"Well I have to admit that you are absolutely amazing, the more I get to know you, the more impressive I see you!"
Shushin chuckled at Lingjie's compliment. "Thank you. But I must warn you, what awaits inside may be more extraordinary than you could imagine."
Ziyi nodded, a thoughtful look on her face. "I must admit I had my doubts, but your explanations have eased my suspicions, for now."
Shushin's smile grew wider. "Oh, you haven't seen anything yet. Once you enter, you will embark on a journey where reality and imagination blur. I will be the least strange thing around."
Lingjie's eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and disbelief. "More extraordinary than we can imagine? You've just heightened our curiosity even more!"
Ziyi couldn't help but raise her eyebrows, intrigued. "Blurring the line between reality and imagination? That sounds both fascinating and perilous."
Shushin chuckled at their reactions, her gaze gleaming with a hint of excitement. "You have no idea what awaits. Once you step through that portal, the boundaries of what you know will be tested. Prepare for an experience that will push your perception of reality to its limits."
"Hold on tight!" As the carriage soared forward at an impossible speed, the others were caught of guard with a mixture of shock, excitement, and a dash of nausea. The ride was a wild, seemingly endless journey through a whirlwind of colours and shapes.
When the speed finally slowed down, Shushin let out a hearty laugh, her eyes sparkling with pure delight. "Oh, it's been far too long since I've had this much fun. I almost forgot how thrilling it is!"
The others, on the other hand, were still reeling from the unexpected rollercoaster ride. Eugene held his sister's shoulder, while Minghao covered his mouth
Lingjie sat in a state of stunned silence. Their faces were a mix of disbelief and dazed expressions as they tried to process what had just happened.
Shushin continued to chuckle at their reactions, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Oh, don't look so shocked. I did warn you to hold on tight!"
"That was... quite the experience," Eugene managed to stutter out, still trying to regain his bearings.
Ziyi nodded weakly, clutching her stomach. "I should have heeded your warning about holding on."
Lingjie let out a shaky breath, "I think I'm going to be sick..."
Shushin couldn't help but let out another laugh. "Oh, come on, where's your sense of adventure? That was just a little thrill, nothing to worry about."
Minghao shot her a sidelong glance, "A little thrill? We felt like we were defying the laws of physics!"
Ziyi interjected weakly, "And almost defying the laws of bodily function, too. I don't think my stomach can handle another ride like that anytime soon."
"Maybe you all just have weak stomachs," Shushin said with a smirk, clearly unperturbed by their reactions.
Lingjie managed a shaky nod, "That's definitely an understatement. My stomach feels like it's still flipping upside down."
Shushin chuckled, enjoying their reactions. "Ah, you're all just a bunch of softies. You can't handle a little bit of excitement. I've been through far wilder rides than this."
"Well, we haven't," Eugene retorted, still adjusting to the sudden shift of feeling his heart back in his chest.
Ziyi added, "I think we prefer our excitement on more stable grounds, thank you very much."
"I suppose you're all just not accustomed to the wonders of magical travel," Shushin replied, a hint of smugness in her tone.
Lingjie, still recovering from the experience, muttered, "I prefer my travels without the risk of losing my lunch, thank you."
Shushin stared at them in disbelief, shaking her head with exaggerated dismay. "You folks seriously don't understand fun at all!"
The group responded in unison, their tone dripping with mock-offended sarcasm: "We do not wish to understand its."
Shushin threw her hands up in mock resignation. "Fine, live your boring, risk-free lives then. It's your loss."
Minghao, who had been quiet till now, spoke up with a dry humor, "We'll take that loss and happily keep our stomachs intact."
As Shushin was about to open the curtain The sudden appearance of a girl caused Shushin to recoil back in surprise, her eyes widening in a mixture of shock and confusion. With a gasp, she stumbled backward, almost losing her balance.
Before she could recover, a girl stormed up, anger etched on her face. "You sick? You broke the cart specifically designed for me!"
She continued, her voice rising in volume, "I haven't even had a chance to ride it yet! If you're going to test new magic, at least do it somewhere safe!"
Shushin, still recovering from the initial shock, managed a smirk in response. "Oh, you sure have a lot to say, don't you? Coming at me all hot and bothered before I even have a chance to catch my breath."
