The fires of the Infernal Abyss blazed brighter than ever as Xuian stood atop the Dimensional Citadel, watching his forces move like clockwork. His domains were growing stronger, and his ambitions were becoming clearer. But with growth came resistance—both internal and external.
[System Notification]
Domain Alert: Unusual disturbances detected in the Eternal Frost Domain. Status: Potential insurrection.
Xuian narrowed his eyes at the notification. Insurrection? His grip tightened on the hilt of his dagger. The Eternal Frost Domain had sworn loyalty, yet now it seemed cracks were forming.
The Frost Wraith Leader, always perceptive, floated to Xuian's side. "Master, I've sensed unease among some of the wraiths in the Frost Domain. It seems not all are pleased with the alliance between frost and flame."
Xuian turned to him, his voice cold. "Loyalty is not optional. Whoever dares challenge my rule will face the consequences."
The Void Wolf Pup growled in agreement, its glowing eyes reflecting Xuian's simmering anger.
To the Eternal Frost Domain
Xuian wasted no time. With a small contingent of his most loyal forces, including the Phantom Knight, Void Wolf, and several Flame Archers, he entered the dimensional gate to the Eternal Frost Domain.
The stark cold of the domain greeted him, its icy winds biting at his skin despite the heat radiating from his spectral flame. The domain's cities—built of crystalline ice—shimmered in the dim light, but something was amiss.
The Frost Rebellion
As Xuian's group marched into the central city, they were met with silence. The streets were empty, the usual bustling activity replaced by an eerie stillness.
Suddenly, a barrage of frost spears rained down from the rooftops. Xuian raised his hand, summoning a spectral barrier that deflected the attack. His voice echoed through the city.
"Show yourselves, traitors!"
From the shadows, a group of Frost Wraiths emerged, their forms darker and more menacing than usual. At their head was a towering figure—a former general of the Frost Wraith army who had sworn fealty to Xuian.
"Master?" the general sneered. "You may have conquered this domain, but it belongs to the Frost Wraiths. We bow to no one—not a fire-wielding invader, not a self-proclaimed ruler."
Xuian's gaze darkened, and his aura flared. "Your mistake wasn't betraying me—it was thinking I'd tolerate it."
Battle in the Frost City
The rebel wraiths attacked without hesitation, their icy magic forming jagged projectiles and frost waves aimed at Xuian and his forces.
The Flame Archers retaliated, their fiery arrows melting the ice midair and raining destruction on the rebels. The Void Wolf Pup darted through the chaos, targeting weak points and disrupting enemy formations.
Xuian engaged the Frost Wraith General directly, their clash sending shockwaves through the city.
"You could've thrived under my rule," Xuian said as he parried a frost blade. "Instead, you've chosen annihilation."
The general laughed, his voice echoing with disdain. "You're powerful, Xuian, but you're overconfident. The Frost Wraiths don't need you!"
Xuian smirked, summoning chains of spectral fire that wrapped around the general. "Then you'll burn for your pride."
With a flick of his wrist, the chains tightened, and the general screamed as the flames consumed him.
Crushing the Insurrection
The battle ended swiftly. The rebel forces were no match for Xuian's might and his loyal troops' coordination. As the last of the traitors fell, Xuian addressed the gathered Frost Wraiths who had not participated in the rebellion.
"Let this serve as a lesson," Xuian said, his voice resonating through the icy streets. "Defiance will not be tolerated. Loyalty, however, will be rewarded. Those who stand by me will rise higher than they ever could alone."
The wraiths bowed their heads in submission, their fear of Xuian outweighing any lingering resentment.
A New Order
With the rebellion quelled, Xuian took steps to ensure no further uprisings would occur. He appointed the Frost Wraith Leader, one of his most loyal subordinates, as the new governor of the Eternal Frost Domain.
"You've served me well," Xuian said to the leader. "Ensure that this domain remains under my control. Use whatever means necessary to maintain order."
The leader bowed deeply. "It will be done, Master."
A Warning from the Council
As Xuian returned to the Whispering Abyss, a new message awaited him in the system interface.
[System Notification]
Incoming Message: Eternal Revenant Council. Message Content: "Your defiance has been noted, Xuian. The Council does not forget insults. Prepare yourself."
Xuian's lips curled into a grin. "Let them come. I'll show them why no one dares challenge me."
Turning to his Phantom Knight, he issued new orders. "Double the defenses on all dimensional gates. Prepare our forces for war. If the Council wants to test us, we'll make them regret it."
End of Chapter 19