The laughter began to slowly dissipate and the hall calmed to a hushed silence once more until Guo Yuxuan's eyes searched the room until they landed on the sole figure standing by the entrance. She raised an inquisitive brow at him as she studied him.
"Aisoma. Who's that?" asked Guo Yuxuan.
Aisoma shrugged her shoulders as she looked over her shoulder.
"Oh, him? Don't worry. Just another one of Chomai's hired guards for the wedding," she said casually.
Guo Yuxuan gave a noncommittal nod.
"I see."
Sun Yunso, who had been quietly observing from his position by the doorway, wished to remain silent as well, lest he give the wrong impression
After all, it was his job to protect them so he should introduce himself. Sun Yunso gave a small nod as he drew closer and took a respectful distance away from the three. He brought his fist to the palm of his other hand as he bowed.
"My name is Sun Yunso. It is an honour to be employed as one of your guards."
At the sound of his voice, Guo Yuxuan's eyes snapped open in surprise
"...Wait"
She took a closer look at him and a bright smile crossed her face
"You're that guy from Nasura!"
Sun Yunso merely gave a curt nod as he replied,
"We....meet again."
Both Huo Zin and Aisoma shared glances with each other before Aisoma said,
"You know him?" Aisoma sounded surprised.
"Of course I know him," Guo Yuxuan said fondly. "after all we met a few days ago in Nasura. I remember it well because he was quite reluctant to talk to me," teased Guo Yuxuan.
"I answered your questions. You simply asked... many of them," Sun Yunso deadpanned.
At this, Guo Yuxuan burst out laughing.
"Oh, he hasn't changed at all!" exclaimed Guo Yuxuan.
Even Aisoma couldn't help but giggle while Huo Zin found himself smiling at Sun Yunso's answer.
"How interesting, so you've already met my fiancée before I did.
"It was merely a coincidence," replied Sun Yunso honestly.
"A coincidence he says, by the way my fiancé described you and how she practically knows your personality. I wouldn't say that's a mere coincidence." Huo Zin said as he slowly approached Sun Yunso.
His gaze then shifted to Sun Yunso's blade that was on his wrists.
“That's a unique sword, where did you get it?"
Sun Yunso looked at his sword and looked back at Huo Zin.
"Thank you for the honorable praise, as for the sword I picked up at a weapons smith back at Nasura."
Huo Zin nodded in understanding.
Sun Yunso was still bowed.
He couldn't tell Huo Zin that he made the sword. Why? Well it would be practically sharing information with a stranger, especially a stranger that you don't have any history with and have no clue on how strong they are. So it's best to take the question in the other direction.
"Well then since the wedding is just one more day away. I hope you enjoy yourself until then. And may we meet again okay?" Huo Zin said with a slight smile on his face.
Sun Yunso nodded in agreement but he did not Like Huo Zin for some reason. Even he couldn't understand why his body was a little annoyed and uncomfortable just by Huo Zin talking alone. It felt like he was more than just a groom but he couldn't gamble on what Huo Zin might be.
Nonetheless the conversation between the two was over and the girls were left speechless as they didn't expect Sun Yunso and Huo Zin to talk to each other at all because of their personalities. Aisoma started to walk out the hall waving goodbye to her beautiful cousin Yuxuan, Sun Yunso followed behind her.
As they journeyed back to the Northern Residence it was extremely awkward as none of them wanted to interact with each other. Sun Yunso was a little bit understandable because he doesn't talk that much but the mystery was on Aisoma.
Why didn't she want to have a conversation with Sun Yunso? Does she despise him or is she angry about him knowing Guo Yuxuan? Sun Yunso didn't care much about Aisoma because his main focus was still on Huo Zin.
Something about him didn't feel right at all, the way he carried himself was full of pure confidence and some sadistic behaviour as well.
'Who exactly is that guy?'
That was not the only thing he noticed as they were talking Sun Yunso sensed that Huo Zin was also a Seijinist as well and he had some of Seidan within him, it was that much but still enough to supply him in a fight. From what he understood about the Huo family, they specialise in Seijinism of Flames, but for some reason Sun Yunso didn't feel any type of flame in him.
***
Seijinism
It is an ancient art that taps into the energy known as Seidan, a type of life force found in all living things. Although all humans are born with this energy some,however, are gifted with the ability to hone it and master it through discipline and sheer willpower, creating techniques that defy imagination and skill that are known as Seijinism.
