The master's journey back from the Wraith Abyss was as silent as it was swift. The darkness had been temporarily subdued, yet the unease lingering in his heart refused to fade. The Shadow Sovereign's defeat was not the end—it was merely a prelude to something far greater.
The skies, once shrouded in gloom, gradually brightened as he approached the imperial capital. Sunlight streamed through the parting clouds, as though the heavens themselves rejoiced at his success. Yet the master's expression remained calm and unmoved. He knew that peace would be short-lived.
At the pavilion's gates, Wei Long awaited him, flanked by two of his most trusted soldiers. The general bowed deeply as the master descended from his ethereal cloud-like footing, his steps as light as a feather.
"Master," Wei Long began, his voice both relieved and respectful, "you have returned."
The master nodded. "How fares the capital?"
"All is well, but there is news. His Majesty has requested your presence in the palace at once."
The master raised an eyebrow, though no other emotion crossed his face. "The emperor? Has something happened?"
"I am not certain," Wei Long admitted, a slight crease forming between his brows. "The summons came not long after you left for the Wraith Abyss. It seems urgent. The court is in turmoil—there are whispers of strange occurrences in the royal tombs."
"The royal tombs?" the master repeated, his golden eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Interesting. I will see the emperor immediately."
Wei Long stepped aside, and the master strode past him, his robes flowing like cascading water. Despite his calm demeanor, the master's mind was already at work. The timing of the emperor's summons—so soon after the corruption in the north—was far too coincidental.
The imperial palace loomed ahead, its golden roofs gleaming in the sunlight. Guards stood at attention as the master passed through the main gates, their spears gleaming and their gazes sharp. None dared to obstruct his path; his reputation was known far and wide.
The grand hall of the palace was a sight to behold. Massive pillars carved with intricate dragons stretched toward the heavens, and silk banners of red and gold hung like cascading rivers from the ceiling. Courtiers murmured amongst themselves as the master entered, his presence demanding silence without a single word.
At the far end of the hall, the emperor sat upon his gilded throne, flanked by high-ranking officials and eunuchs. The emperor's expression was grave, a stark contrast to the majesty of his surroundings. As the master approached, the emperor raised his hand, silencing the court.
"Master of the Pavilion," the emperor said, his voice carrying through the hall. "I am grateful you have answered my summons so swiftly."
The master bowed slightly, his tone polite yet distant. "Your Majesty, how may I be of service?"
The emperor's gaze darkened. "There have been disturbances in the royal tombs. The guards report strange sounds at night—wailing, as though the dead cry out in anguish. Worse still, several guards have vanished without a trace. The court priests have no answers, and their blessings seem to have no effect."
The murmurs in the court grew louder at this revelation, only to fall silent again under the emperor's glare.
"The royal tombs must remain undisturbed," the emperor continued, his voice edged with tension. "The ancestors' rest cannot be violated, or the dynasty will suffer. I ask you to investigate this matter and bring me answers."
The master's expression remained impassive, but inwardly, he felt a flicker of unease. Disturbances in places tied to the dead were never a simple matter.
"As you command," the master said, his voice calm and steady. "I will see to this matter personally."
The emperor nodded, relief flashing briefly across his face. "Very well. General Wei Long will accompany you. Do whatever must be done to restore order."
The master bowed once more before turning on his heel, his robes swirling behind him. Wei Long, already standing at the edge of the hall, fell into step beside him as they exited the palace.
"The royal tombs…" Wei Long muttered under his breath. "Master, do you believe this could be related to the Wraith Abyss?"
"It is too soon to say," the master replied. "But the dead do not wail without reason. Something has disturbed the balance of this realm, and I intend to uncover it."
The royal tombs lay on the outskirts of the capital, hidden away beneath rolling hills and surrounded by towering stone walls. The entrance was an imposing archway carved with ancient symbols, its surface weathered by time. The air here was heavy, still, and oppressively cold.
The master and Wei Long descended into the tombs, accompanied by a small contingent of elite guards carrying lanterns that flickered feebly against the darkness. The deeper they went, the colder the air became, and the whispers began.
"Do you hear that?" one of the guards murmured, his voice trembling.
Faint, ghostly wails echoed through the tunnels, sending chills down their spines. It was a sound that seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere all at once.
Wei Long tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword. "Be on guard. Something is here."
The master said nothing, his gaze sharp as he scanned the darkness. His spiritual sense pulsed outward, searching for the source of the disturbance. What he found sent a ripple of shock through his otherwise unshakable composure.
"Corruption," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
The group rounded a corner, and the source of the wailing became clear. The walls of the tomb were covered in writhing black veins of energy, pulsating like living things. At the center of the chamber stood an ancient sarcophagus, its lid partially shattered. Dark energy oozed from within, pooling on the floor like thick tar.
"Stay back," the master ordered, stepping forward.
The guards hesitated, but Wei Long signaled for them to hold their ground. The master approached the sarcophagus, his golden eyes glowing faintly as he examined the dark energy.
"It is as I feared," he said softly. "Something has awakened here… something that should have remained sealed."
As he spoke, the air grew colder still, and the dark energy began to gather. A deep, guttural voice echoed through the chamber.
"Who dares disturb my slumber?"
The dark energy coalesced into a shape—a figure clad in black armor, its eyes glowing with malevolent crimson light. It rose from the sarcophagus, towering over the master and the others.
Wei Long drew his sword, his voice steady despite the fear creeping into his heart. "What manner of creature is this?"
The master stepped forward, his expression unflinching. "A remnant of an ancient curse," he replied. "It has fed on the energy of the tombs for centuries… and now it seeks to consume us as well."
The armored figure let out a roar, dark energy erupting from its body like a storm. The guards cried out, scrambling to hold their positions as the chamber shook.
"This ends now," the master declared, raising his hand. His fingers moved in a series of intricate seals, and golden light erupted around him, pushing back the darkness.
"Dao Law: Purifying Flame!"
A torrent of golden fire burst forth, consuming the dark energy and driving it back. The armored figure shrieked, its form flickering as the flames licked at its body.
"You cannot banish me!" it howled. "I am eternal!"
"Eternal?" the master repeated, his voice steady and resolute. "Nothing is eternal before the Dao."
With a final seal, the flames roared to life, engulfing the creature entirely. It let out one last scream before disintegrating into ashes, the dark energy dissipating like smoke in the wind.
Silence fell over the tomb.
The master lowered his hand, breathing deeply. Wei Long stepped forward, his sword still drawn, though the immediate danger had passed.
"Is it over?" Wei Long asked cautiously.
The master shook his head. "No. This was but a fragment of the greater corruption. Whatever awakened this curse still lies hidden… and I intend to find it."
He turned back toward the entrance, his golden eyes glinting in the flickering lantern light.
"The real battle has yet to begin."