It was 10 am when I saw Tulip, sitting alone while watching the horizon. I came behind her and stroked her hair. She jumped in surprise and wrapped her arms around my head. I kissed her cheek and said, "Morning."
To my shock, she answered me in ancient Chinese, "Good morning to you." Then as expected, she punched me, but this time I held her fist.
"Looks like I wasn't the only one that benefited in those two years," I said.
"Do you always want to have the first place only for you?"
"Absolutely not. It's good to see you, Tulip." She just put on a pretty grin on her face. I continued, "How's your cultivation going?"
"Early third divinity in the laws of fire."
"Good job. Richard would be pleased to hear this."
"What about you? Any changes?"
"Only increased my soul power. Although my foundation was more stable than ever."
"I see. What about Pangu?"
"Glad you remembered me, Miss," said Pangu when he heard his name. "I am still here, you know."
Tulip looked surprised and said, "You can talk to others now?"
"Yep. It is one of many fantastic powers." I just shook my head and didn't answer the sword.
"The third step is to locate the other pieces. Pangu, can you sense them?" I asked.
"I do, though I can only make out the general area. I need to see a map first."
"Do swords have eyes to see with?"
"I don't need an eye to see!"
"Whatever."
"We should probably seek senior brother Sun," said Tulip.
"Good idea. Let's go. And please, Pangu, don't talk, though I know that you'll do the exact opposite."
"You can count on me," said the sword, but whether he wanted me to count on him for talking or staying silent, I didn't know. We walked to the hall of the sect where the emperor was reading a document. Once he saw us, he smiled, but his smile covered a lot of tragedy and trouble.
"Senior brother," we greeted.
"My dear brother and sister, it is good that you have come!" he said bitterly.
"What is it?" asked Tulip.
"An assassination organization has spread word of its existence to the outside world. It does not only serve in Midgard, but also outside it. It has been plotting for years without us knowing."
"What about Richard?" I asked, "When did he know?"
"I don't know whether to cry or laugh. Richard doesn't bother with the small realms and worlds. But this organization has its roots deep in those realms. It provided the folk with good cultivation techniques, and trained them to be assassins."
"Can't you group a batch of top level cultivators and destroy them?"
"The thing is, these people are infiltrating the outside world through of our most trusted cultivators."
"I see. What is this organization's name?"
"The Red Lotus."
"What are you going to do?" asked Tulip.
"We don't know yet. We need at least see who are truly with us and who are the traitors. Then we can make a move."
"Have you caught any of these traitors?" I asked.
"Oh yes we did. One of them was my seconde. I was too stunned to act at that time. My fury rose to my nose that I killed him on the spot!" He remained silent for a while then continued, "Now, let's set aside the matter of The Red Lotus. I am sure you have come here to talk something with me."
"Indeed. We want a map of China."
"That would take some days at most to arrange. What do you intend to do while waiting?"
"I intend to visit my friends. It has been four years since I last saw them."
He nodded and said to me, "Come to me at noon. I shall send you to your country for some days, then bring you here."
We left the hall and took a stroll on the edge of the river. I suddenly asked, "Do you want to come with me?"
"I still don't know," answered Tulip. "I want to visit Hogwarts once again."
"Fair enough." At noon, we went to the hall once again and waited for the emperor to come.
"How many days do you intend to stay?" I asked her.
"As long as I can. But I am sure I can manage it," she answered. And then, without any signal, she gave me a small kiss and said, "I wasn't going without doing that."
I could've stood there, stunned, trying to remember who am I, for all the day if senior brother Sun didn't enter. Tulip acted normal, as if nothing have happened a few minutes ago. But now, I realized how strong are my feelings to her.
"Ready?" asked the emperor. We nodded and touched his hand. With a flash, I found myself in my country.