In the throne hall of Green Blade City, a crucial meeting was underway. The long braziers attached to each of the eight ivory columns bathed the hall in warm yellow lights and lit up the illustrations of demonic cultivators in the sloped ceiling. It was clearly not a structure built by a righteous force.

However, the carpets and rugs had already been stripped away by the occupying forces of the Skyshadow Sect, replaced with wall banners in deep shades of green and gold, bearing the crest of the sect—a mighty dragon entwined with a sword.

On either side of the throne were seats reserved for the most powerful leaders of the city, arranged in a semi-circle to facilitate discussion between them. At the moment, every single one of them was occupied.

The atmosphere in the hall was tense. It had been five days since they last received any word from Fort Blackthorn, and the silence was unnerving.

The tall, broad-shouldered man with kind golden eyes on the left of the throne was the first to speak.

"Major General Cao, it's been too long without any communication from Fort Blackthorn. We sent a messenger to investigate, but they have not returned either. This reeks of conspiracy."

All eyes turned toward the throne.

Major General Cao Jianhong was what most would consider an intimidating man. He had sharp, hawk-like eyes that missed nothing and a face carved with the stern lines of a life spent in command. His black hair was streaked with silver, tied back in a simple yet dignified manner.

His gaze narrowed slightly at the Essence Condensation expert who had spoken. It had been nearly two years since the Skyshadow Sect had seized the city, and Cao's grip on the other cultivators was not as firm as it once had been.

"To speak before me and introduce the topic of discussion could be seen as a slight against my rank, yet I would appear petty if I reprimanded him for raising the concern that weighs on all our minds," Cao mused inwardly, his thoughts tinged with a hint of irritation. "This Lu Chen grows bolder."

"I am well aware, Major Lu," Cao replied. "However, Fort Blackthorn is not our only concern. Major Han, what is the current situation on the outskirts of the Dark Wood Swamp?"

Han leaned forward slightly, her hands clasped in her lap. "The unrest among the insect beasts in the swamp has escalated significantly during this period. Our scouts report unusual behavior—frenzied swarms, increased aggression—but we have yet to determine the cause."

"The messenger we sent to Fort Blackthorn was one of our best. An eighth-stage Spirit cultivator, skilled in both combat and movement techniques, should have been able to navigate the dangers of the swamp with ease. If they haven't returned, it means something has gone terribly wrong." Colonel Wei Jun added.

As the officer in charge of intelligence on the southern front, Colonel Wei felt the weight of their current blindness more than others. The absence of communication from such a pivotal outpost was not just troubling—it was a gaping void in their defenses.

Cao Jianhong drummed his fingers lightly on the arm of his throne, his gaze distant as he considered their words. "It is unusual for Fort Blackthorn to go silent. The fort is a crucial outpost, and its commander is no fool. If they have been compromised, it would mean a significant loss for us."

Lu Chen nodded. "We need to decide on our next move, Major General. Should we send another group to investigate, or should we prepare for the worst and assume the fort has fallen?"

Cao's fingers stilled mid-tap.

"There is no need to send more messengers to their deaths," he said. "We will proceed as though the fort has been captured. I have no appetite for unpleasant surprises."

"..."

"We could send a stronger force this time, a reconnaissance unit with more Core Formation experts. If something has happened, they can return with information or reinforce the fort if necessary. Acting without any information is dangerous."

Everyone turned their gazes towards the blue-eyed youngster wearing the blue robes of an affiliated sect.

"Li Cheng, you already failed in your previous mission to open a small gap in the demons' formation. What makes you think you can open your mouth in such an important meeting?" Colonel Wei scoffed at him.

Li Cheng gritted his teeth but said nothing. The other colonels weren't even addressing him respectfully after his failure on what could be considered a simple mission. Yet he knew the truth that haunted him—an image burned into his mind.

He could still see her—standing amidst the fallen, her eyes gleaming with a terrifying mirth as if all living beings were merely toys for her amusement.

