A report concerning a group of travelers approaching the state capital reached Wei several hours after his battle with the dark mage. However, having exhausted a considerable amount of energy during the confrontation, he decided to rest and meet them the following morning. These were no ordinary travelers. Among them was a prince accompanied by the surviving members of his royal entourage. They had fled a fallen kingdom in the east after the Wicked King's forces invaded and destroyed their homeland. The dark mage Wei had defeated was apparently sent to eliminate the prince before he could seek protection from another powerful nation.
Fortunately, the fleeing prince had chosen the Cheng Empire as his destination. Few kingdoms possessed the military strength or cultivation resources necessary to deal with the Wicked King's undead puppets, making Cheng one of the safest places to seek refuge. When the two princes finally met, the visitor introduced himself with a respectful bow. "I am Prince Chord of Hera. My kingdom was attacked and destroyed by the Wicked King several days ago. I humbly ask Your Highness to grant us shelter until we can determine our next course of action." Despite his circumstances, Chord maintained the dignity and composure expected of someone born into royalty.
Wei regarded the young prince with sympathy before offering a reassuring smile. "I am deeply sorry for what you and your people have suffered. You are welcome to remain in Gi for as long as necessary, and I will provide whatever assistance I can." He then informed Chord that the dark mage responsible for pursuing him had been captured and would stand trial later that day. Since Hera had suffered directly from the mage's actions, Wei believed Chord had every right to witness the proceedings. Grateful for the opportunity, Chord accepted the invitation, and the two princes soon departed for the Unfortunate Prison.
During their journey, Chord found himself increasingly curious about the young prince walking beside him. He had heard remarkable stories about Wei's abilities, particularly his unusual command over dark energy. Eventually, he decided to ask about it. "Your Highness, forgive my curiosity, but I understand that you possess considerable mastery over the dark arts. Is such cultivation common throughout Cheng?" Wei seemed rather amused by the question. "Oh, not at all. I was fortunate enough to be born beneath a blood moon during the year when the Mortal and Immortal Realms aligned. As a result, I was born with a shadow mark upon my soul."
Wei continued explaining that the mark allowed him to channel nearly every form of dark energy without suffering the mental or spiritual corruption normally associated with such practices. In a sense, his soul was naturally incorruptible, making him one of the few individuals capable of using forbidden energies without being consumed by them. Chord listened with considerable interest. Such a constitution was practically unheard of, even among the most powerful cultivation sects. Although he had many more questions, he decided against overwhelming his host. Instead, his curiosity shifted toward the captured mage and the unusual decision to keep such a dangerous individual alive.
"Then may I ask why you chose not to execute the dark mage?" Chord inquired. "He has committed terrible atrocities and undoubtedly caused the deaths of countless innocent people." Wei considered the question before responding, "I did not give him life, so I do not believe I have the right to take it. However, I have drastically shortened the lifespan he gained through cultivation and permanently removed his powers. No one can reverse what I have done without my assistance." Although Chord did not entirely agree with this philosophy, he respected Wei's decision. After all, the mage was now powerless and imprisoned within one of the Empire's most secure facilities.
Upon arriving at the Unfortunate Prison, Chord was surprised by what he saw. Unlike the heavily guarded dungeons and restrictive prisons he had encountered elsewhere, this facility appeared remarkably relaxed. Many prisoners retained their cultivation and were even permitted to use their abilities within designated areas. The guards seemed equally unconcerned, carrying out their duties without displaying the slightest fear of the inmates. Chord found the arrangement almost unbelievable. "Your Highness, this is certainly an unusual prison. Your guards appear remarkably comfortable considering the dangerous individuals housed here. Just how confident are you in your security?" Wei chuckled at the question, clearly accustomed to such reactions.
"Very confident," Wei replied. "The Unfortunate Prison is the most secure correctional facility in the Cheng Empire. In its 250-year history, there has never been a successful escape, and only three fights have occurred within its courtyards." He explained that every guard was a highly trained assassin capable of eliminating dangerous cultivators before they could cause serious trouble. Furthermore, the prison's warden was a Celestial Telepath, a remarkable being gifted to the Empire by the Immortal Realm. With such an individual overseeing the facility, even the thoughts and intentions of prisoners could be monitored. Escaping was practically impossible, regardless of how powerful an inmate might be.
Chord could hardly believe what he was hearing. If the Cheng Empire maintained such extraordinary standards within its prisons, he could only imagine the strength of its military forces. "Your Highness certainly has considerable responsibilities. I must admit, I am impressed," he remarked. Wei accepted the compliment with a modest smile as they entered the trial chamber. Inside, Judge Min was preparing to begin the proceedings against the captured dark mage. Upon noticing their arrival, a guard immediately announced, "His Highness, the 7th Prince, has arrived!" Everyone rose to greet Wei, who promptly introduced Prince Chord and instructed those present to extend him the same courtesy.
