Only the emperor and Xing were left near the tree. Xing was wondering how easily Haru left her when the situation is highly tense with the Emperor here and the assassination attempt which could be blamed on them.
Hmm! That's not like Haru at all! Maybe.. Maybe 'he' is here? My Prince! You made me wait for years and you are here now to protect your brother?
Xing looked around to see and could not find anyone at all and her heart saddened more. She really wished for him to be here.
Huojin was busy with the lieutenant inquiring about the security of this place and didn't notice Haru leaving. The Emperor appeared in front of Xing who was deep in thoughts and his sudden appearance startled her. Xing suddenly remembered she hadn't greeted the Emperor and gave an awkward bow and said " Long live the Emperor. May you live a thousand years". Seeing this the emperor laughed and said, " You are supposed to be kneeling before me". Hearing this she looked up and gave a 'not happening' look and pulled the cloth to cover her mouth. Then she asked, "Your Majesty! Do you want to see something incredible ? ",
"Ok" he said following her making Xing wonder if he really is a foolish person to follow anyone.
"Shouldn't you ask your General?", she pointed at Zhong Huojin.
"I'll inform my general of my departure" he said haughtily and shouted, " General Zhong Huojin 'zhen' is leaving with Lord Táng and will be back soon".
Saying this he turned and grabbed Xing's sleeves and said " Run" and they both started running over the mountain ignoring the extremely mad shouts of Huojin.
So much for 'informing'! Xing laughed in her heart.
They ran for five minutes when Xing said "Don't worry, he can't find you unless I want him to", when he stopped,
She continued, " What? Are you scared yet? You are an emperor and you followed an obviously strong stranger into unknown place. You are either a fool or you want something from me.", she looked at him with her hands folded in her chest.
The Emperor smiled and replied " You are no stranger, you are a local hero and really love those people, so I know you'll protect me for the sake of those people. After all I am the Emperor",he said with a smirk, " Now what are you showing me?".
Xing chuckled and showed the tallest peak in the mountain, " How long do you think it will take to get there?". It was several feets tall and the entire mountain was covered with thick trees and shrubs. There wasn't even a pathway.
" Probably a day" he said
She smiled and said "Do you know what this mountain is called?"
" God Mountain, Demon Mountain, Spirit Mountain, Gateway to Heavens, Gateway to Underworld and many"
" Do you believe in Gods and Demons?"
" Are you going to show me?"
" You already saw one"
" You mean the gorilla? Was that a God or a demon"
" Gods don't show themselves to humans and humans aren't allowed in these mountains"
" So that was a demon.. But how is that you and I are allowed if others can't, wait…. Are you a God?"
"No.. No.. " she laughed " You know how you royals say that you are above everyone else? It's kind of true. You know the first emperor was a descendant of a God? So you people have a little God's blood in you so you have access to places where others can't go"
" Hmmm.. Is that so?, if then why are you allowed? Do you have royal blood too? ", he inquired. He found this person extremely pleasant to talk with.
" No, but I'm allowed for some reason. I grew up in this mountain. It's my home", she walked ahead and gave a laugh, "You actually believe me. That's surprising for a noble to believe ".
" Why?" he asked " You really shouldn't categorise people. I have a place in the palace where I go and nobody can follow me there. I was always surprised. Now I know the reason",he sighed " Aren't we going to that peak? Come on let's go" he said and started walking. For some reason he cannot help but fall for the eyes of this young man and he couldn't sense any malice from him. It was as if the entire universe is in that beautiful eyes.
" Wait" she said " Follow me closely, we can reach there in five minutes. Grab my sleeves or you might get lost ", she said in a commanding tone. The Emperor was surprised by her attitude but could not help but follow that person. For some reason he felt this person is going to be an important part of his life.
"Five minutes?", he exclaimed and grabbed her sleeves and started walking behind her. He saw different creatures and the surroundings kind of blurred and the next moment he felt a cool breeze on his face and when he looked, he was at the top of the peak.
Xing looked at the Emperor who looked like a little boy who tasted candy for the first time and felt happy for some reason. If he had the right people around him he'll become a great Emperor probably surpassing the legendary Emperor commonly known as the Scarlet Tiger whose fame haven't disappeared even after two centuries.
She pointed and said " You see there, that's your imperial city and the imperial palace is at the centre and that side it's the Water Kingdom's Imperial City and Palace. Can you see how both are at equal distance from this mountain. The Earth kingdom's Imperial city is on the other side separated by the same distance. By the west you can see the great sea too. Bet you don't have this view from your Imperial Palace", she smirked.
" It's beautiful. Everything looks beautiful looking from the top", he said his eyes sparkling by the setting sun. " I'm glad you showed it to me".
He looked around for a while and Then his eyes got serious. " Now let's talk business. What did you want to talk to zhen about?"