The girl's attempt at calming down was short-lived as she let out another heated protest. "You infuriating witch, can't you enter anywhere through a proper door? Why must your entrances always be so dramatic?"
As she turned her attention to the others, her expression hardened. "And what are these visitors from the 'dirty kingdom' doing here?"
Shushin chuckled at her words, still visibly amused. "Well, I guess you can say I have a flair for the dramatic."
Lingjie, trying to diffuse the growing tension, said, "Excuse us for not coming in through the front door. We were just..."
Ziyi continued, "Unnecessarily teleported through the magic door by Shushin."
The girl's gaze flickered between the group, her irritation only intensifying. "Teleported through a magic curtain? How reckless can you be?"
Shushin shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, I was just trying a new spell. It was supposed to be a safe test, but I guess things got a bit... bumpy."
The girl's eyes narrowed, her voice dripping with skepticism. "Bumpy? That's a gentle way to describe it. You could've broken someone's neck!"
Shushin waved off the comment with a dismissive gesture. "Oh, lighten up. It's not like anyone got seriously hurt."
The girl huffed, her anger still evident. "That's not the point! You need to be more cautious and considerate of others."
Lingjie, sensing the mounting tension, interjected, "We're all fine. There's no need to fight."
The girl shot him a frustrated look. "Fine is not the issue! My carriage got destroyed!!"
Shushin rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. You're making a big deal out of nothing. It was just a little magical escapade."
The girl clenched her fists, her irritation reaching a boiling point. "Just a little escapade? You call almost breaking the specially designed carriage and nearly killing someone all just a little escapade?"
Shushin, still trying to regain her composure, attempted to stand up, only to smack her head against the low carriage roof. With a groan, she clutched her head, wincing in pain. "Xiao Yan, you're driving me up the wall. I swear I'll end you the first chance I get!"
Xiao Yan, unfazed by the threat, retorted with a smirk, "Oh, I'm looking forward to it. But for now, it's your turn to suffer."
With a firm grip on Shushin's hand, she pulled her forcefully. "But first, I'm going to make you pay for your recklessness"
Lingjie and the others watched the scene unfold, unsure of what to make of this dynamic duo. Shushin grumbled, still holding her head, "You're as infuriating as ever, you know that?"
Xiao Yan, with a sly smile, shot back, "And you're as careless and impulsive as always. Nothing ever changes, does it?"
Shushin, still rubbing her head, retorted, "Spare me your lectures. I know you love to nag, but can't you give it a rest just this once?"
Xiao Yan smirked, "If you stop giving me reasons to nag, maybe I will."
Shushin rolled her eyes, "Oh, so it's my fault, as always. You never stop to consider that maybe you're just insufferable?"
Xiao Yan, unfazed by the remark, chuckled, "And you're just as unbearable. We make quite the pair, don't we?"
Shushin, still clutching her head in frustration, muttered, "More like a mismatched pair. You're the most aggravating person I've ever met."
Xiao Yan, her tone dripping with sarcasm, retorted, "And you're, without a doubt, the most reckless and infuriating person I've ever encountered."
As the group emerged from the shadows, their eyes fell upon the palatial structure that stretched before them. The architecture, as Shushin had foretold, belonged unmistakably to that of the royal lineage. The young woman standing near her was adorned in a resplendent hanfu, its flowing white fabric adorned with a rich scarlet hue in the sleeves. An extravagant array of golden ornaments embellished her attire, from the glinting hairpins to the intricate earrings. A snow-white fox fur, its radiant orange fur seemingly ablaze in the sunlight, draped around her shoulders, completing the vision of opulence and grace.
Her long orange hair, Her facial features were refined, almost as if sculpted by a master artisan, with striking angles that complemented her ethereal beauty. However, it was her eyes, vividly tinged with hazel, that seemed to hold the most captivating allure. The group found themselves momentarily transfixed, each unable to tear their gaze away, for her presence was one that almost entranced them with its enchanting allure.
Just then, Minghao stepped forth, his protective instincts stirred by the sight before him. His firm grip on Shushin's wrist served as a reminder to the mysterious young woman, and his words of warning echoed forcefully through the air. "Keep your hands away from her," he asserted, his voice tinged with a quiet authority.
