Contents
Chapter Twenty-Six: Despite all That
Overview
Zetian negotiates with Gao Qiu, who will only back her if she proves she can survive piloting with Li Shimin again. Under Sima Yi’s harsh regimen, she and Li Shimin train with spirit armor, and Zetian learns to fly.
Their synergy still falters amid Sima Yi’s push to consummate their bond. A sudden Hundun alarm brings soldiers who, under An Lushan’s live orders and Chairman Kong’s decree, force the pair toward battle.
Summary
Zetian tries to secure Gao Qiu’s support for promotion, but he will only commit if she proves she can survive partnering with Li Shimin again. Accepting the stakes, Zetian stops pushing Li Shimin away and submits to Sima Yi’s intensive partner exercises.
Granted spirit armor for training and deterrence, they attempt flight from the Great Wall. Li Shimin channels blazing Fire qi and leaps, and Zetian asserts independence by channeling her Metal qi, separating midair and learning to fly herself. The moment moves her, and Li Shimin steadies her without words.
Despite this breakthrough, their synergy stays poor. During an ice-rink session, Sima Yi confronts Zetian about a suspected love triangle and insists consummation is necessary for bonding. Mortified, Zetian refuses; Li Shimin overhears, rejects being treated like an animal, and refuses the conversation.
Before they can resolve it, Hundun sirens blare. Sima Yi pivots to command mode as soldiers converge from all directions. Zetian senses a coordinated encirclement. An Lushan appears on a livefeed, overriding Sima Yi’s orders with a decree from Chairman Kong, forcing Zetian and Li Shimin into battle.
Who Appears
- Wu Zetian (Zetian)Protagonist; negotiates with Gao Qiu, trains hard, learns to fly with Metal qi, refuses consummation, is forced toward battle.
- Li ShiminPartner pilot; endures withdrawal, channels Fire qi to fly, supports Zetian midair, rejects coerced consummation, rushed toward deployment.
- Sima YiStrategist-trainer; secures spirit armor, runs rigorous exercises, pressures them to consummate, then issues commands during the alarm.
- Gao QiuBusiness magnate; agrees to back Zetian only if she proves she can survive piloting with Li Shimin again.
- Gao YizhiAlly; relays Gao Qiu’s message and previously helped Shimin through withdrawal; tension with Zetian acknowledged.
- An LushanMilitary leader; appears via livefeed, overrides orders, compels their battle deployment.
- Chairman KongAuthority figure; his sagely decree empowers An Lushan to override Central Command.