The procession from Qingyuan Sect descended the mountain like a river of jade flowing through the clouds.
At its head rode Qiao Tian atop a snow-white stallion, its silver mane dancing with the mountain wind. The young master's jade robes fluttered gracefully, his posture perfectly straight, his expression calm enough to rival the still surface of an ancient lake.
No one would have imagined that beneath the elegant robes lay carefully concealed bindings and an identity guarded since birth.
Beside him rode Xuan Dao.
Unlike Qiao Tian's refined elegance, Xuan Dao looked as though he had stepped straight out of legend. His black robes bore no insignia, only subtle silver embroidery depicting circling dragons. His long hair, streaked with a few strands of silver despite his youthful appearance, was loosely tied behind him.
His presence alone made even veteran disciples unconsciously lower their gazes.
He was not merely a martial master.
He was one of the strongest cultivators beneath the heavens.
Three days later...
The crimson sunrise painted the horizon as countless lotus flowers bloomed upon an enormous lake stretching farther than the eye could see.
Beyond it rose magnificent walls carved from crimson stone.
Golden banners embroidered with blooming lotuses swayed proudly atop towering gates.
The Crimson Lotus Sect.
Unlike Qingyuan's tranquil mountains, Crimson Lotus radiated imperial grandeur.
Marble bridges arched across glittering waters.
Pavilions floated upon lotus ponds.
Training grounds echoed with the clash of wooden swords.
Thousands of disciples paused their practice as the Qingyuan delegation approached.
"The guests from Qingyuan Sect have arrived!"
The announcement rang through the sect like thunder.
Moments later, rows of disciples lined both sides of the entrance.
Each bowed respectfully.
"Welcome, Young Master Qiao Tian."
"Welcome, Senior Xuan Dao."
The massive gates slowly opened.
Standing beneath them were several distinguished figures.
An elderly man in crimson robes smiled warmly.
His aura was steady and dignified.
The Sect Master of Crimson Lotus.
Beside him stood a young man dressed in scarlet robes trimmed with black.
His features were strikingly handsome.
Sharp eyebrows.
Calm amber eyes.
His sword rested quietly at his waist.
Although young, the confidence surrounding him spoke volumes.
This was Shinzi.
The future leader of Crimson Lotus.
The two heirs exchanged respectful bows.
"I have long heard of Young Master Qiao's brilliance."
Shinzi smiled.
"Today, I finally have the honor of meeting you."
Qiao Tian returned the bow.
"The reputation of Young Master Shinzi shines across the martial world. It is I who should feel honored."
Xuan Dao chuckled softly.
"Two polite youngsters. That's refreshing."
Everyone laughed.
The tense atmosphere dissolved instantly.
Suddenly—
A cheerful voice echoed from behind the disciples.
"Brother!"
Everyone instinctively stepped aside.
A young girl hurried toward them.
She was small in stature, hardly reaching Shinzi's shoulder.
Her crimson dress fluttered as she ran.
Soft black hair cascaded down her back, adorned with tiny lotus-shaped hairpins.
Her large round eyes sparkled with innocent curiosity.
Her smile alone seemed capable of brightening the entire palace.
Princess Shin.
The jewel of Crimson Lotus.
She stopped before Shinzi, slightly out of breath.
"So these are our guests?"
Her curious gaze wandered toward Qiao Tian.
She tilted her head.
"You're prettier than I imagined."
The surrounding disciples froze.
Even Qiao Tian blinked.
"..."
Realizing what she had said, Shin immediately covered her mouth.
"I-I mean..."
Shinzi sighed helplessly.
"Shin."
"What?"
"You cannot greet guests like that."
"But I only spoke the truth."
Several disciples struggled not to laugh.
Even Xuan Dao couldn't help smiling.
"What an honest child."
Shin proudly folded her arms.
"Mother says honesty is a virtue."
Qiao Tian finally smiled.
It was subtle.
Barely noticeable.
Yet for a fleeting moment, the cold, elegant young master seemed unexpectedly approachable.
