The Emperor's furious voice echoed through his empty palace chambers, completely unheard by the rest of the continent.
Thousands of miles away, completely oblivious to the political storm and the imperial family drama brewing in the capital, Shen Yu remained comfortably seated within the opulent expanse of the Serene Spring Hall.
Li Qiu stood by his side with silent elegance, her presence a comforting anchor as she refilled his teacup, but his true attention was entirely focused inward.
The notification for the newly unlocked storefront was still pulsing gently at the edge of his vision.
'System, open the Primal Shop,' he commanded mentally.
With a crisp, glass-like ring, the interface transformed. The black quest logs vanished, replaced by an expansive, deep-violet marketplace UI that exuded an ancient, heavy aura.
At the very top corner of the screen, a prominent digital countdown timer caught his eye.
[06d: 23h: 59m].
