"THE LADY IS ALREADY HERE?"Elder Leo's voice rang with surprise and suppressed excitement as he turned toward the housekeeper.
The housekeeper respectfully bowed, lowering his head slightly. "Yes, Elder. The lady is currently resting in one of the guest rooms. She instructed This Servant to inform you the moment you arrived—she wishes to meet you immediately."
Elder Leo's eyes lit up with joy. He had reported his plans for this empire to the Sect Master in great detail, hopeful that someone would be dispatched to support his endeavors. He had expected the Sect Master to send one of the Great Elders, but instead, the Sect Master's daughter had come in person.
That alone spoke volumes.
Her presence confirmed the Sect Master's approval of his efforts, and more importantly, his trust.
Feeling immensely gratified, Elder Leo straightened his robe and headed for the guest room. When he reached the door, he knocked thrice.
"Come in," came the lady's composed voice from within.
He opened the door and entered respectfully. "Milady."
As he stepped inside, his eyes quickly landed on the familiar figure standing behind the lady—a man clad in the sect's signature silver-and-blue uniform, emanating a cold, quiet pressure. The Sect Master's personal guard.
Elder Leo immediately cupped his fists and bowed deeply.
The young lady placed her teacup down on the low table before her, offering a faint but warm smile. "Elder Leo. It has been some time. Your countenance is pale. When was the last time you had proper rest?" Her voice was calm, measured, and elegant, but her concern sounded genuine. "No matter what happens, you must not neglect your health."
Elder Leo felt a wave of emotion rise in his chest. "I am fine, Milady. There is much to prepare. With the preliminary competition approaching, I must ensure that those who passed the assessment are trained in magic as soon as possible."
The lady gave a courteous nod. "The top three will not only represent this empire but our sect as well. My father sends his regards and wishes to express his confidence in your judgment."
Elder Leo smiled faintly, suppressing the grin that tried to break free. "Please convey my gratitude to the Sect Master. I will not disappoint him."
After exchanging a few more formalities, Elder Leo took his leave.
As the door shut behind him, the lady's smile disappeared. Her eyes turned icy.
"Now, then. What is this I'm hearing about the Pei Family again?"
The Sect Master's guard stepped forward slightly. "Based on my investigation, they are an ancient family—at least within the secular realm."
The lady's eyes narrowed. "An ancient family? And yet, no one in the Earth Realm has heard of them? If they truly were ancient and significant, the sects and clans of the Earth Realm would have already documented their existence. But there's nothing—no mention, no trace, not even a rumor. That alone makes them… unusual."
She paused, her tone lowering. "Do not underestimate this family."
The man gave a single, solemn nod. "Understood. However, Elder Leo appears to be intent on exterminating them."
"Let him." Her voice was sharp with disdain. "Let this be his life lesson."
The man raised an eyebrow. "Milady seems certain that Elder Leo will fail."
She took another sip of tea, then said with calm certainty, "Never underestimate a woman's intuition."
Her fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. "If the Pei Family is as mysterious and well-shielded as they appear, then this empire… may be worth more of our time and investment than we thought."
---
"Your sect master's daughter is here?"Emperor Jun's voice rose in disbelief. "Then we must hold a grand banquet to welcome her! Our empire cannot afford to slight such a guest."
Elder Leo, however, shook his head firmly. "Milady detests excessive ceremony. She dislikes throwing her weight around and has no interest in hollow displays of deference. A banquet would only offend her."
Emperor Jun faltered, visibly suppressing a scowl. "…Then when can we meet her?"
"Yes," Crown Prince Ace chimed in, barely able to contain his excitement. "I would be honored to meet her." That's the daughter of a sect master—we should certainly establish a good relationship with her.
He tried to sound noble, but his thoughts were transparent to Elder Leo.
The old man glanced sideways at the prince and sneered inwardly. He could practically hear the boy's thoughts. A relationship? The prince fancied himself charming enough to earn the approval—perhaps even the affection—of a young woman who would one day rule one of the most powerful sects in the Earth Realm.
Foolish.
Crown Prince Ace had talent, yes—but not the caliber required to stand at the lady's side. If there were anyone Elder Leo could imagine as her equal, it would be his direct disciple, Lance.
"It depends on Milady," Elder Leo said coolly. "She only just arrived and needs time to rest. I will notify you when she chooses to grant an audience."
Emperor Jun clenched his jaw, swallowing a retort. His pride bristled. This was his empire—yet he was being told when or if he could meet a guest. The suffocating pressure he felt back when the Pei Family first showed signs of power was creeping in again.
Elder Leo, sensing the tension, offered a distraction. "Crown Prince Ace and Lady Olivia have been making steady progress. I am confident they will rank among the top three and earn the right to represent your empire in the inter-sect competition."
The emperor's expression eased slightly, and Ace smirked smugly.
But Elder Leo's tone shifted. "However, you must remain cautious… Prince Zak is improving quickly. His magical energy is formidable. And if the Pei Family chooses to put him in the preliminary competition, we won't be able to stop them."
The crown prince's smile evaporated. Emperor Jun's face darkened.
"Is he really that skilled?" the emperor asked, his voice low and bitter.
He hated this. Hated hearing that the child he regretted fathering could possibly surpass the son he had groomed for the throne. Zak was a stain on his past—a child born from an act he barely remembered, and one he never meant to keep. He should have ended Zak the moment he was born. Allowing him to live had been his gravest mistake.
"He's still just a boy," Crown Prince Ace said quickly, trying to reassure himself. "Even if the Pei Family trains him, they can't compare to the resources and knowledge you possess, Elder Leo."
Elder Leo gave a chilling smile. "You forget what I told you the other day," he said, his voice like a blade. "The fire that destroyed half of your palace was caused by that Pei Family girl. And whoever backs her… is not to be trifled with."
The emperor paled. "Who could it be?" he asked, dread creeping into his voice. Not long ago, he had hinted at his desire to sever ties with the Pei Family. If they had truly found someone more powerful than Elder Leo…
The imperial family would be doomed.
Elder Leo shrugged. "I cannot say for certain," he admitted. But then he added, "Though, there is one name that comes to mind… Hugo."
Emperor Jun blinked. "My brother?"
Elder Leo nodded. "He's the only one who's ever cared for the Pei Family. He's known Duke Pei since he was a child. If the Pei Family has a powerful protector, I'd wager everything that it's him."
Crown Prince Ace furrowed his brow. "Fifth Imperial Uncle is that strong?"
The emperor lowered his voice, almost whispering, "Just what kind of family did Empress Hannah come from?"
Elder Leo replied coldly, "A powerful one. Her family is among the few ancient clans that even Earth Realm sects avoid antagonizing."
A long silence fell.
"Then what should we do?" Emperor Jun finally asked, his voice shaky.
Elder Leo made a slicing motion across his neck. "Eliminate the one protecting the Pei Family."
The room froze.
"Are you sure?" the emperor asked, stunned. "What if Hugo retaliates?"
"He's in the Earth Realm, buried in his maternal clan's affairs. That situation is complex and won't be resolved anytime soon. By the time he returns, it'll be too late. The Pei Family will already be gone. Do you think he'd destroy an empire for the sake of a few old friendships?" Elder Leo shook his head. "He might grieve, yes. But to make enemies of both us and the other sects? He's not that reckless."
Neither Emperor Jun nor Crown Prince Ace spoke. They exchanged glances, the same thought running through both their minds:
This might be their only chance.
But neither of them could shake the feeling that once they made this choice, there would be no turning back.
And if they failed… the price might be more than they could afford.