"You flatter me, Princess."
Shin beamed.
"I knew you weren't scary."
Xuan Dao watched the interaction with amusement.
'Interesting...'
Most people became nervous around Qiao Tian.
This little princess simply treated him like a new friend.
The Sect Master gestured toward the palace.
"Please."
"A banquet has been prepared."
The group crossed marble courtyards filled with blooming lotus flowers.
Musicians played gentle melodies upon guqin and bamboo flutes.
Servants respectfully poured fragrant tea.
The banquet hall overlooked the endless lotus lake.
Crystal chandeliers reflected countless shimmering lights across polished floors.
As everyone took their seats, conversations naturally flowed.
The Sect Master looked toward Qiao Tian.
"Your father speaks highly of you."
"I hope this alliance will become the first step toward ending Linjian Sect's tyranny."
Qiao Tian inclined his head.
"Qingyuan Sect will fulfill its promise."
Shinzi's expression became serious.
"The Golden Core they possess has grown stronger."
"Our scouts report they have already conquered three smaller sects."
"They force innocent cultivators to surrender their spiritual energy."
Silence settled over the hall.
Even the cheerful Princess Shin became unusually quiet.
Xuan Dao slowly set down his teacup.
"If they continue..."
"...the martial world will descend into chaos."
No one disagreed.
After the banquet concluded, Shin eagerly stood.
"I'll show everyone around!"
Before anyone could object, she had already grabbed Qiao Tian's sleeve.
"Come on!"
Qiao Tian looked at the tiny hand clutching his robe.
For a brief second...
...he almost forgot to maintain his composed demeanor.
Shinzi laughed.
"My sister has never learned patience."
Xuan Dao stood as well.
"Very well."
"I'd like to see your famous training grounds."
The group wandered through the sprawling sect.
They passed towering libraries filled with ancient manuals.
Massive training arenas where disciples exchanged techniques.
Lotus gardens fragrant with spring blossoms.
And quiet meditation pavilions overlooking cascading waterfalls.
The atmosphere was peaceful.
Almost too peaceful.
Until—
A scream shattered the tranquility.
"Please!"
"Forgive me!"
Everyone turned.
Near the marketplace inside the sect stood several laborers kneeling on the ground.
A richly dressed young man leisurely twirled a jade fan.
His robes were embroidered with black serpents.
Behind him stood dozens of armored guards.
His eyes carried nothing but contempt.
Prince Wei Jian.
The heir of Linjian Sect.
He casually kicked an elderly worker to the ground.
"You spilled wine on my boots."
The old man trembled.
"I-I beg your forgiveness..."
Wei Jian sneered.
"You'll pay with your hand."
One of his guards immediately drew a sword.
Princess Shin gasped.
"Stop!"
Wei Jian slowly turned.
The moment his eyes landed on her...
A greedy smile spread across his face.
"Princess Shin."
"You've become even more beautiful."
His gaze lingered on her in a way that made everyone uncomfortable.
Shin instinctively stepped behind her brother.
Shinzi's expression darkened.
"Mind your eyes."
Wei Jian merely laughed.
"And who will stop me?"
A calm voice answered before anyone else could.
"I will."
Everyone turned.
Qiao Tian stepped forward.
His jade robes fluttered gently in the breeze.
His hand rested lightly upon the hilt of his sword.
The marketplace fell completely silent.
Wei Jian narrowed his eyes.
"So..."
"The famous Young Master of Qingyuan."
"I've heard much about you."
Qiao Tian's expression remained unreadable.
"Release the workers."
Wei Jian smirked.
"And if I refuse?"
Xuan Dao slowly walked forward.
The air itself seemed to grow heavier.
Even the surrounding birds suddenly took flight.
Every experienced cultivator present sensed it.
An overwhelming pressure.
The aura of a true grandmaster.
Wei Jian's smile faded for the first time.
His guards instinctively tightened their grips on their weapons.
The wind picked up.
Lotus petals danced through the air.
No one moved.
The first clash between Qingyuan and Linjian was only a heartbeat away...