Chapter 57: The Celestial Meeting & The Fate of a Traitor

The grand chamber of the Celestial Families was unlike anything Jin Shang had seen before. It was a place where the most powerful beings gathered, where centuries of history and authority converged. High marble pillars stretched toward an ethereal ceiling, adorned with ancient runes that pulsed with an unseen force. The air itself was thick with power, as if the walls held the weight of countless legends.

At the center of the vast chamber sat a large round table, occupied by figures whose very presence could shake the world. Park Hae-In, Chris Walker, Thomas Boaris, Mr. Singh, and several others—all leaders of their respective domains—were seated in silence.

Jin Shang stood at the far end of the room, his hands resting at his sides, his blue eyes scanning the gathered individuals. The tension was palpable. No one knew what direction this meeting would take.

Then, Park Hae-In leaned forward, her eyes sharp but lacking hostility. "Jin Shang," she said, her voice carrying an air of authority, "you have disrupted the balance of the world. The Ranker Association, once the dominant force, is now gone. What happens next depends entirely on you."

Jin didn't respond immediately. Instead, he let her words hang in the air before speaking. "I have no interest in ruling."

Chris Walker scoffed. "We've heard that before. But power like yours doesn't simply disappear. The world will look to you for leadership, whether you want it or not."

Jin's gaze didn't waver. "Then let them. But I won't be their king."

Park Hae-In sighed, tapping her fingers on the table. "That may be true, but you cannot operate in isolation. The world is too fragile right now. What I propose… is a partnership."

Jin raised an eyebrow.

She continued, "I offer you my support, and in return, you grant me yours when necessary. Not as subordinates. Not as rivals. But as allies."

Silence.

The others in the room exchanged glances. This was a rare moment—Park Hae-In, one of the most powerful figures in existence, was extending a hand in friendship.

Jin studied her for a long moment before finally nodding. "Agreed."

Park Hae-In's lips curled into a slight smile. "Good. Then let this be the beginning of something new."

The meeting concluded shortly after. The Celestials had their answers. Jin Shang would not rule, but he was now an entity they had to recognize—not as a threat, but as an equal.

But Jin's mind was already elsewhere.

There was still unfinished business.

Jin walked down the cold stone corridor, the dim torchlight flickering against the damp walls. The scent of blood lingered in the air, a reminder of what lay ahead.

Kaelros followed closely behind, his expression dark. "You're finally going to deal with him?"

Jin nodded. "I need answers."

The heavy iron door loomed before them, guarded by two warriors who immediately stepped aside at Jin's approach. With a single push, the door creaked open, revealing the chamber beyond.

Hyun was there.

He was bound in chains, his arms suspended above his head. His once-pristine robes were now tattered rags, soaked in sweat and blood. His body bore the marks of relentless beatings—bruises, cuts, and wounds that had yet to heal.

Despite his condition, the moment he saw Jin, a grin spread across his battered face.

"Well, well," Hyun rasped. "The great Jin Shang finally graces me with his presence."

Jin stepped forward, his gaze unreadable. "Why did you betray me?"

Hyun laughed weakly. "Straight to the point, huh? No pleasantries?"

Kaelros clenched his fists. "You're in no position to joke."

But Hyun ignored him. His gaze remained locked onto Jin, his smile widening. "You want to know why? Because I could."

Jin remained silent.

Hyun continued, his voice laced with mockery. " At first you were too weak but You are perfect in knowledge and Leadership. And do you know what happens to perfect things? They break. I wanted to be the one to do it."

Kaelros moved before he could stop himself, his arm snapping forward to slap Hyun across the face. But just before his hand could connect—

Jin caught his wrist.

Kaelros turned, eyes blazing. "Jin, he—"

"Enough." Jin's voice was cold, sharp.

Kaelros hesitated before stepping back.

Jin turned back to Hyun, his expression unreadable. "If you think words will provoke me, you're mistaken."

Hyun chuckled, blood dripping from his lips. "Oh? Then what will?"

Jin exhaled. "I'm done talking."

He reached into his coat and pulled out a thin, sharp blade. It gleamed in the dim light, its edge honed to perfection.

For the first time, Hyun's smirk faltered.

Jin crouched down, gripping Hyun's hand. Without hesitation—

He drove the blade under Hyun's fingernail.

Hyun's body tensed, a sharp gasp escaping his lips. But he didn't scream.

Jin twisted the blade.

Hyun's teeth clenched. His breathing turned ragged, sweat pouring down his face.

Jin leaned in, his voice a whisper. "You don't get to mock me anymore."

With a swift motion, he ripped the nail off.

This time, Hyun let out a strangled scream.

But Jin wasn't done.

He grabbed Hyun's other hand, repeating the process. Each nail was torn away with ruthless precision, the exposed flesh raw and bleeding.

Salt was poured onto the wounds.

Hyun convulsed, his body trembling violently as pain overtook him.

Kaelros watched silently, arms crossed. There was no pity in his gaze. Only satisfaction.

Jin stood, looking down at the broken man before him.

"This is mercy," he said quietly. "You're still breathing."

Hyun coughed, his laughter weak but still present. "Then finish it."

Jin's gaze darkened.

"No."

Hyun's bloodshot eyes widened slightly.

Jin turned away. "You'll suffer. You'll live knowing you failed. And when your body finally gives out… it won't be by my hand."

Kaelros smirked. "A fate worse than death."

Hyun's laughter finally stopped.

Jin glanced at Kaelros. "Make sure he doesn't die too soon."

Kaelros nodded. "With pleasure."

Jin walked out of the chamber, leaving Hyun behind.

His work wasn't finished.

This was only the beginning.