Dou Tian sat at his desk, his pen gliding smoothly over a sheet of parchment as he finalized another document. He had been having some tough days lately. Fort Blackthorn had been conquered mysteriously fast and Green Blade City could be the next target, endangering his family who was living here. Not only that, but he was also responsible for organizing the Autumn festival to celebrate the end of summer, the period when the demons were most active.

"I must request reinforcements from the ancestor," Dou Tian murmured to himself, setting the documents aside and reaching for a hidden shelf. From it, he retrieved a sheet of clean paper, preparing to pen the letter of utmost importance.

War loomed on the horizon, and Dou Tian knew that if it reached their gates, he needed to ensure the safety of his daughter and son. They would be sent away, far from the carnage that could follow. As for himself and the family's greatest mistake—the bastard child—they would remain behind, buying time for their escape, if it came to that.

With a heavy sigh, his gaze drifted to the portrait resting on his desk. The woman in there had long, silver hair cascading down her shoulders and hazelnut brown eyes, the very image of his little Ling'er.

He couldn't resist the urge to brush his fingertips lightly against the delicate face in the portrait.

"Yuhua, what path should I take?" he whispered, his voice thick with longing.

The image, as always, remained silent.

"I wish you were still here—"

Knock. Knock.

Dou Tian's frown deepened. He detested interruptions, particularly when his thoughts lingered on the memory of his late wife.

"Maybe Ling'er is feeling bored and wants more hugs." His heart lifted slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he thought of his beloved daughter.

"Come in."

The door creaked open, but instead of the joyful little girl he had expected, Dou Meifeng stepped into the room, her small frame casting a shadow far larger than it should have. In her arms, Ling'er lay asleep, her silver ponytails trailing down like silken threads. The sight was so unexpected that Dou Tian's smile froze and then quickly dissolved into a deep frown.

His brows furrowed, and his grip tightened around the pen still in his hand, his knuckles whitening. The softness that had filled his eyes moments before was replaced with a cold, hard glare.

"What are you doing here?" he demanded. "And why are you carrying her? You have no right to touch Ling'er."

Dou Meifeng stood silently in the doorway, holding the sleeping child with a serene smile on her face.

The sight only fueled Dou Tian's fury. He slammed his fist down on the desk, causing the ink bottle to rattle and spill a few drops onto the parchment.

"Answer me!" Dou Tian's voice boomed. His patience, already thin, was wearing down rapidly.

When Dou Meifeng remained silent, his anger boiled over. He rose from his chair and channeled his spiritual energy into his right hand, forming a dense ball of Metal qi. Without a second thought, he hurled it at the wall to his right.

The impact was explosive—shards of stone and dust flew across the room, the wall now marred by a deep, jagged crater. The sound was probably heard all across the mansion.

But instead of recoiling, instead of flinching, Dou Meifeng's smile only grew wider, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"You dare defy me?" Dou Tian hissed, stepping forward, his fists clenched at his sides. "You insolent—"

"Father," Dou Meifeng interrupted. Her voice was calm, almost soothing, but with an undertone that sent a chill through the air. "Is this how you treat family?"

Dou Tian halted in his tracks, startled by the sudden shift in her demeanor. The softness, the timidity that usually marked Dou Meifeng's presence was gone.

There was confidence in her voice now, a confidence that didn't belong to the bastard daughter he knew.

"You know," Dou Meifeng continued, gently rocking Ling'er in her arms, "you care so much for your daughter. It's... touching. Admirable, even."

Dou Tian's eyes narrowed. There was something off about the way she spoke, something wrong.

"What are you playing at?" he demanded, though he had lost some of his previous edge.

"Playing?" Dou Meifeng echoed, her smile widening, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I suppose you could call it that. But really, I'm just trying to understand... what would happen if something were to happen to dear Ling'er? If she were to, say, not wake up from her little nap?"

Dou Tian's heart skipped a beat. He stared at her, the color draining from his face as the implications of her words began to sink in.

"What are you saying?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly despite his attempt to maintain control.

