Perched atop a tower, I gazed toward an ancient Taoist temple nestled at the foot of the mountain. A woman dressed in plain white and green robes gently tapped on the gate. The dark wooden door creaked open halfway, revealing a pale-faced man cautiously peeking out. Upon recognizing her, he stepped aside, allowing the nun to bow and swiftly slip inside.

How unpredictable life is. Who would have thought that Luo Hong, once known for her fragrant hands and luxurious lifestyle, would now bind her hair and live as a nun practicing austerity? But what kind of “Tao” does she follow—the way of heaven or the path of ghosts? And who truly resides in this Xizhi Temple—nuns or conspirators? With a light push off the roof, I drifted down under the cover of night, landing silently on the temple’s darkened rooftop like a falling leaf.

Carefully lifting a tile, faint yellow candlelight filtered through from within. Inside the smoke-filled chamber stood an opulent couch, with scattered silk garments strewn across the floor. Following the trail of disarray, I saw a pair of red embroidered shoes depicting mandarin ducks playing in water, paired beside golden-patterned men’s shoes, haphazardly placed near a lavishly decorated canopy bed. The gauzy curtains swayed gently with the vigorous movements inside, while lewd sounds echoed through the extravagant room.

“Whore! Whore!” the man shouted ecstatically. Shadows danced on the curtains as the crack of a whip striking flesh resounded. His voice trembled with rage: “Liar! Liar! You claimed everything was for my benefit, promising to return power to me after my coming-of-age—all lies! All lies!”

“Ahh... Ahh...” the woman beneath him moaned in pain. “Your Majesty, forgive me, forgive me.”

“Forgive you? Forgive you! Hahaha~” The man laughed maniacally, discarding the whip and pouncing onto her. A sharp tearing sound followed as the shadow of his bulky figure collapsed abruptly. The woman chuckled low and deep—a familiar voice that made my fists clench involuntarily. Turning away, I glanced toward a shadow wall three courtyards away, where several effeminate men stood fidgeting against the walls. In the distance, beyond the dim rear gate, a sedan chair waited, flanked by vigilant guards.

“Your Majesty?” So the ruler of Jing was not only a sadistic pervert but also infatuated with this aging beauty.

“Your Majesty~” Her sickeningly sweet voice carried over the slightly chilly breeze, sending chills down my arms.

“Hmm? What is it?” King Jing responded indifferently, his tone weary.

The woman rolled over, half-leaning on him, and spoke coquettishly. I focused intently, my heightened senses sharpened by years of martial arts training. “My lord, when will you bring me into the palace?” She writhed theatrically. “Ever since meeting Your Majesty, I’ve been consumed by thoughts of your heroic figure—unable to eat or sleep.”

The man patted her reassuringly, chuckling lasciviously. “Does Xiang long for my figure—or my body? Hmm?”

“You’re terrible~” she pouted. “Is it because Her Majesty despises me for being old and faded, unworthy of serving tea by your side?”

“Hmph!” His voice turned harsh. “Who says you’re old? No one in the three palaces can match your porcelain skin! And your gentle, obedient nature far surpasses those pretentious, fake-pure concubines!”

“Your Majesty” Her voice quivered, half-sobbing. “I am but a pitiable soul. Remember when I lived in the You Kingdom’s palace? My own elder sister, envious of my favored position, plotted against me repeatedly. Then my brother sent me and my infant son to Jing as hostages. For two lonely years, I suffered in the cold palace, raising my sick child alone, with no one to turn to. Three years later, my poor boy died on a freezing winter night. After the fall of the You Kingdom, thanks to Your Majesty’s protection, I found refuge here in this temple, preserving my life. Woe is me “

“Sigh~” The man sighed deeply. “Even Mother treats me harshly; how much crueler must she be to you, Xiang?”

“No! None of this is Her Majesty’s fault—it’s my cursed fate!”

“I’ve already discussed plans with my trusted advisors. Before the summer solstice, I will reclaim my authority, and by year’s end, I shall welcome you into the palace.” King Jing’s confident promise elicited coy giggles from the woman. “I thank Your Majesty deeply for your kindness and pray you soon grasp full control~”

“Xiang, gratitude shouldn’t come so easily~” King Jing’s lecherous voice trailed off. “Recently, I acquired a foreign erotic painting featuring many novel techniques. Why don’t we…”

Before he could finish, a trembling voice interrupted: “Your Majesty~”

I tilted my head downward. A eunuch with feminine features stood outside the door, speaking cautiously. “A message has arrived from the palace. It seems Consort Wen Yuanyan has caused a disturbance at Fengming Palace. Her Majesty is furious and is searching for Your Majesty.”

