imperial celestial

Xue Mor stood in the grand hall of the Ancient White Tiger Clan's central tower, her sharp gaze meeting the golden eyes of Patriarch Torra Zhen. The room was dimly lit by hanging lanterns, their flickering light casting shifting shadows across the polished stone floor. Warriors stood along the edges, their presence a silent reminder of the clan's strength.

Torra Zhen sat upon an ornately carved wooden chair, his presence imposing yet calm. Shinryu, still recovering from his training, leaned against a pillar nearby, arms crossed, listening intently.

Xue Mor took a steady breath. "The Phoenix Cry Empire seeks an alliance with the Ancient White Tiger Clan."

Torra Zhen chuckled, stroking his beard. "Alliance? The empire has stood on its own for centuries, yet now you come to us. Why?"

She met his gaze without hesitation. "Because the Great Collapse is upon us. The world will be thrown into chaos, and those who are unprepared will be swept away."

Torra Zhen's expression remained unreadable. "And what role do you see my clan playing in this… grand design of yours?"

Xue Mor didn't waver. "The Ancient White Tiger Clan is a force of stability, a power that balances strength with wisdom. If my father moves alone, it will invite war from all sides. But if we move together, we can control how the collapse unfolds."

Shinryu exhaled sharply, smirking. "Control? You think the collapse can be controlled?"

Xue Mor turned to him. "It can be influenced. And influence is what determines who stands at the end."

Torra Zhen leaned forward slightly, intrigued. "And what of the Azure Dragon Clan?"

Xue Mor hesitated for a fraction of a second. "Shin Rai is… unpredictable. If we approach him first, he may take it as an insult or even a challenge. If he refuses outright, we lose valuable time."

Torra Zhen nodded slowly. "And if we agree, you expect us to convince him?"

Xue Mor allowed herself a small smile. "I expect your voice to carry more weight than mine in his ears. If the Ancient Clan stands with us, Shin Rai will have no choice but to listen."

Silence stretched between them. The warriors in the hall exchanged glances, sensing the weight of the discussion.

Then, Torra Zhen laughed—a deep, rumbling sound. "You speak like a seasoned strategist, young one." His eyes gleamed with amusement. "But words are wind. Why should I risk my warriors and resources for your cause?"

Xue Mor inhaled, then spoke with quiet confidence. "Because if the Phoenix Cry Empire falls, your clan will stand alone against what comes next."

Torra Zhen's smile faded.

For the first time, true consideration flickered in his gaze.

Shinryu pushed off the pillar, tilting his head. "You're asking us to bet everything on your father's vision."

Xue Mor looked at him. "No. I'm asking you to bet on me."

Another silence.

Then, Torra Zhen nodded. "Very well. But I will not send my warriors blindly into the abyss." He studied her carefully. "If you want my support, you must prove that your leadership is worthy of it."

Xue Mor lifted her chin. "And how do I do that?"

Torra Zhen's lips curled into a knowing smile. "With a test."

Shinryu sighed. "Of course."

Xue Mor merely smiled. "I accept."