The convoy of horses charged forward like a gust of wind, cutting through the snow like a rising storm. In Mo Yan’s eyes, there was a gaze a solitary, intense focus that flickered like "Cold Fire," a flame that could incinerate anything without even needing to touch it. Behind him, his disciples followed like drifting clouds. Mounted on their steeds, their divine silken robes as delicate and translucent as gossamer fluttered in the air like threads of cotton dancing upon water. Su Nian’s eyes were fixed ahead on a mesmerizing destination, resembling a warrior finally returning home after an arduous war.

  Their fervor was far more accessible and vibrant than any other corner of the world. This spirited eagerness felt remarkably serene when compared to the blood-stained, harrowing nights of the Black Heaven.

  Elsewhere, amidst a dense fog that resembled dark clouds, stood a magnificent pavilion. Its black walls, crimson translucent curtains, and blue lanterns hanging from the eaves swayed gently in the breeze. The silence was so profound that even the faint rustle of a shifting curtain could be heard clearly.

  On an altar made of coarse, black stone sat Yu Sui. In his hand was a red ribbon; he looked at it with a faint, fleeting smile, but his eyes were bloodshot and brimming with unshed tears. Within his grand chamber, where the black bed was visible only by the dim glow of the lanterns, Yu Sui sat upon the stone altar, looking like a living shadow that had taken a physical form.

  Suddenly, a crimson aura shimmered beside him, and from within the red mist, Wuzu emerged. She was clad in violet robes adorned with long pink sashes. In her hands, she held dark garments that glowed with a strange, unsettling energy. Rested atop the clothes was a mask shaped like a wolf garments crafted not for the light, but to harness powers that belonged to the shadows.

  Wuzu took a step forward, bowing deeply to Yu Sui in salutation.

  Observing her presence, Yu Sui rose slowly, turned, and sat back upon his bed. Wuzu stood before him once more. Despite her formidable personality, she addressed her Dark King with profound respect and tenderness:

  "Emperor. Though your throne is a symbol of cruelty, I know its laws are striving to distract you. But you cannot flee from this. And I know very well... that this is not your true form. You are whoever your flute makes you."

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  Suddenly, Yu Sui looked at her. This time, the rigid mask of his expression shattered; his eyes softened as he stood up, looking at Wuzu with eyes full of curiosity. Wuzu did not dare to raise her head, continuing calmly:

  "Emperor, I apologize in advance for what I am about to say. I saw that day how the Great King Mo Yan fought everyone to protect you. You and I both know what is coming next. Therefore, I believe... the time has come for you to help him."

  With these words, Wuzu presented the special cloak and the mask she held to Yu Sui. He took the cloak silently, noticing it felt exquisitely beautiful and soft a stark contrast to the terrifying mantle he currently wore. He looked at Wuzu and asked:

  "Why all this?"

  Wuzu bowed slightly and replied:

  "Emperor, these artifacts were crafted by my own hands. They are capable of controlling the dangerous energies within you, so that you do not harm those you wish to protect... those you wish to stay close to. My Emperor, please don several of these; this mask will help keep you calm. Whenever you call for me, I shall appear. Now, grant me leave to depart, Emperor."

  With that, she dissolved into the air like red mist, leaving Yu Sui standing there, clutching the cloak in his hands.

  A short while later, Yu Sui emerged. He had donned the new garments elegant and beautiful, yet equally dangerous. Upon stepping out, he called:

  "Wuzu!"

  Instantly, Wuzu appeared before him, radiating the same unwavering devotion.

  However, elsewhere, a different storm was brewing. Intruders had breached the Xuemo Sect. Unknown figures wrapped in black cloth crept inside stealthily. This same infiltration was occurring at the Tao Hua Chuan Academy. Meanwhile, Duie was wandering the outskirts of the Xuemo Sect like a lost traveler, searching for something. His eyes scanned the surroundings incessantly as he moved forward. At that same moment, Lady Wang Ayi and Lady Shiyan Lee had finally returned to the Tao Hua Chuan Academy.

  Three days passed in the blink of an eye. Duie was still wandering among the dense trees. This was his fifth time returning to this spot. He took a long, heavy breath and sat on a small stone amidst the snow. Looking up at the falling flakes, he whispered:

  "Su Nian... where have you gone?"

  Suddenly, Duie heard the thundering sound of a high-speed convoy of horses. He stood up instantly. He watched as a troop of horses galloped past him at a distance. When he spotted Su Nian mounted upon one of the horses, the sheer, enchanting beauty of his form struck Duie instantly. He felt a sudden pull in his chest; his breath hitched, and his heart began to race. But as quickly as it had appeared, the convoy vanished into the distance. Coming to his senses, Duie immediately gave chase, following them into the white horizon.