“That wretch Wen Yuanyan!” A roar erupted from within the chamber. King Jing tore down the curtains, his bare torso exposed as he jumped off the bed, his sagging cheeks and drooping eyes betraying his pathetic appearance. “Mother restrains me even in trivial matters like choosing favorites—what kind of king am I!” Enraged, he overturned the table, the shattering ceramics causing the woman wrapped in thin blankets to tremble in fear.

“Damn it! Irin! Get in here and dress me!” King Jing barked. The eunuch hurriedly entered, head bowed, picking up clothes and trembling as he helped the king dress. Moments later, the sound of hooves and hurried footsteps faded into the growing darkness behind the temple.

From inside came a sigh of relief. The woman snapped impatiently: “Hongluo! Come in and clean me up!”

The nun carrying a copper basin entered, bowing slightly. Qian Qiaoxiang turned her back, loosening the blanket. Snow-white skin bore deep red welts crisscrossing her body. Hongluo froze momentarily, her hands trembling as she placed a cloth over Qian’s back.

“Beast!” Qian spat venomously, all traces of coquetry gone. “Too cowardly to confront that vile mother of yours, so you take it out on me!”

Hongluo retrieved a translucent ointment, carefully applying it to her mistress’s wounds. “These years have been unbearable for Her Ladyship.”

“Hmph!” Qian grimaced, twisting her body in pain. “The real culprit is my dear brother, Qian Qiaozhi. How ruthless you are! To secure temporary peace, you handed me and my infant son over to these barbarians of Jing. Later, for your own wealth and status, you didn’t hesitate to murder your own nephew and drive your sister to death. You’ve committed every despicable act imaginable. Now I endure humiliation at the hands of that brat, all so I can one day ascend to the phoenix throne and settle the score with you!”

So sibling betrayal had reduced the once-glorious Consort Shu to a plaything of King Jing. Replacing the tile, I stood and gazed into the heavy night sky: blood debts would begin repayment tonight.

With a slight curve of my lips, I leapt down silently, stepping into the fragrant bedroom. Avoiding shards of broken porcelain, I stood quietly beside the ornate couch, coldly observing the plotting mistress and servant in the grand bed.

“Her Ladyship truly excels at manipulation. That King Jing visits nearly every other day, utterly bewitched,” Hongluo remarked admiringly.

“Hmph, this is just the beginning.” Qian smirked smugly, adjusting her shoulders. “Hongluo, the towel is cold. Fetch some hot water.”

“Yes~” Hongluo bowed and turned, carrying the copper basin. Suddenly, her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at me. Her hands went limp, and the basin crashed to the ground, splashing water across the floor. It spun noisily before finally coming to rest upside-down.

“Hongluo, how careless!” Qian scolded, clutching the blanket. As she turned irritably, her grip slipped, revealing her well-maintained face now pale with terror.

My gaze flickered, and I chuckled softly. “Hehehe~”

“W-who… who dares intrude so shamelessly!” Hongluo stammered, trembling as she shielded her mistress. “Our abbess is a favored consort of King Jing. If you know what’s good for you, l-leave immediately!”

Raising an eyebrow, I advanced nonchalantly. Hongluo swallowed nervously, retreating toward the bedside, while Qian clutched the blanket tightly, shrinking into herself.

Seeing Hongluo open her mouth to scream, I subtly gathered energy, raising my left hand. Qi surged to my Zhongfu acupoint, palm wide open, fingers suddenly curling. The air shifted subtly. With a startled cry, Hongluo’s neck—already lined with fine wrinkles—was caught in my grasp. Applying slight pressure, her fair face flushed crimson. Mouth agape, brows furrowed, she struggled silently.

Smiling faintly, I glanced at Qian, whose face had turned ashen. Hair disheveled, she cowered in the corner, her complexion waxen. “Who… who are you?”

Dragging Hongluo, kicking shards of porcelain with melodious tinkling sounds, I sauntered leisurely toward the intricately carved bed.

“Don’t… don’t come any closer! Or else… or else I’ll scream!” Qian’s voice quavered, tears pooling in her eyes as she shrieked desperately, “Help! He—”

Before she could utter another word, I strode forward, gripping her jaw tightly. Sensing Hongluo’s struggles cease, I released my left hand. Behind me, a thud signaled her collapsing to the ground. Seeing Hongluo unharmed, Qian exhaled in relief, loosening her grip on the blanket, exposing herself provocatively. Was she attempting to distract me with seduction?