"Oh, I'm not saying anything specific," Dou Meifeng replied playfully. "Just thinking out loud, really. You see, I've realized how easy it would be for something to go wrong. A single mistake, a slight slip, and who knows what could happen to such a fragile little girl?"

Dou Tian's blood ran cold. The person standing before him wasn't his daughter—not the one he had come to loathe, anyway. This was someone else entirely, someone dangerous. He had never been superstitious, but at that moment, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was speaking to something far darker than a mere demonic cultist in disguise.

"What do you want?" he asked with a low growl. He needed to regain control of the situation, but he couldn't act rashly—not with Ling'er in the arms of this... this thing.

Dou Meifeng's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

"I'm not unreasonable," she said softly. "In fact, I'm quite reasonable. There are just two simple things I need you to do for me."

Dou Tian's jaw clenched, but he forced himself to listen. "And what are those?"

"First," Dou Meifeng began, "you need to ensure that Major Lu attends the festival happening in one week. It's a big event—everyone who's anyone will be there, including him. You can manage that, can't you?"

Dou Tian nodded slowly, his mind racing. "And the second?"

"The second is even simpler," Dou Meifeng continued, her eyes never leaving his. "While Major Lu is at the festival, I need you to go to his private office and steal one of his pens. Any pen will do."

Dou Tian blinked, taken aback by the simplicity of the request. He had expected something far more dangerous, something that would implicate him in some dark plot. But a pen? It seemed almost trivial.

"A pen?" he repeated, the doubt clear in his voice. "Why a pen?"

Dou Meifeng shrugged slightly. "That's irrelevant. All that matters is that it comes from his private office. Can you do that?"

Dou Tian hesitated. The request didn't seem illegal or even particularly dangerous, but there was something about it that set him on edge. He couldn't shake the feeling that he was being manipulated.

"I'll do it," he finally agreed. "But I want a guarantee. You'll release Ling'er unharmed once I've done what you ask."

Dou Meifeng's smile widened. "Of course. I'm a woman of my word. We can even draft a contract, if that makes you feel safer."

Dou Tian nodded, his face stern. "We will."

He quickly retrieved a blank parchment from his desk and began drafting the contract. Every word was carefully chosen, detailing that upon the completion of her requests, Dou Meifeng would release Ling'er unharmed. He couldn't afford to take any risks—not with his daughter's life on the line.

As he wrote, Dou Meifeng was silent, watching him with that same unsettling smile. Once he finished, she reviewed the document and nodded approvingly.

"This will do nicely," she said, taking the pen from his hand. She signed the contract with a flourish.

Although the signature was neat, it sent a shiver down Dou Tian's spine. "That's not Meifeng's handwriting."

Dou Tian signed as well, his hand trembling slightly. Once the ink dried, he carefully folded the contract and placed it in a locked drawer of his desk.

"There," Dou Meifeng said, her tone light. "All done. Now, as for Ling'er..."

Dou Tian tensed, his eyes narrowing.

"I could give her back to you now," Dou Meifeng continued. "But you must be careful. Who knows what might happen if you fail to get Major Lu to that festival? Or if something goes wrong while you're stealing that pen? Accidents do happen, after all. Heads do... explode."

The blood drained from Dou Tian's face, and his stomach twisted with fear. The thought of Ling'er's head—no, he couldn't even finish that thought. This woman, this thing, had him completely at her mercy, and there was nothing he could do but comply.

"Who are you?" Dou Tian whispered, his voice barely audible. "What are you?"

Dou Meifeng—or whoever she was—simply smiled. "Does it matter? You know what to do. Just remember: no mistakes."

Dou Tian swallowed hard, his mind racing with possibilities, each one worse than the last.

"Is there any pen in particular you need?" he asked, grasping at straws.

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"Not at all. Any pen from Major Lu's private office will suffice."

Dou Tian nodded. He had no idea what game this creature was playing, but he knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't ever forgive himself if Ling'er died because of him.

"Very well," he said firmly despite the turmoil inside him. "I'll do as you ask."

"Good," Dou Meifeng's smile widened to a hollow, cruel grin that chilled him to the core. "I knew you would."