He had not failed because he was incompetent, but because the opponents was more competent. He acknowledged that he had underestimated the demonic forces.

Major Han shook her head slightly. "That might be too risky, Colonel Li. We could be walking into a trap. Whoever or whatever has silenced Fort Blackthorn might be waiting for us to make such a move. However, I won't deny your statement that acting without information is dangerous."

"Perhaps we should ask for reinforcements from the headquarters." Lu Shen frowned, his brow furrowed in thought. "If Fort Blackthorn has indeed fallen, it might only be a matter of time before the enemy turns their attention to the inheritance. One of the young masters is there at the moment."

Cao Jianhong listened to the exchange with a growing sense of impatience. He raised his hand and the hall was engulfed in silence.

"Enough. The headquarters has their hands full with the central and northern fronts. We will inform them of the updates, but there will be no reinforcements." He smiled at the officers. "We have more soldiers than the enemy and a greater number of experts. There is no cause for concern."

As Cao was about to end the meeting, the heavy doors of the throne hall groaned on their hinges, drawing every gaze toward the entrance. A young guard out of breath stumbled inside.

The Nascent Soul leader's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "I gave orders that this room was not to be disturbed unless something of extreme importance occurred. Explain yourself."

The guard, still panting, managed to stand at attention. "My apologies, Major General, but three survivors from Fort Blackthorn have just arrived at the city gates. They are gravely injured, but they insisted on delivering their news immediately."

Cao Jianhong's expression darkened.

"Who are these 'survivors'?" he asked, making sure to put emphasis on the last word.

The guard swallowed hard before answering. "One of them is Lieutenant Wong, sir. He claims to have vital information about what happened at the fort."

A tense silence fell over the room as the implications of the guard's words sank in. The meeting that had been filled with debate and uncertainty now took on a new, more urgent tone.

Cao Jianhong rose from his throne, his aura flaring with the power of a middle-stage Nascent Soul cultivator.

"Bring them in immediately," he ordered.

The arrival of survivors meant that whatever had happened at Fort Blackthorn was far worse than any of them had imagined. On the other hand, it also meant they wouldn't be in the dark anymore.

The heavy doors of the throne hall creaked again as they were pushed open, and Lieutenant Wong entered, flanked by two figures.

The moment the leaders of Green Blade City saw them, stares of pity and concern flew around the hall.

Lieutenant Wong led the way with his uniform torn and stained with dirt and blood, the insignia of his rank barely visible through the grime and saliva of the insect beasts. Yet even in this sorry state, he was the most fortunate of the three.

Beside him was a short girl with her face partially obscured by bandages. Blood had soaked through the white cloth, staining it a deep red. Her clothes were torn and tattered, hanging loosely on her small frame. The fabric clung to her as if it were a second skin, shredded in places and caked with mud and blood.

On Wong's other side was a young man who had clearly not been blessed by Lady Luck. His right sleeve was hanging empty where his arm should have been, and his black hair was matted with sweat and dirt. Just like the girl, his robes were in tatters. He leaned heavily on a makeshift crutch, his remaining hand clutching it with white-knuckled force.

The three of them were a pitiful sight.

"Present yourselves," Cao commanded.

Lieutenant Wong saluted weakly, his voice hoarse as he spoke. "Lieutenant Wong, reporting, sir."

"Dou Meifeng," the short girl said quietly. "Member of the Dou Family."

The young man followed. "Shen Tiexin," he sounded strained. "From the Verdant Blade Sect."

They were only soldiers from affiliated organisations, so almost no one recognized the names. However, some eyes twitched at the mention of the Dou Family.

Major Lu Shen leaned forward in his seat.

"We need a detailed account of what happened at Fort Blackthorn," he said, his words carrying an undercurrent of urgency. "Tell us everything, from the beginning."

Lieutenant Wong nodded, taking a deep breath before beginning. "It started with the demons sending a small force of about one hundred soldiers. They were crazed, throwing themselves at the walls, wave after wave. We cut them down, but it was clear they were trying to overwhelm us with sheer numbers."

