Darkness didn't last long.
Lin Mo woke to light.
Cold.
Blinding.
Unforgiving.
His body felt heavy.
Not injured
But restrained.
He tried to move.
And failed.
Chains of light wrapped around his wrists.
Around his shoulders.
Holding him in place.
"…So you're awake."
The voice was unfamiliar.
Calm.
Measured.
Lin Mo slowly lifted his gaze.
A figure stood a few steps away.
Dressed in silver robes
Marked with symbols of judgment.
"…Identify yourself," Lin Mo said quietly.
A faint smile.
"…Still composed."
A pause.
"…I am Shen Wei."
The name carried weight.
"The Keeper of Heavenly Laws."
Silence.
Lin Mo understood immediately.
Not an ordinary angel.
Someone who decided
What was right.
And what wasn't.
"…Then you already know why I'm here."
Shen Wei studied him.
"…Yes."
A step closer.
"…But I want to hear it from you."
Silence.
Because
There was nothing to explain.
"…You broke the law."
The words came simple.
Final.
"…You formed a connection with a demon."
The air grew colder.
Lin Mo didn't respond.
Didn't deny it.
That alone was enough.
"…Interesting," Shen Wei murmured.
"…Most would beg by now."
"I won't."
A pause.
"…Even now?"
Lin Mo's gaze remained steady.
"…I made my choice."
Silence.
And for a brief moment
Shen Wei's expression shifted.
Not judgment.
But curiosity.
"…Then you understand the consequence."
Lin Mo closed his eyes briefly.
"…Yes."
The doors behind them opened.
Heavy.
Slow.
More presence filled the room.
Stronger.
Sharper.
Lin Mo didn't need to turn.
He already knew.
"…Bring him forward."
The Heavenly Lord's voice echoed.
Absolute.
The chains tightened slightly.
Pulling Lin Mo forward.
Into the center of the hall.
This time
There were others.
Angels.
Watching.
Silent.
Among them
A familiar presence.
"…Lin Mo…"
Lian Hua.
Her voice was barely a whisper.
But it carried everything
Shock.
Concern.
Fear.
Lin Mo didn't look at her.
Because
He couldn't.
"…Let the judgment begin."
Shen Wei stepped forward.
"…Lin Mo, guardian of the upper realm."
A pause.
"…You stand accused of violating Heavenly Law."
The hall fell completely silent.
"…You entered the lower realm without permission."
"…You concealed your actions."
"…And most importantly"
A pause.
Longer this time.
"…You formed an attachment to a demon."
The words echoed.
Heavy.
Unforgiving.
A quiet murmur spread across the hall.
Lin Mo remained still.
Unshaken.
"…Do you deny these accusations?"
Silence.
Then
"…No."
The answer came without hesitation.
Shock rippled through the room.
Even Shen Wei paused.
"…You admit it."
"Yes."
No excuses.
No fear.
Just truth.
The Heavenly Lord's presence grew heavier.
"…Then there is nothing more to discuss."
A pause.
"…Your punishment will be carried out immediately."
Lian Hua's breath caught.
"…My Lord"
"Silence."
The word cut through her instantly.
She froze.
Unable to speak.
Lin Mo didn't react.
Didn't resist.
Because
He already knew this would happen.
"…You will be stripped of your rank."
"…Your power will be sealed."
"…And you will be cast into the mortal realm."
Each word fell
Like a sentence carved in stone.
Final.
"…You will live as one of them."
"…Until you remember your purpose."
"…Or disappear completely."
Silence.
Heavy.
Unavoidable.
Lin Mo's breath slowed.
So this
Was the end.
Or maybe
The beginning.
Far below
Darkness trembled.
Mo Ran stood still.
But his eyes
Were no longer calm.
"…They touched him."
The air around him cracked.
"…They dared to take him from me."
A slow breath.
"…Then I'll go where he is."
And this time
There was no hesitation.
Back in Heaven
Light gathered.
Chains tightened.
The fall
Was about to begin.
🖤 "And so, the fall begins…"