Xia Qingyue's vision came again.
At first, there was nothing but darkness, followed by the sound of wind carrying a faint, unfamiliar melody.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself standing beneath an enormous crimson sky. Unlike the destroyed landscape she had seen before, this world was peaceful.
Vast mountains stretched across the horizon, ancient trees covered the valleys, and countless floating palaces drifted among the clouds as though the heavens themselves had been transformed into a kingdom.
Before Xia could make sense of what she was seeing, someone knelt before her.
"Queen Xia."
Xia froze.
A second figure lowered their head.
"Your Majesty."
Then another voice followed.
"Queen Xia, the eastern border has sent word."
"Queen Xia, the wandering swordsman has arrived."
"Queen Xia, the people are waiting for your decision."
The voices continued until dozens of figures surrounded her, each looking at her with familiarity and reverence.
