On a warm summer day, a boy was born in the Zhulong Sect. He was named Yang.
In a quiet chamber overlooking the mountain peaks, Lady Lin cradled the newborn in her arms, her expression a mix of joy and sorrow.
Lady Lin: "Oh, look at my son. Doesn't he resemble his father?"
Mei, her loyal caretaker, smiled gently as she leaned closer.
Mei: "Of course, my lady. He has the sect leader's eyes… and your smile."
Lady Lin chuckled softly, brushing a finger against Yang's tiny cheek.
Lady Lin: Sigh "I'm sorry, little one. Your father is busy again. Being leader of the Murim Alliance is such a headache... He couldn't come to see you today."
Mei's tone lowered, cautious but caring.
Mei: "My lady, please be careful. I don't think the other wives will be pleased about a new potential rival in the sect."
Lady Lin: "Let them worry. I have no interest in power, and I don't want that for Yang either. If he grows up healthy and lives a good life... that will be enough for me."
Scene: Tension in the Sect
The chamber door creaked open. A tall, regal woman stepped in, her silk robes embroidered with the golden phoenix — a symbol of her rank and power within the Zhulong Sect.
Behind her stood a young boy, no more than ten years old, his posture proud and expression unreadable.
Lady Yun Jia (with an annoyed tone):
"Hmph. After all these years, you finally manage to bear a child."
Lady Lin cradled her newborn son tightly, keeping her tone calm and respectful.
Lady Lin:
"Lady Yun Jia, it must be a blessing from the Zhulong."
Lady Yun's eyes flicked to the infant with barely disguised contempt.
Lady Yun Jia (coldly):
"You'd do well to remember your place, Lady Lin. Don't even think of involving this child in the succession. If you do... I may have to remove the weed before it grows."
Her voice was smooth but laced with menace.
Lady Lin's body trembled. She sank to her knees, bowing deeply with tears welling in her eyes.
Lady Lin (voice shaking):
"Please, Lady Yun Jia... I swear, my son will never enter the succession. Please, leave him be."
Lady Yun Jia gave a sharp, satisfied grin.
Lady Yun Jia:
"Good. I'd hate to stain my hands with the blood of one of his children and end up on the sect leader's bad side. Keep that in mind... or else."
Lady Lin (bowing lower):
"Thank you for your kindness."
The boy behind Lady Yun — Jin Yu — looked down at Lady Lin with a mocking grin before following his mother out of the room.
Mei hurried to Lady Lin's side, her voice thick with concern.
Mei:
"My lady... are you alright?"
Lady Lin held baby Yang closer, tears streaming down her face. Her voice trembled with sorrow, bitterness, and helplessness.
Lady Lin (in a whisper):
"I'm sorry, Yang… This useless mother couldn't give you a good life. If only… if only you hadn't been born to someone like me…"
She broke down, sobbing into the silence as Mei knelt beside her.
Alternate Universe – The Beginning of Betrayal
In a distant land, far from the Zhulong Sect, stood the grand Icehearth Estate — home of one of the most admired noble families in the northern kingdoms. It was ruled not by a man, but by the legendary Countess Seraphina Valeblade, known across the continent as the Sword Empress.
By her side were her husband, Lord Kael Icehearth, and their two children — Lucien, an energetic eight-year-old son, and Elira, aman, but by the legendary Countess Seraphina Valeblade, known across the continent as the Sword Empress.
By her side were her husband, Lord Kael Icehearth, and their two children — Lucien, an energetic eight-year-old son, and Elira, a bright-eyed girl of four.
Seraphina, with her cold beauty and unmatched swordsmanship, was revered by
warriors, feared by nobles, and honored by the common folk. Her ice mana had built the Icehearth family from the ground up.
But while the world admired her, not all did so willingly.
In a quiet hallway beyond the laughter of children, Lord Kael stood alone, seething in silence.
Kael (inner monologue):
Why does everyone see only her? Seraphina, the hero. Seraphina, the empress. But I'm her husband... I am the head of House Icehearth. Why do they disrespect me like a shadow behind her light?
The truth was cruel. Everyone knew it was Seraphina's strength, not Kael's, that had raised their house to glory.
Kael (clenching his jaw):
"Damn it... I can't take this anymore. Why does it always have to be her?"
From the darkness behind him, a veiled figure stepped forward — a woman cloaked in deep crimson, her voice soft and sultry.
Mysterious Woman:
"My love... don't be angry. Soon, it will all be over. We'll take care of her, and then... we'll finally be together."
Kael (bitterly):
"You say that, but do you even understand who she is? She's the Sword Empress — the strongest woman alive."
The woman's hidden lips curled into a grin.
From her robes, she drew a small vial of black liquid, glowing faintly with dark energy.
Mysterious Woman:
"This is venom taken from a ninth-grade demon — alchemically refined and sealed in elven glass. Mix it into her wine. Not even the high priestess of the southern temple could detect it."
Kael (taking the vial cautiously):
"What will it do?"
Mysterious Woman:
"It will corrupt her inner core. Slowly. Day by day, her mana will unravel, her strength will falter... and she will die, powerless and confused."
Kael's eyes gleamed with greed and madness. A wide grin spread across his face.
Kael:
"At last... everything will be mine. Hahaha!"
The woman embraced him from behind, resting her head on his shoulder.
Mysterious Woman:
"No, Kael... everything will be ours."
Kael (nodding):
"You're right."