The sun wiped away the night.
Yuan Shi sat alone on the veranda of the Forsworn Citadel. His eyes were calm, yet filled with anticipation. The wind brushed through his hair, and his face carried a beauty that even beauty itself would envy.
"Who was the shadow… and what does he want?"
He murmured softly.
Only the wind answered.
At the same time, far away, Xuang Yu Kong gazed at the sky. Beneath a tree, he listened to the lullabies of birds, the children of nature singing without fear.
Yet his expression was heavy.
Something was coming.
And when it did, the world might finally be allowed to rest.
Xuang Yu Kong and Yuan Shi met.
"You know how dangerous this is," Yuan Shi said.
"I do," Xuang replied calmly. "But for now, waiting is the only choice."
"But people's lives waiting only increases the danger."
Xuang's gaze was distant.
"The world admires beauty," he said. "Yet being human in a world where everyone clings to meaningless lives… is absurd."
"We can't risk our people," Yuan Shi insisted.
"Our people are safe," Xuang answered.
"Until the sun rises at night, the stars fade, and humans learn to think."
Yuan Shi exhaled.
"Come. There's a meeting in the Black Hall." Xuang said.
They entered the Black Hall.
The moment Xuang Yu Kong stepped inside, silence devoured the room. Even nature dared not let the wind pass. His presence alone pressed against the air.
The Dominion was overwhelming.
No one could approach him unless he allowed it.
"We've gathered," Xuang said, "because yesterday, Yuan Shi and I witnessed a shadow in the Mayura Hills."
"Was its Dominion strong?" someone asked.
"We couldn't sense it," Xuang replied.
"But one thing is certain this world is about to be damned."
"Which tier?" another voice asked.
"We don't know," he said. "But it exceeds Tier Two."
Silence fell again.
"Then listen," Xuang continued.
"Playtime is over. Let the world raise its sword."
Cheers erupted.
"Remember who we are," he declared.
"The foolishness of the world cannot deceive those sworn as prophets of the devil."
"Destroy Virtue. Protect Sin. Let our swords mirror our breath."
The hall echoed with their chant.
"Meeting dismissed."
The hall emptied.
Silence returned.
Then.
Someone stepped forward.
"You know who he is," a voice said.
"I do," Xuang replied. "What of it?"
" Iam Tier One Commander Qio Ren."
Xuang's eyes narrowed.
"The world isn't ready to bear the consequences of his existence." Xuang said
"But if we let him act," Qio Ren said, "the world…."
Xuang lifted his gaze.
"And if we stop him," he said quietly,
"who will survive the aftermath?"
The wind stopped.
And somewhere beyond the Forsworn Citadel,
something listened.