Earlier today:
Dongfang Qingcang sat gracefully on a radiant golden throne, wearing multi-layered black garments and a golden half-crown, its horn-like protrusions on either side emphasizing his esteemed status as the Moon Supreme. His role as the King of Kings demanded uncompromising dedication and relentless determination. He had consistently strived to elevate the glory of his tribe. Now that he had achieved that goal, his focus shifted toward the Fairy Realm, driven by an undying thirst for revenge. His dark heart knew no mercy, for he swore to annihilate the realm, sparing no one in his path.
Qingcang's brown eyes glimmered with a fierce light as he observed the room, his face twisted in contempt. Curly lanterns hung from the high ceiling, casting their gentle glow upon the surroundings. Intricate mosaics and hand-painted frescoes adorned the walls, depicting their ancient battles against enemies. Intricate patterns and motifs embellished every inch of the throne room while majestic pillars supported the high ceilings. Tension filled the Middle Eastern-style throne room as the mighty King of Kings focused on the audacious man who dared to offend him.
"You're nothing more than a man who has barely passed the age of a boy," the man sneered at the younger man seated on the grand throne positioned on a raised platform at the far end of the room.
"Oh?" Qingcang responded calmly, still seated upon his throne, his expression unchanging and his voice low and menacing. Throughout his reign as the Moon Supreme, he had never encountered such a foolish man who tested his patience. He was adorned in elaborate, dark-iridescent armor that shimmered in the dim light, his long hair flowing down his back, and luxurious black-golden robes with patterns.
"I may not possess your strength, but when my people unite, our collective strength is unmatched," the older man addressed the young ruler. He was dressed in flowing black robes adorned with jeweled ornaments and stood defiantly.
Qingcang's eye twitched, his fists clenched, and he tilted his head slightly. The room fell into a hushed silence as he contemplated his next move. The nobles watched with bated breath, fully aware he was a man impossible to tame.
The throne room resembled Pars architecture of West Asia, featuring towering columns, arches, and domes adorned with vibrant mosaics and intricate designs. It had stone-carved statues depicting revered ancestors, leaders, and ancient Moon Tribe warriors who had achieved great glory. Among these sculptures stood a tribute to Yannu, serving as a reminder of the Moon Tribe's triumph over the Fairy Realm and their liberation from oppression inflicted upon them by the Fairy Tribe.
With a fierce glint in his eye, the older man raised his voice once more. "One day, Dongfang Qingcang, we will overthrow you," he declared with seething hatred, his words echoing off the stone walls. "We will never serve a mere boy."
Qingcang rose from his throne, his tall, imposing figure casting a dark shadow over the trembling man. He lifted his head slightly, fixing his cold, dark eyes upon the Western King, looking down at him with a condescending gaze.
The man's eyes widened with terror as he met the Moon Supreme's gaze, fully comprehending his situation's gravity.
Qingcang's eyes narrowed as he confronted the speaker. "King... of... the... West," he enunciated each word deliberately and menacingly, pausing between them. His voice carried a harsh, deep tone, and he maintained an unblinking glare at the Western King.
The Northern and Southern Kings, along with the ministers in the throne room, trembled with fear as they sensed Qingcang's intention to execute the Western King before their very eyes.
"You want to kill me? That's not a problem, and I can forgive that," Qingcang thundered, his powerful voice resonating throughout the hall as he descended the stairs with purpose. Each step he took echoed loudly on the polished floors, growing more intense with each step.
The Western King swallowed hard, realizing the imminent danger he was in. His life was hanging in the balance.
In the suffocating throne room, the two men's eyes locked in a silent battle of wills. The nobles held their breath, waiting to see what the Moon Supreme Lord would do next.
Qingcang stood before the Western King, his imposing presence still felt. His eyes, dark and intense like the night sky, pierced through the other man's gaze. A scowl formed on the Moon Supreme's face, sending chills down the spines of those present. "However..." he uttered, his voice filled with chilling authority.
The Western King suddenly felt a crushing pressure on his throat, struggling to breathe as he desperately tried to break free from Qingcang's grip that lifted him off the floor. Trembling, he realized his survival in the throne room was uncertain.
"You traitor," Qingcang hissed angrily. The Western King's eyes widened in fear. "You dared to claim a part of the Moon Tribe as your own. We are the Moon Tribe, the greatest enemy of the Fairy Tribe. Do you think I'm unaware of your schemes to divide us?" His voice grew with each word, his anger reaching its boiling point.
Qingcang's grip tightened around the Western King's throat, his fingers digging as he exerted dominance. The room was consumed by an eerie silence, broken only by the muffled gasps and wheezes of the struggling king who fought for breath.
"Do you think I'll allow anyone to incite unrest among us and fulfill the fairies' desire to weaken us?" Qingcang questioned firmly, his will unyielding. His frown deepened as he locked eyes with the other king.
The King of the West found himself speechless, unable to muster a defense against the overwhelming confrontation presented. The crowd of nobles and officials murmured, their faces a mixture of shock and anger. They had placed their trust in him, only to be betrayed.
Qingcang's anger intensified as he demanded an answer. "ANSWER ME!" he roared, his eyes burning with fury.
