The Zhao Clan's grand hall remained tense, the weight of the recent revelation pressing down on everyone present. The news of the bounty on the child had sent a ripple of unease through the room, and Zhao Tian's face was unreadable as he considered the implications.
"The Heavenly Sect does not act without reason," Zhao Tian finally spoke, his tone heavy. "A child barely able to walk should not warrant such drastic measures. Unless—"
"Unless they know what he is," his daughter finished, tightening her hold on her son. Though asleep, the boy stirred slightly in her embrace, as if sensing the storm brewing around him.
Zhao Wei, still standing near the doorway, scoffed. "Even if that were true, what does it matter? The child is weak. A single assassin could—"
"Enough!" Zhao Tian's voice thundered through the hall, silencing all murmurs. "If the Heavenly Sect has taken interest in the boy, then we must assume others will follow. This is no longer a matter of past grievances."
Zhao Wei clenched his fists but said nothing more. He knew better than to challenge his father's authority.
Zhao Tian turned his gaze back to his daughter. "You will stay here under my protection. But make no mistake—this does not absolve you of your past actions."
She nodded, her expression resolute. "I never asked for forgiveness, only protection for my son."
A flicker of something—perhaps regret, perhaps sorrow—crossed Zhao Tian's features, but it was gone before anyone could be sure it had been there at all.
Before more could be said, a guard rushed into the hall, his face pale. "Clan Master! Scouts report unknown forces approaching from the northern ridge! At least two dozen, moving under cover of night!"
Zhao Tian's expression darkened. "How long until they reach the estate?"
"No more than an hour. They are moving with caution but deliberate intent."
Zhao Wei smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Finally, some action. Shall I deal with them, Father?"
Zhao Tian considered for a moment before shaking his head. "No. We do not know their full strength yet. Assemble the elite guards and fortify the perimeter. I want them captured, not killed—at least until we know who sent them."
Zhao Wei's smirk faded slightly but he obeyed, leaving the hall swiftly with the guard.
Zhao Tian's gaze shifted back to his daughter. "This is only the beginning. You understand that, don't you?"
She met his stare without hesitation. "I've understood that since the moment I chose to return."
Zhao Tian sighed, rubbing his temples. "Then you must also understand that this child… your son… will never have a peaceful life."
She looked down at her sleeping child, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead. "I never expected him to. I only expect him to survive."
Outside, the first battle in the name of the boy who would one day shake the heavens was about to begin.