Chapter 20

Xuan Yang’s words left Rabbit Tuan flattered and surprised, tinting the entire rabbit with a faint pink hue.

He stammered in response, “I am deeply grateful for the Holy Monarch’s favor. This disciple will certainly not fail your expectations!”

Since this dharma body of “Xuan Yang” was male, calling him “Lady” would no longer be appropriate. It was better to address him as “Holy Monarch.”

Rabbit Tuan gazed at Xuan Yang with full admiration. Although he had read the original story and knew that the Cave Abyss God Spirit possessed countless dharma bodies, it truly never mentioned “Xuan Yang.” It was probably because the Holy Monarch had also read the novel that the plot had changed.

The Holy Monarch lived up to his title, truly having eyes and hands reaching everywhere. He had even become Xie Shu’s personal disciple. Fortunately, it was the Holy Monarch who had brought him out today; otherwise, if it had been any other Daoist, he might already be dead by now.

Had the Holy Monarch come specifically after receiving Rabbit Fur’s distress signal?

Rabbit Tuan was not entirely sure, but no matter what, he had finally escaped from the General’s Mansion. Next, he needed to contact Eunuch Dong as soon as possible to arrange his entry into the palace, and also to exempt Apricot from punishment. He would probably have to seek the Holy Monarch’s help for that.

As he pondered how to broach the subject with Xuan Yang, Xuan Yang said, “I have a few words to entrust to you. Transform into your human form. We’ll sit down and talk slowly.”

“Yes, Holy Monarch.”

Rabbit Tuan obediently shifted back to his human form. He was still wearing the bright red wedding robes, with the pearl crown on his head. His features were gorgeously alluring, shining like a brilliant pearl in Xuan Yang’s eyes.

Xuan Yang held his whisk, gazing quietly at Qixue. Qixue struggled to remove the pearl crown from his head—it was far too heavy, nearly breaking his neck.

He held the pearl crown cherishfully. There was no way he would discard it. This crown was inlaid with a hundred pearls, each worth a fortune. He could dismantle it later and sell the pearls for money.

“Come with me.”

Xuan Yang led Qixue deeper into the courtyard and into the Warm Pavilion. The pavilion was simply decorated, with two or three landscape paintings hanging on the walls. Several cushions were placed before a low table, and spring water boiled on the warming stove, emitting wisps of mist.

Qixue set down the pearl crown and sat on a cushion. Xuan Yang washed his hands and brewed tea, placing a cup before him. Qixue took a sip and found the tea’s fragrance permeating his heart and soul. After swallowing, a faint sweetness lingered in his mouth.

“This is tea I grew myself,” Xuan Yang said. “Is it good?”

Qixue was astonished and nodded vigorously. “It is the best tea this disciple has ever tasted!”

Xuan Yang smiled and watched warmly as Qixue finished the tea, then refilled his cup. This time, Qixue drank much more slowly, mainly because he felt bad troubling Xuan Yang to pour more water for him. “I wonder what instructions the Holy Monarch has for this disciple?”

“I brought your things. They should all be here.”

Xuan Yang spread his palm and swept it across the table. Qixue’s items appeared out of thin air: the command token, the scent pouch, gold bars—nothing was missing. Qixue joyfully collected them. “Many thanks, Holy Monarch.”

Xuan Yang glanced at the pearl crown beside Qixue. “You do not know the Sleeve Universe Technique?”

Qixue shook his head embarrassedly. The Rabbit Clan was born with weak demon power and could only learn a limited number of spells. To take human form, he had given up other spells and would have to learn them slowly later.

Unexpectedly, Xuan Yang did not rebuke him. Instead, he said, “It was my oversight. Lower your head. I have a gift for you.”

Qixue obediently lowered his head and saw Xuan Yang reach out, placing an Emerald Jade Plaque around his neck.

The plaque was made of icy-clear emerald, entirely transparent with a faint blue tint. The front was carved with a solemn and compassionate Buddha image, exquisitely beautiful.

Qixue was about to give thanks when he sensed something off about the plaque. It did not feel cool to the touch but warm. Upon closer inspection, the Buddha image was alive, and the back of the plaque bore a ferocious ghost face that slowly opened its bloody maw toward Qixue.

What was this thing?!

