In the morning, Liu Wei was preparing to make his journey to Yaoguang, the last time he had  been there Murong li sneak attacked his sect and he feels very nervous about going there again.

He sighed and put on his white robe, the sleeves made from pure white fur, his hair had two braids on each sides, a white jade pin holding up the hair. He put on a simple crown, the crown that belonged to the late Li Jie.

Knock.knock

"Yes?"

"Your highness it's me Li Jun, King Murong li is here"

He frowned, why was he here? Could it be that Murong li wanted him to feel less threatened?

"I will be out in a moment"

Li Jun nodded and walked away heading to the main palace, he found Murong li standing where he had left him, the Yaoguang king wearing a simple robe, a white and red robe, white on top and red on the bottom, his hair tied simple as well, as if he wasn't a king.

"King Liu Wei will be out in a moment, can i offer you something?"

Murong li smiled.

"No I'm fine, I'll wait here until he allows me inside" he said. Li Jun nodded and they both waited for Liu Wei.

Li Jun looked at Murong li, the man was indeed beautiful but something about him felt....he doesn't know how to put it in words but if he could say anything he would say....Murong li was unnatural.

"King Murong li, welcome" Liu Wei said and bowed, Murong li returned the gesture.

"I figured I'd come to you instead, hope you don't mind" Murong li said. Liu Wei smiled.

"No worries at all, please follow me"

The three made their way inside the white palace, the air was nice and cool, on the walls were the sect symbol in many forms, from drawings to marble statues.

"Your palace represents the sect well" Murong li complimented, Liu Wei smiled.

"Thank you, my father worked hard to make his vision a reality." Liu Wei sat on his throne while Murong li sat on the seat near the royal stage.

"So what brings you here if I may ask."

"I heard that after the encounter you had with my army you lost your sect food supply"

Liu Wei frowned, did Murong li come all the way here to taunt him.

"Do i sense a bit of mockery in your tone?"

Murong li smiled.

"Not at all....all i came here for is to offer help, i own the largest food supply in all south China so why not cooperate"

Liu Wei sighed in relief, at least the matter will be solved in a peaceful manner.

"I appreciate the offer, do we need to pay?" He asks. Murong li taps a finger on the wooden desk.

"For my help, you will offer full support to Yaoguang regardless of treaties signed beforehand."

Li Jun gasped.

"You! So despicable, why would we do that? All because of rice?!"

The sound of a gurgle echoed in the room, Li Jun blushed in embarrassment as his stomach rumbled in hunger. Murong li smirked.

"Sect leader Liu Wei, you are at gold core level in your cultivation isn't it?"

"Correct"

"And that means you can go days without having a full meal isn't it?"

Liu Wei felt panic fill up inside him.

"Yes....but"

"Then what about your dear subjects? If i were you I'd agree to my condition, it's not that hard"

Liu Wei looked at Li Jun who had his head down in shame, his face was crimson and he knew very well he embarrassed not only himself but his king as well.

Liu Wei sighed.

"I agree, when should we expect the food?"

Murong li smiled and stood up.

"In the afternoon, I'll take my leave now"

Liu Wei watched him walk away, he gripped the armrest of his throne chair and frowned.

"Your highness, we cou-"

"Shut up! Who gave you the permission to talk when the royals are having a meeting, i wouldn't be surprised if the news of my disciples lacking discipline spread amongst the other sects"

Li Jun bit him lip.

"I....I'm sorry"

    ༺═──────────────═༻

Zhi Ming had woken up to an empty bed so he stayed a little longer to see Murong li before he leaves. His mind takes him back to what happened last night, having Murong li squirm and blush under him was a sight he wishes he sees from day to day.

Wang lei suddenly came inside the room looking afraid.

"What happened to you? did you see a ghost?" Zhi Ming teases.

"Zhi Ming your father collapsed in the garden we have to leave"

"Ah li is not here yet, we don't want to seem hostile"

"Zhi Ming! Your father is dying!"

Hearing the word dying made his mind clear, it was time to head back home.

"Let's go"

༺═──────────────═༻

Wei young and her councilmen were in the throne room in Wu Yue sect holding a meeting.

"My Queen, are you saying..."

"Yes, we are on our own, other sects have fallen into Murong li's trap all because he's a beautiful man"

The councilmen frowned.

"My queen, the last time a sect became an independent state led to the Tang Dynasty, why should we go back after your mother was one of the patrons who led the collapse?"

"Oh? So i should watch my people suffer from hunger and do nothing? Yaoguang wants war so we will give it to them"

Zhang Jing stood forward.

"My queen, shouldn't we focus on the sect first rather than go to war? If anything matters the most to you it should be your people not a beef with another sect"

The councilmen hummed in agreement, Wei young furrowed her eyebrows.

"I see...Zhang Jing my friend, you're indeed wise that is why I want to reward you"

Zhang Jing smiled.

"Whatever the queen wishes to give me i shall accept with a warm heart"

Wei young smirked.

"You will go to our capital city and bring it back, since you are so wise why don't you try getting the people some food while you're at it"

"My queen....is that a reward or punishment?"

"Both! Now do as i say"

━━━━━ • ஜ • ❈ • ஜ • ━━━━━

Zhi Ming arrived home, he ran straight to his father's room. Wang Yong was in bed, his skin pale and cold, his eyes clouding over.

"Zhi Ming...." he breathed out. Zhi Ming dropped to his knees besides the bed, his eyes glossed over with tears.

"Father I-"

"No...let me speak"

He nodded, his heart ached hearing the wheezes his father made everytime he took a breath.

"You should step up as king after my funeral....lead Yang Wu and it's people....I have faith in you Zhi Ming and Murong li will be by your side as well....remember that"

Zhi Ming nodded, a tear dropped down on Wang Yong's cheek.

"Don't cry my son...I will always.....be....with....you"

His body relaxed and Zhi Ming closed his eyes tightly, a slight pain ached in his chest, his father was no more. He let out a heartwrenching scream.