It was dawn—but the dawn of a soul's unraveling.
General Yán Lǐng sat upon his throne in the torture chamber, listening to the drunk priest who had just regained consciousness.
The room was cloaked in darkness, yet silver instruments reflected the moonlight with a cold gleam.
"My lord, I was drunk. I cannot remember what happened," the priest said, kneeling and trembling. As hot sweat dripped.
"Here," Yán Lǐng said calmly. "Get drunk. Now."
A gallon of alcohol appeared before the priest. An unseen force shoved him backward and dragged the assassin—the one who had invaded the ceremony—forward.
An eunuch suddenly appeared and bowed slightly. Yán Lǐng did not look at him.
"What?" Yán Lǐng asked, allowing him to speak.
"My lord, the queen is distressed," the eunuch said, adjusting himself, well aware of the general's temper.
"Good," Yán Lǐng smirked. "Leave."
The eunuch dissolved into thin air.
"Strip this waste," Yán Lǐng commanded, his voice calm and absolute.
The assassin trembled as he removed his mask.
"Continue."
Terror flooded the assassin's eyes as he removed his outer garments, leaving only his inner robe.
A rod materialized in midair. Before he could move again, it lashed across his neck.
"Aaah—!"
He collapsed, stripped bare.
Yán Lǐng rose, releasing his power.
The air thickened. The bodies in the room gasped for breath.
With a mere motion, Yán Lǐng controlled the fluids within the assassin's body, forcing him onto an empty bed. He murmured a chant—and transformed.
The assassin dropped dead.
A glittering life thread hovered in the air. Yán Lǐng sealed it and returned to his throne.
The last girl—the bully—clutched her own neck, choking herself.
Suddenly, her body lurched forward. She gasped for air.
"No—"
She stopped directly in front of Yán Lǐng, suspended in the air.
Her hands clawed at the invisible arm crushing her gullet. A voice echoed inside her—not aloud, but within.
"Do you need help?" it asked calmly, "Or should your organs be sealed?"
The sound of it burned through her chest. Strength drained from her limbs, and she surrendered—weak, trembling.
She was spared. For use.
Her body dropped.
She struck the hard floor.
The priest crouched in the corner, drinking.
The gallon was not even half empty.
Tears streamed down his face as he forced the alcohol down his throat. Then—
A voice rose from within him, speaking as though it were his own.
"Let me help you," it murmured. "Shouldn't I?"
The priest lifted the jug again.
The moment the liquor touched his lips, lightning tore through his body.
He convulsed, screaming.
Yán Lǐng smirked, withdrawing the lightning with a lazy motion.
"Sweeter?" he asked.
The priest collapsed, trembling violently. "I'm sorry, my lord... I'm sorry..."
Nearby, the unconscious young maid stirred. She clasped her hands weakly, whispering prayers—begging for forgiveness, begging for mercy.
Yán Lǐng raised a finger.
The maid vanished.
Darkness swallowed the room whole.
Without haste, Yán Lǐng reached out and seized the priest's soul, sealing it away.
Before he could finish, dawn had already broken.
Yán Lǐng appeared within his bathing chamber. He removed his attire, letting it fall carelessly to the floor, and only then did he notice a figure soaking in another shallow tub.
Reluctantly, he stepped into the water. He sank deep, allowing the warmth to wash over him, to cleanse what remained of the night.
Yù Xuān could not sleep. Her belly throbbed painfully, biting from within. She dozed briefly, only to wake again at dawn. Bored and restless, she walked toward the open window and stared at the fading moon.
Something struck her shoulder.
She looked down.
Feces.
A bird flew past.
"Ooh — you stained me," she muttered, sighing as she held out her hands in disbelief.
She moved toward the bathing area and noticed a round tub hidden behind a curtain—larger, more elaborate than the others. Beside it stood a smaller tub, shallow and uncovered. She stepped into the shallow one, sighing in relief as the water embraced her skin.
Slowly, she drifted to sleep.
A strange breeze brushed past her.
She snapped awake.
Her eyes dropped to the water, and she nearly screamed.
Blood.
Yù Xuān tapped her temple, steadying herself. She stood, lifting her soaked robes.
"How come I didn't feel it... Hmph," she muttered, sighing again.
She turned toward the other tub.
Let me check for clothes... Why is this tub so big?
She stepped out of the water and pulled the curtain aside, smiling faintly—
Then froze.
Bubbles floated on the surface.
She gasped.
Her damp robes clung to her skin as she moved closer. Blood trailed down her legs, staining the floor as she climbed the steps toward the larger tub. She rested at the edge.
