Fated to Rule, Destined to Love: The Martial Emperor’s Curse

The Tournament Looms

The Ling Clan was buzzing with anticipation.

With the Clan Tournament only days away, disciples were sharpening their skills, preparing strategies, and forming alliances.

For many, this was their moment—a chance to rise in status, earn recognition, and seize powerful treasures.

For Ling Tian?

It was just another game.

He sat casually in his courtyard, flipping a golden coin between his fingers, his thoughts drifting back to his recent agreement with Ling Ruoyan.

'An alliance, huh? I wonder who else is preparing their pieces on this board.'

He took a sip of warm tea, his gaze drifting toward the training fields where countless young cultivators were engaged in fierce duels.

Some of them would rise.

Most would fall.

And a select few… might become real threats.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

'Good. It's no fun without a challenge.'

---

Ling Tao's Recovery

Across the clan's training grounds, a large courtyard stood eerily quiet.

Inside, Ling Tao, the once arrogant genius of the Ling Clan, sat on a stone bench, his face twisted in rage.

His defeat at Ling Tian's hands had shaken the clan.

But for him?

It was unforgivable.

His fingers dug into his palm, veins bulging on the back of his hand. The pain of his wounds was nothing compared to the humiliation burning in his heart.

A servant approached nervously.

"Young Master Tao… the elders have approved your request. You will be allowed to compete in the tournament."

Ling Tao's eyes flickered with dark delight.

"Good. Because I will crush Ling Tian."

He clenched his fists, a menacing aura leaking from his body.

He wouldn't just defeat Ling Tian.

He would cripple him.

---

A Mysterious Invitation

Back at Ling Tian's courtyard, a young maid approached.

"Young Master, a letter for you."

Ling Tian lazily took the letter, unfolding it with mild curiosity.

The message was short.

'Meet me at the Azure Pavilion. Midnight. Come alone. -X'

Ling Tian raised an eyebrow.

A secret meeting?

How… dramatic.

He twirled the letter between his fingers, contemplating whether this was a trap.

Then again, even if it was, it wouldn't matter.

Ling Tian stood up, cracking his knuckles.

"Looks like things are getting interesting."

Without hesitation, he left for the Azure Pavilion.

---

A Dangerous Encounter

Midnight.

The Azure Pavilion was a secluded area at the edge of the Ling Clan's territory, surrounded by misty bamboo groves. The lanterns flickered weakly in the night breeze, casting eerie shadows over the polished wooden floor.

Ling Tian arrived, hands in his sleeves, his expression calm.

A figure in dark robes stood waiting, hidden within the shadows.

The moment Ling Tian stepped onto the pavilion, a faint but sharp killing intent brushed against his skin.

He grinned.

'Oh? They're testing me?'

Without hesitation, he released a tiny ripple of his own aura, instantly snuffing out the hostile presence in the air.

The figure's stance stiffened.

"You're earlier than expected," the voice was smooth, yet laced with caution.

Ling Tian smirked.

"And you're hiding your face. Not very friendly, are you?"

The figure chuckled.

"I prefer caution. After all, you've been making quite a name for yourself."

Ling Tian leaned against a pillar, tapping his finger against the wood.

"So, what does 'X' want with me?"

The figure hesitated, then spoke.

"The tournament will not be as simple as you think. Powerful forces are moving in the shadows. You're walking into something far bigger than just clan politics."

Ling Tian's eyes flickered with intrigue.

"And why should I trust you?"

The figure stepped forward, tossing a small black token towards him.

Ling Tian caught it.

He glanced at it—an emblem of a snake coiling around a dagger.

His smirk widened.

"So, the Snake Hall is finally making a move, huh?"

The figure paused.

"You know about us?"

Ling Tian twirled the token in his fingers.

"Of course. You think I'd return to life without gathering some intel?"

The figure was silent for a moment.

"Then you should understand this—someone inside the clan is working with us. And they want you dead before the tournament even begins."

Ling Tian chuckled.

"Well, they'll have to try harder than that."

The figure sighed.

"Arrogance can kill, Ling Tian."

"Confidence wins wars," he replied smoothly.

The figure hesitated, then turned to leave.

"Consider this a warning. If you want to survive, tread carefully."

Then, in a flash, they vanished into the night.

Ling Tian stood there, staring at the black token in his hand.

A secret enemy within the clan?

How entertaining.

His fingers slowly clenched around the token, his smirk widening.

"Let's see who tries to kill me first."

---

The First Move

Unbeknownst to Ling Tian, in another part of the Ling Clan estate, two shadowed figures stood in quiet discussion.

"Are you sure he received the warning?"

"Yes. But I don't think he cares."

A long silence.

"He's either too confident… or too dangerous."

A flash of cold steel gleamed under the moonlight.

"If he refuses to step back… we'll just have to eliminate him."

The tournament hadn't even begun, and yet the first assassination attempt was already being planned.

Ling Tian's game was about to turn deadly.

And he wouldn't have it any other way.

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