Xiao Yan shot a sly grin at Shushin, her eyes skimming over the group. "Well, well, well, you've brought me a handsome bunch, haven't you? Planning on sharing?"
Shushin rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed. "Why did I have to run into you out of everyone here?"
As Xiao Yan studied the group, her gaze taking on a knowing gleam, she turned to Shushin. "You lowly wench, now where is the other servant I sent with you? I'm craving a good bloodletting."
The others exchanged glances, a mix of uncertainty and discomfort evident on their faces. The thought of Xiao Yan's bloodlust was far from welcome, and they silently wondered how Shushin planned to handle the situation.
Shushin muttered under her breath, her gaze flickering towards Xiao Yan with a hint of unease. "I fear you're the one getting drained of blood, not the other way around."
Xiao Yan, her keen ears catching every word, responded wryly, "I heard that."
Shushin smirked in reply, her tone dry. "I know you did, that's precisely why I said it."
The others listened in on the exchange, a mix of amusement and trepidation on their faces. The playful banter between Shushin and Xiao Yan was unlike anything they had witnessed before, and it left them curious about the nature of these two women's relationship.
They wondered what kind of history lay between them, and if Xiao Yan's bloodlust was a common occurrence that Shushin had to deal with regularly. As they watched the two women banter back and forth, they couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, unsure of what awaited them in the presence of such an unpredictable character as Xiao Yan.
Despite their unease, the group continued to listen in on the exchange, their curiosity piqued by the unique dynamic between Shushin and Xiao Yan. They wondered if they should prepare themselves for the unexpected, as dealing with someone like Xiao Yan seemed to be a daunting task, especially with her thirst for blood, and her quick comebacks.
A man, clad in dark red hanfu, suddenly struck Xiao Yan on the head. Infuriated, she spun around, her voice loud and sharp, "Who dares strike me?"
However, as she caught sight of the man, her expression shifted to shock. She quickly bowed down before him. He pushed her aside, then proceeded to pull Shushin towards himself, enveloping her in a tight embrace.
"Oh, troublemaker," he exclaimed, "I have scoured everywhere for you, yet you were nowhere to be found, and for years and months, you have not returned home. Where have you been all this time?"
"Oh, this is a long story, There is a girl who tried to kill me to take my body. She used the magic of heaven and transformed our souls."
The man listened intently as Shushin recounted the tale, his expression growing increasingly somber. Xiao Yan, infuriated by the details, could not contain her anger and stomped her foot on the ground, exclaiming, "How dare she do this!"
Shushin's smile held a touch of resignation as she continued, "She didn't realize that my skill is linked to my soul, not my body. Her attempt almost claimed my body's life, but it suffered significant damage. When she transferred her soul to it, she wouldn't have survived for long. In the end, both my body and hers perished."
A heavy silence settled upon the group, the weight of the tale's implications hanging in the air. They absorbed the gravity of the situation, their gazes fixed on Shushin with a mix of awe and empathy. It was clear that her abilities were extraordinary, and the lengths Churan had gone to steal her powers were both ruthless and desperate.
The old man encircled her in a tight embrace, his hand gently patting her hair as he spoke. "Look at you now, you're so thin and frail. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you."
Xiao Yan, interjecting, protested, "Dad! How can you say she's weak? She's responsible for breaking my brand new carriage! If she's not doing well despite everything, then I'll have to go and take my own life!"
Pulling back slightly, the man glanced at them before turning his gaze to Shushin and inquiring, "Who are these people, Shushin?"
The group stood there, feeling a mix of awkwardness and confusion at the scene unfolding before them. Shushin, still enveloped in the old man's embrace, appeared caught in the middle of a familial dispute. Xiao Yan, with her dramatic declaration and threat of suicide over a broken carriage, added an interesting dynamic to the situation.
As all eyes turned to Shushin, the group silently wondered how she would address the old man's question and explain their presence.
"Uncle, they are my friends, they helped me a lot when my identity was exposed," Shushin said
The old man's eyes widened, his body tensing with anger as Shushin explained the events that had led her to this point. When she revealed that she had been exposed, he gasped aloud.
"Reveal your identity?!" he exclaimed, his voice shaking with disbelief.
