Chapter 8

The singing was soft and enchanting, containing a captivating allure that was both mesmerizing and indulgent. Wu Ding was drawn to this melody; he turned to Xing Mi and said, "Is it the shamaness singing? Let us go and take a look"

The priestess had stayed in the shrine of the Xuan Bird for a full three years. She longed for the Festival of the Xuan Bird, yet simultaneously feared it. When she was still a common girl, she could choose her favored man (of course, it was Wu Ding) during this festival. However, as a priestess, she was required to select at least one man to unite with—while the former had the absolute power to reject and waste time, the latter did not. A woman who refuses to dedicate herself to a man, what kind of priestess is she? For women unaccustomed to this custom of the various tribes (although the conquered Zhu Xia had largely adapted), the role of a priestess bore little difference from that of a courtesan in later generations. Yet, she must choose at least one man to unite with—while the former had the absolute power to reject and waste time, the latter did not. A woman who refuses to dedicate herself to a man, what kind of priestess is she? For women unaccustomed to this custom of the various tribes (although the conquered Zhu Xia had largely adapted), the role of a priestess bore little difference from that of a courtesan in later generations.

In order to alleviate this psychological discomfort and breathe in some fresh air, he strolled to the banks of the Sui River—where the Shrine of the Mysterious Bird is located right by the northern bank of the river. The grassy area by the river has always been the best place for young men and women to express their love for one another. Although in recent years, the number of noblewomen who come here to celebrate the Festival of the Mysterious Bird and the Book of Images has dwindled, it is difficult to truly utter the word "love" in the presence of those heavily made-up priestesses. Gazing at the Sui River flowing gently towards the southeast, watching the shimmering reflections on the water's surface, Wu Ding seemed to return to that period of poverty yet happiness from seven years ago. He imagined that a beautiful young girl would suddenly emerge from behind the willow trees by the river, gazing at him with her water-like eyes filled with affection.

Suddenly, a melody accompanied by the sound of the bamboo flute interrupted his reverie; it was a ballad describing the origins of the ancestors of the Yi people

However, at this moment, she could not foresee the astonishing transformation that her fate would undergo. Whenever the festival of the Xuan Bird approached, she had no choice but to select a few men who were somewhat acceptable as substitutes for Wu Ding. Among them, the one who most pleased the Seer was a mid-level shaman named Zhu Lian. Zhu Lian was a junior member of the Zhu clan, handsome in appearance and skilled in divination, but his humble origins meant that he had only just managed to rise to the position of assistant in the divination rituals at the shrine of Xiao Xin.

Indeed, this type of priestess is precisely the origin of the courtesans in later generations

If it were not for Wu Ding's sudden decree, Zhu Lian would have certainly arrived at the Xuan Niao Shrine before dusk. Then he and the Se Girl would have early hidden away in some thicket where few people pass, leaving those noble youths who coveted the Se Girl's beauty longing and lamenting. Subsequently, Wu Ding might casually find a woman he did not dislike at the Xuan Niao Shrine for a fleeting encounter. If she happened to be not a priestess but a noble lady, there would still be a chance to enter the royal palace and become a concubine of the ruler—though, of course, that possibility is not very great. Wu Ding might casually find a woman he did not dislike at the Xuan Niao Shrine for a fleeting encounter. If she happened to be not a priestess but a noble lady, there would still be a chance to enter the royal palace and become a concubine of the ruler—though, of course, that possibility is not very great.

Wuding did not reveal his identity, but his splendid attire and noble demeanor, coupled with the presence of Xing Mi, allowed him to enter without any scrutiny from the gatekeeper. From any perspective, he appeared to be a nobleman. It is said that many aristocrats today have reservations about the ancient tradition of the Xuanbird Festival, considering it a rustic custom that should have been discarded long ago. Particularly in the royal capital, many families strictly prohibit their offspring from stepping foot in the Xuanbird Shrine. Therefore, it is understandable that this nobleman chose not to disclose his true name.

