Dawn broke over Jinghua with the toll of the morning bell.The mist curled around the imperial city like a serpent guarding its hoard. Above the clouds, the golden roofs of the palace gleamed faintly—majestic, yet cold.
By imperial decree, Li Tianyuan returned to the capital.He rode at the head of a small guard, banners fluttering, the roar of hooves echoing down the wide marble streets. On both sides, commoners crowded the sidewalks—some whispering admiration, others suspicion.
"Is that the Nation's Fate Envoy?""They say he commands the power of heaven itself…""Or perhaps, he's cursed by it."
Li Tianyuan's expression did not change.Yet as he crossed the city gates, he felt the weight of Jinghua close around him—an invisible cage of stone and whispers.
This is not the same city I once knew.
Three days later, the Golden Hall of Morning Court.
The emperor, Emperor Qianyang, sat upon the dragon throne, face unreadable."The Northern frontier stands secure once more," he said quietly. "And it is due, in large part, to Li Tianyuan."
The words rippled through the chamber. Officials bowed, murmuring agreement—though many exchanged wary glances.
Then, the Minister of War, Xu Qián, stepped forward."Your Majesty, though Li Tianyuan has merit in war, his origins remain… uncertain. How can a nameless wanderer be entrusted with the title of Nation's Fate Envoy—a post never before granted to any living man? I beg Your Majesty to reconsider. Such power unsettles both court and army."
A chorus followed.
"The Nation's Fate concerns the Mandate of Heaven itself!""The Niling Sect spreads rumors that he is their chosen vessel!""If we do not act swiftly, disaster may follow!"
The hall trembled with accusation.Dozens of eyes turned toward Li Tianyuan—some sharp, some fearful. He stood silent, gaze steady, though contempt flickered deep within.
Then, a single voice cut through the storm.
"Your Majesty," said Grand Preceptor Jiang Chengsou, "to strip him now would be folly. Li Tianyuan's victory at Youzhou broke the barbarians' advance and steadied every soldier's heart. To cast him aside would chill the loyalty of the army."
The court split instantly into two factions—praise and condemnation crashing together like waves.Emperor Qianyang tapped the armrest of his throne, his face calm yet unreadable.
Then, the Chief Censor stepped forward with a bow and thundered:"Your Majesty, a grave matter! Evidence confirms that Zhang Qi, Deputy Minister of Rites, has conspired with the Niling Sect—selling court secrets for gold!"
A collective gasp filled the chamber.Zhang Qi's protests were drowned beneath orders to seize him. Guards dragged him away as murmurs swelled like wildfire.
The emperor's eyes darkened."So. The shadows truly reach into my own court."He turned his gaze to Li Tianyuan. "Withdraw for now, Li Qing. Await my command."
Li Tianyuan bowed and left—but the air behind him felt heavier than when he had entered.
Outside, he did not return home immediately. Instead, he crossed to the eastern barracks—where the troops he had led from Youzhou now camped.
The air there was thick.Discipline remained, but their eyes told another story—uncertainty, mistrust, fear.
"Did you hear? They might abolish his title…""After all we fought for?!""Some say he's not even human…"
Li Tianyuan passed silently among them. The soldiers saluted, yet their doubt hung in the air like smoke.
Even the army's heart has begun to waver…
That night, he returned to his residence.A single candle burned in the hall. Beneath its glow sat Bai Luo, pale and motionless, staring into the flame.
"Bai Luo?" Li Tianyuan stepped forward.
She turned quickly, forcing a small smile. "You're back."
But her hands trembled, and behind her calm eyes swirled fear.When he reached to take her wrist, she recoiled instinctively. "I'm fine," she whispered.
Li Tianyuan's heart tightened. Rumors of her meeting a veiled stranger echoed in his mind."Bai Luo… is there something you're hiding from me?"
Her pulse quickened. "No… I'm just tired."
He held her gaze for a long moment, then finally said softly, "Whatever comes, remember—if danger finds you, I will stand before it."
Her lips quivered. She turned away, afraid he might see her tears—or the turmoil burning behind them.
Midnight.
Through the maze of alleys behind the palace, a lone shadow sprinted across the rooftops.He clutched a sealed scroll against his chest, breath ragged. Before he reached the next courtyard, a cold flash split the dark.
Thunk.
Blood sprayed across the wall.A voice, smooth as silk, whispered from the shadows, "The shadows of the Niling Sect… do not leak."
The body vanished. The night devoured all trace.
Li Tianyuan stood atop his manor's high tower, cloak rippling in the cold wind.From afar, the imperial palace gleamed beneath the moon—serene, but suffocating.He looked toward it, eyes narrowing.
"Jinghua drowns in hidden blades," he murmured. "But whoever casts these shadows… I will find them."
Elsewhere in the same city, Bai Luo clutched her chest, trembling as the strange power within her stirred once again.Tears glimmered at the corners of her eyes."If the day comes when I lose myself… Li Tianyuan, will you still believe in me?"
The wind carried no answer.Only the whisper of approaching chaos.