The two princes were seated beside Judge Min, and the trial began shortly afterward. Unfortunately, the proceedings revealed far less than anyone had hoped. The dark mage appeared to have been manipulated into carrying out the Wicked King's orders, although he remained responsible for the suffering he had caused. His daughter had been taken hostage, and her life was being used to ensure his obedience. Even more troubling was the fact that he knew almost nothing about the Wicked King's true identity. Despite serving under him, the mage had never seen his master's actual face or learned anything meaningful about his origins.
Recognizing an opportunity to obtain further information, Wei offered the mage an arrangement. In exchange for his cooperation, he would receive protection and assistance in rescuing his daughter. However, there was one condition. He would first have to provide whatever information he possessed to help liberate Hera from the Wicked King's forces. The mage readily accepted, desperate for any chance to save his child. With the proceedings concluded, Judge Min dismissed the court and ordered the prisoner, now identified as Waylan, to be transferred to the Hidden Meadows. Within Gi, there was no safer place for someone seeking protection from powerful enemies.
Following the trial, Wei immediately prepared a formal request for permission to launch a military campaign to liberate Hera. Although he commanded the Grey Squadron and governed Gi, undertaking an operation beyond the Empire's borders required authorization from the Imperial Palace. He therefore dispatched his request and began making preliminary preparations while awaiting the King's approval. Chord, who had expected little more than temporary shelter, was deeply moved by Wei's willingness to help reclaim his homeland. The young prince had already saved his life, provided refuge for his people, and now intended to assist him in restoring his kingdom.
"Your Highness, your kindness and efforts will never be forgotten," Chord declared sincerely. "Should we succeed in reclaiming Hera, I will forever remain indebted to you. As its future King, I promise that whatever assistance you may require, I will gladly provide." Wei appreciated the sentiment but assured Chord that no repayment was necessary. Helping those in need was something he considered part of his responsibilities, especially when innocent people were suffering. Nevertheless, Chord remained determined to repay the kindness someday. For the first time since Hera's destruction, he began to believe that his kingdom might genuinely have a future.
The following morning, the long-awaited imperial edict finally arrived. However, it was not delivered by an officer of the Gold Guard, as Wei had expected. Instead, the messenger was none other than his older brother, 3rd Prince Ji Cheng. His unexpected arrival immediately caught Wei's attention, particularly since the royal family had recently ordered all princes to remain within their territories. Ji appeared perfectly relaxed, greeting his youngest brother with a familiar smile before turning toward their guest. "Little Brother, you've certainly been keeping yourself busy. Your Highness Chord, greetings and welcome to the Cheng Empire. I hope my brother has treated you well."
Chord immediately returned the greeting, expressing his gratitude for the hospitality he had received. Ji then turned his attention back to Wei, who was clearly waiting to hear the purpose of his visit. "Well, I suppose I shouldn't keep you waiting," Ji remarked with an amused smile. "I have come personally to deliver Father's approval for your request to liberate Hera. You have permission to proceed with the campaign." The announcement brought immediate relief to both princes. Although they attempted to maintain their composure, their excitement was obvious. Ji noticed their reactions and found himself rather entertained by the sight.
Taking Wei aside, Ji leaned closer and spoke with a teasing smile. "He's quite something, isn't he? I must say, Little Brother, I approve." Wei looked at him in confusion, scratching the back of his head. "What exactly are you talking about, Brother?" Ji chuckled before affectionately patting his youngest brother's head. "Prince Chord, of course. He's quite handsome, wouldn't you agree? Well-spoken, respectful, and his cultivation doesn't seem bad either. I think he would make a rather suitable companion for you." Wei blinked at the unexpected suggestion, having never considered Chord in quite that manner before.
However, now that Ji had mentioned it, Wei couldn't help taking another look at the visiting prince. Chord was indeed handsome, with a pleasant personality and an admirable determination to reclaim his homeland. Furthermore, Wei had felt an unusual warmth toward him from the moment they met, although he had given the feeling little thought. "Brother certainly has a good eye," Wei eventually admitted. "Prince Chord does have considerable potential. If our campaign succeeds, he will soon become King Chord of Hera." Ji merely smiled at the response, finding his younger brother's attempt to redirect the conversation rather amusing.
Wei quickly changed the subject before Ji could tease him any further. "Brother, since you're already here, would you mind staying in Gi and overseeing matters while I'm away?" Ji laughed at the question. "Of course! That's actually why I'm here. Mo sent me to relieve you of your responsibilities while you lead the campaign. Having another prince oversee Gi will also prevent any unnecessary power struggles during your absence." He reassured Wei that the territory would remain under his protection and that the Grey Squadron's remaining forces would continue their usual duties. With Ji in charge, Wei had little reason to worry about the safety of his people.
Satisfied with the arrangements, Wei returned to Chord and shared the good news. Preparations for the liberation campaign could now begin in earnest. The Grey Squadron would provide the military support, while Chord and the surviving members of his entourage would assist with their knowledge of Hera's territories and defenses. Although the Wicked King's forces remained a serious threat, Wei was confident that they could overcome whatever awaited them. With his brother overseeing Gi and the Imperial Palace supporting the expedition, the young prince was finally free to leave his territory and venture east alongside Chord, determined to reclaim the fallen kingdom.