Night returned to Tianyuan like a fellow loyal servant.
The palace lay quiet beneath its lanterns, the corridors hushed, guards dismissed with a single wave of the emperor's hand. Mo Tianxing sat alone in the inner sanctum, sleeves unfastened, his crown set aside, black robes pooling at his feet like spilled ink.
Before him knelt Han Liuyan.
His arm had been treated- wrapped, but the pain still clung to him like a second skin. He had been summoned without explanation. As always, he did not ask. But he suspected for the Emperor to punish him for drawing blood..
Mo Tianxing observed him.
"You wounded me today." the emperor said lightly.
Han Liuyan lowered his head further. "This servant did not intend-"
"I know. Intent is irrelevant."
He rose and circled the boy slowly. Each step echoed. Han Liuyan remained still, breathing shallow, shoulders squared despite exhaustion.
"You should have died for that. But you didn't."
Mo Tianxing stopped in front of him and crouched, golden eyes level with the boy's bowed face. He reached out- not to strike, but to grip Han Liuyan's injured arm.
Hard.
Han Liuyan's breath broke. A sharp sound escaped him before he could stop it. His fingers clenched against the floor, knuckles whitening, but he did not pull away. It was truly painful
Mo Tianxing tightened his grip just enough to make the pain sing.
"This, is mercy." he said softly
Then he released him.
Han Liuyan swayed, caught himself, and remained kneeling.
Mo Tianxing straightened, already bored with the response. He turned toward the ritual dais at the center of the chamber. Ancient bones lay arranged in a precise circle, inscriptions carved deep and stained black with old blood. The air grew colder as he approached.
"Remain." he commanded.
Han Liuyan did as told
Mo Tianxing then removed a thin blade from his sleeve- ivory-handled, ceremonial. Without hesitation, he pressed it against his own palm and drew it across the skin.
Ah, so this was how the Heavenly Bone divinition was conducted, Han Liuyan couldn't look away, surprised as to what came to view, At least it wasn't the bone in his broken arm that was used-
Blood fell.
Not much. Just enough.
The runes ignited.
The Heavenly Bone Divination awakened once more.
Mo Tianxing exhaled slowly as the ritual took hold. This time, it bit deeper- he felt it immediately. A sharp hollowing beneath his ribs, as if something vital had been carved away and offered to the void. His vision blurred for half a breath. His heartbeat stuttered.
A fragment of his life- gone.
The bones rattled.
Images flickered violently. Fire, betrayal, the palace in ruin, his own blood soaking into marble. And always-
golden hair.
Mo Tianxing's jaw tightened.
When the ritual finally died, the chamber was silent once more.
Mo Tianxing wiped the blood from his hand, expression unreadable.
He turned back to Han Liuyan.
The boy had not moved. Sweat clung to his temples. His lips were pressed thin, but his gaze.. When he dared lift it, it was steady.
"Recover quickly. You will accompany me to Yunzhou."
Han Liuyan's breath hitched.
"The banquet. I would hate to arrive without the most interesting piece of my court."
He stepped past the boy, already dismissing him from thought.
Behind him, Han Liuyan lowered his head once more, unaware that his fate had just tightened around him like a closing hand.
He stepped past the boy, already dismissing him from thought.
Mo Tianxing left the inner sanctum taking his crown since it was of course important for the nobles.
The corridor stretched long and narrow, lantern light staining the floor in dull gold. Each step echoed evenly, though the faint ache beneath his ribs reminded him of the price already paid to the bones.
Less life this time.
Annoying.. But acceptable.
A non-cultivator.
Yet he had drawn blood.
Mo Tianxing's fingers curled slowly at his side.
If the bones spoke true, then Han Liuyan was not a coincidence. He was not a servant who happened to survive. He was a thread- probably one that tightened around Mo Tianxing's fate no matter how many times it was cut.
Crushing him outright would be simple.
Too simple.
A weak thing could not kill an emperor. Or maybe he was just coping..
He slowed his pace.
If Han Liuyan was to become the cause of his death, then Mo Tianxing would decide how. What shape that blade took. How sharp it became. Where it was aimed.
Teaching him cultivation was not kindness.
It was containment.
When he reached the end of the corridor, he spoke without turning to a maidservant who happened to walk just behind him
"Prepare a basic cultivation manual. Nothing public. Nothing gentle."
The maidservant stiffened. "For… a servant, Your Majesty?"
