NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4: Find his weakness
As soon as Lin Liangchen, Feng Xiangling, and Zhou Jinyu stepped forward to challenge the Eternal Flame Formation, the ground beneath them trembled. A violent surge of energy erupted from the formation, dragging them into an unknown void.
Forbidden realm - Eternal Flame Formation
A blinding light flashed before their eyes, and when the world settled again, they found themselves standing in a land of crimson skies and burning rivers.
Lin Liangchen's sharp gaze swept across the eerie landscape. "This… isn't the External Flame Formation anymore."
Zhou Jinyu gritted his teeth. "It feels like another realm entirely. We must be inside a Forbidden Realm."
Feng Xiangling's heart pounded. The air was thick with the scent of blood and fire, the ground cracked with veins of molten lava. Suddenly, shadowy figures emerged from the mist—warriors clad in flaming armor, their faces obscured by demonic masks.
"They are the Guardians of the Abyss!" Lin Liangchen shouted, unsheathing his blade. "Prepare for battle!"
The furious martial arts clash began. The three fought with everything they had, but each attack drained their energy. The guardians were relentless, their movements like flowing fire, striking without mercy. Lin Liangchen's sword clashed against one warrior's spear, sending sparks flying. Zhou Jinyu, using his agility, dodged a flaming chain and countered with a precise palm strike. Feng Xiangling unleashed her whip, ensnaring an enemy before twisting to land a fatal blow.
But the more they fought, the weaker they became. The realm was feeding on their strength.
"We won't last much longer!" Feng Xiangling panted, barely dodging a flaming arrow.
Lin Liangchen's eyes narrowed. "If this is an illusion like before, then there must be a way to break it."
Zhou Jinyu's voice rang out. "Then let's destroy the source of its power!" He pointed towards the blazing pillars in the center.
With their remaining strength, they unleashed their most powerful attacks, shattering the pillars. The entire realm trembled, the flames dying down, and the guardians let out inhuman shrieks before vanishing.
As the world around them began to dissolve, a voice echoed through the void.
"You have proven yourselves worthy."
The scene shifted, and they found themselves back in the cave. The Head Guardian, an elder with silver hair and piercing golden eyes, stood before them, holding the Silver Moonflower in his hands.
"Take this," he said, presenting the glowing flower. "But be warned—your journey has just begun."
Lin Liangchen accepted the flower with a bow. "Thank you, Senior. We will not forget this favor."
Without wasting time, the three of them hurried out of the cave, setting off toward Mingzhu Village, where time was running out for Feng Yichen.
Ruyun Palace – Residence of Noble Consort Wang Meiling
The late afternoon sun cast a golden glow over Ruyun Palace, painting the intricate pavilions and winding stone pathways in soft hues. A warm breeze rustled the willow trees surrounding the back garden, where Noble Consort Wang Meiling sat in tranquil repose, her delicate fingers wrapped around a porcelain teacup. A faint smile curled on her lips as she inhaled the fragrance of freshly brewed chrysanthemum tea.
Behind her, a maid stood dutifully, gently massaging the consort's shoulders with careful precision. The palace was quiet save for the occasional distant chatter of court ladies and the chirping of birds perched upon the carved wooden railings.
A pair of approaching footsteps disturbed the peace. Second Prince Xu Haoren strode into the garden with an air of authority, his dark eyes alight with urgency. He halted a few steps from his mother and bowed lightly. "Mother."
Wang Meiling set her teacup down on a lacquered table with deliberate grace, lifting her eyes to her son. "You came sooner than I expected," she noted in a measured tone. "What troubles you?"
Xu Haoren's gaze flickered toward the maid, his voice cool. "Leave us."
The maid hesitated for a moment before bowing and retreating into the palace. As soon as she was gone, Xu Haoren stepped closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Prince Xu is returning to the capital sooner than we anticipated."
The consort's fingers briefly tightened around the edge of her sleeve before her composed expression returned. "Is that so?" she mused, lifting her teacup once more. "And what reason does our dear Prince Xu have to return now?"
Xu Haoren let out a sharp breath, his frustration barely concealed. "The emperor has summoned him." His lips curled slightly in distaste. "The court is already murmuring about how Prince Xu, with his accomplishments in the southern campaigns, has won back favor. If this continues, our position will become precarious."
