But the Heavens would not yield.
In the fourteenth dusk, beneath a sky dyed red with killing intent, a new shadow descended.
He did not come cloaked in divine light.
He came robed in black flame, surrounded by whispers of agony and betrayal.
He was Elder Morokai of the Black Demonic Sect, the oldest dark sect allowed by Heaven to exist under balance law.
He stepped onto the battlefield, barefoot, with a smile that did not reach his eyes.
His voice was quiet.
"Heaven could not reach you with saints. So they sent me."
Jian did not speak.
Frostveil stepped back. She felt it before the words were spoken.
Morokai radiated three Daos:
The Dao of Decay, which withered all it touched.
The Dao of Chains, which bound even fate.
And the hidden Dao of Mirrors, which reflected not images—but realities.
His inner world cracked open behind him. Three spheres, spinning in chaotic harmony, each bleeding a different law.
Jian smiled for the first time in weeks.
And drew a breath like he was inhaling the edge of the world.
"Good," he whispered. "I was getting bored."
And the battlefield trembled as Emperor of the Killing Art met the Dark Trinity of Heaven.
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Chapter 13 — Three Shadows, One Blade
(In progress...) Authors note: I know it's shot but I promise you it's going to get longer.