Section 2

Half a month later, news spread throughout the palace of the sudden death of the Crown Prince Du Heng.

Two years ago, the late emperor passed away, and the princess is about to ascend the throne

Oh, my father was taken by the Empress. The people of the Green Qiang tribe are hiding everywhere, making it difficult to catch one. " Jiang Li rested his chin on his hand, swinging his legs back and forth, looking very interested. "You are quite knowledgeable; what else do you know?"

In the white cold dew, the incantation concealed her form, as she embraced the little fox and rode the wind into the palace walls. Although there was merely a wall separating them, outside the wall, the sand and stones flew about, while inside the palace, there was an eerie silence. The silence was somewhat strange; the copper bell hanging in the corridor remained motionless, and the red silk palace lantern under the eaves quietly burned. Outside the Cangru Hall, there were no palace maids or eunuchs on guard, and the doors stood wide open. A young girl dressed in pear blossom white was bent over a desk, reviewing memorials, with the completed memorials piled high like a small mountain. Beside her, on a soft couch, lay an old eunuch holding a feather duster, his eyes wide open, occasionally speaking a few words to her. Outside the Cangru Hall, there were no palace maids or eunuchs on guard, and the doors stood wide open. A young girl dressed in pear blossom white was bent over a desk, reviewing memorials, with the completed memorials piled high like a small mountain. Beside her, on a soft couch, lay an old eunuch holding a feather duster, his eyes wide open, occasionally speaking a few words to her.

I have never been to the city of Yanqiu, so naturally, I will stay for a few more days

The Living Sacrifice, the Old Turtle Spirit Reveals Itself

"You still claim you haven't harmed anyone? Over the past seven months, there have been forty-nine boys each month. Do you think these lives were not taken by your hands?" Bai Hanlu fiddled with the crane bone flute in her hand, frowning as she said, "The imperial edict can only attract greedy humans. That little girl, although she can see through spiritual entities, has never left the palace. How would she know to seek out the flower demon to establish a contract? If you truly recognize that little girl as your master, why did you not stop it when you knew that the flower demon had made a servant contract with her soul?"

The old turtle spirit, since leaving the West Sea and arriving at Yanqiu, had never encountered such a situation. A single tumble could knock him back to his original form, leaving him terrified and in a state of panic, with tears and snot streaming down his face. "I mean no harm, Your Majesty. I only wish to serve you in this imperial palace. I would rather die than leave your side. I implore the immortal to grant me this wish. I have never harmed anyone."

In the desolate mountains, the large wild foxes are like this, gluttonous and lacking in wisdom. After drinking a bit of alcohol, they reveal their fluffy big tails, wagging them back and forth. "It seems that nowadays, the emperor, regardless of gender, is not worth much, hic... Since the flesh is tender, it might be quite delicious, hic..." As You'er spoke, he shook his ears, and at that moment, he could no longer maintain his human form, rolling back and transforming into a small red fox with a sharp mouth and almond-shaped cheeks.

The little person has come to seek their master

My name is Bai Hanlu, and I am a Soul Master. I can guide souls and naturally summon them as well

"Young Master, you wouldn't want to enter the palace, would you?" The little fox, You'er, nuzzled into his embrace and shivered slightly, "It's such a frightening place"

... ... Why not, the person we are looking for may be in the palace

He concealed his form but was still seen through; Bai Hanlu stared at the pair of green eyes that radiated an otherworldly charm as the invisibility spell dissipated.

Then just stay here, after all, what this palace has in abundance is rooms

Now he cannot turn over, nor can he run away, and in panic he shouts: "Spare my life, immortal, spare my life!"

A gust of wind carrying the fragrance of grass suddenly surged into and out of the hall, revealing a tall and graceful figure resembling bamboo. He should have been a dashing young gentleman, yet he possessed a pair of narrow, elongated amber beast-like eyes, perfectly indifferent and devoid of emotion.

Bai Hanlu continued, "Today is the seventh day."

