Chapter 98: The Crimson Horizon
The Dawnriver outskirts stretched into a serene, rolling expanse,
the air thick with the earthy scent of pine and the faint hum of patrolling qi,
the late afternoon sun casting a golden hue over the fortified walls
and the distant silhouette of the Black Tomb ruins on the horizon.
A gentle breeze rustled the grass,
carrying the distant clatter of armor and the soft murmur of guards,
a testament to the realm's cautious recovery from recent trials.
Lin Xuan, at the 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
stood at the edge of the outpost, his crimson eyes gazing into the distance,
the Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsing faintly
as the tower's influence whispered of greater power within him.
A new path beckoned, a quiet urge to push beyond his limits,
and he clenched his fist, feeling the energy surge like a tide.
"This feels like a call to something bigger—
challenges are coming, and I need to be ready,"
he murmured, his voice low and introspective,
his mind racing with the implications.
Liu Yue, her 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm qi robust,
patrolled the northern border with Liu Yang,
her snowflake mark glowing faintly as she scanned the treeline.
"The qi here is stable, but I sense movement,"
she said, her moonlight eyes narrowing with focus,
her hand resting on the hilt of a concealed blade.
"Stay alert—let's check it out."
Liu Yang, his 1st Layer Qi Transformation qi steady,
gripped his blood-forged glaive, his young face set with determination.
"Elder Sister, I'll take the left—
if anything jumps out, I'll handle it with Energy Devour!"
he declared, his voice brimming with confidence,
his steps light as he moved to flank the area.
A sudden rustle in the bushes prompted Liu Yue to act,
her Frost Phoenix Cry weaving an icy barrier with a crisp crack,
the cold wave neutralizing a minor qi anomaly with a soft pop.
"False alarm—just a deer. But stay sharp,"
she said, exhaling with relief, her gaze meeting Liu Yang's.
"Got it—let's keep moving," he replied, grinning.
Back at the royal palace,
Ji Yunjing, at the 5th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
convened a council in the grand hall,
his silk robes rustling as he addressed the gathered advisors.
"We must oversee the Blood Pulse Unification technique—
its power is immense, but so is the risk,"
he said, his voice firm, his brow furrowed with concern.
"What measures can we take to ensure safety?"
Bai Ningxue, her 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura serene yet potent,
stood beside him, her hands tracing Thousand Lotus Seal Art
to project a holographic map of the realm with a gentle shimmer.
"We can use my seals to monitor its spread,
limiting its use to controlled zones,"
she suggested, her tone calm but authoritative,
her eyes scanning the map for potential weak points.
"Lin Xuan's input will be crucial—
he's the one feeling its effects most."
Ji Yunjing nodded, turning to an advisor.
"Assign a team to assist him.
We need data to guide this council's decisions."
The advisor bowed, noting the task.
"As you command, Your Majesty."
Lin Xuan returned from the outskirts as dusk fell,
joining the council with Liu Yue and Liu Yang in tow.
"The borders are secure for now,
but—I'll need to train with this new power,"
he said, his voice steady but tinged with anticipation.
Liu Yue crossed her arms, her expression thoughtful.
"Senior Brother, we'll patrol daily—
let us help you test it safely."
Liu Yang grinned, twirling his glaive.
"Yeah, and I'll spar with you—
let's see what that Blood Pulse Unification can do!"
Bai Ningxue smiled faintly, her seals fading.
"I'll reinforce the council's oversight.
We'll keep the realm stable together."
Ji Yunjing rose, his gaze sweeping the team.
"Your foresight strengthens us, Lin Xuan.
Bowing to this stability, let's build a future worthy of your efforts."
The horizon stretched into the evening,
the air cooling with the scent of pine and the murmur of strategy,
the realm stabilizing as the council took shape.
Lin Xuan nodded, his mind set on the path ahead.
"We'll face whatever comes—together."
The palace hummed with the clink of quills and the hum of planning,
the crimson horizon a promise of challenges,
the patrol risks and council setup a test of their unity.