🌒 Opening Scene: The Blood Monarch's Court Time: The hour of the Rabbit (Mao, 5-7 am), on the first day of "Blood Week" — a time when the sun paints the sky over Chì Tiān Chéng in crimson. Location: The Hall of Supreme Illumination, the central palace of the Bloodline Dynasty. [Opening Shot] The sunset casts a bloody red glow upon the towering rooftops, which are carved with roaring dragons and snakes. The Blood Monarch Emperor sits on his elevated dragon throne, propped up against the armrest, observing the kneeling officials and the ritual of blood sacrifice to pray for victory in the upcoming campaign. There is no trace of mercy in his eyes, only ruthlessness. An old official lifts his head, intending to plead with the emperor to halt the ritual and seek a peaceful resolution with the enemy to avoid casualties. No sooner had he finished speaking than he was met with the emperor's emotionless gaze. The emperor lightly tapped the armrest of his chair and said, "Do you suggest our dynasty should bow before the enemy? What do you think your proposal would achieve?" His eyes narrowed as he continued, "If your head can only produce such foolish ideas, then it is no longer needed..." Imperial guards immediately seized the old official, beheading him in front of both the civil and military officials as a deterrent.