The Jade Blade's Curse

Ten years later…

ZHAN SHENG STRODE INTO the throne room, his posture straight and his head held high. Several omega disciples blushed, their voices tittering as Zhan Sheng strutted by. Dressed in a black fur cloak and fine robes lined with red, Zhan Sheng looked like an immortal from a bygone era, handsome and mysterious. His hair was a wild mass of black curls that tumbled down his back like a cascade of midnight waves, making him look like a fierce warrior ready for battle.

Zhan Sheng's lips hooked into his cheek, and he threw them a devilish wink as he walked to the throne room. Zhan Wei stood proud near the throne, his eyes held more wrinkles than ever before but he still smiled when Zhan Sheng bowed before him. "Shengzi," he sighed through his nose. "Don't act shameless."

Zhan Sheng rolled his eyes but he stood saluting his father. "You summoned me? I hope it wasn't for another lecture."

Zhan Wei rubbed his brow. "Not this time, but I'm sure you need it. How many times have I told you to stay away from certain omegas? Wait until I can arrange a proper marriage for you."

Zhan Sheng chucked throatily. "Father, you can't expect me to go by without sniffing the flowers. It was just a bit of fun, nothing to get worked up over."

Zhan Wei grumbled under his breath but said nothing more. It was normal for alphas to try to seduce omegas. Zhan Sheng was nearly twenty, it was about time he had some fun. Over the last ten years he's been training for the sect competition, day and night, he lived and breathed cultivation. He had even made it to the Core Formation stage and would be well onto the Nascent Soul stage if things continued going this well. Zhan Sheng was lit with exhilaration, soon all the sects would see the mightiness of the Burning Fire sect, and sooner or later they'd become the number one sect in Sun Ocean Palace!

Zhan Sheng couldn't wait to crush them all into the dust. A smile tugged at his lips, as he thought about how he'd finally managed to subdue his devil's aura and cultivate the righteous path. It irritated him to no end, his father's rantings about keeping his devil side a secret. Zhan Sheng didn't care about what people thought about them, their sect was invincible, and he'd dare anyone to try to take them down.

"Well, moving on…I see you've progressed," Zhan Wei praised. "We can look into getting you some magical beasts to ride on our way to the competition."

Zhan Sheng's face lit up. "Really?"

"If you keep it up."

"I will." Zhan Sheng vowed, grinning like mad. A magical beast? He'd make a grand entrance for sure now!

Zhan Wei's expression was serious as he replied, "Yes, my son. I have important news to share with you… After ten years, Lei Bo is finally coming back."

Lei Bo.

Zhan Sheng's heart fluttered and his throat wet dry, a cold sweat broke out over his palms and he almost laughed at how ridiculous he was being. Zhan Sheng has seen countless beauties, most omegas nearly preened when they found out he was going to be the sect leader. He was nineteen now, no longer the young boy Lei Bo had known before he left, but just the mention of Lei Bo's name had his knees quaking.

Don't leave me.

He had cried, but Lei Bo kept walking as if tears meant nothing.

Zhan Sheng understood that he had probably gone on a mission for his father and it had taken him several years to return, but the resentment had coiled in his heart like barbwire. Lei Bo. He had spent years waiting for Lei Bo's return, hoping that he would see him as the man he had become.

Zhan Sheng's blood quickened when his thoughts drifted back to his memories of Lei Bo. He remembered the way Lei Bo had looked at him with those intense, dark eyes, the way his heart had beat like wild horses on a terrain whenever Lei Bo was nearby. He had desired Lei Bo with a passion that was both intense and all-consuming, like a fire burning deep within him that he couldn't extinguish.

Even after all these years, Zhan Sheng felt that same desire stirring within him.

"When?" Zhan Sheng asked, swallowing around the blockage in his throat.

"Tomorrow," Zhan Wei replied chuckling softly. "I'll hold a banquet in his honor."

Zhan Sheng's throat felt parched, he still remembered the omega's clean scent and was ashamed to admit he spent most of his nights sleeping in Lei Bo's bed, trying to keep the scent with him as long as possible. "I see."

Zhan Wei shook his head at Zhan Sheng's expression. "Still got a crush?"

Zhan Sheng's face heated up. "No."

Zhan Wei laughed. "Sure, you don't. Anyways, you're dismissed."

He left the throne room, his mind was filled with thoughts of Lei Bo. He knew that he had to be patient, to wait for the right moment to make his move. Zhan Sheng was no longer a child. Lei Bo was a prime omega and he wouldn't waste his time pinning anymore.

No.

This time, Zhan Sheng would make his move.

