The sun was setting as the imperial delegation approached the portal gates. Though all realms had merged centuries ago, these ancient pathways remained the fastest means of traversing the vast distances between major territories. Emperor Soren led their group – his attendant Arkhos, First Wife Helena, Iris, Eren, along with Azar, Valeria, and their Royal Guard contingent, all dressed in formal imperial attire that marked them as Valestria's finest.

"Try not to look so stiff," Iris whispered to Eren as they stepped through the portal's crystalline light. "We've dealt with Murim clans for years – this is just the first time we're seeing one of their estates from the inside."

The portal's magic tingled across their skin, and in moments they emerged into a scene of breathtaking beauty. The Seyoung estate sprawled before them, a masterpiece of traditional architecture where every building seemed to float between earth and sky. Ancient qi had shaped the very land itself over generations, creating a place where martial arts and nature existed in perfect harmony.

Tonight, the estate had transformed for their sacred holiday. Paper lanterns in deep crimsons and blacks swayed in the evening breeze, casting dancing shadows across courtyards where incense smoke formed impossible shapes. Members of the Seyoung clan moved through the grounds in ceremonial attire – robes of midnight blue, black, and deep purple, many wearing masks or painted faces that glowed with qi-infused patterns.

Jin greeted them at the estate's entrance, his usual practical attire replaced by formal robes that rippled with accumulated qi. "Welcome to our home," he said with a deep bow. "You honor us by joining us for the Night of Ancestral Qi."

"The honor is ours," Emperor Soren replied smoothly. "We've long appreciated Murim arts from afar – it will be enlightening to see your traditions up close."

Master Seyoung approached, his presence making the lantern flames flicker. "Tonight is special," he explained as they walked through gardens where spirit-flowers bloomed in moonlight. "When autumn winds carry summer's last warmth, our ancestors' qi flows most strongly through our arts. Every technique performed tonight carries the weight of generations."

They were led to an open courtyard that seemed to capture the stars themselves. Hundreds of lanterns created a canopy of light overhead, while the performance space below was surrounded by ancient trees whose leaves shimmered with accumulated qi. The audience area had been arranged in traditional style, with elevated seating for honored guests that offered a perfect view of the platform.

As night settled fully over the estate, the ceremony began. Different members of the clan demonstrated forms passed down through their lineages, each movement carrying stories written in light and power. The qi was so concentrated it became visible, taking shapes from their clan's history.

Then she appeared, and Eren forgot to breathe.

She emerged like a shadow given form, her black dress adorned with patterns that caught and held starlight. Each movement was liquid grace, her long dark hair flowing free except for intricate braids threaded with silver. She couldn't have been more than Eren's age, but she moved with the confidence of someone who had lived and breathed martial arts since birth.

The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Her performance began, and the world seemed to fade away. Her qi took visible form around her, creating patterns that made the lantern light dance. There was something about her that called to Eren's core, something in the way her qi flowed that felt like a half-remembered dream.

Eren leaned forward unconsciously, completely absorbed in watching her movements. He didn't even notice Iris's knowing smile until she elbowed him gently.

"See something interesting, little brother?" she whispered, amusement clear in her voice. "You haven't blinked in about two minutes."

Eren felt heat rise to his face. "I'm just... appreciating the technical skill," he mumbled.

"Mhmm," Iris hummed. "The 'technical skill' in the pretty black dress that's had you mesmerized since she stepped onto the platform? That technical skill?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Eren whispered back, but he couldn't take his eyes off the mysterious performer. Her violet eyes caught the lantern light as she turned, and for a brief moment, they met his. Something electric shot through him, like qi and mana resonating on a frequency he'd never felt before.

"Oh?" Iris teased. "So you wouldn't be interested in knowing that there's usually a gathering after the ceremony where all the young disciples socialize?"

"That's... that's not relevant to diplomatic relations," Eren managed, though his heart skipped when the performer completed a particularly complex form that made her qi take the shape of a phoenix.

"Of course not," Iris agreed with mock seriousness. "Just like you're not currently trying to flatten your hair while pretending to adjust your collar."

Eren quickly dropped his hand, earning a soft laugh from his sister. Even First Wife Helena, overhearing their exchange, hid a small smile behind her ceremonial fan.

The performance continued as the night deepened, each demonstration more impressive than the last. But for Eren, they all paled in comparison to the girl in the black dress whose qi seemed to call to something deep within his soul. He found himself studying every detail – the way she moved like flowing water, how her qi patterns seemed to harmonize with the very air around her, the grace with which she made the most difficult techniques look effortless.

"If you stare any harder, you might actually burn a hole through the air," Iris whispered, clearly enjoying her brother's discomfort. "Should I ask Jin about her?"

"Don't you dare," Eren hissed, finally tearing his eyes away to glare at his sister. But when he looked back, the mysterious performer had already disappeared into the shadows beyond the platform, leaving only the lingering impression of starlight and grace, and a strange feeling of connection he couldn't explain.

As the ceremony wound down and the audience began to disperse, Eren found himself scanning the crowds, hoping for another glimpse of the girl who had so thoroughly captured his attention. Iris's knowing looks and barely suppressed smiles weren't helping his composure.

"You know," she said casually as they followed their father toward the post-ceremony gathering, "for someone 'just appreciating technical skill,' you're doing an awful lot of looking around."

Eren straightened his robes with as much dignity as he could muster. "I'm being observant. It's important for diplomatic relations."

"Of course," Iris nodded solemnly. "Very diplomatic. Extremely professional. Nothing at all to do with violet eyes and qi patterns that had you practically floating out of your seat."

Before Eren could formulate a suitably dignified response, they entered the gathering area where members of both families would mingle. His heart jumped when he caught a flash of black fabric in the crowd, but he forced himself to maintain his composure. After all, he was a prince of Valestria, trained in political intrigue and swordsmanship.

"Your ears are red," Iris whispered helpfully.

The enchanted crystals they'd brought as gifts pulsed steadily in their ceremonial boxes, but somehow their light seemed to be conspiring with Iris, twinkling every time Eren tried to casually glance around the room. The Night of Ancestral Qi had certainly turned out to be full of surprises – though none quite as intriguing as a pair of violet eyes that seemed to hold secrets he desperately wanted to understand.