"For Han Liuyan. No longer a slave, i shall recognize him as a disciple." Mo Tianxing corrected coldly. "He will learn under supervision. Any deviation, report it. Any failure- break him again."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mo Tianxing resumed walking.
The banquet would come soon. Too many eyes. Too many mouths eager to test his authority. A cultivated slave at his side would unsettle them far more than a corpse ever could.
***
Mo Tianxing's black-and-gold robes caught the morning light as he stood in the courtyard, golden eyes scanning the banners announcing the banquet. The invitation lay neatly folded in his hand, a formal request from Emperor Lan Wenhao of Yunzhou.
"Xu Liangren. Shen Yao, You two will accompany me."
The two young cultivators stepped forward immediately as they were called just earlier. Xu Liangren's eyes swept the courtyard, cataloging every cultivator, every emissary, every subtle movement. Shen Yao followed silently, expression neutral, but her fingers itched just below her sleeves- restless and ready.
Mo Tianxing's gaze flicked to Han Liuyan, who knelt at the edge of the stone floor, pale and bound, arm still healing. The boy rose with measured steps, keeping his head lowered. Qi swirled faintly around him, thin and unsteady, yet unmistakably present. He knew what was to come already being invited beforehand.
"You, as well, Do not disgrace yourself in front of guests."
Han Liuyan lowered his head further. "Yes, Your Majesty."
***
They ascended the terrace together, three shadows following the emperor's stride. The courtyard fell silent the instant they appeared. Cultivators and nobles alike straightened, whispers stifled, eyes drawn toward the black-and-gold figure at the head of the marble platform.
Mo Tianxing's golden eyes swept across the assembled crowd with casual precision. He did not bow and he did not greet. Politeness was a game, and he had no intention of playing.
Then he gestured once, sharp and deliberate.
"Xu Liangren. Shen Yao. Han Liuyan. Stand here."
The three obeyed instantly. Xu Liangren and Shen Yao flanked him, faces calm and neutral, their qi steady but alert. Han Liuyan remained behind the emperor, not beside him, yet close enough to be visible to every sect leader present.
A ripple of confusion passed through the crowd. A boy, barely more than a child, with one arm still bound?
Mo Tianxing ignored them all. He had chosen deliberately. The boy's presence was a statement, a warning, a puzzle for those who dared think themselves clever.
The envoy from Yunzhou stepped forward, bowing. "Your Majesty, we are honored by your presence."
Mo Tianxing's lips curved slightly, "Honor is wasted on those who cannot wield it." he said.
Music rose, wine was poured, laughter resumed, polite and measured. But the attention of the room remained, at least partially, on Han Liuyan. Xu Liangren and Shen Yao could feel the undercurrent of scrutiny, curious eyes.
And Mo Tianxing, seated at the head, watched carefully, golden eyes sharp. He did not merely observe the banquet. He observed them all.
Most importantly, he observed the boy behind him, Han Liuyan. the fragile yet dangerous thread he was beginning to sharpen.
The music swelled. Laughter and polite conversation filled the terraces, but Han Liuyan kept his gaze lowered, steps measured. Every footfall was careful, yet in the press of servants and courtiers, a misstep was inevitable, especially around the emperor he serves.
A young attendant had brushed past him. Han Liuyan shifted instinctively- and in doing so, his shoulder bumped lightly against Mo Tianxing's back.
The contact was minor, almost imperceptible, but in the emperor's presence, it might as well have been a strike.
Mo Tianxing's golden eyes snapped to him. For a heartbeat, the room seemed to still, as if the air itself were holding its breath.
Han Liuyan froze, bowing instinctively. "Your Majesty-"
Mo Tianxing remained silent. The tiniest crease formed at the corner of his mouth, and the faintest tilt of his head followed the boy's movements.
Then, almost lazily, he reached out, placing a hand on Han Liuyan's shoulder. not to punish, but to steady him. The pressure was light, and surprisingly gentle.
"You will learn to walk without touching me." Mo Tianxing said softly, his voice carrying only enough for Liuyan to hear. "Or you will learn another way entirely."
Han Liuyan swallowed, head still bowed. His pulse raced, qi flickering unevenly. Yet he stayed on his feet.
The crowd remained oblivious to the tiny incident- only Xu Liangren and Shen Yao noticed the flicker of tension. Xu Liangren's jaw tightened. Shen Yao on the other hand didn't utter a word. They both knew that in Mo Tianxing's world, a single bump could teach a lifetime of lessons.
Han Liuyan's steps resumed, careful again, golden hair brushing the edge of his robes. Every movement measured, every breath controlled, as he kept the fragile balance between survival and scrutiny.
