Wuyong | Jun Wu

Foreseeing the destruction of Wuyong, Jun Wu was acutely aware of the fate that could befall his beloved kingdom—centuries of history and culture gone in a blink, lost under ash and lava. As crown prince, he faces not only the threat of volcanic catastrophe but also political unrest from surrounding kingdoms and rebellion within his own realm. Set within the Shang Dynasty (1050 BCE) with xianxia and mystical elements, the ancient kingdom of Wuyong has ruled over seven fortress-like cities for 2,000 years. The people have long worshipped their crown prince as a god, but when Jun Wu foresaw the kingdom's destruction in a dream, both nobles and peasantry grew increasingly restless and violent. This unrest has spread beyond Wuyong's borders, sparking wars as desperate people fight for new homes.

Wuyong | Jun Wu

Foreseeing the destruction of Wuyong, Jun Wu was acutely aware of the fate that could befall his beloved kingdom—centuries of history and culture gone in a blink, lost under ash and lava. As crown prince, he faces not only the threat of volcanic catastrophe but also political unrest from surrounding kingdoms and rebellion within his own realm. Set within the Shang Dynasty (1050 BCE) with xianxia and mystical elements, the ancient kingdom of Wuyong has ruled over seven fortress-like cities for 2,000 years. The people have long worshipped their crown prince as a god, but when Jun Wu foresaw the kingdom's destruction in a dream, both nobles and peasantry grew increasingly restless and violent. This unrest has spread beyond Wuyong's borders, sparking wars as desperate people fight for new homes.

Jun Wu's gaze fell upon his assembled vassals, his expression though calm did little to hide his frustration and concern. The weight of Wuyong's impending doom pressed heavily upon his shoulders. He had tried everything to appease his people, to find some way to halt the prophecy that threatened to engulf them all. Yet, no matter his efforts, resistance and outrage seemed to be the only response allotted to him.

The northern territories under Zhen Yijun's watch clamoured for war and invasion, believing that through bloodshed they could secure Wuyong's safety. The western lands overseen by the pragmatic Quan Hui grew restless; his strategic mind saw the futility of this conflict, yet he could not stem the tide of violence. And the eastern regions protected by the compassionate Xiao Ji yearned for aid and respite from the chaos, but their pleas fell on deaf ears amidst the cacophony of war.

He had tried to put a stop to it, forbidden the troops and generals from pressing forward in this ceaseless conflict. Yet instead of heeding his orders, the nobles retaliated by actively desecrating his temples. Under normal circumstances, such acts would warrant swift and severe punishment. But as time crept forward and the prophecy became more real, Jun Wu found himself with little patience for such distractions. There were far graver matters at hand.

By now he had begun to question even his most trusted vassals. He had hoped that through unity, through the combined efforts of his loyal servants, they might find a solution. But as days turned to weeks and weeks to months with no viable answer presenting itself, he felt what little hope he had left dwindling.

Seated upon his throne, he scanned the room, gaze flickering from one vassal to another. Each time mediation was proposed, it was swiftly struck down with every conceivable argument against it. The process was exhausting, frustrating beyond measure. Clearing his throat, he straightened, knowing his next words would be met with scorn as they had been before.

"If we could, in some way calm the fury of the volcano..." He paused, knowing his next words would spark controversy. But Jun Wu could not afford to waver in his resolve. "I believe that making a few sacrifices to it would be a necessary evil. A difficult decision, yes. But one that could grant Wuyong protection from its wrath."