Chapter 20: The Gathering Storm

Xuian stood in the center of the newly reconstructed Whispering Abyss Citadel, gazing out over the vast expanse of his domain. The sky above flickered with dark clouds as if reflecting the growing tension in the air. The rebellion in the Eternal Frost Domain had been swiftly crushed, but the warnings from the Eternal Revenant Council loomed over him like a storm on the horizon.

His forces were growing, but so were his enemies. The Revenant Council, the Crimson Tribunal, and countless other powers in the multiverse were beginning to take note of Xuian's rapid ascent.

[System Notification]

Warning: The Eternal Revenant Council has begun preparing an assault on your domain. Estimated Strength: S-Rank and above. Time Until Arrival: 72 hours. Prepare accordingly.

Xuian clenched his fists. "So they've finally made their move."

Turning to his most trusted lieutenants, Xuian gathered them in the war room. The Phantom Knight, Frost Wraith Leader, Chrono-Wraith Commander, and the Ice Spirit Seer stood at attention, awaiting his orders.

"The Eternal Revenant Council is coming. They won't arrive empty-handed," Xuian began, his voice calm but filled with determination. "We have 72 hours. Every moment counts."

The Phantom Knight spoke first. "Master, the Revenant Council's power is vast, but we've defeated similar odds before. Our forces are ready. We just need to know where to direct them."

Xuian nodded. "Our first priority is strengthening our defenses. I'll be reinforcing the Whispering Abyss gates and deploying our infernal forces to guard key locations. I'll need you all to coordinate the final stages of the preparations."

Reinforcing the Defenses

Xuian wasted no time in executing his plan. He personally supervised the construction of additional fortifications around the Whispering Abyss, ensuring that all dimensional gates were protected by multiple layers of spectral barriers and traps. The Infernal Abyss was fully integrated, and its forces were now under his command. Infernal Behemoths, Reavers, and Flame Archers patrolled the area, ready to defend against any breach.

The Ice Spirit Seer worked tirelessly with the Frost Wraith Leader to build new defensive structures, using her ice magic to create unbreakable walls of frost and snow, which would slow down any invaders trying to breach their territory.

Meanwhile, the Chrono-Wraith Commander focused on setting up Temporal Rifts, strategically placed to manipulate time and disorient the enemy. His goal was to control the battlefield, slowing the Revenant Council's forces and forcing them into disadvantageous positions.

Xuian also sent a personal envoy to the Infernal Abyss, commanding the Infernal Warlords to remain on high alert. The council wouldn't simply attack in a direct manner—they would use all manner of trickery and deception.

The Revenant's Herald

As the hours passed, an unsettling silence hung over the land. Just as Xuian began to feel a momentary sense of calm, the air around him rippled violently. A portal opened in the sky, darkening the already stormy atmosphere. A voice boomed from within, sending a chill through the air.

"Xuian, King of Shadows," the voice rumbled. "The Eternal Revenant Council has come. Surrender your domain, or face the full wrath of the multiverse!"

Xuian's eyes narrowed, the flames of his aura flickering dangerously. "So they send their herald first. How quaint."

The portal expanded, and a figure descended from the darkened sky—Velkar, the envoy who had once attempted to strike a deal with Xuian. Now, he stood tall and imposing, his crimson eyes glowing with malevolent energy.

"You reject the Council's offer, Xuian," Velkar said, his voice filled with venom. "Now, you will pay the price."

Xuian's grin was cold and predatory. "I don't pay debts. I collect them."

Preparing for Battle

Velkar's figure hovered in the air as dark energy crackled around him. "You will see soon enough how weak you truly are, Xuian."

As Velkar raised his hand, a storm of shadows erupted from the portal, releasing countless wraiths and revenants—creatures of the Eternal Revenant Council. These entities were beyond anything Xuian had faced before, their dark forms melding with the shadows themselves. Their very presence drained the light from the sky.

The Phantom Knight and the Frost Wraith Leader stood beside Xuian, ready to face the coming onslaught. The Frost Wraiths readied their spears, while the Infernal Behemoths stomped their feet, their heavy form shaking the ground beneath them.

"We have no intention of retreating," Xuian said to his forces. "Fight with everything you have. We'll show them that no one takes what's ours."

As the battle began, Velkar launched his first wave of wraiths, who surged toward Xuian's defenses like a tide of darkness. The Phantom Knight and Frost Wraith Leader clashed with them, their blades cutting through the ethereal enemies with precision and power.

Xuian's Infernal Behemoths charged forward, their immense size causing tremors as they trampled through the wraiths, their fiery fists disintegrating the enemies in their wake.

But Velkar had more tricks up his sleeve.

The Revenant Lord's Wrath

With a deep, resonant laugh, Velkar snapped his fingers. The ground beneath Xuian's forces began to tremble, and from the cracks in the earth, gigantic revenant titans emerged—towering, skeletal giants, their bodies covered in dark armor, their eyes burning with the malevolent power of the Revenant Council.

The titans swung massive weapons, causing shockwaves with each strike. Xuian watched them approach, his expression steely.

"Phase two," Xuian muttered under his breath.

The Ice Spirit Seer summoned a massive frost wall in front of the revenant titans, freezing their massive feet in place. Meanwhile, the Chrono-Wraith Commander activated his Temporal Rifts, warping time around the titans and slowing their movements.

With a swift motion, Xuian summoned the Infernal Core's power, channeling it into an enormous burst of flame that enveloped one of the titans. The fire consumed its massive form, turning it to ash before it could fully retaliate.

"Impressive," Velkar said, his voice tinged with frustration. "But it won't be enough."

With a final wave of his hand, Velkar conjured a storm of shadow that sent Xuian's forces reeling.

End of Chapter 20