The ceremonial hall was vast, its ceiling adorned with golden dragons entwined in clouds, their eyes gleaming like molten fire. Rows of nobles, scholars, and generals stood in rigid silence, their gazes fixed on the grand dais where Li Yuan sat in full imperial regalia. At his right, an ornate throne had been placed—smaller, yet still a seat of power.
Rui stood at the entrance, his silver-white hair cascading down his back, his white and silver bridal robes flowing like liquid moonlight. Every embroidered thread shimmered under the lanterns, a stark contrast to the crimson banners that lined the hall. He had been dressed in the colors of the moon while Li Yuan embodied the sun—opposing forces bound together by fate, or, in this case, conquest.
His heart pounded, but his face remained unreadable. The weight of every noble's gaze pressed against him, assessing, dissecting. Some looked in awe, others in barely veiled disdain. A foreign prince, a former enemy—now a consort to their warlord-king.
He hated every moment of this.
A eunuch stepped forward, voice ringing through the hall. "Prince Rui of Yue, step forward to receive the binding rites."
Rui's fingers clenched at his sides. His cultivation stirred within him, restless, a quiet storm beneath his skin. He had spent years honing it under Yue's most revered masters, learning the way of the sword, the art of channeling spiritual energy—but now, none of that power could free him from this moment.
With measured steps, he moved forward, his robes whispering against the jade floor. He stopped before Li Yuan, whose golden eyes watched him with unreadable intensity.
The warlord-king extended a hand. "Come."
Rui stared at it, unwilling. Unmoving.
A hush fell over the court. Was he truly about to defy the emperor before his entire empire?
A challenge flickered in Li Yuan's gaze, and for a moment, Rui considered the consequences—considered the weight of his rebellion.
Then, with slow precision, he placed his hand in Li Yuan's.
A low murmur rippled through the court as Li Yuan's fingers closed around his, firm and unyielding. The touch was warm, commanding.
"You do not bow," Li Yuan observed, amusement dancing at the edges of his tone.
"I never will," Rui replied, voice quiet but resolute.
A chuckle, soft yet approving. "Good."
The grandmaster of ceremonies stepped forward, unrolling a scroll. "By the will of Heaven, the Sun and Moon shall now be bound."
As the ritual began, golden incense swirled in the air, and a faint hum of spiritual energy crackled between them. Rui could feel it—the emperor's cultivation, deep and formidable, like an endless sea of fire. It reached toward him, intertwining with his own, testing, claiming.
He inhaled sharply, his grip tightening in Li Yuan's hand. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt.
Li Yuan smirked. "You feel it, don't you?"
Rui met his gaze, heart pounding. Yes.
But he would never admit it.
As the final incantation was spoken, a golden-red ribbon of spiritual energy coiled around their hands, sealing the union. The court erupted in cheers, but Rui barely heard them. His entire world had narrowed to the man before him—the man who had taken him, who had bound him not just in name, but in power.
Li Yuan leaned in, voice a whisper only Rui could hear. "The bond is real now. You are mine."
Rui lifted his chin. "Then you should remember, Li Yuan—even the moon can eclipse the sun."
The emperor's smirk deepened. "I look forward to seeing you try."
As the court celebrated, Rui knew one thing for certain.
This was not the end of his battle.