The Xia Kingdom's capital glittered under a crimson sky, its resonance lanterns casting a fragile glow against the ominous clouds. Within the walls of House Luolan's mansion, Cai Wei paced the grand hall, her earth resonance humming with restless energy. The news of Li Luo and Jiang Qing'e's departure through the rift had spread like wildfire, igniting whispers of opportunity among the Great Houses. Without its young master and radiant lady, House Luolan was vulnerable, and Cai Wei felt the weight of its defense on her shoulders.
"Stewardess Cai," a guard reported, bowing, "representatives from House Jiyan and House Duze are at the gates. They demand an audience, claiming it's about the rift's threat."
Cai Wei's eyes narrowed. House Jiyan and House Duze had long coveted House Luolan's resources, their rivalry with Li Luo's family stretching back to his parents' era. "Let them in," she said, her voice cool. "But summon Ox Biaobiao. I want muscle at my side."
As the guard hurried off, Cai Wei touched the jade pendant at her waist, a gift from Li Luo inscribed with a protective resonance array. "You'd better come back soon, Young Master," she muttered. "This kingdom's snakes are slithering."
In the meeting chamber, House Jiyan's elder, Ji Hong, and House Duze's young master, Duze Yan, sat with thinly veiled smirks. Ji Hong, a wiry man with a wind resonance, spoke first. "Stewardess Cai, House Luolan's absence from the capital during this crisis is… concerning. The rift's energy threatens Xia, yet your young master gallivants to gods-know-where."
Cai Wei's expression remained serene, her earth resonance grounding her calm. "The Grand Guardian General is addressing the rift's source, as mandated by the Heavenly Dragon Pavilion. House Luolan remains committed to Xia's safety."
Duze Yan, a burly youth with a stone resonance, leaned forward. "Words are cheap. House Luolan's resources—your resonance mines, your arrays—could bolster the kingdom's defenses. Why hoard them while Li Luo plays hero?"
Cai Wei's smile tightened. "House Luolan's resources are managed for the kingdom's benefit, under the pavilion's oversight. If you seek aid, petition Elder Weng, not me."
Ji Hong's eyes glinted. "The pavilion is distracted. Without Li Luo, House Luolan is a hollow shell. We propose a… partnership. Share your resources, and we'll protect your interests."
Before Cai Wei could retort, a deep chuckle filled the room. Ox Biaobiao lumbered in, his massive frame radiating a beastly resonance that made the air tremble. "Protect our interests?" he rumbled, cracking his knuckles. "Sounds like a threat to me."
Ji Hong paled, but Duze Yan stood, his stone resonance flaring. "Mind your place, old man. House Luolan's time is over."
Cai Wei raised a hand, halting Ox Biaobiao. "Gentlemen, House Luolan stands firm. If you challenge us, you challenge the Heavenly Dragon Pavilion. Choose your next words carefully."
The standoff was interrupted by a tremor that shook the mansion. A guard burst in, breathless. "Stewardess! The rift's energy is spiking in the city! Resonance beasts are appearing!"
Cai Wei's heart sank. The rift's influence was spreading, just as Li Luo had feared. She turned to Ji Hong and Duze Yan, her voice steel. "If you truly care for Xia, fight those beasts. House Luolan will do its part. Now go."
The representatives left, their faces grim. Cai Wei exchanged a glance with Ox Biaobiao. "We need to hold the line until Li Luo returns," she said. "Send word to the pavilion. And prepare our defenses."
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Meanwhile, on the Origin Continent, Li Luo staggered from the resonance forge's trial, his primal resonance blazing within his third palace. The echo of the First Idol had tested him, forcing his Absolute Resonance to harmonize the forge's chaotic energies. His water and wood resonances had evolved, their purity heightened, but the strain left him breathless. Qing'e steadied him, her light resonance soothing his trembling palaces.
"You did it," she said, her voice soft but proud. The forge's vortex had calmed, its energy now stable, and the crystalline orb hovered silently above the altar.
Lu Qing'er and Cai Wei stood guard, their resonances still active, while Zhao Chen leaned against a wall, his chaotic blade sheathed. "Not bad, Grand Guardian General," he said, smirking. "The forge likes you. Most would've been ash by now."
Li Luo managed a grin, his primal resonance settling. "What was that thing? The First Idol's echo?"
Zhao Chen nodded. "A fragment of its will. The Idol Kings were gods of resonance, or close to it. Their forges test anyone who dares claim their legacy. You passed, so your resonance got a boost. But this is just the start."
The chamber trembled, and the orb pulsed, projecting a map of glowing runes—a path deeper into the Origin Continent, toward a cluster of temples. "The Myriad Idols' Origin lies at the heart," Zhao Chen said, studying the map. "But the other temples won't be as welcoming."
Li Luo's mind flashed to his vision—Li Taixuan and Tantai Lan sealing a vortex. "My parents were here," he said. "They sealed something in the Origin. We need to find it."
Qing'e's eyes hardened. "Then we keep moving. But we're not alone."
A low growl echoed from the temple's depths. Shadows coalesced into humanoid figures—minions of the First Idol, their bodies wreathed in shadow resonance. Their leader, a towering figure with glowing eyes, pointed at Li Luo. "The forge's chosen must fall," it hissed. "The Idol Kings will rise."
Zhao Chen drew his blade, his chaotic resonance flaring. "Looks like we overstayed our welcome."
Li Luo gripped his Heavenly Dragon's Resonance Blade, his primal resonance roaring to life. "Then let's clear the way," he said, glancing at Qing'e. Her light sword blazed, and the team braced for battle, the Origin Continent's secrets still out of reach.
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