Startled, Qixue yanked off the plaque, intending to smash it to pieces, but Xuan Yang promptly held his hand. “Do not fear. With my spell binding it, it cannot harm you. You can use it to store your things.”

After Xuan Yang’s explanation, Qixue learned that the plaque was an ordinary emerald, but it sealed a Man-Eating Demon inside.

This Man-Eating Demon was called the Buddha Ghost. Its ferocious ghost face was the front, and the compassionate Buddha image was its back. It typically lurked in abandoned ruined temples, disguising itself as a Buddha statue to devour passing travelers.

This particular Buddha Ghost had not only eaten people but also many weak little demons. To punish it, Xuan Yang had imprisoned it in the plaque and applied the Sleeve Universe Technique, turning it into a storage pouch.

Xuan Yang said, “Besides storage, this plaque can protect you. When necessary, you can release this Man-Eating Demon to devour those who obstruct you.”

“It eats cleanly, leaving no trace, and I have imprinted it with my Dao mark, so it will not alert any formations or Daoists.”

He taught Qixue the incantation to control the Buddha Ghost, which Qixue quickly memorized. Still, he felt a chill down his spine. Unless his life was in mortal danger, he would never release this terrifying Man-Eating Demon.

However, using the plaque merely as a storage artifact made it quite useful.

Qixue placed the pearl crown and other items into the plaque. The Buddha Ghost opened its maw wide and swallowed them all. So that was why it had opened its mouth earlier—not to eat Qixue, but to indicate where to put things.

Xuan Yang said, “I received your distress signal but arrived a few days late. Consider this plaque my apology. Remember to carry it close to your body. In a life-or-death crisis, it can die in your place once. I will sense it and appear immediately.”

The plaque had so many functions that Qixue naturally understood its value. Grateful, he bowed on his knees. “This disciple thanks the Holy Monarch for the treasure.”

“No need for excessive courtesy.”

Xuan Yang helped him up and said affectionately, “If you have any other requests, speak them all at once.”

Qixue hesitated. “This disciple does have an impertinent request.”

“Speak freely,” Xuan Yang said.

Qixue stammered, “This disciple thought of a way to prevent Ji Yuheng from ascending to the Crown Prince position… This disciple could bear a child for His Majesty, so I wish to request a Baosui Pill…”

He felt a bit embarrassed, his cheeks flushing red, his expression pitiful and utterly endearing.

Xuan Yang could not help chuckling. He reached out to stroke Qixue’s hair and said warmly, “That is a good idea. When the next batch of Baosui Pills is refined in the observatory, I will send one to you.”

“Thank you, Holy Monarch. Also…”

Qixue very much wanted to remove the nipple piercings on his chest, but it was too awkward to mention to Xuan Yang. In the end, he changed the subject to Apricot.

“That little girl who tried to help this disciple escape is named Apricot. She is this disciple’s good friend. Once Wei Huai discovers my disappearance, he will surely investigate her. Could the Holy Monarch help exempt her from punishment?”

“Very well.” Xuan Yang nodded. “I will handle the rest. Wei Huai will not trace it to her, nor will he find you. You can enter the palace with peace of mind.”

Qixue revealed a sweet smile. “The Holy Monarch is truly omnipotent.”

“Only this once. No exceptions in the future.”

Xuan Yang’s tone sharpened. “If you encounter any difficulties, seek my aid by all means, but do not plead for others.”

“This path is arduous. Excessive kindness will only harm you. Show no mercy to them. Kill whoever blocks your way. Use any means necessary to climb to the highest position and bring eternal unrest to this world. Can you do it?”

He gazed at Qixue, his eyes still gentle and compassionate, pitying all beings, yet it sent chills through the bones, evoking an icy dread from within.

“This disciple…” Qixue took a deep breath and nodded solemnly. “This disciple can do it.”

“Good. I believe you.”

Xuan Yang smiled faintly and rose from the cushion. “I will take you to the bedroom. Rest well today. Starting tomorrow, I will teach you some spells. Once you have learned them, you may enter the palace.”

–

Not long after Qixue left, several figures appeared on Chang’an Street where the Guogong Mansion was located. They rode ferocious Demonic Beasts, clad in deep crimson chainmail, exuding murderous auras. They wielded black halberds, waving them to drive the roadside commoners away and clear the path.

