"Emperor Tianlong," Kitsune Yuki's voice carried an otherworldly quality that made even the distant crowds fall silent. "Your recent... ascension has had consequences that extend far beyond this mortal realm."
Tianlong's crimson-gold eyes narrowed, his imperial mask sliding into place as he sensed the underlying threat in her words.
Behind him, his four veiled wives remained motionless, but he could feel their tension through their bonds.
"Speak plainly," he commanded, his voice carrying absolute authority despite the obvious power disparity. "What consequences?"
"The seals," she said simply, her tails lashing with agitation. "Your breakthrough to the Great Vehicle realm created ripples that have weakened the dimensional barriers. The prison that contains the Frost Wyrm Empress and her legions grows unstable with each passing day."
The accusation hung in the air like a drawn blade, and Tianlong felt his temper flare despite the political necessity of maintaining composure.
