The 7th Prince had always believed that love and loyalty were unshakable bonds, but tonight, everything shattered.
After an intense day of training, he returned to the secluded courtyard where his master's daughter, Lan Yue, often waited for him. His heart was restless, eager to see her. She was the only warmth in the ruthless palace, the one who made him believe in happiness beyond power.
But as he approached the wooden pavilion, the flickering lanterns revealed a scene that froze him in place.
Lan Yue… in the arms of his brother—the 2nd Prince.
Their bodies intertwined under the moonlight, whispers of passion filling the air.
The 7th Prince felt his chest tighten, his breath turning ragged. His most trusted brother and the woman he loved—together, betraying him.
He wanted to move, to scream, to fight—but his body refused to obey. His heart burned with rage, confusion, and pain, but the worst part was the cruel smirk on the 2nd Prince's face when he finally turned to look at him.
"You're too naïve, little brother," the 2nd Prince said mockingly. "Love? In the royal court, love is just another weapon."
Lan Yue avoided his gaze, guilt flashing in her eyes, but she did not deny anything.
The 7th Prince clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms. He had given his trust, his heart—and they had crushed it beneath their feet.
Something inside him snapped.
His cultivation surged uncontrollably, his aura exploding with raw power. The very air trembled around him. For the first time, he realized—the palace, love, even family—everything was built on deception and betrayal.
Just as his rage threatened to erupt, a powerful gust of wind swept through the courtyard.
Leo Chang, the Grandmaster, appeared.
His eyes, usually calm, were now filled with stormy fury as he took in the scene before him. His daughter's disheveled state, the 2nd Prince's smirk, and the 7th Prince standing there, his body trembling with raw power.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Leo Chang's voice boomed like thunder, shaking the very foundation of the courtyard.
Lan Yue paled, stepping back in fear. The 2nd Prince, however, merely chuckled, adjusting his robes. "Master, why so angry? Your daughter made her choice."
Leo Chang's gaze turned ice cold.
The 7th Prince finally spoke, his voice low but sharp as a blade.
"I was a fool to trust either of you."
Leo Chang turned to his student, seeing the pain and fury in his eyes. He knew at that moment—the 7th Prince had changed forever.
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