The Lin estate was alive with activity. Lanterns adorned the walls, casting warm golden hues over the sprawling grounds, as servants hurried to prepare for an unexpected guest. A visitor of great importance had arrived in the Liang Kingdom, and the Lin family, ever eager to maintain their status, had opened their doors to him.
Lin Tianming watched the preparations from the shadows of his secluded courtyard. His place in the family hierarchy meant he was rarely included in such events, a fact he found oddly comforting. It allowed him time to focus on his cultivation and piece together his plans for the future.
Still, curiosity nagged at him. This guest was said to be no ordinary noble. Rumors whispered through the estate that he was a rising star from the imperial court, known for his keen intellect and unparalleled talent in both martial and scholarly arts.
"Another prodigy," Tianwu murmured to himself, the corners of his lips twitching in amusement. "I wonder how he'll fare in this den of arrogance."
As the evening approached, a servant hurried into Tianming's courtyard, her face flushed. "Young Master Tianming, the patriarch has requested your presence at tonight's banquet."
He raised an eyebrow. "Me? Are you certain?"
The servant nodded. "Yes, Young Master. The guest specifically requested to meet all members of the Lin family."
Tianwu's curiosity deepened, though he hid it behind a mask of indifference. Rising from his seat, he dusted off his robes and prepared himself.
---
The banquet hall was a grand affair, filled with the aroma of rich delicacies and the hum of polite conversation. Lin Zhaoyu sat at the head of the table, flanked by Lin Xiaoyu and Lin Haoran, their faces glowing with pride. Lesser members of the family filled the lower seats, their laughter forced as they vied for attention.
At the center of it all sat the guest of honor.
Tianwu's sharp gaze assessed him immediately. The young man was striking, with features that seemed carved from marble—sharp cheekbones, an aquiline nose, and piercing eyes that glimmered like polished onyx. His robes, a deep crimson embroidered with gold, hinted at wealth and status, but he wore them with an ease that spoke of confidence rather than vanity.
He exuded a presence that commanded attention, though he appeared relaxed, a small smile playing on his lips as he engaged in conversation with Lin Zhaoyu.
"Who is he?" Tianwu whispered to a nearby servant.
"His name is Song Yuren," the servant replied in hushed tones. "They say he's a rising figure in the imperial court, sent to evaluate the major families of the Liang Kingdom. His word carries great weight with the emperor."
Tianwu nodded, his interest piqued. Song Yuren was no ordinary guest. He was a man of influence, someone who could shift the tides of power with a single word.
Lin Zhaoyu noticed Tianming lingering near the doorway and gestured impatiently. "Come, Tianming. Don't keep our honored guest waiting."
Tianwu stepped forward, his movements measured. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the room—some curious, others derisive.
When he reached the table, Song Yuren's eyes flicked to him, and for a brief moment, Tianwu felt the intensity of his gaze. It was as though Yuren could see through the frail exterior of Lin Tianming and into the depths of his soul.
"You must be the eldest son, Lin Tianming," Yuren said, his voice smooth and melodic. He rose from his seat, offering a slight bow that took the entire hall by surprise.
Tianwu returned the bow, his expression calm. "I am. It's an honor to meet you, Lord Song."
Yuren's smile widened, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "The honor is mine. I've heard much about the Lin family's eldest son."
The comment hung in the air, its ambiguity sending a ripple of unease through the room. Lin Xiaoyu smirked, while Lin Haoran's lips twisted in a faint sneer.
Tianwu, however, remained unperturbed. "I hope what you've heard doesn't disappoint."
Yuren chuckled softly. "Not at all. In fact, I find myself intrigued."
Lin Zhaoyu, sensing the need to steer the conversation, cleared his throat. "Tianming has recently shown great improvement in his martial skills. Perhaps one day, he will live up to the Lin family name."
The patriarch's words were meant to be encouraging, but the underlying tone was unmistakable—a reminder of Tianming's past failures.
Yuren's gaze lingered on Tianwu for a moment longer before he returned to his seat. "I look forward to seeing more of this improvement."
---
The banquet continued, filled with lively performances and the clinking of glasses. Tianwu stayed on the periphery, observing rather than participating. He had no interest in the shallow posturing of the Lin family, but his attention kept drifting back to Song Yuren.
There was something unusual about the man—an aura of calm authority that set him apart. More than that, Tianwu couldn't shake the feeling that Yuren was watching him just as closely.
As the night wore on, Yuren excused himself from the main hall, slipping away into the gardens. Tianwu, driven by curiosity, followed.
He found Yuren standing beneath a cherry blossom tree, its petals glowing softly in the moonlight. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming flowers.
"You're quite the enigma, Lin Tianming," Yuren said without turning.
Tianwu stepped closer, his expression guarded. "I could say the same about you, Lord Song."
Yuren turned, his smile enigmatic. "Please, call me Yuren. Titles are unnecessary out here."
Tianwu hesitated, then nodded. "Very well. What brings you to the gardens, Yuren?"
"Peace," Yuren replied simply. "The banquet is lively, but it lacks... authenticity. Out here, one can breathe freely."
Tianwu chuckled softly. "You sound as though you're no stranger to masks and pretenses."
Yuren's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Aren't we all? But you, Tianming... I sense there's more to you than meets the eye."
The words were spoken lightly, but they carried an edge that made Tianwu pause. Was this man merely perceptive, or did he suspect the truth of his identity?
"And what is it you think you've seen?" Tianwu asked carefully.
Yuren tilted his head, studying him. "I see someone who has endured much, yet refuses to yield. Someone who hides his strength, waiting for the right moment to strike."
Tianwu's heart stirred, though his face betrayed nothing. Few had ever seen through him with such clarity.
"You give me too much credit," he said evenly.
"Do I?" Yuren stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "Perhaps. Or perhaps I'm simply good at recognizing potential."
The silence between them was charged, the tension palpable. For a fleeting moment, Tianwu felt a strange connection to this man, one that defied explanation.
Before he could respond, Yuren turned away, his voice light once more. "The moon is beautiful tonight, don't you think?"
Tianwu followed his gaze, watching the silvery light spill across the garden. "It is," he admitted, though his thoughts remained on the man standing beside him.
As the night deepened, they stood together in quiet companionship, the world around them fading into the background. It was a rare moment of peace for Tianwu, one he didn't yet understand but found himself unwilling to break.
—