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Chapter Image Source: Pixiv Artist Code "60309052" / Pixiv Art Code "111443261"

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The aftermath of the battle with Gogma had left Jingliu in a state of profound exhaustion, both physically and emotionally. She lay in a dimly lit chamber, the gentle flicker of a nearby candle casting dancing shadows on the walls. Her body ached as if every muscle and bone had been pushed to its limit, and her mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions.

Baiheng, with her fox-like grace, sat vigil by Jingliu's side. Her keen eyes watched over the sword champion with a mix of concern and relief. She had not witnessed the fierce battle, but she could feel the battle's intensity through the powerful fluctuations of energy that had reverberated through the very fabric of Xianzhou.

But she wasn't alone in tending to Jingliu's recovery. Dan Feng, the skilled healer known for his miraculous abilities, had joined them. His hands, adorned with intricate tattoos that pulsed with energy, hovered above Jingliu's form, his brow furrowed in concentration. Baiheng assisted him, taking on the role of a nurse, her agile fingers deftly handing him the tools and supplies he required.

Jingliu, still groggy from her battle-induced exhaustion, blinked her eyes open to see Dan Feng's focused expression. She recognized him as the man who had once saved her from a near-fatal wound, and his presence brought a measure of comfort.

Dan Feng's voice was calm and reassuring as he worked his healing arts. "Rest easy, Jingliu. You've been through quite the ordeal, but you'll recover."

Baiheng chimed in, her tone gentle and caring. "We're here to take care of you, my friend. You've earned some respite."

Jingliu nodded weakly, her gratitude evident in her weary smile. The combined efforts of Dan Feng's miraculous healing and Baiheng's nurturing presence began to mend her battered body and soothe her wounded spirit.

Meanwhile, not far from the chamber, Jing Yuan and the Cloud Knights stood in hushed conversation. Their expressions were a mixture of concern and relief, and they exchanged whispers about Jingliu's condition.

One of the Cloud Knights voiced their worry, "She pushed herself to the limit in that battle. I've never seen anything like it."

Jing Yuan nodded in agreement, his eyes never leaving the chamber's entrance. "She's strong, but even she has her limits. We must be here for her now, as she has been for us."

Inside the chamber, Jingliu's thoughts were a mess. The battle with Gogma had revealed the depths of her power, but it had also exposed her vulnerability. She had faced an ancient dragon and emerged victorious, but at what cost?

With a sigh, Jingliu whispered to Baiheng, "I did it... I defeated Gogma. But at what price? The power I wield... It's both a blessing and a curse."

Baiheng's gaze remained steady, her wisdom evident in her words. She replied, "Jingliu, the extent of your newfound powers may be a mystery, but what matters now is that you're safe. Rest, my dear friend. We'll face whatever challenges come our way together."

Jingliu closed her eyes, the memories of the battle replaying in her mind. She thought of the frozen forest, the clash of ice and fire, and the indomitable spirit of Gogma. But she also thought of Y/N, her dear friend lost to madness, and the weight of responsibility that now rested on her shoulders.

As she drifted into a well-deserved slumber, Jingliu couldn't help but wonder about the significance of the battle and the path that lay ahead. The echoes of Gogma's defeat still reverberated in her heart, and she knew that the challenges she faced were far from over.

In the quiet chamber, shadows danced on the walls, and the candle's flame flickered, casting a warm and reassuring light. Jingliu's journey, it seemed, was only just beginning.

Her eyes drooped, heavy with the weight of exhaustion, and she began to slip into a dream. This dream, like so many others, carried her back to the past, to memories that were both cherished and painful.

-Flashback Start-

In her dream, she stood once more on the battlefield, but it was not the aftermath of the battle with Gogma. Instead, it was a memory from some time ago—a time when her dear friend Y/N had been consumed by darkness.

The battlefield was a desolate wasteland, marked by the scars of their battle. Y/N, once a valiant protector of their world, had been twisted into a rampaging force of destruction. His greatsword, once a symbol of honor, had become a weapon of chaos.

Jing Yuan knelt on the ground, his spear supporting him as he called upon his spirit, Thunderlord, a massive guardian that mirrored his movements. Baiheng lay on the ground, having fainted from the overwhelming negative aura emanating from Y/N.

Dan Feng, his arms bearing the scars of defending against Y/N's sheer power, was present as well, his healing arts stretched to their limits. Ying Xing, too, lay unconscious, bearing deep wounds from the onslaught.

In the center of this chaos, Jingliu faced her friend, her heart heavy with sorrow. She pleaded with him, tears in her eyes, "Y/N, please... come back to us. You're stronger than this darkness! We can find a way to be together after all of this is over!"

But Y/N, maddened and consumed by malevolence, responded only with a menacing growl. He lunged at her with a speed and ferocity that defied reason, his corrupted form leaving a trail of black sludge in his wake.

Jingliu barely defended against his onslaught, her Shard Sword cracking under the pressure. The knight crouched low, then leaped high into the air, causing damage in a small area around him as he landed, covering it with black sludges. Jingliu's determination wavered for a moment as she faced this relentless assault.

