As the silver moon cast its ethereal light over the Silvermoon Empire, Wújìn Mèng stood at the edge of the clearing, watching Zui Tian finish his celebratory dance with the Elves. Despite the gravity of their situation, the sight of her younger brother, carefree and full of life, brought a rare smile to her lips. The Elves and forest spirits, captivated by Zui Tian’s infectious energy, clapped and laughed along with him, their worries momentarily forgotten.
After what seemed like an eternity, Zui Tian finally made his way back to Wújìn Mèng, slightly out of breath but grinning from ear to ear. He wiped the sweat from his brow and took a deep gulp from a fresh goblet of flowerfairy wine, which one of the Elves had eagerly handed him.
“Ah, that hits the spot!” Zui Tian exclaimed, his voice full of mirth. “You should try some, Big Sister. It’s the best wine in the realm, I swear!”
Wújìn Mèng shook her head, amused. “You’ve always had a weakness for good wine, haven’t you, Zui?”
Zui Tian chuckled, raising his goblet in a mock toast. “A weakness? More like a strength! After all, what’s life without a little indulgence?”
Before Wújìn Mèng could respond, a soft voice interrupted them. “Lord Zui, Lady Wújìn Mèng, we are honored by your presence here in the Silvermoon Empire.”
Both turned to see the Elven Queen approaching, her graceful form gliding across the ground as if she were part of the very air around her. Her silver hair shimmered in the moonlight, and her eyes, a deep shade of violet, held a wisdom that spoke of centuries of life. She bowed deeply to them both, her expression serene.
“Your Majesty,” Wújìn Mèng greeted her, inclining her head respectfully. “The honor is ours. Your realm is as beautiful as ever.”
The Elven Queen smiled warmly, her gaze shifting to Zui Tian. “And it seems that Lord Zui has found our hospitality to his liking.”
Zui Tian laughed, waving his goblet. “Your hospitality is second to none, Your Majesty! I couldn’t resist joining in the festivities.”
The Queen’s smile widened, but there was a hint of concern in her eyes. “While we are always happy to celebrate with our friends, I sense that your visit is not just a social call. The winds of change are blowing, and there is unease in the air. What brings you to the Silvermoon Empire?”
Wújìn Mèng’s expression grew serious as she nodded in agreement. “You’re right, Your Majesty. The realms are in danger, and we’re gathering allies to prepare for what’s to come.”
Zui Tian, suddenly more sober, added, “There’s a darkness spreading through the realms. Something ancient and malevolent. We need the help of all who are willing to stand with us.”
The Elven Queen’s eyes narrowed slightly as she processed their words. “Darkness… You speak of a threat beyond the mortal or immortal realms, don’t you?”
Wújìn Mèng nodded gravely. “Yes. The Devourer of Nihility, an ancient enemy of the Endless, has begun to influence our world once more. Its power is growing, and if we don’t act soon, it could consume everything.”
The Queen’s expression hardened, and she straightened, her aura of calm giving way to one of resolve. “The Silvermoon Empire has long stood as a beacon of light in the darkness. We will not turn away from this fight. Our warriors, mages, and all our people will stand with you.”
Zui Tian smiled, clearly pleased by the Queen’s words. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Your support means more than you know.”
The Elven Queen nodded, her expression determined. “We will begin preparations immediately. But tell me, what is your plan? How do we confront this darkness?”
Wújìn Mèng exchanged a glance with Zui Tian before responding. “We’ve already begun gathering old allies—beings of great power who have long been hidden away from the world. The Void Beasts, the White Tiger, the Phoenixes, and the Dragons—all have pledged their support. But before we can confront the Devourer, we must first stabilize the realms.”
Zui Tian continued, “There’s unrest among the factions, and powerful figures are beginning to move in ways that could lead to chaos. We need to bring order, rally the forces of the realms, and ensure that when the time comes, we’re all united in our fight.”
The Elven Queen listened intently, nodding as they spoke. “And what of the Grandmaster Void and the Crimson Sovereign? They are known for their ambitions. Will they stand with us?”
Wújìn Mèng’s expression darkened. “Grandmaster Void has come into possession of a malevolent artifact, one that we believe is linked to the Devourer. He must be confronted and the artifact neutralized before it can cause any more harm. As for the Crimson Sovereign… his ambitions make him unpredictable, but he may see the value in joining us if we present the right argument.”
The Elven Queen considered their words carefully before speaking. “The Silvermoon Empire will do all it can to support your efforts. We will send envoys to the other factions, encouraging them to unite against this threat. We will also prepare our own forces for the battles to come.”
Zui Tian raised his goblet once more in a gesture of gratitude. “Thank you, Your Majesty. With your help, we have a better chance of bringing the realms together.”
Wújìn Mèng, sensing the gravity of the moment, added, “The road ahead will not be easy. The forces we face are unlike anything the realms have encountered before. But with allies like you, we stand a chance.”
The Elven Queen placed a hand over her heart, her expression solemn. “The Silvermoon Empire will stand with you, no matter the cost. We will not let the light of the realms be extinguished.”
As the conversation ended, the Elven Queen excused herself to begin preparations, leaving Wújìn Mèng and Zui Tian alone once more in the clearing. The celebration around them had quieted, the Elves and forest spirits sensing the seriousness of their conversation.
Zui Tian let out a long sigh, the weight of their mission pressing down on him. “It’s going to be a long and difficult journey, Big Sister.”
Wújìn Mèng placed a hand on his shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile. “We’ve faced worse, Zui. And we’ve always come out stronger for it.”
He smiled back at her, though there was a trace of uncertainty in his eyes. “Do you think we’ll be able to bring everyone together? The factions are more divided than ever.”
Wújìn Mèng looked up at the silver moon, her expression thoughtful. “It won’t be easy. But we have to try. The Devourer’s influence is already spreading, and if we don’t unite the realms, we’ll be fighting a losing battle.”
Zui Tian nodded, his resolve hardening. “Then we’ll do whatever it takes. We’ll rally the factions, confront the Grandmaster, and prepare the realms for what’s to come.”
Wújìn Mèng’s smile widened, her confidence in her brother unwavering. “That’s the spirit, Zui. We’re in this together, just like we always have been.”
Zui Tian chuckled, raising his goblet once more. “To the Endless, and to victory!”
Wújìn Mèng clinked her own cup against his, the sound ringing out like a bell of hope in the stillness of the night. “To victory,” she echoed.