The Price of Heaven's Will
Xiao Xing regained consciousness to the sound of chains scraping against stone.
His body was bound tightly to a wooden post, every muscle aching. The air was damp, heavy with the smell of blood and incense. Flickering torchlight revealed cold stone walls — unfamiliar, oppressive.
This was Cheng Dynasty.
The door creaked open.
The High Priestess entered, her long robes brushing the floor like the wings of a carrion bird. Her eyes were calm, calculating, as though she were observing livestock rather than a human being.
She stopped a few steps away and studied him.
"What is your name, boy?" she asked quietly.
Xiao Xing lifted his head with difficulty.
"Who are you?" he rasped. "Why am I being held here?"
She smiled faintly.
An assassin stepped forward and struck Xiao Xing across the face. Pain exploded behind his eyes.
"Answer her," the man barked.
Xiao Xing groaned but forced himself upright.
"My people," he said through clenched teeth. "What did you do to them?"
The High Priestess tilted her head, almost amused.
"Them?" she echoed. "They were in the way. So I killed them all."
Something inside Xiao Xing shattered.
His scream tore through the chamber — raw, broken, filled with hatred and grief.
"They were innocent!" he roared. "You wanted me! So why—why did you kill them?!"
Before he could say another word, a cloth was shoved into his mouth, silencing him. His body trembled violently as tears streamed down his face.
The High Priestess turned away, bored.
At that moment, the door burst open.
"Ma," an assassin announced, bowing low. "We have a visitor."
She paused mid-step.
"A visitor?" she asked coolly.
"Yes. Our scouts have confirmed it."
She dismissed Xiao Xing without another glance.
"Looks like you'll be staying here a little longer," she said, and left the chamber.
Outside the chamber
"What is it?" she demanded.
"Ma… Bai Li has returned."
Her expression froze.
"Bai Li?" she whispered. "Why would he come back now…?"
Her eyes narrowed, realization dawning.
"…Don't tell me."
"Gather the men," she ordered sharply.
The Assassin Hall
Dozens of assassins assembled in rigid formation, filling the vast hall with an oppressive silence.
"Bai Li has returned," the High Priestess announced.
A murmur rippled through the ranks.
"He is heading to the Imperial Villa," she continued. "I will go there myself."
Without another word, she turned and left.
The Imperial Villa
"Your Majesty," an attendant announced nervously, "Gukseon Bai Li has arrived."
The Emperor stiffened.
"Bai Li?" he repeated. His gaze shifted to the Empress, dread tightening his chest.
"Has something happened?"
The Empress clutched her sleeves.
"Our child… Is the child safe?"
"Escort him in," the Emperor commanded.
Bai Li entered and knelt deeply.
"Your Majesty," he said solemnly. "I have returned."
"Why now?" the Emperor asked. "Has something happened?"
"I have come to oust the High Priestess."
The Empress gasped.
"What? Did something happen to my child?" she asked urgently. "Where is he?"
"He is safe," Bai Li replied. "I sent him to Li Dynasty."
"Li Dynasty?" the Emperor exclaimed. "Why there?"
"The High Priestess' reach has expanded," Bai Li said grimly.
At that moment, laughter echoed through the hall.
The High Priestess entered, smiling serenely.
"What a tense atmosphere," she said lightly.
"You wench!" the Empress shouted. "How dare you enter without permission!"
The High Priestess merely smiled and turned her gaze to Bai Li.
"You've returned."
"That's right," Bai Li said coldly, stepping forward.
"Nae Yi," the Emperor warned, "show some courtesy."
"Yes, Your Majesty," she replied sweetly. "But I'm afraid I'm growing impatient."
Her eyes gleamed dangerously.
"The prince's birthday is tomorrow," she said. "Your Majesty should be very wary of me."
Fury erupted.
"You dare threaten the royal family!" the Emperor roared. "Guards! Drag her out—"
"Barking will not solve anything," she interrupted calmly.
"What did you say?!"
She smiled.
"Qu Xiao Xing," she said slowly.
"Your Majesty's second son… is in my custody."
The world seemed to stop.
The Emperor staggered backward, collapsing into his chair. The Empress caught him, tears streaming down her face.
Bai Li turned sharply toward Nae Yi.
"What are you saying?" he demanded. "How could Xiao Xing—"
"We captured him on his way to Li Dynasty," the High Priestess said, laughing softly.
"He couldn't bear to watch his villagers die. He surrendered without a fight."
Her laughter grew louder.
"Is that how you taught him, Bai Li?"
"Wench!" Bai Li roared, drawing his sword. "Heaven will punish you!"
He lunged forward — but the Emperor stepped between them.
"Bai Li… stop," the Emperor said weakly.
He lowered himself and knelt before the High Priestess.
"Please," he begged. "Spare them. Please!"
The High Priestess laughed openly as the Empress wept beside him.
Heaven remained silent.