Shadows in the Capital

The capital city never truly slept. Even at night, the streets were filled with murmurs, flickering lanterns, and the scent of roasted meat from late-night food stalls. Li Xueyan walked beside Feng Zhiwei, her hood pulled low over her face.

The two of them moved carefully, staying in the shadows. The noble district was ahead, its wide roads clean and lined with grand mansions. This was where Minister Zhang lived—the man who worked with the Black Sun Hall, the same people who helped her uncle take over the Li family.

She clenched her fists. This man was her enemy too.

"Stay close," Zhiwei said. His golden eyes flickered under the moonlight. "We need to be careful."

Xueyan nodded. She was always careful.

Tonight, they were breaking into Minister Zhang's mansion.

A Secret Meeting

Before heading to the noble district, Zhiwei took her to a small tea house near the edge of the city. From the outside, it looked abandoned, but inside, a few silent men sat drinking tea. Their clothes were plain, but Xueyan could tell—they were warriors.

"These are my people," Zhiwei said.

A tall man with a scar on his cheek smirked. "The prince finally brought a guest."

Xueyan raised an eyebrow. Prince?

Zhiwei sighed. "Don't start, Jin Hu."

The man grinned. "Everyone here already knows who you are."

Xueyan turned to Zhiwei. "So, it's true? You're the Emperor's son?"

Zhiwei shrugged. "An unwanted one."

Xueyan frowned. If that was true, why did the imperial family allow him to live?

Before she could ask, Zhiwei changed the subject. "We need information on Minister Zhang."

Jin Hu leaned forward. "Why?"

Xueyan answered. "Because he works with the Black Sun Hall."

Jin Hu's expression darkened. "That's serious."

"He rarely leaves his mansion," Zhiwei added. "But his study holds documents that could expose him."

Xueyan understood. If they could find proof of his deals with the Black Sun Hall, they could destroy him.

"We'll break in," she said.

Jin Hu sighed. "That's not easy. The place is heavily guarded."

Zhiwei smirked. "Then we move quietly."

Xueyan glanced at him. "And if we get caught?"

He smiled. "Then we fight."

She sighed. Why was he like this?

Breaking In

At midnight, Xueyan and Zhiwei stood outside Minister Zhang's mansion. The tall walls were lined with lanterns, and guards patrolled the gates.

Xueyan studied their movements. "We need a distraction."

Zhiwei picked up a small stone and threw it at a lantern.

The glass shattered, and the oil caught fire.

"Fire!" a guard shouted.

The guards rushed to put it out.

Zhiwei grabbed Xueyan's wrist. "Let's go."

They slipped through the side gate.

Inside the Mansion

The mansion was grand—golden curtains, silk carpets, expensive vases.

Zhiwei muttered, "Too much money."

Xueyan ignored him. "Where's the study?"

He led her down the hall. They moved like shadows, avoiding guards.

Soon, they reached a large wooden door.

Zhiwei picked the lock. A quiet click.

"After you," he whispered.

Xueyan stepped inside.

Secrets in the Dark

The study was filled with scrolls, books, and official documents.

"We need proof," Zhiwei said.

Xueyan searched the desk, opening drawers. Nothing useful.

Then, she found a sealed letter with the Black Sun Hall's mark.

She broke the wax seal and read:

"The girl must be found. Kill her on sight. The Li bloodline must be erased."

Her hands trembled.

Zhiwei's golden eyes darkened. "They're hunting you."

Xueyan clenched her fists. "Then I'll hunt them first."

Suddenly—footsteps in the hallway.

"Guards," Zhiwei whispered.

They had to move.

Fast.

The Escape

Xueyan grabbed the letter and jumped out the window.

A guard saw them.

"INTRUDERS!"

More guards rushed into the courtyard.

Xueyan drew her Moonshadow Blade.

Zhiwei moved beside her. His strikes were fast, precise.

The guards fell one by one.

But more were coming.

"We can't fight them all," Zhiwei said.

Xueyan nodded. "Then we run."

They dashed through the courtyard, dodging arrows.

At the outer wall, Zhiwei suddenly grabbed her waist and jumped.

They landed smoothly on the other side.

Xueyan blinked. "You're stronger than you look."

He smirked. "I get that a lot."

Then they vanished into the night.

Planning Their Next Move

Back at the tea house, Xueyan spread the letter on the table.

"This proves Minister Zhang is working with the Black Sun Hall."

Jin Hu exhaled. "This changes everything."

Zhiwei tapped his fingers. "Now we have a reason to take him down."

Xueyan met his gaze.

"We don't just take him down," she said.

"We destroy them all."

Zhiwei's golden eyes burned with agreement.

"Then let's begin."