Walking down the street, Fei Xiong and Dao Lang were reminded of that time.
They had also followed Zi Yu's orders to capture Mu Ye and deliver her to the Northern Divine Palace. They remembered the money they received for selling her, which had allowed them to live happily for a while.
However, there was nothing more they could do to help Zi Yu afterward, and they never received such wealth again.
Thinking back, it felt like it happened yesterday, as if she was still so innocent and lively then.
"Sigh~"
Dao Lang let out a long sigh, blaming the changes in the world. The child they once knew had now become the formidable Myriad Ghost King.
Unknowingly, they arrived before the grand gates of the Supreme Divine Palace. It was strange today; they remembered that whenever they came before, there would be over a dozen guards at the entrance.
Now, it was quiet with no one around, which made them a little puzzled.
They stepped onto the marble stairs, walked to the vermilion gate, and knocked hard.
The gate creaked open slightly, revealing half a head. It was a neatly dressed gate boy.
The gate boy recognized them and had spoken to them before, so he smiled in surprise and asked,
"It's you two, sirs. What brings you here?"
Dao Lang didn't ask anything else but voiced his confusion.
"Little gate boy, why is it just you? Where are the guards from before?"
The gate boy replied,
"Oh, the Palace Master said that we were too extravagant before, always wanting to show off a grand style with useless things.
So, she had them all withdrawn and assigned them other tasks."
"I see. Then where is the Palace Master?"
"She's inside."
Dao Lang lowered his head slightly and said to him,
"Little gate boy, we're here to visit the Palace Master. an old friend of hers asked us to bring her something."
Dao Lang didn't directly state their purpose, thinking the little gate boy might not understand.
"Just give it to me,"
The little gate boy innocently extended his hand.
Fei Xiong patted his hand from the side and said,
"That person said we must deliver it to the Palace Master personally. Please go and announce us."
"Oh,"
Only then did he understand and say,
"Then please wait, I'll go and announce you."
"Hurry along."
The gate boy closed the door and ran inside. After a moment, he returned, opened the gate, and said,
"The Palace Master said you can come in. I'll lead you."
"Alright."
The group followed the gate boy inside. Xue Gucheng looked around curiously and saw two large water vats placed on either side of the courtyard.
Outside the corridor along the wall, rows of colorful and strange flowers and plants were displayed. There were also green plants on the surrounding walls, making it look very beautiful.
The gate boy led them directly to the main hall to the north.
As soon as they entered the room, they saw Zi Yu, dressed in golden attire, seated on the main seat, as radiant and captivating as a chrysanthemum blooming in early June.
Her appearance stunned them. Even Dao Lang and Fei Xiong had never seen her wear this before.
Before, they had seen her in purple, blue, or pink, but never in this attire.
Zi Yu smiled at them and gestured,
"Please, everyone, have a seat."
After they were seated, she asked,
"I heard from the gate boy that you are here on behalf of an old friend. I suspect it's Mu Ye, isn't it?"
Seeing her guess correctly, the group exchanged glances, momentarily speechless. Only Dao Lang spoke politely,
"We haven't seen Madam since we last parted. We are indeed here at Mu Ye's request, but also because of our thoughts of you."
Zi Yu couldn't help but purse her lips and chuckle.
"Your tongue has become quite glib after a few days without seeing you."
"Hahaha, I'm speaking from the heart. Madam, do you recognize these two?"
Saying this, he turned to look at Xue Gucheng and Yan Wushuang. The two of them stood up, cupped their fists, and said,
"I am Xue Gucheng, and this is Yan Wushuang. We greet the Palace Master."
Zi Yu smiled slightly and teased,
"Just call me Madam. Palace Master is just a title given by outsiders.
I've heard of you two. You are the renowned Twin Snow Blades of the Four Cities.
It is said that your whereabouts are mysterious, like dragons that show their heads but not their tails. What brings you to my Supreme Divine Palace as guests today?"
Xue Gucheng was straightforward and praised Zi Yu in return.
"We've heard that Madam is unconventional and treats people with sincerity. It seems to be true.
Since Madam asks, we dare not conceal anything. We have a matter to request."
Zi Yu pondered for a moment and asked,
"What is it?"
"We know that Madam's elder brother is the Great General of the Northern Divine Capital. We have an important matter that requires his assistance.
Here is a letter. We would be grateful if Madam could deliver it to him. The General will understand after reading it."
As he spoke, Xue Gucheng took out a letter from his怀. It was written in his own hand.
It turned out that after discussing it last night, Dao Lang had dictated, and Xue Gucheng had written the letter.