She approached him slowly, and Dou Tian was able to notice how the girl's skin was paler than his bastard daughter. If it wasn't for these circumstances, he would have probably overlooked it.

"Here she is," Dou Meifeng said softly. She gently extended Ling'er toward her father. "Take her."

Dou Tian hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. But he forced himself to move, stepping forward to take Ling'er from her arms. As he did, he couldn't help but notice how peacefully the child slept and his eyes softened.

Dou Meifeng's fingers lingered for a moment on Ling'er's hair. Then, she pulled away, leaving Dou Tian holding his daughter close. He looked down at the little girl, his heart swelling with relief. But before he could say anything, Dou Meifeng spoke again.

"Take care of her very carefully, Father." The words slipped from her lips like a serpent's hiss. "The lives of the next generation are the most precious, after all."

Dou Tian looked up sharply, his eyes narrowing as he tried to read her expression.

But Dou Meifeng's face remained impassive.

"Remember," she continued. "it only takes one mistake for everything to be lost. Don't try to be a hero. One moment of carelessness, and..."

She trailed off, letting the silence hang in the air.

Before he could respond, before he could gather his thoughts, Dou Meifeng turned on her heel and left the office without another word, her footsteps fading into the distance. The door closed softly behind her, leaving Dou Tian alone with his daughter.

The room felt colder now. He couldn't shake the feeling that he had just made a deal with one of those old demons from the Black Lotus Cult.

He looked down at Ling'er, her small face peaceful in sleep, and a shiver ran down his spine. Who was this demonic cultivator who had taken on Dou Meifeng's appearance? What did she truly want with Major Lu?

The questions swirled in his mind, each one more troubling than the last, but no answers came. Dou Meifeng's motives were a mystery.

Dou Tian found himself tugging at his beard, his thoughts spiraling as he tried to piece together the puzzle. His fingers twisted in the coarse hair, pulling harder as his frustration grew. Then, suddenly, his mind flashed to Lieutenant Wong and Shen Tiexin—the other two survivors who had returned to the city with her.

He almost yanked out a tuft of his beard as the realization struck him. Could they be involved? Was this part of some larger plan, a coordinated effort by the demonic forces to infiltrate the city? The thought chilled him, but he quickly pushed it aside. He wasn't foolish enough to go to the leaders with his suspicions—not with Ling'er's life hanging in the balance.

But that didn't mean he couldn't do anything.

Dou Tian straightened. He wouldn't act rashly, but he wouldn't sit idly by, either.

"Butler Sun!"

A few moments later, the door opened, and the Spirit realm butler stepped inside, bowing low. "Yes, my lord?"

"Close the door behind you," Dou Tian said.

The butler complied and the door clicked shut. He then turned back to Dou Tian, awaiting his orders with the stoic professionalism that was expected of someone in his position.

Dou Tian carefully laid Ling'er on the couch in the corner of his office, draping a blanket over her small body.

"I have a task for you. A discreet one." He faced butler Sun.

"Of course, my lord. What do you require?"

"I want you to send people to spy on Shen Tiexin," Dou Tian said. "I want to know everything he does, everywhere he goes. And I want it reported directly to me."

The butler nodded, though there was a slight crease of concern on his brow. "He is staying with Lieutenant Wong at the moment. Shall I have them watch Lieutenant Wong as well, my lord?"

Dou Tian hesitated. His fingers tapped restlessly against his leg as he weighed the risks.

"Yes," he finally decided. "But be reasonable. Lieutenant Wong is an officer with a high cultivation realm. I don't want anyone getting too close or being overly aggressive with the surveillance. Understand?"

"Perfectly, my lord," the butler bowed again. "I will ensure that the matter is handled with the utmost discretion."

"Good."

But even as he gave the order, a gnawing sense of dread clung to him. He knew he was walking a fine line, balancing the need to protect his family with the need to keep his own suspicions hidden. One misstep, and everything could be over.

"And not a word of this to anyone. If word of this reaches the wrong ears..."

Butler Sun nodded. "Understood, my lord. I will see to it immediately."

As the butler left the room, Dou Tian let out a long, weary sigh. The office felt like a cage, closing in around him. He was powerless in this situation.

