The peace of Crimson Valley was shattered by the cold reality of the encroaching Imperial threat. Kai, having processed Madam Yue's report, stood in their compound’s training yard, not moving, but radiating a focused intensity that made the surrounding air feel brittle.
"Morana has crossed the border," he stated, his voice flat. "Zheng has compromised his Clan's sovereignty simply to gain an edge against his rival Clans and appease Adonis. They are now an alliance hunting us."
Chiron tightened his grip on his spear. "We expected this. Two months was a gift. We move. We vanish again."
"No," Kai countered. "Running now is what they expect. It confirms our weakness. We turn their pursuit into our advantage. We use the growing chaos to accelerate my power and gain more resources. But first,
