Chapter 18: The Purification Ritual

At the zenith of the Celestial Tower, beneath a sky rippling with dimensional fractures, the ritual began.

Ancient runes encircled Wang Chung. Yu Meilan stood at the center, the Heart of Purity hovering between them like a second sun. The entire palace vibrated as light and shadow clashed.

Wang Chung screamed as the void energy was drawn out of him, flaying memories, emotions, even his connection to the Celestial Flame. Every dark whisper that had ever tempted him fought to remain.

Blood ran from his eyes. Yu Meilan's hands bled from gripping the relic.

But she did not falter.

"I'm with you!" she cried, voice cracking. "Come back to us, Wang Chung!"

In a final burst, a column of radiant light erupted skyward, visible across the realms.

And then… silence.

Wang Chung collapsed, his body steaming, unconscious but alive.

Yu Meilan stumbled back. Her face was pale. Her breathing shallow.

She smiled weakly. "He's clean."

And then… she fell.