Deep within Mount Tianling, the atmosphere was serene yet tinged with a terrifying aura. Thin mist swirled between towering trees, as if the forest itself were breathing slowly. Sunlight pierced through the leafy gaps, falling like strands of golden thread that danced in the air. Every gust of wind carried the faint scent of wet earth and wildflowers, cooling the chest of anyone who inhaled it.
On a flat moss-covered rock, three figures could be seen. Xue Yao sat cross-legged, eyes tightly closed. Spiritual energy flowed from the mountain's peak, swirling around her like a calm whirlpool, gradually being absorbed into her body. Her long hair swayed gently, moving as if in harmony with the incoming qi.
Nearby, Yifan and Yun Xinyao stood side by side, their gazes focused on the distance, as if seeing something invisible to ordinary eyes.
"Oh… so that's it," Yifan murmured softly, calm as a whispering breeze.
"Brother, do you see that young man?" Yun Xinyao asked, her clear eyes sparkling with interest.
"He seems to be the destiny son rising from the depths."
She didn't need to explain further—Yifan knew exactly what she meant.
"No matter who he is," Yifan said casually, though his voice carried a weight that seemed to bow the surrounding leaves,
"As long as he doesn't oppose me, I'll let him walk his own path. But if he chooses otherwise…"
He paused briefly, then smiled faintly. "He'll end up like scallions in the field—cut down without a trace."
His casual tone made the words feel like a verdict. It was as if he wasn't speaking merely of a human, but of a fate he could decide at any moment. The qi around him trembled subtly, giving the impression that the entire mountain bowed before him.
"I am only slightly interested in the spirit accompanying him," Yifan continued, his gaze deeper this time, as if piercing through the veil of time.
"That spirit… seems connected to her."
"Her?" Yun Xinyao echoed, brows furrowing slightly.
He glanced at Xue Yao, still seated cross-legged, then shook his head softly. His expression turned momentarily blank, as if weaving a thread of fate incomprehensible to others.
"Could it be…" he murmured.
Yifan only smiled faintly, as if confirming something that didn't need to be spoken. The smile was neither warm nor cruel, merely mysterious—like someone who already knew the ending before the story began.
Beneath the sky of Mount Tianling, the two exchanged glances and smiles. A smile that sent shivers down the spine of anyone who saw it. Ask no one; not even destiny could predict their thoughts at this moment.
---
The Yusheng Dynasty.
In the distance, the Yusheng Dynasty stood grandly, surrounded by sturdy fortresses and glistening yellow-and-white walls. The palace complex stretched far, its golden rooftops soaring like a sea of light. In one relatively secluded palace, the atmosphere was more serene.
The central courtyard featured a clear pond, with brightly colored fish swimming lazily across the surface, creating small ripples that reflected the blue sky. Shade-casting trees lined the courtyard, their shadows dancing on the ground. In the middle stood a small pavilion, where the breeze carried a faint scent of plum blossoms. Were Yifan here, he might have chosen this place as a personal retreat.
Inside the pavilion, two figures sat facing each other.
One was the Second Prince of the Yusheng Dynasty, Yu Tianlei. His missing right arm was hidden beneath the sleeve of his long robe. Despite his upright posture, a bitter aura lingered in his gaze. Yet now, he smiled widely—a smile that felt strange, like someone who had finally found a reason to set the world aflame.
Beside him sat a beautiful girl in a golden dress. Her hair was neatly styled, adorned with sparkling jade hairpins. This was Princess Yu Hanxi of the Yusheng Dynasty, a palace gem and symbol of elegance.
"Brother," Yu Hanxi's voice was soft, like a whisper through the wind.
"I understand the pain you feel. But do not let your hatred drag you down an irreversible path."
Her eyes were filled with concern. She knew the depth of her brother's wounds—not just his arm, but his heart.
"Xi'er, I understand," Yu Tianlei replied, his smile turning bitter.
"But I've held back for too long. Father always takes the older sibling's side, while I remain a shadow, unnoticed. If I stay silent, I will forever be buried beneath that shadow."
His hand clenched, face tense. A subtle tremor ran through his shoulder—not from fear, but from long-suppressed anger.
Yu Hanxi remained silent, for his words were true. She too knew the injustice.
"So… what will you do?" she asked softly.
Yu Tianlei gazed at the sky for a moment, then back at his sister. His smile had grown cold.
"I will avenge the humiliation I suffered recently. Not against the one who cut my arm—I'm not ready for him yet. But I will start with Yao Yue."
Yu Hanxi's eyes widened. "Brother… are you truly going to—"
"Heheh." Yu Tianlei chuckled lightly, though the sound resembled the scraping of a sword blade.
"Who would know if I killed her? The trap is set. My spy informs me she's fallen into the trap."
Yu Hanxi bit her lip, a heavy sense of foreboding clouding her chest.
"But brother, no killing leaves no trace. If this is discovered…"
"Xi'er." Yu Tianlei looked at her, his smile partially softened but still chilling. "What if I do not act alone?"
Suddenly, the air turned cold. Hanxi felt the wind stop. "What do you mean?"
Yu Tianlei turned toward the shadows in the corner of the courtyard. "Come out."
Black mist suddenly appeared from the empty air, swirling like ink dropped in clear water. The air grew heavy, as if iron towers had been dropped on their chests.
