Crackle!

A violent purple scar ripped across the once-majestic sky, followed by a thunderous boom that echoed through the Nine Realms. Smoke tendrils snaked upwards from every corner of the Celestial City, once a beacon of strength, now a monument to its fallen grace.

On the balcony of the Obsidian Palace, the tallest structure reaching into the heavens, stood an aged figure. His cascading white hair and flowing beard framed a weathered face that radiated an aura of serenity amidst the surrounding chaos. 

"Swoosh!"

A figure materialized behind him with a whisper of wind. Clad in long gray robes, Nirvana King, his most trusted disciple, appeared beside him. Aged around forty, with hints of gray weaving through his dark hair, he observed the unfolding scene with a flicker of worry in his deep brown eyes.

"Master," he greeted, his voice laced with concern.

The Aged figure turned, a faint smile playing on his lips. "How fares the city, Nirvana King?"

"The defenses have crumbled, Master. The enemy forces are relentless," Nirvana King reported grimly.

"It seems our journey nears its end, wouldn't you agree?" The Old man said, his voice surprisingly calm.

Nirvana King frowned. "My Lord, is this truly the only path? This feels...wrong."

The Old Master chuckled, a low rumble that belied his frail appearance. "Right and wrong, Nirvana King. Such concepts have always been subjective. In this world, strength dictates righteousness. A cruel truth, but a truth nonetheless."

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"Strength?" Nirvana King's voice rose in anger. "These cowards merely exploit your weakened state! If strength embodies righteousness, then their actions are a mockery of the concept!"

The Old Man’s chuckle morphed into a hearty laugh. He raised a hand, placing it gently on his disciple's shoulder. "You misunderstand, my dear pupil. I know their true nature." His gaze shifted back to the approaching storm clouds. "They will be upon us soon."

"Master, allow me to fight by your side! I will not abandon you in this hour of need!" Nirvana King pleaded, his resolve unwavering.

"Do you think I doubt your loyalty?" The Old man questioned, his eyes filled with warmth. "However, I have another task for you, my final wish as your Master."

Nirvana King's eyes welled up. "Master..."

"Before I depart," The Old Master continued, his voice soft yet firm, "I must leave a flicker of hope for the future, even though I fervently pray it will never be needed."

An explosion erupted in the distance, a surge of powerful Qi rippling through the palace walls. Nirvana King's face hardened. The enemy had arrived. Though a part of him yearned to stay and fight alongside his Master, another part understood the deeper meaning behind those words.

They had to safeguard the legacy. If darkness descended upon the Nine Realms once more, a new hero would rise, armed with the knowledge and skills to vanquish it.

With a deep bow, Nirvana King touched his forehead to the ground. "This disciple promises to fulfill your final wish, Master. I will return, and we shall meet again. I swear!"

A gentle smile graced the Old Master’s lips. "I have no doubt, Nirvana King. I will be waiting."

With those final words, the old man took a single step, his frail form defying gravity as he soared skyward, a solitary figure facing the approaching storm.

"Master..." Nirvana King whispered, his heart heavy with grief and determination. He knew the clash that would unfold soon would shake the very foundations of the Nine Realms. This internal conflict should never have come to pass.

"I must not delay," he muttered, a newfound resolve burning in his eyes.