As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Green Blade City stirred from its slumber.

Compared to the gloomy night before, the sounds of the morning were a symphony of life—footsteps on cobblestone, the clatter of market stalls being set up, and the cheerful laughter of children who ran through the streets.

The market square was a hive of activity as merchants, both mortal and cultivator, prepared their stalls for the day ahead. Brightly colored tents were being erected, each one promising a different array of goods—exotic spices, finely woven silks, glimmering jewels, and rare herbs gathered from the deepest parts of the swamp. The air was filled with the mingled scents of freshly baked bread, roasting meats, and the sweet tang of fruit.

Although cultivators had their need for food greatly reduced, tasty food was still a leisure they happily indulged in.

Two mortal merchants stood by a cart laden with crates of fruit, their hands busy as they stacked the produce in neat piles.

The older man with a graying beard wiped the sweat from his brow. "Looks like it’s going to be a good day for sales. People are already out and about, and the festival hasn’t even started yet."

His companion nodded enthusiastically.

"Aye, especially with the cultivators in town," the younger man let out a wide smile. "They’ve got the coin to spend, and they like good quality fruits."

Nearby, a cultivator in simple green robes approached, examining the wares. It was easy to identify him as a member of the Skyshadow Sect. The merchants immediately greeted him with respectful bows.

"Good morning, sir," the older merchant said. "Can I interest you in some of our finest apples? Freshly picked just yesterday."

The cultivator smiled, inclining his head. "Good morning. Your produce looks excellent. I’ll take a dozen of the apples, please."

As the merchant hurried to fill the order, the younger man couldn’t help but comment. "You’re with the Skyshadow Sect, aren’t you, sir? How's the war going? I heard the demons can barely keep up with our brave soldiers."

The cultivator’s smile grew slightly, and he nodded. "It is not hard to win against the demons. They lack manpower because they don't care about anyone but themselves. The Skyshadow Sect values all life, mortal or otherwise. We are all part of the same world, and it’s important to remember that. Our strength doesn’t make us better, just different. This way, we have the unity that the demons lack."

The older merchant returned with a bag of apples, which he handed over with a deep bow. "We’re grateful for that, sir. You’re a credit to your sect."

The cultivator accepted the bag and handed over a few coins, more than enough to cover the cost. "And you are a credit to this city. Keep up the good work."

As the cultivator walked away, the two merchants exchanged pleased looks.

The Skyshadow Sect had a very different philosophy towards mortals compared to the Gentle Sword Sect and the Black Lotus Cult.

In the righteous sects of Mu Island's Central Region, mortals were treated no differently from farm animals. It was hard to call their actions unrighteous, because mortals were not considered to be 'people' in their society.

As for the Black Lotus Cult, it was even worse. Although most mortals could have a fairly normal life, that was only because the demonic cultivators found it a waste of time to deal with insects that provided no value. However, they wasted no time in killing them or playing with them if they felt like it. To a certain extent, mortals were toys in their hearts.

The Skyshadow Sect, on the other hand, was based on the principles of respecting mortals if they respected you. It was common to see cultivators visiting their mortal parents and acting respectful to them. They prided themselves in their righteousness, which was even more valuable than strength.

...

Elsewhere in the city, the main plaza was a scene of organized chaos as workers and cultivators alike hurried to prepare for the festival. Banners in blue, red, yellow and green fluttered in the breeze, and rows of stalls were being arranged around the open space. Musicians tuned their instruments on makeshift stages, and performers practiced their routines in the quieter corners.

In the midst of it all was Lord Dou Tian, who surveyed the preparations with a critical gaze. He was dressed in his finest robes, the fabric dark and embroidered with the crest of the Dou Family in silver thread. His hands were clasped behind his back as he watched his subordinates run back and forth, coordinating the decorations and the placement of the market stalls.

"Move those crates over to the west side," Dou Tian ordered. "And make sure the flower arrangements by the fountain are balanced. We want the colors to be complementary, not clashing."

