LOGINThe Vermilion Bird spread its wings, and a trail of blazing flame lifted Aria and Landon into the air. The white tiger led the way ahead of them, its massive body sending faint tremors through the ground with every step. As they followed the white tiger's heavy strides, the staircase stretched downward beneath them. The farther they descended, the denser the spiritual energy became. It felt rich and tangible, like a flowing stream seeping through the cracks in the stone steps and soaking into their skin.Even while standing atop the Vermillion Bird's warm flames, Aria could sense the unusual material of the stairs below.The rock walls lining the staircase gradually changed as well. The plain stone surfaces vanished, replaced by layers of moss. However, the moss was not green, but a dreamy gradient of blue and purple. At the lightest touch, it shed tiny flecks of light that drifted through the air before fading like fireflies.Rare flowers and plants she had never seen before grew
Aria felt a stir in her chest. She didn't understand why the white tiger had suddenly stopped. She could sense its gaze locked tightly onto her. The murderous intent from before had vanished, replaced by an almost disbelieving curiosity—as if it were witnessing something impossible.The tiger's nose twitched, its breathing quickening. The oppressive weight of its presence softened slightly, and its gaze filled with shock, disbelief, and a faint hint of respect.Its massive head lowered slightly toward Aria. Its nose nearly brushed her cheek as it sniffed her carefully.Aria felt the warmth radiating from its body and the surprising softness of its fur against her skin. She didn't know who "that person" the tiger was referring to, nor why she carried that presence. Landon stood silently nearby. From the white tiger's expression alone, he could already tell what was happening. Its demeanor toward Aria had shifted completely. The rage in its eyes melted away, leaving only disbelief a
There was no way one could finish carving the Four Celestials in just a day or two. The Four Celestials brought blessings from all directions, appearing only where they were needed. So why would her past self have left carvings like these here? Aria rubbed her temples. "I can't recall anything about this place at all."Landon smiled. "It's fine. Let's keep going."They continued down the steps at an unhurried pace. The stairs radiated a chill that seeped through the soles of their shoes.Aria's gaze drifted to the walls on either side. They were covered in dense carvings of rare and exotic beasts, creatures even she had never seen before.Some resembled deer with four antlers, each etched with vine-like patterns. Their round eyes seemed fixed on anyone descending the stairs.Others had eagle wings and the bodies of tigers, their claws sharp and wings spread as if ready to dive at any moment.Other beasts were fully scaled, but with human-like faces and solemn expressions. They
Those words seemed to come alive, glowing faintly with a soft golden light that carried an air of unquestionable authority.Aria's heart stirred as she studied the sentence. Judging by how the palace seemed to be waiting for someone fated, Aria figured that someone might be herself.On the palace plaza, several bodies lay impaled by long spears. Blood crept through the cracks in the stone, pooling into dark red stains. The air was heavy with the smell of iron.The horrifying scene from moments before silenced the once-noisy crowd. Everyone held their breath, not daring to step forward.The golden words, "Those fated may enter. All others will die," shone brilliantly. They were like a pair of indifferent eyes, mocking the greed and foolishness of all who stood below.Someone stuttered, "W-What the hell is this place?""That was terrifying. They were just fine moments ago, yet…""No wonder so few people ever make it out of the Southbore Sanctum. This is as far as it goes."Whis
Yaphet had apprentices here too, so people definitely noticed he was missing. Homer's face went hard. He looked around at everyone and spoke in a flat voice, "Yaphet is dead." "Dead?" The Southbore Sect apprentice's jaw dropped. "What do you mean?" "He was never really one of us. Or maybe he was, once." A chill crept into Homer's voice. "He'd been hiding among us for years. This whole trip to the sanctum was a scheme he plotted. "He teamed up with the leaders of three hidden sects, plus missionaries from Athara's Crimsory Sect and fortune tellers from Krowo. They tried to kill us." "What? There were three hidden sect leaders, fortune tellers, and missionaries? Put those people together, and they could level mountains!" The words hit like a bomb going off. The whole crowd erupted. "He was a spy? No way..." "Yaphet spent his whole life at Mount Southbore! How could he be working against us?" "I can't believe Yaphet would do something like that!" Shocked murmurs spread
The white figure's voice turned frosty. "I know you speak for Heaven, but does Heaven understand what it's like to be human? Does it know what lies in people's hearts? "Does it see the evil that men do? It doesn't. As long as the three realms follow the rules and don't upset the natural order, Heaven couldn't care less. So let me ask you again—is Heaven being fair at all?" Landon's eyes dimmed. "That's not a question I can answer." "I know you can't." The white figure looked up slowly with those cold eyes. "But I still think Heaven is being unjust. It has the power to change things and make a difference. Yet it always looks the other way." She took a step forward. Her ghostly figure flickered in the air, but even that couldn't hide the sharp, untouchable energy radiating off her. "I dedicated myself to practicing the arcane. I never hurt anyone. I just wanted to reach the peak of the Great Decator. "But not only did Heaven throw so many obstacles in my way, it totally cut m







