Chapter Eighteen: When Paths Cross, the Bold Prevail (2)

Astonished! The monsters, neither human nor beast, could actually speak, and this realization struck Haodan with sudden clarity. Perhaps the frequent appearances of demons and evil spirits in and around the city over the past few days were the work of these very beings. The monster he’d encountered earlier must have been a lesser kind, clearly controlled by the sorceresses of the Seven Stars Tower.

Ten, twenty, over thirty creatures emerged from an invisible portal, rippling through space. Haodan and his companions instinctively retreated, their backs pressed together as the monsters encircled them, forcing them to stand guard in three directions.

Suddenly, Su Su’s watery, luminous eyes turned crimson without warning. Neither Haodan nor the old black-robed elder noticed the change. At that moment, the thirty-odd monsters seemed to lose control, roaring in a frenzy, several even breaking free from the Eight Lives Pearl’s command, charging madly at the three.

Su Su’s small face remained expressionless, but wherever her crimson gaze swept, only those few berserk monsters moved; the others were frozen in place. The elder finally sensed something amiss, turning to Su Su with a mixture of surprise and delight. “Miss, Miss, did you recall something?”

No answer came. Su Su remained dazed. Haodan glanced her way as well, but instead summoned the Immortal-Slaying Flying Knife. Where the blade passed, several monsters were sliced cleanly in two. Yet an astonishing scene unfolded—the monsters, except those caught in Su Su’s gaze, seemed to heal themselves, rejoining their severed bodies as if nothing had happened. Like cockroaches impossible to kill, their vitality was astonishing.

Upon witnessing this, the old black-robed elder sighed, “It seems this sorceress is indeed the rumored master of the fifth floor of the Seven Stars Tower, the ‘Eight Lives Pearl.’ She excels in illusory arrays and the art of planting spiritual puppets. Her powers allow her to silently implant the Witch Clan’s secret Gu spirit seeds into bodies, transforming the hosts into the controlled, demonized creatures you see before us. She manipulates them through spiritual force invisible to the naked eye. Truthfully, her own cultivation is not particularly formidable, but her unique abilities are extremely rare among the Witch Clan—once in a century, perhaps. That’s how she secured the seat of the fifth floor master.”

The monsters around struggled desperately against Su Su’s crimson gaze, and Su Su herself seemed strained after spinning once in place. Haodan recalled the warning words of Master Lu Ya: it wasn’t that he lacked the means to deal with these creatures, but he dared not use his powers recklessly. If someone more formidable discovered his abilities, his situation would become perilous, making his journey to Great Xia even more fraught with difficulty.

Fortunately, Haodan possessed a keen mind. If he applied his skills cleverly, he could conceal his prowess without revealing his extraordinary magic. Having resolved this, Haodan immediately began to recite, “The soldiers array themselves in formation!”

Nine golden characters leaped from Haodan’s lips, lively and dancing, swirling about the trio ceaselessly. Then Haodan chanted again, “Divine Nine-Word Formula: Vermilion Bird Dives into the River!”

At once, the nine golden characters soared above their heads, merging and recombining into a golden avian shape. When fully formed, it resembled a radiant, living phoenix. Wherever it flew, fire erupted, turning the circle of monsters into a ring of blazing inferno. The crackling and burning grew ever brighter, and the golden fire phoenix silently reverted to nine golden characters, circling Haodan before vanishing entirely.

Su Su’s watery, luminous eyes watched the golden entities disappear with wonder, while the old black-robed elder looked on in awe. It was clear this young friend was deeply hidden, a man of talent and gentle demeanor, never flaunting his skills. The elder felt lucky to have met him.

At last, calm returned. The Eight Lives Pearl did not appear again, but the three remained trapped within the labyrinth. After a brief rest, Haodan and his companions pressed onward, uncertain of what would follow. The story continues.

Meanwhile, in the capital of Great Xia, Yudu, within the Seven Stars Tower.