A young woman, one of his aides, rushed over with a scroll in hand, her face flushed. "My lord, the merchants from the southern district are requesting more space for their stalls. They claim they’ve brought additional goods and need room to display them."

Dou Tian considered this for a moment, his brow furrowing slightly. "Give them an extra five feet, but no more. We have to keep the main walkways clear for the crowds."

The aide nodded quickly, scribbling down notes as she ran off to relay the instructions. Dou Tian turned his attention to another area of the plaza, where a group of cultivators were setting up a stage for martial contests. His eyes narrowed as he noticed a distinct lack of security personnel in the vicinity.

With a dark expression, he strode over to Captain Hu An, who was overseeing the setup. The captain was a burly man with a scar running down the side of his face. He was barking orders at his men and using his index finger to point at the walls of the city.

"Captain Hu."

The captain turned and bowed slightly. "My lord, how can I assist you?"

Dou Tian’s gaze swept the area before returning to the captain. "I’ve noticed a lack of security personnel here in the plaza. With the festival starting soon, we need to ensure that there are enough guards to manage any potential conflicts, especially with the martial contests and the influx of visitors. Drunken mortals and overzealous cultivators are a recipe for trouble."

Captain Hu nodded, his brow furrowing in thought. "You’re right, my lord. But the Major General has directed most of our forces to focus on external threats, especially with the increased activity in the swamp. He’s more concerned about a potential attack from the outside than internal disturbances."

Dou Tian grabbed his chin. "I see. But we cannot neglect the safety within the city, especially during such a large event. What’s to stop a small conflict from escalating if we don’t have the proper personnel in place?"

Captain Hu hesitated, his fingers drumming lightly on the hilt of his sword. "It’s a fair point, my lord. But our resources are stretched thin. The Major General believes that our presence in the city is sufficient for now, given the circumstances. Is there a specific concern you have?"

There was a subtle edge to the captain’s tone, and Dou Tian noticed it. "Did I offend him in any way?"

He met the captain’s gaze evenly, trying to not look too unfriendly. "My concern is for the safety of the people attending the festival. As one of the organizers, it’s my responsibility to ensure that everything runs smoothly. If there’s a lack of security, it could reflect poorly on our ability to maintain order."

Captain Hu nodded, and the suspicion in his eyes dimmed slightly. "Understood, my lord. I’ll see what can be done to allocate more guards to the plaza. We’ll ensure that any potential disturbances are dealt with swiftly."

Dou Tian offered a curt nod, though inwardly he was pleased. The captain’s explanation about the Major General’s priorities was exactly what he needed to hear. If the focus was on external threats, it would make it easier for him to slip away unnoticed during the festival and fulfill the task that had been set before him.

He had already arranged for an earth-grade artifact to be offered to Major Lu, something that had taken significant effort—and no small amount of personal sacrifice—to secure. The Major had been delighted by the gift and eagerly accepted the invitation to the festival. The thought of parting with such a valuable weapon pained Dou Tian, but he reminded himself that it was a small price to pay for his daughter’s safety.

Everything was worth it.

...

Dou Tian walked through the festival with his daughter, her small hand nestled safely in his.

"Father, look!" Dou Ling exclaimed, pointing excitedly at a stall overflowing with brightly colored sweets. Her eyes sparkled like those of the other children leering at the candy.

Dou Tian smiled down at her. "Shall we get some sweets, Ling’er? You’ve been very good today, so you deserve it."

"Yes, please!" she tugged him eagerly toward the stall.

The vendor was a jovial man with a wide smile and a bushy mustache, releasing the aura of a second-stage Foundation cultivator.

He greeted them with a bow. "Good day, my Lord! What can I get for the young miss today?"

Dou Tian nodded politely to the vendor before turning to Dou Ling.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

"What would you like, Ling’er? Pick anything you want," he said.

Dou Ling’s eyes roamed over the treats, her little face scrunched up. "Hmm… I want… the red ones! And the green ones! And… oh! The purple ones too!"