Shushin continued, "They knew only my title, 'Shadow Witch,' and the king wanted to punish me for entering their town. But they helped me escape."
The old man's face contorted with fury, his words filled with venomous anger. "What a shameless person! How dare he lay a hand on you!"
His voice lowered to a dangerous whisper, "A coward, to strike you when he knows so well. I will send soldiers for him, so he can learn his lesson and never again mess with the future queen of the kingdom."
Shushin's words stopped his tirade, her quiet confession leaving him silent. "He died," she stated, her voice heavy with significance. "It's a truly, truly, truly long story. I'll tell you later, uncle."
The group stared at her, their eyes wide in shock, as they tried to grasp the magnitude of the truth that had just been revealed.
The old man fell silent, his anger replaced by a profound sense of awe and disbelief. He regarded Shushin with a new light, his eyes taking in her slender form and sharp features with a hint of realization.
The group, meanwhile, remained speechless, their minds reeling from the revelation. Their friend, the Shadow Witch, was to become the future queen of the kingdom. It was a reality that defied their own understanding of the world they lived in.
Her uncle clutched her hands, addressing Xiao Yan with a firm tone, "Shuchen and I must talk. This conversation may take some time. Please, take her friends to the guest room, Xiao Yan."
"Okay, Father. Don't worry," Xiao Yan nodded in response.
As her uncle briskly led her away, Shushin glanced back at her friends, her voice carrying a note of assurance. "I will return soon!" She tossed the ever-present small bag in her possession towards Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan clutched the bag tightly, a sly smile playing on her lips as she spoke in a hushed tone, "I finally caught you, you wicked demon."
As they settled down in the guest room, LingJie mused aloud, "Now it makes sense why she always defends the royal family. She's a princess."
Eugene smiled, adding, "Shushin has always had a fondness for red and gold."
Ziyi chimed in, "They must not recognize Hao Ran as a prince here. Since her uncle said she'll be the future queen, it seems she's the eldest among the princesses and princes in this kingdom. This kingdom has kept its share of secrets. We had no idea about the king's identity, nor anything else beyond that."
Minghao exhaled, his astonishment apparent, yet he noted, "Some things are clearer now, although they were always elusive."
Suddenly, a tall, handsome boy entered, his smile disarming and captivating. Under his eyes, a beauty mark of each unique color adorned his face - one red and one blue. Intriguingly, his brown eyes seemed to hold the essence of a rainbow. His extended eyelashes, coupled with his winsome smile, added a charming allure to his presence.
He took a seat and casually offered: "You may ask me any questions you wish, and I shall furnish answers."
Without missing a beat, Lingjie posed a question, his words spilling out without any further preamble, "Who is the present king?"
The boy responded, "The king is Shushin's uncle. She is still too young, while he has been forced to assume the role of king, taking on the duties of the throne after the passing of her grandfather."
Ziyi suddenly realized their faux pas in failing to inquire about his identity before delving into their inquiries, prompting her to offer an apology: "Oh, apologies for being rude. We've been firing questions left and right without even knowing your name. Could you please share?"
Tian Yang chuckled lightly before responding, a hint of humor in his voice: "It's quite alright. My name is Tian Yang."
Lingjie, ever astute, posed the question, "You're well-acquainted with these matters. Are you perhaps Shushin's humble servant?"
Tian Yang bristled slightly, feigning displeasure, "Humble servant, you say? How dare you suggest such a thing?"
Seizing the opportunity, Ziyi couldn't resist needling LingJie, her words laced with playfulness. "Ah, if Tian Yang here is a humble servant, then I suppose that makes you the kingdom's dedicated cleaners, eh, LingJie?"
LingJie, quick to catch the intended jab, shot an annoyed glare at Ziyi, his voice tinged with indignation. "Hey! What are you implying, Ziyi?"
Ziyi grinned slyly, enjoying the banter she had instigated. "Just saying, if Tian Yang here were to be considered a humble attendant, then you, my dear LingJie, could very well be crowned the royal cleaner of the realm."
"Oh, shut it, Ziyi," LingJie retorted, rolling his eyes. "As if I'd be content with cleaning duties. If anything, I should be the kingdom's most formidable knight!"
