Chapter 14: The Boy Who Would Be King

**Spin-Off Arc: *Before the Dawn***

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#### **Scene 1: Li Yunxiao's Origins**

The Triad stood in the grand library of the Celestial Court, surrounded by towering shelves of ancient tomes and glowing scrolls. Lan Hua held the Chalice of Echoes in one hand, its surface shimmering with faint, otherworldly light. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and incense, and the faint hum of magical energy filled the room.

"This is it," Lan Hua said, her azure eyes scanning the pages of an ancient tome. "The records of Li Yunxiao's lineage."

Xianyu leaned over her shoulder, her violet eyes gleaming with curiosity. "So, what's the verdict? Is he a prince in disguise, or just a really lucky peasant?"

Lan Hua's expression was grave as she traced a line of text with her finger. "His father… was a celestial scholar. A man of great power and wisdom. But he was also a traitor."

Zhao Ling crossed her arms, her steely gray eyes narrowing. "A traitor? To whom?"

"To the Celestial Court," Lan Hua replied. "He sought to use his knowledge to overthrow them, to create a world where mortals and celestials were equals. But he was betrayed by his own allies, and his family was hunted down."

Xianyu whistled. "So, our little slave boy is the son of a rebel. No wonder the Celestial Court wants him dead."

Lan Hua nodded. "And there's more. The abyss… it wasn't just a random threat. It was drawn to Li Yunxiao because of his celestial blood. His power is tied to the very fabric of the universe—a power that could either save or destroy the world."

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#### **Scene 2: Xianyu's Training**

The training grounds were alive with the sound of clashing steel and the occasional burst of laughter. Li Yunxiao stood in the center, his amber eyes wide with a mix of awe and terror as Xianyu circled him like a predator.

"Alright, little one," she purred, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "Lesson one: the art of seduction."

Li Yunxiao blinked. "Seduction? But I thought we were training for combat."

Xianyu smirked. "Combat, seduction—it's all the same. The key is to keep your opponent off balance. Now, watch and learn."

She stepped closer, her movements fluid and hypnotic. Her fingers brushed against his jaw, her breath warm against his ear. "See? Easy. Now you try."

Li Yunxiao hesitated, his cheeks flushing. "I… I don't think I can—"

"Oh, come on," Xianyu teased, poking his chest. "You've got the looks. Now use them."

With a deep breath, Li Yunxiao stepped forward, his movements clumsy but earnest. He reached out, his fingers brushing against Xianyu's arm.

"Not bad," she said, her smirk widening. "But you're thinking too much. Seduction is about confidence. Own it."

Li Yunxiao nodded, his resolve hardening. He stepped closer, his amber eyes locking with hers. "Like this?"

Xianyu's smirk faltered for a moment, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Well, well. Maybe you're not as innocent as you look."

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#### **Scene 3: Zhao Ling's Challenge**

The fortress gates creaked open as a messenger rushed in, his face pale and his breath ragged. "General Zhao Ling! A rival warlord approaches—General Ruo!"

Zhao Ling's steely gray eyes narrowed, her grip tightening on her glaive. "Ruo? Here?"

The messenger nodded. "He's gathered an army of mercenaries and dark cultivators. They'll be here by nightfall."

Zhao Ling turned to Lan Hua and Xianyu, her expression grim. "We need to prepare. If Ruo gets his hands on Li Yunxiao…"

Lan Hua nodded, her azure eyes filled with determination. "We'll protect him. No matter the cost."

Xianyu twirled the Jade of Infinite Desire between her fingers, her violet eyes gleaming with excitement. "Finally, some action. Let's show this Ruo what happens when you mess with the Triad."

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#### **Scene 4: The Triad's Stand**

Night fell, and the fortress was bathed in the eerie glow of torches and magical barriers. The air was thick with tension as the Triad stood atop the battlements, their eyes fixed on the horizon.

"Remember," Zhao Ling said, her voice firm. "We fight as one. Protect Li Yunxiao at all costs."

Lan Hua nodded, her silver hair shimmering in the torchlight. "The future depends on him."

Xianyu smirked, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "And if we survive this, I'm teaching him how to flirt with gods."

The sound of marching feet echoed in the distance, and the horizon was soon filled with the silhouettes of Ruo's army. At their forefront stood Ruo himself, his crimson eyes glowing with malice and his whip—a grotesque weapon made from his own spine—crackling with dark energy.

"Zhao Ling!" he shouted, his voice filled with venom. "You can't hide forever!"

Zhao Ling stepped forward, her glaive gleaming in the torchlight. "I'm not hiding, Ruo. I'm waiting."

The battle began, the air filled with the clash of steel and the roar of magic. The Triad fought as one, their bond stronger than ever. But as the night wore on, the shadows within Li Yunxiao stirred, their whispers growing louder.

*"You are strong. You are powerful. You are free."*

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