Large bolts of thunder struck the heavens as blood spilled on it's ground. The worriors clad in white enchanting robs battled against those in dark clothing, each wounding the other but most that declined were the heavenly worriors.

They held against their own, their efforts proving futile to the well prepared clan of Mo Jin.

In the sky Pavilion was a female holding the body of her beloved in deep sorrow. Her sister Xia Xingxin laid in her arms with a deep wound that had no way of healing.

How was this so? How could Jin FengLi betray her like this?

The girl looked around knowing in her heart that this was not a winning battle for the heavens. Jin FengLi had actually tricked her and had managed to steal the heavenly seal and now her home was doomed. She watched as more armed men fell to the ground.

"Sister. It's okay, you don't have to worry about me anymore -" Xia Xingxin stuttered as she mumbled her words, red blood gushed from her mouth as she spoke.

"No meimei, I'm sorry I let all this happen. It's my fault," holding her twin sister the female wailed.

"Don't blame yourself sister. You have to defeit the demon king. protect the heavens and we will meet in the afterlife."

Watching her younger twin writh in pain brought her more pain than she already felt. All because of her, XiaXingxin was lying in her own pull of blood. She sobbed holding onto her little twin shaking her head in dispair.

"Jiejie, use our essence. Take my core, you'll be stronger."

"No Xing'er, don't leave!" She cried out refusing.

Noticing her sister's hesitancy, the pale girl using her last bit of energy took out her core the act made her spit a handful of blood . The small, luminescent orb hovered above the two it's life essence bright. Nonetheless, it's light felt dim due to the gloom atmosphere of the heavens.

"Sister, I hope to remain your sister in the next life," her voice little, she spoke breathing one final breath before shutting her eyes.

Xia Xingxin's dying face stuck to her mind as she walked down the Bridge of fate following the queue that lined up for reincarnation. The girl didn't want to be reborn, she was tired of all the lies. Everyone lied to her except her little sister, did she know of this? That's why they killed her?

A stiffled cry escaped from her lips . She wiped her tears looking up ahead. Maybe she deserved a new start away from treacherous demons and backstabbing heavenly immortals. In her next life, hopefully if she can, she will stay away from cultivation or anything to do with it.

Nonetheless, she would still come for her revenge.

Stepping on the front of the queue, the female worrior stared at the bowl made of one of the finest metals in heaven realm. In it was a colourless liquid that was going to easily erase all her memories as soon as she consumed it.

Once she was a worrior general, a god feared by all of the realms, a force to not be triffled with. She used to hold her head high and trusted the people around her only for one of them to end up scheming against her. Her current self was blind and eventually the ones who loved her died, she also died.

It was a bitter truth. Unknowingly, she ended up killing someone she had thought was her enemy only to find that the true enemy was one close to her. The whole heavens had plotted against her, wrongly punishing her and later on loosing her life in the hands of her accusers.

Perhaps it was best to get rid of all the memories.

The former god took the bowl from the being holding it and drunk it. It had no taste. Maybe like it her life had no reason whatsoever. And, just as the others, she stepped into the portal gate awaiting for her fate.

On a night in the king's palace of Quanyue, midwives surrounded the queens bed one of them urging the queen to keep on pushing. It had been almost two hours of labor, and now, the woman lying on the bed was worn out. Sweat covered her skin as she took in sharp breaths trying to ease the pain.

Yun weiwei screamed in pain holding onto the sheets that were covered in salty droplets of sweat and blood.

"Come on your majesty, we can see the head," one servant cheered encouragingly until successfully the newborn was held by the lead midwife .

"It's a girl my queen."

A smile crossed her features listening to the midwife Bai Zhongrue. She watched as the midwife rinsed and wrapped the baby in a cloth. But then, why was her belly still in pain?

A cry left her lips as she clutched on the sheets again. Seeing this, Bai Zhongrue carried the baby to the nearest cradle and laid her down. She rushed to check on their queen taking in her pulse. How could this be? Another child was in her womb?

