Peach blossoms drifted lazily through the morning air, carried by a breeze gentle enough to soothe even restless hearts. Sunlight filtered through the branches of the Qin Clan's inner courtyard, painting the stone paths in warm gold. For the first time in many days, the clan felt… steady.
The scars left by kings, demons, and masked seniors had not vanished—but they no longer bled.
Servants moved quietly. Disciples trained with renewed focus. Somewhere deep within the clan's veins, destiny itself seemed to have slowed its breath.
Across the courtyard, two figures approached the Bamboo Pavilion.
Feng Lian walked with calm, measured steps, her pale robes fluttering softly like clouds brushing a mountain peak. At her side strode Rei Hanxiang, lively and bright, her movements light and energetic, as though the world itself welcomed her enthusiasm.
Their paths to this place could not have been more different.
One had come bound by fate, her future carved by forces beyond her control.
The other had survived chaos and claimed her choice with both hands.
Yet now, both shared a single title.
Qin Su's fiancées.
Inside the Bamboo Pavilion, Qin Su reclined lazily on a woven chair, one arm dangling off the side as he basked in the warmth of the sun. His eyes were half-closed, breath slow and unhurried, looking less like a rising figure of destiny and more like a well-fed tiger enjoying a nap.
The moment the two women crossed into the pavilion's range, one of his eyes cracked open.
"Mm…?" he murmured. "Ah. The fiancées have arrived."
Rei Hanxiang stopped short, cheeks puffing in immediate protest. "You say that like we're here to collect taxes! Qin Su, sit up properly!"
Qin Su yawned, stretching without the slightest sense of urgency. "Proper sitting wastes energy. Energy is precious. I'm cultivating efficiency."
Feng Lian lifted her sleeve to hide a soft smile. "Rei, this is normal," she said gently. "He was always like this."
Rei's eyes widened. "You're defending him already? Traitor!"
Qin Su finally sighed and straightened, rubbing his neck as though burdened by the effort. "Alright, alright. Let's talk seriously."
His gaze settled on Rei Hanxiang first. "Hanxiang… our engagement wasn't exactly recent."
Her expression softened immediately. "It was decided when we were children," she said, voice quieter. "Our parents arranged it. But…" She turned her head away, ears tinged pink. "It's not like I dislike it."
She added quickly, "And it's definitely not like I chased you here."
Qin Su chuckled softly.
Then he turned to Feng Lian.
Her posture remained composed, but for a brief moment, something shadowed her eyes.
"And you," Qin Su said, his tone gentler. "Your circumstances were different."
Feng Lian nodded. "The Mad Emperor's influence spread too far," she said calmly. "My mother feared he would force me into his grasp."
Her hands folded together, fingers tightening slightly. "This marriage… gave us an escape. Safety."
She bowed her head a fraction. "For that, I am grateful."
Qin Su met her gaze without hesitation. "As long as you're here, the Mad Emperor will never touch you," he said. "That is my promise."
A faint flush colored Feng Lian's cheeks.
Rei elbowed him sharply. "Hmph! You protect her, but don't forget me!"
"I wouldn't dare," Qin Su replied dryly.
Rei grinned in triumph.
For a brief moment, the pavilion felt warm—peaceful, almost ordinary.
Then footsteps approached.
The air itself seemed to grow quieter as Feng Rou stepped into the pavilion.
She carried herself with the ease of a woman who had weathered storms and learned how to bend them. Her presence was neither aggressive nor submissive—simply undeniable. Every step was measured, dignified, and assured.
Qin Su's gaze lingered for half a breath longer than necessary.
Elegant posture. Sharp eyes. A commanding femininity refined by experience.
For the briefest instant, a thought crossed his mind.
So this is where Feng Lian's grace comes from… though her mother's presence may be even more formidable.
He cleared his thoughts quickly.
"Senior Feng," he greeted respectfully.
Feng Rou inclined her head. "Qin Su."
Her eyes studied him—not with hostility, but with the careful judgment of a woman measuring the weight of a man who would carry her daughter's future.
"Rei Hanxiang," Feng Rou said, "your engagement to Qin Su was arranged long ago. That bond carries history."
Then she placed a gentle hand on Feng Lian's shoulder.
"But my daughter's marriage was born of necessity," she continued. "To shield her from the Mad Emperor's grasp."
The pavilion grew still.
"Shelter alone does not make a marriage," Feng Rou said calmly. "I wish to know whether you will allow my daughter to walk a path of regret."
Qin Su rose fully to his feet.
"She will not regret it," he said. "I will ensure it."
For a fleeting moment, Feng Rou's stern gaze softened. A faint smile—mature and restrained—curved her lips.
"Then," she said quietly, "I entrust Lian to you."
Feng Lian bit her lip, eyes glistening.
Rei nudged Qin Su with a smirk. "See? Mother-in-law approves."
"I am grateful," Qin Su replied sincerely.
Feng Rou turned and departed with regal composure.
Only after she left did Qin Su exhale.
"Your mother," he muttered, "is terrifying."
Feng Lian flushed. Rei burst into laughter.
Peace returned.
But far from the Qin Clan's warmth—
A broken emperor knelt among ruins.
The former Lian Emperor slumped against shattered stone, empty wine jars scattered like the remnants of a forgotten reign. His hands trembled as he whispered into the dirt.
"My empire… destroyed… by that nameless monster…"
Golden light tore open the air.
Bai Khan stepped forth.
"I searched the continents," Bai Khan said coldly, "but he leaves no trace."
His gaze locked onto the fallen emperor. "Yet you survived him."
Fear shook the emperor to his core.
"I fear him even now…"
Bai Khan extended a hand. "Good."
"I will give you a chance to rise again."
"And you will give me… hatred."
The emperor's veins throbbed.
"…I accept."
Golden light swallowed them whole.
The mountains cracked.
And far away, destiny shifted once more.