Xuán Long stood on the balcony of his grand palace, overlooking the vast city of Heaven's Spire, the capital of the Divine Black Jade Empire. It was a towering metropolis built from black marble, its streets alive with flickering lanterns and the hum of cultivators' energies weaving through the air.
The sky was streaked with red, signaling the arrival of the Blood Moon—a celestial event that occurred once every millennium. It was said that during this time, the gates of immortality opened, allowing any who had mastered their cultivation to ascend to the divine realm. But for Xuán Long, it meant something more.
The Blood Moon was his signal. It was the time for the Blood Moon Summit, an annual gathering of the greatest powers across the realms. But this year, Xuán Long had other plans. Instead of showing his strength through combat or politics, he would rule through sheer dominance.
"Gather the harem," Xuán Long commanded. His voice was quiet, but it resonated with unyielding authority.
His most trusted consort, Mei Lian, stepped forward. Her fiery hair cascaded down like a flame's fury, and her amber eyes gleamed with a mix of submission and fierce loyalty. She was the most skilled in alchemy and seduction, both crucial tools for keeping his empire at its peak. With a nod, she signaled the others.
The women who accompanied him were not just beautiful—they were powerful. Each one a manifestation of his absolute control over the world around him.
They gathered in the grand chamber, a room adorned with crimson and gold tapestries. The scent of fragrant flowers and enchanted oils filled the air as the women knelt before Xuán Long. Their positions were carefully arranged—each having a role in the upcoming summit.
Among them, Ling Yue, the Moon Priestess, was his most spiritually powerful consort. Her control over ice and time made her a key player in any scheme. Xiao Jin, the demi-fox spirit, had an innate talent for stealth and trickery—valuable skills in the courts of other sects.
They would all attend the summit, each one preparing for the different factions that would come.
The Blood Moon Summit was an arena of alliances, backstabbing, and secret pacts. The strongest factions across the realms would present their leaders, hoping to sway Xuán Long or challenge his power.
Xuán Long was fully aware of the intricate web of politics that bound the realms. The Radiant Lotus Sect, with their famous priestesses, was only the beginning. There were others—powerful empires, hidden sects, and demon armies that would make their move during the summit. But Xuán Long had a plan.
"You," Xuán Long spoke softly, his eyes narrowing as they rested on Qian Yu, the High Priestess he had marked just hours before. "Your Radiant Lotus Sect has hidden something from me. I intend to make them regret that."
Qian Yu, her body still tingling from the brand he had placed upon her, nodded submissively.
"Let us gather what you need," she whispered. "The Blood Moon will reveal all secrets."
The Summit
The massive palace complex where the Blood Moon Summit would take place loomed in the distance. The fortress was a vast sprawl of towering spires, connected by elegant bridges of silver and jade. Despite its beauty, there was a palpable sense of danger—a reminder that the summit was not just about power, but survival.
As Xuán Long entered the massive hall, he was greeted by representatives of every major faction. There were lords of immortal sects, demon kings, divine beasts, and powerful cultivators from across the realms. But all eyes fell upon him, as they had for the last few years.
He was the Tyrant of Heaven, the one who had single-handedly shattered every sect that dared to challenge his supremacy. His power eclipsed even the most divine of beings.
"Xuán Long," came a voice dripping with condescension. The Divine Phoenix Sect had arrived, represented by their high-ranking priestess, Hong Xiu, a woman with the ethereal grace of a celestial being and the deadly powers of a phoenix.
Xuán Long's lips curved into a smile. He did not greet her with pleasantries. Instead, he simply looked her over, his gaze filled with intent.
"I'm sure you have come to beg for my protection, as always."
Hong Xiu's face stiffened, but she smiled sweetly.
"We seek an alliance," she said. "A marriage of our families, perhaps, to solidify our cooperation." Her eyes flicked to the women around Xuán Long, and her smile faded slightly. The Obedience Crests on their bodies were hard to ignore. It was a mark of submission—a symbol of Xuán Long's unrivaled control.
"I have no need for your alliance, Hong Xiu," Xuán Long said, his voice cold. "You may leave. I do not negotiate with those who offer nothing."
Her eyes flicked to her attendants, who stiffened with indignation. However, Hong Xiu knew the rules—Xuán Long could not be underestimated. His power was absolute.
As she turned to leave, Xuán Long's voice echoed behind her.
"And remember this—when you and your sect fall, I will take everything from you. I always take what is mine."
The threat was subtle, yet lethal. Xuán Long's reputation had already grown so immense that no one dared challenge him directly. And those who tried always found themselves under his control.
The Blood Moon's Judgment
The summit continued with endless speeches, treaties, and power plays. But as the night deepened, Xuán Long grew bored. His power was so vast that these petty negotiations felt insignificant. What truly intrigued him was something darker—a secret, hidden deep beneath the summit grounds.
There were whispers of a Demon Lord bound in chains deep beneath the Earth, a being of unimaginable power that even the gods feared. The Demon Lord was said to have knowledge of forbidden cultivation techniques—knowledge that could make anyone immortal.
Xuán Long's eyes gleamed with interest.
The game had only just begun.