The prophecy looked strange, but it was nothing infront of the prince's courage.
-The Shin Dynasty-
The morning sun pierced through the misty mountains, casting a golden hue over the sprawling Shin Dynasty.
Xiang Kang stood on the Imperial Balcony, his sharp gaze sweeping across the lands destined to one day be his.
"Father, why summon me at dawn?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.
The Emperor, clad in royal silks, turned slowly, his face lined with both age and worry.
"The Mandate of Heaven is fragile, my son," the Emperor began, gesturing to the horizon.
"The Nine Dynasties grow restless, and whispers of war ride the wind like unseen daggers."
Xiang stiffened, sensing the weight of his father's words.
"Is this about the Shattered Crown?" he asked, his voice lowering.
The Emperor nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting the light of the rising sun.
"It is more than a relic, Xiang—it is the key to peace or the harbinger of ruin."
In the hall behind them, the Grand Chancellor approached, holding a scroll sealed in crimson wax.
"This contains the first clue to the crown's resting place," he said, bowing deeply.
Xiang accepted it with reverence, unrolling the scroll to reveal cryptic symbols and ancient ink.
"The Nine Dynasties will send their best," the Chancellor warned, "and not all seek peace."
The sound of fluttering wings interrupted the moment, drawing Xiang's gaze upward.
A fiery phoenix descended gracefully, its feathers shimmering like molten gold.
The creature landed before the Emperor, folding its wings with regal precision.
"A Zhuque," Xiang whispered, recognizing the sacred bird of omens.
The phoenix's piercing eyes locked onto Xiang as it let out a resonant cry.
"The gods have chosen you, my son," the Emperor declared.
With a flick of its fiery tail, the phoenix dropped a glowing ember into Xiang's palm.
"This flame will guide you when the path grows dark," the Emperor explained, his voice heavy with meaning.
Xiang's heart raced as the ember pulsed with a faint warmth, as if alive.
"I accept this burden," he said, kneeling before the Emperor and the sacred bird.
The phoenix rose into the air, its cry echoing across the palace walls.
"Its arrival is no coincidence," the Emperor said gravely.
Xiang stood, determination burning in his chest.
"I will not fail the Shin Dynasty," he vowed, his voice steady and resolute.
That evening, the palace was alive with preparations for Xiang's departure.
Courtiers whispered rumors, while servants packed supplies for the long journey ahead.
In the barracks, Jin Lao sharpened his blade, awaiting his prince with a loyal grin.
"Ready to face the world, Your Highness?" Jin teased as Xiang entered.
"The world may not be ready for us," Xiang replied, clasping his friend's shoulder.
Qing Yu, the quiet healer, watched from the shadows, her mysterious eyes betraying a faint smile.
As night fell, Xiang donned his armor, its jade inlays glinting in the torchlight.
The Emperor handed him a sword engraved with the dynasty's crest, a symbol of duty and honor.
"This blade has seen many battles," the Emperor said, his voice laced with pride.
"Wield it not for conquest, but for justice."
Xiang bowed deeply, feeling the weight of both the sword and the responsibility it symbolized.
With the moonlight guiding their steps, the trio set off, their silhouettes fading into the vast unknown.