Chapter 7: Veil of Secrets

The hall was a masterpiece of ancient craftsmanship, with intricate wood and golden carvings adorning every surface.

The centerpiece of the room was a large, round table used for meetings, its polished surface reflecting the dim light from the ornate chandeliers above.

This was where all the important decisions were made, where the fate of many had been sealed over the centuries.

Rye Kai couldn't help but admire the art and culture of the ancient people.

Their craftsmanship was a testament to a time when every detail mattered, unlike the abstract and often nonsensical art of her own era. To her, the modern world had lost its touch, unable to keep up with the elegance of the past.

Lie Yan Shen gestured for her to take a seat at the table, but Rye Kai chose to stand beside it instead.

She wanted to maintain a sense of control in this situation, to remind him that she was not one to be easily swayed.

Yan Shen didn't press the matter; he merely sat down, folding his hands on the table in front of him.

"Where do you want to start?" he asked with a gentle smile. "I can tell you everything."

Rye Kai sighed, still standing. "You seem too calm about this. It's almost as if you've dealt with these situations before. Were you prepared for this moment?"

"Well, you could say that," he replied, his eyes locking with hers. "I knew I couldn't keep it a secret forever. One day, you were bound to find out."

Rye Kai finally took a seat across from him, crossing her legs and leaning forward slightly, her arms resting on the table. She was ready to listen. "No way. You're not that careless," she smirked, her voice laced with suspicion. "You revealed it on purpose. Why? Were you eager to surprise me? Or did you simply grow tired of keeping up the charade?"

Lie Yan Shen remained silent, his expression unreadable. Just then, a swirl of black smoke materialized behind Rye Kai, and from within it, Ai Ran emerged.

He stood to Rye Kai's right, his face calm but his eyes sharp and serious.

Ai Ran had come as soon as Rye Kai whispered his name, sensing the urgency in her voice.

He hadn't expected the situation to be this grave, but seeing Lie Yan Shen before him made it clear that their cover had been blown.

However, the fact that Rye Kai remained calm put him at ease—at least for the moment.

Ai Ran stood silently by Rye Kai's side, not saying a word as he assessed the situation.

"Should I start?" Lie Yan Shen asked Rye Kai.

"Go on," she replied, her gaze never leaving his face.

Lie Yan Shen leaned back slightly, his voice deepening as he began. "I have memories from when I was a baby. I vividly remember the times we spent together," he said, his tone serious.

Ai Ran's eyes widened slightly in surprise, though he quickly masked it.

Lie Yan Shen continued, "After both of you left me for years, I came across an object that changed everything. It allowed me to see things I never imagined possible. More importantly, it allowed me to see through your disguises."

Ai Ran's eyes narrowed as he finally spoke. "What was this artifact?"

"God's Eyes," Lie Yan Shen replied, his voice calm but weighted with the significance of his words.

Ai Ran glanced at Rye Kai, who quickly averted her gaze, clearly embarrassed.

Losing such a powerful artifact was a grave mistake, and now it was in the hands of someone who could become their worst enemy.

"God's Eyes," Ai Ran repeated, his voice low. "That explains how you've been able to track us."

Lie Yan Shen nodded. "It's not just a tool to see through illusions. It reveals the truth, stripping away all deceptions. I've known about you two for a long time.

But I kept silent because I believed there was a greater purpose to your presence in my life. Now, I think it's time we stopped hiding from each other."

Rye Kai's mind raced, trying to find a way to regain the upper hand. But the realization hit her—Lie Yan Shen had been playing a different game all along, one where he was always a step ahead.

"And now that the truth is out, what do you plan to do?" she asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her.

Lie Yan Shen's smile returned, but it was no longer gentle—it was knowing. "I plan to help you," he said simply. "We have the same enemy, after all. But the question is, can you trust me now that you know the truth?"

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Rye Kai and Ai Ran exchanged a glance, their eyes communicating what words could not.

The truth had been revealed, but the consequences of that truth were still uncertain.

Rye Kai finally broke the silence, her voice cold and unwavering. "The only enemy I have is myself. The one you mentioned is nothing but a speck of dust in my eyes," she declared, her gaze piercing through Lie Yan Shen. "You think you've uncovered some grand secret, but in reality, you've merely scratched the surface of something far more complex than you can imagine."