His words drew nods from the Colonels, who had seen such tactics before. Colonel Wei Jun muttered something under his breath, his hand clenched into a fist.

"After we repelled the initial waves," Wong continued, "things took a turn for the worse. We found that the demons had placed something inside the bodies of their soldiers—something that smelled... sweet, almost pleasant. We didn't understand at first, but then the insect beasts in the swamp began to stir. They were drawn to the scent, flooding into the fort like a tide. The defenses we had... they were useless against that kind of onslaught."

Major Han, her brow furrowing, interjected, "Are you saying the demons used the insect beasts as weapons? How could they control them?"

"It wasn't control, Major," Wong replied, his lips trembling slightly. "It was attraction. The beasts weren't controlled—they were lured by that sweet scent. They tore through our defenses, and the fort fell in a matter of hours. We barely managed to escape before it was too late."

Dou Meifeng and Shen Tiexin nodded along, adding weight to Wong's account.

"You ran away while your comrades were slaughtered? Cowardice!" Colonel Wei Jun shouted all of a sudden. If he let the situation be like this, he would be the only one blamed for lacking information about the events in the swamp and the new method used to attract the beasts.

Lieutenant Wong winced, but held his ground.

"Those were the orders of Colonel Hao before he died," he said in a defensive tone. "He saw the situation was hopeless and ordered us to escape and deliver the news so that the rest of our forces wouldn't walk into the same trap. We only survived because we left when we did."

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The other Colonels exchanged uneasy glances. The story was harrowing, and the idea of the demons using such insidious tactics sent a chill through the room.

Major General Cao sighed.

"You've done well to survive such a nightmare. Go and rest. You deserve it." His tone was calm, almost gentle.

But as Wong prepared to salute again, a voice cut through the silence.

"Wait."

Colonel Li Cheng had an expressionless face as he stared at the three survivors. "Before we let them go, I request that their families be summoned to confirm their identities. For safety reasons, of course."

A murmur of agreement swept through some of the Colonels, while others looked uncomfortable at the suggestion.

Major General Cao frowned slightly, his gaze shifting to Li Cheng.

"This is unnecessary," Cao said a bit too loud. "They've come all this way, nearly dead from their wounds. Are you implying they're impostors?"

"It's not a question of trust, Major General, but of due diligence. We need to ensure the information they've provided is reliable. If their identities are confirmed, then we can be more confident in our next steps." Major Lu seized this opportunity to make his voice heard.

Cao Jianhong's frown deepened, but he could see the logic in Lu Shen's words.

His gaze returned to Wong, Dou Meifeng and Shen Tiexin. "Do you have any objections if we summon your families to confirm your identities?"

"No objections, sir," Wong said.

"We understand the need for caution," Dou added softly, her eyes downcast. Shen just gave a head nod.

The Major General looked at them apologetically. "Very well. We'll arrange for it immediately."

...

Two hours had passed since the order was given to verify the identities of the three survivors. The atmosphere inside the throne hall wasn't the best considering some of the colonels had made clear their lack of trust on the soldiers.

Finally, the families of the three survivors were escorted inside.

Major General Cao gestured for Lieutenant Wong's parents to step forward first, since they were already people he knew. The older couple still had eyes full of life, and it was obvious by the density of their spiritual energy that they were low-stage Core Formation cultivators like their son.

Cao nodded to them with a smile. "Please verify your son's identity, including his spiritual signature."

Wong Jian, Lieutenant Wong's father, approached his son confidently. When he reached him, his stern expression softened, and he placed a hand on his son's shoulder.

"Lei'er," he said warmly. "You look like you've been through the wringer. How's your arm holding up?"

Lieutenant Wong smiled weakly, clearly relieved to see his father. "Better than my pride, Father."

