Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Godslayer's Blade

Atop the Pantheon, the crystal sphere cast shifting light across the grand hall, illuminating and darkening its vastness by turns. The gaunt and towering diviner, Wu Xuanyuan, stood beside the sphere, eyes fixed and lips tirelessly chanting incantations.

The guards stationed around the hall remained utterly silent, fearful of disturbing the master’s augury.

Suddenly, the crystal sphere flared with scarlet light, painting the surrounding walls crimson. Above, black mist billowed, gathering storm clouds upon the vault of the ceiling. The flames on the torches bent in one direction with the unnatural draught, intensifying the hall’s eerie air. Wu Xuanyuan’s withered fingers traced the surface of the crystal sphere as his raspy, sharp voice proclaimed:

“The prophesied moment has arrived! The great Celestial will reveal His omen to us!…”

From his throne, the Thunder Emperor rose, brow furrowing slightly. His trust in this seer, known as the “Heaven’s Eye,” was absolute—his unshakable reign owed much to Wu Xuanyuan’s insight into the affairs of the world.

The oppressive atmosphere convinced all present that, under the crystal sphere’s uncanny power, the near future would soon be unveiled before their eyes.

Within the crystal sphere, an awe-inspiring volcano gradually emerged—its crater ablaze with molten lava, seething and bursting with scalding bubbles, while thick, murky clouds hung low above. It was none other than Doomsday Volcano, set in the northern reaches of the Red Soil Desert.

Wu Xuanyuan raised his arms high, intoning, “When Doomsday Volcano erupts, the Blade of Deicide shall reappear!”

According to the Book of Ages, five thousand years ago, a hero of the Thunder family wielded the Blade of Deicide to slay the Demon King. Upon learning of the Demon King’s foretold resurrection, the blade was cast into Doomsday Volcano, with a prophecy that five millennia hence, the volcano would erupt as the Demon King’s reincarnation returned. Since then, the volcano had lain dormant for five thousand years.

The Thunder Emperor’s expression grew grave as he questioned with authority:

“Are you certain? The eruption is today?”

Wu Xuanyuan, with his back to the emperor, his sly, triangular eyes casting a sidelong glance, muttered inwardly, “When has the First Diviner’s prophecy ever failed…”

Yet he voiced no discontent, and gazing into the crystal sphere, he beseeched:

“O Celestial, grant me your mighty revelation…”

Suddenly, the lava within the volcano in the sphere began to roil violently, crimson light flashing without pause. Wu Xuanyuan declared in a ringing, unwavering tone:

“Doomsday Volcano will erupt—today!”

The Thunder Emperor, hearing this, felt the urgency keenly. His commanding voice resounded through the hall:

“Send forth our men to Doomsday Volcano! The Blade of Deicide must not fall into another’s hands!”

Just then, a messenger hurried in from outside, “Your Majesty! The patriarchs of all great houses have assembled, led by the Chiyan family. They’ve come regarding the matter of Doomsday Volcano.”

“Hmph! At times like this, they hardly need urging to come running, one after another! Show them in!”

The grand doors of the hall swung open. First to enter was Yisheng, patriarch of the Chiyan family. Tall and upright, he radiated a dignified air; a crimson mantle of the Fire Master Mage billowed behind him.

At his side walked an elderly woman with a head of silver hair, her eyes keen despite her century of years, leaning on a Dragon Scepter—none other than the Dragon Matron, leader of the Dragon Clan.

Behind her followed Queen Lingge of the Light Elves, golden hair trailing to the floor, plaited into twin braids at her temples, crowned with olive branches. Her visage was holy and beautiful, and flowers bloomed with every step she took, as if she had stepped forth from a dream.

Beside her was another figure, utterly different in bearing—features cold as frost, an air of haughty isolation. She wore a crystal crown, frost crystallizing beneath her feet, an intimidating chill emanating from her—the Ice Queen, Qianlan.

The other clan leaders entered in respectful procession. The Thunder Emperor gestured for them to be seated, and all took their places to the left and right. The ten elders and the assembled elite of the Pantheon lined the hall.

No sooner had the Ice Queen sat than she crossed her elegant legs, casting a scornful gaze around, her tone laced with biting sarcasm:

“I never thought even the Chiyan Patriarch and the Dragon Matron would be drawn out—today’s assembly is indeed complete.”

Yisheng, settling into his seat, closed his eyes in composed repose and spoke with unforced authority:

“The Chiyan family has defended the eastern frontier for generations. This matter concerns the peace and stability of the entire continent—how could I not be present?”

Beside him, the Dragon Matron spoke up, “Doomsday Volcano lies within the bounds of Chiyan City’s territory. His presence is to be expected. But the Ice Queen, journeying all the way from the snowlands, must have had her reasons.”

The Ice Queen snorted, lifting her face with a touch of anger, “To uphold the continent’s balance, the Ice Clan has an undeniable duty.”

“Perhaps you simply grew bored and restless alone in your icy palace, letting your mind run wild. It’s a wonder for one so young to bear such burdens,” the Dragon Matron retorted with biting wit.

“You!” The Ice Queen’s face darkened, inwardly cursing, “You old wretch…”

The other clan leaders murmured among themselves about Doomsday Volcano, only Queen Lingge of the Light Elves remained serene and silent, surrounded by phantom blossoms that bloomed in her presence, her pure gaze clear as water, untouched by dust.

Suddenly, the chief of the Star Clan from the Western Sea raised his hands for calm:

“Enough, everyone. We are assembled here to discuss the matter of Doomsday Volcano. Let us hear what the Thunder Emperor has to say!”

The Star Clan had long been vassals to the Thunder family, but their standing declined when Wu Xuanyuan of the Wu lineage surpassed their greatest seer.

All turned their attention to the Thunder Emperor, and the hall fell silent.

Seated upon his throne, the emperor’s gaze was piercing as he spoke with commanding dignity:

“I have summoned you all not only for the matter of Doomsday Volcano, but for the fate of the Blade of Deicide. As you know, the ancient sword from five thousand years past is said to rest at the volcano’s depths. This concerns the peace of our magical continent. I urge you all to treat the matter with utmost gravity.”

Wu Xuanyuan stood respectfully beside the throne, clutching the violet crystal sphere.

“Elder Wu, share your augury with the assembly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Wu Xuanyuan bowed slightly, awakening the crystal sphere with his long, black-nailed fingers tracing its surface. “Honored lords and ladies, please observe.”

The sphere displayed Doomsday Volcano—ash plumes billowing, the lava’s boiling more violent than before, the ground nearby cracking from tremors, molten rock visible in the fissures.

“This…” The clan leaders shifted uneasily, some rising in surprise. Yisheng, who guarded the border, looked especially grave; never had Doomsday Volcano behaved so.

“That is indeed Doomsday Volcano,” Wu Xuanyuan affirmed. “For five thousand years, it has lain dormant, so much so that people began to doubt if it could ever erupt again—or if the tales of the Demon invasion and the Blade of Deicide were anything more than legend.”