Low laughter echoed from within the mist.
"Hahaha… interesting. The prince of the Yusheng Dynasty calls me merely to kill a little woman. The world truly grows boring."
From the mist emerged a man in a black robe, face concealed by a metal mask. His eyes glowed dim red, and the aura emanating from him was so oppressive that the air seemed frozen.
"Heavenly Sovereign!" Yu Hanxi exclaimed, reflexively gripping her sword hilt.
But before she could act, two distant servants screamed for help. The man in black raised his hand, and in an instant, their bodies were pierced by black claws, their screams cut short as if their life essence had been drained.
Blood seeped across the floor, the metallic scent filling the air.
"Who are you?!" Yu Hanxi shouted angrily, eyes blazing like knives aimed at him.
"How dare you kill palace servants in my courtyard! Do you not fear the Yusheng Dynasty?"
The man chuckled. "Princess Yu Hanxi is indeed as beautiful as they say. I'm tempted to make you my meal."
"How dare you…!" Yu Hanxi tried to call for aid, but Yu Tianlei quickly stopped her.
"Xi'er, stop. He is the aid I meant."
"What?" Yu Hanxi looked at her brother incredulously, heart pounding.
Yu Tianlei faced the man, expression icy. "Hei Zuzhi, do not act recklessly in my palace."
The man laughed softly. "This hand itches, Prince Tianlei. Forgive me if I cannot restrain it."
His tone was teasing. Yu Tianlei snorted, fists clenched beneath his robe.
"Hmph! You'd better know your place."
The man smiled faintly, then dissolved back into black mist. His voice echoed in the air,
"Hahaha… Prince Tianlei, I am only obeying orders because you pay Hei Zuzhi. But do not ever think the Yusheng Dynasty can intimidate us."
The mist swirled, then vanished.
Yu Tianlei remained standing, eyes sharp, teeth clenched in restrained anger.
'Hmph! Just wait if you disappoint me,' he growled internally.
Yu Hanxi quickly grasped her brother's hand tightly. "Brother, why did you contact that organization? Hei Zuzhi's members are not good people."
"Xi'er, I have no other choice." His voice was heavy, like a weary sigh.
Hanxi lowered her head, expression somber. Fear filled her heart—not only of Hei Zuzhi but also for the shadowed future of the Yusheng Dynasty if this plan failed.
---
Deep within the Yusheng Dynasty's core territory stood a tall golden-yellow tower, its walls adorned with dragon carvings that seemed alive. Each engraving emitted a faint light, intimidating anyone daring to approach.
The air around the tower was heavy. Patrolling guards bowed their heads when passing, as if an invisible weight pressed upon their backs. It was said that the spirits of the Yusheng ancestors resided here, guarding the royal family's honor.
At the tower's peak, a spacious room stretched before the eye, its jade stone floor reflecting shadows. In the center stood a low table of ancient wood. Thin incense smoke spiraled upward, filling the air with a sharp, bitter fragrance.
Two figures sat across from each other.
The first was a middle-aged man with a stern face, wearing a simple golden-yellow robe that radiated authority. He was Elder Yu Jizun, one of the Yusheng Dynasty's supreme elders. His gaze was sharp as a blade, able to pierce through anyone before him.
Across from him sat a man in a long black robe, hood partially concealing his face, only dark eyes glinting coldly. He was Elder Ying Zhen, an elder of the Hei Zuzhi.
The room was silent, only the sound of water dripping from a tea vessel filling the quiet.
"Elder Ying," Elder Yu began, his voice flat yet laden with pressure.
"What brings you to this tower unannounced? Do you wish to test the patience of the Yusheng ancestors?"
His gaze flicked to the window, where faint black mist could still be seen retreating from the palace.
Elder Ying sipped from his teacup leisurely.
"You are too wary, Elder Yu. We are only carrying out a mission. There is no reason for you to draw your blade."
"Hmph!" Elder Yu snorted. Golden aura burst from his body, making the room tremble. The jade floor cracked as if ready to split.
"Carry out your mission as you please," he said coldly, "but if Hei Zuzhi causes trouble in our land, even Hei Zuzhi will regret it."
Elder Ying remained unmoved, smiling faintly. Black aura spiraled from his body, creeping like mist along the floor. Shadows seemed alive, inching closer to Elder Yu.
"Regret? Elder Yu, you forget. Hei Zuzhi's power cannot be restrained by your northern walls. We only accept missions, nothing more."
His words were calm yet carried undeniable threat.
Elder Yu's gaze sharpened further. His breath alone made the incense tremble and candle flames flicker wildly. The room felt suffocating, like two colossal dragons facing each other in the sky, ready to strike.
The two stared silently, neither moving nor daring to breathe too heavily.
Finally, Elder Yu lifted his cup and sipped slowly. His golden aura receded, yet the tension still hung in the air.
"Leave," he said coldly. "As long as you do not tarnish the Yusheng Dynasty's honor, you may go free."
Elder Ying chuckled softly. "As I hoped."
He stood, his black robe flaring like a raven's wings. In an instant, his shadow vanished, leaving behind a chilling scent.
The room returned to silence. Yet Elder Yu remained seated, back straight, fists clenched beneath the table.
"This world grows ever more chaotic," he murmured.
"Hei Zuzhi… what are you truly planning? Just for a mere assassination? Who would believe it?"