At the very center of the immense Darkness City lay a vast Blackstone Square whose end was almost impossible to see. Countless black stone pillars stood upright across it, covered in inscriptions that looked utterly eerie, with terrifying energy coiling around them.
This square, known as Darkness Square, was an important site within Darkness City, used only for momentous occasions.
Now, a dark sea of people filled Darkness Square, stretching beyond the eye's reach. Yet despite the staggering number gathered there, not a sound disturbed the silence. No one dared make the slightest noise.
Countless fearful gazes turned toward the very center of the square.
A black altar stood there.
The altar had ten thousand stone steps, and at their summit stood a black throne. Seated there, one could overlook all of Darkness Square. That seat seemed to be the throne of the Northern Profound Region's ruler.
At that moment, a slender figure sat upon the altar's throne.
She wore a black gown, its edges covered in intricate dark-gold patterns.
A faint air of solemnity and nobility emanated from her.
She had a serene, beautiful face, snow-white skin, willow brows curved like crescent moons, and a delicately upturned nose. Most striking were her eyes, still as deep pools. They resembled the deepest night sky, their tranquility concealing endless mystery that drew others helplessly into their depths.
Though her features had grown colder and more mature, traces of that sweet, charming girl remained. Who else could she be but Qingtan?
The Qingtan of today had lost all her former innocent sweetness. Her shifting gaze was cold as a blade, with a faint undercurrent of bloodlust that chilled the soul.
She sat upon the throne, looking down over the sea of people in Darkness Square. Everywhere her gaze passed, figures bowed humbly.