"This isn't what I expected," Lan's voice caught in her throat as reality crashed over her like a wave. She felt as if something was stuck in her throat, choking off the cheers that had been ready to burst forth. Lan couldn't say anything except try to hold back her sobs, her body trembling with the effort of containing her grief.She glanced at Hunu and Merin, who didn't look any better than she felt. Her two friends were crying silently, tears streaming down their carefully made up faces, leaving tracks through the rouge on their cheeks.And when Lan tried to look around at the crowd that had gathered to celebrate, she felt even more choked up. All the spectators were silent, frozen in horror at what they witnessed. Tears were clearly visible in their eyes, glistening in the morning sunlight like diamonds of sorrow.Soon, the crowd that had been about to celebrate the victorious soldiers turned into a sea of tears. The baskets of carefully prepared snacks hung forgotten in trembling

After all the battles had ended and the last echoes of war faded into memory, the guests from the alliance finally returned to their places of origin. As did the soldiers, whose numbers had been greatly reduced due to having to return to the capital and surrounding cities, their ranks thinned by death and injury.Now, only ten thousand combat troops remained, hailing from various units such as infantry, cavalry, archers, and most notably, the naval forces who continued to stand guard with unwavering vigilance.The Enchanter had sealed himself off from the outside world, shutting himself away in meditation that none could disturb. His door remained closed to all visitors, no matter their rank or purpose.Meanwhile, the city government is now in the hands of Yurst, the young judge whose wisdom belied his years. They are waiting for the king's decree to be issued and determine who will become the governor of Nip North, a decision that would shape the city's future for years to come.When

"I agree completely. Brother Guo Jiang has been on this continent for too long, your destiny calling you elsewhere. All your missions are complete, and you even gave a bonus by helping the Vellenor Kingdom win the war!" said Hogret with admiration coloring every word."What about the portal I need to pass through? Have you found the point where I need to cross between realms?" Guo Jiang's question carried urgency despite his calm demeanor."Don't worry, my friend. Hogret has prepared the location of the portal you must open, and you can return to the Realm of Jikokuten where your true journey awaits. Also, here you are!" Hogret lifted a ball the size of a coconut and showed it to Guo Jiang with pride. Guo Jiang's face lit up when he saw the object called the portal, the device that would take him back to the Eastern world, glowing with inner light that pulsed like a heartbeat.The journey to Torredorm City took two weeks of leisurely travel through varied landscapes. This was not beca

With a vicious hiss like a serpent preparing to strike, he gave instructions to the other nine. His voice crackled with killing intent that made the night air feel colder."Kill that woman. Don't hesitate to use force, show no mercy to one who mocks us so! It is said that her husband has been missing for a long time and she and the other woman have lost their protector! This is our chance from the Ancient City to seize the Moon Sword and be called the ruler of the Wulim World!" His words carried the promise of glory and the taste of greed.After the leader's command was heard, the sound of swords cutting through the night echoed as ten swords shot forward in unison. The coordinated attack spoke of years training together, their movements synchronized like a deadly dance choreographed by masters. A cruel aura containing a killing intent followed one after another, pouncing on the woman called Ye Bing Qing like hungry tigers descending on a lone lamb.SUIIT!Ye Bing Qing did not flinch

That morning, Ice Island was not too cold, even though the temperature was around 2 degrees Celsius, a mild day by the island's harsh standards. The sun was shining brightly, and the magnolia trees swayed rhythmically in the breeze blowing from the south of the island, their white blossoms releasing a sweet fragrance that mingled with the crisp ocean air.Since early morning, all the students and officials on Ice Island had been awake and preparing for the prayer ceremony in the Main Hall of the Ice Island Sect. Their movements were purposeful, every action carried out with the precision of long practiced ritual and the reverence appropriate to such an auspicious occasion.What was going on that demanded such preparation and solemnity?Meanwhile, in the middle of Ice Island, there was a large and magnificent building that dominated the landscape like a mountain peak. Even before sunrise, the main building of the sect was already bustling with guests from outside Ice Island, their arri