The young noble froze for a moment, his face paling. Shen Xue's gaze was like a cold blade slicing straight into his bones. He clenched his teeth and turned away.
"Go!" he barked sharply.
Six soldiers immediately lifted their master and pulled him back. They rushed out without daring to look behind them. The tavern door they had kicked earlier now swayed shut, leaving behind a heavy silence.
Outside, the gathered crowd was still watching. They whispered among themselves, some chuckling softly, others shaking their heads.
"Isn't that… the young lord? He really lost face today."
"If not for that woman, this tavern would've been destroyed."
"That boy… acting all arrogant. He'll only bring bigger trouble later."
The murmurs crawled into Hun Yao's ears. He stayed silent, blood still dripping from the corner of his lips. He wasn't angry—only reminded of how easily the world labeled someone.
Shen Xue walked closer and extended her hand. "Can you stand?"
Hun Yao looked at her briefly, then accepted the offer. His body was weak, but he forced himself upright. "Why are you here?" he asked softly.
Shen Xue met his gaze, her voice calm. "I received a summons from the Emperor. There's something I must settle in the palace."
Hun Yao frowned. "The palace…? Then I shouldn't follow. I'm just an ordinary person—how could I step into a place like that?"
A faint smile tugged at Shen Xue's lips. "Of course you can. You're not just an 'ordinary person', Hun Yao. You'll understand why the Emperor called for me later."
Hun Yao fell silent, staring out the window at the city lit by oil lamps. Doubt clouded his heart—whether to refuse for fear of inviting trouble, or to walk toward the path opening before him.
Shen Xue gently patted his shoulder. "Come with me. Your path was never meant to end here."
Hun Yao took a deep breath. He glanced at the bowl of noodles growing cold on the table, then lowered his head slightly. "Very well. I'll go."
Shen Xue nodded and moved toward the tavern door. Her robe swayed behind her, carrying an air of firmness that made the remaining onlookers instinctively step aside to give way.
Hun Yao and Shen Xue finally arrived before the grand palace. The towering building stood with triple-curved roofs, its golden carvings faded by time. Massive red pillars supported its ancient weight like eternal guardians. Sunlight struck the carved images of dragons, birds, and mythical beasts etched into the walls, making them seem alive.
Two guards stood before the enormous bronze gate, their posture straight, clad in layered armor and rounded helmets with plume decorations. Their long spears gleamed in their hands, their eyes fixed forward. As Hun Yao and Shen Xue approached, one guard stepped forward and spoke loudly:
"Halt! State your purpose."
Silence settled for a moment. Hun Yao glanced at Shen Xue, tense, while the air around them felt as if it held its breath. Shen Xue calmly reached into her robe, retrieving a golden-sealed scroll bearing the imperial dragon emblem. With composed authority, she handed it over.
"We come by the Emperor's summons. Please verify this letter."
The guard's eyes widened as he checked the seal. He quickly bowed and gestured toward the gate.
"Please enter."
With a heavy groan, the bronze gates opened, revealing a long corridor stretching inward.
Hun Yao walked alongside Shen Xue. A red carpet extended across the hall, guiding them forward. On both sides, rows of soldiers stood in perfect formation, their armor gleaming under the flickering torchlight. No one spoke—only the echo of their footsteps filled the space, as if the whole world held its breath.
At the end of the hall, beneath a great dome painted with the sky and stars, the Emperor sat upon an ornate throne. His presence was majestic, clad in deep blue silk embroidered with golden dragons. His gaze was sharp yet wise, his aura radiating authority beyond mortal realms. Beside him stood Xiao Du, his expression gentle yet vigilant, like a blade sheathed but ready.
Shen Xue and Hun Yao halted before the throne's steps. Both knelt deeply, and Shen Xue spoke in a steady voice.
"We pay our respects to the Third Emperor."
The Emperor straightened slightly, his voice echoing through the vast hall—soft, yet carrying undeniable strength.
"Hun Yao," he began, "I have heard of your deeds. You saved the citizens of the eastern region, even when your own life was at risk. The Xiao Kingdom owes you greatly."
Hun Yao lowered his gaze, steadying the turmoil in his chest. He wasn't accustomed to praise—especially from an emperor.
But the Emperor didn't linger. His expression shifted to seriousness as he turned toward Shen Xue.
"Shen Xue, I have an important task for you. Starting today, you will assist the Wan Lia Teng Sect. They are among the kingdom's most loyal allies. I want your presence there—as the hands and heart of the palace."
Shen Xue blinked, her brows tightening slightly. She stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"Why me, Your Majesty? Are there not many skilled healers in the palace? Why must I be the one chosen?"
A wise smile touched the Emperor's lips. "Because you are the greatest healer on this continent. No hands surpass yours—gentle yet resolute. I trust that your presence will maintain harmony between the sect and our kingdom."
Shen Xue fell silent. She offered no further objections, simply lowering her head in acceptance.
The Emperor gestured, dismissing them. Shen Xue and Hun Yao bowed once more before turning to leave the hall.
Outside the palace, the evening sun cast a warm glow across the white stone path. Shen Xue walked slowly, then stopped. Her voice was soft but firm as she turned to Hun Yao.
"Hun Yao, while I'm at the Wan Lia Teng Sect, I want you to look after Xiao Cao. The palace will send another healer to assist her. You must protect her, understood?"
Hun Yao nodded without hesitation. "I understand."
Before they could take another step, light footsteps approached from behind. Xiao Du appeared, dressed in white embroidered with gold. His gaze was sharp like a drawn sword, aimed straight at Hun Yao.
The air seemed to tighten. But Hun Yao did not flinch. He straightened his back, returning the stare with unwavering resolve.
The two stood facing each other in silence—like heaven and earth testing one another's existence.
Shen Xue remained quiet, choosing not to interfere. She knew this was no ordinary exchange—it was a test.
Finally, Xiao Du's expression shifted. A faint smile stretched across his lips.
"Thank you," he said lightly, yet with depth, "for saving the people of the eastern region. Even though you nearly lost your life in the process."
Hun Yao's eyes grew calm. He gave a simple nod, offering no reply.