Zi Yu personally took the letter and placed it under a teacup, then asked Dao Lang,
"I want to know about that person's situation."
Dao Lang guessed immediately.
"Madam is referring to Mu Ye, aren't you?"
"Yes. How is she doing now?"
Dao Lang hesitated slightly. He was unsure whether to tell Zi Yu about Mu Ye's situation.
Seeing his silence, Zi Yu asked Fei Xiong,
"Fei Xiong, you escorted Mu Ye with Dao Lang. You've become friends now, right? You must know some inside information."
Fei Xiong stammered,
"I, I, I... that... I don't know how to say it."
Zi Yu frowned slightly. Seeing that they were worried about something, she said,
"There is no one else in this room besides you. When I called you in, I had everyone else dismissed.
No matter what Mu Ye is like now, she saved my life. I will absolutely not do anything to her."
Hearing Zi Yu say this, Dao Lang no longer hesitated. He knew Zi Yu well; even if she knew the truth, she wouldn't be disgusted by it.
"To be honest, Madam, Mu Ye has somehow become the Myriad Ghost King. I heard she injured someone and is now being hunted by the four cities. You know all this, don't you?"
Zi Yu frowned slightly upon hearing this. She picked up the tea on the table and took a sip before saying,
"I saw a wanted poster on the street a few days ago. It depicted a person who looked somewhat like Mu Ye, but I never imagined it was actually her."
Dao Lang sighed, also feeling helpless.
Xue Gucheng also chimed in,
"Mu Ye was also forced into it. We met her. Although she's not quite the same as before, if you look closely, she's still the same."
Zi Yu sighed slightly, feeling a bit sad.
"I read about the Myriad Ghost King in ancient miscellaneous records. It is said that he was unprecedented and unrepeatable, and the next capable person after his ancestors.
A thousand years ago, he perished in the Myriad Ghost Mountain, but his soul was eternal and indestructible, which is why he was suppressed at the foot of the mountain.
His physical body was destroyed, and to be reborn, he had to possess someone else.
It seems that Mu Ye was unfortunately chosen by him, and thus accidentally became the Myriad Ghost King."
Unexpectedly, Zi Yu's few words clearly explained the whole reason. It seemed she knew quite a bit about the Myriad Ghost King.
Yan Wushuang said,
"Madam is correct. Mu Ye was indeed possessed by the Myriad Ghost King, but it did not erode her soul."
"Thinking about it this way, the Myriad Ghost King is not entirely evil, and still has some humanity."
"It's just that Mu Ye will probably have to be the Myriad Ghost King from now on."
Zi Yu sighed deeply and uttered a most philosophical sentence.
"In this world, everything is destined by fate, and she cannot escape, nor should she.
Perhaps, the thousand-year-old grievances between the Ghost Clan and the Four Cities are to be resolved by her."
As soon as she said this, everyone suddenly understood. All their past worries and speculations vanished like smoke.
It was as if, in an instant, everyone understood Mu Ye and the Myriad Ghost King.
Xue Gucheng and Yan Wushuang's conflicted hearts also found resolution, and they seemed to understand what they should do.
After a moment of silence, Zi Yu spoke,
"Let's not talk about Mu Ye for now. Tell me about your purpose here. Perhaps I can help."
Since Zi Yu had spoken, Xue Gucheng no longer concealed his intentions and said,
"To be honest, Madam, I am here for Liu Shinian."
"Liu Shinian? That famous wandering swordsman."
"Precisely. He is also a good friend of Mu Ye. When Mu Ye was captured before, he was also captured by people from the Four Cities.
After Mu Ye was rescued, she wanted to come and rescue him. We were worried about her safety, so we didn't let her come.
According to reliable sources, Liu Shinian has been escorted to the Northern Divine Capital and imprisoned in the dungeon. And the one guarding him is General Zi Ye."
Understanding the situation, Zi Yu said,
"I heard my brother mention it before. There was indeed such a person sent to his care. It seems that to rescue Liu Shinian, you will have to rely on my brother."
Xue Gucheng stood up and cupped his fists.
"Madam, Liu Shinian is not a bad person. We hope Madam can help us rescue him."
Zi Yu smiled slightly and said,
"Don't worry. Mu Ye once saved my life. Now that she wants to save someone, I will naturally lend my full support, as a way to repay her kindness to me."
Hearing this, they felt reassured. The group quickly stood up, cupped their fists, and thanked her.
"Thank you, Madam."
"I see you came in a hurry and haven't eaten yet. Please have a simple meal with me."
"That would be too much trouble, Madam."
"This is your first time here, so you might feel a bit awkward. Dao Lang and Fei Xiong always eat a few meals here before leaving.
