The journey toward Mount Zhaoshen was long and quiet. As the sun slowly disappeared behind the mountains, the road became darker and colder. Wu Jinhai and Qiao Yu Zhen had been riding for hours without stopping. The trees around them grew thicker, and the path became harder to follow. Finally, Wu Jinhai gently pulled the reins and stopped the horse. "We should rest here for the night," she said calmly.
Qiao Yu Zhen nodded. "It will be safer to continue in the morning."
They stepped down from the horse. The ground was covered with dry leaves, and the air carried a faint chill. Qiao Yu Zhen quickly gathered some wood and started a small fire. The soft glow of the flames pushed away the darkness around them. Wu Jinhai sat nearby, watching the fire quietly.
For a while, neither of them spoke. Only the sound of the crackling fire could be heard.
After some time, Qiao Yu Zhen looked at her. "Are you tired?" he asked.
Wu Jinhai shook her head slightly. "Not really."
There was a small pause.
Then she added, "But this journey… it feels longer than I expected."
Qiao Yu Zhen gave a faint smile. "We have just started."
Wu Jinhai looked at him. "You do not seem worried."
Qiao Yu Zhen met her gaze. "Worry will not change anything."
His voice was calm, steady.
Wu Jinhai looked away slightly, toward the fire. "You speak as if you have done this many times."
Qiao Yu Zhen did not answer immediately. Then he said, "Maybe."
Wu Jinhai raised an eyebrow slightly but did not question him further.
The firelight reflected softly on their faces. The atmosphere grew quieter, calmer.
After a moment, Qiao Yu Zhen spoke again. "Why did you agree so easily?"
Wu Jinhai looked at him. "To come here?"
"Yes."
She thought for a moment. "Because someone needed to do it."
"That is all?"
Wu Jinhai nodded. "That is enough."
Qiao Yu Zhen watched her quietly. Then he said, "You are different."
Wu Jinhai frowned slightly. "Different?"
"Yes."
"How?"
Qiao Yu Zhen looked at the fire. "You do not hesitate."
Wu Jinhai gave a small, almost unnoticeable smile. "There is no time to hesitate."
Silence followed again, but it was not uncomfortable. The air between them felt softer now.
"You should rest," Qiao Yu Zhen said after a while. "I will keep watch."
Wu Jinhai looked at him. "You will not sleep?"
"I will later."
She hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright."
She leaned slightly against a nearby tree, closing her eyes.
Qiao Yu Zhen remained near the fire, his gaze steady, alert.
But they were not alone.
Far beyond the reach of the firelight—
In the darkness—
A shadow moved silently between the trees.
Hidden.
Watching.
Unseen.
Its eyes fixed on them.
Waiting.
Inside the Imperial Palace—
Crown Prince Hei Long stood in a quiet chamber. His expression was serious, his hands behind his back. In front of him stood his mother, Lady Zhou Yinzhen.
She looked at him carefully.
"You sent Wu Jinhai to Mount Luzun," she said.
Hei Long did not deny it. "Yes."
Lady Zhou Yinzhen stepped closer. "Are you planning something?"
Her voice was calm, but sharp.
Hei Long remained silent for a moment.
Then he said, "She is the only one who can find the cure."
Lady Zhou Yinzhen narrowed her eyes slightly. "That is not what I asked."
Silence filled the room.
Hei Long finally looked at her. "What do you think I am planning?"
Lady Zhou Yinzhen held his gaze. "You tell me."
There was a long pause.
Then Hei Long spoke quietly, "I am doing what is necessary."
His answer was simple.
But unclear.
Lady Zhou Yinzhen studied him for a moment longer.
"You have changed," she said.
Hei Long did not respond.
She turned slightly. "Just make sure your actions do not create more problems."
Hei Long's expression did not change.
"They will not."
Lady Zhou Yinzhen did not reply. After a moment, she walked away, leaving him alone in the chamber.
Hei Long stood still.
His thoughts unreadable.
In another part of the palace—
Far from the main halls—
A hidden place existed.
Dark.
Quiet.
Unknown to most.
Inside—
A man stood with his back turned.
Feng Yan.
The Prince Regent.
Cousin of the Emperor.
In front of him stood several figures, their faces covered.
Silent.
Waiting.
Feng Yan slowly turned around.
His expression was calm.
But cold.
"The court has grown weak," he said.
No one spoke.
"They argue. They hesitate. They fail."
His voice echoed softly in the dark space.
"That is why change is needed."
One of the masked figures stepped forward slightly. "What are your orders?"
Feng Yan's gaze sharpened.
"We begin removing them."
The words were clear.
Direct.
"Who, my lord?"
Feng Yan paused for a moment.
Then said—
"Those who stand in the way."
Silence followed.
Then he added, "From this moment, our group will move in the shadows."
He looked at them one by one.
"You are now part of the Shadow Veil."
The name settled into the air.
Heavy.
Mysterious.
"Do not fail."
The masked figures bowed.
"Yes, my lord."
Feng Yan turned away again.
His expression unreadable.
But his plan—
Had already begun.
....