The great hall of the Phoenix Court blazed with a splendor that would make lesser kingdoms weep in envy. Silk banners embroidered with golden flames hung from the towering pillars, their edges rippling under the breath of perfumed incense. The floor itself was a mosaic of crimson jade, every tile glowing faintly with heat as if the Phoenix's own heart had been laid beneath.
Liu Shen sat at the far end of the hall, not on the dais reserved for honored guests, but in a shadowed seat near the outer curve of the tables. It was precisely where he had chosen to be—close enough to watch, far enough to be overlooked. His black robes seemed almost plain among the riot of gold and scarlet around him, yet there was an unyielding pressure about him, like a mountain hidden in mist.
At the center of the hall, the Phoenix Empress herself, Xuan Yuelian, reclined on her throne of molten gold. Her beauty was not the gentle kind that soothed the heart—it was fire and authority woven into flesh, each glance sharp enough to cut through pretense. She raised her wine cup, and the music of zithers paused as she spoke.
"Tonight," she announced, her voice carrying like a flame through the hush, "the Phoenix Court welcomes envoys from the four directions, merchants of the desert caravans, and warriors whose names stir the wind itself. Let the banquet honor not just our empire's glory, but the blood and will that built it."
Her words were followed by the rustle of silks as dozens of guests rose, bowing deeply. Liu Shen remained seated, sipping from his cup without a glance toward her. Several nobles frowned at the display, but none dared speak.
To his left, Yu Meixing leaned slightly, her voice low and amused. "You're baiting them."
"I'm observing them," Liu Shen replied, his gaze sweeping the room. "But if a few of them take the bait… that's a bonus."
The banquet unfolded with a lavishness that masked its undercurrent of tension. Dancers moved like living flames, their sleeves trailing sparks of illusory fire that curled around the tables before dissipating. The food was a parade of rare delicacies—steamed snow lotus petals drizzled with honeyed phoenix marrow, roasted sky-ox ribs that steamed with spiritual energy, and wine brewed under the heat of volcanic springs.
Yet Liu Shen barely touched it. His attention was fixed on the currents of power in the room. Each guest was a piece on the board—envoys with hidden guards, sect elders whispering to their disciples, merchants passing coded messages with every toast.
Then came the first strike.
A nobleman in golden robes stood, his hair bound with a phoenix-feather crown. "Your Majesty," he said, bowing toward the throne, "it is said that in our midst tonight sits a man whose origins are shrouded, whose presence commands shadows, and whose followers wield powers not native to our empire. In such times of unrest, should we not inquire more deeply into such… strangers?"
Murmurs rippled through the hall, and all eyes turned subtly toward Liu Shen.
The Empress's gaze flickered toward him, unreadable. "And who," she asked, her voice mild, "is this man you speak of?"
The noble's eyes gleamed. "The one who has not risen in respect for your words since the banquet began."
The hall's warmth thickened. Even the music faltered.
Yu Meixing tensed, but Liu Shen's lips curved in the faintest smile. He set his cup down with deliberate slowness, the sound sharp against the jade table.
"Curious," he said, his tone soft yet carrying. "A man so eager to draw a sword in the name of loyalty… yet so blind he cannot tell whether his target is a threat or the shield standing before his empire."
Gasps followed the audacity of his words. The noble flushed, but before he could speak, Liu Shen continued.
"I have crossed lands where the soil remembers war. I have walked in realms where the air burns the lungs. If I wished to harm the Phoenix Empire, I would not be here sharing its wine. Perhaps," he leaned forward slightly, "you should save your suspicion for those who bow too deeply."
The noble's composure cracked, but the Empress's sudden laughter cut through the tension. "Well said, stranger. Our empire thrives on both loyalty and the courage to speak truth."
Her eyes met Liu Shen's, a flicker of interest passing between them. "And tell me—what name should the Phoenix Court know you by?"
Liu Shen raised his cup again. "Names are ash in the wind. For now, consider me… a passing storm."
The musicians resumed, though the undercurrent of the room had shifted. Some guests now watched Liu Shen with wary respect; others with sharpened intent. The noble who had spoken earlier kept his head bowed, but the twitch in his jaw betrayed his humiliation.
As the night deepened, performances gave way to contests. Warriors demonstrated their martial arts in the center of the hall, each seeking the Empress's favor. One shattered a granite boulder with a palm strike. Another sent a spear of flame across the room.
Then, without announcement, the Empress herself rose and descended the steps to the open space. "Let this banquet not be only words and wine," she declared. "Let it test the fire in our guests' hearts."
Her gaze found Liu Shen. "You, passing storm—will you face the Phoenix?"
The room held its breath.
Liu Shen stood slowly, his shadow stretching across the crimson jade. "If the Phoenix wishes to test the storm," he said, "then let her see if her flames can pierce the clouds."
The Empress's smile was like the curve of a blade. "Then step forward."
They met in the center, no weapons, only the space between them shimmering with heat. The first exchange was silent—her palm flicking forward in a wave of flame, his movement a blur as he parted the fire without touching it. The second was thunder—her foot striking the jade with such force the ground shuddered, his hand brushing past her shoulder with a killing intent so sharp it sliced the lingering heat from the air.
It was not a duel of hostility, but of dominance. Each blow spoke of sovereignty, each counter a refusal to yield. When at last they stepped apart, neither winded, the hall erupted into applause and hushed awe.
The Empress inclined her head. "Storm you may be, but one I will watch closely. Sit at my table next time."
Liu Shen returned to his seat without answering, but Yu Meixing's eyes gleamed with meaning.
The Phoenix had noticed the storm—and the game had truly begun.