The path toward Ao Run's palace became clearer as they swam forward, the mist thinning enough to reveal the magnificent structure in its full glory. The white jade walls rose in elegant spirals, mother-of-pearl inlays creating intricate patterns that seemed to shift and change as the currents moved around them. Silver towers twisted upward, each topped with crystals that pulsed with soft, rhythmic light.
But something was wrong. The palace, which should have been defended by layers of illusion and mist, stood exposed and quiet. The silver coral gardens that surrounded it were darkened with corruption, and the floating pearl lanterns that normally provided gentle illumination had gone dim.
"We're too late," Lin whispered, seeing the dark stains that marked where the battle had already taken place.
