The Cursed Throne of Yanxi

ating silence hung over the battlefield, broken only by the distant cries of crows circling the smoldering re

xpressions frozen in terror. But it wasn't just the sight of death that unsettled Yu

ir around it pulsed faintly with dark energy. "This isn't just destruction,"

t to the hilt of his sword. "Sum

ing into the remnants of the curse, using it as a cond

can't allow him to continue. If he completes whatever ritual h

we fight shadows and curses? Steel

ith fire. I'll need time to prepare a counterspell. It won't be easy, b

ei's shoulder. "Do whatev

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eeting, summoning the most loyal nobles and military leaders. Maps of the kingdom

commanding. "If Xuan's forces move unchecked, they'll reach the capital

ldiers are brave, but they are no match for the dark forces Xuan

o you have what you need

'll need access to the Sacred Archives beneath the palace. There are ancient

ure her safety. General Liang, organize the troops and prepare the city's defenses. La

e fixed on the map. She traced the red marks with her fin

rying too m

standing in the doorway,

he replied. "I ca

Duty doesn't mean doing everything alone. You have p

ll smile. "Thank you

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nto the Sacred Archives. The air grew colder with each step, the fl

ronicled the history of Yanxi. At the center of the chamber s

n the air. "These spells were locked away for a reason," she said. "The power they hold is

r shoulder. "You've got this, Mei. If

he runes on the pedestal flaring to life. One by one, scrolls

he shadows around them. He couldn't shake

y, his hand on his sw

yes glowing with malevolence. It lunged toward Mei, but Zhiyuan was faster.

the darkness. Mei intensified her chanting, her staf

off me!"

cely, his movements precise and calculated. But for

banishing the shadows in an instant. Sh

croll. "This spell will disrupt Xuan's ritual

er feet. "Then we'll ma

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Soldiers manned the walls, their armor glinting in the fading light. Civil

g faintly against her chest. Mei and Zhiyuan joined he

ady. "Xuan will throw everything he has at us,

bond stronger than ever. Together, they would face th

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cont