Feigning attraction to her allure, I leaned in slowly. A flicker of cunning passed through her eyes. I gently released her jaw, then suddenly hardened my expression, narrowing my eyes as my hand moved to my waist. A muffled grunt escaped my lips as I raised my head, locking gazes with Hongluo mere inches away. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth as she stared dumbfounded at the sword piercing her abdomen. I withdrew the blade, sidestepping around her. A soft whimper sounded as the sword sliced cleanly through her body, returning neatly to my grasp.

“Clear notes linger, like the melody of a phoenix flute—do not say they fail to captivate.” I gazed mockingly at the slender silver sword in my hand, its blade humming softly in response to my words. Twisting my wrist, droplets of blood spun off the gleaming metal, leaving it pristine, as if untouched. Xiaohun —a flexible sword without a guard—was a weapon I’d discovered by chance in the icy lake of Qiao Cave when I was seven.

Xiaohun felt like an extension of myself.

With a gentle twist of my arm, I secured it against my waist, where it coiled obediently, resembling a silver belt. The copper basin clattered again, its shrill ring slicing through the silence. Brushing off my robe, I passed by Hongluo’s lifeless form. From behind came a dull thud—Qian’s naked body collapsed by the bedside, trembling uncontrollably.

Lifting my robe, I sat casually on the edge of the bed, tilting my head to regard the corpse on the floor. “Such an easy death,” I murmured pensively.

Qian raised her head, staring blankly at me. Crawling off the bed on hands and knees, she knelt at my feet. “Noble warrior, I bear you no grudge. Please spare my life!” she pleaded, kowtowing frantically.

“Oh~” I sneered coldly, glancing disdainfully at the figure on the ground.

She clung to my leg, tears streaming down her face, simpering: “This humble servant drifts alone in a foreign land. If you find me worthy, I’ll serve faithfully by your side!”

Standing, I tossed her an outer garment. Qian gazed at me gratefully, trembling as she donned the clothing. “I thank you for sparing my life. For the rest of my days, I vow to serve you devotedly.”

Devoted service? Heh, what a cunning viper. But I’m no softhearted farmer. Smirking, I seized her jaw, eyes narrowing slightly as my thumb and forefinger exerted sudden force. A sharp crack echoed, and tears streamed down Qian’s face as she clutched her cheek, writhing in agony on the floor.

I grasped her raised right hand, channeling surging qi into her body. Qian’s features contorted grotesquely, her cheeks twisting, limbs convulsing violently. After a moment, I retracted my energy, expressionless as I surveyed her motionless form sprawled on the ground. Wide-eyed, she seemed to accuse me silently.

Leaning down, I whispered softly: “Consort Shu is merely mute and paralyzed.”

Furrowing her brow, she stared incredulously. I patted her cheek gently. “Rest assured. I wouldn’t let Her Ladyship fade away so easily.” With that, I tore a strip of curtain fabric and tied a tight knot around her slender waist. “We’re going somewhere—to fulfill your heart’s desire.”

With a gust of wind beneath my feet, I propelled us forward, dragging Qian’s limp body out of the deathly silent Xizhi Temple. Leaping between uneven rooftops, a content smile graced my lips as I soared through the cool spring breeze, accompanied by glittering stars, heading toward the most magnificent mansion in Yuan City.

Flying into the darkest corners of King Jing’s palace, I wandered freely atop the halls and pavilions. After an indeterminate time, intermittent sobs reached my ears. I flicked my wrist, pulling Qian close, whispering soothingly: “Forgive me, Your Ladyship. This birdcage is unfamiliar to me—I lost my way.” Suddenly detecting a foul odor, I looked down, spotting damp patches staining the glazed tiles under the starlit sky.

Terrified like this? I snorted coldly and leapt up suddenly, positioning her securely behind me as I darted across the rooftops with the agility of an ape and the swiftness of an eagle. Gazing into the distance, I saw a cluster of palace buildings ablaze with light not far away, their lively clamor rising intermittently. My heart leapt with satisfaction. Drawing in my qi, I straightened my posture, clasped my hands behind my back, and inhaled deeply, savoring the sweet fragrance of magnolia wafting through the air as I soared toward the intricately carved beams and gleaming green-tiled roof of the magnificent palace.

Perched atop one of the mythical beasts adorning the eaves, I flicked my wrist and gently placed Qian Qiaoxiang on the tiles. Leaning forward to peer down, I observed palace maids and eunuchs scurrying about, heads bowed low, while heated arguments echoed from within the hall.

