Shen Yun stood tall on the training ground, the early morning sun casting long shadows across the cracked stones. His grip tightened on the hilt of his sword, the cold steel gleaming as he shifted into a ready stance. Across from him, Mei—his loyal maid and longtime companion—stood poised, her own blade steady in her hand.
"Focus, Your Highness," Mei said softly, her eyes sharp but encouraging. "Remember, swordsmanship isn't just strength; it's precision and flow."
Shen Yun nodded, muscles tense. "I'm ready."
With a swift movement, Mei lunged forward, her sword slicing through the air toward his side. Shen Yun pivoted, blocking the strike with a solid clash of metal. Sparks flew as their blades met, the sound ringing out over the courtyard.
They moved in a rhythm—attack, parry, retreat, advance—each strike testing Shen Yun's speed and control. Mei pressed lightly but relentlessly, pushing him to improve his form and anticipate her moves.
"You're too rigid," she observed, parrying a thrust and countering with a swift strike toward his shoulder. Shen Yun barely deflected it, stepping back swiftly. "Your body has to flow like water—adapt."
Taking a deep breath, Shen Yun adjusted his stance, letting the tension ease from his shoulders. This time, when Mei attacked, he moved with a newfound fluidity, sliding his blade to deflect rather than block.
Their swords danced in a blur of movement, the training turning intense yet harmonious. Mei smiled, impressed by his sudden improvement. "Better. Now, try this."
She feinted left, then spun right in a wide arc. Shen Yun anticipated and matched her strike, their blades ringing together—a perfect clash.
Sweat beaded on Shen Yun's brow but he didn't relent. "Again," he said, voice low but determined.
They continued, their sparring growing more complex—feints, counterattacks, spins, and precision strikes. With each exchange, Shen Yun's confidence grew. Though not yet the strongest cultivator, each moment on the training ground was a step toward reclaiming his true strength.
Finally, Mei stepped back, breathing lightly but smiling. "You're improving fast, my prince. Soon, no one will dare challenge you."
Shen Yun sheathed his sword, a spark of resolve shining in his red eyes. "Thank you, Mei. With you by my side, I'll become stronger—strong enough to protect everything I love."
Mei bowed her head respectfully. "Always, Your Highness."
The royal court was a grand hall, vast and ornate, with towering pillars carved from white marble that gleamed under the soft glow of hanging lanterns. Rich tapestries depicting the kingdom's history hung between the pillars, swaying gently with the breeze from open windows. Rows of polished wooden benches were arranged neatly, filled with ministers and generals in formal attire, their faces serious and attentive.
At the far end of the hall sat the emperor on an elevated throne made of dark jade and gold. The throne was elaborate, adorned with dragon carvings that seemed almost alive under the flickering light. The emperor himself was a regal figure—middle-aged with sharp, commanding eyes and silver-streaked black hair tied back neatly. He wore a flowing robe of deep crimson embroidered with golden dragons winding across the fabric, symbolizing his supreme authority.
Raising his hand, the emperor's voice rang clear and steady through the hall. "Let us begin the meeting."
The minister who spoke was an elderly man with a sharp, angular face lined with years of political battles; his dark robes were embroidered with silver thread that marked his high rank. His eyes gleamed with ambition as he addressed the court firmly, "Your Majesty, I request that Prince Shen Yun be removed from his position as Crown Prince."
The emperor's piercing gaze fixed on the minister. "Explain yourself," he commanded calmly.
The minister stepped forward, voice steady but with an underlying edge of accusation. "The prince is weak in cultivation and lacks the talent needed to lead. Such a ruler would endanger the kingdom."
Before the tension could escalate, the Right General, a tall and imposing figure clad in polished armor with an azure-blue cape flowing behind him, stepped forward. His deep voice cut through the murmurs. "Though Shen Yun may be weaker in cultivation, he is kind-hearted and always puts his people first. That is a quality not to be underestimated."
The minister's lips curled into a cold smile. "Do you truly believe he is as simple as you say, General? I think the Emperor knows far more than you realize."
The emperor inhaled deeply, the weight of the moment pressing down on the hall. "If you speak so recklessly in my court, challenging my judgment, then you leave me no choice. I will punish you for this insolence."
A sudden fear flashed in the minister's eyes as he realized he had crossed a line. Dropping to his knees, he bowed deeply, voice trembling, "Your Majesty, please forgive my disrespect. I spoke out of turn."
The emperor's gaze softened slightly but remained stern, signaling that the matter was settled — for now.
The warm sunlight bathed the training ground as Shen Yun sheathed his sword, beads of sweat trickling down his face and neck. Just then, Lian appeared quietly, carrying a soft cloth in her gentle hands.
"Your Highness," she said softly, stepping closer, "let me help you."
She offered the cloth to him. As Shen Yun reached out, their fingers brushed briefly—a tender, electric touch that made Lian's cheeks flush a delicate pink. For a moment, time seemed to still be between them.
He took the cloth, slowly wiping the sweat from his brow, meeting her shy gaze. The memory of last night—when they had kissed beneath the moonlight and shared the warmth of the same bed like a couple—lingered in her eyes.
"Prince," Lian whispered, voice full of quiet hope, "you've grown stronger than before. One day, you will surpass everyone."
A soft smile curved Shen Yun's lips, though a hint of sadness shadowed his crimson eyes. He replied gently, "You don't have to say that. I already know how strong I am now... because I..."
Lian's blush deepened, and the bond between them felt even more certain, woven with unspoken trust and the promise of a future facing whatever challenges awaited.