Chapter 6
Luxurious carriages began arriving in the city of Neroyson on the day of the wedding. Neroyson was the kingdom ruled by the Hayato family. It was a sprawling dominion the size of a large country, nestled in the war-torn Praqoya continent, where empires clashed and sects warred.
The carriages bore the crests of noble families, allies of the Hayato, but alliances in Praqoya was like walking over a tightrope over a molten pit of lead. Dangerous and precariously fragile. Each carriage was drawn by warhorses clad in enchanted armor, surrounded by thirty or more guards armored in the colors of their respective houses.
Ryu sat on the high balcony of the villa, watching the group below. He wore a long black and red robe that was a bit baggy for his small frame. His hair was white as snow and tied back in a ponytail. His violet eyes watched every noble and soldier with a rapt attention, even though he was just a child.
He looked like a little kid.
But inside, he was much older. His mind was full of questions, and lately, something deeper was beginning to stir.
His mother had told him his meridians were opening.
They were like veins that allowed qi to be absorbed through them. These weren't regular veins however, as they absorbed qi innately. And Ryu could already feel it moving through him, like thick, dirty sludge. It was impure and dangerous.
He didn't have a Dantian to purify it yet, that would come when he turned thirteen. A Dantian was a special organ for cultivators that allowed them to refine the qi from the meridians. It also served as a pocket dimension to store weapons, potions, artefacts and a whole host of other things. For now, the bad Qi was creeping through him like a warning.
Soon, Naitou was ready, she wore a blood-red gown adorned with purple crystals that shimmered like beautiful stars. Her hair was tied back elegantly, and she exuded a regal air that made her beauty even more striking.
Ryu ran around the room tugging at his mother's gown and just casually acting like a little baby.
"Ryu, stop that," Naitou said with a soft laugh, scooping him up. "You're going to wrinkle my dress."
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her neck. "You look amazing, Mother. They're all going to be jealous."
"Flatterer," she teased, pressing a kiss to his forehead. But her gaze flicked to a nearby nobleman who had looked a second too long. The man paled and looked away.
"Let's go," she whispered.
…
The big hall was full of people, with nobles from all parts of Praqoya chatting and being friendly. Pretty chandeliers made from special crystals hung from the ceiling, giving a warm and mystical glow to the room. Servants walked smoothly through the crowd, serving food and drinks on silver trays.
Matsura stood at the top of the altar, dressed in flowing black robes with gold details. He looked older than the last time he saw him, his hair was almost fully grey and his face was wrinkling. But even at that, Matsura was still probably the strongest cultivator in the room.
Then Naitou came in, with Ryu by her side. The room went quiet suddenly.
She moved slowly, and each step made a sound like a funeral march.
Behind her were heavily armed guards, more than necessary, way more than just for show. The nobles stepped aside for them, like commoners for a king. Even Ryu could sense it, a faint smell of fear in the air, barely there but clear.
Ryu smiled at the crowd with an innocent look, his white hair glowing like pale fire under the lights.
Miura stood stoically, his noble robes immaculate and his hand resting on the hilt of his Jian. Soma beamed brightly, her blue dress flowing around her as she greeted the guests. Hozumi, in stark contrast, barely acknowledged Ryu, her gaze fixed elsewhere, Lady Wuying was nowhere to be seen. What a conflicted family he was born into.
The final carriage arrived, drawing the attention of everyone in the hall. Its red and violet design, adorned with demonic runes. Even before it stopped, the hall felt colder. Candles flickered. One near Ryu extinguished with a faint hiss.
"The Blood Stream Sect," someone whispered. "They came?"
"They're enemies of the Azure Sky Sect. What are they doing here?"
"They drink from silver goblets… but the liquid isn't wine…"
Matsura's smile faltered just for a breath before he regained control. His eyes narrowed slightly.
The guests stepped back in instinctive fear as the delegates entered.
At their head was a young woman, short and slender. She had fair skin and dark blue eyes. Her red hair fell in waves, contrasting her broad, almost soldier-like shoulders. She moved like a warrior, but looked almost nothing like it.
Matsura remained composed. He raised his hand to quell the murmurs. His sharp eyes focused on the delegation; his expression unreadable. "Welcome, envoys of the Blood Stream Sect. Your presence here is unexpected but not unwelcome."
"I am Shao Zheng, Envoy of the Blood Stream Sect," she said, her voice smooth yet eerily soft. "We bring gifts and blessings for the union of your noble house. May this alliance bring strength and prosperity to the Hayato family."
Matsura tilted his head slightly, his lips curling into a faint smile. "How gracious of the Blood Stream Sect to extend such goodwill. I hope this marks a new chapter between our families and sects."
Shao Zheng's smirk widened. "Indeed. And perhaps, when the time comes, the Hayato family might remember this gesture."
The sect's envoys bowed before Matsura and walked towards their carriage. Miura looked enraged at what had just occurred, but he hid it under his composure.
Soma stroked Ryu's hair as he leaned against her. "Do you feel cold?" she whispered.
He nodded. But it wasn't the kind of cold that warmth could fix.
Ryu glanced at the Blood Stream Sect envoys, and his stomach tightened.
Something was going to happen. Maybe not today. Maybe not even this year.
But their arrival wasn't kind.
It was a message.
And every noble in that room had heard it loud and clear.