The bubbles were gone.
Her stomach twisted violently. Blood gushed anew, and a sharp sound escaped her belly.
She clutched her abdomen, bending in pain.
Yù Xuān turned to leave, but the water suddenly rose. She blinked rapidly, confused. The pain intensified as she tried to move, her legs spreading helplessly with the current.
Then—
The pain stopped.
Wow.
Yán Lǐng was between her legs beneath the water.
He smirked, his hands gripping her waist as he pulled her closer.
Yù Xuān gasped when something solid pressed against her pelvis. Yán Lǐng rose slowly from the water, his golden eyes locking onto hers. Her body went numb under his gaze.
His touch became deliberate, unhurried. She clutched the edge of the pool, panting.
"Yù Xuān..."
His voice was calm—dangerously so.
"H-hmm..." she managed, barely able to answer.
"Your blood tastes sweet," he murmured. "You're untouched, aren't you?"
He released her and seated her on the stone edge.
Yù Xuān dragged in air, covering her chest. Her body trembled from the lingering sensation—and just like that, the bleeding stopped.
Yán Lǐng smirked again as he stepped out of the pool. He stood still, watching her.
She could feel his gaze—heavy, unreadable—resting on her.
He put on his night robe and returned to her. Yù Xuān was still in the same spot. He lifted her into his arms, his gaze lingering on her with quiet admiration.
"My lord..." she whispered.
Yán Lǐng suddenly stopped.
"Why do you do that?" Yù Xuān asked breathlessly.
"Your blood lured me," Yán Lǐng replied coldly. "It's your fault."
He continued toward the bed.
"Do you feed on blood?" she asked, oddly comforted by his presence.
"Yes."
He didn't hesitate to answer—his eyes had already fallen to her body.
"Why did my blood stop?" She asked, drawing in a shaky breath.
He dropped her onto the bed; she bounced softly against the mattress.
"I hate questions," Yán Lǐng said, before dissolving into thin air.
Yù Xuān turned her head and noticed a new dress lying nearby. She rested her chin in her hand as tears slipped quietly down her cheeks.
Life stirred differently outside the palace. The early morning breeze was calm, then slowly turned chilly, until a single snowflake brushed the quiet street.
Lord Chen's house already held many people.
Wēi Wēi, unable to sleep, practiced his sword until dawn. He stood on the roof, returned the blade to his side, then sat cross-legged and meditated.
A footstep sounded.
He rose instantly, sword drawn.
His gaze fell on Mò Lián, who was tiptoeing carefully across the roof.
He withdrew his blade at once and bowed slightly.
"My lady?" he said, standing still.
Mò Lián smiled as she approached him.
"Sorry for disturbing you. I was bored," she said, settling on the middle edge of the roof.
"Sit," she added, patting the space beside her.
Wēi Wēi hesitated, then sat—but far from her.
Mò Lián noticed and smiled faintly, studying him.
"So, you are his personal soldier?" she asked.
"Yes, my lady. I am Wēi Wēi, a junior-ranked guard," he replied, letting out a small chuckle.
The sky brightened gradually as their conversation continued.
Mò Lián asked one question after another.
"You didn't tell me where you are from," she said, shifting closer and lifting her hand casually.
Wēi Wēi felt cornered. Unease crept into his chest.
Why is she asking so many questions?
His instincts flared. He knew too well how obsessed the Crown Prince was with her.
"My lady... I'm from the east," he answered at last, rubbing the back of his neck.
She sprang to her feet, pointing at something beyond him.
Wēi Wēi turned—and saw Lord Chen and the Crown Prince.
He stood up at once, his gaze snapping back to Mò Lián, who was already moving toward the edge of the roof.
Lord Chen waved frantically, then screamed, his eyes widening.
"Don't jump!"
He knew—she could leap from any height.
Wēi Wēi froze, torn.
I can't hold her back. The prince might be angry.
Panic almost swallowed him until Lord Chen's voice dragged him back to reality.
Mò Lián jumped.
She was smiling.
"Lián...!" Lord Chen screamed, clamping a hand over his mouth.
Tiān Jùn flew to her and caught her midair—she was still smiling.
Lord Chen clutched his chest, drawing in a deep, shaky breath.
"Why won't you listen?" he scolded, his voice trembling. "Look at you. You broke your arms before—now all this, thanks to his being around." He gestured sharply, frustration clear.
Mò Lián and Tiān Jùn landed smoothly.
She immediately ran to her father and threw her arms around him.
