The Grand Palace of the Han Family loomed like a mountain carved from black jade and moonlight.

  Each step Bi Kan took upon the wide stone stairs was deliberate, his eyes darting with immense speed, not at the ornate carvings, but at the overhanging eaves, the shadowed archways, and the sheer drop off the side.

  He mapped the architecture of the battlefield, cataloging every potential escape route for the moment it all went wrong.

  Though, I doubt we could escape.

  The thought was a cold stone in his gut.

  We’re insects in a den of dragons. A single flick of the wrist from a Meridian Opening expert would turn us to paste. My only real card is the black blade.

  His fists clenched deep within his sleeves as he took another step up.

  And if they press me, I’ll sell them a story. Theatrics. A grand ancestor’s sacred heirloom.

  I’ll pray they try to pry into my mind, and let that celestial monster in my soul devour them whole.

  The guards flanking the massive gates were statues of polished steel and condensed power.

  Their pristine robes, embroidered with the golden Han crest, did little to hide the hum of their cultivation.

  They were pillars of raw strength, both at the higher stages of the Body Tempering Realm.

  "Halt. State your business!"

  A ripple in the air, a blur of motion, and a guard materialized before them.

  The speed was jarring. His eyes met Bi Kan’s for a split second, cold and sharp, before his vision was obscured by a flash of cream and gold.

  "We were invited for dinner," Ying Xia said, her voice steady as she held out the invitation.

  The guard’s gloved hand closed around the letter. He inspected the wax seal for a brief moment, his expression unreadable, before nodding once.

  He leaped back to his post with the same startling speed, tossing the letter in a high arc toward the watchtower above.

  It was caught lazily by another guard, one whose aura was a deeper, more oppressive sea of power.

  Meridian Opening, but unstable, Bi Kan noted, his heart a cold, heavy drum in his chest.

  Their gatekeepers alone could wipe us off the face of this sect.

  He tapped his chin, his gaze sliding sideways to gauge Xia’s reaction.

  The wind whipped a strand of pink hair across her face, but the excitement in her eyes was a defiant spark against the oppressive atmosphere.

  She was a coiled spring, ready to cause an uproar.

  Bi Kan let out a slow breath, the cold wind a stark reminder of their vulnerability.

  "They may enter!" the guard from above shouted.

  With a groan of ancient metal, the giant gates began to swing inward, revealing a courtyard of breathtaking opulence.

  Xia walked forward first, her chin held high. Bi Kan followed, his steps measured, staying close enough to act as a shield, though he knew the gesture was likely futile.

  I can only sense when something will go wrong, not the immediate attack. She’ll feel the blade before I do.

  Scurrying across the polished stone were maids in fine silks, their hands balancing trays laden with steaming dishes.

  "Where did the young master go? I’m going to be in trouble if he’s late again," one of them fretted, her yellow hair catching the lantern light.

  She was a cultivator, her Qi faint but present. Stage 2.

  Xia’s confident stride hitched for a fraction of a second. Her smile vanished.

  Stage 2… the same as I was just months ago… and here, that’s only good enough to be a servant? What do they value mortals as? Cattle?

  "You’re looking for Young Master Han Jue, aren't you?" A butler with a severe face descended a nearby staircase, taking the tray from the flustered maid.

  "I know his secret spots. I'll find him." He whispered something to her before leaping away, his form a blur that vanished into the palace’s depths. "Notify me if you find a trail!" his voice echoed back.

  As they approached the main entrance, a small boy with bright, curious eyes came running out. He stopped short, his eyes widening.

  "Pink… twin-tails. You’re the one my friends were—" He coughed, covering his mouth and straightening his posture. "Ahem! The mortals were calling you the ‘Pink Whirlwind’! You’ve come to visit us!"

  The boy could barely contain his excitement. Xia’s easy grin returned. She crossed her arms. "Yep, that's me!"

  "C-Cool…" he whispered, then cleared his throat again. "May I see your golden spear?"

  Before Xia’s spatial ring could flash, a slender hand took the boy by the arm. A young lady with the same amber eyes and an air of cold superiority looked down at him.

  "What did I say about running off?"

  Her gaze lifted, sliding over Xia as if she were an unpleasant stain on the floor.

  "Don’t bother my little brother again, do you understand? You lowly Outer Disciple."

  Bi Kan’s hand flew toward Xia’s shoulder to restrain her, but she was faster.

  Her own hand shot up, slapping his away with a sharp crack before it could land.

  "Calm down, Bi Kan," she said, the words ground out between clenched teeth. "I promised I’d behave."

  The arrogant girl scoffed, flaunting her golden hair as she pulled her brother away. "Honestly. Why would they invite outsiders who don’t belong? She’s merely trash."

  The venom in her voice, a poison dart aimed straight for Xia's pride. But Xia stood her ground, her expression unmoving, a placid lake over a churning volcano.

  Bi Kan’s reaction, however, was a world apart. His calm mask cracked. He watched the siblings walk away, his gaze fixed on the girl with an intensity that burned.