Those who wield this art are known as Seijinists.
The art of Seijinism is not an art of just combat; it's an art of shaping Seidan itself. Using complex movements and patterns the user circulates their own Seidan in unique ways and then, through specific movements, releases it in special techniques that are far greater in power and effect than anything achievable by the untrained.
Every style is unique, forged from the same material- Seidan- however shaped in different ways by different people.
This is why not anyone can wield Seijinism; even those who have Seidan in them can be just average fighters, unable to hone their power through discipline.
The art is incredibly difficult to master, requiring years of practice before the wielder can truly perform techniques without effort, making it second nature to him.
Seijinism in the end, however, is not simply a means of combat; it is a way to manifest one's power; it is a bridge between one's heart and soul; the art of turning one's will into reality.
Sun Yunso was still lost but he had to focus because he needed to gather some information about the Huo family as it was already confirmed that they are going to be marrying into the Guo family.
***
The next morning the Guo Family Estate had been completely transformed overnight. Red silk banners fluttered over every courtyard, golden lanterns decorated the beams of every building and a path of flowers lined the stone road leading up to the main hall. Servants bustled from building to building, carrying platters of food, expensive wine and various other decorations while musicians tuned their instruments and laughed.
One after another, guests arrived in luxury carriages emblazoned with the crests of noble families from across the continent. Today the Guo family was celebrating a marriage but there was an undercurrent of tension in the air. Every single guard in the estate was aware of one simple fact.
Today was the day- the day of the assassination attempt. Sun Yunso stood at his post, his blue robes of the Guo Family Estate replacing the black ones he had worn as a guard.
His eyes watched every guest that entered the estate with a calm calculating gaze, as of today he would see the person who would stain the Guo Family's wedding with blood.
The Guo family estate was exceptionally lively from dawn until nightfall luxurious carriages arrived one after another. All of the carriages bore the insignia of noble families, influential merchants and officials from across the continent of Ketura. Servants offered polite bows to every arriving guest before leading them into the territory of the Guos.
Inside the grand hall, rows and rows of tables were set up in preparation for the feast. Delicacies, porcelains and golden goblets decorated every table, along with beautiful floral arrangements of all shapes and sizes. Soon enough the tables were filled to the brim with food. The now empty space of the grand hall was now occupied.
The entire hall was filled to the top, and the chatter of nobles and officials resounded throughout the territory but outside the hall the atmosphere was completely different. Guards had been stationed at the estate from all angles. Some of them kept watch at the entrance of the grand hall while others kept guard at the surrounding pathways.
A group of guards had also been sent to keep eyes on every guest that entered the hall. On the rooftops, elite guards watched the events unfold from above. Not a single blind spot had been left unguarded. The Guo family had done everything in their power to secure the event. After all, today was supposed to be a day of celebration.
Despite the music and festivities that filled the air, all of those in charge of protecting the bride were well aware that one false step and the entire event could turn into a bloodbath, the grand hall had reached its peak.
Most of the guests had arrived and the chatter soon became hushed in favour of more important conversations. Sun Yunso stood at his position in the VIP section, his hands clasped together at the back of his waist and to his side stood Aisoma.
She peered at the crowd below with a bored expression.
"This is taking forever. For a wedding of this scale you'd think there's a faster way to get here."
Sun Yunso remained silent.
His gaze remained fixed on the incoming arrivals. One after another influential individuals from Meizou arrived at the main hall. The chatter of the nobles grew hushed upon the arrival of the most esteemed elders. Sun Yunso did not follow their gaze because he already knew who they were looking at.
The Head of the Guo family arrived with his wife and all those present in the hall gave a respectful bow. Moments later the Head of the Huo family arrived with the rest of his people. Once again all those present bowed at his arrival. The two family heads greeted each other before taking their places at the center of the VIP section.
At last when all the important figures had arrived, the hall fell silent. Preparation had begun for the wedding ceremony to commence. At last the long awaited event was about to begin.
"..."
Sun Yunso took a step closer to Aisoma. Surprisingly she didn't object to his departure.
"I need to leave for a moment," he said "I'll be right back."
Aisoma gave a careless shrug in response.
"Go ahead, just don't stay gone for too long."
Sun Yunso gave a simple nod.
