Chapter 7: The Corruption Scare

In the quiet of his sanctum, Wang Chung sat cross-legged, trying to wrestle with the insidious darkness creeping through his veins. The corruption was subtle—like a cold mist seeping into his mind, twisting thoughts, igniting flashes of rage and despair.

His reflection flickered in the pool before him, shifting between his true self and a monstrous visage with eyes blackened by void energy.

Yu Meilan entered quietly, her presence a soothing balm against the storm within him. "Wang Chung, you've always faced darkness before. You're not alone now."

He looked up, eyes haunted. "What if this time, I'm the darkness?"

She shook her head, unwavering. "You are more than your power. Remember who you are."

Before they could speak further, an urgent alert blared through the palace—an impossible enemy had slipped past all defenses, breaching the Celestial Veil.