The Gate of Black Heaven had been sealed.
The suffocating dark clouds that once writhed above were now swallowed back into the abyss. The skies cleared, and for the first time after the storm, the heavens themselves seemed to breathe. Snow-laden clouds gave way, and sunlight poured gently across the devastated land.
Yet in one corner of that light, a tragedy unfolded.
Yu Sui collapsed, his lifeless body cradled in Mo Yan's trembling arms. His once radiant face had grown pale, his hair scattered wildly, his living crown nowhere to be seen. Yet his flute remained clutched tightly in his hand, as though refusing to abandon him.
Hearts shattered at the sight. Wails and sobs erupted like a flood.
But Mo Yan.....his grief cut deeper than any blade...felt as though his own soul had fled his body. His chest hollowed, his spirit tore apart; unable to endure the blow, he collapsed as well, his body fainting in surrender, as if yearning to leave this world alongside Yu Sui.
It was then that Lao Duan stepped forward. His bow was still drawn, his grip unyielding, his expression transforming into that of a feral warrior. Yet above, the skies had already emptied...the colossal black serpent-dragon had vanished, Wuzu too had disappeared. The spiritual beasts descended from the heavens, landing heavily upon the soaked earth.
Shaking the rainwater from their gleaming forms, they gathered quietly behind their masters. Their weapons still hummed with power, refusing to return to their sheaths, as though awaiting a command. None among them truly knew what had just transpired.
But Lao Duan knew. His fury simmered like wildfire. His spiritual beast, the white hare, stirred at his side. His murderous aura thickened, bowstring pulled taut as if ready to unleash destruction upon the sole remaining witness.
Su Nian and Duie rushed to him, their faces pale with urgency. They grasped his arms, voices trembling as they pleaded. They understood....if his rage was not restrained, he would silence the witness forever.
Moments stretched, the weight of silence pressing down, until finally Lao Duan's wrath was subdued. The bow lowered. The air stilled.
Azhai Rong, now bound and powerless, was taken into custody. The unconscious bodies of Mo Yan and Yu Sui were carefully lifted, carried with reverence.
And as Master Ren Zhou commanded, they were brought swiftly to the secluded medical halls of the Xueyan Huo Sect.....a sacred place where only the gravest of lives could be preserved.