The Scarlet Sun fortress was carved into the side of a cliff, its crimson banners snapping in the mountain winds.
In the central hall, Feng Lian sat upon the low dais, a single candle burning beside the cracked jade fragment in his hand. Its red light throbbed faintly, like the beat of a heart that wasn't his own.
He was alone — until a faint ripple crossed the qi wards.
Someone had stepped onto the outer path.
Not a Scarlet Sun disciple.
Not prey, either.
Predator.
Feng Lian rose, black robes flowing like shadow. He touched the jade, and a faint whisper slid through his mind — not words, but sensation: a flicker of warmth, the scent of rain-soaked pine.
Ruo Han.
And behind it… something sharper. A scent he recognized.
Lan Xiyue.
A slow smile curved Feng Lian's lips.
Feng Lian: "So the White Jade's favored wolf comes to my door."
He didn't send his men to intercept. Instead, he walked to the outer courtyard and waited, the moonlight painting his figure in silver and red.
When the qi wards shivered again, Feng Lian's smile deepened.
Feng Lian: "Come, then. Let's see how far you'll go for him."
Far above, snow began to fall — each flake catching the torchlight like falling shards of glass.