The Cursed Throne of Yanxi

urrounded Yanxi began to change-fields that were barren now showed faint signs of life, and the sk

ring walls, once symbols of strength, were now a shadow of their former glory. The people

eyes scanning the horizon. "They won'

elin replied, her voice firm. "I seek

han usual, her gaze distant. "The curse may be lifted, but the scars remain," she finally said. "You'll face re

ll show them what true leadership looks like. Ya

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rmor. The city within was alive with whispers of change. Word of the curse

blestones as she approached the gates. The gu

ify yourself

ng faintly at her throat. "I am Princess Yuelin of

m stepped forward, his voice lowering. "The reg

then," Yuelin said. "The

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ded, and the once-bright chandeliers hung like relics of a forgotten age. At the far end sat Regent Xuan, a man whose

mmanding despite the regent's attempts to exude authorit

curling into a smirk. "What a surprise. I had t

lifted, and the kingdom no longer has to live in fear. The people need a leader wh

girl who abandoned her people. The throne requires strength

and holding it aloft. The ruby at its center flared with light, cas

d. "It chose me. The curse was broken because of my resolve to undo the w

of the court nobles stepped forward. Lady Han, a woman know

blood of the royal line, and the curse's end marks her as our hope for the futu

is fists, his composure slipping. "Hope? Do not be deceived! A b

viction. "For years, you have exploited the curse to tighten your grip on this kingdom, feeding on the people's despair.

rm. "You overstep, girl. If you wish to challenge me, then let

ing lightly on the hilt of her ceremon

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e. Yuelin spoke passionately of her vision for Yanxi, weaving tales of the st

o handle the harsh realities of rule. His words dripped with ven

ertaking the Rite of the Phoenix-a sacred trial that had not been performed in generatio

erous," she said, her voice low. "It requires you to confront your

n replied. "If this is what it takes

ulder. "We're with you, Princess. Whatever

ing with gratitude. "Thank you. Together, we'll

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n to rally behind Yuelin's cause. Her courage and determination i

eady plotting his next move, his am

e soul of Yanxi h

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cont