Veil of the Shattered Heavens

The heavy atmosphere inside the carriage mirrored the unspoken tension between its two occupants. Mei Xue sat with her head lowered, lost in her thoughts, while Xuan Li glanced at her, recalling the events that had led them here.

"When the soldier approached us, he was shocked to his core," Xuan Li mused internally. "He bowed down and addressed her as Princess. Then the message was sent to the royal family, and now we're on our way to the capital, Tianque Cheng, where her family resides. To think Mei Xue hid the fact that she's royalty… Well, she must have her reasons. In the end, it doesn't matter—whether she's a princess or not."

The carriage passed through the thick mist, and Xuan Li found himself drawn to the breathtaking sight that unfolded. Towering pagodas stood atop jagged cliffs, their dark eaves clawing at the heavens. Suspended wooden bridges swayed precariously between the spires, defying the yawning chasm below, shrouded in mist. Waterfalls cascaded down the rocks in silken threads, their roars softened by the clouds. Crimson silk lanterns glowed faintly, illuminating the twilight like scattered embers. The city, ancient and alive, seemed to float between earth and sky.

The carriage came to a halt, and outside, several guards and servants rushed forward, bowing deeply.

"We are glad that Princess Mei Xue has safely returned to the capital," one of them announced.

The door to the carriage opened, and Mei Xue stepped out with a melancholy expression. She turned to Xuan Li. "Xuan Li… follow me."

The two made their way toward the grand hall of the palace, a place teeming with nobles and young warriors from esteemed families. At the far end of the hall sat Mei Fengyuan, the king of Tianque Cheng, adorned in a black robe embroidered with golden dragons. Beside him stood Mei Zihan, Mei Xue's older brother. His red hair gleamed like embers, and his sharp blue eyes burned with intensity. Clad in a battle costume adorned with phoenix motifs and wearing a single phoenix-feather earring, he exuded both pride and a warrior's readiness.

As Mei Xue entered the hall, Mei Fengyuan's voice trembled with emotion. "Mei Xue… is it really you?"

Unable to contain herself, Mei Xue rushed to her father, embracing him tightly. Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed into his chest.

Xuan Li stood a few steps away, observing the reunion with a faint smile.

After calming himself, Mei Fengyuan glanced at Xuan Li. "Mei Xue, who is this young man?"

Mei Xue wiped her tears, suddenly realizing she hadn't introduced Xuan Li. "Oh! Father, this is Xuan Li. He's the one who escorted me back home."

Mei Fengyuan's expression darkened slightly. "But what of the chief knight? He was sent to find you, yet he never returned. We lost all trace of him."

Mei Xue's face hardened with anger. "The chief knight had ulterior motives, Father. He was the one who kidnapped me. But thanks to Xuan Li, who happened to be nearby, I was rescued. He killed the chief knight."

The room fell silent. Mei Fengyuan's aura flared with fury, a chilling pressure spreading through the hall. Nobles and warriors alike stiffened, sweat breaking out across their brows. However, Mei Fengyuan soon reined in his anger and directed his gaze toward Xuan Li. With a slight bow of his head—a rare gesture for a king—he said, "Mister Xuan Li, you have my deepest gratitude for saving my precious daughter."

Xuan Li returned the gesture with a respectful bow.

"Mister Xuan Li," the king continued, "since you have done such a great service to my family, why don't you stay with us for a week?"

Mei Xue's face lit up with joy. "Yes, Xuan Li, stay with us!"

But Xuan Li offered a polite smile and shook his head. "Your Majesty, I sincerely appreciate your proposal, but I cannot accept it."

Mei Xue's voice trembled. "Why? Please reconsider, Xuan Li."

The king observed Xuan Li in silence before letting out a sigh. "Very well. I won't force you. Mei Xue, don't be upset. I can see the determination in this young man's eyes—it's the gaze of someone walking a path of their own. However…"

His tone shifted as he addressed Xuan Li. "Will you at least stay for a single night? I insist that we hold a banquet in your honor."

Realizing he couldn't refuse, Xuan Li relented with a helpless smile. "Very well, Your Majesty. I will stay for the night."

Mei Xue still wore a sad expression, but her spirits lifted slightly.

Suddenly, Mei Zihan, who had remained silent until now, leaped to his feet and strode toward Xuan Li. "I sense no heavenly aura from you," he began, his piercing gaze examining Xuan Li. "But as a fellow warrior, I can tell—you've been through near-death battles. Tell me, do you want to have a duel with me?"

Mei Fengyuan let out an exasperated sigh, shaking his head. Mei Xue crossed her arms, her voice tinged with frustration. "Father, has Brother always been like this? He's still running around, challenging strong warriors?"

The king replied with a resigned chuckle. "Some things never change."

"Mister Xuan Li," Mei Fengyuan said, "you can ignore him. He's always been like this."

To everyone's surprise, Xuan Li smiled and said, "Alright."

Mei Zihan blinked. "What?"

Xuan Li's gaze was steady as he repeated, "I accept your duel."

Mei Zihan's lips curled into a grin. "Good. Let's see what you've got."

The confident gleam in his red eyes ignited a palpable tension in the hall. Servants and nobles exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to interject or let the challenge unfold. Mei Xue furrowed her brow, her voice tinged with irritation. "Brother, is this really necessary? Xuan Li just returned from escorting me through countless dangers. He doesn't need this right now."

Mei Zihan waved her off dismissively. "Relax, Mei Xue. This isn't about necessity. This is about potential. Someone who saved you and eliminated the Chief Knight—now that's someone worth testing."

Mei Fengyuan sighed, shaking his head but allowing the situation to play out. "Zihan, you should remember that your impulses might not always serve you well. Still…" He glanced at Xuan Li with interest. "This might indeed reveal the caliber of the young man who brought my daughter back."

Xuan Li stood calm amidst the brewing storm. His expression betrayed neither irritation nor fear. Instead, he wore a faint smile, one that only deepened as he met Mei Zihan's challenging gaze. "If you insist, let's settle this quickly."

Mei Zihan's grin widened. "Quickly, huh? Don't disappoint me, Xuan Li."

Nobles shuffled back, creating space in the hall. Mei Xue's heart pounded as she whispered urgently, "Xuan Li, are you sure about this? My brother is one of the strongest warriors in Tianluo Kingdom, and his Phoenix Inferno technique isn't something to take lightly."

Xuan Li gave her a reassuring nod. "Don't worry, Mei Xue. I've faced worse."

Mei Zihan stepped forward, his aura blazing to life. Flames flickered along his arms, and a faint, phoenix-like shadow shimmered behind him. His fiery energy filled the hall, causing the air to ripple with heat.

Xuan Li remained composed, letting Mei Zihan's aura wash over him. He closed his eyes briefly, feeling the connection to his restored core and the calm power of the cosmos within.

"Whenever you're ready," Xuan Li said, his voice steady.

The duel was about to begin, and the eyes of everyone in the hall were fixed on the two warriors, their excitement and trepidation building with every passing moment.