The chamber was wrapped in silence.
Tai Jian and Tie Hongchen sat cross-legged, their breathing steady, their eyes closed in perfect concentration. Slowly, light gathered beneath them, forming a glowing yin-yang array. The ancient pattern pulsed like a living heart, each beat releasing waves of spiritual pressure.
Above their heads, two ethereal Dao fishes swam gracefully in the air. One was pitch black, radiating a domineering presence; the other was pure white, exuding icy serenity. The two circled each other endlessly, tails almost touching, never breaking the eternal pursuit of yin and yang.
Their auras surged higher and higher, shaking the air. A faint hum resonated through the walls, as though the heavens themselves acknowledged the ritual unfolding within.
At the exact same moment, their hands lifted and extended outward. Their fingers brushed, then intertwined.
Instantly, the two Dao fishes dove downward, merging into streams of energy that pierced their bodies.
The black stream sank into Tai Jian, filling him with overbearing might that roared like a volcano about to erupt. The white stream entered Tie Hongchen, spreading through her veins like a glacial river, freezing everything in its path.
The room split between two extremes—heat and frost. Half the air blistered with suffocating warmth, the other half froze with biting cold. And yet, neither force overwhelmed the other. Instead, they settled into an intricate balance, yin and yang locked in harmony.
Their cultivation had reached its climax. With this, their strengths would rise beyond imagination. Together, they would become invincible.
But then—an unforeseen danger struck.
Tie Hongchen's body trembled violently. Her injuries had not yet healed, and the cold energy was merciless. It surged into her organs like a thousand knives of ice, threatening to freeze her from within.
Her hands slipped.
Subconsciously, she leaned forward, seeking warmth. Their faces brushed—and her lips touched Tai Jian's.
For the briefest instant, time itself seemed to stop.
Then, as if obeying an ancient law, the overbearing energy within Tai Jian surged outward of its own accord. It clashed with the cold torrent inside Tie Hongchen—not to destroy, but to soothe. His fiery aura melted the deadly frost rampaging within her body, bringing balance.
At the same time, his own raging energy settled, calmed by her presence. His mind cleared like skies after a storm.
The kiss ended. Tie Hongchen collapsed, unconscious but at peace, into his arms.
Tai Jian opened his eyes slowly. Relief crossed his face as he gazed at her.
Even in slumber, she radiated a cold, divine beauty, like an ice goddess who had descended to the mortal world. Carefully, he carried her to the bed, laying her down and drawing a blanket over her frail body.
He lingered only a moment, then turned and left silently.
But as the door closed, Tie Hongchen's eyes fluttered open. A faint smile curved her lips.
"He is indeed… a trustworthy man," she whispered, before letting sleep reclaim her.
---
Meanwhile, in the imperial palace of Qin…
The emperor, Qin Wushuang, leaned heavily on his throne, his face pale, his breath labored. Each cough wracked his body, yet his eyes burned with the weight of a ruler who had carried the burden of an empire for too long.
"Li…" His voice was hoarse. "Cough, cough… how is the thirteenth prince?"
The loyal eunuch bowed. "Your Majesty, the thirteenth prince is well. However… the princess did not return to her palace last night. The maids whispered that she remained with the thirteenth prince until dawn."
A flicker of light passed through Qin Wushuang's weary eyes.
"Majesty," Eunuch Li said anxiously, "you must take care of your health. It worsens with each passing day. This is not good."
The emperor waved a frail hand dismissively. "I know my body better than any physician. My flame wanes… it will not burn much longer. But what troubles me is not death—it is the fate of this kingdom."
He coughed again, forcing the words out.
"The citizens are drunk on peace. Their swords gather dust. The sons of generals and ministers choose poetry over the battlefield. How can such a generation defend our borders when storms rise?"
Eunuch Li lowered his head. "Your Majesty, what of the thirteenth prince? Though hot-blooded, he is decisive. His victories are countless, his loyalty unquestionable. Has he ever disappointed you? Surely he is worthy."
Qin Wushuang's eyes softened. "Jian'er… he is my finest son. Brave, wise, unyielding. He would be a good general… perhaps even a good emperor. But he lacks ambition for the throne. Worse still—he is already marked. The shadows follow him."
His voice dropped lower, almost a whisper.
"The first prince wears the crown of heir. A talented child, yes… but he is theirs. He belongs to the shadows. If he takes the throne, everything I fought for will rot in their grasp."
His hands trembled slightly.
"It is my greatest regret… that I have so few children worthy of this burden. If fate leaves me no choice… then, and only then, will I entrust the empire to Jian'er."
Weary, he raised his hand in dismissal. Eunuch Li bowed deeply, sorrow in his eyes.
From childhood, he had walked at the emperor's side—not only as servant, but as brother, confidant, friend. And so he knew—when the emperor spoke of "the shadows," he meant the hidden power of the Shadow Guild, a force that even rulers bowed before.
---
Meanwhile, in the Heaven Battling State…
The princes gathered within a magnificent hall, its golden lamps casting warm light upon their faces. Laughter and music filled the air, but beneath the merriment, schemes rippled like currents beneath a calm sea.
At the head of the table sat the first prince, wine cup raised, his smile polished and flawless.
"Brothers," he said, voice rich with charm, "I am honored by your presence tonight. Let us drink, to the bond of blood that unites us."
The other princes raised their cups in unison.
"Eldest brother is too polite!"
"Congratulations on becoming crown prince in advance!"
The words rang hollow, yet none dared withhold them. The first prince's position was now unshakable—crown prince of the Heaven Battling State, heir apparent to the throne.
But not all smiles in the hall were genuine.
The second prince set his cup down with deliberate force, his gaze sharp as a drawn blade. "Eldest brother, surely you did not summon us merely to drink and recall childhood games. Speak your true purpose."
The hall grew quiet. Everyone knew of the grudge between the two brothers. When the first prince forced their sister, Tie Hongchen, into a political marriage, it was the second prince who seethed with fury. For years, the two had clashed like fire and steel, and even now, the crown prince's title was but a title. Nothing was absolute.
The first prince's smile widened, though his eyes gleamed with a devilish light. "Ah, second brother, you are ever impatient. Of course I have a purpose. But tonight is not the time. If you are restless, you may leave. Rest assured, I shall visit you soon enough."
The second prince's hand twitched, fury flashing across his face. He rose half from his seat, but a firm hand pulled him back.
It was the fifth prince.
"There is no need, second brother," the fifth prince said smoothly. "Since we are already here, we can wait. Eldest brother will reveal his intentions when he sees fit. Let us not spoil the evening."
The second prince exhaled sharply, forcing himself back into his seat. But the tension in the air lingered like a coiled serpent, unseen but ready to strike.
The banquet continued. Cups clinked, laughter rang out, but beneath the noise, every prince's heart weighed the same question:
What does the crown prince truly desire?
And in the shadows of the hall, unseen eyes watched with quiet amusement.