Wong Jian chuckled softly, then patted his son's shoulder. He closed his eyes briefly, sensing the spiritual signature that resonated with his own.

"It's him," he said confidently, turning back to the leaders. "This is my son."

Cao Jianhong nodded approvingly, and the tension in the room eased slightly. "Thank you, Wong Jian. You may return to your seat."

As Wong's parents stepped back, the focus shifted to the next survivor.

"Bring forward Shen Tiexin's family."

There was a moment of silence, an uncomfortable pause that stretched longer than it should have. Cao Jianhong's brow furrowed slightly as he called again, "Shen Tiexin's family, come forward."

No one moved.

The guard who had been stationed at the door stepped forward, bowing low before speaking. "Major General, Shen Tiexin was an orphan. He was trained as a spy from a young age, so he has no close family. However, several people who knew him have confirmed that his physical description matches exactly with the man standing here."

Cao's frown eased slightly.

"Very well," he said. "We will proceed with the confirmation based on the descriptions provided."

Shen Tiexin, still leaning on his crutch, gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

Cao Jianhong then turned to the sole woman among the three survivors. "Call forward Dou Meifeng's family."

A man emerged from the gathered onlookers with a frown and his lips pressed together. Dou Ming, Meifeng's older brother, was a tall, lean man with sharp features. He strode forward with an air of annoyance, his eyes narrowing as he approached his sister.

"Why did you call me here for my stupid sister?" Dou Ming asked.

Dou Meifeng flinched at his tone. She looked down at the ground, her bandaged face partially obscured by her long, disheveled hair. Her small frame seemed to shrink under her brother's harsh gaze.

Dou Ming reached out and grabbed Meifeng by the head, his fingers digging into her scalp as he tilted her face up to meet his.

"Well," he said with a derisive smirk, "looks like you survived somehow. Though you're looking more dead than usual."

Meifeng winced but said nothing.

Dou Ming turned to the leaders, his expression indifferent. "Yeah, it's her. No mistaking that cowardly look."

Satisfied with the confirmation, Cao Jianhong nodded. "Thank you, Dou Ming. You may leave."

Dou Ming released his sister roughly and turned on his heel, walking away without another word. Meifeng remained where she was for a moment, her hands trembling slightly before she quickly rejoined the group.

As the families left the hall, Major General Cao Jianhong's gaze hardened.

"This entire process has been unnecessary and reflects poorly on our righteous forces. We should be based on trust and kindness, not suspicion and baseless accusations. The behavior displayed today does not align with the values we uphold."

Major Lu Shen's expression tightened. "Major General, it was simply a precaution—"

Cao cut him off with a sharp glare. "A precaution that showed a lack of faith in our comrades. Lieutenant Wong, Shen Tiexin, and Dou Meifeng have endured unimaginable hardships, and yet you doubted them when they most needed our support."

Li Cheng bowed his head respectfully. "My apologies, Major General. I intended only to ensure the safety of our forces."

Cao Jianhong's gaze softened slightly, though his tone remained firm. "We are all concerned for our safety, Colonel Li, but we must not let fear dictate our actions. Remember that our strength comes from unity, not division."

With that, he waved a hand, signaling the end of the meeting. "This meeting is adjourned. The survivors are to be sent home to rest. They have earned it."

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

Dou Meifeng paused in front of her home, already dressed in proper clothes and out of the bloodstained bandages.

The Dou family mansion was a sprawling estate nestled in one of the most affluent districts of Green Blade City. The gates were wrought iron, twisted into elegant patterns, and the grounds beyond were lush with maintained gardens, where exotic plants bloomed in vibrant colors. The towering walls of white stone gave it a holy appearance.

She entered the grand foyer, stepping upon the polished marble floor that gleamed under the light of the crystal chandeliers suspended from the ceiling.

The Spirit realm butler, an old man with graying hair and a face set in a scowl, was the first to greet her—though "greet" might have been too kind a word.

He narrowed his eyes as he looked at her.