“Careful! Be even more careful!” An elderly matron stationed by the entrance whispered urgently. “Don’t offend any of the masters at a time like this!”

This must be Fengming Palace, I thought with quiet satisfaction. Nodding to myself, I turned and lifted Qian Qiaoxiang, gliding silently toward a shadowy corner. Landing softly, I carried her limp, doll-like body into an eastern side chamber. Pushing open the window, I allowed the glow of the corridor lanterns to spill inside. Grabbing a length of curtain fabric, I swung onto the rafters and suspended Qian Qiaoxiang in midair. Her mouth hung open grotesquely, drool dripping uncontrollably; her hair was disheveled, tears streaking her face. Clad only in a white robe, she looked eerily ghostly.

I smiled brightly at her: “Your Ladyship wished to reclaim your place among the phoenixes, didn’t you? This is Fengming Palace—I’ve kept my promise.”

“Ugh! Ugh!” She blinked furiously, pleading silently.

I nodded, continuing calmly: “As for your second wish, rest assured—I’ll ensure it’s fulfilled.” A cold laugh escaped my lips as I glanced at her disdainfully. “Await your reunion with Qian Qiaozhi in the depths of hell.” With that, I sprang away, landing lightly on the opposite pavilion to observe her fate.

The curtains swirled slowly—once, twice, three times… After a moment, the delicate silk could no longer bear Qian Qiaoxiang’s weight and tore abruptly. She plummeted onto a round table laden with porcelain, the clinking sounds reverberating through the vast emptiness of Fengming Palace, stirring unease.

Three palace maids hurried toward the side hall, lifting their skirts as they ran. The leader froze upon seeing the wide-open window and the scene within. The two behind her gasped in shock: “Ah!”

Cradling my knees, I tilted my head upward to gaze at the sky. Midnight had fallen, cloaking the heavens in darkness; the moon was hidden, leaving only countless stars twinkling above. Suspended high in the endless expanse, they gazed at each other across millennia, burdened with unspoken sorrow. Raising my hand, I tried to touch two stars nestled close together—but between us lay the distance of heaven and earth. A soft chuckle escaped my lips, as if accustomed to sighs. In the blink of an eye, a meteor quivered and streaked across the horizon, leaving behind a silvery trail that melted into the melancholy night, like a single tear tracing the loneliness etched in my heart.

Rising to my feet, the night wind danced playfully around me, swirling mischievously to tousle my hair and loosen my ribbon. The half-long green silk unfurled gracefully, carried off by the eastern breeze into the mysterious night. My waist-length hair swayed behind me, as though imbued with life by the spring.

Outside the side hall, bright lanterns illuminated the scene. The bloated King Jing stared in astonishment at Qian Qiaoxiang being carried out, hesitating to approach. He turned his face away, covering his nose, seemingly repulsed by her stench. A beautiful woman in ornate robes supported a petite, plump middle-aged woman as they slowly approached the disheveled figure.

“Hmph!” The older woman let out a sharp snort, causing the surrounding maids and eunuchs to kneel instantly. Clearly, this was the renowned Empress Dowager Wen.

“Ling’er, is this foul-smelling old woman truly the ‘Xiang’ you’ve been pining for?” Her lips pressed tightly together as she scolded harshly, “Do you realize she’s nearly forty?”

Wu Ling hastily defended himself: “Yes, I know! It’s precisely because she’s mature and charming, and knows how to care for others, that I favor her.” His tone turned bitter as he glared at the young beauty beside him. “Unlike Consort Wen, who abuses your authority to tyrannize the palace!”

“Your Majesty!” Consort Wen called out softly, lowering her voice. “All I think of is Your Majesty. I couldn’t bear to see you led astray by this seductress from You.”

“Ling’er! Look at how sensible and reasonable Yuanyan is!” Empress Dowager Wen pointed accusingly at King Jing, shouting, “Yuanyan has spent five long years confined within these walls, bearing you your only son. She is the epitome of a virtuous wife and mother. And yet you—you don’t cherish her! Not only have you failed to make her queen, but you chase after women of ill repute. Are you worthy of her?”

“Mother, Mother, please calm yourself,” Consort Wen cooed soothingly, patting the empress dowager’s back. The elder woman gazed fondly at her daughter-in-law and niece before leveling a fierce glare at King Jing.

