Chapter 12: The Web Tightens

Vermilion Palace – War Room Beneath the Throne

The room was carved deep beneath the royal chambers, lit by flickering spirit flames trapped in crystal globes. Walls were lined with layered maps, spider-webbed glyphs, and surveillance feedback screens.

Kisuke stood before the main mirror wall, hands moving swiftly as he connected threads of data. The Whisper Spider Network had grown, weaving deeper into the city's veins—and beyond.

Li Tianming entered silently, eyes sharp as ever."How soon until we trace the sect's supply lines?"

Kisuke grinned, eyes gleaming."Already mapped three possible smuggling routes. The longest runs beneath the Broken Fang Mountains. A perfect hideout."

Tianming nodded."Good. Cut off their veins, and their body dies."

"We've intercepted coded messages," Kisuke continued, pulling up a series of holographic characters dancing on the mirror wall."They're shifting supply caches weekly, using double agents posing as merchants."

Tianming studied the flow."They think their traps will outsmart us. But we control the chessboard."

He pointed to a blinking dot—an unmarked caravan approaching the eastern border."Dispatch scouts quietly. Let them think the trail's cold."

Kisuke raised an eyebrow."And the summoned tactical units?"

Tianming's lips curled slightly."On standby. We strike only when the network is fully exposed."

Suddenly, the door slid open. A young woman in a crimson cloak stepped in—her eyes sharp, but cautious.

"My lord, a message from the Eastern Envoy," she said, bowing deeply.

Tianming took the scroll, breaking its seal. The envoy's tone was cold but respectful:"Your recent moves have drawn attention beyond our borders. Beware the shadows that watch from the Tiger Basin. They do not forget old debts."

Tianming folded the scroll calmly."Old debts, indeed. Let them come. We'll be ready."

Kisuke looked uneasy."The Middle Realm's merchants are growing restless. Increased bandit raids on their caravans could force their hand."

Tianming's gaze hardened."Then we'll give them a taste of their own medicine—disrupt their trade silently. But no open war. Not yet."

He paced slowly."Every step must be precise. Every sacrifice weighed." Later that night, Tianming stood atop the palace balcony, staring at the starlit expanse.

The web had spread wider, the enemies' shadows pulling taut, but beneath it all, the king's blade was steady, ready to strike.