Chapter 76: The Crimson Reckoning
The throne room of Ironfang's capital stood as a grim testament to a crumbling empire, its marble floors cracked and stained with the blood of fallen warriors, the air thick with the acrid scent of smoke and the faint, metallic tang of recent combat. The late afternoon sun filtered through shattered windows, casting a dim light over ornate thrones now marred by war, the room echoing with the clash of steel as the allied forces closed in. General Feng Wuji, a towering figure at the 4th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, stood defiantly at the center, his crimson armor dented but gleaming, his qi-infused spear humming with dark energy as he faced Lin Xuan. Lin Xuan stood resolute, his crimson eyes burning with triumphant intent, the power of his 9th Layer Qi Transformation surging like a tempest. The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed with a steady rhythm, a quiet beacon as he raised his voice. "This ends now—your reign falls!"
He engaged Feng with Internal Fracture Wave, the shockwave from his crystal veins rippling outward, clashing with the general's spear in a blinding explosion that sent sparks flying. The impact cracked the marble beneath them, Feng thrusting with a sweeping arc that forced Lin Xuan to duck, his robes singed, but he countered with a precise qi burst, striking Feng's shoulder. The armor shattered, blood gushing as Feng roared in pain, staggering back. Lin Xuan pressed forward, a second wave slamming into Feng's chest, the force sending him crashing against the throne, his spear clattering to the floor as he gasped for air. "Yield—or die," Lin Xuan said, his tone icy, his stance unyielding as Feng slumped, defeated. Liu Yue, her 9th Layer Qi Transformation qi flowing with Frost Phoenix Cry, and Liu Yang, his 6th Layer Qi Gathering qi robust, secured the throne room, her snowflake mark blazing as she froze a retreating guard, his blood-forged glaive flashing to cleave through another, blood spraying. "Room's clear, Senior Brother!" Liu Yang called, his young face alight with focus, the glaive's weight a grounding force.
Ji Yunjing, at the peak of the 4th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, accepted Ironfang's surrender, his silk robes fluttering as he addressed the remaining officers, his voice resonant with authority. "Lay down your arms—Dawnriver's mercy is your only hope," he declared, his brow furrowed with the strain of command as guards disarmed the defeated, the air thickening with the clink of dropping weapons. Bai Ningxue, her 9th Layer Qi Transformation aura a serene yet potent force, purified the palace with her Thousand Lotus Seal Art, her seals shimmering as she uncovered ancient runes etched into the walls, hinting at Black Tomb's influence. "These markings—something older stirs," she said, her tone calm and alert, her hands steady as she wove the seals with precision. The reckoning stretched into the evening, the air growing cool with the scent of victory and the murmur of relief, the throne room a symbol of triumph.
Lin Xuan gathered his team in the royal tent later, his breath heavy but his spirit high. "Feng is down—their leadership's broken," he said, his voice proud. Liu Yue nodded, her breath ragged but her resolve firm. "Senior Brother, we've claimed this victory," she replied, her hand brushing his arm. The tent buzzed with the clink of celebratory cups and the hum of future plans, the crimson reckoning a milestone.