As dusk settled, the moonlight over the East Sea reflected off the water like a silver mirror, with waves gently lapping at the shore, as if whispering ancient secrets. Selena Tide stood on the high platform of the Crystal Palace, overlooking the boundless ocean, yet a sense of inexplicable restlessness stirred within her. She felt an ominous premonition approaching, as if the tranquility of these waters was about to be shattered.
At that moment, her personal maid, Kaya Nightdew, hurried to her side, her tone tinged with anxiety, "My lady, the sorceress Ye'ersha seeks an audience, claiming she bears significant news to report to you."
"Ye'ersha?" Selena's brow furrowed slightly. She seldom dealt with sorcerers, especially enigmatic and perilous beings like Ye'ersha. The sorcerer's sudden visit was far from ordinary. With a wave of her hand, Selena signaled for Kaya to show her in.
In a short while, Ye'ersha entered the grand hall, shrouded as always in her dark robes, her face mostly concealed by her hood, only her eyes, gleaming with an uncanny light, flickering in the darkness.
"Esteemed Lady Selena," Ye'ersha's voice was like the cold wind of winter, carrying a biting chill, "I bring news that could alter the very landscape of the Nine Realms."
Selena remained standing on the high platform, her gaze calmly fixed on Ye'ersha, "Speak, what news is so grave that it warrants your personal visit?"
"Chu Lingfeng of Zhongzhou has abandoned his territory." Ye'ersha delivered the shocking news without delay.
"What?" Surprise flickered in Selena's eyes, and she instinctively sensed the immense danger lurking behind this move. What did Chu Lingfeng's departure from Zhongzhou imply? Was it a shift in the war situation or a more significant conspiracy?
"That's correct, Chu Lingfeng has personally led a small team and quietly left Zhongzhou. His departure has left Zhongzhou's defenses vulnerable, presenting an excellent opportunity for other realms." Ye'ersha smiled faintly, as if anticipating Selena's reaction.
Selena's heart was in turmoil, but she maintained her composure, "Is your news reliable? Why would Chu Lingfeng leave at this time?"
A glint of light briefly appeared in Ye'ersha's eyes as she seemed to weigh Selena's response. She spoke slowly, "The reason for his departure is not for me to divulge, but you can trust that all of this is true. The situation in Zhongzhou is currently very delicate; their power is at its most fragile. Should the East Sea take this opportunity to attack Zhongzhou, it would surely establish a new order in the Nine Realms."
Selena fell silent for a moment, her thoughts racing. Chu Lingfeng's sudden departure could indeed mean that Zhongzhou's defenses had a gap. The relationship between the East Sea and Zhongzhou was intricate, and this news undoubtedly pushed her to a difficult crossroads.
Just then, the doors to the hall were pushed open once more, and Daryn Whitebillow and Kaya Nightdew entered side by side. Daryn's expression was grave; he had clearly been informed of the news Ye'ersha brought. He fully understood the importance of Selena in the East Sea and what she needed at this moment.
"We must treat this news with caution," Daryn said as he voiced his concerns, "Chu Lingfeng's departure might be an illusion or part of a deeper scheme. We must not be easily led astray."
Kaya also nodded in agreement, "The Xuanming Clan is always full of deceit, and there may be a larger conspiracy hidden within."
Selena pondered for a moment, then looked at Ye'ersha again, "What else have you brought?"
Smiling, Ye'ersha took out a crystal from within her robes that emitted a faint blue glow and handed it to Selena, "This is a gift I've brought for you; it can enhance your strength and help you make the right decisions at crucial moments."
Selena took the crystal, feeling its cold touch. She sensed that this crystal was not merely a simple gift but more likely a means of probing or control. She showed no change in expression and simply said, "Thank you for your kindness; I will carefully consider the news you've brought."
Ye'ersha bowed slightly, her tone carrying an eerie respect, "I await your decision, Lady Selena. Remember, opportunities are fleeting."
After Ye'ersha left, Selena still held the crystal, her heart filled with doubt and unease. Chu Lingfeng's departure had presented her with an opportunity but also a profound sense of crisis. Ye'ersha's visit had revealed a significant secret but also left a greater enigma.
Selena Tide stood quietly in front of the palace window, tightly holding the dark blue crystal given by Ye'ersha. Moonlight penetrated the window, casting a faint glow on the crystal, as if the mysterious power within was resonating in response.
