Years passed.
The wars faded into legend. The Crucible was no more. Realms flourished again under the Sovereign Triumvirate—now just a duo: Therion's wisdom and Maraeth's vengeance tempered by grief.
But Wang Chung walked alone.
He refused every throne, every call to lead. He traveled the realms anonymously, helping quietly—restoring wells, healing wounded, rebuilding shattered cities. Wherever he walked, flame followed: not of destruction, but of renewal.
He became known only as "The Lantern Keeper."
Each year, on the same night, he returned to the Celestial Garden and lit a lantern under the stars.
One for Yu Meilan.
One for Long Tian.
And one for the life they never got to live.