For centuries, the Wu Dynasty, founded by the Wu family, has ruled over the human political realm, while the powerful Shangguan family has dominated the martial arts world. Together, they form a powerful and unbreakable alliance that has stood the test of time, their bond forged in blood and loyalty, and strengthened through generations of cooperation.  

The Shangguan family’s influence over the martial arts community was not just a matter of strength but also of honor and tradition. Their warriors were regarded as the finest in the empire, their reputation so great that even the royal guards of the Wu Dynasty were trained under their tutelage. The Wus ruled the land with wisdom and political prowess, but the Shangguans were the enforcers, ensuring peace and stability through their unmatched martial arts skills.

One thousand years ago, the delicate peace between humans and demons was shattered when a prince of the human race fell deeply in love with a demon princess. Their love was a direct violation of the ancient laws forbidding such unions. Both the human emperor and the demon king deemed their relationship treasonous, and they were relentlessly pursued and eventually captured. Their tragic execution sent shockwaves across both realms, deepening the rift between humans and demons.  

Unbeknownst to their executioners, the prince and princess had a son, a child born of both human and demon blood. This son, a symbol of unity between the two races, was raised in secret, knowing that one day, he would seek to avenge his parents’ deaths and end the bloody war that raged between their peoples.

As he grew, the son of the forbidden love gathered allies—humans and demons alike—who sought to end the violence and hatred that plagued their lands. His charisma, strength, and shared bloodline inspired those who wished for peace to rally behind him. Among his most powerful allies were the Wu and Shangguan families.  

The Wu family, recognizing the futility of constant conflict, allied with the son, lending their political influence to his cause. Meanwhile, the Shangguan family provided their unmatched martial prowess, ensuring that his rebellion would be successful in battle. Together, they formed an alliance that would change the course of history.  

In a decisive and hard-fought war, the son of the human prince and demon princess overthrew the tyrannical human emperor who sought to eradicate the demon race. In the aftermath of the rebellion, the Wu family was crowned as rulers of the human empire, while the Shangguans remained their closest and most loyal allies, ensuring the stability of their rule. The son, the embodiment of the unity between humans and demons, was crowned the emperor of the demon empire, solidifying a peace treaty that would bring an end to centuries of bloodshed.

Since that time, peace between the human and demon races has reigned. The bond between the Wu and Shangguan families remains as strong as ever, their alliance a symbol of the enduring strength of cooperation between humans and demons. The peace treaty, forged in the blood of a forbidden love, stands as a testament to the possibility of unity between the two worlds.

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Several cherry blossom petals danced through the air, carried by a gentle breeze, swirling in a delicate ballet outside the window. Inside the spacious chamber, a person lounged lazily in a plush chair, his gaze lost among the falling petals. The tranquility of the moment enveloped him, a rare escape from the expectations of his imperial title. 

His white hair shimmered like silken threads under the soft light, framing a face that could easily be mistaken for that of a celestial being. With phoenix-like eyes that seemed to capture the essence of the vibrant blooms outside, he appeared ethereal. His heart-shaped lips, often turned up in a slight, contemplative smile, hinted at a playful spirit hidden beneath the serene surface. In moments like this, he felt at peace—until the tranquility was disrupted by the arrival of a familiar voice.

“Your Grand Imperial Highness, the grand eunuch is here,” a maid announced softly, bowing her head in respect.

“Thank you,” Ning’er replied, reluctantly breaking his gaze from the window. 

The grand eunuch, a figure of authority within the imperial palace, entered with a graceful bow. Despite the countless times he had witnessed the grand imperial prince’s beauty, he could not help but be taken aback. The prince’s delicate features radiated an almost otherworldly charm, one that could captivate the heart of anyone who laid eyes upon him, regardless of gender.

“Your Grand Imperial Highness,” the grand eunuch greeted, his voice steady yet laced with reverence.

“Yes?” Ning’er asked, his tone light and airy, reflective of his easygoing nature.

“The emperor has requested your presence in his study,” the grand eunuch said, bowing slightly before turning to lead the way.

