Three Lives, Three Worlds: Jasmine's Fate [Hiatus]

Reminiscence 9 - "The Princesses Return"

Early Morning

Clashing, banging, clanking.... sounds from the distant past, yet so intimately familiar. The smell of sweat, leather, and spilled blood filled the training arena, bringing back memories she had once wanted to suppress. But no more, because right now, at the Ziming Palace Arena, she felt more alive and more invigorated than before leaving this place centuries ago. Yan Zhi sat on the high podium with her trusted Generals, enjoying her breakfast, as they watched the new recruits practicing their martial arts below them at the break of dawn.

For the past three days, the warriors had arrived in large numbers from all corners of the realm. Children of Ghost Warriors were trained as soon as they could yield a dagger, it is the only life they knew. Unlike other Clans who valued individual success or enjoyed the comfort of luxuries, these things had never been of interest to the Warrior Clan. The thirst for battles, the thirst for recognition was in their blood. Born to be warriors, worshiping the old gods whose presence was still felt within them, all descendants knew they were to prove themselves to the royals and their ancestors.

Bypassing of the royal decree, no matter which tribe or status, they were given the opportunity to prove their worth. The selection was rigorous. The trials were overseen by General Zhao, who had become the youngest General of his generation at only 98,000 years of age. Though large, energetic and hot-tempered at times - and initially reluctant to leave his own soldiers to work exclusively under Royal Command - he was hard but fair and remained steady in the training he provided.

Yan Zhi observed the sparring from her throne. The noise provided a perfect opportunity to discuss politics since it was making it impossible for potential spies to overhear much. "The turnout is higher than I expected. I thought the war would affect the numbers negatively."

"These are the daughters of the most outstanding warriors of our time. When they heard about your decree, they rushed here to participate from all corners of our realm. Never before have we made such specific requirements, it surprised the warriors and even some generals," said General Yang, the most diplomatic of the lot.

He was from the new generation of warriors who desired change in Ghost Realm Politics, holding a strong belief in returning to the Glory Days under her father's rule. His respect for the royal bloodline and ancestry had never faltered, and he was the first General who sought her out in the mortal realm.

Yan Zhi turned to General Hu on her other side. "Continue to gather information about their backgrounds, leave no stone unturned. I don't want any surprises from our recruits."

"Yes, Your Highness, the new intel will be delivered to the palace this afternoon," he answered while enjoying the hearty breakfast in front of him.

General Hu might look easy going, but he was a sly and cautious man, overseeing the royal family's spy network for many millennia. Himself an excellent spy in his youth, he could change his personality at will, depending on what circumstances demanded. He was a great judge of character and enjoyed finding out about the weaknesses of others, more so for personal pleasure than for the mission. He often said that there was nothing more valuable than information, and weaknesses could turn the tide of any battle.

"The other Generals, what is their status?"

"We have identified those who have an interest in siding with Cheng Yin - one of them must be responsible for ambushing General Kai. We also found out that the Demon Yellow King has delivered weapons to our border."

"Weapons?" Yan Zhi scowled. "Of course, an easy bribe for blood-lusting warriors. Cheng Yin always knows what to offer to entice people." The generals nodded in agreement. They all knew they had limited time for preparation, given the traitors had support from the outside.