Before it could rise, Zetian landed lightly, exhaled, and straightened his posture.
Then, slowly, deliberately, he raised his hand again toward the roiling clouds above.
The thunder grew louder.
Lightning flashed within the clouds, illuminating them from the inside like a living beast waking up.
By now, movement stirred around the Ice Palace.
Several elders had stepped out onto the terraces, drawn by the disturbance. They stood at a distance, watching silently, expressions tense.
"Facing a transcendant-level Ice Knight…" one elder murmured. "And His Highness still looked so calm
Another narrowed his eyes. "That prince is dangerous."
High above them all, Mark watched in silence.
His gaze lingered on the storm forming at Zetian's command, then shifted briefly to Shang Jiao, whose excitement hadn't dimmed in the slightest.
Meanwhile, Zetian threw his head back and shouted, "Come!"
A deafening crack split the sky.
