The city lay nestled amongst the clouds, its neon lights tearing through the darkness.
Sleep seemed foreign here.
In the night,
the city breathed—
alive.
Within the masses, a faint sense of bloodlust lingered. Subtle. Yet ever-present.
In one district, a mansion stood.
Its gates were carved from gold and silver.
Its walls shimmered, embedded with gemstones that seemed almost alive.
Guards patrolled the perimeter, each holding a silver spear that glowed with a radiant light.
Deep within the mansion—
A grand hall.
Crowds gathered, each bearing the name Li etched into their hands, voices rising in fervent discussion.
"Did you hear? Among this generation, the Seventh and Fifth Young Masters achieved phenomenal results."
Another voice chimed in.
"Don't forget the Third Young Miss. I heard she might rank first in this trial."
The murmurs grew louder.
Then—
Step.
A man entered.
Long white hair flowed down his back, a neatly trimmed beard resting upon his chin.
His presence seemed to bend perception itself.
Step.
He walked toward the throne.
Confusion flickered across the crowd—until a sound, subtle yet absolute, washed over them.
It seeped into their minds.
The hall fell silent.
A cold current drifted through the air.
Silence…
Thud!
"We greet the Patriarch."
The chandeliers trembled.
Thud!
"We greet the Lord."
The lights dimmed.
Thud!
"We greet the Master."
All present—members of the Li Clan, guards, servants—bowed in unison.
The white-haired man gave a slight glance before taking his seat upon a crimson throne, so deep in color it resembled fresh blood.
He raised his hand.
They rose.
And just like that, conversation resumed.
"I hear the Seventh Young Master is devilishly handsome!"
Snort.
"What's the use of beauty? The Fifth Young Master is said to be as strong as a beast."
The chatter spiraled—
Until a voice cut through.
"We welcome the Third Young Miss!"
The massive doors opened.
A figure stepped in, clad in a flowing white dress.
Pink hair swayed gently as she walked with calm elegance toward the center, where three seats awaited.
She took the right seat.
Gazes followed her—like stars orbiting the moon.
Unmoved, she sat in silence.
The Patriarch glanced once—then closed his eyes.
Moments later—
"We welcome the Fifth Young Master!"
The doors opened again.
A young man entered, dressed in white robes. A golden hairpin held his blue hair in place.
He walked calmly, taking the left seat.
Glancing to his right, his eyes curved slightly.
"So I wasn't mistaken… she's here too."
A pause.
"Now… where is he?"
The murmurs returned.
Then—
Bang!
The doors flung open.
"We welcome the Seventh Young Master!"
Li Mu stepped in.
Red hair tied with a purple hairpin.
Simple white robes.
Yet—
All eyes fell upon him.
His face—flawless.
Skin pale as jade.
Eyes like crystallized pools of blood.
Even the Patriarch opened his eyes.
For a moment—
He lingered.
Then closed them once more.
Li Mu stepped forward.
His fingers brushed against the seat—cold.
A slight tremble.
Then he sat, crossing one leg over the other.
Guards moved in, encircling the three.
A steward stepped forward, dressed impeccably, a scroll in hand.
"Before the Li Clan, this humble servant reads the edict."
He bowed.
"Before the Patriarch, I request permission to proclaim."
A finger lifted.
Permission granted.
Slip.
The scroll unfurled.
"Three youths of the Li Clan—"
"You have returned from your trials, each victorious."
"Each achieving SSS results unseen in the past decade."
Murmurs exploded.
"One among you has awakened a profound—@#%—"
The hall froze.
Confusion spread.
The steward paused… then repeated:
"—a profound @#%—"
The words distorted.
Unheard.
Unknowable.
The crowd stirred uneasily.
Li Mu's gaze sharpened.
He already understood.
Slowly, he looked toward the Patriarch.
At that moment—
The Patriarch stood.
Silence fell instantly.
"Follow."
One word.
Absolute.
He turned and walked away.
Without hesitation, the three rose and followed.
Behind them—
The hall erupted in whispers.
Ahead—
A faint glint passed through the Patriarch's eyes.
His lips curved ever so slightly.
"Interesting…"
"A being capable of concealing information from me…"
A flash of red crossed his mind.
"Interesting indeed."