The Price of Darkness
The crowd held their breath as the tribunal's members finished delivering their verdicts, recounting the countless atrocities committed by Master Zhang and the Azure Phoenix sect. The weight of their words hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over the square. Lin Hao stepped forward once more, his eyes filled with a steely resolve.
"Master Zhang," he said, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "Your crimes against the people of Lijiang and beyond are unforgivable. Today, we shall administer a punishment that befits the magnitude of your darkness."
Master Zhang's expression shifted, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He had been so confident in his power, so assured of his invincibility. But now, faced with the collective will of the people, he began to realize the depths of his arrogance.
The tribunal members moved with purpose, their actions precise and deliberate. They prepared a sacred ritual, one that had been passed down through generations. Its purpose was not merely to punish but to ensure that Master Zhang's soul would never find rest, never be able to reincarnate and perpetuate further harm.
A circle was drawn in the center of the square, intricately woven with symbols representing justice, balance, and the resilience of the human spirit. Within the circle, a series of smaller symbols were etched, each carrying its own unique power. The air crackled with an otherworldly energy as the preparations reached their crescendo.
Lin Hao turned to the crowd, his voice resonating with determination. "People of Lijiang, witness the culmination of our struggle. Today, we shall strip Master Zhang of his power, bind his soul, and ensure that the darkness he represents shall never plague our world again."
The crowd watched with a mix of anticipation and apprehension as Master Zhang was led to the center of the circle. His bindings were removed, and he stood there, a mere mortal stripped of the authority and dominance he had once held. There was a gleam of defiance in his eyes, but it was overshadowed by a flicker of fear.
The tribunal members formed a circle around Master Zhang, their hands clasped in a ritualistic manner. Their voices rose in unison, chanting ancient incantations passed down from their ancestors. The words echoed through the square, resonating with a power that seemed to shake the very foundations of reality.
As the incantations reached their zenith, a blinding light erupted from the symbols etched on the ground. It engulfed Master Zhang, wrapping around him like ethereal chains. His expression contorted in pain and despair as the light seared through his being, purging the darkness that had consumed him.
The crowd watched in awe and horror as Master Zhang's body began to change. His once-proud form withered and decayed, his flesh turning to ash. His eyes, once filled with arrogance, now held a desperate plea for mercy.
But mercy was not to be granted.
The ritual continued, its power intensifying. The light surrounding Master Zhang grew brighter, blazing with an intensity that made it impossible to look away. It was as if the very essence of his being was being torn apart, each shred of his dark soul meticulously dissected and eradicated.
Amidst the chaos, Lin Hao remained resolute. He stepped forward, his voice infused with a mix of compassion and firm resolve. "Master Zhang, this is the price you pay for the pain and suffering you have inflicted upon the innocent. Your darkness ends here, and the cycle of your cruelty shall be broken."
Master Zhang's screams filled the air, a haunting symphony of agony. The crowd winced, their hearts heavy with the weight of witnessing such punishment.