Chapter 99: The Memorial of Serenity
The royal palace of Dawnriver radiated a solemn grace,
its marble halls bathed in the soft, golden light of early morning,
the air rich with the delicate scent of fresh incense
and the quiet hum of preparations for a memorial ceremony.
Beyond the palace walls, the Black Tomb memorial site awaited,
a serene clearing adorned with smooth stone markers
and clusters of wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze,
the distant clatter of chisels and the soft murmur of workers
filling the air as the structure took shape to honor the fallen.
Lin Xuan, at the 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
stood alone in a quiet corner of the palace,
his crimson eyes reflecting on the arduous journey that had led to this moment.
The Celestial Unity Crest on his back pulsed faintly,
a reminder of the tower's integration and the battles etched into his soul,
and he let out a slow breath, his voice soft with introspection.
"We've survived so much—
passing on this strength feels like closing a chapter,"
he murmured, his fingers tracing the adapted Crimson Blood Crystallization Art
he had refined, stripping away the tower's volatile power for stability.
Liu Yang, his 1st Layer Qi Transformation qi steady,
approached with a spark of eagerness in his eyes,
his blood-forged glaive resting casually at his side.
"Senior Brother, you're really teaching me that art?
I've been waiting for this—show me everything!"
he said, his young face alight with anticipation,
shifting his weight from foot to foot in excitement.
Lin Xuan chuckled softly, placing a steady hand on his shoulder.
"It's yours now, Liu Yang, but use it with care—
focus on the qi flow, not the rush.
Let's start with the basics, step by step."
He demonstrated, channeling a controlled burst of the adapted technique,
the air shimmering with a faint red hue,
guiding Liu Yang through the initial movements with patient precision.
"Feel the energy here—let it build slowly,"
he instructed, his voice firm yet encouraging,
watching as Liu Yang mimicked the motion, a bead of sweat forming.
Liu Yue, her 1st Layer Profound Heavenly Realm qi robust,
and Bai Ningxue, her 2nd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm aura serene,
prepared to honor the fallen at the memorial site,
their footsteps crunching softly on the gravel path.
Liu Yue's snowflake mark glowed gently as she arranged offerings of flowers,
her moonlight eyes softening with a deep reverence.
"These souls gave everything for us—
this peace is their gift,"
she said, her voice steady but laced with emotion,
her hands trembling slightly as she placed a wreath.
Bai Ningxue nodded, her hands weaving Thousand Lotus Seal Art,
the seals shimmering like a cleansing tide
as they purified the area with a gentle pop,
the air growing lighter with each pass.
"Let's make this a sanctuary of healing.
Their sacrifice deserves more than memory—it deserves honor,"
she added, her tone calm yet reverent,
setting a lotus bloom atop a marker with care.
"Do you think they'd be proud of what we've built?"
Liu Yue smiled faintly, her gaze distant.
"I hope so—let's make it worthy of them."
At the memorial dedication,
Ji Yunjing, at the 5th Layer Profound Heavenly Realm,
stood before the gathered crowd, his silk robes fluttering in the breeze,
his presence commanding as he raised his hands in a gesture of gratitude.
"We dedicate this Memorial of Serenity to those who fell,
acknowledging the sacrifices of Lin Xuan, Liu Yue, Liu Yang, and Bai Ningxue,
whose courage turned despair into hope,"
he proclaimed, his voice resonant with emotion,
his brow smoothing as he saluted the stone markers.
"Bow to their spirit—let this stand as our pledge of peace."
The crowd bowed in unison, the air filled with a respectful silence,
broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirp of birds.
Lin Xuan, concluding his lesson with Liu Yang,
joined the ceremony, his expression a mix of pride and strain.
"This art is your legacy now, Liu Yang—
use it to protect, not to destroy."
he said, his voice warm but firm,
watching as Liu Yang nodded with a determined glint.
Liu Yang sheathed his glaive, his voice earnest.
"I will, Senior Brother—thank you for trusting me with it."
Liu Yue approached, her hand brushing Lin Xuan's arm gently.
"You've given him more than power, Senior Brother—
a purpose. I'm proud of you,"
she said, her tone soft but filled with admiration.
Lin Xuan met her gaze, a rare smile breaking through.
"And you've kept us grounded—thank you, Yan—Yue'er."
Bai Ningxue joined them, her seals fading into the air.
"This closure strengthens our resolve.
Let's move forward together,"
she said, her voice carrying a quiet strength,
her eyes reflecting the peace of the moment.
Ji Yunjing stepped forward, bowing deeply to the team.
"Your legacy brings serenity to Dawnriver—
bowing to your sacrifices, we honor you with this memorial.
Rest now, but stay vigilant."
Lin Xuan returned the bow, his breath steady despite the weight within.
"We've found peace—let's guard it with all we have."
The memorial stretched into the afternoon,
the air lightening with the scent of wildflowers
and the murmur of closure among the attendees,
children placing small tokens at the markers.
Liu Yang, standing beside a stone, spoke quietly.
"Elder Sister, do you think they're watching us?"
Liu Yue placed a hand on his shoulder, her voice gentle.
"I'm sure they are—smiling at what we've become."
Bai Ningxue added, her gaze on the horizon.
"Let's make them proud every day."
The site buzzed with the clink of tools finishing the last touches
and the hum of remembrance,
the crimson legacy a bridge to a peaceful future,
the reflection strain and ceremony a moment of unity and healing.