White Tower – Core Containment Zone.
The tower stood like a silent giant beneath the storm, its walls humming with ancient energy. Inside, alarms blared. Runes flickered. Seals broke.
Lu Feng and Kai Lin rushed past stunned guards into the heart of the tower.
"This place hasn't shaken in decades," Kai Lin muttered.
"Until now."
The core chamber—where the Will of Reincarnation was sealed—pulsed with violent crimson light. The ancient artifact, a parchment made of flesh and inked in blood, now floated midair, throbbing like a heartbeat.
"It's waking up," Lu Feng whispered.
As they approached, the air thickened. A shape began to form—a humanoid figure with no face, clad in tattered black.
The relic had grown a soul.
"Welcome back… Founder," it hissed.
"You remember me," Lu Feng said grimly.
"I *am* you. The price you paid. The burden you left behind."
The entity lunged. Lu Feng blocked with his soul chain. Sparks erupted. They clashed, light and shadow twisting.
Kai Lin activated her array.
> "SEALING FORMATION: ETERNAL LOOP!"
The entity roared. "She who wept. You still cling to love."
She glared. "It's what makes me stronger."
Together, they forced the spirit into the center of the runes.
Lu Feng raised his hand, light blazing.
> "FINAL RITE: SOUL COMPLETION!"
His soul chain wrapped around the relic.
The Will screamed, trying to bind him again, but he held firm.
"I sealed you once. Now I reclaim you."
A pulse of pure soul energy detonated. The Will exploded—its remnants dissolving into threads of light.
Silence.
The tower settled.
Kai Lin caught Lu Feng as he staggered. "You okay?"
He smiled faintly. "I think… we finished our past."
She nodded. "Now we can finally start our future."
Outside, dawn broke.
But their journey was far from over.