Prime Minister Yi Yin and Lady Mei Xi accompanied the national master’s disciple Wu Tong into the legendary Seven Stars Tower of Great Xia. Constructed with vast labor, nearly every male citizen of Yudu contributed to its building. This was the real reason the national master sought to be close to King Xia Jie, though the true purpose of such a lavish edifice remained known only to the national master, Yuan Ji.

Ascending the tower, Yi Yin and Mei Xi were awestruck by the opulence. Only Great Xia could afford such grandeur; in Shangqiu, to build something so luxurious would require immense resources and time. Even the stairs were forged from golden metal and wood, a testament to the national master’s unrivaled abilities. No wonder the people revered her above even the king. In these troubled years, the populace suffered greatly—constructing the towering Seven Stars Tower, defending against monsters and demons outside the city. The national master rescued them in their hour of need, earning even the king’s deep admiration.

They finally reached the golden chamber at the top. Wu Tong led Yi Yin to another room to await Mei Xi, while Lady Mei Xi proceeded alone to the national master's golden chamber.

“Please, sit!” came a languid voice from within.

Mei Xi entered, veiled, seeing no one but hearing the voice. She glanced around, passed a marble tea table, and settled on a golden wooden chair. Nearby stood a crystal master seat—seven chairs in all, six golden wood and one crystal throne.

“What matter prompted the national master’s invitation today?” Mei Xi asked, confident and composed.

The national master appeared as if from nowhere, even Mei Xi, versed in the arts of tranquility, sensed nothing. Yuan Ji passed by Mei Xi with cold arrogance, casting a sidelong glance. What entered Mei Xi’s view was a woman in wide azure robes, black hair resting elegantly on her shoulders, clear and bright eyes meeting hers. Behind the veil was a stunning face—“If not city-toppling, who could topple a nation?” best described Lady Mei Xi. Yuan Ji’s glance was fleeting, but she alone knew: this woman’s beauty surpassed even the fairies, a rarity in the mortal world. Without witnessing it firsthand, one would scarcely believe the legends.

“I had no other purpose—merely curiosity, wishing to meet you in person,” Yuan Ji replied coolly, withdrawing her gaze.

“Such honor from the national master leaves me overwhelmed,” Mei Xi rose with a smile, bowing, clearly unwilling to linger.

“No need for courtesy here,” Yuan Ji beckoned lightly.

“Your magnanimity commands my respect. Yet I have urgent matters and must enter the palace to see His Majesty. I beg your pardon,” Mei Xi replied, still standing, bowing again.

Both women understood each other well—each an extraordinary woman, Mei Xi had long heard of Yuan Ji, her fame thunderous, her abilities well-known. Mei Xi’s curiosity was piqued, yet today’s meeting felt uncomfortable, tinged with subtle hostility or perhaps a challenge.

“Oh? Perhaps seeing His Majesty is a pretext, and saving your beloved the true intent?” Yuan Ji smiled knowingly, as if she’d read Mei Xi’s heart.

“If you already know, why trouble me?” Mei Xi countered calmly.

“I do not seek to trouble you. We are both women; I hope you will consider matters carefully, not limit yourself to your own views. If you truly wish to submit to the king, His Majesty may not pardon your beloved—in fact, he might torment him further. Of course, this is just my understanding of His Majesty over the years,” Yuan Ji spoke dispassionately.

“Thank you for the warning, national master. I am grateful.” Mei Xi truly wished to end the conversation, finding Yuan Ji’s manner deeply unsettling.

“No need to see you out!” Yuan Ji, clearly aware of Mei Xi’s mood, rose, addressing the door and not Mei Xi herself.

“Farewell, and thank you for your advice,” Mei Xi said as she left.

After she departed, Yuan Ji raised her delicate hand, gently playing with a black kitten that had somehow appeared in her arms.

“Meow, meow!”—perhaps Yuan Ji had squeezed it too hard.

Yuan Ji asked softly, “You don’t like that woman either, do you?”

“Meow!”

Wu Tong did not escort the pair from the Seven Stars Tower, but merely gestured politely. They reciprocated and departed.

