A cold wind swept across the mountain shrine.

Dark clouds drifted above the distant peaks.

The atmosphere was solemn.

Heavy.

As though the heavens themselves were watching.

---

The monk stood in the center of the ancient courtyard.

His expression was calm.

Yet everyone could see the seriousness in his eyes.

This was no ordinary ritual.

This was something that would affect the entire kingdom.

---

The Emperor stood beside the Empress.

The Dowager Empress remained silent.

Princess Zhi nervously twisted her sleeves.

Prince Liang watched the monk carefully.

Lady Chen stood quietly.

And behind them—

Shin Gu lowered her eyes.

Appearing respectful.

Patient.

Innocent.

---

The monk slowly raised his hand.

"Everyone."

His voice echoed through the courtyard.

"Please sit."

---

No one questioned him.

Immediately, everyone moved.

Large prayer cushions had been arranged beforehand.

The Emperor sat.

The Empress sat beside him.

The others followed.

---

The three ghosts remained close to the Empress.

Even they looked nervous.

---

The monk walked toward a stone altar positioned in the center of the shrine.

Ancient symbols had been carved into the surface.

Symbols older than the kingdom itself.

---

The monk placed both palms upon the altar.

Then closed his eyes.

---

Silence filled the mountain.

---

The birds stopped singing.

The wind slowed.

Even the leaves seemed to become still.

---

The Empress felt goosebumps rise along her arms.

Something was changing.

---

The monk began chanting.

His voice was soft at first.

Barely audible.

Ancient words.

Ancient prayers.

Ancient power.

---

The symbols carved into the altar slowly began glowing.

A faint golden light appeared.

---

Princess Zhi gasped.

---

The glow spread.

Slowly.

Like sunlight breaking through darkness.

---

The Emperor narrowed his eyes.

He could feel the energy.

Even though he possessed no spiritual abilities.

---

The ground beneath them trembled lightly.

---

The glow expanded further.

The symbols surrounding the altar awakened one after another.

Lines of golden light spread across the courtyard floor.

Connecting.

Merging.

Growing.

---

The monk’s chanting became louder.

More powerful.

---

Above the shrine—

The sky began changing.

---

Clouds parted.

Sunlight broke through.

Golden rays descended from the heavens.

---

The people present stared in shock.

---

Even the guards outside the shrine fell to their knees.

---

The monk remained unmoving.

His voice continued.

Steady.

Ancient.

Powerful.

---

The Empress suddenly noticed something.

The three ghosts.

---

They had backed away.

---

The female ghost looked frightened.

The scholar ghost looked amazed.

The general ghost stared silently.

---

"What is it?" the Empress whispered.

---

The scholar ghost swallowed.

"That’s real divine energy."

---

The Empress blinked.

---

The female ghost nodded slowly.

"Very few people can call upon it."

---

At the altar—

The golden light exploded outward.

---

Boom.

---

A wave of energy swept across the mountain.

Across the forests.

Across the rivers.

Across the kingdom.

---

Far away.

People looked toward the sky.

---

Golden light stretched across the heavens.

Like a massive dome.

Invisible.

Yet somehow visible.

---

Children pointed upward.

Farmers stopped working.

Merchants left their stalls.

Everyone stared.

---

The kingdom had never witnessed anything like this.

---

Back at the shrine—

The monk’s face had become pale.

Sweat covered his forehead.

---

The ritual was taking a heavy toll.

---

The Emperor immediately noticed.

---

"He’s exhausting himself."

---

The Dowager Empress frowned.

---

The golden light continued spreading.

Further.

Further.

Further.

---

Until it reached the borders of the kingdom.

---

At that moment—

The crying voice suddenly returned.

---

Aaaaahhhhhhh—

---

The sound echoed across the sky.

Filled with sorrow.

Filled with rage.

---

Princess Zhi jumped.

Lady Chen turned pale.

Even the guards looked terrified.

---

Then—

The golden barrier flashed.

---

The crying voice collided against it.

---

The entire sky shook.

---

For a brief moment—

Everyone saw it.

---

A shadow.

A silhouette.

A woman.

Far beyond the kingdom.

---

Her long hair floated in the darkness.

Her white robes fluttered.

Her face hidden.

---

She stood beyond the barrier.

Watching.

---

Then—

The vision vanished.

---

The crying voice faded.

---

Silence returned.

---

The golden dome stabilized.

Shining softly above the kingdom.

Protective.

Sacred.

---

The monk’s chanting finally stopped.

---

His body swayed.

---

The Emperor immediately stepped forward and caught him.

---

The monk smiled weakly.

---

"It is done."

---

The courtyard remained silent.

---

Everyone stared toward the sky.

---

The barrier remained.

Beautiful.

Golden.

Protective.

---

Princess Zhi whispered,

"We’re safe now?"

---

The monk looked toward the heavens.

---

"For now."

---

The answer was honest.

But not comforting.

---

Nearby—

Shin Gu lowered her gaze.

Hiding her expression.

---

A barrier?

Interesting.

---

Very interesting.

---

Everyone around her felt relieved.

Hopeful.

Safer.

---

But Shin Gu knew something they didn’t.

---

Walls could keep things out.

---

But they could not stop danger already inside.

---

A faint smile appeared on her lips.

Gone before anyone noticed.

---

The game was far from over.

