The palace gates loomed like a silent beast.
Gold-tipped roofs shimmered under the morning sun, their light blinding, merciless—just like the throne within.
Xi Youran stood before the towering red doors, her breath shallow.
"Why now… of all times?"
Her heart hammered in her chest. She wasn't ready. Not after last night's revelation—Emperor Zhang Tian Zi is a returner.
And yet, here she was, summoned to the palace by imperial decree.
Inside the Great Hall, nobles and scholars gathered like restless birds. The air was heavy with incense and tension.
"Lady Xi Youran, eldest daughter of General Jiang Youen—enter."
The herald's voice boomed.
Every gaze turned.
Her steps echoed softly on the marble floor.
She bowed deeply, her silver-white robes fluttering like snow.
"May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years."
At the far end of the hall, seated upon the jade throne, was the Emperor.Beside him stood a young man in dark gold robes — calm, regal, and quietly dangerous.
Prince Tian Zi.
His gaze brushed over her once.
And stopped.
—Ba-dump—
A flash of something stirred between them.A resonance.That same strange pull she had felt when Sheng appeared.
Tian Zi's eyes narrowed slightly.
"That aura… familiar."
Sheng, who stood quietly among the officials, hid his smirk behind a fan.
"Fate works fast, doesn't it, Lady Xi Youran?"
"Lady Xi Youran," the Emperor's voice cut through the silence. "We have heard of your recovery. The heavens must favor your family."
"I am humbled by His Majesty's grace," she replied steadily, though her hands trembled beneath her sleeves.
"Today," the Emperor continued, "the court will evaluate the heirs and young nobles in the annual Phoenix Rite. You, as the daughter of General Jiang, will represent your house."
Youran froze.
"Phoenix Rite…? But I—"
The Emperor smiled faintly. "Even a cripple can surprise Heaven, don't you think?"
Laughter rippled through the court.
Youran clenched her fists.
I can't use Qi… at least, I shouldn't be able to.
But when she stepped forward to bow again, something inside her stirred — faint, hot, alive.A thread of Dou Qi coiled beneath her skin.
It pulsed once.Twice.
A soft whoosh filled the air as invisible pressure swept across the hall.
The laughter stopped.
Tian Zi's eyes widened.
Sheng's fan paused midair.
"That energy…""Impossible—!"
The marble beneath Youran's feet cracked, spiderweb lines glowing faintly gold.
She gasped, taking a step back. "I— I didn't mean to—"
Flames flickered briefly around her hands, ethereal and translucent, before vanishing as quickly as they came.
The hall fell silent.
The Emperor rose from his throne.
"Interesting. The crippled phoenix… has fire after all."
Youran bit her lip and lowered her head.
No… not now. Not here.
Tian Zi stepped forward, his expression unreadable.
"Father," he said calmly, "perhaps the heavens have chosen her for something greater."
Youran's chest tightened. That voice—so gentle, yet so dangerously familiar.
He doesn't remember me… does he?
Their eyes met for a brief moment.His aura brushed hers again—two flames from the same world colliding.
And for a heartbeat, she saw flashes: a throne room drenched in blood, his hand reaching for hers, his dying whisper—
"If heaven pities you…"
She flinched.
No. Not again. I won't fall for you again.
"Lady Xi Youran," Tian Zi said softly, "you've hidden quite the talent. Will you show us again?"
The court buzzed.Youran's pulse raced.
Behind him, Sheng leaned against a pillar, his grin widening.
"This is better than any painting."
"Your Highness…" Youran bowed again, forcing a calm smile. "I fear it was a mere accident."
"An accident?" Tian Zi's voice lowered, teasing, almost amused. "Then… perhaps fate enjoys accidents."
Her heart lurched.The world around her spun in faint golden light.
Why… why does he sound exactly the same as before?
"Enough," the Emperor declared. "The Phoenix Rite will continue tomorrow. We shall see what Heaven truly intends."
As she turned to leave, Youran felt the pull of two gazes —Tian Zi's sharp, curious one…and Sheng's amused, knowing smirk.
"The game begins, Lady Xi Youran," Sheng whispered to himself.
Outside the hall, she exhaled shakily, pressing a hand to her chest.
"I have to stay away from him."
But deep inside, the Dou Qi flared again — wild and unrestrained —and an ancient voice echoed faintly in her mind:
You can't run from your destiny, little phoenix.