The raging tempest of lightning, darkness, and light froze in mid-air, suspended in a moment of suspended animation. The destructive rays, once on a path to obliterate everything in their wake, now hung motionless, their power restrained by an unseen force.
The oblivion rune radiated an aura that devoured all existence. It held within it the power to erase, to unravel the threads of reality, and render everything it touched into nothingness.
The mysterious woman stretched out a hand towards the frozen rays, her gaze unwavering and determined. With a surge of energy, she commanded the oblivion rune to unleash its full potential.
A shockwave rippled through the air as the spell of stillness shattered. The destructive rays, no longer held captive, resumed their destructive trajectory. However, they were no match for the power of the oblivion rune.
As the lightning, darkness, and light collided with the blackness of the oblivion rune, a cataclysmic explosion erupted, consuming everything in its path. The central region was engulfed in a blinding flash of light, followed by an impenetrable darkness that quelled even the faintest of whispers.
When the darkness finally dissipated, silence reigned. The once bustling square was transformed into a desolate wasteland, with nothing but remnants of buildings and fragments of life strewn about. The destruction was absolute.
In the aftermath of the cataclysmic display, the once vibrant central region lay in ruins. Debris and dust filled the air, obscuring the view and adding to the sense of desolation. The onlookers, gripped by a mixture of awe and terror, peered through the haze, searching for any sign of the mysterious woman.
To their bewilderment, she had vanished without a trace.
Markin, his body bearing the scars of the cataclysmic explosion, pushed through the searing pain, determined to assess the aftermath.
Frantically, he extended his senses, his runic aura reaching out, desperately seeking any sign of her existence. But to his dismay, there was nothing.
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A surge of frustration mingled with a sudden understanding dawned on him as he muttered under his breath, "The activation of her final rune must have drained her energy entirely. She couldnât have ventured too far."
Wasting no precious moments, he too vanished from sight, undoubtedly embarking on a relentless search for her.
Hours turned into an eternity as Markin tirelessly combed through the wreckage. His eyes scanned for any sign of the mysterious woman, but she seemed to have employed some technique to hide her tracks, leaving Markin at a loss. Frustration gnawed at him, knowing that he was running out of time and options.
With no other option available, Markin resolved to make his way back to headquarters, the immense burden of responsibility weighing heavily upon his weary shoulders. His primary objective was to ascertain whether the elusive woman had managed to manipulate the stone tablet in any way. This artifact had been the very reason behind the intense conflict and his tireless quest to find the mysterious figure. The thought of what might have occurred had this woman successfully infiltrated his cultivation chamber and absconded with the precious tablet sent chills down his spine. It was a scenario he was thankful to have prevented by arriving just in the nick of time.
Every step back felt like a burden, the weight of disappointment and failure pressing down on him.
As he approached the headquarters gate, his eyes widened in horror at the sight that greeted him. Countless fallen coven members lay strewn across the place. The air was heavy with an oppressive silence, broken only by the sounds of his hurried footsteps as he made his way towards his cultivation chamber.
Entering the chamber, he immediately noticed the broken door, a stark indication of the intrusion that had taken place. His heart sank, fear and anger intertwining as he stepped inside and surveyed the scene. Every corner of the room was meticulously examined, his piercing gaze scrutinizing every detail, hoping to find some clue that would shed light on what had transpired.
But there was nothing. No traces of anyone. It was as if the intruder had effortlessly erased their existence from the chamber. Markinâs face darkened with a mix of disappointment and trepidation. The person who broke in was no ordinary thief; they possessed knowledge and skill beyond the norm. It became clear that their intent had been to steal the stone tablet, and failing in their attempt, they had vanished without a trace.
"What a terrible day," Markin muttered, his voice heavy with fatigue and resignation.