---

And somewhere beyond the barrier—

Beyond the kingdom—

The crying woman stood silently.

Watching.

Waiting.

For the day the golden light weakened.

For the day the gate opened.

For the day she could finally return.

The mountain shrine gradually became quieter after the monk’s ritual.

The golden barrier had already spread across the kingdom.

Although fear remained in people’s hearts, many felt reassured after witnessing the sacred ceremony.

The Emperor, Empress, Dowager Empress, Prince Liang, Princess Zhi, Lady Chen, and Shin Gu spent the next few hours meeting the gathered citizens.

---

People lined the mountain road.

Farmers.

Merchants. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

Scholars.

Mothers carrying children.

Old men leaning on walking sticks.

Everyone wanted answers.

Everyone wanted hope.

---

The Emperor stood before them.

His voice steady and calm.

"The kingdom remains protected."

"The royal family will continue investigating the strange events."

"You do not need to panic."

---

His words reassured many.

The crowd slowly relaxed.

---

The Empress stepped forward afterward.

Unlike the Emperor’s authority, her presence felt warm.

Comforting.

Gentle.

---

"If you see unusual events, report them immediately."

"Do not spread rumors."

"Stay with your families."

"Take care of one another."

---

Many people bowed respectfully.

The Empress had become extremely popular among the common people.

Especially after the rumors of her miraculous recovery spread throughout the kingdom.

---

Princess Zhi moved among the crowd naturally.

Speaking with children.

Comforting worried mothers.

Laughing with elderly women.

---

Even Prince Liang found himself answering questions from nervous villagers.

---

The atmosphere gradually became lighter.

---

Nearby—

Lady Chen and Shin Gu stood together beneath a tree.

Watching.

Listening.

Waiting.

---

Eventually the crowd began dispersing.

The royal family finally had a moment to rest.

Servants brought tea.

Everyone gathered beneath a pavilion overlooking the mountains.

---

The Dowager Empress took a sip of tea.

"For now, the situation is stable."

---

Prince Liang nodded.

"The people seem calmer."

---

Princess Zhi stretched her arms.

"Let’s hope tonight is quieter."

---

Lady Chen smiled faintly.

"I agree."

---

Then—

A soft voice interrupted.

---

"Your Majesty."

---

Everyone looked toward Shin Gu.

---

She stood and bowed respectfully toward the Dowager Empress.

---

The Dowager Empress raised an eyebrow.

"What is it?"

---

Shin Gu hesitated.

As if uncertain whether to speak.

---

Finally she lowered her gaze.

"I have a request."

---

The pavilion became silent.

---

"Speak."

---

Shin Gu clasped her hands together.

---

"I don’t want to leave the palace."

---

The words surprised several people.

---

Princess Zhi blinked.

Again?

---

Prince Liang looked confused.

---

Lady Chen appeared startled.

Though not as surprised as the others.

---

The Dowager Empress frowned slightly.

"What do you mean?"

---

Shin Gu spoke softly.

"These recent events have made me realize how dangerous the situation is."

---

She looked toward the monk’s shrine in the distance.

---

"The kingdom faces threats none of us understand."

---

She paused.

---

"I have spent years studying spiritual matters."

"Perhaps my knowledge may be useful."

---

The Emperor remained silent.

Listening.

Observing.

---

Shin Gu continued.

---

"If I return to my family residence..."

"I may not be able to assist when needed."

---

Her voice sounded sincere.

Almost worried.

---

"I wish to remain in the palace."

---

The pavilion fell silent.

---

Princess Zhi exchanged a glance with Prince Liang.

---

Lady Chen quickly spoke.

"Shin Gu has helped me many times."

"She truly wishes to assist."

---

The Dowager Empress looked thoughtful.

---

The Emperor’s expression remained unreadable.

---

Only the Empress quietly watched Shin Gu.

---

Something felt strange.

---

Not enough to accuse.

Not enough to question.

But enough to make her cautious.

---

Beside her—

The female ghost narrowed her eyes.

---

The scholar ghost frowned.

---

The general ghost folded his arms.

---

None of them trusted Shin Gu.

---

The monk’s earlier warning echoed in the Empress’s mind.

---

"The kingdom’s greatest danger is not always outside the walls."

---

The words suddenly felt important.

---

Very important.

---

The Dowager Empress finally spoke.

---

"You may remain temporarily."

---

Shin Gu immediately bowed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

---

The Dowager Empress raised a hand.

"But understand this."

---

Shin Gu looked up.

---

"If you remain in the palace..."

"You will follow palace rules."

---

"Of course."

---

"And if your presence creates problems..."

"You will leave immediately."

---

Shin Gu lowered her head.

"I understand."

---

The conversation ended.

---

Soon afterward, preparations for returning to the capital began.

Carriages were readied.

Guards assembled.

Servants packed supplies.

---

As everyone prepared to leave—

The Empress found herself looking toward Shin Gu once more.

---

Shin Gu stood peacefully beside Lady Chen.

Smiling softly.

Looking harmless.

---

Yet somehow—

The unease in the Empress’s heart only grew stronger.

---

Far above the kingdom—

The golden barrier shimmered faintly beneath the afternoon sunlight.

Protecting the realm.

Guarding its people.

---

But barriers could only stop threats from outside.

---

And sometimes—

The most dangerous enemies walked freely behind the walls.