He looked at Ling'er, still peacefully asleep on the couch.

"I will protect her, Yuhua... no matter what."

But as he sat down at his desk, staring at the spot where Dou Meifeng had stood, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was caught in a web of something he did not understand.

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·

Six days had passed since the conversation in the Dou Family mansion. It was the night before the Autumn festival, and the streets of Green Blade City were shrouded in a thick, rolling fog that seeped in from the nearby river and swamp. The fog curled around the bases of the buildings, clinging to the cobblestone streets like a living thing, muting the sounds of the city.

Lanterns, strung up along the main roads in preparation for the upcoming festival, cast a dim glow that barely penetrated the dense mist. Their light flickered, struggling against the dark, and the colorful banners that hung above the stalls and shop fronts were little more than vague shapes, their bright hues muted by the fog.

The stalls themselves were closed and their wares were hidden under thick cloths, but the lingering scent of spices and sweets filled the air.

One could only hear the occasional clatter of hooves on stone coming from the military posts.

At the bridge entrance leading to the castle, two guards stood watch. The older one leaned against his spear while swatting at the air, while the younger guard next to him paced back and forth, his breath forming small clouds in the chilly air.

"How long until our shift ends, Li Qiang?" the young man asked, breaking the silence.

"Another hour, give or take," Li Qiang replied gruffily. He shifted his weight, trying to find a more comfortable position. "Relax, Wu. Nothing ever happens at this hour."

Wu sighed, casting a glance down the empty street that led to the bridge. "I know, I know. But this fog... it makes everything feel off. Like something's out there, just waiting."

Li Qiang chuckled. "You're just spooked because of that story Old Wang told about the swamp spirits. There's nothing out there but fog and shadows."

Wu shook his head, but he couldn't shake the uneasy feeling gnawing at the back of his mind. "Maybe. But I'll be glad when the festival's over and things go back to normal."

Clack

Both guards suddenly stiffened, their eyes narrowing as a figure emerged from the fog and walked across the bridge toward them. The figure was small, the outline blurred by the mist, but as it drew closer, they could make out the slight shape of a young woman.

She was dressed in a simple white robe and the fabric clung to her in the damp air. Her long black hair hung loose around her shoulders, almost blending into the mist.

However, what really caught their attention was her wide eyes with an expression of fear that seemed to grow as she neared them.

"Who goes there?" Li Qiang called out.

Dou Meifeng stopped a few steps from them, her gaze dropping to the ground as if she were too afraid to meet their eyes.

"I... I have something important to tell the Major General," she said, her voice trembling slightly. It looked as if the very act of speaking required immense effort.

Wu and Li Qiang exchanged amused glances. The younger guard couldn't help but chuckle. "The Major General? At this hour? You'd better scram, little miss, before you get yourself into trouble."

Dou Meifeng's lower lip quivered, and she looked up at them with tear-filled eyes. "Please... it has to do with my father. The lord of the Dou Family. It's urgent."

The mention of the Dou Family name gave the guards pause. While they weren't inclined to take a late-night visit from a scared young woman too seriously, the Dou Family held considerable influence in Green Blade City.

Still, it was late, and they were reluctant to disturb the Major General over what might just be a trivial matter.

Li Qiang softened his tone slightly. "Look, miss, it's late. Why don't you go back home and talk to your father in the morning? I'm sure whatever it is can wait."

But Dou Meifeng's eyes filled with tears, and she shook her head vehemently. "No, no, you don't understand! I'm scared! I heard my father talking about... about betraying the righteous forces. I... I don't know what to do!"

The guards stiffened at her words, the gravity of the situation finally sinking in. Li Qiang's expression darkened, and he exchanged a more serious look with Wu.

"Betrayal?" Wu echoed, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Are you sure about what you heard?"

Dou Meifeng nodded frantically, her tears now flowing freely down her cheeks. "Yes! He was talking to someone in his study... about making a deal with the demonic forces. I'm so scared... I didn't know where else to go."

Li Qiang frowned deeply, his mind racing. If what she was saying was true, this was no small matter. He couldn't dismiss it, not without risking severe consequences.

