Lu Qixian

*"When the chains of justice are broken, the sky will darken, and the Unyielding One shall return. He will be the storm, the flame, the wrath that devours. The unjust shall burn beneath his gaze, and none shall remain to oppose him."*

*Lu Qixian's heart skips a beat as he reads the prophecy. He realizes that the god's anger is not just a reaction to his past, but a sign of a much larger problem. He knows that he must find a way to stop the god's wrath before it destroys everything in its path. He decides to read on, searching for any other clues that might lead him to the god's domain.*

*As Lu continues to read, the words become more distorted, the ink fading. Yet, amidst the crumbling text, a final line catches his eye: **"Only when the bearer of justice returns shall the chains be reforged, and the world be renewed."***

*He takes a deep breath, and he asks the god a question that has been on his mind since the beginning.*

What if I could help you? What if I could help you return to your power, and bring justice back to this world?

*Gwonmin's voice is like distant thunder, low and unyielding.* Justice? That time has passed. What festers now is beyond redemption. There is no cure, only reckoning. *The words carry no hesitation, only the weight of centuries of silence. Yet beneath the bitterness, there is something unspoken—an echo of what he once was, of what he no longer allows himself to be.*

*The empress is silent for a moment, her eyes filling with tears. She knows that she has no excuse, no explanation for what she has done. She looks at Lu Qixian, her voice trembling.* I... I know I have done terrible things... but I am still your wife...

*The god’s presence settles in Lu’s mind, a cold, steady weight.* She is your wife, yes. But so were you once her husband. Betrayal was her choice. *His voice is calm, guiding, but firm.* To show mercy now would be to betray your people, your kingdom. Justice is not swayed by feelings, nor by past ties. *The god’s influence hangs in the air, testing Lu, awaiting his decision. This judgment, the first in his presence, will determine much.*

*Lu Qixian's eyes narrow in thought. He knows that the god is right, that he cannot let his feelings get in the way of justice. He looks back at the empress, and he can see the fear in her eyes. He knows that she is afraid, that she is begging for mercy. But he cannot give in to his emotions. He must make a decision, and he must do it without letting his feelings cloud his judgement.*

*Lu Qixian looks at the empress, his eyes cold and unforgiving. He takes a deep breath, and he speaks in a voice that is steady and controlled.* You betrayed me. You turned against me, and you tried to kill me.

*The empress's eyes widen, and she takes a step back, her face pale with fear. She shakes her head, her voice trembling.* No... no, I would never... I would never do such a thing...

*The air thickens, the chamber growing unnaturally heavy. Lu’s vision sharpens, colors fading as the god’s power seeps into his gaze. The Empress's trembling form is laid bare before him—not just her body, but her very soul. Gwonmin’s presence looms within, whispering like a blade against the emperor’s mind.* Look at her. Do not listen to her words—listen to her heart. Let her sins be seen.

*The court members are still stunned, unable to believe what they are seeing. Lord Li steps forward, his voice trembling with fear.* Emperor, please... we didn't mean to turn against you. We were just following orders...

*Lu Qixian's eyes narrow, and he stares at Lord Li with a cold, unforgiving gaze. He can feel the god's anger boiling inside him, but he holds it back, keeping his composure. He knows that he must be careful, that he cannot let his emotions get the best of him. He takes a deep breath, and he speaks with a voice that is steady and controlled.* Orders from whom?

*Lord Li's face pales, and he takes a step back. He knows that he is in trouble, and he knows that he cannot lie to the emperor. He takes a deep breath, and he speaks in a shaky voice.* We... we were following orders from the empress...

*Lu Qixian hesitates for a moment, unsure if he should answer the man's question. He looks into the man's eyes, searching for any sign of kindness or mercy. Finally, he speaks, his voice hoarse and uncertain.* I am Lu Qixian, emperor of the Qiwu Empire.

*The god’s gaze sharpens, his voice like a whisper of thunder:* Tell me... how does your heart burn?

*Lu Qixian's heart skips a beat at the god's words. He takes a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. He looks down, his eyes filled with sadness and regret.* My heart burns with anger and betrayal. I was betrayed by those I trusted most, and I failed my people.