Dawn broke over the Sect of Shadows.
But in Liu Shen's eyes, the light held no warmth—only shadows that twisted in familiar shapes.
The memory from the Vault gnawed at him:
> The Ninth Shadow. A woman. A dagger.
A traitor hidden in love.
---
Doubt and Distance
Yu Meixing brought tea, her eyes gentle, smile soft.
> "You barely slept," she said.
"Was it the Judge's wounds… or something worse?"
Liu Shen's gaze lingered too long on her hand—the same hand that, in his vision, had held the celestial dagger.
He said nothing. Just sipped.
She noticed the distance.
> "You don't trust me," she whispered.
> "I trust no one," Liu Shen replied. "That is why I still live."
Her smile faded.
> "Then I will earn your trust again… even if I must walk through hell."
He did not answer. But the words stayed.
---
The Cult Awakens
Later, in the abyssal shrine, the Cult of the Eclipsed Flame began its first ritual in centuries.
Dozens of masked followers chanted in a forgotten tongue. Black fire curled around the altar. From the pit rose a bound creature — half-wraith, half-dragon.
It bore a brand burned into its skull: a celestial slave mark.
> "One of the Emperor's Soul Beasts," Liu Shen muttered.
"Used to devour memories… and kill loyalty."
The cultist bowed.
> "Your orders, Sovereign?"
Liu Shen raised his hand—and clenched his fist.
> "Feed it false memories. Let it believe it still serves the heavens."
> "Then… release it near Meixing."
---
The Test Begins
That evening, Liu Shen returned to the surface. Yu Meixing greeted him with a rare smile.
They walked under starlight. Spoke of old times. For a moment, it almost felt real.
Until the air shifted.
The Soul Beast stirred beneath the sect.
Its presence cloaked. Its mind twisted.
Liu Shen watched from the shadows as it approached Meixing's courtyard.
And he waited.
> "If she is truly innocent… she will destroy it."
"If not…"
He tightened the grip on his sword.