Ziyi chuckled, unable to resist poking fun a bit more. "Oh, indeed. I can just picture you now as the kingdom's most valiant knight, brandishing a mop instead of a sword."
"Haha, very funny," LingJie replied sarcastically, clearly not amused by Ziyi's continued jesting. "Trust me, if anyone here is ready to take on any role, it's you, Ziyi. Your talent lies in being a professional pest, after all."
Ziyi feigned innocence, placing a hand over her heart in mock shock. "Pest, me? How dare you accuse me of such a thing. I'm simply gifted at adding a touch of charming annoyance to all interactions."
"More like a touch of irritating annoyance," LingJie shot back, unable to suppress a smirk at his own comeback. "But hey, I'll give it to you - you're definitely talented in turning any conversation into a bantering fest."
Ziyi raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on her lips. "Bantering fest, you say? I prefer to call it 'injecting some enjoyable wit into otherwise dull conversations.' It's a talent not everyone can appreciate, you know."
Minghao, rubbing his temples in mild frustration, interjected between the two, "Just stop, both of you. Can we have a moment of peace, please? You always find something to argue about!"
Lingjie pouted, clearly unsatisfied with the interruption to their verbal sparring. "Oh, come on, Minghao. Can't you see we're just having a little friendly banter?"
Minghao sighed, shaking his head in mild irritation. "Friendly banter, you say? Is that what you call it? I'm starting to think you two enjoy bickering more than anything else."
Lingjie shrugged nonchalantly, a sly smile on his face. "What can I say? It's a rare skill, to be able to argue eloquently and entertainingly. We're simply masters of our craft."
"More like masters of annoyance," Eugene shot back, unable to resist one last quip. "You two should consider opening a school for irritating banter, you'd make a killing."
Ziyi smirked, unbothered by the remark. "Oh, trust me, we'd be the most popular teachers. Our students would become champions of irritating conversation, leaving everyone around them sighing in frustration."
Minghao facepalmed, exasperated. "Honestly, sometimes I doubt why I put up with both of you. It's like being stuck in an endless loop of witty remarks and sarcastic comments."
Shushin suddenly breezed into the room, confidently taking a seat next to Tian Yang. She beamed at the group and said, "Ah, I see you all got acquainted."
Ziyi couldn't help but inquire, "So, everything went smoothly, then?"
With a nod, Shushin replied, "Indeed, my uncle agreed to your stay here."
Eugene quickly interjected, "You didn't need to go through all this trouble. We don't want to impose."
Tianyang nonchalantly responded, "The palace is rather empty and dull most of the time. Hotels around here can be pretty pricey, also won't be comfortable for you anyway"
Lingjie shot a playful glance at Shushin, "I knew you were humble, but I didn't realize your servant would sit next to you and converse with us like this."
Shushin looked around, searching for this supposed servant, then turned to glance at Tianyang, and burst out laughing in disbelief.
"You're mistaken," Shushin clarified, addressing LingJie's assumption. "He's not my servant. He might act like it, but he's not. Remember that shadow who freed you? That was him, Tian Yang."
The room fell silent for a moment, the newfound revelation settling upon the group. Ziyi's eyes widened, and a mix of surprise and curiosity formed on her face.
"Wait a minute," she began, her voice laced with intrigue. "The shadow that helped us was Tian Yang?"
Tianyang nodded, his calm demeanor giving no hint of false modesty. "That's correct," he affirmed, the ghost of a smile playing at the corner of his lips.
"Impressive," Ziyi chimed in, clearly impressed by the revelation. "I didn't expect someone with such an ability to be sitting here comfortably."
Tianyang chuckled softly at her comment, his tone holding a hint of sarcasm. "And what exactly did you think I should be doing, hmm?"
Ziyi shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous smirk on her lips. "I don't know, maybe lurking in shadows and being all mysterious?"
"Ah, so I should embrace the cliché, huh? Hiding in shadows and making cryptic appearances." Tianyang replied, shaking his head in mock disappointment. "Unfortunately, life's not as dramatic as your imagination."
Shushin interjected, explaining, "He transformed into a shadowy form to assist me, but it seems he doesn't take much pleasure in the process."
