Chapter 55: The Shadowed Court
The royal court of Dawnriver was a battlefield of its own. Lin Xuan, at 8th Layer Qi Transformation, surveyed the room, his crimson eyes glinting with strategic intent. The Prime Minister, Zhao Heng, with his 8th Layer Qi Transformation aura, rallied Xun Clan supporters. Lin Xuan used Illusion Diversion to slip into Zhao's inner circle and planted forged evidence of bribery.
Outside, Liu Yue, at 5th Layer Qi Transformation, coordinated Soul Lamp Hall recruits to secure the city streets. Liu Yang, his 2nd Layer Qi Gathering qi growing steadier, patrolled with his evolving blood-forged glaive.
Inside the court, Ji Yunjing, at the peak of the 3rd Layer Profound Heavenly Realm, demanded loyalty oaths. Bai Ningxue, at 7th Layer Qi Transformation, moved through the hall, purifying corrupted qi from Wudu Clan poisons with her Thousand Lotus Seal Art. Later, in a quiet corner of the Ji Clan halls, Lin Xuan refined a pill, his Vein Fortress Body resonating with a faint red glow. "This'll strengthen us for what's ahead," he said. The court, a crucible of political tension, waited for Zhao's corruption to flare.