With more people now, I won't lack bowls and chopsticks. It's no problem for me to treat you to a few meals."
Hearing about food, Fei Xiong's hungry stomach rumbled again, and he said directly,
"Madam truly understands us. But when will the meal be ready? We ran for two days and only ate one meal last night. We're hungry again this morning."
Everyone laughed heartily upon hearing this.
Dao Lang also playfully chided him,
"Look at you, only thinking about food."
Fei Xiong retorted,
"I'm hungry, what else can I do if I don't eat?"
"Look at you, always talking about being hungry, you're making me hungry too."
"Hahaha..."
Another burst of laughter followed. Zi Yu said,
"Alright, everyone, follow me. I've already asked the kitchen to prepare the dishes."
Fei Xiong was immediately delighted.
"That's great."
He followed Zi Yu out the door. The others couldn't refuse and had to follow.
After they left, she stood alone by the window, gazing out, lost in thought. Even when the steward came in, she didn't notice.
Steward Liu glanced over and saw Zi Yu staring blankly out the window with a somewhat melancholic expression. He couldn't help but ask curiously,
"Madam, what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothing."
Zi Yu turned her head upon hearing the sound.
"Those two who accompanied Dao Lang and Fei Xiong today, I think I've heard of their names."
"You are indeed wise. You recognized them at a glance. Those two are the legendary Twin Snow Blades of the Four Cities."
"It is said that the Twin Snow Blades wear white clothes, have a pair of white masks, one wields a snow blade, and the other a flying snow knife.
They come and go like shadows, flying together, truly enviable.
I felt they resembled the legendary Twin Snow Blades today, but they rarely appear. How did they find Madam?"
Zi Yu said,
"They came for a friend."
"I guess that person is also Madam's friend."
It seemed that those who could be stewards were all intelligent people.
"Yes, you've met that person too."
"I suspect it must be Liu Mu Ye who can ask Madam for help, especially since she saved Madam's life."
Zi Yu smiled slightly and nodded in acknowledgment.
"You guessed correctly. It's Liu Mu Ye."
"I wonder where that young lady went after leaving the Northern Divine Capital. We haven't heard from her for a long time. Now that she's back, I'm afraid she's encountered some difficulties."
"It's not that I'm saying it, Steward Liu, but you're getting smarter and smarter."
Steward Liu chuckled.
"Not really. It's just that after spending so much time with Madam, I've learned to analyze carefully and appreciate things."
"Yes, that's good. But I'd like to be alone for a while. I have some difficult problems, and I want to think them through myself."
"Yes, I'll take my leave then."
"You may go."
After Steward Liu left, she fell into deep thought again.
"I suppose I've been here for nearly a thousand years and have gained some understanding of the changes in this world.
Speaking of which, Mu Ye is indeed like someone. Although I've only met her a few times, she's unforgettable.
However, they are both destined to give everything for what fate has decreed, yet they are different. That person, compared to Mu Ye, is much stronger."
Thinking of this, she sighed slightly, her brow furrowed with worry.
"If it were so, it would be good. But then, it would be another bloody storm."
Having figured this out, she had a general understanding. Her gaze unconsciously drifted to the window, as if seeing a distant, bright yet dark, and vast path ahead.
With a soft sigh in her heart, she called out towards the door,
"Is anyone there!"
At this moment, a maid pushed the door open and bowed slightly, saying,
"Madam, what are your orders?"
"Go and fetch me paper and a brush."
"Yes."
The maid quickly left and returned shortly with paper and a brush.
After waving the servant away, Zi Yu wrote a letter. She then called for someone again and sent it, along with Xue Gucheng's letter, to Zi Ye.
With everything settled, she quietly awaited her brother's reply.
Meanwhile, the Twin Snow Blades in the inn were also gazing out at the dark night.
Although the night was pitch black, this was the Northern Divine Capital, after all.
The red light emanating from the red lanterns hung by the city dwellers at their doors dyed half the sky red.
Xue Gucheng said,
"I didn't expect the mission to be completed so quickly."
Yan Wushuang smiled faintly and said,
"Yes. After rescuing Liu Shinian, where shall we go next?"
They had agreed to return to the mountains after rescuing Liu Shinian, but she didn't know if she had forgotten, or perhaps Zi Yu's words had unsettled her mind.
Xue Gucheng said,
"We can go anywhere. Let's just follow our hearts."
Yan Wushuang nodded slightly.
"Yes, let's follow our hearts."
After saying this, the two of them quietly watched the window again, perhaps reminiscing about the day's events or thinking about the future.