The summons arrived at dawn.
A scroll wrapped in golden silk, bound with the seal of the Empress herself. When it opened, the entire Jade Hall fell silent.
Every sect heir, scholar, noble heir, and cultivator elite turned to look at the man standing in the center of the room:
Hei Long.
Unbothered.
Unmoved.
Still sipping tea.
"By decree of Her Majesty, the Imperial Banquet shall be held seven nights hence. One companion may be named to stand at your side as representative of your house and ambition."
A murmur swept through the crowd.
Everyone knew what this meant.
Not just status.
Not just symbolism.
Whoever stood at Hei Long's side that night… would no longer be just "part" of the harem.
She'd be the first.
That Afternoon – Hei Long's Courtyard
All three stood before him.
Leng Qingxue, arms crossed, sword polished, expression like sharpened ice.
Zhao Yuran, regal in violet, a phoenix hairpin glinting like warning.