But upon seeing them, the commoners fled in panic even without being driven. No one in Shangjing failed to recognize these iron riders as the Emperor’s elite Zhu Yan Guards, each ruthless and bloodthirsty. Provoking them meant certain doom.

Once the Zhu Yan Guards had cleared the street, they stood guard on both sides. Soon after, a grand imperial procession appeared at the street’s end.

At the forefront were twelve layers of heralds. The Zhu Yan Guards drove the Demonic Beasts, holding knives and axes as they cleared the way with chilling killing intent. Following were the musical troupe and flag bearers. The heavy drums and horns boomed powerfully, with colorful banners fluttering, each embroidered with different ferocious beasts and Demons.

“Clop clop, clop clop…”

The heavy rumble of wheels approached. Four massive Demons resembling white foxes pulled abreast, drawing the Jade Chariot behind them. The chariot’s body was jet-black, intricately carved with dense patterns. Golden bells hung from its four corners, ornate and imposing—the Emperor’s exclusive imperial carriage.

The Jade Chariot’s windows were tightly shut, revealing nothing of the interior, and no one dared peek at the imperial countenance.

Behind the Jade Chariot followed a dense mass of black shadows—slender humanoid silhouettes, icy cold without features. They were Demons called “Nightmares,” conjured by Witchcraft.

The procession halted before the Guogong Mansion’s gates. The Jade Chariot slowly stopped. The household head and guests all knelt in welcome. Wei Huai knelt at the forefront on one knee, head bowed and hands arched. “We ministers respectfully welcome Your Majesty.”

“Rise, all of you.”

The voice from the Jade Chariot was slightly hoarse, light yet icy cold, like frost on a winter night.

A black shadow opened the chariot door. A slender, pale hand extended from within, supported by the shadow, as it helped the Emperor descend.

The Emperor wore profound black robes, his head crowned with the ceremonial headdress, dangling jade beads half-obscuring his young, cold face. Vaguely visible were his thin, pale lips, high brow bone and nose bridge, sharply handsome features lacking color. His hair and pupils were black as thick ink, his expression gloomy and indifferent.

One black shadow prostrated on the ground, offering its back as a footstool for Helan Ji to step upon.

Helan Ji descended slowly. Though frail, his stature was exceedingly tall, his presence powerfully majestic and oppressive.

Everyone present except Wei Huai bowed their heads deeply, then carefully rose and stood to the sides to receive Helan Ji into the mansion.

Wei Huai led the way ahead, his brows and eyes filled with smiles, radiant with energy. Helan Ji glanced at him. “You seem very pleased?”

“Of course I am pleased.”

Wei Huai smiled in response. He and Helan Ji had been friends since youth, so their private speech was quite casual. “Your Majesty has no beloved and has not yet wed, so naturally you do not understand my feelings. I have looked forward to this day for a long time.”

Helan Ji said nothing. Wei Huai continued, “But I must still thank Your Majesty for granting the marriage. Otherwise, I would have had to expend much effort convincing the elders. What a hassle.”

Wei Huai’s paternal clan were descendants of meritorious ministers, and his maternal clan was of generational nobility. Neither side particularly approved of his marriage. First, Qixue’s background was low, his parents long deceased, and he had relied on his “uncle” Prefect Xu. Second, the wedding was too rushed—they had not even met Qixue, so how could they support it wholeheartedly?

Though Wei Huai would not heed them, they were still his elders, and defying them would tarnish his reputation. Thus, he simply invoked Helan Ji to silence his relatives. How could they refuse the Emperor’s decree?

They dared not. Wei Huai smoothly prepared the wedding and only awaited tonight’s bridal chamber to become true husband and wife with Qixue.

Everyone returned to the wedding banquet. Helan Ji took the main seat on the flower hall dais. Those black shadows silently melted into the screen behind him, guarding his safety.

Wei Huai personally went to the back of the flower hall to fetch Qixue for the ceremony. However, when he reached the room, he saw the door wide open. The maids stared pale-faced into the room and knelt immediately upon seeing him.

Wei Huai sensed something amiss and quickened his steps inside. The first thing that caught his eye was the golden ankle bracelet he had given Qixue, lying in a puddle of undried water stains that still emitted a faint scent of talisman water.

Qixue, who should have been waiting in the room for him, was nowhere to be seen.