The Ashes Sovereign

Chapter4

Months rolled slowly by.

Life inside Azure Ruin held a fragile balance. Days were spent farming, repairing ruins, training fighters. Nights were filled with watch shifts and quiet worry. The spies kept coming. Some were caught. Some slipped away to carry information back to the council.

Lin Yue continued to explore the deep caverns beneath the valley’s main temple. There lay the source of the silver‑grey mist. Deep underground, stone walls were covered in worn inscriptions telling the story of the forgotten sovereign. Most of the writing described his wars and his terrible power. Parts were eroded, unreadable.

Lin Yue learned more of the price. The ancient power granted immense might, yet it fed upon the spirit of its wielder. If one person bore too much for too long, their personality would fade. They would become nothing but a vessel for the dead ruler’s will.

He kept this terrible truth mostly to himself. To tell everyone would spark panic. Only Lira shared this secret.

Out in the outer world, the high council’s preparations neared completion. The suppression relics were finished. Yet even so, they hesitated to throw everything into battle. Heavy losses were still certain. They decided to send messengers first. To offer terms. To try to make Lin Yue surrender without a fight.

Three high‑rank envoys travelled toward Azure Ruin. They came under a flag of truce. They requested a meeting with Lin Yue, outside the valley.

Inside the valley, the leaders debated this message. Many warned it was a trap. Others believed they ought to hear what the council wanted to say. Refusing all talk might give the sects perfect justification for total war.

Lin Yue made his decision. He would go meet the envoys. He would hear their offer. But he would take precautions. A small scouting party would follow secretly, keeping watch from distance. If treachery unfolded, they could send warning.

The stage was set for the dangerous meeting at Ironspine Gorge.