Wu Ling shook his head, stepping backward, squinting at the two of them. “I understand now—I understand everything! Tonight’s events were surely orchestrated by you, Mother! First, the consort spreads rumors, then she urges me to return to the palace. Next, Xiang is abducted and tortured. Finally, you employ both threats and persuasion to make me feel guilty and grant your wishes, elevating the consort to queen. Isn’t that right?”

I watched the bloated, clumsy King Jing in astonishment, marveling at the extent of his paranoid imagination.

“You!” The empress dowager trembled with rage, her finger shaking.

“Your Majesty! You misunderstand, you completely misunderstand!” Consort Wen shook her head frantically, trying to explain.

“Hmph—misunderstand?” Wu Ling replied bitterly, almost resigned. “Since childhood, every aspect of my life has been controlled by you. I’m nothing but a puppet, dancing to your strings. To consolidate the Wen family’s power, you murdered the woman I loved most and forced me to favor this cruel-hearted Yuanyan.” He sneered. “I am nothing but a tool. Once I sired a son carrying Wen blood, you began to despise me even more, berating me constantly. I finally found someone who understood me—” He gestured to Qian Qiaoxiang lying on the ground—”and look what happened!” Stumbling forward, he approached Empress Dowager Wen like a child, whimpering sweetly: “Mother, is it true what the palace whispers—that Ling’er isn’t your biological child?”

Shock rippled through the crowd as courtiers dropped to their knees, too afraid to raise their heads.

Slap! Wu Ling’s fleshy cheek was struck aside. Empress Dowager Wen clenched her teeth, glaring fiercely. “Traitorous son!” Her lips trembled, her eyes blazing with fury. “Get out! Leave immediately!”

Wu Ling snapped out of his daze. “HehHaha~ Hahaha~” The hollow laughter lingered for a moment before abruptly ceasing. He turned icy eyes toward the two members of the Wen family: “I’ll leave now—and never set foot in this palace again!” With that, he stormed off without a backward glance.

“You! You!” Empress Dowager Wen’s eyes blazed with malevolence, her entire body trembling.

“Mother! Mother! His Majesty didn’t mean those words—they were spoken in anger!” Consort Wen attempted to steady her, but the empress dowager shoved her away violently. Turning sharply, she fixed her blazing gaze on the room. “Matron Xing.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” A middle-aged palace servant rose shakily from the floor.

“Who dared whisper such treacherous nonsense into His Majesty’s ear?” She pointed accusingly at the kneeling servants and maids, her voice venomous. “Matron Xing, I order you to investigate thoroughly within seven days. Kill ten thousand innocents if necessary, but leave no stone unturned!”

Those prostrated on the cold stone floor trembled violently, pressing their foreheads to the ground, too terrified to move.

“Yes…” Matron Xing kowtowed obediently, casting a sidelong glance filled with malice.

Empress Dowager Wen clenched her fists tightly, snapping, “Shunfu.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” A nervous-looking eunuch stepped forward cautiously.

“Summon Commander Zhang Wenguang of the imperial guard!” Despite her small frame, her voice carried commanding authority. “Tonight, some wretched creature appeared inexplicably in Fengming Palace. Tomorrow, will I wake up dead without anyone noticing? Useless fools! All of you!”

The eunuch feigned composure, bowing deeply before retreating.

“Mother.” Consort Wen hesitated, opening her mouth timidly. Her sharp gaze darted toward Qian Qiaoxiang sprawled on the floor. “What should we do with this woman?”

The empress dowager cast a cold glance at the pathetic figure. “Decide for yourself, Consort.”

“Yes~” Wen Yuanyan responded softly, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Strands of hair occasionally brushed against my cheeks. Pushing aside the thick curtain of my own locks, I watched the scene unfold with detached indifference: an overbearing mother, a spineless son, and a ruthless daughter-in-law. Among common folk, this would merely be a domestic farce. But in the imperial court, it spelled disaster for the nation.

Glancing away, I saw Qian Qiaoxiang staring blankly at me, her eyes filled with shock, fear, and sudden realization.

Hmph, so you’ve finally recognized me? Raising my hand, I gently touched my cheek.

I avoid looking in mirrors when grooming because I dread seeing a face so similar to my mother’s. Every time I glimpse that resemblance, I’m reminded of her despair on the city walls. And whenever I think of her despair, flashes of the battlefield’s dying sun sear my mind. That crimson sunset scorches anew the unhealed wound festering in my heart.

With a graceful turn, I soared into the night, carried by the wind.

Behind me, only a faint trace of lingering fragrance remained.