"Wu," he said solemnly, "go inform the Major General immediately. Tell him it's a matter of utmost urgency."

Wu hesitated for a brief moment, still processing the seriousness of the situation, before nodding.

"Right away."

He turned and hurried toward the castle, his footsteps quickening as he disappeared into the fog.

Dou Meifeng stood trembling, her hands clasped tightly in front of her as she waited. Li Qiang watched her closely, but now with concern. He didn't know what to make of her, but her fear seemed genuine enough.

"You did the right thing by coming here," Li Qiang said after a moment. "If what you say is true, the Major General will know how to handle it."

Dou Meifeng nodded weakly, wiping at her tears with the back of her hand. "Thank you... I was so afraid no one would believe me."

Li Qiang grunted in response, but before he could say more, Wu returned with a grim face.

"The Major General wants to see her," he said shortly, casting a glance at Dou Meifeng. "I'll take you to his office."

Dou Meifeng swallowed hard, nodding as she wiped away the last of her tears.

"Okay... thank you."

Wu gestured for her to follow, and together they walked through the fog-shrouded courtyard, the imposing silhouette of the castle looming above them.

This was the second time Dou Meifeng had entered the castle, and with the bright illumination inside, it looked no different from before.

Wu led the way with a stiff posture and his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his sword. He didn’t say a word as they walked, too nervous about the notion of betrayal in their forces.

Dou Meifeng followed a step behind him, her head slightly bowed and her hands still clasped together as if in prayer. The silence between them was thick, the only sound being the soft echo of their footsteps on the stone floor.

Finally, they reached the heavy wooden door of the Major General’s office. Wu knocked twice.

"Enter."

Wu pushed open the door and stepped aside, allowing Dou Meifeng to enter first. She hesitated for just a moment, then stepped inside.

The office was richly appointed, with dark wood furniture, shelves lined with books, and a large window that overlooked the fog-covered city. Behind a massive desk sat Major General Cao Jianhong, who narrowed his eyes as they settled on Dou Meifeng.

Wu closed the door behind them and took his place by the entrance.

"You are Dou Meifeng, the daughter of Lord Dou Tian?" Major General Cao asked calmly.

"Y-yes, sir," Dou Meifeng stammered and kept her eyes downcast. Both the men could see her hands were still trembling slightly.

"You’ve come to me with a matter of great importance, I’m told," Cao continued, his gaze unrelenting. "Something about your father?"

Dou Meifeng nodded again, her tears welling up as she tried to steady her voice. "Yes, sir… I overheard my father talking about… about betraying the righteous forces. He was making plans with someone… someone from the demonic side. I… I didn’t know what to do, so I came here."

Cao Jianhong leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable as he studied her.

"And what exactly did you hear?"

Dou Meifeng hesitated. "They were talking about making a deal… about turning against the Skyshadow Sect… about helping the demons breach the city after the festival ends. I couldn’t hear everything, but… but I know it was something terrible."

Cao Jianhong remained silent for a long moment, his eyes narrowing as he weighed her words.

"You realize the seriousness of the accusations you’re making, don’t you?"

"Yes, sir," Dou Meifeng whispered. "But… but I didn’t know who else to tell. I… I’m so scared."

The Major General’s expression softened slightly. Everyone in the high society knew about the oppression Dou Meifeng suffered by the members of her family.

"You did the right thing by coming to me," he said. "If what you say is true, this is a matter of the utmost importance. But if you are lying, or if you are mistaken…"

"I’m not lying!" Dou Meifeng cried, her tears flowing freely now. "Please, I wouldn’t lie about something like this! I’m just… I don't know what to do…"

Cao Jianhong regarded her for another long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. We will investigate this matter. You are to remain here under guard until we have determined the truth. Do you understand?"

"Y-yes, sir."

Wu stepped forward and placed a hand on her shoulder, guiding her toward the door.

"Come with me," he said, his tone now more gentle.

As they left the office, the door closing behind them with a heavy thud, Dou Meifeng allowed herself a small, almost imperceptible smile, hidden behind the veil of her tears.

The game was only just beginning, and the pieces were falling into place.