Her brow slightly furrowed, she was filled with doubts. Was this crystal truly a gift, a test, or perhaps a trap? Selena knew Ye'ersha's intentions were not pure; she had to be cautious.
Selena closed her eyes, taking a deep breath, trying to calm the turmoil within. She recalled Ye'ersha's words, which carried veiled threats and temptations. If the power of the crystal could truly enhance her strength and help her make decisions, as Ye'ersha claimed, she might be able to use it to uncover the truth behind Chu Lingfeng's departure from Zhongzhou.
However, Selena was also aware that anything from the Xuanming Clan could come with a price. She could not allow herself or the East Sea Pearl to fall into difficulty due to a moment's negligence.
She summoned several trusted advisors and scholars, showed them the crystal, and ordered them to delve into its origins and properties. Selena needed to know exactly what this crystal was, how its power operated, and whether using it would have unpredictable consequences.
A few days later, the scholars reported their findings. The crystal did possess an unknown power, but to activate it required specific rituals and incantations. Selena heeded their advice and decided to attempt to activate the crystal in a sacred ceremony while taking measures to protect herself from any potential loss of control over the crystal's power.
At the Sea God's altar, under the illumination of the moonlight, Selena began the ceremony. She softly chanted ancient incantations, and the crystal in her palm gradually brightened. As the ceremony progressed, the crystal's power was gradually awakened, and Selena felt a warm and powerful energy flowing into her body.
But Selena was not beguiled by this power. She maintained her clear mind, using this power to enhance her perception, trying to gain insight into the true reasons behind Chu Lingfeng's departure from Zhongzhou. As the crystal's power circulated within her, her vision seemed to transcend space and time, capturing some vague images and information.
First, she saw the scene of Zhongzhou—vast lands, majestic cities, and the faint glow emanating from the depths of the earth, the power of the Dragon Veins. But soon, this scene became blurred and was replaced by another.
Selena saw Chu Lingfeng, clad in a war robe, standing on a desolate highland, his face filled with determination and resolve. His gaze looked towards the distance, as if searching for something. Selena strove to focus her sight, trying to discern his purpose.
As the power of the crystal flowed within her, Selena's vision expanded further, and she saw the target Chu Lingfeng was pursuing—a hidden ancient relic nestled among the mountains. She sensed the ancient and powerful energy radiating from the relic, closely related to the fluctuations of the Dragon Veins.
A realization dawned on Selena. Chu Lingfeng's purpose was not to flee or abandon Zhongzhou but to find a method that might restore or enhance the power of the Dragon Veins. She realized that Chu Lingfeng's actions might be to counter an even greater threat approaching.
But as she continued to observe, Selena also noticed some ominous signs. Around Chu Lingfeng, a dark force was quietly gathering, seemingly related to the Xuanming Clan, who appeared to be secretly observing Chu Lingfeng's every move.
Selena took a deep breath, her consciousness withdrawing from the distant scenes and returning to the Sea God's altar. She opened her eyes, the crystal's light gradually fading, but the unease in her heart growing heavier.
She knew that Chu Lingfeng's actions, though brave, could place him in great danger. The East Sea Pearl could not stand idly by; Selena had to take measures to protect her realm and provide necessary support to Chu Lingfeng.
Determined, Selena decided to convene her loyal advisors and generals to discuss strategies. She needed to devise a plan to address potential threats and offer essential aid to Chu Lingfeng. The fate of the East Sea and Zhongzhou might truly find a ray of hope through their joint efforts.
As the night deepened, the sky over the South Marches of Fire was obscured by the ash from volcanic eruptions, the starlight struggling to penetrate the darkness. Roland Flameheart stood atop his fortress,overlooking the lava lake at his feet. This was the source of his power, the heart of the flames, and a symbol of his rule.
Behind him, a black-feathered homing pigeon alighted silently on a stone pillar beside him. The pigeon's eyes gleamed with an eerie light, as if it, too, sensed the conspiracy of the Xuanming Clan. Roland removed the scroll tied to the pigeon's leg and, as he unrolled it, a chill seeped into his heart, starkly contrasting the fiery domain of the South Marches.
The words in the letter were simple yet disquieting: "Chu Lingfeng has left Zhongzhou; the Dragon Veins are weak; the time for the South Marches of Fire has come."
Roland's fingers trembled slightly on the parchment, not from fear but from the exultation within. The messengers of the Xuanming Clan did not lightly pass on false news; they held secrets between the Nine Realms and acted only at critical moments. What this letter implied was crystal clear to Roland.
