Sunlight struck Wei Chen's face as they emerged from the ruin's mouth, warm and golden after days of shadowed cold. The world outside felt vast—rolling hills under a clear sky, distant sect roofs glinting like white teeth on the horizon. Birds wheeled overhead, unafraid.
Wei Chen breathed deep, Nine-Suns fire settling easy in his core for the first time. No overload spike. No brand pain. Just steady power, shared and balanced.
Lin Xue stepped beside him, silver hair catching the light like fresh snow. She tilted her face to the sun, eyes closing in quiet joy. "I forgot how this felt. Free."
Su Mei stretched with a satisfied groan, crimson silks shifting over curves. "And strong. That ancient door knew its gifts."
Wei Chen pulled them both close, arms around their waists. "We earned them. Together."
They shared a quiet moment—foreheads touching, essence cycling slow and warm. Lin Xue's cool frost brushed his lips in a gentle kiss. Su Mei claimed the next, deeper, demonic warmth lingering.
But peace shattered with the distant blare of horns.
Imperial horns.
From the eastern road, a procession approached—crimson banners snapping with phoenix emblems, armored riders flanking an ornate carriage pulled by spirit horses. Soldiers in formation, qi sharp and disciplined.
And farther west, dust clouds rose. Primal roars echoed—beast tribes moving fast, a war party by the sound.
Wei Chen's golden eyes narrowed. "Looks like the ruin's awakening drew every eye. And they're not waiting for invitations."
Lin Xue's frost qi gathered subtly. "Imperial first. That crest… Zhao clan. Princess Zhao Ling's house."
Su Mei grinned sharp. "The sheltered one from the scrolls? This should be fun."
The carriage halted a hundred paces away. Soldiers fanned out, bows ready but not drawn. A young woman stepped down—gold-embroidered robes, jade ornaments in dark hair, soft features proud and curious. Zhao Ling. Her aura was nascent golden core, royal bloodline humming with phoenix potential.
Her eyes locked on Wei Chen immediately. "You're the branded one. The ruin quieted hours ago. Your doing?"
Wei Chen folded his fan with a snap. "Ours. The threat's sealed. For good."
Zhao Ling's gaze shifted to Lin Xue, recognition flashing. "Elder Lin Xue… fallen from grace, they say. And a demoness. Interesting company."
Lin Xue's voice stayed cool. "Grace is chosen, princess. Not decreed."
The princess stepped closer, soldiers tensing. "The empire claims rights to ancient sites. And to those who awaken them. Come with me. Willingly. The emperor wishes words."
Su Mei's chains rattled softly. "And if we prefer our own path?"
Before Zhao Ling could answer, the ground thundered. Beast warriors burst from the treeline—tiger-kin, wolf-kin, and leading them a towering woman. Bronze skin, wild golden eyes, tiger ears twitching atop messy auburn hair. Leather armor barely contained her powerful build, tail lashing with impatient energy.
Tigress Yu.
She strode forward like she owned the earth, claws flexing. Her aura roared primal golden core—raw, untamed strength.
"Human princess talks too much," Yu boomed, voice carrying easy over the distance. "The ruin called to blood and fire. We felt the sun rise. The strong one—" her eyes fixed on Wei Chen, hungry and direct—"he carries it. I challenge him. Win, and tribes follow. Lose… you become mine."
Zhao Ling's cheeks flushed, hand tightening on her sword hilt. "Barbaric. The empire—"
Yu ignored her completely, stepping into the open space between groups. "Well, dragon? Fight or claim?"
Wei Chen felt his new power stir—golden sun brand warming in excitement. Lin Xue's hand brushed his arm, cool steadying. Su Mei's laugh was low approval.
"Challenge accepted," Wei Chen said, fan opening with golden flame. "But my women stay close. That's non-negotiable."
Yu's grin showed fangs. "Strong mates make strong fights. Let them watch."
Imperial soldiers shifted une Zhao Ling raised a hand. "This is empire land. No duels without—"
Yu's roar cut her off, beast warriors echoing. The princess paled, realizing numbers favored the tribes here.
Wei Chen stepped forward, Lin Xue and Su Mei at his sides. "One challenge at a time."
Yu charged—no warning, pure primal burst. Claws raked air, beast qi exploding in feral arcs.
Wei Chen met her head-on, fan sweeping waves of controlled Nine-Suns fire. The clash lit the hillside—gold meeting bronze, heat against raw strength.
Lin Xue and Su Mei circled, ready to join if needed.
But as blows landed—Yu's power shaking his guard, his fire scorching her armor—Wei Chen felt something new.
Her beast essence called to his Yang like wildfire to dry grass.
And she felt it too. Golden eyes widened mid-strike.
This challenge would change everything.
To be Continued
© Kishtika., 2026
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