---
The guard had no other option. He glanced around cautiously, the little princess still cradled in his arms. Summoning his resolve, he used a special technique called Qingqong. This method granted the user incredible speed, making their movements appear as a flash of light. However, it came with a price—their strength would weaken if used for too long. But time was not on his side.
With his legs moving swiftly, he dashed through the border. For two hours, he ran relentlessly, finally arriving at a secluded settlement. This hidden community had been built by rebels to shelter victims of the emperor's wrath: families of the deceased, discarded maids, and other forsaken souls. The guard had discovered this place some time ago but had kept it a secret from the emperor.
The moment he stepped into the settlement, the people grew defensive. They brandished weapons, their faces hard with suspicion. Before the guard could explain, an elderly man with long, white hair emerged from the crowd. Dressed in flowing white robes, his serene gaze turned skyward as he smiled softly.
"Amitabha! The benefactor has arrived," the old man announced. "He does not come here to harm us." His calm words eased the tension as he approached the guard.
With careful hands, the old man took the little princess from the guard's arms and handed her to a woman clad in a regal black robe. "Take care of her, Cold," he said firmly, his voice carrying the weight of trust and urgency.
The old man beckoned to the guard, his voice calm yet commanding. "Come with me. You have done well."
The guard followed him as the people dispersed, returning to their daily tasks. They entered a small room filled with a calming presence. The faint scent of burning incense wafted through the air, adding an air of tranquility.
"Sit here," the old man said, gesturing toward a simple wooden stool.
The guard hesitated but sat down, still on edge. "How did you know the child I carried had a cold? And how were you certain I meant no harm?"
The old man smiled, his white beard swaying slightly with the motion. "The will of heaven cannot always be disclosed. But I have been waiting for the princess's arrival for quite some time. You have my gratitude for bringing her safely." He bowed lightly, his movements deliberate and filled with grace.
As he straightened, the old man turned and began preparing tea with practiced ease. The guard watched him closely, his body tense as he felt the toll of his journey. His strength had already waned, leaving him vulnerable.
Moments later, the old man handed him a steaming cup of tea. "Drink this. Your strength will return shortly."
The guard stared at the cup, suspicion flickering in his eyes. But exhaustion and instinct urged him to trust. After a moment's hesitation, he accepted the tea and drank it,its warmth spreading through his weary body.
After regaining his strength, the guard spoke, his voice laced with concern. "The emperor… he might soon discover this place. If he does, he will spare no one—not even the princess. All my efforts will have been in vain."
The old man smiled faintly, his gaze drifting into the distance as if contemplating something beyond the guard's understanding. "I have been waiting for the princess's arrival. This is not our true abode, and your discovery of it is also the will of heaven. Do not fear, young man. I will protect the princess, even at the cost of my life."
The guard stood up, bowing deeply before the sage. "Thank you for your reassuring words, Sage. I will entrust the princess to your care."
The old man's expression softened, his eyes brimming with benevolence. "Do not be weary, young man. It is possible you may never see the princess again, but if ever you need to communicate with me, take this." He handed the guard a small talisman, intricately carved with ancient symbols. "This is a communication talisman. It is linked to your life force. Use it to speak with me whenever necessary, but guard it well."
The guard accepted the talisman reverently, his grip firm as he tucked it away. The old man raised his hand in a gesture of blessing. "Amitabha. May the heavens keep you safe on your journey."
The guard bowed deeply to the old man before turning to leave. As he exited the room, he nearly bumped into the woman in the black dress—the one entrusted with the little princess. He paused briefly, mumbling, "Please take care of the little princess." Without waiting for a reply, he activated his Qingqong and vanished, his figure becoming a fleeting blur.
The woman in black watched him disappear, her expression calm and unreadable. With a quiet breath, she entered the serene room, her movements deliberate and graceful. She bowed respectfully before the old sage and said, "Master, everyone is prepared to return."
The old sage's face lit with a gentle smile. Gazing out of the window, he remarked, "The weather is good today. At last, we can disperse."
---
Night fell swiftly over the emperor's palace, casting a heavy silence. The emperor's chamber was as dark as his personality, the air thick with an unsettling stillness. He lay on his grand, regal bed, his bloodshot eyes eerily calm despite the turmoil within. Moments earlier, he had awoken from a nightmare—one that had haunted him for years. But this time, it was different.
In the nightmare, he had seen a figure resembling Edith. She wore a malicious smile as she plunged a dagger into his heart, her eerie laughter echoing in his ears. The memory sent a chill through him, though his expression remained unreadable. Rising from his bed, he moved silently to a small, ornate chair and sat, his fingers idly playing with an object in his hand. His eyes pierced the darkness, cold and calculating.
Suddenly, he whistled sharply, the sound slicing through the quiet. From the shadows, a figure materialized—a black-clad figure who bowed low before him, head respectfully lowered.
Without turning, the emperor spoke, his voice as cold and sharp as a blade. "Have you kept an eye on the Grand Duke? I do not want him stirring trouble. And make sure to continue monitoring the other officials."