Threads of Destiny (OEX): Summit Epilogue (end of Turn 19).
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21188/...t-epilogue
Yrsillar Wrote:"The matter of the Cai’s alliance with the Bai has not been a disruption to the Work then?"
"It has altered many paths, but the empress has decreed the situation acceptable. The duchess continues to advance and perform her primary role. The Bai are moving within desired parameters."
Cao Chun nodded, letting out a breath of relief. Notwithstanding the growing concern of the Sun situation, to his eyes, the ancient rot the Bai represented had not infected the Emerald Seas to his eye. Even justice could err before it was perfected.
(...)
Lub dub.
Vines pulsed like veins in the dark. The acid sizzle of sap and toxic excretions gently pattered across the leaf-strewn floor of the throne room. It was an ugly sight, by the standards he had grown with. Too organic, rough bark and soft green flesh, rich black earth and shimmering, humid and musty air.
Lub dub.
Her heartbeat resonated through his channels and deep in his bones, vibrating in the creeper vines grown under his flesh body's skin.
Sun Shao's hands twitched upon the worn stone armrests of his throne. Fossilized wood, really. It was amusing to think that this had once been the palanquin which had carried the Sage through a conquered city. Stone-chewing insects burrowed through it now, clambered over his hands, and crawled through his beard. He opened his eyes, and bloody light spilled over his chest.
"Report."
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21188/...t-epilogue