The courtyard was silent, save for the howling wind that carried the weight of betrayal.
Leo Chang stepped forward, his eyes locked onto his daughter, Lan Yue, with a gaze colder than the night itself. She flinched but did not dare to move.
"You have disgraced my name," he said, his voice sharp as a blade. "I raised you with discipline, honor, and loyalty. Yet, you betray the very foundation of what I taught you."
Lan Yue trembled. "Father, I—"
SLAP!
Leo Chang's palm struck across her face, sending her to the ground. Blood dripped from the corner of her lips, but she did not cry.
"You do not have the right to call me father anymore."
The words fell like a death sentence.
The 2nd Prince grinned, unfazed. "Master, isn't this a bit harsh? She simply chose power over weakness. In the palace, strength is everything—"
Leo Chang's gaze snapped to him, filled with murderous intent. The 2nd Prince's smirk faltered, and for the first time, he took a step back.
"You believe deception is power?" Leo Chang's voice rumbled with authority. "Then let me teach you what true power is."
The entire courtyard shook as his cultivation flared—a level that far surpassed anyone present. But before he could act, the 7th Prince placed a hand on his master's shoulder.
"It's enough, Master."
Leo Chang turned to him, surprised. The pain in the 7th Prince's eyes was gone. His expression was empty, emotionless, unreadable.
The boy who once smiled during training, who once believed in bonds, no longer existed.
The 7th Prince turned to Lan Yue, looking down at her as if she were nothing.
"Once, I thought you were my world." His voice was calm, distant. "Now, you're just another lesson."
Lan Yue's breath hitched. "Seventh Prince, I—"
"Don't waste your breath," he cut her off, his eyes lifeless. "You're already dead to me."
Without another word, he walked away, his aura darker than ever before.
Leo Chang watched him go, realization dawning upon him—his student had been reborn into something far more dangerous.
A prince who no longer sought love, family, or friendship.
A prince who would use people, discard them, and climb his way to the throne—alone.
___________________________________