A brisk autumn breeze swept through the Vermilion Gate as Kai Jin led the imperial delegation southward. Torches flickered in the early dawn mist, illuminating the lacquered wood—each step echoing on the polished stone. Cloaked figures lined the walls: soldiers in crimson armor, scribes clutching parchment, and envoys from allied provinces bowing respectfully. At Kai's side walked Yue Zhu, her emerald robes contrasting the swirling gold of Bai Ru's garments and the deep crimson of Lin Su's attire. Together, they formed the envoy of the Broken Sky, bound for Nebourming.
Kai Jin's hand brushed the scroll at his waist—the emperor's command and the blade from Mt. Luoyang. He inhaled the crisp air, remembering the court's silent gaze. Beside him, Yue offered a steady nod, her dark hair streaming behind her like a banner of hope.
"Are you certain," she whispered, "that the Eastern Dukedom will receive us peacefully?"
Kai met her gaze with resolute calm. "We carry imperial favor and a genuine offer of reconciliation. That must suffice."
Lin Su, riding just behind, tilted her head. "Diplomacy is fragile. One misstep, and steel may speak louder than words." Her demon-mark flickered as if sensing danger.
Bai Ru reached forward, placing a reassuring hand on Kai's shoulder. "Together, we'll uphold the Broken Sky's honor."
By dusk, the entourage reached the forested borders of Nebourming. Tumbled stone outposts guarded the pass, their banners faded by time. Kai signaled the lead guard, and they presented the imperial warrant. After tense moments, the gates creaked open—a silent concession that politics outweighed suspicion.
They camped within a glade ringed by gnarled oaks. A central brazier crackled, warming clay pots of stew and fragrant tea. As soup was ladled, Yue and Bai Ru unrolled detailed maps, debating the safest routes into the Southern Regents' territory.
Lin Su, examining the guards' watch patterns, offered a low warning: "They change shifts at midnight. That window might be exploited—if we needed to move unseen." Her eyes glimmered with challenge.
Kai allowed himself a brief smile. "I appreciate your vigilance, Lin Su. But for now, we wish not to provoke, only to parley."
Under star-flecked sky, they shared stories: Yue recalled her childhood training in etiquette; Bai Ru spoke of her time as a healer in the capital; Lin Su, uncharacteristically quiet, revealed only that her demon-mark had guided her through darker courts. Each confession wove their bonds tighter, forging unity before the trials ahead
A sudden rustle shattered the tranquil night. Kai drew the Mt. Luoyang blade with a soft flick; its steel sang. Guards leapt to arms as shadowy figures darted among the trees—assassins, cloaked in charcoal-gray.
Lin Su was first into the fray, her movements fluid as she disarmed one attacker with a whisper of steel. Yue, nimble and precise, knocked another to the ground with a palm strike. Bai Ru, rose-petal robes torn at the hem, chanted healing words to staunch a guard's wound.
Kai confronted the leader—a tall, masked warrior bearing the sigil of a disgraced minor lord. "Stand down," Kai ordered, voice low but firm. "You attack the emperor's envoy at your peril."
The assassin hesitated, lowering his blade. "Orders… from within," he grunted, collapsing to his knees. "They deem you unfit for Nebourming's peace." He spat blood. "But I—"
Before he could finish, Lin Su's dagger rested at his throat. "Your life is forfeit if your master so demands. Tell us who sent you."
The guard's dark mask slipped, revealing hollow eyes. He whispered a name Kai did not recognize, then fell silent. The survivors bound their hands, and Kai turned to his companions. "This conflict runs deeper than court disputes. We must tread carefully
As the first pale light of dawn filtered through the oaks, Kai surveyed his weary but determined friends. The brazier's embers glowed softly. Yue bent to inspect the wounded guard; Bai Ru prepared healing salves; Lin Su stood watch, eagle-eyed.
Kai sheathed his sword. "We journey on," he announced. "But we must present ourselves not only as diplomats, but as protectors of Nebourming's fragile peace."
Yue offered him a cup of tea, her fingers brushing his. "Then we do it together."
Bai Ru smiled, letting the morning warmth gild her face. "Broken Sky Envoy, lead the way."
Lin Su tilted her head, a rare softness in her eyes. "Just promise me one thing—your blade will protect us all."
Kai raised his cup in a silent toast. "To Nebourming's future… and to those who stand by my side."
Together, they mounted their horses and pressed forward through the Vermilion Gate's shadow, the path ahead uncertain but their purpose resolute—and the bonds of the Broken Sky stronger than ever