"Madame, it seems that we still have another baby," she said to the queen. However looking at the queens state, Bai Zhongrue knew the child's birth wouldn't be easy. Her pulse were already too weak and she had losed a lot of blood.

"Another chil-" she groaned from pain.

"You have to push!"

Outside the door, the king paced around anxiously for awhile each second he would stare at the door. The night was calm and clear, stars shone on the vast dark skies and the only sound he could hear were his wife's agonizing scream.

This made him on edge. The birth of this child would bring great fortune to the kingdom. According to the royal practitioner this child would be a blessing for the kingdoms, just as their first child was. It seemed everything was in their favor even the North star had made itself known, it shone bright next to the big bright moon.

A girl. They had both heard the midwife's announcement. He was going to have a daughter. The kingdom would get their princess. How wonderful!

"Your lordship, today is truly a day of great fortune for our kingdom," his trusted man spoke joyously.

The king smiled at the compliment looking forward to meet his newborn child. A blessing by the heavens to the human realm. He stared at the door then at the sky silently giving a prayer to the heavens for favor and for his children.

Jiang Chen walked over to the door as Bai Zhongrue's next words startled him. What did she mean another child? Hadn't the doctor said that her wife was just expecting one child? She never said anything about twins!!

Hearing his wife's sudden cry of distress, anxiousness rose in him making him push the door and running to his wife's side.

The servants inside acknowledging Jiang Chen's presence bowed. However, his eyes were only set on the pale women's face. She was worn out from her expression, her features though pale her eyes were vibrant. Sadness overwhelmed him at his wife's current state. More than less he was to blame.

He reached for his wife's hand.

Yun weiwei whose eyes were set on her second daughter finally drew towards the man by her side. His hands were on hers his eyes holding a mix of emotions in them. She formed a small curl on her lips pressing firmly on his hand.

A communication that even words could not compare to. Yun Weiwei glanced back at the midwife holding the baby ushering her to give the child to her.

Bai Zhongrue did as instructed, sorrow in her eyes as she stared at the queen.

Holding the baby in her arms. She felt at ease. This was truly a blessing. With her bit of energy she spoke, "My precious daughters."

Jiang Cheng took his wife by the hand as he listened to his wife.

"What should we call them?"

"Jiang Xiaye," a week smile appeared on the new mother's lips as she gazed at her eldest daughter's young chubby face, she then turned to the one in her arms adding, "and Jiang Feiye."

A name like the moon and the sun. Jiang Cheng smiled staring at the baby he held. This was truly joyous. His thoughts were cut with the heavy coughs that escaped his wife.

Red blood trickled from her mouth with each cough. The midwife ran to her aid and took the baby from the queen's embrace and gave her to another midwife.

Seven winters had passed since the night the queen's life was claimed by childbirth.

The palace had changed in that time-its halls still glimmered with gold, its gardens still bloomed with jade-green pines and winter plum blossoms-but to those who remembered, the air carried a silence that had never left. The Queen's laughter had once been like warm spring rain; now, her absence was a chill the sun could not melt.

For Feiye, the younger princess, that absence was more than a memory-it was a weight. Her first breath had been the queen's last.

The court remembered, too. They did not speak it aloud, but when their eyes slid over Feiye, there was often a flicker-pity, or discomfort, or something like blame. She was not shunned, but neither was she celebrated. The servants bowed respectfully to her, yet their voices were livelier when addressing her elder siblings.

There were three royal children: Jiang Renxian, Xiaye, and Feiye. Jiang Renxian, the crown prince, had been sent away at sixteen to train in the royal guard's warrior halls-hardened discipline, battlefield strategy, and the weight of leadership. He wrote letters home when duty allowed, brief and formal, but the few times he returned, his visits carried a warmth that only his sisters saw. Xiaye adored him. Feiye clung to his rare moments of kindness like a lantern in fog.

When spiritual energy flared within Xiaye, the eldest daughter, the palace was alight with whispers: A true cultivator, born of royal blood. Such a gift was rare, precious, and dangerous if not guided.