"Indeed." He waved his hand and pointed at the pile of memorials as high as a small hill, "Do as you please, I probably won't be able to sleep tonight."

The chief steward Zheng Kun stroked his beard as he stepped out, troubled by the thought of where to find osmanthus flowers and fresh lotus roots at this time

At first, he stayed in Yanqiu, not naturally to depart.

The Grand Steward Zheng Kun arranged a courtyard, which, although uninhabited, was tidily and elegantly maintained. Entering through the courtyard gate, one would stroll through flowers and willows, finding it even more comfortable than the Empress's sleeping quarters. Zheng Kun was quite curious about this young nobleman who had appeared from nowhere. This gentleman, of high status, had long silver hair that cascaded down to his waist and spoke very little, exuding a profound sense of detachment from the world. In the sweltering summer, having such a person nearby could indeed provide some relief from the heat. Despite these musings, he meticulously attended to the Emperor's guest, ensuring that every meal and even the tea and incense were carefully prepared. Finally, this morning, the guest, whom he had never truly regarded, spoke to him: "I heard the first live sacrifice is on February 12?"

The empress opposite him, with her delicate little frame sitting on the wide throne, appeared indescribably frail. Coupled with her stunningly beautiful yet imposing face and her innocent expression, which seemed oblivious to the ways of the world, she was truly fascinating in Bai Hanlu's eyes

Zhang Li was taken aback; she was uncertain about what the figure before her, shrouded in a mist, truly was, as it claimed that the Green Qiang people were descendants of the Snake King. Zhang Li could only ascertain that he was not human, but rather a formidable great demon. However, Zhang Li was well-informed and experienced, so she quickly ran a few steps forward to scrutinize him closely. This peculiar great demon was exceedingly tall, reaching approximately to her chest.

Bai Hanlu looked with a face that had amber-colored eyes narrowed slightly, "I also know that while the world only recognizes the beauty of the Green Qiang people, they are unaware that the Green Qiang are descendants of the ancient serpent king, Qiongya. Those green eyes, inheriting the bloodline of the serpent king, can see through the true forms of all spiritual entities, which is why my invisibility technique is ineffective before Your Majesty."

These words were entirely within Bai Hanlu's expectations. The malevolent atmosphere outside the capital, which had almost taken on a life of its own, claimed forty-nine young male sacrifices each month, while the palace was filled with a surging demonic energy that enveloped the souls in a layer of filth. If he was not mistaken, the Yanqiu Empress had indeed provoked a formidable figure. However, Bai Hanlu was no ordinary believer; the lifespan of mortals was merely a hundred years or so, and whether they lived or died was of no concern to him.

In the desert wanders a small group of the Green Qiang people, both men and women possessing bones of white jade and eyes of jadeite, beautiful as celestial beings. His Majesty's father must have been a member of the Green Qiang people, right

He has heard quite a bit about those few demon gods in the boundless hell. Fu Ji consumes the blood and flesh of underage boys, and with her abilities, it is indeed not difficult for her to restore bones to flesh.

Bai Hanlu would never say the word "thank you". However, he does know someone who constantly utters such hypocritical pleasantries; that person is his junior apprentice. Just thinking of that person's face, which always bears a three-point smile when meeting others, is quite irritating.

Bai Hanlu took out a notice from his sleeve, which was the imperial edict posted by Yanqiu in various places across the Nine Nations, seeking extraordinary individuals who understood the art of resurrection. With a reward of one hundred thousand taels of gold, it was certain that many would flock to Yanqiu for such a sky-high bounty. People die for wealth, and birds perish for food; even those wandering sorcerers who fancied themselves clever with petty tricks would ultimately find themselves hanging on the gallows at the city gate.

