Hei Xiezhi stormed into the throne room, seething with rage. The heavy doors slammed against the walls behind him as his boots echoed across the marbled floor. His breath came in furious gasps. He couldn't believe it. A kingdom—one kingdom—had actually defeated him.
"Zixuan has made a mockery of my throne!" he roared.
With a swift kick, he shattered a wooden chair, sending its pieces clattering across the room.
"Children laugh at my name! Songs of my defeat echo in marketplaces!" he thundered, voice cracking with fury. "You dare humiliate me, Zixuan?! I will not forget this!"
He spun in circles, pacing wildly like a beast in a cage. "You… your family… your kingdom… your entire bloodline—shall suffer for this. I swear it!"
At that moment, the tall, graceful figure of Lady Xhurai entered, unbothered by the storm of chaos she walked into. Her robes shimmered slightly as she moved with the air of someone who feared nothing—not even a king consumed by wrath.
"Xhurai," Hei Xiezhi growled, pointing at her, "why didn't you tell me the young man from the forgotten bloodline had awakened?"
Calmly, she approached the throne and sat as if she were entering a tea ceremony.
"I never said he would sleep forever," she replied coolly. "I warned you. I told you that when he awakened, he would rise with power enough to destroy you."
"You knew—" Hei Xiezhi's voice cracked, but she raised a hand to silence him.
"What matters now is not the past. What matters is that you act before it's too late."
He narrowed his eyes at her, still fumingand asked. "What are you suggesting?"
"We march to the frozen Spine Mountains," she said, her voice steady. "There, we raise the Vampire King. Only he can match the strength of the vampire prince. With the king on our side, the tides will shift in our favor."
Hei Xiezhi stared at her in silence for a moment, then muttered darkly, "The frozen Spine…"
He turned to a nearby commander.
"Prepare the army. We leave at nightfall. Tell them—we're marching to Slow Spine."
While Hei Xiezhi prepared to march toward the treacherous Snow Spine, something entirely different was unfolding in the Kingdom of Lianhua
___
The drums rolled through the Kingdom of Lianhua, echoing across every stone path and palace rooftop. The grand ceremonial bells rang from the watchtower, announcing the union of the emperor's only daughter—Princess Yuyan—with the man who had saved them all.
Inside the golden palace, guests from distant lands filled the Great Hall. Nobles in embroidered robes bowed to one another, and performers danced in circles of silk and firelight. Petals fell like snow from the upper balconies, and everywhere, people spoke in admiration.
The ceremony was to be held in the Garden of Eternal Spring, a sacred space where emperors had once wedded under the moon's blessing. Today, it was lit with thousands of floating lanterns that shimmered over the lotus pond like fallen stars.
As the preparation was going on, Yuyan sat silently by the moonlit window, her wedding robe already on, but her heart far away.
The door creaked open. Her mother stepped in, dressed in soft lavender silk, her hair pinned with white jade.
She didn't speak at first—only walked over and sat beside Yuyan, taking her daughter's hand gently into hers.
"You don't have to smile," her mother said, voice warm and low. "But you must give your father the honor he deserves. Yuyan didn't respond.
Her mother looked at her carefully. "I know this isn't the path you would've chosen. But sometimes, duty carves roads for love we are yet to find."
Tears welled in Yuyan's eyes. "But what if love never comes, Mother?" She asked tearing up.
Her mother smiled faintly, brushing a strand of hair from Yuyan's cheek. "Then let dignity be your light. And kindness, your shield. That way, no matter what fate brings… you will never lose yourself."
She leaned forward and kissed Yuyan's forehead.
"Now rise, my daughter. Let the world see the strength behind you."
Yuyan closed her eyes, gathered her breath, and stood and walk to the palace where the marriage was to be held.
___
She stood behind the ceremonial screen, dressed in the traditional phoenix robe of deep crimson and gold. Her long hair was woven with threads of silver and crowned with a delicate headdress. But her face was pale. Her lips trembled slightly. She looked not like a bride, but like someone preparing for battle.
Her heart beat slowly, heavily.
She had agreed—for her father, for the peace of her people. But it was not love that led her down this path.
Meibadjusted the flowing sleeves of her robe, whispering softly, "You look radiant, Your Highness."
Yuyan gave a small nod, saying nothing.
Then the flute sounded. The folding screens opened.
The crowd turned.
And there he was—Tian Yu, the silent hero, the one whose sword had brought the Black Scorpion to his knees. He stood at the altar in ceremonial black, trimmed with midnight blue, his expression calm, unreadable. His eyes—dark, deep, and ancient—rested on Yuyan the moment she appeared.
He didn't smile. But he bowed, low and respectful.
Yuyan walked toward him, her footsteps light, but each one echoing like thunder in her chest.
When she reached his side, they stood before the High Priestess, who began the rites in an ancient tongue. The air was still. The whole kingdom watched.
"Do you, Princess Yuyan of Lianhua, daughter of the Celestial Flame, accept this bond, in honor and duty?"
A pause.
Yuyan lifted her chin.
"…I do."
"Do you, Tian Yu, warrior of Lianhua, accept this bond, with honor and your life?"
"I do," he answered, his voice low and steady.
The Priestess raised the red silk ribbon. It was a sacred symbol—the Tie of Destiny. She wrapped it around their wrists, binding them.
"With the moon as witness and the land as seal, let this bond be sealed."
Cheers erupted. Drums boomed. The ribbon was tied.
But Yuyan did not smile. She did not look at Tian Yu.
Until…
As the crowd turned to celebrate, Tian Yu leaned in quietly and whispered, "I know this is not what you wanted."
She looked up, startled. His gaze was sincere—not demanding, not proud.
"I won't ask for your love," he said softly. "Only your trust."
Yuyan stared at him for a long moment, unsure of what she saw in his eyes. Power? Mystery? Or pain?
Perhaps… something more.
She gave a small nod. The tiniest one. But it was something.
As fireworks bloomed in the night sky, and music soared from the palace walls, the bride and groom stood beneath the lanterns—bound by duty.
After the ceremony, Mei watched as Yuyan climbed the carriage and went away with her new groom. As the carriage rode out of her sight, she slowly turned and tears whelmed up in her eyes. She walked to her chamber, her steps light and heart heavy. She was going to miss Yuyan.
As she got close to her chamber, she sighted Leng Yue walking towards her. She quickly wiped her tears.
"I can see those tears, Mei. Even when you wipe them off. Your face is swollen for hours of crying. " He said as he got close to her.
"You jerk! You are suppose to be sympathizing with me. Not teasing me. " She said boldly. She had never been this bold talking to the prince. Even if they were so close, she still gave him the royal respect.
"Ouch! That hurts___ Don't worry. I'll take care of you now that your best friend you always gang up with to commit mischievous acts with is gone. "He said teasing her.
He was so annoying!
"You are a mean prince. You don't even know the difference between sadness and happiness. Just leave me alone. I don't want to talk to you, Your highness." She said and pushed him away and left.