The one singing is the Seer, although she no longer goes by that name. Surrounded by noblemen in layers, she sings while searching the crowd with her eyes, yet she cannot find the person she is looking for. It is quite a coincidence that two days ago, King Wu Ding recognized the talent of Zhu Luan and wished to promote this young shaman of humble origins, but first, he needed to conduct a thorough test. To this end, Zhu Luan abstained from food and bathed for three days in preparation for the king's assessment—had it not been for his own future at stake, he would not have missed the opportunity to embrace the Seer during the Festival of the Mysterious Bird.

The gatekeeper brought a slave to the side of the frugal lady. Although the slave was dressed neatly, the nobles turned away as he passed, fearing that brushing against him might bring them bad luck. The slave respectfully and succinctly conveyed his master's apologies, and the frugal lady, disappointed, set down her bamboo zither, losing the desire to continue her performance.

In the shrine of the Xuan Bird, bonfires were lit everywhere, and the flames illuminated the faces of everyone, further enhancing the nameless anticipation and fervor. Only Wu Ding was different; although he had once cherished beautiful memories of the Xuan Bird Festival, the constraints of many years of court life made him faintly sense the foul odor permeating the air, which left the ruler of the Yi feeling somewhat nauseated

The miserly woman imagines and sketches, thinking that her lover should also become a mid-level sorcerer. Under which high sorcerer's tutelage would he be? Would it be the Bu family, the Shi family, or the Zhu family, like Zhu Lian? ... When she embraces Zhu Lian, she closes her eyes, fantasizing that the young man beside her is her true lover, separated by the Qishui River.

The celestial bird of destiny descends to give birth to the Shang dynasty, dwelling in the vastness of the earth. The ancient emperor commands King Wu of the Shang, establishing order in all directions. The decree extends to the future, encompassing the nine realms...

The gaze of the miserly woman swept once more over the crowd before her, passing over the eager and greedy faces. When her eyes glided over the figure of Wu Ding in the outer circle, she did not pause for even a moment.

Yet the poor Se-nü must confront her seemingly happy, yet truly tragic fate. Especially when, on that day, Wu Ding hurriedly left his homeland without leaving behind any token for remembrance. ... Whenever she thinks of her beloved, Se-nü can only press her hands against her chest, closing her eyes to meditate on the gentle touch of her lover's hand gliding softly over her.

Wuding entered the Shrine of the Mysterious Bird at dusk, accompanied only by a single guard, his cousin Xing Mi from the Shouyu clan. Xing Mi was born in the old capital of Xing and took it as his surname. He was recognized in the court as the most handsome man, tall and strong, with delicate skin and well-defined features. Having been crowned for a long time, Xing Mi enjoyed Wuding's favor but had never taken a wife. This was a significant reason behind the rumors of their ambiguous relationship—another important reason being that the monarch seemed to have no interest in his palace consorts.

The Shrine of the Mysterious Bird is located on the outskirts of the Great Yishang, covering such a vast area that it is likely even larger than the palace of King Wuding. Of course, in terms of architectural space, the Shrine of the Mysterious Bird is far inferior to any royal palace. Enclosed by low earthen walls, it is surrounded by soft grassy fields, lush bamboo groves, and abundant blooming flowers

Zhu Luan will not be coming; she must choose another man and endure his embrace. On ordinary days, she could find various reasons to avoid it, but during the Xuan Niao Festival, it is an inescapable fate. She sighed softly, surprised that after such a long time, she still could not come to terms with her situation—what else could she hope for? Did she hope that Zhu Luan would take her home? ... Zhu Luan already has a legitimate wife, and adding a concubine, given his family's financial situation, would only be feasible in three to five years, even if it were to come to pass ... She sighed softly, surprised that after such a long time, she still could not come to terms with her situation—what else could she hope for? Did she hope that Zhu Luan would take her home? ... Zhu Luan already has a legitimate wife, and adding a concubine, given his family's financial situation, would only be feasible in three to five years, even if it were to come to pass ...