Location: Qin Estate – Lotus Pavilion
The morning sun filtered through silken curtains as Meiyue practiced her Lunar Void flow in the Lotus Pavilion. Her silver hair shimmered under the light, while Fenglan sat nearby, carving void glyphs into a jade tablet. The peace was broken by the soft voice of a visitor.
> "So this is the famed Lotus Pavilion… how elegant."
The twins turned. A young woman entered gracefully, dressed in pale green robes embroidered with golden clouds. She bowed politely.
> "I am Shaw Yaling, daughter of Shaw Mingxiu. I come in peace, bearing gifts to honor the Qin heirs."
Her words were honeyed, her tone refined. In her hands rested a lacquered box containing rare void-attributed herbs.
Fenglan frowned, cautious. "A Shaw… here?"
Meiyue, however, softened. Her gentle heart responded to kindness, and she accepted the gift.
> "Thank you, Lady Yaling. You honor us."
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🌑 A Mask of Kindness
Yaling's eyes gleamed faintly with calculation. She spent the day accompanying the twins—offering advice, complimenting their cultivation, even sharing tales of her childhood. To most, she appeared genuine.
When Meiyue laughed at one of her stories, Fenglan felt an uneasy stir in his heart. Something about Yaling's smile seemed… rehearsed.
That night, in secret, Yaling activated a hidden jade slip within her sleeve.
> "Father, the twins are naïve—especially the girl. She trusts easily. The boy… suspicious, but manageable. I will weave my way into their confidence."
From the other end of the link, Shaw Mingxiu's voice echoed:
> "Good. Remember, Yaling—gain their trust, and one day, break it. Nothing destroys heirs faster than betrayal from within."
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🌌 The Pei Family Moves
Meanwhile, in the dark alleys outside the Qin estate, Pei Zonghan's spies stirred. Dressed as wandering cultivators, they whispered rumors to merchants and townsfolk:
"The Qin heirs are cursed… their bond will doom the clan."
"They carry the Void Wounds… harbingers of destruction."
Within weeks, the city buzzed with suspicion. Merchants hesitated to trade, disciples from smaller sects distanced themselves, and whispers spread even among lower-ranked Qin guards.
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🌠 The Twins' Resolve
Unaware of the depth of the schemes against them, Fenglan and Meiyue continued their training. Yet, Fenglan felt the growing coldness in the eyes of some guards. He heard faint murmurs as they walked past.
> "Void heirs… cursed blood."
When he confronted Meiyue about his suspicions, she only shook her head.
> "Brother, even if others doubt us, we must not waver. Father believes in us. Mother believes in us. And I… believe in you."
Her words strengthened Fenglan, but he could not shake the sense that shadows had already crept too close.