Emperor's Reckoning

In the middle of a desert in an unknown world, stood a tower that broke the clouds in the sky. It shadowed almost the entirety of the island it stood, there was not a single tree in sight, it was only sands and dunes. However, despite the harsh conditions, cultivators were sighted to come and go from the place.

They all wore some sort of cover, a mask, a veil, a cloak, anything that hid their identity. It was the unwritten law of this place.

A figure was seen from the entrance of the tower. At first glance, it was unknown if it's a woman or a man. It got off from a horse before tapping the butt and let the stallion ran through the desert alone. The gaze of the surroundings was on the figure but they knew best not to mess with anyone in this place.

The figure made it's way to the receptionist desk where two masked cultivators stood behind the counter. The figure nodded at one of them before giving a piece of paper with a red seal on it. The masked man noticed the rough hand of the figure and could easily determine that he was dealing with a man.

The masked cultivator read the paper before nodding, "Ah yes, loyal customer, I see that you are here to complete the payment for your annual contract?"

The figure nodded before taking out a simple pouch and placed it on top of the desk. The glimmers from the entrance of the pouch attract even those beside him, but they could only swallow their saliva and imagined.

The masked man tried to reach the pouch before his hand was slapped away by the figure, "I hope things are settled as usual?"

"Ah, yes, of course! As usual, one of the Abyss is personally taking care of your contract. It should be done by tomorrow if not later tonight," said the masked man.

The figure nodded before crossing his arms and let him count the numbers inside the pouch.

"Right, the numbers are correct, thank you for your patronage!" said the masked man as he stamped a blue seal on top of the red one.

The figure left the tower before he whistled in the empty desert. Soon enough a galloping horse was coming at him with full force. With one swift movement, the man rides the stallion to the horizon.

"That guy, came every year if not two, and the contract is always the same," mused the masked man beside the one that attended the figure.

"My hunch tells me that is about politics, rather than satisfaction. However, if it's about politics, can he just ask us to eliminate his rival? So confusing."

"Maybe he cannot afford the price? Or maybe they don't believe that our forces can eliminate this rival of his."

"Hahaha, we have our Ten Abyss, I don't think there would be anyone that they cannot kill."

"Yeah, but, have you heard, I heard the others are planning a coup against the 1st Abyss."

"Shh! You shouldn't talk about that! If you want to die, don't drag me!"

On the top floors of the tower, a special room was designated for each capable assassin. The best of the best, they called them the Abyss. Their masterful art of killing was renowned even to their peers. Rulers, merchants, gods, as long as they were in a contract to kill, then they are going to die.

Inside a room labeled, '10th'. Two servants were already kneeling on both knees and in wait for their master's return. The room was quite spacious and tidy, it even had a mini landscape of a mountain. The floor was made out of tatami and the lingering scent of tea permeated the room. Bright candles were placed on each edge of the room and another one in the middle. However, a bed was nowhere in sight.

A jade light suddenly entered the room. The duo servants immediately tensed up before kowtowing, "Welcome home, master!".

"Hurry, both of you! Call the 3rd Abyss!"

The servants were startled by the shout before glancing at their master. Their eyes opened wide as they saw the state the man in front of them was. His arms were both wasted, his legs were almost meatless and his hair started balding. His mask dropped on its own, revealing a malnutrition face, almost as if his face was aging rapidly.

"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!"

His shout woke his servants from a state of shock before they scurried over and left the room. He struggled to breathe as he looked up the ceiling. His eyes slowly opened and closed. He knew he was close to death and managed to escape with a breath left.

(What monster has the world gave birth to) thought the man before he smiled, "All the more reason to kill him, ah I can only imagine the feeling!"

The man furrowed his eyebrows, "Come in."

The two servants entered the room before kowtowing, "Master, the 3rd Abyss only gave us this pill."

The pill was yellow in color and there was no hint of other impurities on the pill. A perfect and stabilized pill, it was certainly made by an alchemist expert.

"She didn't even bother to visit little old me? Heh, cold as always. Tell me though, did she concoct this?"

Both nodded, "Y-Yes, it was magical, master, she even did it while half asleep."

"Leave me," said the man before he swallowed the pill and closed his eyes.

A burst of rejuvenating energy immediately ran through his body. He could feel the fibers of his muscle were regenerating as his body slowly but surely returned to normal. His entire body glowed and his figure slightly suspended in midair.

Seeing their master recuperating, the two servants left the room. As soon as they opened the door, a jade light passed between them unnoticed.

"Amazing! Amazing! 3rd Abyss's Alchemy is uncontended! Hahaha! I feel like I'm going to break through any moment! I feel-?!?!"

He opened his eyes wide and cold sweat drenched his face. A presence, a familiar presence that brought him fear and joy was standing behind him right at this moment. A hand immediately covered his mouth like a claw of a tiger. He couldn't even struggle with his state right now, like dead fish on a chopping board.

(No! This is not supposed to happen! Why are you here?! WHY ARE YOU HERE?!).

A blood-red sword thrust through his heart. Shattering his hope of killing the monster-like genius. His body slowly slumped down as his vision turned dimmer and dimmer. Lyon let go of his grip and let the dead man rest in peace.