"Summon all the military leaders to counsel immediately," Roland's voice echoed through the night, swiftly spreading throughout the fortress.
Roland's army—the "Blaze Soul Legion"—was the most elite force in the South Marches. Composed of tens of thousands of warriors, they were forged in the flames from a young age and taught to integrate fire into their souls. The scars on these warriors' skin were a testament to their strength. Their armor, forged from the toughest steel of the South Marches and specially tempered by fire, not only withstood attacks but also reflected the firelight, dazzling in battle.
Among the legion, the "Blade of Flame Knights" were Roland's core force. They rode fiery wolves from the depths of the fire domain, creatures so hot that their passage left scorched earth. Armed with massive burning battle-axes, these knights were like the grim reapers of the flames, sweeping through the ranks of their enemies.
In addition to these ground forces, Roland also commanded a "Blaze Soul Council" composed of sorcerers from the fire domain, capable of summoning firestorms to turn foes to ash. Their power was closely linked to the fluctuations of the Dragon Veins, and the recent tremors made their magic more unpredictable and even more perilous.
Soon after, Roland's generals arrived one by one. In the council chamber, the light of torches illuminated each somber face. Eric Shield, as always, stood in a corner, silently observing Roland, with an intuition that this war might be unlike any other.
"We have received news from the Xuanming Clan," Roland said, handing the letter to one of his trusted generals, "Chu Lingfeng has left Zhongzhou, leaving their defenses extremely vulnerable. Now is the perfect time for us to strike."
"But my lord," a young general, Karl Firebrand, said with a glint of doubt in his eyes, "The Xuanming Clan has always been mysterious and unpredictable. Why would they help us attack Zhongzhou? Their motives are suspicious."
Roland pondered for a moment, his gaze stern, "The Xuanming Clan never helps anyone without reason; they have their purposes. But that does not prevent us from taking advantage of this opportunity. If we control the power of the Dragon Veins in Zhongzhou, the Fire Domain will no longer be confined to this land. We must act swiftly, before other realms react, and seize the core of Zhongzhou in one fell swoop."
Eric Shield frowned, his concerns resurfacing, "My lord, the involvement of the Xuanming Clan may presage a greater conspiracy; we need to proceed with caution."
"Cautious?" Roland sneered, "Eric, I understand your worries, but if we miss this chance, we will never have another. The Dragon Veins in Zhongzhou are not just symbols of power but also sources of strength. If we can hold them in our hands, all of the Nine Realms will bow to the flames of the Fire Domain."
A silence fell upon the council chamber, with only the flames flickering. In the end, Eric nodded slightly in agreement, though his doubts remained.
After the meeting, Roland stood alone outside the council hall, gazing at the silhouette of the distant volcano. His heart was filled with ambition and the desire for power, yet a hint of unease was quietly growing. The sudden appearance of the Xuanming Clan made him feel that things were not simple, but his desire overcame his reason.
The next morning, at dawn, the army of the South Marches of Fire began to assemble. With a command from Roland Flameheart, the Blaze Soul Legion set off slowly. The Blade of Flame Knights rode on their fiery wolves at the forefront of the formation, each step leaving a mark of combustion on the ground, as if they were messengers from hell, bringing endless destruction.
Tens of thousands of warriors donned their armor, their eyes gleaming with excitement and fanaticism under the scorching sun. Their faces were as resolute as stone, tempered countless times in the flames, unafraid of death, and eager for the impending battle.
The sorcerers stood behind the troops, their staffs flickering with the light of the flames. They chanted ancient spells in low voices, flames rising from their fingertips, turning into swirling firestorms in the sky. The interweaving of firelight and black smoke seemed to herald the coming war.
As the army advanced, flames burned in their wake, and the earth trembled beneath their feet. With the continuous progression of the army, the South Marches of Fire seemed to have been ignited with life, the entire world behind them burning to ashes.
Roland Flameheart rode on his massive fiery wolf, his gaze resolute and cold. His army was advancing towards Zhongzhou, an unstoppable force surging in his chest. He knew that ahead lay a battle to determine fate, and he would bring the flames of the South Marches to Zhongzhou, incinerating all obstacles in his path.
In the sky, the black-feathered homing pigeon silently flew past, disappearing into the distant horizon. And behind Roland, the flames of the South Marches of Fire were gradually devouring the land, as if igniting endless passion and frenzy for the impending war.