The vendor chuckled as he began to fill a small bag with the sweets.

"A fine choice, young miss. These are made with the finest ingredients from the eastern valleys. Very popular with the children."

Dou Tian paid for the sweets, accepting the bag with a smile before handing it to Dou Ling. "Now, don’t eat them all at once, understand?"

"I won’t, Father," Dou Ling promised, though she was already popping one of the sweets into her mouth with a mischievous grin. "Mmm, it’s so good!"

The vendor laughed. "I’m glad you like them, young miss. Enjoy the festival!"

They continued through the festival, watching the stalls filled with foods and products that had been found across the entire Forsaken Region.

Dou Tian and Dou Ling eventually came across a group of performers in the town square. Some musicians played lively tunes on the guzheng, pipa and flute, while Spirit cultivators leaped and twirled through the air better than any mortal acrobat. The crowd around them clapped and cheered.

"Look at them, Father!" Dou Ling exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder as she watched a young acrobat perform a series of flips. "I want to do that someday!"

Dou Tian chuckled, squeezing her hand gently. "You surely will, Ling’er. But you must practice cultivation very hard to become as skilled as they are."

"I will!" Although she sounded determined, her gaze never left the performers.

One of the musicians, noticing Dou Ling’s fascination, smiled and stepped forward with her flute. She began to play a light, lilting melody, and as she did, a small, ethereal bird made of spiritual energy appeared, fluttering in the air before landing on Dou Ling’s outstretched hand.

"Wow!" Dou Ling breathed, her eyes shining as she watched the bird flit around her. "Father, look!"

Dou Tian smiled. The bird was actually just a toy made of sound qi, but it looked extraordinary with the golden spiritual energy. "It’s beautiful, Ling’er. You see? This is what you will be able to do when you learn how to use spiritual energy."

The musician gave Dou Tian a respectful nod. "A small gift for the young miss. May she always find joy in the simple things."

"Thank you," Dou Tian replied sincerely. "You’ve made her day."

The musician bowed slightly before returning to his place in the ensemble, and Dou Tian watched as Dou Ling continued to play with the spiritual bird.

After a time, they moved on to the central fountain, where a group of children were splashing and playing in the cool water.

The sunlight made the water sparkle like diamonds, and the sound of the children’s laughter was infectious.

"Can I play too, Father?" Dou Ling asked, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes.

"Of course, Ling’er," Dou Tian let go of her hand. "Just don’t get too wet."

"I won’t!" she promised, already running toward the fountain.

Dou Tian watched as she joined the other children, her laughter ringing out as she splashed and played with them. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax, enjoying the sight of his daughter’s happiness. It was a rare moment of peace for him, and he cherished it.

He exchanged a few words with some of the other parents nearby, discussing the festival and the beautiful weather. The conversation was light and pleasant, a welcome distraction from the heavier concerns that had been weighing on his mind.

But as the sun dropped lower in the sky, Dou Tian knew it was time to attend to more pressing matters. He walked over to the fountain where Dou Ling was still playing, her cheeks flushed red.

"Ling’er," he called gently, catching her attention. "I need to speak with someone for a little while. You stay here and play with the other children, all right? I’ll be back soon."

Dou Ling looked up at him with a bright smile. "Okay, Father! I’ll be right here."

Dou Tian nodded, giving her one last affectionate look before turning and making his way toward the section of the festival where Major Lu was expected to be. The plaza was crowded, but Dou Tian used his strong body to move through it easily.

He found Major Lu near one of the larger pavilions, surrounded by a small group of fellow cultivators. His face was a bit tense as he spoke with the others.

Dou Tian approached with a polite nod. "Major Lu, it’s good to see you."

Major Lu turned, a brief smile crossing his face as he recognized Dou Tian.

"Lord Dou Tian, a pleasure as always." The Major gave him a few pats on his back. "How are you enjoying the festival?"

