Chapter 95: The Emperor's Vision
The royal palace of Dawnriver stood as a beacon of regality,
its marble halls gleaming under the soft, golden midday light
that filtered through intricately carved windows,
the air rich with the woody aroma of sandalwood
and the steady, purposeful hum of governance echoing through the corridors.
Beyond the palace walls,
the city buzzed with the clatter of construction—
the sharp ring of hammers against stone,
the rhythmic thud of scaffolding being erected,
and the lively chatter of citizens rebuilding their lives—
a symphony of renewal following the victory over Black Tomb.
Ji Yunjing, at the 5th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
commanded the court with a presence that filled the room,
his silk robes rustling softly with each deliberate step
as he unfurled a detailed blueprint across the polished table.
"We stand at the dawn of a new era,"
he began, his voice resonant with authority,
his brow furrowed with a mix of determination and vision.
"This monument will commemorate our triumph—
a symbol of resilience that will endure for generations.
Should it honor the fallen warriors or the living who fought?"
An advisor, his voice hesitant yet respectful, stepped forward.
"Both, Your Majesty—it should tell the full story of our survival."
Another nodded, adding,
"Let it stand as a reminder of sacrifice and strength."
Ji Yunjing stroked his chin, considering their words.
"Very well—let it reflect both. I want your input on the design."
Lin Xuan, at the 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
ventured to the Black Tomb ruins later that afternoon,
his crimson eyes scanning the desolate landscape
where crumbled stone and twisted roots marked the battlefield's scars.
The tower's influence pulsed within him like a second heartbeat,
a quiet, insistent drumbeat that quickened his breath
and sent a shiver down his spine as he paused by a shattered wall.
"This power… it's growing stronger. I need to understand it,"
he murmured, his voice low and introspective,
his fingers tracing the rough edges of the stone
as if seeking answers in its silence.
"Is it a curse or a gift? I can't tell yet."
Liu Yue, her 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm qi robust,
arrived with Liu Yang, his 1st Layer Qi Transformation qi steady,
and Bai Ningxue, her 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura serene yet potent.
Liu Yue's snowflake mark glowed faintly as she approached,
her moonlight eyes narrowing as she sensed the air's odd tension.
"Senior Brother, do you feel that?
The ruins feel… alive since we left. What's going on?"
she asked, her voice carrying a note of concern and curiosity.
Lin Xuan shook his head, his expression guarded.
"I'm not sure yet. It's tied to what entered me—let's look around."
Liu Yang, gripping his blood-forged glaive with a youthful eagerness,
kicked a loose stone, the clatter echoing faintly.
"This place gives me the creeps, but if there's something here,
I say we dig it up! What do you think, Elder Sister?"
he said, his grin widening as he scanned the debris.
Bai Ningxue, her hands already moving with Thousand Lotus Seal Art,
sensed a subtle pulse beneath the rubble and pointed to a hidden crevice.
"There's an energy signature—let's uncover it with care.
I'll use my seals to stabilize the area,"
she said, her tone calm but intrigued,
her seals shimmering like a gentle web as they parted the debris.
"Liu Yang, help me move this stone—gently now."
Liu Yang nodded, setting his glaive aside.
"Got it—let's see what's hiding down there!"
Together, they shifted the rubble,
the scrape of stone against stone filling the air
as Bai Ningxue's seals revealed a cryptic scroll,
its ancient parchment pulsing with a dark, enigmatic energy.
Lin Xuan knelt, his fingers brushing the scroll's surface,
a tingle running up his arm as the runes seemed to shift under his touch.
"This… it hints at the tower's purpose.
Maybe it's a key to controlling this power inside me,"
he said, his voice a mix of hope and uncertainty.
Liu Yue peered over his shoulder, her brow furrowing.
"Can you decipher it? We need to know what we're facing, Senior Brother."
"I'll try—give me a moment,"
Lin Xuan replied, his eyes tracing the symbols,
the energy within him resonating faintly with the scroll.
Liu Yang, peering at the runes, scratched his head.
"Looks like gibberish to me.
If it's a fight, though, I'm ready—should we test it?"
Bai Ningxue shook her head, her seals still active.
"Not yet—let's understand it first.
This could be dangerous if mishandled."
The exploration stretched into the late afternoon,
the air growing heavy with the scent of disturbed earth
and the murmur of discovery as they worked.
Ji Yunjing arrived as the sun began to dip,
his presence commanding as he surveyed the ruins,
his voice firm yet encouraging.
"This scroll could shape our future—use it wisely.
The monument will rise here, a testament to your courage.
What does it say, Lin Xuan?"
Lin Xuan looked up, his expression serious.
"It's incomplete, but it suggests the tower amplifies qi—
possibly a weapon or a legacy. I need time to study it."
Liu Yue crossed her arms, her voice steady.
"We'll help you, Senior Brother.
This affects us all—let's figure it out together."
Liu Yang grinned, hefting his glaive again.
"Yeah, and if it's a fight, we'll be ready! Right, Elder Sister?"
Bai Ningxue smiled faintly, her seals fading.
"Knowledge first, then action.
I'll assist with the seals to protect us while you work."
Ji Yunjing nodded, his gaze sweeping the team.
"Your insight honors us. Lead this path forward—
the monument will stand as your legacy.
I'll ensure the builders start tomorrow."
Lin Xuan rose, his breath steady but his mind racing.
"We'll uncover its secrets, Your Majesty—
but this energy inside me… it's a challenge I'll face for now."
Bai Ningxue placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"You're not alone in this, Senior Brother—
we're here to support you."
Liu Yue added, her tone firm yet warm,
"No matter what, we stand together."
The ruins buzzed with the clink of shifting stones
and the hum of strategic discussion,
Ji Yunjing bowing slightly to the team.
"Your dedication strengthens us all—bowing to your efforts."
The emperor's vision emerged as a beacon of hope,
the internal strain within Lin Xuan a quiet conflict,
the scroll a promise of revelations yet to unfold
as the team prepared for the challenges ahead.