The hall was filled with murmurs as the disciples gathered once again under the high ceiling of the Heavenly sect's Grand Pavilion. This time, the atmosphere wasn't one of scolding or routine training, it was heavy with something different. Master Yue stepped forward," The first Phoenix Egg has awakened," she announced. The room fell silent instantly.
" The egg...it has emerged in a distant land. A place untouched by sect politics or sacred grounds. It lies hidden in a realm known to mortal as the Tang Dynasty." Master Yue continued. "The Tang Dynasty is not only an ancient territory,but it is also soaked in an age, old curse. Long ago, a warrior, wounded from battle,found refuge in the hands of a powerful immortal woman. She healed him, cared for him...and fell in love." She paused, eyes scanning her wide-eyed disciples. " He promised her forever. But forever... meant nothing."
The hall held its breath. " He left, said he missed his village, that he'd return. But weeks turned to months. Months to years. The immortal waited,bound by love. Until anger finally consumed her. When she found him, he was a king...with a queen and a newborn daughter."
Mei Ling covered her mouth softly, already sensing the heartbreak.
" The immortal wrath destroyed both the king and his queen," Master Yue said quietly," but thier daughter,now a princess, was cursed to live forever inside her chamber. If she ever stepped out, fire would consume her but she would never die. Only burn, endlessly. The curse can only be broken by someone who truly loves her... willing to give up thier life for her."
A heavy silence followed. Feng Wu frowned, arms crossed. Jian Wei's gaze dropped. Then Master Su stepped forward. " The Tang Dynasty has long forgotten the origin of the curse. But now...they believe the only way to break it is through marriage. They are summoning all princes to compete in a royal examination. The winner...will become the princess's husband."
The disciples blinked in disbelief. " You'll go in groups of three," Master Su said sharply." Each trio will disguise themselves,one as the prince, the others as his guards or servants. Your mission is to infiltrate the palace under this disguise, retrieve the Phoenix Egg and return before the demon's catch wind of it."
" Why not just tell them the truth?" Wu Chan asked.
Master Rong'er gave a cold smile. " Would you believe a stranger from somewhere telling you your princess's curse hides a divine egg?"
They fell silent. " The Tang Dynasty dresses and behaves differently," Master Huo added. " You'll be trained in their customs before departure. Fail to blend in...and you'll be exposed."
Li Liu leaned towards Li Hua and whispered," so, we're gatecrashing a royal wedding just to steal an egg?"
" Basically," Li Hua muttered, " but make it life-threatening."
Meanwhile,in the Demon Realm..
Yin knelt in the middle of the dim chamber, her head bowed before the five masters. " The Heavenly sect has discovered the location of the first Phoenix Egg," she reported.
Master Yi leaned forward,eyes narrowed. " The Tang Dynasty...cursed princess...I see."
Master Rou slammed his fist into the table. " The Heavenly sect gets too close...we should act."
Master Xue's voice was cold. " Let Bai Qi decide."
And somewhere,in the quiet heart of the Tang Dynasty, the cursed princess sat by her window, watching flames curl at her doorway, trapped... waiting.