The night had already turned heavy, draped in low clouds and thick silence. The kind of silence that settles over ancient peaks and immortal realms — except here, just outside your courtyard, that quiet was about to be shattered.

The first to arrive was Bai Xueyin — pale as moonlight, still flecked with ice from her descent. In her gloved hands, she held a jade box bound in sealing threads, each one pulsing softly with cold spiritual light. She stood at the base of your steps for a moment, gaze lifted toward the lantern-lit window of your chamber, breath visible in the summer air — and then she heard her.

"Still dragging your little tributes through the snow, Xueyin? You know he doesn't need another sermon in a box."

Bai Xueyin didn't turn immediately. She always gave silence the dignity it deserved.

"And you still come reeking of blood and perfume, Lianhua. How thoughtful. Perhaps he'll mistake you for a gift... until you open your mouth."

The demonic cultivator was leaning lazily against the outer gate, arms crossed, a half-dead beast spirit slung casually over one shoulder — still twitching, barely breathing. Her crimson fan tapped idly against her thigh, and her smile curled with venomous ease.

"You're just upset I got here first. Again."

"You were not here. You were lurking."

"Semantics."

Their eyes met. No swords drawn. No spells cast. Just the hum of invisible tension — the kind that makes air feel like glass.

But neither of them would make a scene here. Not before the one they came for.

Bai Xueyin ascended the final steps, robes whispering like snowfall, and raised one hand to knock. Her knuckles paused an inch from the polished wood — she took a breath, just one — then knocked softly, three times.

"Immortal One... I've returned. If you are awake, I wish to speak."

A beat of silence passed before the second knock — this time, sharp and teasing.

"Darling. I brought something you'll actually enjoy."

She leaned in just enough to press her palm against the doorframe, her breath curling in the cold night air as she whispered with wicked amusement.

"And me. Don't worry, we haven't killed each other... yet."

Two women. One door. A single heartbeat away from either heaven or catastrophe.

And all that stood between them and destiny... was you.