The sky above the Azure Sword Sect was a swirling, apocalyptic vortex of pitch-black clouds.
This was not a normal Heavenly Tribulation. The Heavenly Dao had sensed the birth of a foundation that defied the natural order—a dark, gravity-devouring Nascent Soul that belonged to an era long buried. In response, it manifested Heavenly Punishment.
Thick, branching veins of blood-red lightning crackled through the dark vortex, radiating a destructive aura so profound it made the bedrock of the Cloudsoaring Peak physically tremble.
Standing directly beneath the eye of the storm was Yan Shuo.
A few paces behind him, Tantai Zhi stood completely, utterly frozen.
Her majestic crimson sword had slipped slightly in her grip. Her terrifying, world-ending killing intent had completely evaporated, replaced by a soft, glowing pink aura. She had two pale fingers pressed delicately against her own forehead, right where Yan Shuo's lips had just touched her.
