Realm of Eternal Frost – Sky Ice Empire
The wind howled across endless fields of snow and crystal. Towering glaciers pierced the sky like divine blades, each said to be forged from the tears of ancient sword gods. Magic and sword qi danced across the land—untamed and beautiful, just like the woman who ruled its heart.
In the highest palace of the empire, atop the Frozen Jade Spire, sat a lone figure in silent meditation.
Her silver-white hair shimmered in the morning frost. Her robes—woven from spiritual silk and threads of ice essence—wrapped around her graceful form like falling snow. Yet her expression was not soft.
It was cold. Sharpened by responsibility. Hardened by duty.
She was Princess Xue Lian, the Sword Princess of the North, hailed as the greatest sword prodigy in a thousand years. A woman who had rejected all suitors—emperors, young masters, even divine envoys—for one reason:
"They seek my strength… not my heart."
Behind her calm exterior, a storm brewed. Not of weakness—but longing. She had given everything to protect her people, her empire… and in doing so, had left herself utterly alone.
Until now.
Crack in the Sky
Far above the sky, space trembled.
A ripple tore through the clouds, black and violet, shadowy and divine. Xue Lian's eyes snapped open. The frost around her cracked slightly, reacting to the unfamiliar energy.
"What… is that presence?"
All over the empire, spirit beasts fled to the corners of the land. Cultivators paused their meditations. Powerful elders looked up in dread.
Only Xue Lian stood, hand reaching slowly for the hilt of her Heaven-Piercing Sword.
"Who dares enter our world unbidden?"
Edge of the Northern Sea – The Arrival
Ren emerged from the portal, boots crunching softly against ice-covered stone. His cloak billowed behind him as the shadows curled lazily around his figure, adjusting to the new realm.
His eyes narrowed with interest.
"Strong ambient qi. High-level spiritual balance. And I can already feel her."
He looked to the north.
"A sword princess, untouched by corruption. Pure. Cold.""Delicious."
Behind him, a single figure stepped through the shadows—Bi Ji, still loyal, now fully divine. She bowed.
"Your power is stable, my lord. The realm does not reject you. Shall I summon your generals?"
Ren shook his head. "No. Not yet. This one… I want to meet personally."
He vanished in a blur of dark mist, moving toward the heart of the empire.
Frozen Jade Spire – Later That Night
Xue Lian stood on the balcony of her palace, her sword resting at her side. She could feel it again—that foreign energy drifting closer, like the brush of shadows across untouched snow.
"Show yourself."
As if obeying her will, the air twisted. Ren stepped into view, not hiding, not rushing.
Their eyes met.
Her breath hitched—but she didn't flinch.
"You are not of this world," she said.
"Neither are you, not truly," he replied smoothly. "You've locked yourself in this cage of ice, waiting for someone who sees beyond your sword."
She raised her chin. "I've slain those who speak such words with less meaning."
Ren's smile was calm, confident. "And yet… you haven't moved."
Her fingers twitched, but her sword remained still. For the first time in years, her heart skipped. Not from fear.
But intrigue.
"Why are you here?"
He stepped forward, shadows brushing her cheek like a breeze. "To melt the frost… and take the sword maiden who waits for no one—but deserves everything."
She said nothing.
But she didn't step away either.
Far Below
Elders stirred. Clans gathered. Rumors spread of a man cloaked in shadow who stood before the Sword Princess—and she hadn't struck him down.
A storm was coming.
And it wore a crown of night.