It was raining heavily over the Celestial Beast Academy.
Lightning split the sky again and again, thunder booming close behind, shaking the air itself.
Harsh winds tore through the grounds, whipping the barely secured flags and their sigils against the structures. Lanterns flickered violently, casting warped shadows across stone and wood.
In the main hall of the Dragon Manor, Jun Haoxuan sat upon the head throne.
Lan Yunlai occupied one of the guest seats, a jar of wine resting casually before him. Across from him sat Lan Meishan, posture straight, expression impassive, his presence quiet yet undeniable.
The atmosphere was suffocating.
No one spoke until Lan Yunlai finally broke the silence.
"So," he said lightly, swirling the wine in his cup, "what do you think of my proposal, Jun Haoxuan?"
Jun Haoxuan's brows drew together.
"How do you expect me to accept a proposal from you?" he asked coldly. "The Abyss Serpent Clan is an enemy of the Azure Dragon Clan."
