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Chapter 32 - Chapter 32 – The Capital

Night had fallen over the Youzhou military camp, heavy and oppressive. The autumn wind swept through the tents, carrying the scent of blood and smoke. The soldiers, still recovering from the nightmare array of the Envoy of Dreams, bore lingering unease. Flames leapt across armor and blades, but could not dispel the shadows that clung to the camp.

Li Tianyuan sat quietly in the command tent. Before him lay the imperial decree, the gold-embossed characters flickering in the firelight, burning into the soul like living embers.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees—Li Tianyuan, National Fate Inspector of Youzhou, having pacified the north, is to return immediately to the capital to be commended for his merits."

The few lines were short, but their weight pressed down like a mountain.

His fingers trembled slightly as he held the decree—not from fear, but from the premonition gnawing at his chest. The fires of Youzhou had not yet been extinguished, the currents of the Inverse Spirit Sect still churned in secret, and now this summons brought him back to the capital. This was no simple "commendation"; it was the pull of a far more dangerous current.

"Do you harbor doubts?"

Qin Yue's low voice resonated across the tent.

Li Tianyuan looked up at the general, standing with hands clasped behind his back, armor glinting in the firelight, eyes shadowed with concern.

"Doubts, naturally," Li Tianyuan said calmly. "But an imperial decree cannot be refused."

Qin Yue's gaze lingered on him, heavy and contemplative. After a moment, he spoke slowly:

"The capital is more perilous than any battlefield. On the field, you face blades and arrows; in the capital, you face hearts and minds. Steel may hold, but human intent is far harder to measure."

Li Tianyuan felt a sharp pang in his chest.

"Remember this: once in the capital, do not reveal your Dingli carelessly. Your presence has already drawn the eyes of those who covet it."

Outside, the wind whipped through the tents. Li Tianyuan carefully rolled up the decree and nodded solemnly:

"I understand, sir."

The news spread quickly through the camp, stirring both regret and unease. On the battlefield, the soldiers trusted Li Tianyuan like a solid shield; now, with their inspector departing, the morale of Youzhou's army seemed to waver.

Deep into the night, at the camp gates, Mu Xueyin stood quietly. She wore a simple pale-white robe, no armor, her face serene yet eyes betraying a restless worry.

She watched Li Tianyuan approach. After a moment of silence, she whispered:

"You're really leaving?"

Li Tianyuan offered a wry smile, holding up the decree.

"The emperor's command cannot be defied."

Mu Xueyin lowered her gaze, fingers clutching her sleeve tightly.

"I've heard… the factions in the capital are deadlier than any sword. You… must be careful."

Li Tianyuan's chest warmed at the concern in her voice. It was more than the care of a comrade—it carried a deeper affection.

After a pause, he reached out gently, brushing a strand of hair from her face. For an instant, her eyes trembled as if she wanted to speak, but no words came.

In the distance, Mu Changfeng stood with his sword on his back, watching silently. Pride and rivalry flared within him. Li Tianyuan, if you return from the capital alive, I will test myself against you again.

Fu Yuan lingered in the shadows, eyes cold:

"The capital is more dangerous than the battlefield. There, swords clash, but so do hearts. Remember—you are already a pawn."

Li Tianyuan felt a chill in his chest, but he only spurred his horse forward. The hooves cracked the silence of the night as he rode off.

Mu Xueyin followed for two steps, then fell back, unable to speak. She could only watch the retreating figure until the firelight swallowed him.

Meanwhile, the capital's Golden Palace burned bright with light. The dispatch from Youzhou arrived in haste, shaking the court.

"The Inverse Spirit Sect has reached the frontier; the Envoy has appeared. Such calamity cannot be ignored!""Yet the National Fate Inspector, Li Tianyuan, remains a mystery, and wields the Dingli. He may yet become a threat!""Impossible! Without Li Tianyuan, Youzhou would have already fallen. His deeds merit commendation!"

In the Golden Throne Hall, voices clashed. Some urged the removal of the National Fate Inspector, deeming him a danger to the realm; others defended him, declaring him a pillar of the nation.

Even as debate raged, subtle schemes unfolded. Several ministers exchanged glances, lips curling with silent amusement.

Amid the discourse, a palace guard burst in, delivering a sealed report. The emperor's eyes darkened instantly: a high-ranking official had been found secretly colluding with the Inverse Spirit Sect.

Chaos erupted.

"The sect has infiltrated the court?""If true, this is no mere rebellion—this shakes the very foundation of the realm!"

The emperor slammed his palm on the throne:

"Investigate fully! No matter rank or station, any who collude with the sect shall be executed!"

A storm engulfed the court. In the shadows of this turmoil, an imperial decree quietly went forth—summoning Li Tianyuan to the capital.

Riding south from Youzhou, Li Tianyuan's party pressed on without pause. Autumn winds cut like knives across the banners. Soldiers guarded vigilantly, yet the lurking threat could not be entirely concealed.

On the third night at a waystation, assassins struck. Shadows moved like ghosts, blades sharp and swift, aiming for Li Tianyuan's throat.

He unleashed his Dingli in a surge of golden light, walls shattered, and the attackers were obliterated in a violent explosion.

Afterward, he staggered, chest heaving, Dingli still churning violently. Mu Xueyin's worried voice seemed to echo in his mind. Gritting his teeth, he forced the power down.

It was only a warning. Even before reaching the capital, someone was eager to eliminate him.

At dawn the next day, the spires of the Golden Palace came into view. Towers gleamed in the sunlight, vast and imposing, like a slumbering beast waiting for those daring enough to enter its maw.

Li Tianyuan reined in his horse, eyes fixed on the city. In a low voice, he murmured:

"The capital… I have returned."

In his gaze lingered resolve, apprehension, and a quiet tenderness he could not yet speak aloud.

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