The battle's aftermath left the Crimson Hollow shrouded in a dense, smoky haze. The once-vibrant landscape now bore the scars of divine conflict—charred trees stood as blackened sentinels, and the ground was littered with the remnants of shattered weapons and armor. The air was thick with the scent of sulfur and ash, a testament to the ferocity of the clash between Lin Feng and Judge Varnak.
Lin Feng stood amidst the devastation, his robes tattered and singed, his breathing heavy. The Divine Judgment Halo still glowed faintly around him, a reminder of the immense power he had wielded. Yet, the victory felt hollow. The Crimson Inheritors had retreated, but their ominous presence lingered like a storm on the horizon.
Jiang Tian approached, his face smeared with soot, eyes wide with concern. "Boss, that was... intense. Are you alright?"
Lin Feng managed a weary smile. "I've been better. But we survived, and that's what matters."
Li Mei joined them, her blade still glowing with residual energy. "We need to regroup and assess the situation. The Ashen Tribunal's awakening has stirred forces beyond our comprehension."
As they spoke, the ground trembled slightly, and a low hum resonated through the air. The tribunal's pillars pulsed with renewed energy, casting eerie shadows across the landscape.
Suddenly, the Supreme Sect System chimed once more.
Ding!
> System Alert: New Faction Detected – The Ember Veil A clandestine group of scholars and warriors dedicated to preserving the balance between chaos and order. Their motives are enigmatic, and their allegiance uncertain.
> System Mission Update: Objective: Establish contact with the Ember Veil and uncover their intentions regarding the Ashen Tribunal. Time Remaining: 5 days
Lin Feng's eyes narrowed. "The plot thickens. We need to find this Ember Veil and determine whether they're allies or adversaries."
The trio set out, navigating the treacherous terrain left in the battle's wake. As they ventured deeper into the heart of the Crimson Hollow, they encountered signs of the Ember Veil's presence—cryptic symbols etched into stone, remnants of ancient rituals, and whispers carried by the wind.
Their journey led them to a hidden enclave nestled within a cavern illuminated by bioluminescent fungi. There, cloaked figures awaited, their faces obscured by ornate masks.
One stepped forward, his voice calm yet commanding. "Lin Feng, Flame-Touched Successor, we have been expecting you."
Lin Feng regarded the figure cautiously. "And you are?"
"We are the Ember Veil, guardians of equilibrium. The Ashen Tribunal's awakening threatens to tip the scales, and we seek to prevent catastrophe."
Li Mei's grip tightened on her weapon. "Why should we trust you?"
The figure extended a hand, revealing a relic pulsating with familiar energy. "Because our goals align. Join us, and together we can restore balance."
Lin Feng exchanged glances with his companions. The path ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but the stakes were too high to ignore.
He nodded slowly. "Very well. Let's work together to avert the impending doom."
As alliances formed and secrets unraveled, the fate of the realm hung in the balance. The embers of reckoning had been ignited, and the true trial was only beginning.
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To be continued in Chapter 116: