The Southern Regent's capital rose before them like a fortress of black marble and gilded spires. Beyond the outer wall, a moat reflected the morning sun in rippling shards of light. Kai Jin's escort passed under the **Lion's Banner Gate**, where two massive bronze lions flanked the entrance, their eyes seeming to follow every traveler's step.
A phalanx of Southern guards in onyx armor greeted the Broken Sky Envoy. Their captain—a scarred veteran named Zhao Han—inspected the imperial warrant with wary eyes. Kai stepped forward, voice calm but carrying:
"I am Envoy Kai Jin of the Broken Sky. By imperial decree, we seek audience with Regent Wu Li Ren."
Zhao's lips curled in a tight smile. "The Regent awaits, but know this: peace here has its price." He signaled and the gates swung open, revealing a broad boulevard lined with silver-leafed ash trees. Yue Zhu offered Kai a reassuring nod, her hand brushing his as they passed. Beside them, Bai Ru's gaze swept the ornate façades, and Lin Su's demon-mark pulse quickened—an omen Kai could not ignore.
They were led into the **Golden Lotus Hall**, its floor of polished obsidian reflecting towering columns inlaid with jade. At the far end sat Regent Wu Li Ren, draped in robes of crimson and black. His youthful face bore the confidence of unchecked power. "Envoy Kai Jin," he intoned, voice smooth as silk. "Your journey was long. Speak your terms."
Kai bowed deeply. "Regent, the Eastern Dukedom and Southern Regents have bled one another for decades. The emperor offers shared control of the silk routes and a joint tribunal to settle disputes fairly."
A murmur rippled among the Regent's advisors. Wu Li Ren's dark eyes narrowed. "Fairness is expensive. What does the emperor offer in return?"
Yue stepped forward, her tone measured: "In return, we propose mutual military support against common threats—bandit incursions in the western passes and raids beyond the Great Floodwall. Unity strengthens both realms."
The Regent leaned back, fingers steepled. "A tempting proposal… but I fear hidden strings." He glanced at his advisors, and one—Lady Sheng Mei—sighed softly, as though the envoy's words resonated with her own doubts.
While negotiations continued, Lin Su slipped aside with Bai Ru to a shadowed alcove. Their hushed conversation carried enough for Kai to catch fragments. "The Regent tests your conviction," Lin Su warned. "An ambush is planned for your return through the forest." Bai Ru's eyes widened. "We cannot risk the envoy's life." Lin Su's lips curved. "Then we must act tonight—before the Treaty is sealed."
Back in the hall, Regent Wu Li Ren smiled thinly. "We will consider. Return to the Vermilion Gate at dawn tomorrow for our answer." With a curt nod, he dismissed them.
Under a moonless sky, Kai paced the courtyard outside the hall. Yue joined him, worry etching her brow. "They intend bloodshed," he said quietly. "Lin Su alerted us." Yue's hand found his. "Then we preempt their strike. Our guards stand ready." Kai drew the Mt. Luoyang blade. "At midnight, we ride to the forest's edge. We'll meet this threat on our terms."
They found Lin Su and Bai Ru by the stables. Torches cast long shadows as the four shared a solemn vow. Yue pressed a kiss to Kai's cheek—brief, fierce, and filled with unspoken promise.
At the stroke of midnight, the envoy slipped through silent gates. In the forest's inky depths, torches flickered as masked riders emerged, jade-tipped lances poised. Lin Su sprang forward, her blade a silver arc that disarmed their leader. Bai Ru weaved healing wards for the wounded, while Yue's palm strikes sent three attackers sprawling. Kai met the fiercest rider head-on, parrying a deadly thrust before disarming him with a controlled riposte.
As the last assailant fell, Kai's blade glowed faintly—a bond of trust between sword and bearer. He sheathed it and turned to his companions, breath steady. "No more shadows," he declared. "Tomorrow, we seal our fate in daylight."
By the first gray light, the forest lay quiet save for the rustle of leaves. Kai Jin and his three steadfast allies rode back to the Regent's capital—scarred but unbroken—ready to face the gilded discord in the halls of power, their unity stronger than any blade.
---
**Chapter 60: The Dawn of the Two-Rivers Accord**
The first light of morning gilded the obsidian spires of the Southern Regent's capital as Kai Jin and his companions rode beneath the Lion's Banner Gate once more. Though fatigue weighed on their shoulders, the bond forged in midnight steel lent them a quiet confidence. Today, the fate of two nations would be sealed.
Within the **Golden Lotus Hall**, Regent Wu Li Ren waited, flanked by his council. His crimson-and-black robes bore no hint of his dark night's plotting. As Kai Jin stepped forward, the hall's hush was absolute.
"You have returned," the Regent said, voice measured. "Your wounds speak of treachery afoot. I commend your vigilance." He gestured for them to stand before the dais. "Speak now—will you accept my terms, or withdraw your offer of unity?"
Yue Zhu answered, voice steady despite the morning chill. "Regent, we honor your strength. In goodwill, we agree that the silk route toll shall be split—forty percent to the Southern Regents, sixty percent to the Eastern Dukedom—ensuring both realms profit fairly."
A murmur swept through the advisors. Wu Li Ren's eyes narrowed as he considered. "An unusual division," he mused, "but one that shows your faith in reconciliation." He nodded slowly. "I accept on one condition: the Eastern Dukedom will station a garrison of five hundred troops at the western passes to guard against bandits—paid for by our joint treasury."
Kai inclined his head. "Agreed."
Before the Regent could confirm, the grand doors swung open. A royal messenger bowed deeply and presented a folded parchment sealed in azure wax—the imperial cipher of the Broken Sky Emperor. "The emperor sends his apologies for this delay," the messenger announced. "He endorses your accord and adds that the Broken Sky Envoy may select one diplomat from the Southern Regents to reside at the capital as liaison."
Lin Su exchanged a glance with Bai Ru, understanding the deeper significance: true unity required personal trust, not mere treaties.
Wu Li Ren broke the wax seal, unrolled the imperial decree, and read aloud: "We, by divine mandate, approve the Two-Rivers Accord. Let this day stand as proof that the Broken Sky binds us as one." He dipped his finger in ink and pressed it to the treaty's parchment. Kai Jin followed suit, then Yue, Lin Su, and Bai Ru in turn—each mark a pledge beyond politics.
As the final flourish dried, trumpets sounded beyond the hall. Servants entered bearing fragrant incense and cups of tea, symbolizing peace and prosperity.
Outside the Golden Lotus Hall, the delegation assembled. Regent Wu Li Ren offered Kai a respectful bow. "Envoy of the Broken Sky, you have done what many deemed impossible."
Yue slid her hand into Kai's with warmth. Lin Su and Bai Ru stood proudly at his flank. The four of them exchanged quiet smiles beneath banners now struck with both phoenix and dragon, intertwined.
Kai inhaled deeply the crisp morning air. "To Nebourming's peace," he declared. "And to the dawn of a new era."
As they departed through the Lion's Banner Gate, the city's heart thrummed with renewed hope—an empire united not by force of arms, but by the enduring strength of trust and the unwavering courage of four souls bound by the Broken Sky.