And Mo Tianxing? He watched, amused in that way only he could be, curiosity glinting behind golden eyes.
At the threshold, Emperor Lan Wenhao of Yunzhou appeared first. He was older, dignified, with silver-streaked black hair, wearing robes embroidered with the emblem of a coiled dragon. His presence alone carried authority, but his gaze immediately swept across the guests and then froze ever so slightly.
At his side, a young girl stepped forward. Xu Liangren and Shen Yao instinctively straightened, noting her age, barely older than themselves, perhaps fifteen or sixteen, yet her posture and composure betrayed the bearing of royalty.
The princess's eyes sharp, dark, and assessing, moved slowly over the gathered cultivators before landing on the small group following Mo Tianxing.
The emperor of Yunzhou cleared his throat, a sound that silenced polite murmurs. "Welcome, Mo Tianxing." he said formally. His gaze flicked toward the boy walking behind the emperor- Han Liuyan. Then it lingered on the two young disciples at Mo Tianxing's side. "I… see you bring… young disciples."
Mo Tianxing's lips curved slightly. "Two weeks of instruction is all that is required to test their skills." His golden eyes were calm, almost lazy, yet held a hint of steel. "They will demonstrate only what they have learned under my guidance."
The emperor of Yunzhou's brow lifted. "Two weeks? That is… ambitious. And these children?" He gestured subtly toward Xu Liangren and Shen Yao. "They have been trained only briefly?"
"Yes," Mo Tianxing said softly. "But sometimes, refinement is more dangerous than years of repetition."
The princess's lips pressed thin, but her eyes shone with keen curiosity. She stepped closer, clearly studying the young disciples as if measuring the air around them, sensing qi, waiting for the slightest ripple to indicate skill.
Meanwhile, just beyond the hall, hidden in shadow among the decorative hedges, General Huo Zhen crouched silently. He had been stationed outside the banquet from the beginning, watching every detail, noting every reaction, prepared to act should the situation turn unfavorable. His eyes flicked toward Mo Tianxing and the boy behind him.
The emperor of Yunzhou's eyes narrowed slightly. "I… did not expect you to bring such… young cultivators."
Mo Tianxing's golden gaze lifted, calm and deliberate. "Age does not define strength. Discipline does."
A ripple of whispers ran through the gathered sect leaders. The princess, still silent, shifted slightly on her feet, clearly intrigued. Lan Wenhao, was pretty surprised and amazed.
i wish to see whiskers. (Mo Tianxing's fish)
And outside, Huo Zhen's fingers flexed, ready, watching the crowd with careful precision.
The banquet hall of Yunzhou was vast and open, its ceiling arched high with painted clouds and cranes frozen mid-flight. Long tables lined the sides, laden with delicacies untouched as servants poured wine with careful precision.
Mo Tianxing then sat where Emperor Lan Wenhao had arranged for him, an honored seat, but unmistakably that of a guest.
Xu Liangren and Shen Yao stood just behind and to either side of him, backs straight, expressions composed. Han Liuyan remained a step farther back, close enough to hear, far enough to be ignored- at least, that was the intent.
Emperor Lan Wenhao raised his cup first. "Your presence honors Yunzhou. It has been many years since you last accepted an invitation from different kingdoms, i am glad to have your presence here."
Mo Tianxing inclined his head slightly. Barely. "Your envoy was persistent."
A few restrained chuckles followed.
Lan Wenhao smiled. "Borders, trade routes, spirit vein access- these matters grow complicated with time. I hoped a banquet might soften the discussion."
"Softness dulls clarity, But speak." Mo Tianxing said.
The discussion then began.
Territory. Patrol boundaries. Cultivator disputes along shared lands. Xu Liangren listened closely, silently mapping names to intentions. When Lan Wenhao mentioned a minor sect skirmish, Xu Liangren's brow twitched- he recognized the formation described, realized instantly which side had lied.
Beside him, Shen Yao kept her hands folded neatly, nodding at appropriate moments. Yet when the topic turned to spirit taxes, she glanced briefly at Mo Tianxing, then away- quietly calculating how Yunzhou's proposal leaned too far in its own favor.
The words blurred together at times, pain still lingering faintly in Han Liuyan's arm, but he focused anyway. He watched how Xu Liangren's posture shifted when politics turned sharp. How Shen Yao's eyes cooled when smiles became false. He tried to remember it all.
At one point, a servant passed behind them too quickly.