Lie Yan Shen's smile faded slightly as he listened to her words. He realized that he might have underestimated her resolve, her perception of the world, and her place within it.

Ai Ran remained silent, standing tall beside Rye Kai. He knew that the battle ahead was not just with external foes, but with the inner demons they both harbored. And Rye Kai's assertion only solidified his belief that they had to stay vigilant, not just against others, but against themselves.

Lie Yan Shen leaned back in his chair, studying Rye Kai with renewed interest. "Is that so? Then perhaps you and I are more alike than I thought," he said, his tone thoughtful. "But even so, wouldn't it be wise to align our strengths, rather than clash with each other over trivialities?"

Rye Kai's eyes narrowed, her mistrust evident. "You're assuming I need your help," she said sharply. "But make no mistake, I won't hesitate to eliminate anything—or anyone—that stands in my way. If you want to help, you'll need to prove that you're worth keeping around."

Lie Yan Shen chuckled, a low, almost sinister sound. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you, Rye Kai. But rest assured, my intentions are genuine. The battles we face—both within and without—are formidable. Together, we could be unstoppable."

Rye Kai remained silent, her mind working through the implications of his words. She knew better than to trust so easily, but the offer was tempting. Still, she couldn't afford to let her guard down.

"We'll see," she finally said, her tone indicating that the conversation was far from over. "For now, proceed with caution. One misstep and you'll find yourself on the wrong side of this war."

Lie Yan Shen nodded, accepting her terms. "Fair enough. But remember, Rye Kai, sometimes the greatest enemy lies within. Conquering that might be your hardest battle yet."

With that, the conversation reached an uneasy pause. The path ahead was uncertain, and alliances were fragile. But one thing was clear—this was only the beginning of a much larger, far more dangerous game.

Rye Kai leaned forward, her golden eyes narrowing as she studied Lie Yan Shen's expression. "Since you've used the God's Eyes, you must have also heard our conversations, mine and Ai Ran's," she said, her voice steady but tinged with an edge. "That means you know about the apparent future and our secrets."

Lie Yan Shen remained silent, his gaze unwavering. There was no need for him to confirm or deny it; they both knew the truth.

The room fell into a heavy silence, the air thick with tension. Rye Kai leaned back, crossing her arms as she stared him down. "But let me make one thing clear, Lie Yan Shen," she began, her voice steady but with a subtle edge. "Knowing the future and our secrets won't really change anything now. This is the reality, and everything is unpredictable here—just like what happened to you. I never expected that."

Lie Yan Shen's gaze hardened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. He leaned back in his chair, fingers tapping rhythmically on the table as he considered her words.

"You speak with such confidence," he finally replied, his voice soft but laced with a hint of challenge. "But confidence alone won't shield you from what's to come. You may have bested me in this moment, but the future is a vast and dangerous landscape. I wonder, Rye Kai, are you truly prepared for what lies ahead?"

Rye Kai's eyes narrowed, her posture unwavering. "I've faced worse than you, Lie Yan Shen. Whatever lies ahead, I'll handle it."

Ai Ran, who had been silent until now, stepped forward slightly. "We've dealt with more unpredictable situations before. The difference is, we adapt, while those who cling too tightly to what they think they know are the ones who fall."

Lie Yan Shen's lips curled into a faint smile. "Perhaps. But adapting to chaos doesn't mean you can control it. And sooner or later, everyone has to face their own limits."

Rye Kai's expression softened, but her resolve didn't waver. "Limits are meant to be tested and broken, Lie Yan Shen. We'll see who reaches theirs first."

Just then, the doors to the hall burst open, and Wen Xue Wei entered with an air of urgency. His usually composed demeanor was replaced by a look of concern.

"I apologize for the interruption," Wen Xue Wei said quickly, his voice carrying a note of haste. "But I have urgent news about Duke Yan."

Rye Kai and Lie Yan Shen turned their attention to him, their conversation immediately sidelined by the new development.

"What news?" Lie Yan Shen asked, his calm demeanor unshaken.

