THE LAST DRAGON LORD AWAKENS

The Dragon's Path

Princess Mei's face flushed red, but whether from embarrassment or anger, Xin couldn't tell. Probably both.

"Don't get cocky, stable boy," she snapped. "You passed one trial. That doesn't make you a hero."

"Mei." The Emperor's voice was firm. "He is no longer a stable boy. From this moment forward, Xin Hang holds the title of Dragon Heir. You will address him with respect."

The princess's jaw tightened, but she bowed stiffly. "As you command, Father."

Xin tried to stand, but his legs gave out. The rush of power had left him as quickly as it came, replaced by bone-deep exhaustion. Master Zhou caught him before he hit the ground.

"Easy, boy. Opening the First Gate takes most cultivators weeks of meditation. You forced it open in minutes. Your body needs time to adjust." The old master helped him sit against the wall. "How do you feel?"

"Like I got trampled by every horse in the palace," Xin admitted. But underneath the fatigue, he felt something else—a warm current flowing through his body, like a river finding its course. "What's happening to me?"

"Your spiritual channels are active now," Master Zhou explained, settling down beside him. "You're circulating spiritual energy—or 'qi,' as the ancients called it. Right now, it's wild and uncontrolled, like a colt that's never been broken. We need to train you to harness it properly."

"How long will that take?"

Master Zhou stroked his beard thoughtfully. "For a normal cultivator? Five to ten years to master the First Gate. But you're not normal. The dragon blood accelerates everything." He paused. "Of course, it also makes everything more dangerous. Push too hard, and you could cripple yourself. Or explode."

"Explode?"

"It's rare, but it happens. Usually quite messy."

"That's... encouraging."

The Emperor descended from the observation platform, his robes whispering against stone. Up close, Xin could see the weight the man carried—dark circles under his eyes, worry lines etched deep into his forehead. This wasn't just a bored ruler. This was someone drowning in responsibility.

"Master Zhou, how soon can he begin proper training?"

"He should rest for at least three days, Your Majesty. His body—"

"We don't have three days." The Emperor's voice was grim. "Reports came in this morning. The Northern Wolf Clan has crossed the border. They've already taken two villages. If they reach the capital before we're ready..."

He didn't need to finish. Everyone understood. War was coming.

Princess Mei stepped forward. "Father, let me lead the Imperial Guard north. I can—"

"No." The Emperor's tone left no room for argument. "I need you here, protecting the capital. Besides, conventional forces won't stop them. The Wolf Clan has cultivators now. Strong ones." He looked at Xin. "We need a dragon."

Xin's stomach churned. "Your Majesty, I don't even know how to use this power. I'm not ready to fight anyone."

"Then you'll learn quickly." The Emperor's expression softened slightly. "I know this isn't fair, Xin Hang. You didn't ask to be chosen. But fate rarely asks permission. The dragon mark appeared on you for a reason."

"What if the reason is a mistake?" The words came out before Xin could stop them. "I'm nobody. I've spent my whole life cleaning stables and fetching water. I'm not some legendary warrior."

Master Zhou chuckled. "Every legend starts as nobody, boy. The first Dragon Lord was a fisherman's son. The question isn't who you were—it's who you choose to become."

Xin wanted to argue more, but exhaustion was pulling him under like a riptide. His eyes drooped.

"Take him to the Dragon Quarters," the Emperor commanded. "Post guards. And send for the royal physician—I want him monitored constantly."

"I'll take him," Princess Mei said suddenly.

Everyone turned to stare at her.

"Mei?" The Emperor raised an eyebrow.

"If he's truly the Dragon Heir, then he's a valuable asset to the kingdom. I should evaluate his capabilities personally." She walked over to Xin and hauled him to his feet with surprising strength. "Besides, someone needs to make sure he doesn't explode and take half the palace with him."

Master Zhou grinned. "Excellent idea, Princess. I'm sure your evaluation will be... thorough."

Princess Mei shot him a dark look but didn't respond. She slung Xin's arm over her shoulder and half-dragged him toward the exit.

As they climbed the stairs back toward the palace proper, Xin's mind swirled with questions. Why had the dragon mark appeared now? Who had really stolen the golden seal and framed him? And what were these "Nine Heavenly Gates" that kept flashing through his memory?

"Stop thinking so loud," Princess Mei muttered. "I can practically hear your brain grinding."

"Sorry. It's been a weird day."

"You nearly got executed, discovered you're descended from legendary dragon warriors, survived a trial by fire, and now you're expected to save the kingdom from an invading army. I'd say 'weird' is an understatement."

Despite everything, Xin laughed. It came out half-delirious. "When you put it that way, it sounds almost ridiculous."

"It is ridiculous." Princess Mei's voice was quieter now, less sharp. "But it's also real. And like it or not, you're in this now. So am I."

"Why do you hate me so much?"

She was silent for so long that Xin thought she wouldn't answer. Then: "I don't hate you. I hate that you're our only hope. No offense, but you're completely untrained. The kingdom's survival shouldn't depend on a stable boy who just discovered he has powers."

"Fair point," Xin admitted.

They reached a doorway Xin had never seen before—carved with dragons so lifelike they seemed ready to leap from the wood. Princess Mei pushed it open, revealing chambers more luxurious than anything Xin had ever imagined. Silk cushions, jade ornaments, weapons mounted on walls, and a bed that looked softer than clouds.

"Welcome to the Dragon Quarters," Princess Mei said. "Get some sleep. Tomorrow, your real training begins."

She turned to leave, then paused at the doorway. "And Xin? Don't die. We need you."

Before he could respond, she was gone.

Xin collapsed onto the bed, and despite his racing thoughts, sleep claimed him immediately.