Chapter 12: The Monarch of Eternal Darkness
In the shadowed depths of the Longyuan Dynasty, an ancient mansion loomed, shrouded in a sinister aura. Beneath the cold starlight, the wind whispered tales of dread, for within those walls resided a figure whose very name made hearts tremble—Jun Mo Xie, Monarch of the Eternal Darkness Palace.
Inside the grand hall, shadows twisted and coiled as if paying homage to the lone figure seated on a throne carved from black jade. At only 22 years old, Jun Mo Xie had ascended to unparalleled power, wielding the terrifying Eternal Devouring Constitution—a fearsome ability that allowed him to consume and refine anything in existence. Handsome, yet cold as ice, his chiseled features were both striking and dangerous, with eyes like obsidian pools that held fathomless depths.
Despite the oppressive might emanating from his presence, a shadow of frustration lingered in his gaze. He had reached the realm's supreme cultivation level, a pinnacle few dared to even dream of. Yet a bottleneck shackled him, taunting him with the knowledge that a higher power lay beyond what the world called "supreme." His research into ancient prophecies and lost records revealed that this next level would soon be unlocked—but only for those capable of seizing the opportunity.
Seeking answers, he had temporarily left his palace and descended into this remote dynasty, searching for clues. His subordinates, scattered throughout the realm, moved according to his will, gathering intelligence and eliminating obstacles, yet the breakthrough eluded him. The thought gnawed at his mind—what was the missing key?
A faint ripple in the atmosphere drew him out of his contemplation. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but his senses were far too sharp to miss it. Something was shifting—a change in the flow of destiny, bringing with it a force that seemed to tug at the barriers blocking his advancement.
A cold, mirthless smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Was the answer he sought drawing near? Perhaps the prophecy would soon manifest, unveiling the catalyst he needed.
Unbeknownst to him, the one destined to shatter his limits and heal his wounded soul was closer than he imagined. Intertwined within the threads of fate was the presence of a mysterious woman who would become his greatest ally—and perhaps something more.
---
"Jiang Chen, prepare the carriage. We're heading out," Jun Mo Xie's cold voice pierced the silence of the night, its tone carrying a subtle authority that allowed no defiance.
From within the shadows, a man in a flowing black robe materialized, his movements silent as a phantom. His eyes gleamed with unwavering loyalty as he bowed slightly. "Yes, my lord," he responded, his voice deep and respectful. Without another word, Jiang Chen disappeared into the darkness to carry out his orders.
Moments later, the mansion's grand doors creaked open, and Jun Mo Xie stepped out, his mere presence suffocating the air around him. He was flanked by four bodyguards, including Jiang Chen, each one a cultivator of terrifying power. Any one of them could command entire armies if they chose, yet here they stood, obedient to the Eternal Monarch—a testament to his unmatched dominance.
The streets were bathed in the soft glow of lanterns as the carriage rolled smoothly through the quiet city. Jun Mo Xie's expression remained indifferent, his thoughts distant. He was here with a singular purpose: to find the elusive key that would shatter his bottleneck.
Meanwhile, in a different part of the city, Huang Nian quietly exited the Huang Mansion. Draped in simple yet elegant robes, she made her way toward the market to gather rare spiritual herbs for her alchemy practice. Her steps were light yet purposeful, her mind wholly focused on her task.
As fate would have it, their paths crossed.
When she passed by Jun Mo Xie's carriage, a chill ran down her spine as she sensed the overwhelming aura emanating from within. Her heart skipped a beat, but she quickly dismissed the feeling and continued on her way. She had encountered many powerful cultivators in her life, and while this one felt uniquely formidable, she saw no reason to dwell on the thought.
Inside the carriage, Jun Mo Xie's eyes narrowed. For a fleeting moment, he felt a strange ripple in his soul, as if a thread of destiny had brushed against him. His gaze shifted to Jiang Chen, who stood vigilant outside the carriage.
"Do you know that young lady?" Jun Mo Xie asked, his voice tinged with rare curiosity.
Jiang Chen glanced in the direction she had gone, recognition flickering in his eyes. "My lord, that's the rumored trash of the Huang Family—the girl who supposedly can't cultivate."
A spark of interest ignited in Jun Mo Xie's gaze. His lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smile. "Trash? How amusing… She is far from it." He leaned back, his eyes contemplative, mulling over the mysterious pulse he felt earlier. There was more to that woman than met the eye.
"Let's see what secrets you're hiding," he murmured, already forming plans in his mind.