  His hands, hidden in his sleeves, twitched. His eyes were pools of darkness.

  I'm supposed to be the calm one here, the thought was a low growl in his mind.

  But I want to burn this entire palace to the ground.

  Once the two siblings had vanished into the palace’s depths, the sharp, deliberate clicks of leather boots on polished marble echoed from a nearby corridor.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Bi Kan’s head turned slowly, his hands remaining neatly tucked within his robes, his posture a mask of calm deference.

  An older gentleman with a neatly trimmed mustache and robes of a much finer cut than the guards approached them.

  A deep, steady power emanated from him, marking him as a true member of the Han family.

  "Greetings," he said, his voice a smooth baritone as he gently folded his hands together. "I am an Ex-Junior Elder of this family."

  Bi Kan and Ying Xia mirrored the gesture instantly. "We greet this Martial Uncle."

  A ghost of a smile touched Xia's lips. For all the danger, she found a strange delight in the rigid, practiced formalities of the sect.

  Just as practiced! she thought.

  We look like the most polite disciples in the world!

  The old man’s arms fell to his sides. "You must wait for a moment longer. We are embarrassed to say that we have been caught up in an issue."

  He gestured down a long, ornate hallway. "I shall lead you to your guest rooms, so that you do not feel bored while you wait."

  Issues, Bi Kan’s mind immediately connected the dots. A political scheme? A move from the Linghu family?

  The vote for Sect Master hasn't officially begun, but the great families are already picking their sides. He nodded, his face impassive. "Of course. Please, lead the way."

  They don't mean to trap us, he reasoned. The messenger was too public. Disciples have been chattering for days about the Elders gathering treasures.

  Other factions are watching this invitation closely. They can’t make us disappear without consequences.

  They followed the older gentleman down the corridor.

  The sheer opulence was staggering.

  The walls were lined with statues of knights in shining, life-like armor, their cold metal hands gripping a variety of deadly weapons.

  As they walked, one statue in particular seemed to pull the light from every lantern. It was a giant, molded from solid gold, depicting a warrior in a triumphant pose.

  In its hand, a massive spear, forged from a deep red-crimson metal, was raised toward the vaulted ceiling in a gesture of eternal glory.

  Ying Xia’s stride faltered. Her eyes, which had been taking in the guards and decor with detached curiosity, now widened in pure, unadulterated glee.

  Each step she took grew heavier, her pace slowing as they passed the grand monument.

  While Bi Kan’s mind was a whirlwind of calculations, piecing together the political landscape to ensure their survival, he noticed the sudden drag behind him.

  He turned. Xia had come to a complete stop, her head tilted back, her eyes sparkling as she stared up at the golden warrior, utterly awestruck.

  The older gentleman continued his walk, but his pace slowed. He gently rubbed the mustache on his face, a hint of an amused smile in his eyes.

  "Xia," Bi Kan’s voice was a low murmur, pulling her from her trance. "I know you're a fanatic for glorious warriors..."

  His gaze flickered to the giant crimson spear. "But we need to stay focused. We can ask to explore later."

  She remained frozen for a few more seconds, her eyes finally dropping to the engraved nameplate at the statue's base.

  "O-Okay…" The smile wouldn't leave her face. She turned to Bi Kan, her eyes closed in a wide, happy grin.

  You'll become so famous they'll build statues of you too, right? Bi Kan thought, a cold resolve hardening in his chest.

  They will. But for now, we navigate this path. This place... it will make your journey easier. His fists clenched. And I will intercept any threat that stands in your way.

  Ying Xia’s eyes snapped open as she noticed how far the old man had gone. "O-Oh no!" she shouted, then immediately slapped a hand over her mouth.

  "W-We must hurry," she whispered, dashing forward on light feet, trying not to make a sound.

  Bi Kan cast one last look at the nameplate at the statue's base. He let out a soft sigh before turning to follow.

  "Han Zilong."

  They stopped before a heavy, polished wooden door. "You may enter this guest room."

  The older gentleman turned the polished brass knob, swinging the door inward to reveal a space that dwarfed their own cramped dorm room.

  It was airy and bright, illuminated by a grand chandelier that cast a warm, golden light across silk tapestries and lacquered furniture.

  "W-Woah…" Xia was shocked, taking a hesitant step forward. Her boots, usually caked in training yard dust, seemed out of place on the plush, deep red rug.

  "This looks great!" She immediately launched herself onto the large, four-poster bed. "Soft…!" she sighed, melting into the downy mattress.

  Bi Kan cleared his throat. "Thank you for leading the way personally. You could have had a butler or maid escort us."

  He folded his hands together, bowing ever so slightly.

  A flicker of approval passed through the old man's eyes.

  Hm, this boy has manners. He sized Bi Kan up again, noting the lack of a powerful aura, the faint but persistent exhaustion clinging to him like a shroud.

  Though, he possesses no strong talent. Perhaps I can praise his resilience. it is rare for one so young to reach the 8th stage of Qi Sensing.

  "You do not need to thank me," the Ex-Junior Elder said, his gaze shifting to the girl on the bed.

