Leon had lost track of how many days had passed since he had been locked inside the underground chamber.There was no sunlight in the Citadel Sect's tunnel, no window to tell him whether it was morning or night. The only light came from the faint blue crystals embedded in the stone walls, and even those seemed to grow dimmer as his strength continued to disappear.He had refused every meal the disciples brought him.Not because he wanted to die. He simply refused to give the master the satisfaction of watching him submit.His body had already become painfully weak. The spiritual energy that once flowed naturally through his meridians was completely gone, leaving him unable to even defend himself properly. His lips were dry, his clothes were covered in dust, and his long hair had fallen messily around his face.The heavy iron door suddenly opened.Leon slowly raised his head.The master walked into the chamber. Two disciples followed behind him, carrying a tray of food.Leon glanced at

The Elders Pavilion had remained unusually quiet for most of the evening. The ancient hall was illuminated by several spiritual lamps hanging from the high wooden ceiling, casting a warm golden glow over the long table where the elders had gathered. None of them spoke at first. They simply sat in silence, their expressions carrying the weight of the decision they had been discussing for years.At the head of the table sat the oldest elder, his long white beard resting against his dark robe. His fingers tapped slowly against the polished wood as he looked around at the others."The time has finally come," he said.Several elders exchanged glances."The Grandmaster has revealed himself to the hidden worlds. He has already sent a warning to every sect, clan, and supernatural race. That means he has accepted that hiding his identity is no longer an option."An elderly woman sitting beside him nodded slowly. "And the corpse qi has returned to the human world. If what we have heard is true,

Smith left the Medical City shortly after his conversation with Adrian.The moment he stepped outside the building, the expression on his face became more serious. He had expected Adrian to accept the Elders Pavilion's support, but hearing the Grandmaster agree so calmly still left him with a strange feeling.The world had changed.And perhaps the most frightening part was that Adrian seemed to understand exactly how dangerous the coming days would become.Smith climbed into the waiting vehicle and leaned back against the seat."Back to the pavilion," he instructed.The driver nodded and immediately started the engine.The journey back was quiet. Smith spent most of the time looking through the window, watching the city disappear behind them as the vehicle entered the more secluded mountain region.His thoughts kept returning to Adrian's words.The storm has started.Smith sighed quietly.He knew Adrian was right.The appearance of the corpse qi had already disturbed the balance betwe

Aurelia rested her head comfortably against the chest of the Master of the Citadel Sect, her fingers playing absentmindedly with the fabric of his robe.For once, there was no discussion about the corpse qi, the Grandmaster, or the growing tension between the different worlds.She simply wanted to enjoy the quiet moment with the man she loved.The Master gently ran his fingers through her hair.."You've been unusually quiet."Aurelia smiled faintly. She was exhausted from everything that had happened and no longer had the strength to pretend otherwise."I'm tired.""Tired of everything?"She shifted closer to him and rested quietly beside him. "Tired of everyone trying to tell me what I should do. I just want to stay here with you."The Master lowered his eyes toward her. His expression softened slightly as he looked at her. "You know I won't let anyone take you away from me."Aurelia smiled faintly. "I know."For several peaceful seconds, everything remained quiet. The calm, however,

Aurelia had spent most of the morning inside her chamber. She had barely touched the food brought to her, and every attempt to meditate ended with another wave of frustration. The terrestrial bond had become an invisible chain around her life, reminding her that she could no longer act as freely as she once had.She sat beside the large window, staring at the distant mountains with swollen eyes. Her mother's decision had already wounded her, and the Master's betrayal had made everything worse. But the thought that Prince Caelan was now connected to her without her knowledge made something inside her ache even more.A soft knock came from outside.Aurelia didn't answer, but the door opened anyway. One of the attendants immediately lowered her head."Princess, Prince Caelan has arrived."Aurelia's entire body stiffened, and her expression changed instantly."Tell him to leave."The attendant hesitated."He said he wishes to speak with you personally.""I don't care what he wishes."Aure