The Western King could only avert his gaze, fear preventing him from meeting Qingcang's eyes. Clearly, he had underestimated the young man before him, caught in his own web of deceit.
"If you had the power to overthrow any Moon Supreme, you would have done so to my father years ago while they were still alive. But you failed where a mere boy succeeded. You, and everyone in West Cangyan Sea, lack the means to end my life because I am immortal..." Qingcang sneered, disgust dripping from his words.
The Western King was stunned upon hearing the revelation of Dongfang Qingcang's immortality, and his hopes were shattered. This knowledge made it abundantly clear that he could never be slain.
Qingcang closed his eyes, his expression briefly serene. "However, if you insist on separating yourselves from the rest of us, I'll allow it," he calmly stated, his voice carrying a resolute tone. Opening his intense, almond-shaped eyes, he locked his gaze onto the terrified soul of the Western King.
Feeling the grip around his neck loosen, the Western King tumbled to the unforgiving stone floor, gasping for air as he rubbed his throat. The nobles sought clarification as to why the King of Kings would permit the traitor's sinister plans to unfold.
Qingcang's eyes glimmered with righteous fury as he declared his intentions. "I shall overthrow the Fairy Realm, conquer all realms, and restore Cangyan Sea to its former glory. Every last fairy will be eradicated, and none spared," he announced, his deep voice resonating throughout the throne room.
Realizing that he had lost the support of his people and Qingcang's backing, the King of the West sank to his knees, his face contorted with fear and desperation.
However, Qingcang's expression remained ruthless and unyielding, his eyes fixed on the kneeling king. "Bring forth the spies!" he commanded in a chilling voice, his tone allowing no room for dissent.
The tension in the throne room heightened as Qingcang revealed the King of the West's betrayal. The Western King's face showed a mix of surprise and disbelief as guards in black armor escorted his two accomplices forward. The henchmen, their robes in tatters, lowered their heads in shame as they knelt before their master on the polished stone floor.
"Behold." Qingcang raised his hands briefly before smoothing down the sleeves of his royal robe. "Your scheme to divide Cangyan Sea ends today." His voice grew colder as he continued, "Prepare for the execution of these spies at nightfall."
"As you command, my Lord," the guards responded obediently, their voices resonating through the hall.
Pleading for mercy would be futile. Qingcang was known for forgiving those who sought his death, whether through pure assassination or attempting to claim the title of the Moon Supreme. Many harbored ill intentions toward him across all realms, yet he paid little attention to such threats. However, there was one offense he could not tolerate: treason against the Moon Tribe.
"As for you," Qingcang spoke, turning his head to address the King of the West while keeping his back partially turned. "At sunset, lead your people to Xuanxu Desert, and I shall personally deliver their death." His voice lacked mercy, leaving no room for negotiation. Pausing briefly, he slowly turned to face the Western King fully. "Now, leave the Silent Moon Palace," he commanded the speechless king. With that, he ascended the stairs and reclaimed his seat on the throne.
A hushed silence settled over the throne room as the Western King departed. Dongfang Qingcang, the immortal Moon Supreme, exuded an even greater air of intimidation than his father. He had earned a reputation as the most feared being in the three realms.
Qingcang's intense gaze swept across the gathered nobles and officials, his cold and imposing presence overshadowing them all. "If anyone dares to challenge me, you are welcome to join the King of West Cangyan Sea at sunset in Xuanxu Desert," he declared with a menacing tone, the light gleaming off his dark, shimmering armor. The crowd gasped in shock and trembled with fear, shrinking under his overwhelming presence.
The nobles and officials swiftly obeyed Qingcang's command, dropping to their knees and bowing their heads in submission. The air in the throne room grew heavy with trepidation and unease, each person aware that he was not to be taken lightly as defying him would lead to certain death. However, they exchanged hushed whispers, acknowledging that the Moon Tribe had never been more united than they were now.
Qingcang turned on his heel and strode out of the throne room, the echoing clicks of his boots resonating loudly against the polished stone floor. Everyone watched him leave in silence, a haunting stillness enveloping the space as their lives rested in the hands of an oppressive and ruthless tyrant.
Qingcang was on the verge of exiting the throne room, and whispers circulated among the assembled crowd. Some were filled with fear and uncertainty, while others detected a glimmer of hope in his earlier words about improving the lives of the Moon Tribe.
Taking a brave step forward, the King of the South raised his head with determination. "My venerable Moon Supreme Lord, Dongfang Qingcang," he spoke with resolve. "Our tribe has suffered for too long under the oppressive rule of the Fairy Realm. We have endured mockery, oppression, and the erasure of our culture and traditions. We are ready to stand by your side, fight alongside you, and restore the long-lost glory of our people."
The crowd responded with a collective bow, humbly expressing their agreement. Soon, a chorus of voices emerged, uniting in a pledge of support for Qingcang's cause.
As Qingcang turned around, his eyes cold and detached, he observed the submissive crowd. 'Lord Yunzhong... I will tear him apart,' he contemplated, his gaze narrowing with icy intensity. 'I will ensure he writhes in agony as I wrench his beating heart from his chest.' The sinister notion left a wicked smirk on his lips.
Please tell me what you think so far of Chapter 1 and give it a like if you enjoyed it :) Next, Chapter 2!
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