Chapter 25: Heralds of the Revenant Council

The Crestfall Domain, once a beacon of celestial purity, now bore the mark of its new ruler. Under Xuian's control, the energy of the domain shifted, an eerie balance forming between celestial light and the abyssal shadows of his power.

Within the central spire, Xuian stood atop the observation platform, gazing out at the sprawling city below. The once-opposing forces had now sworn loyalty to him—or at least, to his overwhelming strength.

"System Report," Xuian commanded internally.

[System Notification]

Domain Status: Crestfall Domain Integrated. Domain Core: Stable. Population: 1.3 million. Awakened Individuals: 12,000. Domain Rank: Mid-Tier. Resources: Celestial Ore, Mana Wells, Radiant Crystals.

New Quest Unlocked:

Prepare for the Revenant Council's Retaliation. Objective: Fortify the Crestfall Domain and repel the incoming invasion. Time Remaining: 72 hours. Reward: Increased Domain Rank and influence across adjacent dimensions.

Xuian's lips curled into a cold smile. "So they noticed."

Behind him, Liriel—the defeated Celestial Guardian—stood silently, her once-pristine armor tarnished. Though she had been spared, her freedom was stripped away, bound by the Chains of Eternal Oath, an artifact Xuian had used to ensure her servitude.

"You seem troubled," Xuian said without turning around.

Liriel scowled. "You think you've won. But the Revenant Council doesn't tolerate usurpers. They will come for you."

"They can try," Xuian replied, his voice calm yet laced with menace. "But I don't plan to stop here. This domain is just the beginning."

Preparing for War

Xuian wasted no time. He summoned his lieutenants—Phantom Knight General Arvok, Frost Wraith Queen Lysara, and Infernal Reaver Commander Karthos—each a master of their respective units.

"The Revenant Council won't let this conquest go unchallenged," Xuian began. "We have three days to prepare. I want the city fortified and every soldier battle-ready. Arvok, secure the outer perimeter. Set traps along the primary dimensional gates."

Arvok saluted, his spectral form flickering. "Consider it done."

"Lysara, I want the Frost Wraiths to form a defensive line around the core. No one gets within striking distance."

"As you command," Lysara replied, her icy voice resolute.

"Karthos, prepare for a counteroffensive. If they bring their armies, we'll meet them with fire and chaos."

Karthos grinned, flames licking at his armor. "Finally, some real destruction."

The Heralds Arrive

As preparations unfolded, a disturbance rippled through the dimensional fabric. Xuian's eyes narrowed as a portal opened above the city, its edges crackling with dark energy.

From the portal emerged three figures, their auras suffocating. Each one radiated immense power, their presence announcing them as Heralds of the Revenant Council.

The first was a towering beast clad in obsidian armor, wielding a massive halberd. His crimson eyes burned with unrestrained fury.

The second was a pale woman draped in flowing robes, her skeletal hands clutching an ancient tome. Dark mist swirled around her, and whispers seemed to emanate from her very presence.

The third was a man, deceptively ordinary in appearance, but his calm demeanor and the flickering blade at his side hinted at unimaginable lethality.

The city fell silent as the Heralds descended, landing just beyond the central spire.

A Warning Delivered

Xuian stepped forward, his lieutenants flanking him. The air between the two groups crackled with tension.

The robed woman spoke first, her voice a haunting melody. "Xuian of the Whispering Abyss, you have overstepped. The Crestfall Domain is under the jurisdiction of the Revenant Council. Surrender now, and we may grant you a swift death."

Xuian tilted his head, his expression mocking. "You went through all the trouble of sending your Heralds just to give me an ultimatum? I'm flattered."

The man with the flickering blade stepped forward, his calm voice cutting through the air. "You misunderstand. This isn't an ultimatum. It's a statement of fact. You will fall."

Xuian's smirk deepened. "Bold of you to assume."

The towering beast growled, his voice like thunder. "Enough talk. Let's crush this worm and be done with it."

Xuian raised a hand, stopping his lieutenants from attacking. "Before we proceed, allow me to clarify something. I don't just conquer domains. I annihilate those who oppose me."

The First Clash

Without warning, the robed woman unleashed a wave of dark energy, the whispers around her growing louder. The attack surged toward Xuian, but he raised the Celestial Ember Blade, slicing through the energy and dissipating it.

The beast roared and charged, his halberd swinging in a deadly arc. Xuian sidestepped effortlessly, countering with a shadow-infused slash that forced the beast back.

The man with the flickering blade remained still, watching the battle unfold. His calm gaze never left Xuian.

Xuian's lieutenants engaged the robed woman and the beast, their clashes shaking the ground. Meanwhile, Xuian turned his attention to the swordsman.

"You're different," Xuian said, his tone curious. "What's your story?"

The man smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."

In an instant, the man vanished, reappearing behind Xuian with his blade poised to strike. Xuian blocked the attack just in time, their weapons sparking as they clashed.

A Taste of True Power

The swordsman's attacks were relentless, each strike faster and more precise than the last. Xuian activated Shadow Mastery, his movements becoming a blur as he matched the swordsman blow for blow.

Their duel was a dance of death, the air around them crackling with energy. The swordsman's calm demeanor began to waver as Xuian's strength became evident.

"You're holding back," Xuian said, his voice cold. "Don't insult me."

The swordsman's smirk faded. "Very well. Let's see if you can handle this."

He raised his blade, which began to glow with an otherworldly light. The energy around him surged, and his next strike shattered the ground beneath them.

Xuian grinned, his excitement palpable. "Finally, a challenge."

As their clash reached a fever pitch, the other battles raged on, the city of celestial spires becoming a battlefield once more.

End of Chapter 25