Purification Failed

Back at the North Spring Temple, I temporarily entrusted the affairs of the Harbinger to Irelia. In fact, she had been in charge of these affairs ever since Syndra's corruption, but I had used my Harbinger identity to create some momentum. 💛🐙 ♖😺

When Talon learned of my purpose, he personally led us to Prexian, and then had the mages open a portal to send us away.

Ignoring the dizziness, I was filled with anxiety, fearing that the scene would be completely different after landing. Fortunately, the soldiers in Shurima told me that nothing serious had happened.

It was late autumn in Ionia, but summer had just begun in Shurima. The heat was intense, and even Wukong was wilting from the sun.

Varus, on the contrary, was extremely excited. If I hadn't desperately stopped him, he would have already lifted his robe and galloped away.

"My beloved land, this scorching heat, this swirling sandstorm—these are the scents I cherish most!"

"What a weirdo. What's so great about sand? The forests of Ionia are much more comfortable." Wukong was completely baffled.

"You love Ionia because it's your home. Varus loves it here because it's his home, a place he's lived in for thousands of years."

"Over a thousand years?!" Wukong exclaimed in surprise. "Who is he, Master? You haven't introduced him to me yet, and you won't even let me see what he looks like."

"He's a little sick right now; we'll let you see him again once he's fully recovered."

Wukong scratched his head, looked at Varus and then at me, appearing very curious, but didn't ask any further questions.

Finding a city in the vast desert is not easy, and I wanted to find a caravan to go with me, Varus refused.

"I remember every single grain of sand here clearly, and Sun City will never forget it either. Come with me!"

Varus strode forward like a Desert Giant Beast, and Wukong and I barely managed to keep up. With our full speed ahead, we soon arrived at Naremajet.

Throughout Naremajet, the return of the emperor is the talk of the town, and even though several days have passed, it remains a popular topic of conversation.

After arriving in the city, Varus slowed his pace, feeling the changes brought about by the passage of time, and was filled with emotion. Finally, he stopped in front of the Sun Disc.

Sivir's ascension has given this ruin a new look, just as I saw in the illusion. Now, many people have spontaneously organized themselves to protect it.

We didn't go any closer; we just stood there for a while and then left, since this wasn't our destination.

On the way from Naremajet to Sun City, there were many people coming and going. At first, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to find my way, but now it seems that I was worrying for nothing.

After traveling through sandstorms for most of the day, we finally caught a glimpse of Sun City before sunset.

Unlike the previous scene, a river flows from north to south, and many plants grow nearby, creating a striking landscape in the desert. Needless to say, this must be Azir's masterpiece.

He said he wanted to revitalize Sun City, and that has now been initially accomplished; such a feat must have taken a great deal of effort.

Arriving at the foot of Sun City, gazing upon the magnificent city walls and familiar buildings, Varus's body trembled slightly, and his legs could no longer move.

At this moment, a group of people emerged from the city. The leader was a burly man wearing golden armor, just like Renekton in his usual attire.

"Yasuo! His Your Majesty just sensed a powerful force approaching and sent me out to investigate. It was you!"

"It's been a long time since I've seen General Renekton. Perhaps the power His Your Majesty Azir sensed didn't come from me, but from this man."

I pointed at Varus, Renekton looked at the big man in the long robe, wondering who he was.

"Indeed, there is a powerful force. Who is this?"

"Let's go inside and talk. He's not in a good position to see you right now."

I watched the people coming and going; such a sudden reveal of Varus's attire might frighten them.

When we arrived at the palace in the center of the city, not only Varus, but I also felt it was very familiar; I had been here more than once in the illusion.

"Your Majesty, Yasuo has arrived!" Renekton shouted before even entering the hall, showing that he had always been just as unconventional.

Before Azir even appeared, Sivir ran out first. She had changed into a gorgeous outfit and was adorned with all sorts of jewelry, bearing a striking resemblance to Shetaka.

Almost the instant Sivir appeared, Varus suddenly knelt on the ground, his forehead pressed tightly against the earth, and said in a hoarse voice:

"For the ever-growing strength and perpetual prosperity of Shurima, and for the Ascended Empress Zetian, I, Varus, today dedicate myself to the service of the Sun God, to becoming a child of the gods. War is noble, and I am honored!"

No matter how much time passes, this vow etched in our bones will never be forgotten.

Sivir had already entered the illusion, so of course she knew the name "Varus," but she was still a little confused and didn't know what had happened.

Renekton was astonished. "You are... Lord Varus?"

Varus remained silent until Azir approached and personally helped him up. "Lord Varus, there's no need for such a grand gesture. You are our elder and deserve the utmost respect."

"But..."

Varus clutched his robes tightly, speechless. Azir already knew what was going on and dismissed the few guards.

"There are no outsiders now, so you don't need to worry. Besides, I've already met with Azanus and know that you've suffered a lot. Please lift your heads!"

Upon hearing the name Azanus, Varus hesitated for a moment before finally taking off his robe.

When Wukong saw Varus, he was so shocked that his fur stood on end, much more so than when he saw Bai Juen.

Azir and the others were mentally prepared, but they were still taken aback, especially Sivir, who was clutching my clothes tightly.

"Yasuo, you guys..."

"We came back to find you. We hope you can use Khopesh to help Varus recover to his previous state. His infection wasn't too severe; he should be able to recover!"

Upon hearing my words, Sivir returned to the palace, retrieved the Khopesh, and tossed it high into the air, illuminating the evening sky as if it were daytime. As she chanted, the light enveloped Varus, like a spotlight on a stage.

Varus was bathed in light, a light that once brought him the most comfort but now brought him immense pain.

He desperately tried to endure it, his body hissing as it rotted, and it was painful to watch.

This continued for quite some time, Varus not only failed to recover, but his body was burned and ulcerated!