Tianming stood opposite Sovereign Xi at the blood lake, surrounded by bloody mist. The chaotic moonlight made her skin look pale as snow. Her lips curved into a smile as she relished in being the victor of this match.

"How many times have We said that you’ll never be able to escape Our grasp?" There were still some tears in her eyes as she thought of the imperial guide, the one who had accompanied her for her entire life. She knew she would be alone from now on, now that her beloved was gone. Though she hadn’t felt any pain when the guide had passed away, the grief and despair at the notion of never ever seeing her again caused the sovereign’s psyche to contort in unexpected ways.

During such a beautiful night, she had finally managed to force her prey out of the hole. She scrutinized him from top to bottom like a young girl would her idol, passionate and mischievous. She had never thought it would take a few...