The dawn sky over Azure Moon Sect glowed faintly as the first light of day slipped between the towering peaks. The mountain breeze carried the scent of fresh dew and distant pine, but beneath the quiet beauty of the morning, tension rippled like an unseen thread.
Lin Tian stood on the eastern balcony of the sect's main hall, watching the sun rise, his thoughts sharp and cold.
Today, the first envoys from the **Crimson Lotus Clan** would arrive.
He felt it in his bones. After the Fifth Trial, after his open rejection of ascension, the power balance of the cultivation world had shifted. No sect, no alliance, no ancient clan could ignore it. And the Crimson Lotus Clan was always the first to move when the world changed.
A faint sound behind him made him turn.
Yue Qingyan stood in the doorway, dressed in simple but flawless robes of pale silver. Her long hair was tied neatly behind her, her expression as calm and unreadable as ever.
"They're coming by sky ship," she said quietly. "Three elders. Five disciples. And... their First Daughter."
Lin Tian raised an eyebrow. "The First Daughter? Bold."
"Or foolish," Yue Qingyan said. "They wouldn't risk her unless they intended something more than diplomacy."
"An alliance offer?" he asked.
"Or an ultimatum."
Footsteps echoed down the hall light, unhurried.
Su Meiyu strolled into view, tails flicking lazily behind her, a soft grin on her lips.
"So serious in the morning, Sect Mistress," she teased. "You make it sound like the Crimson Lotus wants war."
"Maybe they do," Yue Qingyan replied without smiling.
Su Meiyu waved a hand.
"Or maybe they want to see if our shining star here is as dangerous in person as he is in rumor."
She winked at Lin Tian.
"Careful, Tian. The First Daughter is said to be beautiful beyond measure. She may wish to collect you as a trophy."
Lin Tian smiled faintly. "If she tries, she'll be disappointed."
Jiang Yuyan's quiet voice broke the moment.
"Don't underestimate her."
The former Sect Mistress emerged from the shadows of the corridor, her dark robes trailing silently behind her. Her gaze was sharp, thoughtful.
"Yun Rou the First Daughter of the Crimson Lotus is more than beauty. She's a Core Formation prodigy. And her ambition matches her talent."
Yue Qingyan nodded. "She commands her own division. If she wants Lin Tian for political leverage… or worse…"
"I'll decide that when I meet her," Lin Tian said calmly.
The sky rumbled softly as a crimson light bloomed over the eastern ridge. A flying ship a vast jade vessel marked with the lotus crest drifted into view, powered by glowing talismans and spirit energy.
Yue Qingyan stepped forward.
"It's time."
Together, the four descended to the landing platform.
---
The Crimson Lotus delegation disembarked with graceful precision. Three elders in crimson robes, their faces stern and unreadable, formed a protective half-circle around a single young woman.
She stepped forward as the wind tugged gently at her silk gown a shimmering robe of deep scarlet embroidered with golden petals. Her hair flowed behind her like a river of black silk. Her face, pale and flawless, bore a smile that was polite... but not warm.
"Lin Tian," she said softly.
Her voice was smooth as clear jade.
"I am Yun Rou. First Daughter of Crimson Lotus Clan. I greet you on behalf of my house."
Lin Tian inclined his head slightly.
"Welcome to Azure Moon Sect, Lady Yun Rou."
She smiled wider.
"I am pleased to finally meet the man who defied the heavens themselves."
The elders behind her did not smile.
Neither did Yue Qingyan or Jiang Yuyan.
"Such a grand reputation for one so young," Yun Rou continued. "And such daring... to refuse ascension when it lay within your grasp. Few in this realm could make such a choice."
Lin Tian met her gaze evenly.
"Fewer still would understand why."
Her smile deepened.
"Perhaps. But that is why I came. To understand."
Su Meiyu's voice broke in smoothly.
"Or to tempt him with another path, perhaps?"
Yun Rou turned slightly, amused.
"And why not? Our clan respects strength. Such power... deserves an empire of its own."
Yue Qingyan's gaze hardened.
"Careful, Lady Yun Rou. Azure Moon is not for sale."
"But is Lin Tian?" Yun Rou asked softly, eyes gleaming.
The question hung in the air.
Lin Tian smiled.
"No one owns me," he said simply.
The tension broke like glass.
For a moment, silence ruled the platform.
Then Yun Rou laughed softly.
"Good. I would have been disappointed if you had answered differently."
She stepped closer, stopping just within reach.
"But remember, Lin Tian. The world outside Azure Moon is wide... and full of choices."
She turned gracefully.
"We will remain as guests for three days. During that time... perhaps you'll allow me the chance to learn more."
Without waiting for an answer, she walked away, her elders following like silent shadows.
When they were gone, Su Meiyu whistled softly.
"What a woman. Trouble wrapped in silk."
Jiang Yuyan's eyes remained on the departing figure.
"She didn't come to flirt."
"No," Yue Qingyan agreed. "She came to make a move."
Lin Tian smiled faintly, eyes narrowing.
"Then let her try."
Above the mountain, clouds gathered slowly.
Storms were coming.
And Lin Tian would meet them all.