Wen Xue Wei took a moment to catch his breath before continuing. "Duke Yan has decided to take action against the Dou Village. He believes their presence is a significant threat and wants to eliminate them."

Lie Yan Shen's expression remained steady. "Duke Yan's intentions are clear, then. He aims to consolidate his power by removing potential threats." His voice took on a sharper edge. "The Dou Village is more than just a strategic location for him. It houses many who despise the Duke and also many of my people and supporters. Allowing them to be harmed or eliminated is unacceptable."

Rye Kai's gaze shifted to Lie Yan Shen, her eyes narrowing in curiosity. "How many of your people are there? And what exactly is the situation in Dou Village?"

Wen Xue Wei nodded, acknowledging her question. "The Dou Village is home to a significant number of the outcasts and exiles from various regions. It's a refuge for those who have nowhere else to turn.

The villagers are predominantly poor and marginalized, consisting of both innocent families and individuals who have committed crimes in their desperation.

There are many who loath the Duke because of their situation which was caused by him"

Lie Yan Shen's eyes were serious as he continued. "The village is a patchwork of poverty and despair. It's filled with people who have been pushed to the fringes of society—some of whom may have turned to crime out of necessity.

But it is also a place where many of my loyal supporters have sought refuge. They've chosen to stay hidden there, far from the reach of those who would harm them."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Duke Yan's plan to eliminate the village is not just an act of power consolidation; it's an attack on those who might cause trouble to him in the near future. We can't let this stand."

Rye Kai's gaze was sharp as she processed the information. Her lips curled into a sardonic smile. "Well, if only it were that simple. Why don't you just go to the emperor and ask him to stop this madness? Surely, a little diplomacy could resolve this in an instant."

Lie Yan Shen pondered for a moment, his gaze distant as he considered Rye Kai's suggestion. The weight of the situation pressed heavily upon him, and he finally exhaled a sigh, nodding in reluctant agreement.

"You're right," he said, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of resignation. "Dealing with the emperor and powerful figures like Duke Yan is not straightforward. Your suggestion is practical, and perhaps it is time we rethink our approach."

Rye Kai's expression softened slightly, though her resolve remained firm. "Good. You need to act decisively and find a way to protect Dou Village from both the immediate threat and the underlying political maneuvering."

Lie Yan Shen nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of determination. "Agreed. Let's focus on a plan that addresses both aspects—protecting the village and navigating the political landscape. We need to ensure that the villagers are safe while also finding a way to counter Duke Yan's influence."

Wen Xue Wei, standing nearby, offered a curt nod. "I'll gather more information about Duke Yan's movements and the emperor's stance. We need all the details we can get to form a solid strategy."

Lie Yàn Shén had a thoughtful look on as he paused but then he continued again, "contact Marques Fu and ask him solve this in the court"

Xue Wei answered immediately, "I will send a message"

Rye Kai leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on Lie Yan Shen with a hint of detachment. "I'll stay out of this matter," she said, her voice calm and collected. "Dealing with Duke Yan and the emperor is not something I'm interested in getting entangled with."

Lie Yan Shen regarded her with a thoughtful expression, a trace of understanding in his eyes. "Very well. If that's your choice, I won't press you into it," he replied, his tone neutral. "You're free to observe from the sidelines if you wish. This matter requires careful handling, and I respect your decision to stay clear of it."

Wen Xue Wei glanced between them, noting the shifting dynamics. "I'll focus on gathering information and strategizing with Lie Yan Shen," he said. "We need to act swiftly to prevent further escalation."

Lie Yan Shen nodded, his gaze returning to Rye Kai. "Your assistance in this matter is appreciated, Xue Wei. As for you, Rye Kai, feel free to remain as a spectator. If you have any insights or advice, we'll be glad to hear them."

Rye Kai offered a small nod, her eyes betraying nothing of her inner thoughts. "Understood. I'll stay out of the fray, but I'll be here if you need any input."

With that, Lie Yan Shen and Wen Xue Wei began discussing their next steps, their focus shifting to the political maneuvers and the protection of Dou Village.

Rye Kai watched quietly from her place, her mind already turning to other matters as the strategy unfolded around her. this was the first obstacle in the villain's path. And Rye Kai never had a talk about it with Ai Ran in front of Lie Yan Shen.