The vast council chamber of the imperial palace was shrouded in a deep silence that bore the weight of centuries. Ornate tapestries depicting legendary battles and sacred ceremonies adorned the towering walls, their colors muted under the flickering glow of ancient lanterns. At the center of the room, a massive circular table carved from blackened jade held the gathered figures—the emperor and his highest-ranking elders, their faces etched with lines of power, wisdom, and weariness.
Emperor Sheng Tian sat at the head, his posture regal, eyes sharp beneath heavy brows. The flicker of candlelight caught the glint of his polished signet ring as he tapped the table, calling the chamber to order.
"Report," he commanded, voice steady but cold as mountain air.
Elder Wei, the Grand Elder of the Dawning Blades Sect, rose with measured steps. His robes swept the floor, embroidered with the emblem of a rising sun. "Your Majesty, the border with the Ashen Dominion remains volatile. Their armies mass near the northern passes, and skirmishes have increased in frequency."
A murmur rippled through the council.
"War threatens," Elder Wei continued, "and if left unchecked, could spill into the heartland."
The emperor's eyes narrowed. "The Ashen Dominion's ambitions grow. Their hunger for territory threatens our peace—and our influence over the western provinces."
From across the table, Elder Lin of the Jade Cloud Sect, a woman known for her strategic mind and icy demeanor, spoke. "Direct military engagement risks fracturing the fragile balance. Our armies are stretched thin. The sects, however, possess forces of unparalleled skill. Deploying disciples covertly could serve as both shield and sword."
Elder Zhao, the leader of the Iron Sea Sect, slammed a fist lightly against the table. "And what of the cost? Sending our disciples into the fray risks losing our most precious assets. Sect resources, reputation… This could be a dagger aimed at our own heart."
A cold tension settled over the room. Whispered glances exchanged beneath veiled breaths.
Emperor Sheng raised a hand. "Enough."
His voice, though calm, commanded immediate attention.
"We cannot stand idle while our borders burn. We will send aid—not open war. A select group of disciples will be dispatched to assist our allies and contain the threat."
His gaze swept the elders. "This is not just a test of military might, but of loyalty, wisdom, and the future of our empire."
Elder Wei inclined his head. "Your Majesty's wisdom guides us. We shall prepare the candidates."
The chamber grew quiet again, but beneath the surface, currents of ambition and rivalry churned.
Elder Lin exchanged a knowing look with Elder Zhao—a silent conversation of power and influence.
The emperor's eyes then fell upon a scroll before him, its wax seal broken. Names were inscribed in flowing script, the chosen few destined to face the coming storm.
Among them, the name 'Kai Jin' stood out—a beacon in the shadowed halls