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Meanwhile, a considerable distance away from the burning capital.
Deep within a quiet forest, a cloaked figure walked unhurriedly along a narrow mountain path.
The distant glow of the raging fires still faintly illuminated the night sky behind him, yet he showed no concern as he continued ascending toward a higher vantage point.
Before long, he reached the top of a mountain that offered a clear view of the distant burning capital.
The cloaked figure stopped and slowly raised one hand.
His palm was covered in lingering frost, the remnants of the ice domain that had injured him earlier.
The cold still clung stubbornly to his skin, refusing to dissipate completely.
He stared at it for a moment before letting out a soft murmur.
"…So this is the power of a Divine Beast."
A faint, regretful chuckle escaped from beneath the hood.
"Ahh~ what a pity. I was hoping to leave Brother Li another surprise gift."