"Ah, the prodigal daughter returns," he said, his lips curling into a sneer. "How fortunate we are to have you gracing us with your presence."

Dou Meifeng said nothing, keeping her head down.

The butler gave a jeering sniff.

"The lord is expecting you," he said, gesturing dismissively towards the grand staircase that spiraled up to the upper floors. "Don’t keep him waiting. You know how much he values punctuality."

Without a word, Dou Meifeng moved past him, her footsteps echoing softly on the marble as she ascended the staircase. The butler watched her go, a look of disdain still etched on his face.

The upper floors of the mansion didn't look any worse than the lower ones. She walked forward until she reached a large door at the end of the hall.

Knock knock

"Come in," a cold voice ordered from within.

Dou Meifeng opened the door and stepped inside. The office was spacious and had walls lined with shelves filled with ancient scrolls and rare books. A large window behind the desk offered a view of the sprawling gardens below, where neatly trimmed hedges and clusters of purple orchids made themselves home.

Seated at the desk was her father, Dou Tian.

His hair, streaked with silver, was pulled back into a neat topknot, and his face was stern as he signed papers with quick, efficient strokes. He wore dark robes embroidered with silver thread, the patterns depicting the family’s crest of an eagle with a lion tail.

Dou Tian did not look up as she entered. He continued writing, his pen scratching against the paper in the otherwise silent room.

"You will be going on the next excursion to retake Fort Blackthorn and rebuild it," he said abruptly, not bothering with a greeting or any pleasantries.

Dou Meifeng stood silently, her gaze fixed on the floor in front of her.

After a moment, Dou Tian paused his writing and looked up at her. "A bastard child like you should at least make yourself useful to the family," he added, his voice devoid of warmth.

Dou Meifeng gave a slight nod and turned to leave, acknowledging his words without a comment.

However, as she reached the door, it burst open, and a little girl with long silver ponytails—the exact color of Dou Tian's hair—came running into the office.

Her brown-hazelnut eyes sparkled as she called out, "Father!"

Dou Tian’s expression softened instantly, a warm smile spreading across his previously stern face. He rose from his chair and bent down to scoop the girl into his arms.

"Ah, there’s my little Ling’er," he said loudly. "What are you doing here, my darling?"

The girl giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I finished my lessons early! Can we play now?"

"Of course, my dear," Dou Tian replied, kissing her forehead. "Father always has time for you."

They kept talking, completely ignoring Dou Meifeng.

She stood silently by the door, unnoticed. Without a complaint or change in expression, she quietly slipped out of the office and closed the door behind her.

Dou Meifeng made her way down the corridor to her own room.

When she opened the door, she was greeted by a space that was as luxurious as the rest of the mansion. The floor was covered in a thick, plush carpet, and the walls were adorned with elegant wallpaper in shades of cream and gold.

A large canopy bed stood against one wall, draped in soft silks and velvets, its pillows and blankets arranged carefully. The vanity table, carved from dark wood and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, probably costed more than all the mortals in the city gathered together.

If there was anything that looked out of place, it was the wardrobe with open doors in the corner, revealing rows of empty hangers inside.

Dou Meifeng stepped inside and froze in the middle of the room, her eyes drifting to the large window that overlooked the city.

From her vantage point, she could see the beautiful landscape of Green Blade City, the buildings nestled among the lush greenery. Trees and flowering plants lined the streets, and the distant hum of life in the city below reached her ears like a faint whisper.

She stood there, staring out at the city.

For a long time. So long, in fact, that the shadows of the encroaching evening gradually stretched and deepened, shrouding her figure in a veil of twilight.

...

A soft knock on the door broke the silence, and Dou Meifeng blinked, her gaze shifting from the window to the door.

"Sister?" a childish voice called from the other side. "Can I come in to play with you?"

For a moment, Dou Meifeng said nothing, standing still in the center of the room. Then, she turned slowly toward the door and walked over to open it.

