The Capital of the Frostbound Dominion was not what Li Yu expected. He had anticipated another frozen fortress or a bunker carved into a glacier.

  Instead, Sol Vang defied the very climate of the continent.

  Situated in a massive, ancient caldera that spanned as far as the eye could see. The city was a testament to geothermal mastery. Heat rose from the depths of the earth and was trapped by a shimmering dome of energy that arched over the entire crater. Inside, the snow melted before it could touch the ground.

  Towers of black iron and brass spiraled upward. Canals of warm water flowed through the streets like veins carrying barges of trade goods and supplies. It was a city of fire and industry in the heart of the frozen wastes.

  Li Yu walked through the massive brass gates alone.

  He wore his simple blue-and-black robes with the fabric fluttering in the warm updraft. Underneath that was his grey defensive robes from Granny Tie. Learning from his mistake before, he made sure to always have it on him.

  Whether or not it would have helped was another thing entirely. He just didn’t want to be caught in a surprise attack without his best defensive treasures again. To a random stranger on the wall he looked like a normal civilian, perhaps a merchant.

  But as he passed by the guards didn't question him. They snapped to attention and their spears slamming against their shields in a rhythm of respect. They knew who he was. The rumors had traveled faster than the wind.

  His emblem gave him away. There was almost no one that didn’t recognize that emblem now. Perhaps the only thing that didn’t get twisted in the rumor mill. Waiting for him just inside the main plaza was a familiar group.

  "Li Yu!"

  The voice was booming and filled with life and thunder. Sect Master Magnar, the Thunder King, strode forward.

  He looked different from the broken man Li Yu had left in the valley. His armor had been repaired with the lightning motifs shining once again. But more importantly, his left arm was back. It looked slightly pink and new compared to the rest of his weathered skin though. However, it was restored and looked to be in working condition.

  Behind him stood Elder Torsten and the two other elders who had been knocked out during the ambush. They still looked a bit pale. Their souls were still recovering from the trauma but they stood tall.

  "Magnar," Li Yu smiled while stopping a few feet away. "I see the pill worked."

  "Worked?" Magnar laughed. He lifted his arm and was flexing his new fingers. "It worked like a miracle! Three days of itching like an ant bite and then done. Good as new. Better than new actually. My old arm had a stiff wrist from a duel fifty years ago. This one is loose!"

  He stepped forward and grabbed Li Yu’s hand while shaking it firmly. The grip was strong.

  "Thank you, truly." Magnar said as his voice dropped to a whisper that only Li Yu could hear. "For everything. Vengeance for my sect... my life... our honor. We owe you. The Thunder Echo Sect does not forget debts. Call upon us when you need it."

  "We are in this together, Magnar. I am happy to see you all have recovered more or less." Li Yu smiled. "We're even. There is no debt."

  "Not even close," Magnar grinned. "But come. The Grand Marshalls are waiting. And let me tell you, they usually don’t wait for anyone. You’re special."

  They led him through the winding streets of Sol Vang. The city was vibrant. It was filled with the sounds of hammers on anvils and the smell of roasting meats and vegetables. It felt alive in a way the frozen outposts never did.

  They arrived at the Central Citadel. It was a massive spire of white metal at the heart of the caldera.

  Guards opened the heavy doors and Li Yu stepped into the Grand Hall. It was a cavernous space that was lit by floating orbs of cold fire. At the far end sat a semicircular table.

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  Standing in front of it was Grand Marshall Thyra.

  She looked as imposing as she had on the battlefield. Her white dragon-scale armor gleamed under the magical lights and her silver-braided hair was pulled back. Her expression was stone-cold.

  Magnar bowed. "Grand Marshall. I have brought Li Yu, leader of the Crab Claws."

  Thyra looked at Li Yu and scanned him. It seemed like she was checking him for injuries. Her blue eyes narrowed. The silence stretched, heavy and intimidating.

  Then, the corner of her mouth twitched.

  "So," Thyra said with a dry voice. "I hear the family reunion is overdue."

