Entering the Capital

Li Xueyan stood on the edge of a hill, staring at the grand city before her. The Imperial Capital, Chang'an, stretched far and wide, its towering walls standing tall against the setting sun. From here, she could see golden palace roofs, bustling markets, and noble estates spread across the land.

She took a deep breath. This was where everything would begin.

The people who betrayed her were here. The uncle who stole her family's honor. The Black Sun Hall who helped him. The royal court that turned a blind eye.

She had come for revenge. But first, she needed to survive.

---

The City of Power and Danger

Xueyan pulled her hood lower as she walked toward the city gates. The streets were crowded with merchants, travelers, and soldiers. Guards in golden armor stood at the entrance, checking everyone who entered.

A long line stretched before her. She waited patiently, listening to the people around her.

"I heard the Emperor is sick," a merchant whispered to his friend.

"They say the royal family is fighting over the throne," another man replied.

Xueyan frowned. The Emperor was dying? That meant chaos in the palace. If the royal family was divided, the capital would be even more dangerous.

When it was her turn, a guard stopped her. "State your name and purpose."

She kept her voice calm. "Li Mei. I've come to visit family."

The guard glanced at her face, then at the sword wrapped in cloth on her back. "Are you a martial artist?"

She smiled slightly. "Just a traveler."

After a moment, the guard nodded. "Go in."

As she stepped through the gates, a voice echoed in her mind.

"Careful, little warrior."

It was Hei Yue, her spirit wolf companion. He had hidden himself in the shadows, but his voice still reached her.

"This city is full of hunters."

She already knew that. And she was one of them.

---

A New Identity

Xueyan had no home here. She needed a place to stay, information to gather, and a way to move through the city without drawing attention.

She entered the Lotus Inn, a small tavern near the marketplace. The smell of roasted meat and wine filled the air. People laughed, argued, and drank. The perfect place to hear rumors.

She paid for a small room and sat by the corner, listening.

"The Black Sun Hall is looking for someone," a man whispered.

Xueyan's grip tightened on her cup.

"They say she carries a black sword and has the Li family bloodline."

A chill ran down her spine. They were already searching for her.

She had to be careful. She needed a new identity, at least for now.

---

The Underground Arena

That night, Xueyan moved through the darker parts of the city, where the noble families rarely went.

Here, the streets were filled with gamblers, thieves, and fighters. The perfect place to hide.

She reached a hidden entrance beneath an old building. Two men stood guard.

"What do you want?" one asked.

She pulled out a small bag of silver. "To fight."

The man smirked. "You? A girl?"

She didn't answer. Instead, she grabbed his wrist and twisted. The man yelped as he dropped to one knee.

The other guard chuckled. "Alright, you're in."

They led her inside.

The underground arena was noisy and brutal. Fighters clashed in the ring while the crowd cheered and placed bets. Some battles were for money. Others were for revenge.

She sat near the edge, observing.

Then, a familiar voice spoke beside her.

"You don't belong here."

She turned sharply.

A man sat beside her, dressed in simple black robes. He had sharp golden eyes and a relaxed smile.

Feng Zhiwei.

The Illegitimate Prince.

---

A Dangerous Meeting

Her heart pounded, but she kept her face calm.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

He took a sip of his drink. "Same as you. Watching."

She didn't believe him. He knew who she was.

"I heard the Black Sun Hall is looking for someone," he said, his tone casual. "A girl with a stolen sword."

She clenched her fists under the table.

"Sounds dangerous," she replied.

His smile didn't fade. "It is. If they find her, she'll be dead by morning."

Xueyan met his gaze. "And if you find her?"

Zhiwei leaned closer. "That depends."

Her fingers brushed the hilt of her sword. If he was her enemy, she had to strike first.

But then, his voice dropped to a whisper.

"If she's smart, she'll come with me."

Her breath caught.

"Why?" she asked.

He smirked. "Because I don't like the Black Sun Hall either."

Silence stretched between them.

Finally, she exhaled. "Then prove it."

His golden eyes gleamed. "Alright, little phoenix. Let's make a deal."

---

A New Alliance

Feng Zhiwei led her to a quieter part of the arena.

"I can help you move through the city safely," he said. "But in return, you do something for me."

She crossed her arms. "What do you want?"

"There's a man I need to find," he said. "A traitor hiding in the noble district."

She frowned. "Why should I help you?"

He chuckled. "Because we both want the same thing—to destroy the people who betrayed us."

Her heart pounded.

Feng Zhiwei was dangerous. He had secrets, just like her.

But for now, their goals aligned.

And she needed allies.

She extended her hand. "Deal."

His fingers brushed hers as they shook.

"Welcome to the game," he whispered.

In that moment, she realized—this wasn't just her revenge anymore.

This was war.