Chapter 32 Forgotten Existence

[Yan Chao Xiang's Narrative][Cloud Pavilion]

The door gently slid open, I entered without a word. I stood still for some time, observing my surroundings. Only the sound of critters and the rustling leaves of the nearby trees could be heard.

Isn't it too peaceful?

Ah, right...

Some of those who had already lost in the competition had started to go back to their homes.

Oh my, what a pity...

...Well at least my inn didn't lose any.

Hmm, would it be better for that little chick to lose or to win? He'll gain popularity either way, even if it's bad reputation, it will attract customers to ridicule him or in hopes of wanting to take advantage of him.

But to deliberately sabotage him like that. That might call the attention of those old bones.

I can't risk to be targeted until my influence have grown more than what I currently hold, or else I will become indebted to that lap dog once again.

I won't be indebted to you, Lord Mao.

[Eastern Garden of the Residence][Zhang Xi Yin's Narrative]

So this is what's triggering that voice in my head...

It's been five days since the last time that I and this Prince met. Today, he came with a weird solid tablet in his arms.

According to him, he sensed my energy emanating from this tablet, it was hidden in that old pavilion from five days ago.

Aside from the hole in the middle, it doesn't seem to be anything special, but I can feel a subtle hint of my own energy. My body's energy to be precise.

How come this guy can recognize the aura of the moon emperor?

Could it be that he knows something about the Moon Emperor? Is it also partly the reason to why he seeks for me specifically when he could've hired and paid a veteran instead?

It's strange to put your trust on someone whom you barely know, unless he knows the moon emperor...

He must be aware of my identity.

He turned around to face me. "You must be thinking that I'm a shady one, but please speak honestly with me. You're the Moon Emperor, aren't you?"

Lying won't be a good options, won't it? This guy really seems to know something.

I nodded, returning his gaze. They say that eye contact proves one's sincerity.

"Partly. But I am Zhang Xi Yin, not anyone else."

A bright expression engulfed his expression. He bowed slightly, clasping his hands together. He straightened up again after.

"Feng CiYuan greets the Great Moon Emperor!"

I shook my head, I waved my hand in front of me.

I leaned closer.

"I told you, I'm not that guy. Please, be careful with your words. Someone might hear us."

He nodded. He spoke in a quiet voice.

"Partly? That much means that I'm correct."

This guy is stubborn...

A screen window appeared in front of me.

Why is it showing me his character data again?

Oh? A title on his name? Guardian's Descendant? It doesn't say anything else...

Perhaps provoking him would give me something more.

"Oh? Is it perhaps your kind's instinct kicking in?"

A quick silence ensued. The Prince smiled, but he seems to be contemplating of something.

"It seems we both know each other quite well. This makes things easier. Please, take this. It will burn itself after you've read its contents. It's everything that you may want to know about my request."

He extended his hand, handing me a wooden scroll. Another item that appears to be ordinary, but is certainly not. How interesting...

A screen window appeared showing the details written within the scroll. It burned itself quickly just as he said.

There was no need to provoke him after all. Everything is indeed written in the scroll, even information about himself. Isn't this guy too careless? What if I plot against him? Isn't he worried? He should be at least be a bit cautious...

His face seemed quite puzzled upon seeing the scroll burn without me opening it.

"I see..." this much should reassure him that I didn't burned it right?

Hopefully, that's enough to give him the hint that I've seen the contents somehow.

His facial expression relaxed within a few seconds. A quick-witted young man.

How nice...

Somehow, whenever someone impresses me, I get the urge to possess them. Is it my own greed? It feels disgusting...

I feel uncomfortable of myself whenever it happens.

My thoughts were interrupted as he cleared his throat.

"Since you've read it. I'd take it that you've accepted to aid me?"

"Do you want me to recreate the scroll?"

"No, it's okay. Forgive me for questioning you. Thank you for your generosity. Once we accomplished my goal, I swear to devote myself as the loyal servant to you once more."

Huh? This guy speaks as if he had served the emperor before...

Perhaps, he speaks that way due to his clan's roots. He is a "Guardian's Descendant" after all.

After spending some time talking about random subjects, the prince left and I was left alone once more.

I should check up on Yīhán and Li Qian, but before that, I might as well as check my inventory. I have a feeling that I should get prepared.

[Yīhán's Narrative][Streets of the Capital]

A few days has it been since I have been following this disciple of mine...

Has he not given up yet? He's only putting himself in danger's way.

A man wearing a black scarf came out of the manor where Huáng Yi Chén entered earlier.

I heard that this place is where the brother of the current Emperor is planning to stay for the rest of the festival. He must like the festival plenty to make the effort of exposing himself like this.

The man upon reaching the bottom of the stairs stretched out his arms and yawned, he sighed and started to sniff himself.

"Ugh. I need to take a bath. Lord Feng and Lord Māo are such detail freak guys..."

A man with a lip earring followed suit.

"You could've been thrown into the dungeon if it's that guy who heard you. You're so stupid."

The man with a black scarf laughed nervously in response, he looked around cautiously, the other sighed.

Such cruelty even in this realm. We clearly weren't doing good as the emperors...

To have the weaker promote such act as a way of discipline. To have these weaker existence treat each other as if they're only some sort of replaceable tools.

I see why Gao Shu hated all of us before he became an emperor himself. We might have made a big mistake by ignoring his warnings.

Pride is really such a troublesome obstacle. But we didn't have any choice even as an immortal emperor, as long as the Transcendent Immortal Emperor wills it. There is no hope even if we are to intervene.

Changing the law is just not possible. Doing so may cause turmoil in the nature of the law, if it were to be altered from it's natural flow.

I wonder if the rest of the emperors have made any progress against Gao Shu? I sincerely hope for their safety.

The snake emperor himself, Gao Shu, might be a new emperor, but he is undoubtedly one of most powerful among who are left in that place...

As I continued to observe from a distance, a loud explosion resounded from the manor. The two men immediately blocked the onlookers who seemed interested in the sudden commotion.

There's smoke all over the place, I should check on Yi Chén.

Using the fire and the smoke coming from the manor, I transferred myself in an area inside the manor. How convenient that this feathers of mine seems to be resistant of flame, I'd prefer not to be roasted.

The sound of ceramic hitting the surface and then breaking filled the place, burnt heads came rolling out of the pots of plants that exploded.

How horrible...

Ah, he's over there with the man.

I transferred closer, hiding myself in the smoke.

The man held a dagger, glaring at Yi Chén.

"You! Is this your doing?! A traitor... Ha ha.. Hahahaha! I should've known!"

Yi Chén stood still. His face is as obvious as ever, it seems that he's being wronged.

"You already failed, and now? You've brought the enemy to us? It's over,  you won't be seeing the sun anymore. I'll make sure of it!"

Ice daggers appeared floating in the air, it's edges seems sharp enough to pierce through the body. Yi Chén stood still, he closed his eyes without any word, the same thing he did when he was accused back in the emperor's realm.

My disciple, why do you let yourself be put in such situation? I have told you to cherish your life. You're no longer the same as before...

...I could easily lose you.

As seconds passed by, the man procured even more that the place has become full of it, the sight is quite threatening, but Yi Chén didn't trembled. I sense no fear from him.

With a wave of the man's hand, all of daggers headed towards Yi Chén.

My foolish disciple...

Burn it.