Tian Xan the guard in question was brought to the emperor chamber to be questioned and had a calm face as if he had expected it to happen. As a member of the Shadow Wolf clan one has to be ready for anything to happen even in an unexpected way. When Emperor Peng Xi asked him about the Shadow Wolf clan and why he found it so amusing, Tian Xan replied with a straight face, "Your majesty, it was not amusement but rather surprise that I felt. I have heard tales of this clan, and they are indeed elusive."
The emperor studied him, his gaze sharp as a hawk's. "You know more than you let on, guard," he said, the whispers of suspicion thick in his voice. "Tell me, why did you react so when you heard the news?"
Tian Xan who ignored the emperor's questions and was distracted as he saw the clan messenger bird outside the emperor window fluttering its wings as if it was signaling something. He knew that bird, it was the same bird that had delivered the message to him about his mission in the imperial city. He watched its movements and knew that it had arrived with something urgent. The bird had a red stamp on its leg, something that only the clan leader would use. He had to read it, now.
With the grace of a shadow, he disappeared from the emperor's side and reappeared behind him, his hand outstretched to take the bird from its perch. The emperor, caught off guard by the sudden movement, spun around in his chair. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, his voice echoing in the chamber. Tian Xan, still distracted and reading the letter, said "Forgive me your majesty, this is very important."
The letter was indeed in a code that only the members of the Shadow Wolf clan could understand, and it was a direct order from Chen Xuan himself. It stated, "Permission granted to say the truth, but do not say anything out of line of our clan. I will be watching you." Tian Xan's eyes widened as he read the message as he thought as expected of the clan leader he knows everything within the clan, even the clan members that were sent to spy on the imperial city and other places .
The emperor's gaze followed the bird as it flew away, a flicker of understanding crossing his face. "So," he said, his voice measured, "you are indeed connected to the Shadow Wolves. Tell me, why are you here?"
Tian Xan looked surprised but quickly changed back to the stoic expression that he had before and said "Your majesty it seems that you make connections very fast, yes I am from the Shadow Wolf Clan and I was sent here to monitor and protect the peace of our lands, as well as gather information." He handed the letter to the emperor who read it with a furrowed brow since he doesn't know the code of the Shadow Wolf clan but he knew that the bird was a special messenger from the clan.
Emperor Peng Xi's grip tightened around the letter, his mind racing with questions. He knew that the Shadow Wolves were a formidable force, one that could not be taken lightly. "What is your purpose here, Tian Xan?" he asked, his tone firm yet measured. The spymaster stood quietly in the corner, his eyes never leaving the guard.
Tian Xan met the emperor's gaze without flinching. "I don't have a purpose as I came here for the mission of the clan and that is to keep the court officials in check and those who are suspected of betraying the kingdom will be followed by the Shadow Wolf clan members investigator who is specialize in watching people and gathering information meanwhile keeping them away from you your majesty and your family until they are clear and no I won't be staying here forever since my mission is almost complete unless I was told to stay here by the clan or the clan master himself"
The emperor's expression grew thoughtful. "Your clan has taken it upon themselves to safeguard our kingdom without our knowledge," he said slowly, his eyes never leaving Tian Xan's. "That is... commendable, yet concerning. What guarantee do we have that your intentions are pure?"
Tian Xan returned the emperor's gaze with a steady one of his own. "Your majesty, the Shadow Wolves Clan lives by the laws of unity and justice. We have no desire for power or to overthrow your rule. Our interest lies in the well-being of the people and the land. If you wish, I can arrange for a meeting between you and our clan leader, An Ni if he is not busy and agrees. Perhaps then, you will understand our true intentions."
Emperor Peng Xi leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with interest. "An Ni? That is an unusual name for a clan leader. What is his background?"
Tian Xan's face remained impassive. "I can't tell you that since it was a rule of the clan that I cannot tell you who he is and what his background is"
The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Very well," he said, his tone measured. "If your clan truly seeks peace and unity, then you will have my ear. Arrange the meeting, and may the whispers of fate guide us to a mutually beneficial understanding."
Tian Xan bowed deeply, then reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, unassuming token. It was a piece of metal, etched with intricate designs that seemed to dance in the candlelight. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, focusing his chi, the vital energy that flowed through every living being. The token grew warm in his hand, and as he opened his eyes, the image of a man with eyes that was covered by a blindfold and black jet hair appeared in the air before the emperor. It was An Ni, the clan leader of the Shadow Wolves, and the voice that echoed through the chamber was unmistakably his.
The token glowed as the image of Chen Xuan sitting on top of a pile of paperwork as he gestured for Tian Xan to speak. Tian Xan explained "This is our leader's way of communicating with the outside world, he is a very busy man and he rarely shows himself outside of the Red Moon Pavilion and he doesn't like to talk"
The emperor studied the image before nodding slowly, his eyes lingering on the crimson orbs that stared back at him. "Very well," he said, his voice filled with a hint of respect. "When and where shall this meeting take place?"
The token grew dimmer, and the image of An Ni disappeared. Tian Xan looked up, his gaze meeting the emperor's. "He says at Nightfall Mountain, three days from today," he relayed, his voice calm despite the racing of his heart. "Any time is fine for him and don't bring more than one person"
Emperor Peng Xi nodded, the whispers of the universe seemingly aligning in his favor. He had found a potential ally in the most unlikely of places. "I will be there," he said firmly. "And I shall bring only my wife."
The spymaster, Zhou Dong, stepped forward, his expression a mask of neutrality. "Your majesty, I must advise caution. This could be a trap."
Emperor Peng Xi waved a dismissive hand. "The whispers of fate are clear, Dong. I will not ignore them. Besides, if this An Ni is truly as powerful as rumors suggest, we have nothing to fear with our own cunning and strength." His gaze returned to Tian Xan. "Send word to the clan leader that we will be there. And ensure no one else knows of our meeting."
The guard nodded solemnly. "Your majesty, the entire Shadow Wolves Clan is aware of this meeting. It was decided the moment you agreed to it. Our clan operates on trust and unity, and your willingness to speak with An Ni is a sign that you wish to stand alongside us."
With that, Tian Xan was dismissed, leaving the emperor and his spymaster to ponder the gravity of what was to come. Emperor Peng Xi turned to Zhou Dong, his expression a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Prepare us for the journey," he said. "We leave for Nightfall Mountain at dawn."
Zhou Dong nodded, his mind already racing with the logistics of such a covert mission. As he left the chamber to carry out the emperor's orders, he couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into the lion's den. He had seen the power of the Shadow Wolves Clan firsthand, and he knew that they were not to be underestimated.