The capital loomed in the distance like a jagged crown, its high walls and imposing towers cutting against the setting sun. From this distance, it seemed serene, even majestic—but Jeng Minh knew better. Every stone of the city hid ambition, treachery, and death. And now, with the chain pulsing inside him like a living thing, he could sense the danger lurking even before they reached the gates.
Bai Ye rode beside him, silent as ever, his mask reflecting the last rays of sunlight. "The capital is a nest of vipers," he said softly. "Every noble house, every imperial guard, and every secret sect you pass will seek to exploit weakness. The chain will guide you in battle… but not in court, nor in the shadows of politics. There, your mind must lead."
Jeng Minh clenched the reins of his horse. Zhou Chen's body had survived countless campaigns, but he knew that the capital would test not only his martial skill but his ability to command, deceive, and survive.
Feng scanned the road ahead. "No open ambush so far, my lord. But the streets of the capital will be worse. Narrow lanes, hidden snipers, even civilians can be used as weapons."
Xie Yaling's gaze was sharp. "And don't forget the spies. The moment we enter, word of your arrival will spread like wildfire. The Emperor's men will already be waiting."
The caravan approached the first checkpoint outside the city walls, manned by imperial guards in polished armor. A young officer stepped forward, bowing stiffly. "By imperial order, the warlord Zhou Chen must present himself for inspection before entering the capital. Any deviation will be considered treason."
Jeng Minh felt the chain pulse sharply. Subtle, yet urgent—like a warning bell. He knew instinctively that this was not a standard inspection. Someone had prepared this carefully. The chain showed him patterns—shifts in the guards' stances, the distribution of troops, the subtle placement of concealed archers. They were ready to trap him.
Bai Ye's voice was calm in his mind. "Do not confront them openly. Observe. Listen. Let the chain reveal the path without bloodshed… if possible."
Jeng Minh dismounted, spear resting lightly on his shoulder. "We comply," he said evenly, his voice carrying the authority of Zhou Chen and the calm confidence of Jeng Minh. "But every man here should know—any false move, and there will be consequences."
The officer's eyes flickered, perhaps sensing the undercurrent of power in Jeng Minh. "Of course, Lord Zhou Chen," he said, bowing again. "Please follow me."
The inspection was slow, deliberate. Guards checked documents, measured supplies, and asked questions designed to unsettle him. Yet Jeng Minh felt nothing but clarity. The chain guided his thoughts, highlighting the inconsistencies in the officer's story, the slight hesitation in the guards' eyes, the subtle marks of hidden blades under cloaks.
Halfway through, Jeng Minh noticed it—a shadow detached from the crowd, moving deliberately through the throng toward him. The pulse of the chain intensified, a sharp, almost painful rhythm. This was no ordinary spy.
Without hesitation, Jeng Minh tilted his head slightly. The chain's guidance made him strike—not with violence, but with precision. A small stone dislodged from the pavement, rolling under the shadow's foot. The would-be assassin tripped, drawing attention, and was quickly surrounded by guards.
Bai Ye's voice was almost proud. "Well handled. The vessel senses threats beyond the ordinary eye. But remember… the capital is not a battlefield. The chain will guide your instincts, yes—but your mind must weave the web, not your spear."
Jeng Minh nodded. He knew this was only the beginning. Every step deeper into the city would bring him closer to the Emperor, the Chainbearer, and the countless enemies who would see Zhou Chen—and now Jeng Minh—dead before sunrise.
The caravan continued past the checkpoint. The capital gates loomed closer, vast and impenetrable. But for the first time, Jeng Minh did not feel fear.
The vessel was not just awakened—he was beginning to master the chain, and every shadow that lurked in the city would soon learn that its pulse could strike with deadly precision.
And somewhere within the walls of the capital, unseen eyes watched, whispering, plotting, and preparing the next trial for the warlord who had returned to claim his fate.