"Understood."
Without another word, he left the VIP section and soon disappeared into the busy estate of the Guo family. After leaving the VIP Sun Yunso quietly walked away into the estate. He walked and walked until he came across a particularly shady area hidden behind a row of flowering trees.
It was quiet.
Nodding in satisfaction Sun Yunso closed his eyes and took a deep breath. A strange wave passed through his body and the blue guard robes he was wearing slowly turned to liquid and disappeared. Numerous strands of ink-black liquid twisted and turned on his body before transforming into black clothes similar to those he had worn when leaving the mountain.
It only took a few seconds for the transformation to finish.
Sun Yunso opened his eyes and gave a satisfied smile.
"Better.
For some reason he felt much more comfortable in these clothes. More like himself.
He exhaled softly and turned his line of sight back to the wedding hall.
Something was not right.
Earlier when he was pretending to be a VIP guest, he had secretly followed the guests entering the hall. According to information he had gathered from Yo Chomai, the Huo Clan head was supposed to arrive today but the person actually arriving was a woman. She looked extremely elegant, dignified, and powerful, radiating an air of authority that could only belong to a member of the aristocracy.
Therefore, it was no surprise that Sun Yunso immediately came to the conclusion that the woman was the Huo Clan head's wife.
But if that were the case, where was the real Huo Clan head?
A political marriage between the two prodigies of each of the families was without a doubt one of the most important events in history. There would be absolutely no reason for the head of Huo to not show up unless it was impossible for him to come, or he didn't want to come.
Again, Sun Yunso had the strange feeling of unease in his chest- the same feeling he had when talking to Huo Zin moments ago.
"Something is definitely not right with the Huo Clan," Sun Yunso muttered to himself.
Dong .Dong .Dong
The chatter of the guests in the grand hall slowly died down. All the guests turned their heads towards the upper stage in the hall. An old master of ceremony in a red silk robe slowly walked on the stage.
He gave a glance at the hall before he smiled warmly.
"Honored guests, on behalf of the Guo Family and Huo Family, welcome you all with open arms."
The crowd gave a round of applause. All the masters of ceremony had stopped talking, waiting for the old master to finish his speech.
"Honored guests, the marriage of our two families will surely bring great prosperity to us all."
Many of the elders in the hall gave a respectful nod. A few of them raised their cups of wine and took a sip. Sun Yunso continued his walk along the corridors of the manor. His steps were very light as he took the time to admire the scenery in the courtyard ahead before stopping dead in his tracks.
"Ah, troublesome."
His eyes landed on the lone figure guarding in the distance, that being Lokei Yoshe. The blue haired youth stood in the middle of the manor grounds, watching one of the side gates with a wary eye.
"..." Sun Yunso gave a hesitant glance at the young man and decided to continue to walk.
It would be unwise to confront Lokei so soon and since he was not wearing the uniform of the Guo Family guards either.
Sun Yunso turned around and took another way. He only took a few steps and heard a voice calling out from behind.
"Sun Yunso."
His heart skipped a beat as he froze on the spot.
"..."
He turned around slowly to find Lokei already walking into him. The blue haired youth wasted no time, giving him a thorough once over. The first thing his sharp blue eyes landed on was Sun Yunso's black clothes, then the sword at his hip. He frowned a little, being the only reaction as a few moments of contemplation.
"What are you doing here? Also, didn't you wear the uniform of the Guo Family earlier?"
There was no malice in Lokei's voice as he questioned Sun Yunso. It seemed like he was genuinely curious for the matter at hand. Sun Yunso knew whatever he would answer, Lokei would surely remember. He gave a short sigh as he answered.
"I was just walking around."
Lokei gave him a long, unreadable expression.
"...You're lying."
Sun Yunso sighed again.
"And if I'm not lying?"
"Then tell me the truth."
"It's none of your business."
With that, Sun Yunso turned on his heel and walked off. Lokei stared at Sun Yunso retreating for a moment before speaking.
"I thought so."
He reached into his robe and pulled out a short, plain wooden stick. With one flick of his wrist, the small stick transformed into a wooden staff almost as tall as Lokei himself. With another flick, Lokei sent the staff flying through the air at Sun Yunso at great speed!
The sound of whoosh filled the air. Sun Yunso's eyes widened as he threw himself to the side, evading the staff as it sliced through the air. The staff buried itself deep into a stone pillar, leaving a few cracks in the stone.