***
In a desolate forest, the figure of the mysterious woman suddenly materializes, her body appearing ethereal amid the shadowy embrace of the surrounding trees. She sways weakly, her movements unsteady and labored. Every step she takes is filled with pain, each breath a struggle against the internal injuries that plague her from the cataclysmic explosion.
Her delicate form is adorned in tattered robes, once vibrant and full of life, now marred with dirt and torn fabric. Her pale skin is marked with bruises, evidence of the immense power that collided around her. Strands of her once lustrous hair cling to her perspiring forehead, disheveled and wild, matching the desperate state of her being.
As her vision fades in and out, the woman finds the strength to survey her surroundings. The forest, once teeming with life, now appears desolate and forsaken. The trees stand tall and barren, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers toward the overcast sky. The air is heavy, pregnant with the scent of damp earth and decay, a stark contrast to the life she had known before.
Summoning the last remnants of her will, the woman steadies herself and moves toward a ray of sunlight streaming through the gloom. She stumbles forward, enduring the agony that gnaws at her with each faltering step, her determination unwavering.
Suddenly, her body succumbs to exhaustion, and with a gasp, she collapses onto the forest floor. Darkness engulfs her senses, and she slips into unconsciousness, her battered form becoming one with the earth.
Hours pass, or perhaps it is only moments, when the womanâs eyes flutter open, slowly adjusting to the dim light that filters through the canopy above. She finds herself lying on a weathered bed, its wooden frame creaking softly in the stillness of the refuge that has become her haven.
The room is simple yet comforting. Sunlight permeates the space, casting gentle shadows on the worn wooden floor. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting serene scenes of nature, their intricate designs calming to the eye.
Sitting up, the woman takes in her surroundings, her gaze eventually falling upon a figure standing by the bedside. The man before her possesses an otherworldly aura, his ethereal black hair cascading down his shoulders, framing a face that could only be described as divinely handsome. His presence, draped in a flowing black robe, seems to blend effortlessly with the very essence of the forest.
A sense of safety washes over the woman as their gazes meet. It is as if she has discovered a rare ally in this vast wilderness. A sanctuary in the heart of chaos.
"Welcome back to the realm of the living," he said, his voice gentle yet laced with a hint of detachment.
The womanâs voice is barely a whisper as she responds, "Who...are you? And where am I?"
The man merely smiles, "You could call me Liang."
Realization dawns upon the woman. "You saved me?"
Liang nods, his gaze filled with kindness. "When I saw your weakened state, I couldnât leave you to perish in this forsaken forest. I brought you here and tended to your injuries as best as I could."
Dong Ruiâs worries are temporarily eased as she feels the calming aura emanating from Liang. Despite his refined and ethereal presence, she canât help but take note of his relatively low cultivation level at the Rune Transmutation Realm. Regardless, this realization brings some relief, even if it is only to a certain extent.
"Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Liang," Dong Rui expresses her gratitude with a warm smile, her lips curving into a graceful arc. "Ah, please forgive my lapse in manners. I am Dong Rui." As she introduces herself, her voice carries a gentle yet confident tone, its melodic quality resonating harmoniously with her captivating presence.
Liangâs smile deepens, his eyes filled with intrigue. "Dong Rui, a name as delicate and graceful as the wind itself. It is an honor to meet you."
Dong Ruiâs cheeks tinge with a subtle blush upon hearing the compliment, a wave of warmth coursing through her. It is a rare experience for someone to speak to her in such a manner. "I am truly grateful for your kind words," she replies, a sense of indebtedness washing over her.
Liang waves a hand dismissively, his voice filled with reassurance. "There is no need for gratitude. I am merely glad that I was able to help."
As Dong Rui admires the serenity of the room, curiosity sparks within her. "Mr. Liang, how did you come across such a secluded place? It seems like a hidden treasure amidst this desolate forest."
Liangâs eyes glimmer with a mysterious light, his tone quiet yet filled with wisdom. "This place is known as the Haven of Harmony. I stumbled upon it many years ago, and it has become my abode ever since."