The sun had barely begun to rise over the horizon when a group of finely dressed cultivators made their way toward the entrance of the Forgotten Celestial Valley. The leader of the group, Elder Hu, was an older man with silver hair, his face stern and full of authority. He had been selected by the Emperor himself to lead the delegation to the legendary Empresses.
With him were a few trusted aides, each one bearing the insignia of the Heavenly Imperial Court. Their steps were deliberate and filled with purpose, but even they could not deny the unease that lingered in the air. No one had seen the Divine Frost Empress and the Everlasting Flame Sovereign in over a millennium. To meet them now, unprepared, was a challenge none of them had ever anticipated.
"Remember," Elder Hu said, his voice low and commanding as they approached the valley's entrance, "we are here to ensure the safety of the Heavenly Imperial Court. We must show respect but make it clear that we will not tolerate any threats to the empire."
One of the aides, a younger man with a nervous expression, hesitated. "But... Elder Hu, these are the Empresses we're talking about. They were legends, they—"
"I know," Elder Hu interrupted, his voice sharp. "That's why we need to approach this carefully. We cannot afford to underestimate them, but we also cannot afford to appear weak."
The group moved forward, the valley's mist growing thicker as they neared its heart. The air grew cooler, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the outside world. As they ventured deeper into the valley, the sense of power and presence only grew stronger, a heavyweight in the atmosphere that seemed to pulse with every step they took.
Soon, they reached a clearing. At the center of the clearing, bathed in the soft light of dawn, stood the two women—the Divine Frost Empress and the Everlasting Flame Sovereign.
Bai Qingyu stood as still as ice, her silver hair shimmering with a cold, ethereal light. Her icy blue eyes pierced through the mists as if seeing straight through the envoys. Beside her, Li Yuexin leaned against a massive stone, her golden-red hair blazing like the sun. A teasing grin played on her lips as she regarded the approaching group.
Elder Hu, upon seeing the two women, faltered for just a moment. It was one thing to hear stories of their beauty and power, but to see them in person was something entirely different. The air seemed to freeze around Bai Qingyu, and the warmth of Yuexin's energy filled the space like a flickering flame.
The envoys stopped at a respectful distance, their leader stepping forward to bow.
"Honored Empresses," Elder Hu began, his voice steady but filled with a hint of nervousness, "we come on behalf of the Heavenly Imperial Court, with an invitation for you to visit our court. The Emperor has heard of your return, and he extends his most respectful greetings."
Bai Qingyu raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a subtle smile. "The Emperor, you say? How quaint." Her voice was smooth and cold, but laced with amusement. "What makes him think we would want to visit his court?"
Elder Hu, unshaken, continued. "The Emperor recognizes your power and wishes to extend a gesture of goodwill. The Heavenly Imperial Court would be honored to have you among us. We wish only to discuss matters of mutual respect and ensure the stability of the empire."
Li Yuexin's eyes sparkled with mischief. "A gesture of goodwill?" she repeated, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "How... generous."
Bai Qingyu's gaze turned icy as she regarded Elder Hu. "Tell the Emperor that we are not interested in his 'gesture of goodwill.' We have no desire to be involved in the petty politics of his court. If he wishes to discuss anything, let him come to us. We will not bow to anyone."
Elder Hu's face remained composed, though his eyes flickered with surprise. "But surely—"
"We will not be swayed by titles or empty gestures," Bai Qingyu interrupted, her voice cold as winter. "The Emperor is free to come, if he so wishes. But if he believes we will kneel before him, he is gravely mistaken."
Li Yuexin laughed; the sound was light and carefree. "Did he really think we would bend to his will just because he's the Emperor? How naïve."
The ambassadors exchanged uneasy glances. The pressure in the air was palpable, as if the very presence of the two women was pushing down on them. Elder Hu realized, with growing apprehension, that the Empresses were not the ones to be intimidated.
"I see..." Elder Hu said slowly, bowing once more. "I will relay your message to the Emperor. However, I must caution you that the Emperor will not take kindly to being refused. We... we cannot predict what might happen if relations between us grow tense."
Bai Qingyu gave him a cold smile. "Let the Emperor do what he wishes. We will not be moved by threats."
With that, the group of envoys bowed and retreated, leaving the Empresses standing alone once more in the clearing. As soon as they were out of sight, Yuexin turned to Bai Qingyu, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.
"That was fun," Yuexin said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "I almost expected them to beg."
Bai Qingyu allowed herself a small chuckle. "They'll be back. They always come back."
Yuexin stretched and yawned. "And when they do, we'll be ready for them."
With a flick of her hand, the air around them shifted, the mist parting as if by magic. The two women turned away from the clearing, their presence still leaving an indelible mark on the valley, while the envoys began their long journey back to the Heavenly Imperial Court.
Back at the Heavenly Imperial Court, the atmosphere was tense. Elder Hu had returned with news of the Empresses' refusal. The Emperor's advisors gathered around, their faces grim as they listened to the report.
"The Empresses have rejected the Emperor's invitation," Elder Hu said, his voice filled with uncertainty. "They were... cold, dismissive. They refused to come to the court, and they made it clear that they have no interest in politics."
"And what of their threat?" the Emperor asked, his voice calm but heavy with authority.
"They said the Emperor could come to them, but if he thought they would bend to his will, they were mistaken," Elder Hu replied. "It seems they have no intention of aligning themselves with anyone."
The Emperor's expression hardened, his gaze turning cold. "So, they have no respect for the Heavenly Imperial Court. Very well."
Lord Zhang stepped forward, his voice filled with caution. "Your Majesty, we must be careful. They are not mere figures of legend—they are real, and they are powerful. If we push them too hard…"
The Emperor's eyes narrowed. "I understand. But the balance of power must remain in our hands. We cannot allow two such beings to disrupt the empire. Send word to the other sects. Prepare for whatever comes next."
The stage was set. The Heavenly Imperial Court would not back down, but neither would the Empresses.