The Celestial Palace buzzed with tension. The Sovereign Triumvirate convened an emergency council, their glowing eyes reflecting not just power, but uncertainty. Even they were uneasy facing Long Tian's dark resurgence.
Kaelis, with his warm golden gaze, spoke first: "This threat could unravel everything we have built. Wang Chung's corruption only weakens our defenses."
Maraeth snarled in response, "We must act swiftly, or all realms will fall to chaos."
Therion's calm voice cut through the tension, "We should consider alliances beyond the Triumvirate—even with those we have once opposed."
Meanwhile, Yu Meilan and her team returned from the Labyrinth of Echoes, the Heart of Purity glowing faintly in her hands. But the relic carried a cost—its power fed on hope and will, and the price had begun to weigh on her spirit.
Wang Chung wrestled with his inner turmoil. His powers surged unpredictably; the corruption whispered promises of unimaginable strength, but at the cost of his soul.
A secret faction within the Triumvirate, fearful of Wang Chung's instability, began plotting in the shadows.