Sun Yunso turned around and glared daggers at Lokei.
"What are you...?"
Lokei said nothing as he stared Sun Yunso in the eye.
"I wanted to see something."
"What?" Sun Yunso asked Lokei, narrowing his eyes at Lokei.
"...Whether you'd dodge or not."
Both men stared each other down for several moments, the ambient noise of the banquet hall barely reaching their ears. Lokei casually walked past Sun Yunso, coming to a stop on the side of the stone pillar. With one hand he grabbed the wooden rod that was planted inside.
It came out with little effort as he placed the staff on his shoulder and turned around.
"So, are you finally going to tell me what is going on, or are you just going to continue to be a complete idiot?" Lokei asked.
Sun Yunso said nothing, his expression did not change at all. Seeing this, Lokei simply sighed.
"Guess you really are an idiot after all."
Without another word he brought the staff up and swung it down at Sun Yunso's head with all of his strength behind it. A black flash appeared between them. Sun Yunso's sword was already out, blocking the staff. The two weapons clashed together, sending a metallic ring echoing throughout the empty corridor. For a few seconds both of them simply stared at each other.
"Are you really serious about this? Are you really trying to fight me instead of doing your job?" Sun Yunso questioned, his voice was calm and emotionless.
Lokei did not show any reaction at all. He even had a small smile on his face.
"You mean...our job?" Lokei said as he pushed down the staff, trying to force Sun Yunso to move.
The two weapons pushed against each other, neither one giving.Meanwhile, the sound of a party could be heard coming from the wedding hall. However, hidden from everyone's sight, two of the Guo Family's new guards were on the verge of a fight. The two immediately pushed away from each other. They landed several meters apart, neither one lowering their weapon, eyes locked on one other.
Lokei leaned on the wooden staff on his shoulder and let out a sigh.
"C'mon now, just spill the beans already, it's not that hard really. What are you scheming out here, simple as that."
Sun Yunso's grip on his weapon tightened.
"I already told you, that's none of your business."
"...?"
Lokei scratched the back of his head.
"Man, you're really something else."
Without another word, he charged at Yunso like an arrow leaving the bow. The wooden staff above his shoulder came down towards Yunso's shoulder.
Clang!
Sun Yunso blade intercepted the staff and pushed it away. He immediately reacted and twisted his body, delivering a powerful kick towards Lokei's abdomen. Lokei pushed off the ground with his feet, avoiding the attack. He flipped over Sun Yunso while still in mid-air, delivering a powerful kick to the side of Sun Yunso's face.
Sun Yunso was sent sliding several meters back on the stone path before coming to a stop.
"...?"
Sun Yunso slowly got to his feet, wiping the small amount of blood trickling down the corner of his mouth with the back of his hand. His colorless eyes gazed at Lokei.
"You're really annoying, you know that?"
Lokei blinked, then let out a chuckle.
"Now now, that's a strange thing to say when we've only just met."
His smile widened before he slowly brought the tip of his staff down on Sun Yunso's shoulder.
"So, are you really going to tell me why you're sneaking around during the most important wedding in Meizou?"
"You really don't try to use those ears of yours, do you?"
They both charged at one another simultaneously.
Inside the halls of the main palace building, Chu Runar and Sa Wayong took up their posts on either side of the central doors. Both dressed in the ceremonial blue robes of the Guo family as they stood watch. From their vantage point they had a clear view of the hall and everything in it.
Unfortunately, there wasn't much going on.
The master of ceremonies was in the midst of a long-winded speech on the history of the Guo and Huo families, the glorious deeds of their ancestors, and the great honor of this marriage alliance, the other wedding guests politely applauded every word.
A few listened to his speech with rapt attention. Most, however, were more interested in the food and drink that had been prepared for the wedding banquet.
Chu Runar let out a tired sigh as he stared blankly at the festivities in front of him.
"I'm dying."
Sa Wayong gave him an amused look over her shoulder.
"What?"
"I'm dying of boredom. If he starts talking about somebody's great-great-grandfather I'm going to faint."
Sa Wayong covered her mouth to try suppressing her giggle.
"You shouldn't say things like that."
"I know,"Chu Runar gave a dramatic show of exasperation, "but we're supposed to be bodyguards, right? This is the most boring mission of my life. I thought at least at the wedding things would be interesting."
