In the small, lamp-lit chamber, Councilor Hui's two allies—Ministers Xiao and Sheng—leaned closer to examine the relic Feiyan presented. Lan Zhuoran and Gao Tianrong stood at her flanks, ready to shield her should betrayal arise. Feiyan's heart pounded, the throbbing in her arm muted by adrenaline.
Minister Xiao, a slight woman with streaks of silver in her hair, traced the artifact's etched symbols with trembling fingers. "Such exquisite craftsmanship… I've seen references to relics in old imperial archives, but never in person. This could be older than the dynasty itself."
Minister Sheng, short and stout with a brusque demeanor, exhaled. "No wonder the warlords lust for these objects. A single artifact could tip the balance of power."
Hui nodded gravely. "Precisely why these travelers risked their lives to protect it. We must ensure it never falls into the Syndicate's grasp or any ambitious minister's schemes."
Gao Tianrong cast a wary glance at the door. "We speak in hush, but others might roam the halls. Let's decide swiftly."
Feiyan swallowed. "We trust Councilor Hui's judgment. But how do we keep it safe? War rages at the gates, and even the Jade Hall isn't free of intrigue."
Minister Xiao, eyes still locked on the relic, spoke softly. "If loyalists to the Emperor gather in a secure location—perhaps the old Imperial Archive vault—then we could seal it behind wards, with minimal staff aware of its presence."
Lan Zhuoran's brow furrowed. "You have wards strong enough to deter warlords or mercenaries?"
Sheng frowned. "Such wards can be undone by bribed archivists or overshadowed by official decree. But it's safer than letting it wander the city. And we can't risk an open display."
Hui stepped forward, voice subdued. "We'll arrange it quietly, forging an official record that the relic is part of a sealed 'historical exhibit.' A small detail lost in the noise of war. Only a handful of loyal archivists will guard it."
The plan stirred cautious hope in Feiyan. At last, a path to secure the artifact. Yet a coil of anxiety remained. "We… can't just hand it over without ensuring your loyalty is absolute. Forgive me, but we've seen too much betrayal."
Minister Xiao bowed her head. "I understand your mistrust. Show us how to use or activate this relic, and we could betray you if we chose. But we want to preserve the empire, not destroy it."
Her sincerity moved Feiyan, recalling her mentor's unwavering faith that some officials still cared about the greater good. Feiyan forced a small nod. "We want no power from it. Just safety. For everyone."
Minister Sheng's gaze flicked to Gao Tianrong's bow and Lan Zhuoran's staff. "And you? Will you remain in the city? War might intensify. Perhaps your skill could aid us if the Syndicate invades."
Lan Zhuoran and Gao Tianrong exchanged a heavy look. Feiyan shifted her weight. "We… want to see the relic safely locked away. After that, we might help if the Emperor truly needs defenders. But we must be certain it stays out of warmongers' reach."
Hui inclined his head. "Then let's finalize the transfer tonight. We'll quietly move it to the Archive vault in the eastern wing. The four of us—Xiao, Sheng, me, and an archivist I trust—will place it under official seal. You three can accompany until the final moment, to confirm no trickery occurs."
Relief and tension warred in Feiyan's chest. She glanced at Lan Zhuoran, who offered a faint nod, trust shining in his eyes. Gao Tianrong stood resolute, arrow notched but lowered. We have to trust them, Feiyan reminded herself, heart pounding with the weight of her mentor's legacy.
"Let's do it," she said, voice trembling with conviction.
Hui motioned them to follow. Minister Sheng unlocked a side door leading into a warren of corridors. Ministers Xiao and Sheng took the lead, Hui in the rear. Lan Zhuoran, Gao Tianrong, and Feiyan clustered in the middle, relic carefully wrapped. The plan: reach the eastern Archive vault undetected, seal the artifact swiftly.
They navigated torchlit halls, each footstep echoing ominously. Occasionally, they paused as patrolling guards clanked by. At one point, a harried official scurried around a corner, nearly colliding with the group. Minister Sheng waved him off with an authoritative gesture. The official, too distracted by war preparations, did not question them.
At last, they reached a heavy, bronze-banded door labeled Imperial Archive – Restricted. Two older archivists emerged from behind desk stands. Hui offered them a quiet word and a seal of his own. Though wary, they nodded, stepping aside. Feiyan's nerves prickled—any slip could alert suspicious eyes.
Inside, the vault corridor beckoned—a chill draft hinting at deeper chambers. Rows of locked shelves and steel-bound chests lined the path. Xiao and Sheng led them deeper, eventually halting at a reinforced iron gate. The archivists hung back as Hui produced a ring of keys, searching for the correct one.
"I keep these for times of crisis," Hui murmured, pressing a key into the lock. The gate swung open with a creak, revealing a modest but fortified chamber lit by a single lantern. Stone walls bore faint runic carvings, hints of older wards.
Feiyan's heart thudded. This was it—where the relic might finally rest, safe from prying factions. Gao Tianrong hovered close, expression guarded. Lan Zhuoran, staff in hand, kept an eye on every movement.
"Place it here," Xiao said, tapping a stout pedestal in the chamber's center. "We'll seal it with an official record labeled under archaic artifacts. Only we four can authorize its removal, with the Emperor's signature."
Feiyan stepped forward, trembling fingers unveiling the relic. She laid it on the pedestal, lamplight revealing its ancient engravings anew. A shiver coursed through her at the reality: they were about to relinquish it. Would it truly remain safe?
Minister Sheng produced a small seal from his robes, pressing wax around the pedestal's base. Hui whispered incantations gleaned from older wards, forging a symbolic barrier. Xiao recited an oath, linking each council member's seal to the artifact's presence.
Watching, Lan Zhuoran felt a surge of hope—this was the empire's best chance. Gao Tianrong let out a slow breath. Feiyan's eyes glittered with relief and sorrow. At last, the burden might be lifted.
As the final seal clicked into place, Hui turned to the trio, a mixture of relief and apprehension etched on his face. "It's done," he said softly. "For now, the relic is beyond common reach. But the empire's turmoil won't vanish. We may yet call on you if threats arise."
Feiyan bowed, tears stinging her eyes. "We'll be here if needed. Thank you."
But even as the door closed on the sealed relic, a deep chord of uncertainty resonated. Would hidden enemies discover the vault? Would the ministers uphold their vow under war's pressure? The trio exchanged glances. Their mission might be concluded in principle—but the capital's storm still raged, and a single betrayal could unravel everything.