But then, with resolve burning in her eyes, she looked up at Y/N as he raised his greatsword overhead, preparing to strike the ground with devastating force. In that moment, her dream shifted, and she began to wake from her slumber.

-Flashback End-

As consciousness slowly returned, Jingliu found herself back in the chamber, her body still in the process of healing. The memories of the past, of battles fought and friends lost, lingered in her mind, a haunting reminder of the challenges she had faced and those yet to come.

Meanwhile, in another significant location, Jing Yuan took it upon himself to inform Dan Feng about the mysterious green gem they had discovered while rescuing Jingliu from her battle with Gogma.

Dan Feng examined the gem, his dragon lineage allowing him to sense the negative energy that resonated within it. He closed his hands around it cautiously, a frown creasing his brow. He turned to Jing Yuan, his expression one of uncertainty, and asked, "Are you certain this came from the ancient dragon?"

Jing Yuan nodded solemnly, confirming the gem's origin. He too could feel the unsettling energy that surrounded it. "Yes, Dan Feng. It was found near Gogma's remains. I believe it holds a significant power."

Dan Feng continued to hold the gem in his hand, his expression a mix of contemplation and wonder. He couldn't believe that the ancient dragon Gogma, a creature of legend, actually existed. It made him question how many other myths and legends held grains of truth within them. After a moment of deep thought, he looked back at Jing Yuan and asked, "What do you propose we do with it?"

Jing Yuan, perhaps too casually, decided to toss the gem towards Dan Feng. The High Elder caught it instinctively, his eyes narrowing as he felt the eerie energy emanating from the artifact. He chastised Jing Yuan, "Be careful! This is no ordinary gem. Its power is... unsettling."

Jing Yuan's response was unexpected. He looked at his friend with a sense of trust that caught the High Elder off guard. "I trust you, Dan Feng. I believe you can handle it."

The Vidyadhara couldn't help but express his curiosity. "May I ask, Jing Yuan, why do you trust me with such a formidable artifact? It carries an evil energy!"

Jing Yuan considered the question for a moment before answering, his voice carrying a wisdom that spoke of the counsel he had received. "Baiheng once advised me not to let my own paranoia burden our bonds of friendship. She believes that trust among allies is a powerful asset. You are not just a comrade; you are also a friend. There should be no room for animosity among us."

After Jing Yuan had shared his perspective on trust and friendship, he nodded to Dan Feng before taking his leave. With a sense of purpose in his stride, he exited the chamber, his thoughts turning to the challenges that lay ahead and the responsibilities he bore as the "Dozing General" of Xianzhou Luofu. His departure left Dan Feng alone with the mysterious green gem, its enigmatic aura casting an eerie glow in the dimly lit room.

With Jing Yuan's words echoing in his mind, the Vidyadhara nodded to himself slowly, his grip on the gem tightening, acknowledging the significance of trust in their shared mission. But deep down, he couldn't shake the guilt that tugged at his conscience, silently looking away as he contemplated the responsibility now resting in his hands.

-???-

At an isolated and mysterious location within the heart of Xianzhou Luofu, a place unknown to most inhabitants, lay the domain of the Denizens of Abundance, also known by some as the Abominations of Abundance. This faction was shrouded in mystery and followed the teachings of the Aeon Yaoshi, their existence blessed with the gift of immortality by the enigmatic Abundance.

Among the beings that inhabited this secluded realm, one figure stood out as an eminent leader—an Emanator of The Abundance. This being, whose name was Shuhu, was revered by the Denizens of Abundance and held a position of great authority within their faction.

In this desolate and stellar expanse, a select few mortals were also granted the rare privilege of harnessing the power of the Paths, a phenomenon sanctioned by the Aeons themselves. These individuals, known as "Emanators," wielded immense abilities that could reshape the very fabric of their world, much like the titanic waves that carved the coastlines. While not entirely subservient to the Aeons, Emanators were often seen as emissaries of the Aeons' will by others.

Amidst this celestial emptiness, Shuhu addressed a gathering of his people, the Denizens of Abundance. His voice carried a grandeur that resonated through the quiet expanse as he spoke with unwavering conviction.

"The time has come," Shuhu declared, his words echoing with authority. "Xianzhou Luofu has lost its warrior, Y/N! The moment is ripe for us to make our move!"

The assembled crowd of armored individuals, their appearance marked by Mara-like features, bore armor adorned with intricate designs resembling brown and green branches that seemed to protrude from their protective gear. These natural motifs seamlessly blended with their surroundings, granting them an otherworldly, arboreal aura.

With unwavering resolve, they stood in silent communion with nature, their spirits harmonizing with the ancient wisdom of the land. In response to Shuhu's rallying cry, they emitted a collective, wordless cheer, a manifestation of their loyalty and unwavering determination for all to witness.

The wheels of destiny were turning, and a new chapter was about to unfold in the enigmatic world of Xianzhou Luofu.

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Author's Note:

This may sound ominous, but how do you write a major character's death scene? Just asking :3

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