Prophecy and Summoning

The golden glow of flame flickered in Shang Qing Ye's private chamber, the air filled with the scent of rare incense. She sat before her lavish vanity, her long hair cascaded over her silk robe as she slowly combed through it.

The estate's head maid stood behind her, bowing deeply as she gives her report, "...Every day, Young Miss runs to the stables. She ignores Nanny Fang's guidance and does not conduct herself in a way befitting the third daughter of the Shang family."

After a long pause, she added, "…Nanny Fang is currently seeking spiritual guidance."

Shang Qing Ye blinked.

"…She has been praying?"

"Yes, my lady," the maid confirmed. "I believe she has been asking the heavens for strength."

A rare moment of silence stretched between them.

"If one is not enough to control her," she murmured, "then let us make it two."

Shang Qing Ye's lips curved slightly.

"Send Xiu Lin."

The maid bowed her head in understanding before continuing, "A message arrived earlier. The Master will return in three days, just in time for the Grand Summoning."

"Three days, is it?" she murmured, tapping her fingers lightly against the armrest of her chair.

A moment of silence stretched before she exhaled lightly.

"Prepare the mansion for his return."

"Yes, my lady." 

The maid, bowed deeply and retreated from the room.

The moment the doors closed, a faint ripple disturbed the surface of the tea. In the dim light of the chamber, a shadow stirred at her feet. A red nine-tailed fox, sleek and elegant, stepped out from the shadows.

The fox's slit-pupil eyes narrow, its tails swayed, each one glowing faintly, magical sparks danced at the tips of its tails, crackling like tiny embers.

The fox's growl deepened, the purple glow in its eyes intensifying.

"She is insolent," it said, its voice edged with irritation.

"She is," Shang Qing Ye agreed, "but she possesses no real power. She remains within our control."

The fox's ears twitched, its slit-pupil eyes gleaming as it tilted its head slightly.

"And what if she gets the power? She is, after all—"

"Shhh.."

Shang Qing Ye's voice was soft, yet cutting through the air like a blade.

Her lips curved faintly, as her fingers grazed its fur, each touch gentle and deliberate. 

"For now, we let her play," she murmured.

A cold, delicate smile spread across her face.

The fox's growl rumbled once more, deeper this time, but it made no further protest.

____________________________________________________________________

A grand carriage rumbled through the dirt roads, lined with guards on horseback.

Inside, Shang Zhao, the head of the Shang family, sat across from his eldest son, Shang Jun.

Though they shared the same sharp facial structure, the difference between them was distinct.

Shang Zhao, a man of imposing stature and refined wisdom, carried an undeniable weight in his presence. 

Shang Jun, only eighteen, bore the same sharpness in his gaze, though his presence lacked the sheer force of his father's, he is like a blade still waiting to be fully tempered.

As they rode, a long silence stretched between them, the rhythmic sound of hooves against the ground was the only thing filling the air.

Shang Jun sat deep in thought, his expression unreadable. 

"…There are rumours spreading across the kingdom," he said at last, his voice contemplative.

Shang Zhao's gaze shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing.

"You mean the prophecy?"

Shang Jun gave a small nod, watching his father carefully.

Shang Zhao reached into his coat pocket, pulling out a small jade pendant. His fingers grazed the cool jade in his hand, watching the faint glow of spirit energy pulse within it.

"The Holy Temple has spoken." Shang Zhao's voice was calm, his gaze still focused on the pendant, "This year, a child prodigy will emerge, one who will possess an unprecedented spirit bond, one that will reshape the world as we know it."

"This year, it will be Ying Ying's turn to take part in the Summoning Ceremony," Shang Jun remarked. 

"You believe Ying Ying is the rumoured child?" Shang Zhao lifted his eyes and asked.

Shang Jun did not answer.

Even if he wanted to, he had no answer to give. 

The question lingered between them, heavy and unspoken, as the rhythmic clatter of hooves filled the silence again.

Shang Zhao's fingers tightened slightly around the jade.

A child prodigy.

One who would wield a spirit unlike any other.

His gaze darkened slightly, the weight of the words settling into the quiet space around him.

____________________________________________________________________

Back in the West Wing...

Yao Yao had been flipping through a book when she heard them, the passing murmurs from the servants outside her room.

"Master is returning soon."

"Yes, for the Grand Summoning."

"This year, it's Young Miss Ying Ying's turn..."

Yao Yao paused.

Her fingers stilled against the pages.

"Grand Summoning?"

Yao Yao's pink eyes flickered, curiosity sparking. Something about those words felt… significant.

She tilted her head slightly, listening as the voices faded into the distance.

Just as she was turning the thought over in her mind, Lily entered, carrying a tray of tea.

Yao Yao's pink eyes flickered toward her.

Perfect timing.

She straightened in her seat, a casual smile tugging at her lips.

"Lily," she began sweetly, reaching for the teacup, "what exactly is the Grand Summoning?"

Lily blinked, startled by the sudden question.

"Young Miss… you don't know?"

Yao Yao tilted her head, expression innocent.

"Should I?"