at once.
By order of the Mother! a messenger yelled. The party is over! Time for court!
The crowd gasped. The court was serious. Empires could fall, and new rulers could rise.
The space cleared fast.
At the far end of the pavilion, a gigantic gate made of pearl opened, showing the Mother's throne room – huge and sparkling like the ocean at night.
And there she was. The Mother walked forward, calm and controlled.
She looked like a nightmare from an old story.
Her skin glowed like it wasn't quite human. Her eyes were a deep purple with storms brewing inside. Her gown flowed like starlight, changing color with every step – now green like the sea, now black like night. She had a belt made of silver seaweed, and golden marks covered her arms. If you looked too long, they seemed to move.
She was tall and had a powerful presence. Her beauty was terrifying, the kind that could bring down kingdoms.
Everyone went silent as she sat on her Throne of Tides. Her voice was cold and deep.
Let the trial begin.
Mei Xuan stepped up, perfectly poised, her voice sharp.
Mother, I say that the Master of Hai Zhen, Qian Xu, worked with an assassin from the Shadow Clans to kill you and tear down the Seven Empires.
The room exploded with gasps and shouts.
Blasphemy!
Such treason!
Mei Xuan kept going, her face showing anger. This man, she pointed at Qian Xu, who was shaking, using magic that is forbidden, enslaved mermaids for his own pleasure, and planned to give this useless thief, she pointed at Liang Feng, as a gift! Worthless. A criminal. An assassin!
Everyone looked at Liang, who stood kneeling. The chains around him crackled.
Master Qian Xu was brought forward. He stumbled, his face pale and sweaty. He tried to talk, but couldn't.
It's a lie! Lies, Mother! I would never…
But Mei Xuan cut him off; there's proof.
Magical scrolls floated into view, showing meetings, letters, and names written in dark ink.
The crowd yelled.
Traitor!
Mermaid Raper!
Qian Xu fell to his knees, stuttering. I… It was for the Empire! To save it! I… I didn't know he was dangerous! He pointed at Liang. I tried to stop him… but he… tricked me!
The Mother's purple eyes narrowed. Enough.
She stood and raised her hand. The court went silent.
The decision is clear.
She turned her hand toward Qian Xu.
Before he could beg, a wind swept through the hall – a dark storm that tore into him, taking the light from his eyes. His magic core flickered once, then broke like glass.
His energy was taken into the Mother's open hand.
This is justice, she said coldly.
One by one, the people from Hai Zhen fell as their magic was stripped away. Their screams echoed in the hall.
The Mother turned to Mei Xuan, smiling cruelly.
For your loyalty, Mei… you've earned a reward. She gestured, and a crown of black coral appeared, floating toward Mei Xuan's head.
You are now Warden of the Seven Seas – the most valuable thing I can give."
The crowd cheered. Mei Xuan looked thrilled.
Finally, the Mother looked at Liang Feng – still chained to the floor.
Her voice, soft but mean, cut through the noise.
Tell me your name, thief, before I finish you.
Liang's vision blurred. The chains burned. Every breath was hard.
But he smiled. A slow, scary smile.
His voice was rough, but steady as he looked up at her.
I am Liang Feng.
The hall went still. People whispered.
Liang's next words hit like an explosion.
Supreme Elder of Di Yu. Destroyer of the Ancient City of Black Flame.
People gasped.
Impossible! someone screamed. That city fell ages ago!
He's lying! The Destroyer was ancient, a god of chaos – not some kid!
And… wasn't the Mother once… with that city's Lord before it was destroyed…?
People looked at the Mother. Her face was frozen.
Her purple eyes shimmered. Her hands clenched the arms of her throne.
Liang… Feng… she whispered, her voice shaky. Her mind raced back through time. To another life. To a man – no, a boy – who had broken her world.
Liang smiled wider, blood running from his lips.
So, Grand Mother of the Empires, he said. You don't even know the boy who threw you into darkness? What a joke.
The Mother's face twisted with rage.
She screamed and drew her sword – a black crystal blade that sang with ancient power.
Don't lie to me, insect! WHO ARE YOU REALLY?!
Liang laughed, defiant. You want proof? Fine!
He fought, using the last of his strength. The chains cracked, lightning flying.
His hand snapped forward, and a sword appeared in his grasp in a flash of red light.
It shimmered with dark gold symbols, like the Mother's blade.
The same sword.
The hall gasped. Even the warriors stepped back, their faces pale.
He… has the Twin Blade…!
But only the Destroyer of Black Flame… could wield that sword!
The Mother's hands shook. Her sword dropped a little.
Her voice cracked.
It… can't be…!
Liang stood. The chains shattered around him. He swayed, but his blade gleamed, wanting blood.
His smile was cruel.
Should I show you, Mother… how I destroyed your city the first time?