Azure Echoes.

Special Chapter: A New Era

Lian's dagger flashed, slicing through the air as he sidestepped an attack. The foreign assassin, cloaked in black, stumbled backward, only to be met by Zeng's Azure sword. Its sharp blade caught the glint of sunlight as it arced in a swift, graceful strike, disarming the opponent before cutting him down. They had been ambushed along the forest path, but it had only taken moments for Zeng and Lian to sync their moves, their partnership as seamless as ever.

"Bit rusty, aren't you?" Lian smirked, flicking his wrist to shake off the blood from his dagger.

"Rusty?" Zeng scoffed, deflecting another blow with a fluid swing. In his light green robe, lined with intricate gold threadwork that gleamed in the light, he moved like a breeze through the trees—swift, graceful, and deadly. "Who's the one who keeps slipping?"

Lian rolled his eyes, catching another attacker in a sharp twist and fending him off with his dagger—a royal gift from the King himself. His own robe was a shade of blue that blended perfectly with the surrounding foliage. "If anyone's slipping, it's because you keep pushing them into my way," he retorted, nimbly dodging a poorly-aimed swing and dispatching his opponent with ease.

They moved together, their techniques a finely tuned dance honed over countless battles. Zeng's sword whirled in practiced arcs, his strikes purposeful and powerful, while Lian's moves were quick and precise, his dagger finding every gap with calculated efficiency. When the last of the assassins fell, the clearing fell quiet. Lian dusted off his sleeves, and Zeng sheathed his Azure blade with a look of satisfaction.

"Well, that's that," Lian said, giving Zeng a playful nudge with his elbow. "Let's see what General Xiu has to say about our efficient work."

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They arrived at the Royal Court of Azure, where they found Xiu engaged in her typical fiery routine, leading a small group of fresh recruits. Dressed in a well-fitted black and silver armor, she had earned a reputation as a relentless general, especially with the scouts under her training. Her fierce voice echoed across the grounds as she drilled them on the finer points of stealth and endurance.

"Can't you even manage a quiet approach?" she snapped at one flustered trainee. "At this rate, you'll alert the whole forest before you even see your target!"

Lian and Zeng exchanged an amused glance. They waited until Xiu dismissed the trainees, then approached her.

"General," Lian greeted, trying to suppress a grin. "Our mission's complete, and you'll be glad to know we left not a single trace."

Xiu turned to them, her scowl softening only slightly as she acknowledged them with a nod. "I'll be the judge of that. But well done," she said, her tone somewhat begrudging. She then shot a look back toward her trainees, who were already fumbling with their equipment. "If only I could say the same for the rest of this lot."

Zeng chuckled, watching the recruits with something like sympathy. "Looks like you're giving them quite the introduction to your... motivational methods."

Xiu let out a sharp laugh, crossing her arms. "If they can't handle a little shouting, they're in the wrong place."

They lingered a moment longer, exchanging stories about the trainees' mishaps until Xiu sent them off, and Lian and Zeng made their way back to their home, a sanctuary they had carefully cultivated.

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The blue flower field spread wide before them, a sea of soft blossoms stretching out under the afternoon sun. Right in the center of the field stood a small bamboo house—a peaceful haven, nestled in the heart of what had once been Azure Clan land. The land was theirs now, a gift that symbolized both healing and new beginnings, its beauty a reminder of the resilience of both nature and spirit.

They entered the house, their laughter and voices filling the air as they recounted the day. Lian leaned against the wall, admiring the view out the window as he spoke. "Never thought I'd be living here, of all places. And to think, this was once the Azure Clan's stronghold... Now it's ours."

Zeng joined him by the window, nodding as he gazed out over the field. "And all thanks to that relic... and whatever miracle saved us." His gaze shifted to Lian. "I still don't know how you did it."

Lian looked at him, a soft smile playing at his lips. "Honestly? I don't either. Some things just don't have an explanation, and maybe it's better that way." He reached over, nudging Zeng lightly on the arm. "Come on, you don't need to know every little secret. Let's leave some mystery in our lives."

Zeng let out a huff, though a smile tugged at his lips. "Fine. But there's one thing I do need to know." His expression turned serious as he eyed Lian. "Is it your turn or mine to do the dishes?"

Lian burst into laughter, his face feigning innocence. "I think that's definitely on you, considering all the effort I put into today's mission."

"Convenient memory," Zeng replied with a smirk. "Looks like I'll have to remind you then."

They bickered, their banter punctuated by laughter, a sweet, familiar rhythm that felt as timeless as the flowers blooming around them. For now, they had peace, purpose, and each other—a new life, all their own.

<3

- Lian: A name meaning "lotus" in Chinese, The lotus flower symbolizes purity, beauty, and resilience, as it grows in muddy waters but blooms pristinely.

- Zeng: The name generally means "to have been" or "once." It can carry connotations of history and legacy.