The walls of the imperial city loomed in the distance, gray and unyielding under the midday sun. From the ridge above, Yu Lan's army moved like shadows across the plains, disciplined, coordinated, and silent. Every soldier knew their role. Every formation, every maneuver had been planned.
Yu Lan stood at the forefront, the lotus blade resting lightly on her shoulder. Its faint hum resonated with her cultivation energy, subtle yet potent.
This city will fall today. Not through brute force, but through precision and leadership.
Bo Li rode at her side, armor gleaming. His eyes scanned the walls, hands ready. "Lady Yu Lan, I will take the first breach. No harm will come to you."
Yu Lan tilted her head, calm. "Bo Li, your loyalty is noted. But this battle requires coordination. Protect the troops, and watch me. We strike together."
Huo Yun's eyes flicked between them, tension coiling in his chest. "The walls are weak at the eastern gate. If Bo Li leads the assault, I will redirect the reinforcements to prevent casualties."
Bo Li shot a glance at him, a mixture of irritation and competitiveness flashing across his face. "I do not need supervision, Huo Yun."
Yu Lan's lips curved in a faint smile. Let them compete. Let them expend their energy on proving themselves.
The assault began.
Arrows flew first, aimed to disable rather than kill, thinning the enemy ranks. Siege ladders were raised, and the first wave advanced with precision. Yu Lan led from the front, the lotus blade in her hands, striking with a grace and power that made even seasoned soldiers falter.
Bo Li clashed with guards attempting to flank her, his strength and protectiveness unmatched. Every movement was designed to keep her safe, even as he fought fiercely against overwhelming odds.
Huo Yun's strategy guided the waves of soldiers, predicting enemy reinforcements, redirecting units, and subtly enhancing Bo Li's actions without revealing his presence. Yet his eyes could not hide the faint sting of jealousy as he saw Bo Li standing so close to her.
The first gate fell within hours. Yu Lan's cultivation subtly enhanced her blade, allowing her to deflect multiple attacks at once, disarming and incapacitating soldiers without unnecessary bloodshed. Her army flowed like water, striking efficiently, suppressing resistance, and securing key points within the city.
Bo Li caught a charging officer aiming directly for Yu Lan, throwing him aside with controlled precision, his chest heaving.
Huo Yun positioned reinforcements to cut off escape routes, his mind calculating every movement. Yet when he glanced toward Bo Li, he felt the edge of competition — the invisible race for Yu Lan's favor.
Yu Lan's gaze swept across both men. Protective instinct versus strategic brilliance… both serve me well. Both are mine to guide.
By dusk, the imperial city was under her control. Gates were secured, soldiers either subdued or incapacitated, and civilians protected. Yu Lan stood atop the city walls, lotus blade in hand, her aura calm, authoritative, and commanding.
Bo Li dismounted beside her, hand brushing hers in a fleeting moment of intimacy. "Every corner is secured. No one harms you here."
Huo Yun, standing a few steps away, adjusted the defenses and surveyed the city. His expression was calm, but the jealousy simmered in his eyes. "Perimeter secured. Troops are disciplined. Your leadership is unmatched, Lady Yu Lan."
Yu Lan allowed herself a faint smile. Two men, both loyal, both devoted, both competing… and the empire has no idea the storm that now controls its northern route.
In the imperial capital, the Emperor's face was pale. Long Tianwei reported in a hurried tone.
"The northern city has fallen. Yu Lan herself led the assault. Her forces are disciplined, precise, and… the people are beginning to follow her."
The Emperor's hands clenched tightly on the desk. "Send elite troops immediately. Long Tianwei, Yu Ya — do not fail. She cannot be allowed to reach the capital. She must be stopped… now."
Yu Lan, standing on the city walls, allowed the hum of her cultivation and the quiet presence of her two allies to settle over her. The lotus had bloomed fully. Its petals were sharp, lethal, and unstoppable.
The empire will learn what it means to underestimate the exiled daughter of the Yu family.