She reached for the doorknob and pulled the door open, revealing a small, innocent face peering up at her with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Come in," Dou Meifeng said softly, her tone flat but not unkind.

The child smiled brightly and skipped towards the large bed.

Dou Meifeng quietly closed the door behind her and the soft click of the lock rang out. Her hand lingered on the doorknob for a moment longer, her pale fingers wrapped around the brass as if savoring the cold texture.

She turned slowly, her gaze settling on Dou Ling, who had left the bed and stood in the middle of the room with an innocent smile on her face.

"Sister, what should we play?" she asked. The voice was filled with the simple joy of a child who had yet to understand the complexities of the world.

Dou Meifeng didn’t respond immediately. Instead, she ambled toward Dou Ling. Her eyes, half-hidden by the shadows of the room, locked onto her sister's with an intensity that was just a shade too dark, a bit too focused.

"We’ll play something special," she said softly.

Dou Ling giggled. "I like special games!"

Dou Meifeng stopped in front of Dou Ling and reached out, her fingers brushing lightly against the child's hair. The touch was gentle, but there was something in the way her fingers tangled in the silver strands that felt off.

"You’re so small," Dou Meifeng whispered, her hand trailing down to rest on Dou Ling’s shoulder. "So delicate."

The child looked up, her smile faltering for just a fraction of a second as she met her sister's gaze. Her black eyes, usually dull, now held something else—something that Dou Ling couldn’t quite name, but it made her small heart beat just a little faster, her breath catch in her throat.

Dou Ling’s playfulness wavered. It was an unfamiliar sensation, creeping up her spine like a cold breeze.

She stared at her sister again, and for a second, just a fleeting second, she saw something terrifying in that face—a darkness that lurked behind those eyes, a shadow that shouldn’t have been there.

"Sister…?" Dou Ling's voice trembled slightly, the childish lilt gone.

Dou Meifeng’s hand tightened just a little on her sister’s shoulder, not enough to hurt, but enough to feel.

"Don’t worry, Ling’er." Her words were soothing. "I’ll take care of everything for our game. It will be fun, you'll see."

Dou Ling forced herself to smile again, pushing away the strange feelings that had momentarily gripped her. That was her sister, one of the people who loved her the most in the family.

"What game are we going to play?"

Dou Meifeng’s lips curled into a smile, but it was too slow, and it didn’t reach her eyes.

"A game where you close your eyes and don’t open them until I say so," she replied lightly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

Dou Ling hesitated, but she was afraid of making her sister sad. After nodding, she closed her eyes and clenched her hands into tiny fists at her sides.

Dou Meifeng watched her silently. She leaned closer, her breath cold against her sister's cheek.

"Remember, Ling’er," she whispered. "Don’t open them until I say so."

The girl shut her eyes tight, waiting for the game to begin.

Tink... Tink...

The room around her was silent—too silent. The only sound was the faint tinkle of the chandelier above

Dou Ling was forced to acknowledge that something was wrong with her sister. The darkness behind her closed eyes felt different. It wasn’t the comforting darkness of sleep, but colder, heavier. It was creeping toward her, pressing in from all sides.

Thump... thump...

She tried to focus on the warmth of the soft carpet beneath her feet, the familiar scent of flowers in the air. But the darkness—that darkness—was all she could feel.

In the depths of that blackness, she thought of her sister's eyes—those eyes that had stared at her moments before, making her feel so small and vulnerable.

Thump... thump...

The darkness was breathing, alive, waiting.

Then, without warning, it began to devour her. She felt it wrap around her thoughts, pulling her down, down into an abyss that had no end.

She wanted to open her eyes. She wanted to scream. But she couldn’t.

Thump... thump...

Her heart pounded.

She felt her consciousness slipping away, dissolving into that endless black void.

And in that final moment, she realized the truth.

"That is not my—"

Thump...

The room fell silent.

There was no light left; the night had arrived.

The woman raised her face and let out a grin that held no warmth, no love—only a cold, merciless hunger.