"It’s been a wonderful day." Dou Tian smiled. "The city has truly come alive."

Major Lu nodded, though his expression quickly turned more serious. "Indeed. But there’s been much on my mind, especially with the matters concerning the inheritance."

Dou Tian’s gaze sharpened. "The inheritance… I’ve heard that many cultivators have attempted to claim it, but few have succeeded."

"Fewer than we expected," Major Lu admitted, his tone grim. "The inheritance has proven to be more difficult than anticipated. Even two of the Sect Leader’s personal disciples failed the first test."

Dou Tian frowned. "I had heard rumors, but I didn’t realize the situation was so dire. What makes it so difficult?"

Major Lu sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly.

"The first test alone is a trial of the mind and spirit. The Demon King’s fragmented soul guards the entrance, and its power is beyond what we initially believed. It delves into the fears and doubts of the challengers, exploiting them until they either overcome it or break under the pressure."

Dou Tian’s expression grew more concerned. "And what of the young master? I heard he was making an attempt."

"The young master is struggling." Major Lu’s face darkened further. "He’s passed the first test, but barely. The second is proving to be even more formidable. And with the Young Leader and the other top talents occupied with the larger inheritance in the northern front of the war… the situation is looking grim."

Dou Tian nodded slowly. "It’s a dangerous time. The inheritance could tip the balance of power in our favor, or it could be a trap that leads to our downfall. Two geniuses have already turned into wastes due to this small inheritance alone."

"Exactly," Major Lu agreed. "We’re walking a fine line, and there’s little room for error. The loss of any more key disciples could weaken our position significantly in the Forsaken Region."

As they talked, Dou Tian couldn’t help but think of the task Dou Meifeng had given him. The festival had provided the perfect cover, and Major Lu’s focus on the inheritance was exactly what he needed.

"It is about time to do it."

Everything was worth it, he reminded himself. Everything.

As their conversation wound down, Dou Tian took his leave with a polite bow. "Thank you for your time, Major Lu. I’ll be sure to keep you informed of any further developments."

Major Lu kept his thoughtful expression. "And thank you, Lord Dou Tian. I enjoyed speaking to you after so long."

Dou Tian turned and began to make his way back toward the plaza. His mind had already shifted to the next step in his plan. The festival was in full swing, so the time was now.

Above the city, fireworks exploded in brilliant bursts of red, blue, and gold, their light reflecting off the buildings and the river below, casting a magical glow over Green Blade City.

Dou Tian stood at the edge of the plaza and watched as Dou Ling stared up at the sky with wide eyes. Each explosion of light was met with a delighted gasp from her, and her small hands clapped with excitement.

He let out a bitter smile. "Next year, Ling’er, we’ll watch them together again. I promise."

He imagined himself reaching out and gently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, his eyes lingering on her for a bit longer.

As the fireworks continued to burst overhead, Dou Tian quietly slipped away, moving like a shadow through the festival. The noise of the celebration had begun to fade as he left the main square.

The alleys were a darker side of the city. The air here was thick and heavy, and the smell of dampness clung to the narrow passageways.

Dou Tian frowned and quickened his pace. He passed by slumped figures—drunk or drugged homeless mortals. Some had their eyes glazed or unfocused, while others murmured incoherently as they leaned against the cold walls. There were even a few who remained silent, their bodies barely flinching as Dou Tian walked past.

Soon, the narrow alleys opened up into a broader street, the one where Major Lu’s mansion was located.

Dou Tian looked up at the huge building.

Normally, the mansion felt alive—servants bustling about, the glow of lanterns in the windows, the hum of conversations within. But tonight, it was eerily dead.

He had noticed the absence of the usual guards and the emptiness of the courtyard. He reached out with his spiritual senses, searching for any sign of life within, but found nothing. It was as if the entire building had been abandoned.

A frown creased Dou Tian’s brow as he pushed open the gates.

He approached the large wooden doors of the mansion while the silence pressed in on him from all sides.

