Season Of Love

🔆 New Duckling

Mo Xuanyu strode around the Wei palace, deep in thought, trying to decide the perfect place to invite Emperor Wei for their one-on-one meeting the next day.

He had no desire to become the emperor's bride, despite the competition's goal. What he truly seek was an opportunity to learn dark cultivation from the emperor, to be taken under his wing as a disciple. This competition was his only chance to catch the emperor's attention, and he intended to impress him with his skills.

While deep in thought, Mo Xuanyu  ended up in training fields, his gaze fell on a sight that stole his breath: the emperor sparring in a fierce practice match with Xue Yang, the head of the imperial army. The fluidity of their movements and the sheer intensity of their strikes mesmerized him. He had admired Wei Wúxiàn's dark cultivation and his sword skills, but Xue Yang, an omega with such raw power and control, stirred something deeper in him. He had never seen an omega like Xue Yang before—fearless, dominant, and equally skilled in the dark arts.

Xuanyu watched from the shadows, captivated.

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The next day, Mo Xuanyu stood in the training fields, awaiting his one-on-one meeting with the emperor. When Wei Wúxiàn arrived, Mo Xuanyu greeted him with a deep bow.

"Your Majesty, I appreciate this opportunity to meet with you," Xuanyu began, standing tall after his bow. "I have a request, one that might seem unusual given the nature of this competition. I do not wish to be your bride, but rather, I wish to join the imperial army and study the dark arts further under your guidance."

Wei Wúxiàn tilted his head, his expression curious. "The army? That is not something I can grant easily. However," he said, his lips curving into a faint smile, "Xue Yang is in charge of the army. If you wish to join, you will have to impress him. I can recommend you, but it is his decision to make."

Mo Xuanyu's heart leaped. "I understand, Your Majesty. I will gladly face him and prove my worth."

With a nod, Wei Wúxiàn motioned to one of his disciples, sending them to fetch Xue Yang.

After a few moments, Xue Yang strode into the training field, his presence captivating Mo Xuanyu's attention as it did, the day before. He bowed to the emperor before turning his sharp gaze to Mo Xuanyu.

"Your Majesty, what can I assist with?"

Wei Wúxiàn explained, "Mo Xuanyu here wishes to join the army under your leadership. He has requested to prove himself to you in battle. What do you think, Xue Yang?"

Xue Yang's eyes gleamed with interest as he studied Mo Xuanyu. "I never turn down a challenge," he said with a grin. Turning to Xuanyu, he added, "Let’s see what you’ve got."

The two took their positions, and without another word, the spar began. Mo Xuanyu fought with precision, blending his natural agility with the dark cultivation techniques he had learned. Xue Yang met each of his moves with a casual yet calculated defense, but as the fight went on, Xuanyu noticed a spark of genuine interest in the omega's eyes. The clash of their blades echoed in the air as they moved faster and faster.

When the fight finally ended, both were panting slightly, and Xue Yang lowered his sword with his signature smirk.

"Not bad," Xue Yang said, eyeing him with approval. "You’ve got potential. It takes more than just raw skill to impress me, but you’re on the right path. I’ll allow you to join the army under my command."

Mo Xuanyu’s heart swelled with pride. "Thank you, Commander Xue Yang. I won’t let you down."

Xue Yang’s grin widened. "We’ll see about that. Welcome to the army."