d for the ritual. The Phoenix Amulet hung around Yuelin's neck, glowing softly, while th

d, pacing around the room. "If she rejects our plea, she will lash out wit

ressing on her. "We don't have a choice. The people of Yanxi have suffered

be ready for whatever comes, but I hope it doesn't come to th

fight her. The Empress was a sorceress of unparalleled power in life. In

d under his bre

e ready for this? The ritual will expose your deepest truths. If there

didn't waver

-

, their flames casting dancing shadows on the walls. Mei stood at the center, chanting in a language older t

e amulet's warmth against her chest, steadying her nerves. Zhiyuan stood a few pa

es around them flared. The mirror's surface ri

m shimmered with an inner light, her robes flowing like liquid gold. Her eyes

oice echoed through the chambe

am Yuelin, the rightful heir to the throne of Yanxi

ou are blameless, yet your bloodline is steeped in betrayal. My de

ors. Their sins are not my own. The people of Yanxi suffer because of their bet

g. "Innocent? None are innocent. Your family's treac

of pain that punishes those who had no hand in your death. Children grow up in fear, families

ulet of the Phoenix. Do you understand its significance? The phoenix rises from its ashes, reborn through f

will remain for renewal? Your people revere you, even in death. Let them hon

er anger was destabilizing her presence. "You ask m

d this anger for so long, but it has only brought more pain. Release it, and let your s

uelin, her gaze piercin

child, running through the palace halls, her laughter echoing. She saw her fam

loodshed, her parents' lifeless bodies. She saw hersel

r determination as she trained in secret, her

she spoke. "You carry the weight of your family's sins, yet you refu

rse-but know this: my forgiveness is not without cost. The kingdom will not heal overnight, and you will fa

stand, and I accept the respo

the mirror's surface stilled. The Phoenix Amule

for the first time in ye

g breath, lowering hi

ed. "The curse is lifted. The land will beg

the weight of her new responsibility. "The people of Ya

-

cont