Three days later, the emperor and empress arrived at Nightfall Mountain under the guise of a leisurely trip. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape, as they approached the designated meeting spot. There, they found a person blindfolded, sitting serenely under an ancient tree. A steaming cup of tea rested beside a worn book, the pages fluttering gently in the breeze. The figure's posture was relaxed, yet the air around him thrummed with an unspoken tension.
"You must be An Ni," the emperor said, his voice carrying the weight of his royal status. The figure did not move, his eyes still closed.
Chen Xuan looked up as he said in a very cold tone "Hmm"
Emperor Peng Xi took a step forward, his eyes searching the blindfolded figure before him. "Your clan has taken it upon themselves to protect our lands," he said, his voice echoing in the clearing. "What is it you wish from us in return?"
Chen Xuan, still blindfolded, gestured to a piece of parchment lying beside the cup of tea. "Read that," he instructed, his tone unmistakable.
The emperor picked up the parchment and began to read aloud, "The Shadow Wolves Clan seeks neither gold nor land. We ask for one thing only: the freedom to serve our purpose without interference."
The figure before them remained still, his breathing even. The empress leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What is your purpose?" she asked softly.
Chen Xuan reached out, plucking another piece of parchment from the air as if by magic. He placed it into the emperor's hand. "Read," he said simply.
The emperor's eyes scanned the page, his brow furrowing as he read the words. "Your clan's purpose is to protect the innocent and expose the traitors. To stand as a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. To ensure that the kingdom remains united against the whispers of chaos and betrayal." He looked up, his gaze sharp. "What guarantees do we have that your methods are honorable?"
Chen Xuan did nothing but gave the emperor a cold eye and gave him a piece of paper that said "We have been doing this for a few years and never failed"
The emperor looked at the paper and nodded before speaking again. "Very well, An Ni. We shall grant you the freedom to operate within our borders, but we expect transparency in your actions. The safety of our people is our utmost priority."
The figure in front of them nodded slowly. "Hmm," he said, his voice as cold as the wind that rustled the leaves above them.
The emperor felt a shiver run down his spine, despite the warmth of the sun. "I hope that our trust in you is not misplaced," he added, his voice carrying a hint of warning.
"Hmm alright," Chen Xuan responded, his voice still devoid of emotion.
Emperor Peng Xi could feel the tension in the air thicken, but he pressed on. "In return for your service, we offer our protection and support," he said, his eyes never leaving the blindfolded man's. "We shall not interfere in your clan's affairs, but we expect to be informed of any significant threats to the kingdom's stability."
"Hmm," Chen Xuan replied, his hand reaching for the cup of tea, his fingertips brushing against the warm ceramic. He took a sip, savoring the delicate flavor before speaking again. "Alright"
The emperor and empress shared a look, their expressions a mix of uncertainty and anticipation. "We are willing to form an alliance," Emperor Peng Xi said, his voice steady. "But we must have trust between us. Will you remove your blindfold so that we may look upon the face of our ally?"
Chen Xuan remained silent for a moment before speaking in a tone that was as cold as the winter's frost. "No"
Emperor Peng Xi raised an eyebrow. "Is there a reason why you refuse to show us your face?"
Chen Xuan sighed, his shoulders dropping slightly. "Hmm, Because it's useless to do so," he finally said, his tone flat.
The emperor's curiosity grew. "What do you mean?"
Without a word, Chen Xuan handed him another piece of parchment. On it, in neat, precise letters, it read, "The alliance is not about faces or names. It is about the unity and protection of our people. Our purpose is clear, and our hearts are in the right place. What is there to gain by seeing my face?"
Emperor Peng Xi studied the paper, his expression unreadable. Then, with a slow nod, he crumpled it in his hand. "I understand," he said. "Your clan's intentions are clear, and your methods, while unorthodox, have proven effective. We shall trust in the whispers of fate that have brought us together."
Empress Lei Yue stepped forward, her eyes searching the blindfolded man's face, seeking any sign of warmth or humanity beneath the stoic mask. "But tell me," she said softly, "why do you hide your eyes? What could be so fearsome that even we, the rulers of this land, are not allowed to see?"
Chen Xuan handed her another slip of paper. "The world," it read, "is filled with corruption and greed. It is better to not see it."
The empress took a step back, her eyes widening slightly at the implications. "Your wisdom is profound, An Ni," she murmured, her voice filled with a newfound respect. "We shall respect your wish to remain hidden."
Without another word, the figure in front of them stood up, his movements fluid and precise. The emperor could not help but note the air of power that surrounded him, a palpable force that seemed to bend the very shadows to his will.
"Good bye your majesty" as he said that he disappeared in the same way he came leaving the emperor and empress standing there dumbfounded.
The emperor and empress looked at each other in silent understanding. They had found a powerful ally, one whose intentions were as clear as the moon in the sky. The emperor turned to his spymaster. "Zhou Dong, ensure that our alliance with the Shadow Wolves remains a secret. We do not need the court to know of our dealings with them."
Zhou Dong nodded gravely, his eyes reflecting his respect for the mysterious figure they had just encountered. "Yes, your majesty."
As they made their way back to the imperial carriage, the empress could not shake off the feeling that there was something more to the blinded An Ni than met the eye. "What do you think of him, Peng Xi?" she asked, her voice filled with curiosity.
The emperor was lost in thought, stroking his beard. "He is certainly enigmatic," he said after a moment. "But his words resonate with truth, and his clan's deeds have been nothing short of remarkable. We may have found ourselves a formidable ally."
The empress nodded thoughtfully. "Yet there is something about him that is deeply troubling," she said. "His eyes, hidden from the world. What could he have seen to make him choose such a path?"
The emperor took her hand, his expression filled with resolve. "We may never know, my love," he said. "But for now, we must trust in the whispers of fate that brought us together. If the gods believe he can protect our kingdom, then we must stand by his side."