With a resigned yet amiable sigh, Ning’er followed, the weight of duty settling upon him as they made their way through the grand corridors of the palace. The beauty of the cherry blossoms outside lingered in his mind, a reminder of the world beyond the imperial walls.

The atmosphere shifted as they entered the emperor’s study, the air thick with the scent of incense and aged parchment. Ning’er stepped forward and bowed, a habitual gesture of respect.

“Greetings, Uncle Emperor. May you live a long—" 

“There’s no need for formalities, we’re family here,” the emperor interjected, his warm eyes twinkling with familiarity.

Ning’er smiled, the tension in his shoulders easing. “Uncle Emperor, why did you call for me?"

“Ah… your father and mother sent a letter for you. Take a look,” the emperor replied, his tone shifting to one of fondness as he handed over a sealed letter.

With curious anticipation, Ning’er broke the seal, his heart swelling with emotion as he read the familiar script. 

“Ning'er, me and your mother are doing well. You don’t need to worry; we are living well and we’re happy with the life that we chose.”

A hint of melancholy crossed Ning’er’s features as he finished the letter. “Haiya… they’re still traveling and they just leave you here,” the emperor mused, shaking his head in feigned exasperation.

“Uncle Emperor, don’t be upset with them,” Ning’er replied, his voice soft but firm. He understood his parents’ desire for freedom, yet he could not shake the longing for their presence.

“Okay… okay… I won’t,” the emperor conceded, smiling at Ning’er’s gentle spirit. “By the way, Ning’er, before you go, tomorrow you shall attend the banquet we’ll have for the demon empire envoys.”

“Okay, Uncle Emperor. I understand. Then, I’ll take my leave now,” Ning’er said, offering a respectful nod before turning to leave.

As he exited the study, the weight of the banquet loomed in his mind. Although he was accustomed to courtly affairs, the thought of mingling with the demon envoys stirred a mix of excitement and trepidation. He wondered what new alliances and intrigues awaited him.

Shangguan Ning, also known as Ning’er, stands as a symbol of the union between the Wu and Shangguan families, two of the most influential and ancient houses in the empire. Born to an imperial princess of the Wu Dynasty and the second son of the Shangguan family, Ning'er’s lineage ties him to both the ruling political class and the revered martial arts world. However, both his parents chose a life outside the power struggles of court and politics, preferring to travel and live free from the burdens of their noble status. Their love for freedom deeply influenced Ning'er, shaping him into someone who values independence and personal pursuits over duty to his title.

Despite his reluctance to engage in the political world, Shangguan Ning was bestowed the title of Grand Imperial Prince, inheriting his mother’s status the Grand Imperial Princess, as the emperor’s nephew. This title, along with his unmatched lineage, places him in the inner circle of the Wu Dynasty’s power. His rank means that many in the court and the public look to him with expectation, though Ning’er’s personal desires are far from the ambitions of others.

Shangguan Ning is famed for his exceptional talent in the arts, including poetry, painting, and music, which have won him admiration throughout the empire. Unlike many of his martial ancestors, his renown is not due to battle prowess but his artistic brilliance. His ethereal and androgynous beauty is another defining feature. His appearance, which transcends traditional masculine or feminine beauty standards, makes him highly coveted by both men and women alike. However, this attention often brings complications, as many attempt to use his allure for their own political gain.

Though Ning’er has no interest in political or martial matters, he cannot escape the influence of his family’s reputation. The Shangguan family, having long ruled the martial arts world, went into reclusion after their critical role in establishing the peace treaty between humans and demons. However, as a member of this illustrious clan, Shangguan Ning is always seen as someone who holds the potential to represent the family’s martial legacy—even if he shows little desire to wield such power.

His position as the nephew of the emperor makes him a potential figure in any future political conflicts, whether he wishes to be or not. The Wu Dynasty’s enemies, both internal and external, may see him as a pawn to manipulate or a threat to eliminate, despite his disinterest in politics. This tension between his desires and the expectations placed upon him adds depth to his character and opens the possibility for future growth—whether he embraces his role or continues to resist it.