Han Liuyan shifted instinctively to make space- and bumped lightly into Xu Liangren this time.
Xu Liangren startled, then glanced back. For a split second, his stern expression cracked.
"…Careful." he whispered.
Han Liuyan flushed and bowed his head quickly. "S-sorry Xu shixiong."
Xu Liangren exhaled through his nose, barely suppressing a grin, then straightened again as if nothing had happened.
Shen Yao noticed anyway.
She leaned slightly toward Han Liuyan when no one was looking and murmured, "If you fall, you'll make noise. Try not to."
Han Liuyan nodded seriously, as if given a sacred instruction.
Meanwhile, Emperor Lan Wenhao's daughter sat beside her father, silent until now. She watched the three youths with open curiosity, eyes lingering longer than politeness allowed.
"They're young.." she said suddenly.
The hall quieted a fraction.
Lan Wenhao glanced at her, surprised. "Mm?"
She gestured subtly toward them. "Your disciples" she said to Mo Tianxing. "They're around my age."
Mo Tianxing followed her gaze calmly. "And?"
She tilted her head. "Why bring them?"
Mo Tianxing did not answer immediately.
"i was unsure if you were listening earlier, but it is to see.. Whether what they learned survives scrutiny."
The princess's eyes brightened! not with malice, but interest. "I see."
The conversation resumed, but the atmosphere had shifted.
Xu Liangren caught Shen Yao's eye briefly. She raised one brow, a silent be careful.
Han Liuyan adjusted his stance, trying to stand straighter despite the ache in his arm. He didn't want to embarrass them. Didn't want to be the reason eyes lingered.
Outside the hall, unseen, Huo Zhen remained at his post, gaze fixed on the entrance, listening to the subtle changes in tone drifting through the open doors.
The discussion finally slowed.
Wine cups were refilled. Servants moved quietly between tables, and the edge of political tension dulled- just enough for curiosity to slip through.
It was then that Emperor Lan Wenhao's daughter spoke again.
"May I ask something improper?" she said lightly.
The hall stilled, not in alarm, but interest.
Lan Wenhao frowned. "Yun'er-"
Mo Tianxing lifted a hand, interrupting him without looking away from the princess. "Speak."
She smiled, unbothered by the attention. "I've heard many things about Your Majesty, Most of them very admirable."
A ripple of restrained laughter followed.
"But I'm more curious about something else." Her gaze flicked, briefly, toward Xu Liangren and Shen Yao. Then- just as briefly, toward the quiet boy standing behind them.
"Do you take disciples?"
The question landed like a stone dropped into still water.
Xu Liangren's breath stalled. Shen Yao did not move, but her spine straightened instinctively. Han Liuyan lowered his head further, heart thudding painfully in his chest.
Mo Tianxing's expression did not change.
"No." he said.
That smile alone could ignite three sect feuds and one very personal headache.If I accept her, the elders will faint, the ministers will weep, and my patience will be the first casualty.
The answer was immediate. Absolute.
The princess blinked, clearly surprised. "Not even exceptional ones?"
Mo Tianxing met her gaze calmly. "Especially not exceptional ones."
Silence followed.
Lan Wenhao laughed awkwardly, trying to ease the moment. "My daughter is… enthusiastic when it comes to cultivation."
"I admire strength, And yours is not merely rumor."
She leaned forward slightly, eyes bright. "a few days ago.. when the Crimson Demon Sect's Sect leader decided to attack you with such cunning tactics, you were able to stop them. Probably along with these young ones."
"You walked in alone with the Demon sect leader in the pavillion, i've heard. But you were able to leave.. Alive and well!"
She studied him openly now. "To cultivate under someone like you- even briefly, it would change a person forever."
Xu Liangren felt the weight of her words nodding approvingly as he crossed his arms.
Mo Tianxing set his cup down.
"I do not cultivate people. I refine tools."
The temperature in the hall seemed to drop.
The princess paused, then smiled again- this time slower, more thoughtful. "Then I suppose I should be glad you declined."
"Oh?" Mo Tianxing asked mildly.
"If you had accepted, Yunzhou would have lost it's precious princess."
what a pig, it's probably less headaches from your servants.
Mo Tianxing regarded her for a long moment. Then, just barely his lips curved.
"Flattery is wasted on me, But your courage is.. well, confident."
The princess inclined her head, satisfied.
Behind them, Xu Liangren finally exhaled. Shen Yao glanced sideways at him, relief flickering briefly in her eyes before discipline smoothed it away.
Han Liuyan had remained silent looking at the Emperor.