The King summoned his daughters to the audience hall. The chamber was vast, lit by rows of bronze braziers and flanked by towering pillars carved with dragons.

Xiaye knelt first, her robe shimmering with the pale gold of her rank. Feiye followed, her simpler silk pooling quietly around her.

The King's gaze lingered on Xiaye. "Your gift cannot be wasted. The Yunxian Clan has agreed to take you as a disciple. Their guidance will shape you into a true cultivator."

A smile lit Xiaye's face, but it dimmed almost instantly. She turned her head toward her sister. Doubts washed over her. Maybe going to a different clan away from her sister was not a great idea.

"I'm sorry, Father, but I have to decline your offer," she stated her eyes down on the exclusive floor of the court. She could feel all of the elders' eyes on her.

Murmurs rose from the court of her defiance. Why would the first princess refuse such a great offer?

"Why don't you want to join Yunxian? Is it not fit for you?" A man, one of her father's right hand man asked.

"Please pardon me if what I spoke offends anyone, it's not my intention," she gazed up at her father, her hands forward crossed on each other.

"Then what disheartens you, my child?" The king asked concern in his voice.

She glanced at the figure beside her that had not uttered a word since their entrance. She then said,"I can not depart and leave my younger sister here all alone."

"She will be in the palace," one Elder protested, looking the second princess. Her demeanour was a contrast to the crown princess. It was like comparing the heavens and the earth!!!

"If I leave her here, Father, she will be alone."

The words hung in the air.

Feiye lowered her eyes. She did not want to be the reason her sister hesitated, yet the warmth in Xiaye's voice tugged at something deep within her chest.

The King's jaw tightened. He thought of Jiang Renxian-his son was already being forged into a warrior, far from the palace. If both daughters left, the royal court would be emptier still. But when he looked at Feiye, he saw the queen. The curve of her cheek, the way her lashes lowered when she avoided his gaze-it was like staring at a memory.

And memories hurt.

"Very well," he said finally, his voice even. "You will go together."

Two days later, Jiang Renxian returned unexpectedly, his armour dusted with the frost of early winter. Word of his sisters' departure had reached him, and he had ridden through the night to see them off.

"You're both too young to be leaving Father's roof," he said, his voice carrying the sternness of his training. But then he smiled faintly, the expression softening his sharp features. "Xiaye, look after Feiye. And Feiye..." He reached out, resting a gloved hand on her head. "Stay out of trouble. You have a talent for finding it even when you're not trying."

Feiye's lips curved in the smallest smile. "I'll try, Brother."

He hesitated, eyes narrowing slightly as he studied her. "And if anyone treats you poorly, clan or not-you tell me."

Xiaye rolled her eyes. "Renxian, you can't exactly storm the Jinlong gates for a quarrel."

"I can try," he said, but his eyes remained on Feiye a moment longer before he turned away.

Morning came cold and pale. The palace courtyard was lined with guards in crimson armour, their breath misting in the air. Two white horses stood saddled, their manes braided with gold thread.

The sisters emerged from the inner halls, cloaks billowing slightly. Xiaye's eyes were bright, scanning the horizon with anticipation. Feiye's were downcast, her fingers gripping the edge of her cloak.

Jiang Renxian stood beside the King, his expression unreadable. As they approached, he clasped Xiaye's hand firmly, then drew Feiye into a quick, fierce embrace. No words-just the press of a promise.

They crossed the great gates-and the wind changed.

It came suddenly, curling around Feiye like a ribbon of cool silk. Her hair lifted gently, strands dancing as though stirred by unseen hands. She stilled, her eyes half-closing, and for a heartbeat, it felt like the wind was whispering.

The guards shifted uneasily, looking around, but they felt no breeze. Only the banners above snapped sharply in the air, as if in salute.

At the base of the palace steps stood Elder Mo of the Yunxian Clan-a man with hair, the colour of frost, his robe, green of pine forests. His eyes were sharp and assessing as he studied the approaching pair.

