Song had dozed off, but strange noises stirred him from his shallow rest. When he stepped into the courtyard, the chill in the air wasn't what made him freeze.
A neighbor knelt stiffly before three warriors clad in dark robes, each one marked with the unmistakable blue phoenix emblem. To the side, a young man in spotless white leaned casually against the wall, his polished boots and manicured hands screaming aristocracy. Beside him stood a woman in crimson a vision of elegance, with porcelain skin and vivid green eyes that sparkled with cruel amusement.
The moment Song appeared, all eyes turned to him.
"Kneel, servant!" one of the warriors snapped. "You stand before Lord Long Feng, heir of the Moon Phoenix Clan!"
A suffocating aura surged out Pattern Formation realm, peak stage. Song's knees buckled instantly, slamming him to the ground before he could think.
Long Feng's lips curled into a faint, superior smile. The woman giggled softly, her laughter like wind chimes—but the malice behind it was unmistakable.
"Fifteen days ago," the warrior barked, "in this very courtyard did anything strange occur? Speak truthfully. We'll know if you lie."
Song forced a hoarse reply. "Nothing. It was just… normal."
"I was working here all day," another servant added, pointing to a stone bench near Song's door. "Morning was quiet. That night, someone broke a pot there. That's it."
The lead warrior looked toward the young lord and the woman.
"They're telling the truth," she said sweetly, then leaned into Long Feng with a flirtatious smile.
Long Feng brushed her off with a hint of irritation, then stepped forward. His voice cut through the silence like a knife. "Speak of this to no one. Not a word. Or you'll die choking on your own tongue."
He turned to his warriors. "These were the last?"
"Yes, my lord," one bowed. "We've questioned everyone."
"Then we're done here." Long Feng turned then stopped mid-step, eyes narrowing at Song. "Wait. I sense something… That emblem. You servant! Come here!"
Song obeyed, heart sinking as he approached.
"Hand it over," Long Feng commanded. "That badge. It belongs to the clan. You're not worthy to wear it."
Wordless, Song reached into his tunic and withdrew the small maple leaf badge Lady Blu's token and held it out.
Long Feng snatched it without hesitation.
"So," he sneered, inspecting the badge. "My little sister gave her personal token to a servant. Pathetic. Our clan's symbol should never be tarnished like this."
He stepped closer, voice icy. "Stay a hundred meters away from her. Always. Understood?"
"Yes, lord."
What else could Song say? The order changed little he doubted he'd ever see Lady Blu again. Still, something in him twisted as the badge left his hand.
Long Feng turned with a satisfied smirk and strode toward the gate, his warriors following.
But the woman Sin Feng remained.
"You're strong," she said, stepping into Song's space, close enough for her scent to linger lily and jasmine, light and deadly. "Looking for work? Come to the Moon Phoenix Clan. Tell them Protector Sin Feng sent you."
She smiled, slow and knowing, her gaze lingering on Song's shoulders like a hunter assessing prey. Then she slipped away.
She wasn't just beautiful. She was lethal. And more dangerous than Long Feng by far.
As she caught up to the heir, Long Feng shot her a glance. "Why him?"
"Jealous?" she teased, but her voice turned thoughtful. "His soul strength it's far too refined for a servant."
Long Feng raised a brow. "Interesting. Watch him. He might be useful."
"I intend to," Sin Feng said, lips curling.
Back in the courtyard, Song and his neighbor slowly stood.
"What were they after?" Song asked.
"No idea, don't care," the neighbor muttered, already slipping back into his room. "Clan business. Get curious, get crushed."
Song returned to his quarters, heart still racing. He sat cross-legged, forcing himself to breathe. He needed rest, clarity—Wind was waiting. There was much to do.
But even as he closed his eyes, the scent of lily and jasmine lingered.And the promise of freedom or the shadow of a trap loomed ever closer.The Moon Phoenix Clan's sudden interest leaves Song shaken, but Sin Feng's invitation burns in his mind. Is it a path to power… or the beginning of a new kind of prison?