Chapter 23: The City of Celestial Spires
Xuian and his team stood at the edge of the Crestfall patrol's remains, the field littered with frozen warriors and scorched earth. The Celestial Ember Blade in Xuian's hand pulsed faintly, its heat dissipating as he sheathed it in his dimensional storage.
He gazed into the distance, where the shimmering city of celestial spires rose like a mirage. The towering structures of crystal and light exuded power, their surfaces glowing faintly as if alive.
"This is only the beginning," Xuian muttered. He turned to his team, his voice steady. "We press forward. The city is our next target. Be prepared for anything."
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The Approach
The trek to the city was both beautiful and eerie. The Crestfall Domain's environment was unlike any Xuian had encountered before. The air was thick with magic, the ground pulsating faintly with celestial energy.
Strange creatures roamed the fields—glistening beasts made of light and energy. Some watched curiously but kept their distance, while others fled at the sight of Xuian's forces.
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[System Notification]
Dimensional Environment Analysis:
Celestial energy detected in high concentrations.
Atmospheric hazard potential: Low.
Local hostility: Moderate.
New Discovery:
Mana Wells: Small pools of concentrated celestial energy.
Effect: Restores stamina and enhances abilities temporarily.
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The team paused near a mana well, its glowing liquid swirling hypnotically. Xuian crouched beside it, dipping his hand into the energy. A surge of warmth spread through him, invigorating his body and mind.
"Absorb it," he commanded. "We'll need every advantage."
The team quickly complied, each member drawing power from the well. The Frost Wraiths' icy auras grew stronger, and the Infernal Reavers' flames burned brighter.
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Encounter at the Gates
As they neared the city, Xuian's group came upon a massive wall of crystalline energy. The gates, towering and ornate, shimmered with celestial inscriptions. Two guards stood watch, their armor radiating a golden light.
The guards immediately noticed the approaching group, their weapons drawn.
"Halt!" one barked. "You tread on sacred ground. State your purpose or turn back!"
Xuian stepped forward, his expression calm but commanding. "We've come to trade, learn, and… acquire. Whether we leave peacefully or not depends on you."
The guards exchanged wary glances. One of them raised a hand, signaling to someone beyond the gate. Moments later, the gates began to hum, their inscriptions glowing brighter.
A woman stepped out, her presence commanding. Her white armor sparkled like the stars, and her platinum hair flowed like liquid silver. Her piercing blue eyes locked onto Xuian.
"You've come uninvited," she said, her voice carrying both authority and curiosity. "Who are you?"
Xuian smirked. "Just a traveler exploring new horizons."
She narrowed her eyes. "Travelers don't bring armies."
Xuian's smirk widened. "Then you've met the wrong kind of travelers."
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Negotiations and Deception
The woman introduced herself as Liriel, one of the city's Celestial Guardians. "This city is not for the likes of you. Leave now, and you'll be spared."
Xuian chuckled, his tone dripping with amusement. "You misunderstand. I wasn't asking for permission to enter. I was informing you that I am."
Liriel's expression darkened. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But arrogance won't save you here."
Xuian activated his Shadow Mastery, tendrils of darkness swirling around him. "It's not arrogance if you can back it up."
Before Liriel could respond, Xuian's forces surged forward. The Frost Wraiths unleashed icy barrages, freezing the ground and creating slippery terrain. The Infernal Reavers followed, their fiery strikes aimed at the guards.
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Battle at the Gate
Liriel drew her weapon, a radiant spear that shimmered with celestial energy. She launched herself at Xuian, her movements swift and precise.
Xuian met her strike with the Celestial Ember Blade, the clash sending sparks flying. Their duel was intense, the contrast between Xuian's shadow-infused attacks and Liriel's celestial power creating a dazzling display of energy.
Meanwhile, the Phantom Knights engaged the guards, their spectral blades slicing through the golden armor. The Frost Wraiths and Infernal Reavers overwhelmed the defenders, forcing the gates open.
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[System Notification]
Victory Achieved: City Gates Breached.
Rewards:
3000 Dimensional Coins.
Artifact Fragment: Crystal Core Shard.
New Quest Unlocked:
Conquer the Celestial Spires.
Objective: Subdue or claim the city's core for your domain.
Reward: 10,000 Dimensional Coins, Celestial Energy Enhancement, and Control of the Crestfall Domain.
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Liriel's Defeat
The battle between Xuian and Liriel reached its climax. Despite her strength and skill, Liriel couldn't match Xuian's adaptability.
With a final strike, Xuian disarmed her, his blade pointed at her throat. "Surrender, and I might spare you," he said, his voice cold.
Liriel glared at him but nodded reluctantly. "The city won't fall so easily. You'll face resistance at every turn."
Xuian smirked. "Let them try. I'll burn this place to the ground if I have to."
He turned to his forces. "The gates are ours. Secure the perimeter and prepare to move deeper into the city. This is only the beginning."
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The Road Ahead
As Xuian's forces pushed into the city, they encountered pockets of resistance, but their momentum was unstoppable. The Celestial Spires, once a symbol of untouchable power, now trembled under the weight of Xuian's conquest.
Xuian's eyes gleamed as he looked toward the towering central spire, where the city's core was said to reside. "Soon, the Crestfall Domain wi
ll belong to me. And with it, my path to the Revenant Council grows clearer."
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End of Chapter 23