When they fell on Xiaye, he gave a small approving nod. But when his gaze shifted to Feiye, something in his expression faltered. Surprise flickered there, then a flash of wariness, before it smoothed into polite indifference.

"Come, young ones," Elder Mo said, his voice steady. But his eyes lingered on Feiye a fraction longer than they should have-as though trying to place a face from an old dream.

They rode through the morning mist, the palace growing smaller behind them. Xiaye spoke often, pointing out the landmarks they passed, but Feiye listened more to the sounds-the creak of saddles, the crunch of hooves on frost, the faint rustle of trees along the road.

Once, a red kite soared above them, circling slowly. Feiye watched it until it vanished into the clouds.

"What are you thinking about?" Xiaye asked.

"That it's watching us," Feiye murmured.

Xiaye laughed. "You imagine too much."

But Elder Mo, riding ahead, glanced briefly at the sky before looking forward again, his expression unreadable.

As they reached the mountain path leading to the Yunxian gates, Feiye turned in her saddle to look back one last time. Far in the distance, the palace shimmered faintly in the winter sun.

On the highest balcony, the King and Renxian stood side by side. Neither spoke. The jade hairpin of the late queen glinted faintly in the King's hand as the two men watched the sisters vanish into the mist.

---

And so, the sisters began their journey.

One, with the destined glow of a cultivator.

The other, wrapped in a mystery older than the kingdom itself-waiting for the season when it awakened.

---

The wind in the mountain valleys carried the crisp scent of pine and cold stone, winding through the sprawling courtyards of the Yunxian Clan. Ten years had passed since the day the two sisters first set foot here, their tiny hands clutching each other in a world far from the palace they once called home. The palace was now little more than a fading dream; jade roofs, stone lions, and the high walls of the Yunxian Clan had long since replaced the gold and silk of the imperial court.

Xiaye moved through the main courtyard with her usual spring in her step, her laughter trailing behind like a warm ribbon. She had grown into a striking young woman - bright-eyed, quick to smile, with a voice that could melt even the sternest elder's mood. She was the sunlight in this disciplined world, radiating warmth where others carried steel.

Everyone adored Xiaye. The elders praised her cultivation speed, the sword masters boasted of her agility, and younger disciples looked to her as inspiration and friend. Even the clan leader had once likened her to "the first blossom of spring after a long winter."

Feiye, in contrast, was the quiet shadow beside that blossom. Her cultivation remained stagnant, her spiritual core stubbornly dormant despite endless meditation and rare herbal tonics. No one spoke ill of her openly - Yunxian discipline did not permit it - but she saw the disappointment in their eyes, the way conversations always shifted to Xiaye whenever they were both present.

And yet, Feiye did not resent her sister. She found peace in the clan's vast library, losing herself among scrolls filled with tales of ancient heroes. Xiaye dazzled the present, but Feiye held fast to the past - and to the belief that her time would come.

Their bond had never weakened. Xiaye made certain of that. No matter how much praise fell upon her, she would always link arms with Feiye, telling admirers, "My sister comes too." At night, they read aloud the letters from their elder brother, Jiang Renxian, now training as crown prince and warrior.

Little moon and little sun, one letter said, I fight in the training fields from sunrise to moonrise, but thoughts of you keep my spirit sharp. Feiye - rivers carve mountains slowly. Do not lose heart. Xiaye - remain the joy our family can boast about. The day will come when we three stand side by side again.

Feiye read that letter twice before tucking it away, tracing the familiar strokes of his handwriting with a finger as though it could somehow carry strength directly to her spirit.

A week before the Convergence, the clan elders gathered all junior disciples in the main hall to assign duties. The sun streamed through tall windows, illuminating polished floors that reflected every movement. The air smelled faintly of incense and pine, carrying the tension and anticipation of young warriors readying for the coming days.

"Xiaye Yun and Feiye Yun - front gate reception," Elder Lan read aloud, his voice echoing through the hall.