●

THE BANQUET HALL TRANSFORMED into a symphony of colors, a canvas painted by the gods themselves. Zhan Sheng watched as the walls draped in silk fabrics flowed like rivers of gold, emerald, and crimson. He drank beside his father through a golden cup, his thoughts buzzing like a cicada and his stomach in knots.

Where is he? Three hours into the banquet was there still no sight of Lei Bo. His father didn't seem at all concerned, he spoke to whoever was nearby, not paying a lick of attention to the fact that the guest of honor hasn't even arrived yet.

The chandeliers cast a warm glow, illuminating the hall like a thousand suns. The centerpiece of the room was a magnificent dragon sculpture, its scales made of pure silver and its eyes sparkling with jewels. The tables were lined with exquisite porcelain dishes, each one more beautiful than the last, decorated with intricate floral patterns and delicate brushstrokes. The scent of roasted meat and spices wafted through the air, like a gentle breeze on a summer evening.

Zhan Sheng sipped Baijiu, his heart trembling as he tried to make sense of his emotions. Several omegas tried to catch his eye, but Zhan Sheng remained stoic and laid back, drinking without tasting trying to calm his nerves. Tonight, he was dressed in extravagant red robes. Zhan Sheng knew that with his slightly pointed ears and sharp canines, his devilish aura shone through, making him look both dangerous and alluring. His eyes were like two shining orbs of obsidian, drawing in those around him like moths to a flame.

The guests dressed in their finest attire and adorned with shimmering jewelry filled the room with their energy. It was as if the banquet hall had been transported from the mortal realm to the heavens, and everyone in attendance basked in its otherworldly beauty.

Then suddenly Lei Bo entered the banquet hall with a flourish, his presence commanding everyone's attention. The musicians stopped playing, their instruments silenced by his arrival.

Zhan Sheng's heart lurched, he nearly leaped from his seat but stopped himself at the last minute, his eyes shining as he took in Lei Bo's form after almost ten years.

He wore a fur coat that glistened in the light, its blackness a stark contrast to the colorful attire of the other guests. The cinnabar near his eyes enhanced his cheeks, which were high and prominent, and his hair was tied in a half-updo with a small crown, the rest tumbling down his back. Lei Bo's entrance was a spectacle, causing the room to fall into hushed whispers as he made his way toward the banquet table.

"Lei Bo," Zhan Wei stood and greeted him at the door. Lei Bo saluted his father and kept his gaze on the ground. "Welcome back."

"Zhangmen, this honor is far too great for someone as lowly as me."

"Nonsense." Zhan Wei clasped his arms. "Come. Sit with me. We have much to discuss."

The music resumed and the palace was alive with the sound of music and laughter as the lavish banquet was held to welcome Lei Bo back. The tables were covered with red cloths and adorned with beautiful flowers and candles, the air heavy with the scent of incense. Zhan Sheng sat nearby with his heart in his throat, drinking enough liquid to drown in. Lei Bo barely looked at him throughout the entire night and Zhan Sheng didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.

Unable to stomach it a second later, Zhan Sheng stood from the table and walked over to the preening omegas nearby as they fluttered their fans. Zhan Sheng strode over to them, his towering height making the omegas shrink back, their eyes shining as he stared down at them.

"Drink?"

They relaxed instantly, sharing a drink with their shidi. Zhan Sheng was desperate, flirting shamelessly with every omega he could find. But his eyes kept straying to Lei Bo, who stood in the corner, silent and still as a lake. Zhan Sheng couldn't take his eyes off him, mesmerized by the cinnabar on his face and the beauty of his black hair and fur coat. Zhan Sheng walked to the middle of the room and raised his cup in a toast.

"Welcome back, Lei Bo," he said, his voice filled with warmth and longing. "It's been far too long since we last saw you. We're all eager to hear of your travels and adventures."

"Wanbei tells us of your journeys!" another disciple shouted.

"Yeah, Wanbei we're eager to hear more!"

A chorus of voices sounded through the banquet but Lei Bo remained silent, his expression unreadable. Zhan Sheng felt a pang of disappointment, but he refused to let it show. He raised his cup again, determined to keep the conversation flowing.

"Please, tell us of the wonders you've seen," he said, his eyes fixed on Lei Bo's face. "We're all eager to hear of your experiences, to share in your knowledge."

Lei Bo's gaze finally met his, and Zhan Sheng felt a jolt of electricity shoot through his body. It was as though Lei Bo's eyes were the sun, and he was a mere mortal basking in its warmth. He knew then that his desire for Lei Bo was as intense as ever, like a wildfire burning deep within him.