As Mei Xi settled into her carriage, the chubby little creature leapt from the seat, piping up, “Seventh Lady, I wish to keep following you. Now I can speak fluently, not stammering as before!”

Noticing the changes in the little creature over these days, Mei Xi’s mood improved, its adorable antics endearing. She picked it up, stroking its soft fur, smiling, “Of course! But you must not run off—Seventh Lady is about to go somewhere very dangerous, and terribly unpleasant. Don’t wander, or I’ll have trouble protecting you!”

“Alright! I won’t run off, Seventh Lady. Don’t worry, I’ll be good!” The little one snuggled in her arms, acting spoiled.

“If you accompany me, perhaps things won’t be so dull,” Mei Xi murmured, her loneliness and helplessness hidden beneath her words—though the creature likely didn’t understand.

...

Having discussed matters with Yi Yin overnight, after leaving the Seven Stars Tower, Yi Yin parted ways with Mei Xi. He did not enter the palace but, after discreet inquiries, finally located the residence of Grand Physician Zhao Liang. Coincidentally, Zhao Liang was about to depart for the palace, having received word that Lady Mei Xi had left Yuan Ji’s tower and was on her way to the palace.

At the gates of Zhao Liang’s residence, he was about to board his carriage when, ever observant, he noticed another carriage waiting and queried the guards. They informed him someone had been waiting for a while, likely seeking Zhao Liang.

Yi Yin, seeing Zhao Liang glance over, hurried out, bowed respectfully, and said, “Grand Physician Zhao, I am Yi Yin of Shangqiu. I’ve come to present you with the finest silk and jade from my country, hoping they may please your discerning eye and that you won’t disdain them.”

“So it was you, Prime Minister Yi Yin! I wondered who was visiting—ha ha! I’ve heard much of you!” Zhao Liang was surprised, but instantly realized this was an open bribe.

“Grand Physician, might I have a word in private?” Yi Yin asked quietly, noting the busy street.

“Of course, of course! This way, please!” Zhao Liang, shrewd as ever, already guessed Yi Yin’s purpose.

“I have a humble request, and hope you will grant it,” Yi Yin said, deferential.

“Please, speak freely—I am all ears,” Zhao Liang replied, abandoning formal titles in favor of humility.

Seeing his natural demeanor, Yi Yin felt confident the man had guessed his intention and so spoke sincerely, “I hope you might plead for my lord before His Majesty. If he is forgiven, we would be eternally grateful.”

“So that’s it! Actually, it’s not impossible. But I’m about to enter the palace now. Let’s discuss this another day, shall we?” Zhao Liang glanced meaningfully at the carriage, perhaps with ulterior motives.

Yi Yin, his seasoned eyes discerning, smiled, “Today is just for presenting you with a gift. Tomorrow, I’ll bring more treasures from Shangqiu. Please don’t delay.”

“You are most courteous, Prime Minister. Shortly, I’ll plead for King Wu before His Majesty. King Wu Cheng Tang is a loyal minister, ruined by the Grand Historian Zhong Gu. I’ll make extra effort today, so rest assured!” Zhao Liang promised confidently.

“Thank you, Grand Physician! If my lord is forgiven, I’ll visit again to express our gratitude,” Yi Yin said, relieved by Zhao Liang’s confidence.

“Then I’ll take my leave,” Zhao Liang bowed slightly, unable to linger lest Lady Mei Xi reach the palace first and the king blame him.

“Farewell, Grand Physician—please take care!” Yi Yin bowed.

......

The palace of Great Xia sat at the heart of Yudu, its walls magnificent and adorned with dragons, phoenixes, and ancient mythological scenes painted on the high surfaces—vivid, lifelike, and breathtakingly crafted, beyond words.

Lady Mei Xi’s carriage halted before the palace walls. She peered through the curtain, marveling at the spectacular scene. Such exquisite carving could only be wrought by celestial artisans.

What happens next? The story unfolds in the next installment!