Tianyang chuckled lightly, his voice carrying a touch of feigned nonchalance. "Ah, the shadow form. Not my preferred style, you could say."
Minghao inquired, "Are you referring to the shadow that acted as your savior and trusted companion?"
Shushin nodded, her expression carrying a hint of fond reminiscence. "Indeed, he is the closest person to me. We've been through a lot together."
Minghao responded, a touch of weariness in his tone, "Ah, I see. And let me guess – you have more surprises waiting for us, don't you?"
Shushin chuckled softly, shaking her head. "No, no, you don't need to worry. I don't have any more surprises up my sleeve."
A sly smile tugged at the corners of Shushin's lips as she spoke, causing the others to exchange questioning glances.
"I do have something to share with you all," she reiterated, her voice carrying a tone of mischief. The room's anticipation grew as the group waited for her to continue, their curiosity piqued.
Ziyi leaned forward slightly, her interest piqued. "Well, don't keep us in suspense. What is it you want to share with us?"
LingJie turned to Shushin, his question hanging heavily in the air. "Before you say anything more, I need to make something clear."
Shushin looked at he., slightly puzzled. "What's on your mind?"
LingJie continued, his voice firm. "You created a gate that transported us to this location. So why didn't we utilize it earlier, instead of taking the journey by carriage? Was this girl right? "
Shushin responded calmly, her tone filled with condescension. "Certainly not. I wasn't experimenting with magic."
LingJie's eyes narrowed, hia skepticism evident. "Then why didn't we use the gate from the Orchid Kingdom to directly come here? That excuse about the carriage seems dubious."
Shushin chuckled softly, his voice tinged with amusement. "Oh, my dear LingJie, always so perceptive. It's a simple matter, really."
She continued, her tone slightly mocking. "While it's true that the carriage may not have been necessary, there is one factor you haven't taken into account."
LingJie raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And what factor is that?"
Shushin's smirk widened, her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You know how they say, magic does come at a cost, right?"
LingJie nodded, his expression now tinged with caution. "Yes, I've heard about the balance of energy involved in magic."
Shushin leaned back, satisfied with LingJie's acknowledgement. "Exactly. So while the gate could have transported us here, it would have required a significant expenditure of inner energy, both from myself and you."
"Considering your inexperience with magic," Shushin continued, her tone laced with condescension, "I doubt you could spare that much energy without serious consequences."
Shushin proceeded, her voice taking on a more serious tone. "Now, let us address the central matter at hand. Years ago, I enlisted Xiao Yan's aid in establishing a shop in each of the 7 cities thus far."
Ziyi asked, her curiosity piqued, "But for what purpose? Are you intending to begin your own business?"
Shushin smiled mysteriously, her eyes sparkling with determination. "No, my ambitions extend beyond that. Our shop in the city of the death, for instance, offers shrouds, funeral attire, and flowers—highly sought-after commodities.
In the city of the fairies, we have another shop: a unique cafe selling exquisite clothing. It will attract many visitors, as it caters to a specific niche. Additionally, we have a pawnshop and several other businesses in the remaining cities, each contributing in their own way to our grand goal."
She paused, her voice filled with determination and ambition. "You see, I have a vision—a vision that goes beyond just owning a few businesses. Each shop serves a purpose, fulfilling a specific need and appealing to a particular market. Through them, we create a network, a web that will extend our influence and strengthen our presence across the 7 cities."
Tianyang chimed in, his voice filled with subtle excitement. "And in the city of demons, we've established a popular nightclub, a place that thrives despite its brief lifespan due to constant turnover."
Minghao, his curiosity piqued, questioned aloud, "And what is the purpose of this endeavor? Have you tailored a distinct establishment for each of the seven cities, targeting the most captivating interests?"
Shushin replied, her voice filled with strategic intent, "Indeed, that was my intention. These ventures are not just businesses; they are gathering points for people in need, a place to gain valuable information."
"I have a thought," Shushin continued, her eyes sweeping over the group. "Each of you seeks financial gain and a place to call your own. So it seems most logical to suggest that you should settle in the area that best suits your inclinations."
The group exchanged glances, considering her proposal. Ziyi hesitantly spoke up, her tone reflecting a mix of reluctance and curiosity. "Are you suggesting we work in these businesses you've established?"