Ashes Whisper

Chapter 39 : Thunderclap and Flash

As Fei Hong stepped forward from the shadows, Li Ai's expression morphed from shock to disbelief. "Master Fei Hong!?" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with hurt and confusion. "How could you betray us? How could you betray the Emperor, your comrades, your people?"

Fei Hong's face remained stoic, but the conflict within him was evident in his eyes. "I did it for the greater good," he replied, his voice wavering slightly. He continue "Killing Feng Mian was a strategic move. It would weaken the defenses and strategies of Xu Yuan Dynasty against the Arvandor Kingdom." His voice caught with emotion, and he continued, "But the truth is, Feng Mian's death was not the reason behind my betrayal." But this man! (while pointed at Emperor Xu Yuan) knows the truth about the death of my father."

Li Ai's heart sank as she tried to comprehend the weight of Fei Hong's revelation. The revelation of such a dark secret shook the very foundation of her beliefs. "I had no idea, Master," she whispered, her voice laden with sorrow.

Fei Hong's expression darkened with bitterness. "It's a pain I've carried for too long," he confessed, his voice tinged with anger. "And I couldn't let the truth be exposed. I couldn't let my father's name be tarnished forever. So, I made a choice that I thought was necessary to protect my family's honor."

Fei Hong's eyes hardened, his resolve solidifying. "It's too late for regrets now," he declared, his voice tinged with bitterness. "I've gone too far to turn back. Lord Thrush's promises of power and vengeance consumed me, and now there's no turning back. Now! Prepare to meet your demise! Xu Yuan!"

Fei Hong lunged forward, his blade aimed at Emperor Xu Yuan, but before he could strike, Mo Chou stepped in, blocking Fei Hong's attack with a powerful arcane spell. "I knew it from the beginning," Mo Chou said, her voice unwavering. "If you wanted to harm the Emperor, you would have to go through me first."

Meanwhile, Samael rushed to Emperor Xu Yuan's aid, but the enigmatic Black General intercepted him, their swift and lethal strikes testing Samael's skill to its limits. Despite his best efforts, Samael found himself on the defensive, struggling to keep up with the General's relentless assault.

"Hahahahha," Hassan laughed maliciously, his eyes gleaming with delight. "You can't do anything, prince. Your skill is nothing compared to us!."

As Li Ai saw Samael in danger, she made a split-second decision and leaped into the fray, engaging Hassan with all her might. Her sword clashed with his, their skills evenly matched. "I won't let you harm him!" Li Ai declared, her voice fierce and determined.

Meanwhile on Elara side

Elara suddenly felt the oppressive weight of Ashes Whisper's curse bearing down on her. Her eyes widened in distress, and Mikaela, sensing her sister's unease, asked with worry, "What's the matter, sister?"

It's the curse again," Zarek said gravely. "There must be a significant loss of life nearby." and Elara she continue. "There are so many deaths at Xu Yuan Dynasty... so much suffering caused by this war."

Khai, ever the perceptive one, interjected, "Then we must make haste to the Emperor. There might be something terrible happening."

Zarek's eyes flickered with concern as he noticed Elara's struggle against the burden of Ashes Whisper's pain. Without a moment's hesitation, he swiftly moved to her side and gently lifted her into his arms. "Lean on me, Elara," he said softly, his voice filled with reassurance. "I'll help carry you. We can't let the curse overwhelm you."

Elara's eyes met Zarek's, gratitude shining through the pain. She took a deep breath, finding strength in his unwavering support, and nodded in gratitude. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice strained but resolute.