The beasts didn't even get a chance to scream.
As Kai raised his hand, roots burst from the ground, coiling through the air like spears of vengeance. Fire bloomed at their tips, forming a storm of living flame and vine.
Decay met rebirth—
And lost.
Ayaka watched, stunned, as the ground transformed beneath their feet. The once-rotting soil shimmered green again, flowers sprouting where blood had been spilled.
Ren smirked. "Okay, I take back every insult I ever muttered under my breath."
Ayaka nodded slowly. "He's not just Kai anymore. He's... something else."
Kai turned, floating down to them.
"I've merged with the Rootheart," he said, voice calm and low. "I remember everything. Every battle. Every betrayal. Every promise I broke."
Ayaka stepped closer. "And what does that make you now?"
Kai's eyes glowed softly. "The one who will fix it all."
---
Suddenly, the sky cracked again.
This time, the rift wasn't small.
A portal of shadow and silver ripped across the sky—and from it descended an army.
Shadow beasts. Cultivators with hollow eyes. And at the center, a figure cloaked in celestial ash.
The Twin-Faced Sovereign had come himself.
---
"Root-Binder," the Sovereign called. "You've finally bloomed. Shall I burn you now, or let you grow a little more?"
Kai didn't flinch.
"I'm not afraid of you anymore."
The Sovereign laughed. "Then let's make this your last lesson."
He raised his hand.
And the sky screamed.