With a flick of his hand, Emperor William had sealed the fate of Fanta Lord and his kin."Lead Miss Fanta to the Fairy Longevity Palace," he commanded his palace maidservants, "and await my arrival."As he delivered his decree, the courtiers exchanged knowing glances - for they knew all too well the emperor's penchant for beautiful women.But the emperor wasn't done yet."Fanta Lord's whole family is now pardoned," he continued, "Fanta Lord is restored to his original rank, and as a royal relative he's granted an extra monthly allowance of 2,000 piculs of rice. As for his officer Edward, he's to be entertained for three days at the Celebration Court, and escorted back to Fanta city by one civil and two military ministers."Edward, grateful for the emperor's mercy, fell to his knees and expressed his gratitude.But the courtiers, keenly aware of the emperor's blind lust, were deeply troubled by his recklessness. With a haughty nod, the emperor retreated to his palace, heedless of their
As the deadly needles hurtled towards Jessie Harp, it seemed like she was doomed to meet a gruesome end. But with lightning-fast reflexes, she plucked the strings of her harp with ferocious intensity, unleashing a powerful sound wave that collided with the needles in a deafening explosion. The rabbit sprite was left reeling in shock and awe, her confidence shaken by the unexpected display of power from her opponents. "These sprites must be ancient ones that have cultivated for more than a thousand years, with powers beyond my wildest imagination," she thought to herself, a shiver running down her spine. "If I don't bring everything I've got, I might not make it out of here alive." With a fierce determination, the rabbit sprite gathered all her energy, summoning it to her mouth as she prepared for a final, deadly showdown with the three powerful sprites before her. In an instant, the rabbit sprite sprang into the air like a bolt of lightning, spinning wildly like a dervish. The res
The next morning in the Pleasure Palace, Emperor William woke up feeling like he had been hit by a mountain of bricks.His head was spinning like a top and he couldn't quite remember what had happened the night before after he had knocked back too many glasses of wine. He had been hoping to seek pleasure with Fina Fox, but after pressing his lips to hers, he had quickly passed out cold.Little did he know that the wine he had been guzzling had been spiked with something more potent than usual, which explained why he had fallen asleep so quickly. But now, as he lay there feeling woozy, he found himself unexpectedly longing for his sweet Miss Fanta.He leaped out of bed with a sudden urgency and turned to Fina Fox, who was still lying beside him."I have to go back to the Fairy Longevity Palace," he exclaimed, "I had the most terrible dream about Miss Fanta last night!"Fina Fox just smirked knowingly."I think you're starting to miss the lovely Miss Fanta, your majesty," she said slyly
"As an immortal, he's a man of the stars, with a heart as free as the wind that rustles through the fields. He dons cotton gowns and hats of fresh flowers, living off wild grass and sweet springs that flow with the promise of everlasting life. He's a true poet, singing with a voice that echoes across the mountains and clapping his hands with glee. He's a man who despises wealth, finding joy in the purity of poverty and the rise and fall of dynasties. As the four seasons came and went, he refused to age, instead turning his white hair black and rejuvenating his body. He was a healer, a man who could save people from death with medicinal herbs and exorcise evil spirits with his charms and spells. He was a collector of refined emanations from both heaven and earth, seeking out the very essences of the sun and moon. And yet, despite all his wisdom and power, he lived a carefree life, spending his days discussing the mysteries of the Way with his friends over wine. He was a cultivator, ac
Little did the emperor know, his concubines were suffering from the deadly effects of the pine sword, with little hope of recovery.As he paced back and forth in their bedchamber, consumed with anger and despair, a voice weakly called out to him. It was Fina Fox, one of the concubines, who had awoken from her slumber with a startling revelation."Your majesty," she said in a weak voice, "Miss Fanta and I had planned to meet you at noon yesterday, but when we arrived at the Central Palace Tower, we looked up and saw a sword hanging high above us. We were beside ourselves with fear."“Oh?” said Emperor William in surprise.“We’re so ill now that we may be unable to play the game of being one with you anymore. For this, we’re terribly sorry, your Majesty.”"Good heavens!" exclaimed Emperor William, his eyes widening in shock. "So, you mean to tell me that you may never again be able to indulge in the pleasures of the flesh with me?"Tears streamed down the cheeks of his concubine, her he
“Look, that wicked sorcerer has killed my beloved concubine, now all of you go back to your own places and zip your mouth as to what has happened here in the Grand Court."He accused Cloud River of sorcery and murder, spitting out venomous words like a poisonous snake. The ministers and officials listened with bated breath, afraid to cross the emperor's wrath.They nodded their heads like a field of wheat in the wind, hoping to appease his fury.But as they left the Grand Court, their thoughts turned like the tides of the sea. Many of them began to believe that the emperor must have been bewitched by wicked sprites, and they whispered the words on the paper like a secret flame passing from one candle to another.Tolly, disguised as Cloud River, had infiltrated the Maternal Court of Empress Guma.Desperately searching for a place to hide, he stumbled upon a plain-looking room with a majestic purple wardrobe. Without hesitation, he squeezed himself inside and waited as the guards scoure
Back at his own office, Minister Stuart was brimming with anticipation as he met Duran, who was on tenterhooks to learn the outcome of His Majesty’s response to his missive. However, the emperor’s guards soon showed up, bearing a dark and unexpected message, one that would send shivers down Duran's spine. The order was chillingly clear: “Duran, the chief official of the observatory, had been found guilty of committing the heinous crime of spreading rumors about specters, and as such, he was to be executed forthwith, with no mercy and no hesitation.” With grim determination, the royal guards stripped Duran of his coronet and red robe, bound him with thick ropes and iron chains, and dragged him off to the palace gate, as if he were nothing more than a common criminal. The entire scene was macabre and terrifying, and it sent a shiver down the spines of those who witnessed it. However, as they were making their way towards the gate, they happened to encounter an official who was dress
The Minister Michael shuffled into the throne room, looking like a sorry sight, with his hair standing on end and his face unshaven. His thin cotton garments were soiled and wrinkled, giving him a disreputable appearance as he knelt before Emperor William, waiting for his punishment to fall. "You're a blind bat!" the emperor thundered. "Do you have any inkling what this is for?" He pointed to the burning brass pillar known as Tall Brass Maiden in the corner of the room. Minister Michael raised his head, his expression one of perplexity. "No, I'm as much in the dark as a bat, Your Majesty," he replied timidly. The emperor laughed savagely, enjoying his power over the hapless minister. "You're a real goose, aren't you? You know nothing except how to offend your emperor with your sharp tongue. But you don't seem to know that I invented these burning pillars especially for you. I'll roast your flesh and bones on this very pillar. Let anyone who dares to defame me with rumors and lies