Fated to Rule, Destined to Love: The Martial Emperor’s Curse

A Meeting Under the Moonlight

Ling Tian followed Ling Ruoyan through the Ling Clan's inner courtyard.

The night was quiet, the moon casting a cold glow over the stone pathways. The occasional rustling of leaves in the cool night breeze was the only sound accompanying their steps.

Ahead of him, Ling Ruoyan walked with grace, her violet robes flowing like rippling water. Her long, silky black hair shimmered under the moonlight, and despite her cold demeanor, her presence was undeniably captivating.

She was known as the Ice Queen of the Ling Clan.

Cold. Intelligent. Untouchable.

Yet tonight, she had personally sought him out.

Ling Tian smirked to himself.

'She wouldn't have approached me unless she needed something. The real question is… what?'

His curiosity was piqued, but he remained relaxed, hands behind his back, as he casually followed her.

---

Ling Ruoyan's Offer

They arrived at a secluded pavilion near a lotus pond. The wooden structure stood elegantly over the water, lanterns casting a soft, warm glow over the rippling surface.

Ling Ruoyan stepped inside first, turning to face Ling Tian.

Her sharp, intelligent eyes locked onto his.

"You're different now," she stated.

Ling Tian chuckled.

"You're the third person to tell me that today," he said, stepping inside. "Do I really look that different?"

"You do."

Her tone was firm.

"You were a disgrace before," she said bluntly. "Weak, talentless, ignored by everyone. But now… you've defeated Ling Tao, claimed the Flame Serpent Pill, and forced the elders to acknowledge you."

She leaned slightly forward.

"You didn't just change. You became a monster."

Ling Tian smiled.

"A monster, huh?" he mused. "That sounds… fun."

Ling Ruoyan didn't react to his teasing.

"I don't care how you became stronger," she continued. "What I care about… is what you plan to do next."

Ling Tian remained silent, watching her.

This woman wasn't just smart—she was dangerous.

She wasn't looking at him like a clan member or a rival.

She was looking at him like a piece in a game.

And he had to admit—he was enjoying it.

---

The Clan Tournament Approaches

"I'll get to the point," Ling Ruoyan said. "The Clan Tournament is approaching. It's the most important event for young cultivators of the Ling Clan."

Ling Tian nodded.

He had heard about it before.

A grand competition held every three years.

Disciples of the Ling Clan fought for glory, resources, and status.

The winner would receive the clan's Heavenly Treasure—an artifact of immense power.

"But this year…" Ling Ruoyan continued, "there are too many strong contenders. The competition will be far fiercer than ever before."

She gazed at him.

"And that's why I need you."

Ling Tian smirked.

"So, you're asking me to be your guard dog?"

Her expression didn't change.

"No. I'm offering you an alliance."

---

An Alliance of Convenience

"If we work together, no one in the younger generation can stand against us," she said.

Ling Tian tilted his head, pretending to think.

"Let me guess… You want me to eliminate your biggest competitors early, so you can claim the final victory yourself?"

Ling Ruoyan didn't deny it.

"If we work together, we can control the tournament. You take down those who might stand in our way, and when it comes to the final round, we fight fairly. No interference, no schemes."

Ling Tian chuckled.

This woman… she was interesting.

She didn't try to flatter him. Didn't try to threaten him.

She simply laid out a deal.

And Ling Tian respected that.

But still…

He leaned forward, eyes glinting with amusement.

"And what do I get out of this?"

Ling Ruoyan's lips curled slightly.

"You like rare treasures, don't you?"

She reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small jade box.

She opened it slightly—just enough for Ling Tian to catch a glimpse of a radiant golden pill inside.

Ling Tian's eyes narrowed.

That was a Heavenly Root Pill!

A pill that could drastically boost one's cultivation speed.

A rare treasure even the elders wouldn't hand out easily.

And she was just offering it to him?

"If you help me," she said smoothly, "this is yours. And that's just the start."

Ling Tian chuckled.

'Bribery, huh? Clever.'

He took a slow step forward, standing just inches away from her.

Ling Ruoyan didn't move.

She held her ground, her eyes steady.

Ling Tian smirked.

"Fine. I accept."

---

The Ice Queen's Warning

Ling Ruoyan nodded.

"Good."

She handed him the Heavenly Root Pill.

But just as he took it, her voice turned cold.

"One more thing."

Ling Tian raised an eyebrow.

"Don't think about betraying me," she said softly.

Her aura flared slightly, sending a chill through the air.

For a moment, Ling Tian felt as if he were standing in the middle of a frozen storm.

A warning.

A threat.

But Ling Tian?

He just grinned.

"Relax," he said. "I don't bite… unless necessary."

Ling Ruoyan's lips curled slightly.

"Good."

Then, without another word, she turned and walked away.

Leaving Ling Tian standing alone in the moonlit pavilion.

A strange deal had been made tonight.

And Ling Tian couldn't wait to see how this game would play out.

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