"Dad..." she laughed, clinging to him.
Lord Chen sighed, his anger dissolving into relief. He lifted his gaze and watched Wēi Wēi descend gently from above.
"You are a young lady now," Lord Chen said softly, patting her hair. "Don't jump like that again."
Joy filled the home. Chen Rong stood in the open kitchen, her sleeves rolled up, the scent of simmering food filling the air. She shouted toward the courtyard, where Mò Lián stood with her father.
"Lián...!"
Mò Lián was still with her dad, who was preparing a document.
Chen Rong's voice thundered again, louder this time.
"Mò Lián...!"
Wēi Wēi, who was trailing Tiān Jùn, nearly jumped out of his skin. Instinctively, his hand went to his sword as he turned around, alert.
"Who was that just now?" he asked, gripping the hilt tightly.
Tiān Jùn burst into laughter, watching his reaction.
"That," he said between laughs, "is Chen's sister..."
He walked toward the kitchen, where the woman was already calling out different names at once. Wēi Wēi followed behind, one hand still pressed to his chest.
"Aunt, she's with Dad," Tiān Jùn said calmly as he approached.
Chen Rong turned and smiled the moment she saw him. She nearly dropped her cutlery, but Wēi Wēi caught it just in time. Still, her eyes never left Tiān Jùn.
"I knew you were a good boy," she said warmly, scanning him from head to toe. "Since the very day I met you."
Suddenly, she gasped.
"My pot—!"
She spun around and rushed back to the stove.
Tiān Jùn glanced around the kitchen, noticing the different leaves laid out neatly. He scratched his head and turned to Wēi Wēi, who was also awkwardly scratching his neck, smiling when he noticed the prince's gaze.
"Jùn...!" Chen Rong called again—her voice loud enough to shake the walls.
Wēi Wēi reacted instantly. He drew his sword and faced her.
Tiān Jùn quickly stepped in, pushing the blade down and shielding him before the woman could turn.
"Stop," Tiān Jùn whispered urgently. "That's her normal tone."
He pressed the sword aside.
Wēi Wēi froze, stunned. He had never heard such a voice before. He was used to his commander's calm, controlled commands—not this thunderous.
"Jùn?" Chen Rong spun around, looking at them.
Tiān Jùn turned with a smile. Chen Rong noticed a new face and immediately smiled as well, walking toward him. Tiān Jùn paused, watching her pass right by him.
"Who are you?" she asked, holding Wēi Wēi's arm.
Tiān Jùn turned to watch them. Wēi Wēi stared over her head, instinctively looking at Tiān Jùn, who nodded at him gently, smiling.
Chen Rong shook him lightly.
He finally turned to her.
"Ma—!" he almost blurted, then corrected himself quickly. "I'm His Highness's personal soldier," Wēi Wēi replied, unsure how else to explain himself.
Chen Rong smiled and released his arm.
"Come here," she said, waving him closer.
Tiān Jùn adjusted his stance, watching the two of them. The kitchen was not large, but it felt warm and full.
"My two sons, come," Chen Rong said cheerfully. "Taste my tofu—it's ready already."
She opened the pot with pride and brought out two pieces. They stood before her, smiling, as she offered them the food with glowing happiness.
Suddenly, Mò Lián entered, and she saw the three of them, and she ran over to them, bouncing on them.
"What are you eating? Without me, hunn?" She said, landing on Tiān Jùn, who was standing in the middle.
Chen Rong spun, and her gaze fell on Mò Lián. Wēi Wēi gasped as the tofu he was holding fell on his boot.
"Lián...! What were u doing?"
Chen Rong asked, holding her spoon out. Wēi Wēi saw it coming and adjusted.
She chased Mò Lián around with the spoon, shouting. Mò Lián jumped out immediately, running into the open yard. Laughter spilled into the air. Lord Chen entered the kitchen, carrying their breakfast. Wēi Wēi joined him.
Tiān Jùn stood arranging the kitchen; he did as Lord Chen was doing. The family was filled with happiness. The new year began with genuine happiness.
The palace stirred with a different, solemn air. A heavy silence pressed against the walls as the palace windows stood fully open. The king sat upon his throne while ministers reported directly to him.
A clear demarcation separated the royal stairway, which was encircled by an opaque curtain. Temple eunuchs stood on high alert.
Each minister stepped forward. The Minister of General Regional Agriculture had just finished presenting when the Minister of Eastern Development rose.
"May Your Highness live forever," he said, kowtowing before lifting his head.
King Tiān Lóngxuān immediately perceived the greed in his eyes.
