Fate's Enchantment

Following the source of the spirit, Zhao Han was lured into a cave. The entrance was hidden behind a cascading waterfall, the sound of rushing water masking any other noises. As he stepped inside, the air grew colder, and the darkness seemed to swallow him whole. His eyes adjusted to the dim light, revealing ancient carvings on the walls, depicting epic battles between spirits and humans.

Zhao Han moved cautiously, his senses heightened. The cave twisted and turned, leading him deeper into the heart of the mountain. The source of the dark spirit grew stronger, and he could feel its malevolent presence enveloping him. Suddenly, he heard a faint whisper, like the rustling of leaves in the wind. He followed the sound, his heart pounding in his chest.

He stumbled upon ancient scripts, adorned with intricate paintings of heavenly battles. There was a legendary war that took place 50,000 years ago—the xiāomiè Tàiyáng shìzú war, instigated by the malevolent Mo Xue. During that time, a divine sword called Guangming Jian was forged by the holy spirit of a Radiant Saintess.

Clutching the scroll, Zhao Han made his way out of the cave, the oppressive presence of the dark spirit making it increasingly difficult for him to stay. As he finally returned to the Inn, he was met with an eerie silence. Everyone was gone, except for the caretaker and his loyal guard, Xiao Yu, whom he had summoned earlier to pick them up.

His mind went into panic mode. The protective barrier was no longer there, and the Inn was empty. Had something terrible happened?

He walked in, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "Where is Her Highness?" he demanded, his voice echoing through the empty halls.

"His Highness, please remain calm. Her Highness and the woman left early," Xiao Yu managed to say, his voice steady despite the tension.

Zhao Han took a deep breath, trying to quell the rising anger within him. "Prepare another carriage. We're heading back as well. And did you give her the pill I provided?" His eyes were dangerous, anger clear in them.

"Yes, His Highness," Xiao Yu replied hurriedly, rushing off to make the necessary arrangements. They always had contingencies for situations like this.

Is she angry at me? Is that why she left without a word? She scared the hell out of me! He sighed, realizing that being mad at her was pointless. She wouldn't agree to him anyway.

The carriage finally arrived, but an unsettling smell lingered in the air. Ignoring it, Zhao Han climbed into the carriage and set off for the palace. If Aoi had taken her aunt to the palace, what would the Empress Dowager think? Would they accept her? But they would surely listen to him.

As Zhao Han's carriage sped towards the palace, the unsettling smell from the inn lingered in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. The journey was swift, but his thoughts raced even faster, filled with worry for Aoi and her aunt.

If anything happens to Aoi, his father couldn't be saved.

Upon arriving at the palace gates, Zhao Han disembarked and was immediately greeted by the palace guards. "His Highness has returned," one of them announced, bowing deeply.

Zhao Han wasted no time. "Where is Her Highness?" he demanded, his voice edged with urgency.

"Her Highness is in the garden pavilion with the Empress Dowager," the guard replied.

We haven't solved the matter of Aoi's rebellions, she better not be in any trouble.

Zhao Han nodded and made his way to the garden pavilion, his heart pounding with a mix of relief and apprehension. As he approached, he could hear the soft murmur of voices and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Entering the pavilion, Zhao Han saw Aoi, and her aunt seated with the Empress Dowager, who was listening intently to their conversation. Aoi looked up and met his gaze, her eyes filled with a mixture of surprise and relief.

How could that old, evil woman be so soft with her? Maybe she learned her lessons already, Zhao Han thought, his mind racing with suspicion. Not wanting to take any risks, he stepped forward, his presence commanding attention.

"I think we should prepare a room for our guest," he said suggestively, though it was more of a command. His tone left no room for argument.

He sure is fast, Aoi thought, her eyes flickering with a mix of admiration and annoyance.

"Sure, His Highness, I'm grateful that you are willing to accept my guest," she bowed gracefully, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

As if it wasn't you who kidnapped her, Aoi thought, her mind replaying the events. I've been knocked out twice on the way.

Thank me? I should thank you that you almost killed yourself on the way but somehow managed to survive!

They both smiled at each other, their expressions masking the true thoughts swirling in their minds. The tension between them was palpable, yet they maintained their composure.

"You two are so lovely together, we might get an heir soon," the Empress Dowager smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

You might get a dead body soon! Zhao Han and Aoi glared at each other, their forced smiles barely concealing their mutual disdain. Forcing a smile, they nodded in unison, their movements synchronized in a display of false harmony.

"Her Majesty, we shall go now," Aoi said softly, her voice laced with a hint of urgency. She bowed once more, her eyes avoiding Zhao Han's piercing gaze.

As they turned to leave, the tension in the air was almost suffocating.

"Son-in-law, do you eat lunch?" Li Wei tried to speak to ease the tension.

"Aunt, call him 'his highness', he's the crown prince," Aoi spoke gently.

"Ay girl, what are you afraid of? Did He bully you?!" Li Wei yelled out, the gestures she was making was vulgar, to other nobles and royals. Zhao Han found it amusing, letting out few chuckles.

"She's right, my lady. She might just be nervous and worried, don't be rude to elders," He smirked.

Eh? I knew he's not in his right mind. He must've gone crazy that day. I should've let him rot there, tch.

"Aunt, you should go and rest for a bit, you must've been tired," Aoi tried to get her away so she could be in peace. Her peace means staying away from Zhao Han.

Son of a flat toad, even a flat toad looks handsome than him. Aoi murmured under her breath.

"What did you say, my lady?" His smirk got wider.

"I'm hungry!" she yelled out, clearing her throat, she spoke again, "I said, I'm hungry,"