Despite the unease tightening his chest, Dou Tian knew he had to move forward. He reached into his robes and pulled out a small, thin dagger. With a focused gaze, he slid the dagger into the lock of the door, twisting it carefully until the mechanism gave way with a soft click.

It is true that he could have broken the door with spiritual energy, but Dou Tian wanted to leave no signs of his presence inside.

The door swung open silently, revealing the dark interior of the mansion.

Dou Tian hesitated. His instincts were screaming that something was wrong, but he forced himself to step inside. The air inside carried a faint, metallic scent that set his nerves on edge.

"Blood."

Dou Tian moved through the foyer with more caution, using his spiritual energy to prevent his footsteps from making a sound on the cold marble.

He reached out with his senses again, probing deeper into the mansion, but still found nothing. The servants’ quarters, the kitchens, the halls—everywhere was devoid of life, of any trace of spiritual energy.

His heart pounded in his chest. Each unlocked door he passed, each empty corridor he encountered, only heightened his anxiety. Something was very, very wrong.

Finally, he reached the door to Major Lu’s private office. It was slightly ajar, as if inviting him in.

Dou Tian paused and his hand rested on the doorframe as he took a deep breath. This was it—he would get the pen and give it to the demon, ending this nightmare once and for all.

He pushed the door open, stepping into the office.

Dou Tian froze.

The room was dimly lit by a single candle on the desk. But the candle’s light wasn’t what drew his gaze—it was the two severed heads, placed neatly on the polished surface of Major Lu’s desk.

His breath caught in his throat when he recognized who they were. The heads belonged to the butler and the head maid, and their faces were still stuck in expressions of horror.

Drip... drip...

Blood pooled on the desk, dripping slowly onto the floor.

And there, scrawled in thick, scarlet blood across the desk, was a message: "A Gift for the Demons."

Dou Tian’s heart pounded in his ears. "What is happening? I was just supposed to steal a pen."

For a moment, Dou Tian stood paralyzed, not knowing what to do.

"The pen, Dou Tian. Get it."

He forced himself to move, but his hands were trembling as he reached toward the desk. He needed the pen—he couldn’t leave without it, not after coming this far.

With a shuddering breath, Dou Tian dipped his fingers into the pool of blood. The warm liquid coated his skin as he reached for the cup that held the pens.

His fingers brushed against the cool metal of the pen, and he grasped it, pulling it free with a squelch.

This experience had been too much for him already.

He turned to leave with a happy smile. He had finished his mission! He had saved his daughter! Even if there were issues to solve later, he had fulfilled his part of the contract.

His hand fumbled with the handle in his haste to get out. But as he pulled it open, the door swung wide—and he was met with a blast of searing heat.

SCREEEEE!

An eagle made out of fire qi shot through the doorway. Dou Tian barely had time to react before the creature struck him square in the face, its fiery talons raking across his skin.

"AAARRRGGGHHH!"

The flames engulfed him, scorching his upper body. He stumbled backward as the acrid smell of burning flesh filled his nostrils.

His mind was struggling to process what had just happened.

But there was no time to think, no time to plan. He had to get out. He had to survive.

With the pen still clutched in his hand, Dou Tian staggered toward the door. He could feel the raw and blistered skin. But he forced himself forward, driven by the single thought that kept him moving:

He had to get back to his daughter.

He had to survive.

"TRAITOR!"

The voice was very familiar to Dou Tian—it belonged to the strongest cultivator in the city, Major General Cao Jianhong.

He couldn't even process what was happening, because a massive pillar of flame erupted from the darkness, roaring toward him with terrifying speed.

The heat of the fire surged closer, but confusion still gripped him.

"Why is the Major General attacking me?" The thought barely had time to form before the fire engulfed him.

The force of the flames knocked him off his feet, blurring the world around him. Dou Tian's thoughts grew hazy, slipping away with each heartbeat.

"Ling'er... I am sorry. I was truly caught... in the demon's trap..."