The next morning.
Noah stood facing Emperor Quan, his back straight, expression calm, and eyes unwavering.
"I've completed my end of the deal," Noah said quietly, his voice like water over stone—serene, but firm. "Every afflicted soul within the palace has been cleansed. Whatever darkness the Red Dawn Cult tried to sow here, it has been uprooted."
The emperor sighed in relief and looked at Noah with gratitude. He nodded slowly. "Then you intend to leave now?"
"It's time," Noah said, his gaze shifting to the distant windows where the early breeze rustled through the garden trees. "I need to return to the Feng Empire. There are matters I left behind, and I've stayed here longer than I planned."
Emperor Quan rose from his seat. The years on his shoulders seemed to settle heavier today than usual. He walked around the desk, stopping before Noah.