In fact, with Zheng Kun's millennium of cultivation, he could naturally discern that Bai Hanlu and this fox were both demons. However, he had been away from the West Sea for too long, and now he was no different from a dizzy old man. Yan Qiu was dry land, and in about ten years, he would be dead. He rolled on the ground, transformed into human form, rubbed his old waist, and sighed

Both individuals silently assessed each other from head to toe, and both were surprisingly convinced that the other was the kind of person they did not dislike

Zheng Kun's expression changed dramatically, and he turned to run, but was tripped by Bai Hanlu, falling on his back in a turtle position.

Zheng Kun stroked his beard and put on a foolish expression, "Turkey? What turkey? Ah, could it be that the fox you raised wants to eat roasted chicken?"

Several old ministers, with tears streaming down their faces, implored the Empress to think twice as they offered their lives in counsel. Li, sitting on the throne and yawning as he listened to them, was anxious to return and dine with his intended consort. He waved his hand and said: Since several of you loyal ministers are so eager to die, then take them away and execute them.

Finally, Bai Hanlu asked: "You are staying in Yanqiu not because the Empress is about to leave, right?"

At the execution ground by the city gate, the citizens of the capital witnessed the despairing curses of several old ministers, who condemned the unkindness and unfilial behavior of the general, wishing him a miserable death. Their families wept and knelt on the ground, and the scent of silver ingots and candles lingered in the city for several days

The beautiful and renowned Jiang Li became the Empress of Yanqiu at the age of fifteen.

That is the Resurrection Festival, during which a feeding contract was established with the demoness Fuki using the blood and flesh of a male child. Fuki's true form is a magical cherry blossom growing on Kunlun Mountain, which sprouts from the remains of the deceased demon. It stands about two feet tall, with translucent leaves resembling the skin of an infant, capable of tearing through human flesh and bone.

There has been no further news from His Majesty in the palace.

As the footsteps of the frowning old man faded away, Li put down his pen, stretched lazily, and shifted his gaze to the window, smiling faintly. His eyes resembled two crescent moons shimmering with light, sweetly intoxicating yet tinged with an alluring innocence. "There are many short-haired gray foxes in the desert, but the color of this red fox you are holding is truly beautiful."

He gathered the imperial edict into a bundle and threw it outside the door, saying, "You are late; I have already found a suitable person. However, if you are willing to stay in the palace for a few days, you may remain. If you do not wish to stay, I will provide you with travel expenses to send you on your way"

Bai Hanlu stood with one foot on the shell on his belly, and there was a faint stench of pus and blood in the air. He coldly said: "Why don't you stay properly in the sea? What brings you to Yanqiu to be the chief internal servant? Even if you are a thousand-year-old turtle spirit, how long can you survive away from the sea?"

With a "pop," the little fox was beaten for the six hundred and fifty-fourth time due to its gluttony

Bai Hanlu opened a shop called Zui Meng Xuan on Yaoxian and Tushudao, which primarily deals in the business of monsters. She has established numerous servant contracts, and naturally understands that if these contracts are used for good, it is acceptable; however, if used for evil, it leads to a situation where one cannot survive nor die. The old turtle spirit is also aware of this, and was momentarily rendered speechless, only able to cover it up with a couple of coughs.

When the late emperor Qingxuan was gravely ill, he appointed Princess Jiangli as the destined princess in the court and delivered a speech: "In the future, when I am gone, all of you must strictly adhere to the teachings of our ancestors. For the sake of the century-old foundation of Yanqiu, you must ensure that Jiangli observes a three-year mourning period and is not allowed to marry." Yet, before the late emperor's remains had even cooled, his words still echoed in our ears, and now the female emperor Jiangli is about to marry.

The old turtle spirit lost its face and slowly nodded its head

As a monster who has lived for such a long time, crying like this makes You'er feel embarrassed for him. He flicks his tail and jumps onto the old turtle's shell, bouncing a few times. The sound of the turtle shell cracking can be heard beneath his feet, and it splits a little more, frightening the old turtle into crying even harder.