  "We are meant to be hospitable to our guests, especially one as important as she is."

  But, he does seem to keep that girl in check. I wonder how deep their relationship goes.

  He gestured to a small, ornate silver bell on a nearby table.

  "If you need anything, simply inflict your Qi into this bell. A personal butler and maid will come to your aid."

  Bi Kan nodded, his analytical gaze lingering on the bell.

  Quite the artifact. It must register a specific sound catered only to the staff assigned to this room.

  "That will be all," the old man said. "I or a staff member will reach out to you when dinner is about to begin."

  He gave a final nod before closing the door, leaving them in the quiet luxury of the room.

  The moment the latch clicked, Xia sat up straight, her fists clenched.

  "I'm still pissed at that girl from earlier!" Her shout, sharp and sudden, made Bi Kan flinch, the sound ringing in his ears.

  "I commend you for keeping your calm, Xia," he said, his voice a low murmur. "That was… impressive."

  She shrugged, crossing her arms. "I swear, if I meet that girl again, I might just unleash my spear and thrust it through her!" Her spatial ring glinted under the chandelier lights.

  Her anger quickly subsided, replaced by a childlike wonder. "I wonder if I'll get a room like this when I'm recruited! It’s so beautiful!"

  She hopped off the bed and began rummaging through the wardrobes, inspecting the fine silk robes hanging inside.

  "What are you doing?" Bi Kan asked, an eyebrow raised. "I didn't take you for a scavenger or thief."

  Xia shook her head, pulling out a golden hand mirror. "How rude! I'm only checking things out! It's not every day you get to go through a rich person's stuff!"

  She grinned at her reflection.

  "Beautiful as always!"

  Bi Kan took a seat on the edge of the bed, the mattress sinking comfortably under his weight.

  He crossed his hands. "Ahem. Let's talk about our strategy here one last time, Xia."

  Her playful expression vanished. She placed the golden mirror down carefully and pulled a heavy wooden chair from the corner, setting it directly across from him before taking a seat.

  Her sharp green eyes, reflecting his tired figure, were now all business.

  "Alright," she said. "Let's go through it once more, Bi Kan."

  He closed his eyes. "So far, everything seems normal. Other than that incident with the siblings, it’s been smooth sailing."

  He raised a single finger. "But now I'm certain there are other motives for inviting you here."

  Xia nodded. "You mean that statue, right?"

  "Yep," he confirmed.

  "They have a legacy in spears. My assumption is that they already have someone in their family practicing the art. In which case… that person is likely to be your rival."

  She leaned closer, her expression intense.

  "They know you're talented, Xia. They're going to use you to test their own children. Be ready to fight off people who want to put you down."

  Bi Kan let out a sigh. "For now, we continue to observe. Act polite. Get some leverage."

  That little boy from earlier... he isn't as snobby as his sister. He hasn't been poisoned by their arrogance yet. Perhaps he'll be useful in the future.

  "Then should we explore?" Xia asked. "Maybe we can meet some family members, gain some kind of favor before dinner?"

  Bi Kan rubbed his chin. "That's not a bad idea, but it could backfire easily. They might just pretend to be friendly to get information, just like we are…"

  Xia scoffed, standing up. "Pretending? I am friendly, Bi Kan! Unlike you, I don't have any hidden motives at all!"

  "Yeah? Except for getting someone to train you and do you favors? Don't lie to my face and act like you aren't scheming for your own needs, Xia."

  "Y-You…!" She crossed her arms, unable to form a retort. "W-Well! I'm still truthful to myself!"

  Her gaze landed on the silver bell, its polished surface gleaming in the soft chandelier light. "Should we ring it?" she asked, a restless energy buzzing around her. "I've been itching to do it since that old man explained its function earlier!" Her hand hovered over the cool metal, her fingers twitching with anticipation.

  "Sure," Bi Kan said dryly from the bed. "Just be aware that an artifact like that likely absorbs a portion of your Qi to function."

  A new thought lit up Xia's face. "Hmm, I wonder if it caters to your personal Qi, creating a unique sound!" She snatched the bell from the table, her own energy flaring. A faint, golden light flowed from her palm into the silver, which seemed to drink it in without a sound.

  "Woah! Cool!"

  With a grin, she brought the bell down against the tabletop with a sharp, decisive strike.

  The sound that followed was not the loud, echoing peal he had expected. It was a single, pure chime that resonated for a moment before vanishing completely, as if it had traveled along a single, invisible thread to its destination.

  I expected it to be louder, Bi Kan thought, his eyes widening slightly. This artifact is far more impressive than I imagined. Xia’s Qi was converted into sound waves of a specific frequency, a signature recognizable only to that pair…!

  The wooden door swung open before the thought could even finish. Merely seconds had passed. A butler and a maid stood in the doorway, their hands clasped neatly behind their backs, their eyes earnest and ready for duty. They moved as one, a single, perfectly trained unit.

  "We have come to assist the guests in their need!" they announced in perfect sync, their heads bowing low.

  "How may we help you, esteemed guests of the Han Family's Grand Manor?!"