  Li Yu blinked. Magnar choked on a laugh. The elders behind him were stunned. They knew what she was referring to but had never thought they would hear it from Thyra herself. Everyone there was stunned.

  Thyra’s stone-cold expression cracked into a smirk. "My 'Hidden Son.' I must say, for a mother, I was quite surprised to learn I had a grown child like you. I don't remember the labor pains being this... forgettable."

  Li Yu felt his face heat up. Of all the things he expected from a Grand Marshall of the Dominion. From warm greetings, interrogation, suspicion and gratitude. This wasn't it.

  "Grand Marshall," Li Yu sighed as he was shaking his head. "I apologize for the rumors. The people here… have active imaginations."

  "It's a good rumor," Thyra chuckled as she was walking down the steps to meet him. "It explains why you're so strong. Good genetics. I would be happy to have a son like you."

  Those last few words hit Li Yu like a swift blow to his guts. It took him back slightly and a wave of emotions washed over him. He was able to instantly recover though.

  "If that's the case," Li Yu chuckled lightly and decided to play along, "then as your son, I expect my allowance to be increased. And perhaps some greeting gifts?"

  Thyra laughed out loud. It was a clear ringing sound that seemed to shatter the tension in the room.

  "You have spirit," Thyra nodded at Li Yu. Her amusement faded into a respectful warmth. "Welcome to Sol Vang, Li Yu. Jokes aside... we are glad you are here."

  She gestured for him to head over.

  "Come. The Council is in session."

  Li Yu followed her up the steps. Behind the semicircular table sat two other figures.

  To the left was a man who looked like he was carved from granite. He was broad-shouldered with a shaved head covered in scars and a beard that reached his chest. He wore heavy black armor that looked battered and used. His eyes were dark and aggressive. They were tracking Li Yu like a wolf watching a deer.

  This was Grand Marshall Korg.

  To the right sat a man who radiated a quiet but dangerous intensity. He wore simple grey battle robes, his hair white and cropped short. Leaning against his shoulder was a long spear made of pale wood. The tip of the spear was gleaming with a cold but red metal.

  This was Grand Marshall Jorund.

  Li Yu pushed his spiritual sense forward and was trying to gauge both men. They did the same thing, it was common practice in the cultivation world.

  Korg was like an inferno that was ready to burn everything. He was at the same level as Thyra, 9th stage of Soul Formation. Jorund was like looking into a deep, calm ocean. 1st stage of Divine Transformation.

  The strongest entity Li Yu had met on this continent so far. The strongest he had ever met on land actually, outside of ancient beasts.

  Li Yu bowed to the Council.

  "Grand Marshall Korg," Thyra introduced the scarred man. "And Grand Marshall Jorund."

  Korg was rough and direct. "You're smaller than the reports said.

  "And you're louder than the rumors." Li Yu replied smoothly. He more or less was able to gauge the man.

  Korg’s eyes widened, then he barked a short laugh. "Good. I hate polite people. I like you already."

  Jorund opened his eyes. They were sharp, intelligent and piercing. He looked at Li Yu not with suspicion but with curiosity.

  "Welcome, young one," Jorund said. His voice was firm, like the sound of ice shifting. "I have read the reports. I have listened to Magnar. And yet..."

  Jorund leaned forward.

  "I cannot see through you. You are quite unique… your depths… it is no wonder you were able to fight and help Magnar and Vorgnir."

  The room went quiet.

  "I am a First Stage Divine Transformation." Jorund said calmly. "I can see things others here cannot. But when I look at you... I see fog. This is truly a mystery."

  He smiled at Li Yu. It was a rare expression on his weathered face. The others were quite surprised to see it.

  "It confirms what Magnar and Vorgnir reported. You are... an anomaly. And likely stronger than I am." These words were even more shocking to those around. Grand Marshal Jorund was the most respected person on this continent. It was through his leadership and strength that the continent had done so well in these last few hundred years.

  Li Yu didn't confirm or deny it. He simply bowed again. "I am just a traveler, Grand Marshall. Trying to survive."

  "Aren't we all," Jorund nodded. "Please. Sit. Tell us of the Ghosts."