Thus, we settled down like this

Surely, one would not casually stroll here after passing by the Yanqiu Palace

For the common people, it does not matter who ascends the throne, as long as they love the people as their own children and allow them to live without worries about food and clothing. In fact, Princess Jiangli is not only famous in Yanqiu, but also well-known throughout the Nine Nations. Every year, during the grand ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven, the nearby residents flock to the altar on the west side of the capital to pay their respects to the sacred visage. Princess Jiangli always follows at the end of the worship procession, dressed in an emerald green palace gown that complements her emerald green apricot-shaped eyes, with skin as white as cotton, making her beauty captivating and hard to look away from.

The child wiped the drool that was about to drip down with his paw, "Is this the queen of Yanqiu? So white and tender, it looks quite delicious."

Zheng Kun continued to smile, "Indeed, after the seventh day of the new year, it will be the eighth. Young master, are you thinking about returning home on that day?"

Aren't you supposed to thank Shen

He scratched his head in confusion and asked, "What exactly are you? What are you doing here?"

What comes next?

Throughout this journey in the desert, I have hardly had a proper meal. Upon entering the city, Bai Hanlu took You'er to a restaurant and found a private room. While they were eating here, they called over a waiter to discuss the major events that had occurred in the capital over the past two years. Once he finished speaking, You'er had also eaten his fill, contentedly patting his belly and burping. Bai Hanlu hurriedly gave the waiter some silver to send him away.

Bai Hanlu touched the lethargic fox head on the cushion beside him, and You'er, being inexperienced, not only could not maintain his human form in a place filled with hostility, but his body was also extremely weak. He cast a sidelong glance at this slick old fellow, a half-smile on his face, "You, an ancient turtle who has been away from home for so long that your shell is cracking and rotting, don't even think about going back home. What do I have to think about?"

"What does it matter to my young master whether you harm others? I was merely asking casually. Is it necessary for you to cry as if your father has died?" You'er jumped down from him, "Who is performing the live sacrifice? Our young master is asking, so just answer straightforwardly. If you keep rambling, I will crush your broken shell."

The queen, leaning over the desk, turned to the old eunuch and said, "Grandfather Kun, I am hungry. Please ask the imperial kitchen to prepare some osmanthus sugar lotus root."

"It is you who allowed me to stay; I have complied with your wishes by settling down here. What reason do I have to express my gratitude?"

As she approached, You'er immediately caught a strong scent of blood emanating from her, causing him to instinctively raise the hair on his body and shrink into the young master's embrace, trembling. The atmosphere was filled with killing intent, karmic burdens, hatred, and obsession. It was dark and powerful. You'er had never encountered someone with such a heavy aura of malice, especially not a seemingly soft and delicate little girl who looked quite edible. He was so frightened that he nearly screamed in panic, seeking refuge in the young master's arms.

Good

Bai Hanlu snorted; he indeed dared to eat anything. The essence of the emperors in the mortal realm is mostly the stars in the sky, which are not something he can digest.

The old turtle hesitated for a moment, then honestly shook his head, "Your Majesty does not know."

The news of the Empress's grand wedding, set to take place in half a month, spread from the palace, causing a stir both in the streets and at court

The sound of grinding teeth in the marketplace and court is a clear expression of indignation, ha, what is this called? Retribution

Bai Hanlu said softly: "But even if the contract is fulfilled, if there is no soul within that shell, it is merely a living dead. Does Her Majesty know this?"

In the past two years, I have encountered Taoist priests, high monks, and various hermits, and there are numerous legends about the soul-binding masters who subdue demons and ferry souls. The bloodline of the soul-binding masters has many branches, among which the Bai clan is the oldest and most powerful yet also the most tenuous. It is said that this lineage no longer has any successors. However, this is merely a legend, and the truth remains beyond anyone's investigation

Bai Hanlu cradled the tipsy little fox in her arms and walked out of the tavern. The sky had turned completely dark, and a surge of malevolence rose from the distant palace, which was likely the source of the demonic heart.