The morning sun cast long golden beams across the Azure Moon Sect as the Crimson Lotus envoys settled into the guest pavilion perched on the eastern cliffs. The air carried an edge of quiet unease. Disciples walking the stone paths whispered about Yun Rou's arrival. Elders moved carefully, eyes watchful. Even the birds seemed to sense something unnatural in the wind.
Lin Tian stood at the central courtyard fountain, hands folded behind his back, listening to the silence as though it might betray secrets.
"She's already set her traps," came Su Meiyu's voice as she appeared beside him, her fox tails flicking lazily behind her. "A few of their disciples are asking questions in the outer sect. Seeing who's loyal. Who's weak."
"She wants to measure the mountain before she climbs it," Lin Tian murmured.
"She wants to measure you." Su Meiyu smirked. "But I wonder if she realizes what kind of dragon she's poking."
He glanced at her sideways.
"Worried about me, Meiyu?"
"Of course." Her grin sharpened. "If she steals you, who will I tease?"
Before he could reply, Yue Qingyan approached. Her robes fluttered slightly in the breeze, her expression calm, but her eyes cold.
"She's begun," Yue said without preamble. "Gifts to the lower elders. Promises. A few subtle threats in polite language."
"She moves fast." Lin Tian frowned.
"That's her way," Jiang Yuyan said quietly, joining them without sound. "Charm and smiles in daylight. Knives in the dark."
Lin Tian turned to face the three.
"Let her play her games," he said softly. "I won't be the hunted here."
"You intend to move first?" Yue asked.
He nodded.
"Tonight."
A flicker of interest passed through Su Meiyu's gaze.
"Daring."
"It's time she understands this isn't her court. This is Azure Moon."
Jiang Yuyan's lips curved faintly.
"I'll prepare the shadows."
Yue Qingyan met his eyes, her expression unreadable.
"Be careful, Lin Tian. A wounded pride is the most dangerous blade."
"I know," he said quietly.
But inside, fire stirred.
No clan, no envoy, no ambitious beauty would make him bow.
Not now.
---
That evening, as the sun sank behind the western ridge, Lin Tian moved alone through the inner gardens. The path wound past spirit springs and quiet meditation groves, empty of disciples at this hour.
He sensed them before he saw them.
Two Crimson Lotus disciples waited at the far gate—young, armed, nervous.
One stepped forward as Lin Tian approached, bowing stiffly.
"Senior Lin Tian. Our First Daughter requests your presence at the Pavilion of Falling Blossoms. A private meeting."
Lin Tian smiled coldly.
"So soon?"
The disciple swallowed hard.
"She wishes... to speak without formality."
"Of course she does."
Without another word, Lin Tian turned toward the old pavilion at the garden's edge.
It was silent there—an ancient stone platform ringed by withered cherry trees. Petals drifted on the breeze, caught in fading sunlight.
Yun Rou stood alone beneath the largest tree.
Her crimson gown shimmered faintly in the dim light. Her long hair gleamed like silk. When she turned, her smile was perfect—warm, inviting, dangerous.
"Lin Tian," she greeted softly. "I hoped you'd come."
He bowed slightly, keeping his eyes sharp.
"Lady Yun Rou."
She laughed gently, the sound like distant bells.
"Must we be so formal? We are... alike, you and I."
"Alike?" he asked, voice mild.
Her eyes gleamed.
"Both young. Powerful. Unafraid to defy expectation. The world bends for us—or it breaks."
She stepped closer, each movement graceful, precise.
"I offer you a future, Lin Tian. The Crimson Lotus can make you greater than any sect could. You could rule, not serve. Build a new dynasty—with me."
Her hand lifted, reaching gently for his arm.
But Lin Tian caught her wrist lightly before she touched him.
Her smile froze.
"I don't remember asking for chains," he said softly.
Her expression flickered—then smoothed.
"Not chains. Wings."
He leaned closer, eyes narrowing.
"I forge my own wings. No one ties strings to me."
The pressure between them thickened. Spiritual energy stirred faintly, quiet and sharp like drawn blades.
"Be careful, Lady Yun Rou," Lin Tian said. "Offer too much... and I might think you fear me."
Her hand dropped.
She smiled again—but this time, it didn't reach her eyes.
"And you, Lin Tian. Be careful refusing. Not all who smile are friends."
"Good," he murmured. "I prefer enemies who smile."
For a long moment, they stood silent beneath the fading sky, the petals falling slowly between them.
Then Yun Rou bowed, flawless and distant once more.
"Our talks are not over," she said gently.
"Let's hope not," Lin Tian replied, turning away.
As he left, he felt her gaze burning against his back.
The first move had been made.
But the game was only beginning.