The heavy, suffocating pressure from two peak 3rd Essence Core cultivators filled the chamber, pressing down on the three exhausted women like an invisible weight trying to crush their chests. The Inquisitor and the Prefect stood just inside the doorway, their expressions a chilling mixture of cruel triumph and cold indifference. The Inquisitor's sadistic smile widened as he took another slow, deliberate step forward, his boot scraping against the stone. He was savoring the moment, drawing it out like a predator playing with wounded prey.
"Impressive," the Inquisitor's voice echoed slightly in the stone chamber. It was filled with a condescending praise that was more insulting than any threat. "You dealt with my puppets. I admit, I underestimated you. But the games are over now."