"Where have you been...?" the king's voice thundered.
The minister trembled, his eyes widening in fear.
"At the border," the king continued coldly, "making my kingdom difficult for foreigners?"
He paused, waiting.
"Y-Your Highness, I only assisted—" the minister began, when an invisible hand gently tightened around his neck.
He fell dead.
The chamber grew silent, resembling a graveyard.
"Continue...!" the king's eunuch commanded, as the king closed his eyes against their sins—lest more of them fall dead where they stood.
The Minister of Southern Development stepped forward, his expression firm.
"May Your Highness live forever. I have handled the commercial supervision of King Hán. His raw materials will soon enter our land for the project. I thank Your Majesty, as an alerting event occurred earlier—the Great Dead Sea has now been separated. Your foresight has made my work easier. The project will begin once confirmation arrives. May Your throne never end, and may the land flourish for the people."
Another minister rose—the Minister of Communication.
"May Your Highness reign forever. A letter has arrived from the Persian government."
The room fell silent.
A eunuch approached. The letter was handed over, and the eunuch departed. The minister bowed and returned to his seat.
Next, the Minister of Eastern Affairs stepped forward.
"My lord, an unknown nomadic tribe claims the eastern region as theirs and has begun attacking citizens. They have sent a letter."
A eunuch approached him, head lowered. The minister handed over the parchment, bowing as it left his grasp.
Then the Minister of International Trade stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"My lord, may You reign forever. I followed your instructions strictly. Commercial trade has been paused in the southern province. With the New Year celebrations nearing their end, I request a decree to open the new central market for trader relocation."
"Report to the queen," King Tiān Lóngxuān said as he rose from his throne.
The eunuchs turned toward the curtain.
"You are all dismissed."
The entire congregation stood, bowed deeply, and withdrew in silence.
"Bring him in," King Tiān Lóngxuān ordered.
Moments later, King Hán Wáng Ān entered. His robe swept sharply against the polished floor as he approached the center of the hall and bowed slightly. A eunuch gestured toward a seat.
King Hán Wáng Ān took his place, smiling calmly.
"Congratulations," he said. "I heard how you divided the Great Sea. It posed a genuine threat to our project." His smile widened.
King Tiān Lóngxuān regarded him coolly.
"Welcome, dear king. I have spoken with my ministers. The work will resume as soon as possible. We await your men." He paused, then continued, "But you still have not told me why you chose to assist with this project. Is your kingdom under attack?"
King Hán Wáng Ān's eyes widened slightly as his thoughts drifted.
How did he notice? He even sees through false smiles.
A sudden clatter echoed as a maid dropped a tray of wine. King Hán Wáng Ān looked up sharply, then exhaled.
"My king is truly wise," he said at last. "I never expected you to know. Yes, it is true—my kingdom is under attack. Nations are forming alliances with the kingdoms surrounding my territory. Spies have already infiltrated my land."
He lifted the jug and poured wine into a short cup.
King Tiān Lóngxuān smirked, though concern flickered briefly within him. He had never met a king so direct in thought and word.
"And what are your plans?" he asked. "If you have none, that is acceptable. Leave it to my military general. He will correct all errors."
King Hán Wáng Ān froze, his eyes brightening with shock.
What do you want? You are too powerful for me to show joy or grief.
"My king," he said carefully, sitting straighter, his gaze drifting toward the dim curtain, "what have I done to deserve such honor? No kingdom has ever drawn a battle line on you without falling."
King Tiān Lóngxuān, who had read his thoughts all along, nodded in satisfaction.
"Do not be afraid," he said.
A gift materialized in the air.
It hovered at King Hán Wáng Ān's eye level.
King Tiān Lóngxuān opened his eyes fully. "That is for you. Your internal system is already decaying. If you do not absorb it, you will perish."
Heat surged through the air as the seed burned, glowing faintly.
How am I meant to absorb a burning seed?
King Hán Wáng Ān's expression shifted as panic surged through him.
Seeing his fear, King Tiān Lóngxuān spoke calmly. "You would have died slowly. You ventured too close to the ruling power. This will preserve you from death."
King Hán Wáng Ān closed his eyes and inhaled sharply.
When he opened them again, the seed was gone.
"Where... where is it?" he whispered, half-rising from his seat.
A voice answered from within him.
"You are now my man," King Tiān Lóngxuān said.
King Hán Wáng Ān leapt to his feet, terror flooding his face. He rubbed his eyes and turned in a frantic circle.
The eunuchs in the hall exchanged silent glances.