Sa Wayong hesitated for a moment before giving a small, almost unnoticeable nod. Chu Runar blinked in surprise before letting out a laugh.
"So, even the ever-so-graceful Sa Wayong gets bored?"
Sa Wayong paled and turned around back to him.
"I-I didn't say that!"
"You did!" said Chu Runar.
Before Sa Wayong could object, the master of ceremonies loudly proclaimed the next event in the wedding banquet.
"Now ladies and gentlemen, let us prepare to welcome our bride and groom."
This caused the chatting wedding guests to fall silent and all turn to face the couple.
The real wedding was finally about to begin. Meanwhile, on the rooftop of the main hall, Naizan took up his post next to a few other guards from the Guo family.
Being on the roof gave him a perfect view of the entire estate. As Naizan scanned the area below, he noticed that everything was quiet and peaceful. A light wind brushed against his cheek, causing his long blue robes to flutter behind him
"...hmm."
He turned his gaze towards the main hall where the wedding was taking place. Although Naizan couldn't see the goings-on inside the building, he could hear the murmur of the guests and the polite applauds coming from the hall.
Naizan gave a small sigh.
'What a waste,' he thought.
After all, this was his first wedding and not just any wedding but the wedding of one of the Four Great Families. He wanted to experience this unforgettable moment with his own eyes. Unfortunately, it was impossible for him. It wasn't his destiny to witness such events. Instead, he had taken up this mission as a bodyguard, a guardian, and a protector.
His orders were clear: he would do whatever it took to ensure the safety of the wedding guests and the safety of the Guo family.
"...hmm."
Naizan turned his gaze back to the forest that surrounded the Guo family estate. He was about to take a second look around when suddenly, a shout rang from behind him.
"Hey!"
One of the rooftop guards drew his attention towards the forest edge.
"I saw something!"
All the other guards immediately turned their attention to where the soldier was looking.
"What did you see?" Naizen asked.
"I'm not sure," said the soldier.
"Something or someone was moving there, for a moment!"
Naizan exchanged a glance with the three other guards on the roof.
"You three, with me."
The four of them quickly ran towards the edge of the roof, where the forest began.
The rest of the guards took up their posts and kept watch over the estate. It only took a few moments to reach their destination.
"What did you–"
Naizan suddenly halted as the soldier was still gazing into the trees.
"There!"
"I swear I saw something move—"
Suddenly, a flash of movement caught Naizan's attention.
In the blink of an eye, a mysterious figure sped across the rooftop. All of the four guards turned their heads to stare where the figure had gone. The guard suddenly widened his eyes in horror as if he had realized something terrible.
His mouth moved in shock as if trying to say something that was burning inside of him, then, his head rolled off of his shoulders, bouncing along the roof before coming to a stop a few feet away from him.
A moment later the lifeless body fell to its knees and faced down, sending a spray of bright red blood splattering across the rooftop. The other three accompanying guards were stunned. Naizan was momentarily paralyzed and his pupils shrank.
"...!"
There was no warning – nothing but somehow, someway a man was on the ground lifeless and without his head. The three other guards instantly drew their weapons as their hearts pounded in their chests.
"Where are you?!" one of them shouted.
Suddenly, a flash appeared and the head of one of the guards suddenly slipped from his neck, and before the other two could react another head also rolled across the roof. The last guard barely had time to lift his sword before his head also left his shoulders. Within moments, four veteran Guo Family guards lay motionless on the roof. Naizan stood petrified, his breathing quickened but he forced himself to stay calm.
"One strike and they were all dead before they could even react," he thought.
A shadow suddenly rose from the edge of the roof and landed gracefully among the slain guards without making a single sound and without displacing a single tile. A woman's voice sounded in the silence.
"Looks like my collection is growing."
The mysterious woman calmly walked up to one of the heads and picked it up as if it were a delicate flower. She gently combed the hair away from the head's face.
"Another beautiful face," she observed.
She finally looked up at Naizan, revealing her heterochromatic eyes – one red and one green. She regarded him for a moment, smiling happily.
"Oh? Now that's interesting."
She tilted her head looking him up and down.
"You have a very nice face."
She suddenly hugged the head close to her chest before smiling even wider.
"I think your head would look good in my collection too. And don't worry, I'll take very good care of it”