They turned into a long corridor lit by wall lanterns. Some had been shattered. Shards crunched beneath their boots.
'Wait,what boots?'
Tian glanced down at himself.
Layers of white and gold robes flowed around his legs. Fine embroidery of dragons curled across the fabric. A jade belt secured a ceremonial sword at his waist.
'Seriously?'
His breath grew uneven.
"This…" he murmured.
Leon slowed slightly but did not stop. "Stay close to me, Your Highness."
Outside the corridor windows, flames climbed along palace roofs. Smoke curled into the night sky.
'The Grand Yhang Dynasty.'
The name surfaced in his mind, Tian inhaled deeply.
'This is too realistic to be a dream.'
Steel clashing echoed again nearby.
Leon tightened his grip on his sword.
"Your Highness, no matter what happens, I will protect you."
Tian looked at his reflection in a shattered bronze mirror they passed.
He let out a sigh of relief because his face looked the same. But the eyes staring back at him were not calm.
Suddenly…footsteps echoed ahead.
Leon stopped abruptly and raised his blade.
At the end of the corridor, a tall figure stood in their path. Black robes brushed against the floor.
The air around them suddenly felt suffocating.
Tian's heartbeat raced. 'Now who's this?'
The man lifted his head, his skin was pale, long black hair fell down his back, red eyes glowed under the shadows of his lashes.
His eyes locked onto Tian first then at Leon, and a slow smile formed on his lips .
Leon stepped in front of Tian and spread his arm back to block him.
The man ahead gave a low chuckle. He stepped forward into the lantern light.
"Look who's left," he said.
Leon tightened his grip on his sword. "Your Highness, just stay behind me."
The man's brows lowered. He raised one hand. Black and red light gathered in his palm. It combined and surged, growing brighter.
Tian swallowed. "Leon… who is that?"
"He's the devil, Your Highness."
Leon adjusted his stance, blade raised.
Tian stared at the forming magic. The energy pulsed and distorted the air around it.
He frowned. 'Is this guy trying to kill himself?!'
The man flicked his wrist, the attack shot forward.
Tian grabbed Leon's sleeve and yanked him sideways with all his strength. The blast tore past them and struck the corridor wall.
Boom.
The stone wall exploded, cracks spread across the thick structure, dust burst outward, and fragments rained to the ground.
Tian's breath stopped. "What the hell!?"
If they had stayed standing there, they would have been turned into pieces now.
He stood up, removing the dust off his clothes.
Leon staggered but kept his footing. Tian helped steady him.
Before they could talk… dark magic enveloped around them and the man appeared in front of Tian.
"!!!"
A hand shot out and gripped Tian's chin. Fingers cold and firm. He lifted Tian off the ground with ease.
"Your Highness!" Leon shouted, but because of the dark magic, he couldn't move.
Tian gasped, hands gripping the wrist that held him.
"You," the man said, red eyes narrowing. "Came back."
"Ack- Let go of me!"
The man leaned closer.
"You need to get awakened."
"What?"
Before the man could talk further, a burst of golden light cut through the corridor.
Tian vanished in his grip, a wide grin spread across his face.
"Kirin."
*****
Tian hit the ground hard and coughed.
Dust filled his lungs. He pushed himself up, vision blurred.
Leon knelt beside him. "Your Highness!"
They were no longer in the corridor.
Stone walls surrounded them. The ceiling curved low, torches flickered along narrow passages. The scent of earth and mold lingered inside.
They were teleported to the palace's underground. Footsteps echoed ahead.
Tian looked up.
A tall figure stood before them.
Long blonde hair flowed down his back. His features were sharp and refined. Golden robes embroidered with royal patterns draped over his frame. A faint light surrounded him.
Tian blinked.
"Cough… what happened? Who are you?"
The man smiled.
"Your Highness, it's me. Kirin." He lifted his chin slightly. "I told you I'm tall and handsome."
Tian stared at him.
"Hah. You're the one who brought me here? Where were you when I woke up in the hall?"
Kirin stepped closer. "I needed to change my form. My spirit state cannot interfere directly in battle."
Leon lowered his sword slightly but did not relax.
Tian stood up, "That man, who is he? He almost killed us up there!"
Kirin's expression hardened. "He's Wuxian. The God of Death."
Tian's brows pulled together. "Wuxian? God of Death?"
"Yes, Your Highness. He was the one who sealed me a thousand years ago." Kirin's voice dropped.
"He has taken control of your kingdom, not only this land. But other regions as well. Those who resist are either slaughtered or are turned into servants that roam the cities."
Tian pressed his fingers to his temple.
"This is a mess," he muttered.
The weight of the words settled over the narrow chamber. Above them, heavy footsteps of Wuxian's servants, who were looking for them, could be heard.
Leon scanned the tunnel ahead, stepping light despite his heavy armor. His sword stayed raised. His gaze swept every corner.
Kirin folded his hands behind his back.
"Yes. It is a mess," he said calmly. "And you are the only one who can stop him."
Tian stared at him. "What do you mean only me? Did you not see that? He cracked a wall with one attack. He is the God of Death. If I face him again, I'll die easily."
Kirin gave a short laugh, he lifted his hand.
Light gathered at his palm. When it faded, a sword rested there, wrapped in white cloth.
He extended it toward Tian.
"You are the only one who can wield this."
Tian looked between Kirin and the weapon. Leon glanced over but remained alert and quiet.
Tian took the sword.
The weight settled into his palm. It felt ordinary. He unwrapped the cloth. A plain blade revealed itself. No glow, very simple, the edge lacked shine.