A ripple of murmurs passed through the room. The front gate was no ordinary posting; it was an honor to greet incoming sects, the first faces to represent the Yunxian Clan. Most assumed Xiaye's reputation had earned her the place, but in truth, the assignment came at the request of the imperial court's eldest princess, who still held the sisters in warm regard.

As the crowd dispersed, Feiye muttered, "So... we'll be standing in the sun all day, just smiling?"

Xiaye laughed, her dark eyes sparkling. "Standing in the sun, yes, but also seeing warriors from across the land. Don't tell me you aren't a little curious."

Feiye's lips twitched in the faintest smile. "Curious, perhaps. But don't expect me to chatter like you."

Xiaye winked. "Then I'll talk enough for both of us."

The Yunxian Clan's mountain gate was a monument of carved stone, its twin lions watching over the winding path that led upward from the misty forest. Red and gold banners snapped in the breeze, each one emblazoned with the clan sigil that shimmered in the morning sun.

On the morning of their duty, Xiaye stood tall and radiant, her bow draped over her shoulder as she welcomed each arriving delegation with warmth and poise. Feiye kept her position beside her, observing more than speaking, her eyes catching every detail - the rigid discipline of the Iron Crane School, the flowing elegance of the Cloud Veil Sect, and the subtle tension whenever rival clans passed one another.

She noticed the smallest things: the tilt of a sash, the tremble in a young warrior's hand, the way a master held his sword loosely at his side, confident but not threatening. Every detail was recorded in her mind, though she never let her thoughts show.

Moments later, a runner arrived with an urgent message for Xiaye.

"The elders need me," Xiaye said, giving Feiye an apologetic smile. "I'll be quick."

Feiye smirked faintly. "Go. I'll keep the gate safe."

As Xiaye disappeared into the crowd, Feiye and Lan Zhi remained at their posts. The stream of guests slowed, leaving the path empty save for the whisper of wind through the banners.

The quiet was shattered by the crunch of approaching boots. A group in crimson robes with black sashes emerged from the haze - the Flame Serpent Sect. Their leader, tall and sly, stopped just short of the gate, eyes like coals flickering with amusement.

"Well, well," he drawled. "So the Yunxian Clan sends its... brightest... to greet guests?"

Feiye's jaw tightened. "Welcome to the Yunxian Clan. Please present your invitation."

He stepped closer, his companions laughing softly. "You're the one they say can't even form a stable spiritual core, aren't you? What's the point of guarding a gate when you can't guard yourself?"

Lan Zhi stepped forward, voice sharp. "Watch your tongue-"

But the youth flicked his hand, and a burst of red flame struck Feiye square in the chest. She stumbled backward, her boots skidding toward the edge of the platform.

"You can't even block basic magic," he sneered. "What a shame to your clan."

Her heel slipped. The stone beneath her gave way to empty air -

A hand closed around her wrist, strong and steady, pulling her forward.

Feiye's breath caught as she looked up - into storm-grey eyes half-hidden by a black half-mask. The faint scent of sandalwood and cold winter air wrapped around her, grounding her in that single, suspended moment.

The masked warrior didn't speak, nor did he glance at the Flame Serpent youth. His gaze remained on Feiye, silently confirming she was unharmed. Only when she steadied herself did he release her.

Lan Zhi's voice cut sharp. "You've crossed the line!"

The masked man's tone was colder than steel. "The Flame Serpent Sect should teach its disciples the difference between strength... and cowardice."

The youth faltered, muttering before he turned away. The masked man walked past without another word, followed by his silent companions, a wall of black and silver that moved with authority.

Feiye stood rooted to the spot, pulse unsteady. She didn't even know his name... and yet, somewhere deep within her, she already did.

Behind her, a Yunxian junior whispered in awe, "The Azure Moon Sect... the strongest in all four regions. They never intervene in petty disputes."

The other whispered back, "Then why did he?"

Feiye had no answer.