Wang Meiling remained silent for a moment, swirling her tea, lost in thought. Then, in a calm, deliberate voice, she said, "The emperor's favor is fickle. What is granted can just as easily be taken away. We must ensure that Prince Xu's return is not seen as a triumphant homecoming—but as a return fraught with doubt and suspicion."
Xu Haoren's eyes darkened. "I have already begun spreading whispers among the court. Some ministers are wary of a military man gaining too much favor. But we need something stronger, something that will shake his foundation."
Wang Meiling placed her teacup down with a quiet clink. "Then we must dig into his past. Everyone has weaknesses—secrets they would rather keep buried." She met her son's gaze. "Find his."
Xu Haoren's smirk returned, sharp as a blade. "It will be done."
The consort leaned back, a satisfied gleam in her eyes. "Good. We shall ensure that the throne remains beyond his reach."
Jingling Palace – Residence of Youngest Princess Xu Lianyi
The gardens of Jingling Palace were bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun. The scent of peonies and magnolias filled the air as a light breeze rustled the silk banners hanging from the pavilions.
In the training yard, Youngest Princess Xu Lianyi stood with a bow in hand, her fingers wrapped tightly around the grip. She had pulled the bowstring back, her gaze locked on the straw target set a few meters away.
Beside her, Xiao Mei, her ever-dutiful maid, shifted anxiously. "Your Highness, please be careful," she pleaded. "If you pull too hard, you might—"
Before she could finish, Xu Lianyi released the arrow.
Twang!
The arrow veered sharply to the left, missing the target entirely and landing in the grass with a dull thud. The princess frowned in frustration, lowering her bow. "I don't understand," she muttered. "Why does it look so easy when others do it?"
Xiao Mei hesitated before speaking. "Your Highness, perhaps archery is not—"
Before she could finish, a voice, soft yet filled with quiet authority, interrupted her.
"You must learn not only the strength of your arms, but also the calm of your heart."
Both the princess and the maid turned toward the palace entrance. Concubine Anisa Yuxian stood there, dressed in flowing robes of pale lavender embroidered with golden patterns. Her presence was as graceful as ever, her features serene yet commanding.
"Mother!" Xu Lianyi's face brightened as she set the bow aside and rushed toward her.
Anisa Yuxian welcomed her daughter's embrace with a soft chuckle. "I see you've been practicing," she observed, glancing at the scattered arrows. "Tell me, what is it that drives you to pick up the bow?"
Xu Lianyi's eyes shone with determination. "I want to be strong like my elder sister. I want to protect our family and our kingdom."
The concubine smiled knowingly. "Strength is not merely about force. It is about patience, control, and understanding." She gestured toward the bow lying on the grass. "Do you know the story of Empress Yun Qing?"
Xu Lianyi tilted her head curiously. "The warrior empress?"
Anisa Yuxian nodded. "Before she became a legendary warrior, she was impatient—just like you. She wanted victory without effort. But one day, she met a great master who taught her the most valuable lesson: 'A bow drawn in anger will always miss its mark.'"
Xu Lianyi frowned, picking up her bow again. "So… I need to be calm?"
Anisa Yuxian took the bow from her hands, demonstrating. "Focus on your breathing. Feel the tension in the string. Do not rush—let the arrow find its path."
Xu Lianyi watched her mother carefully, taking in her words. Then, taking a deep breath, she positioned herself, slowly pulling the string back once more.
Her fingers trembled slightly, but she focused, exhaling steadily.
Twang!
The arrow sailed through the air and struck the outer edge of the target. It wasn't a perfect hit, but it was closer than before.
Xu Lianyi gasped in delight. "I did it!"
Anisa Yuxian smiled, placing a gentle hand on her daughter's shoulder. "And with time, you will only improve."
Xiao Mei, watching from the side, let out a relieved sigh. "Your Highness, please don't forget to rest as well."
Xu Lianyi grinned. "I'll rest after I hit the center of the target."
Anisa Yuxian chuckled, taking her daughter's hand. "Come, let's walk for a while. I will tell you more about Empress Yun Qing."
As mother and daughter strolled through the blooming gardens, the warm sunlight enveloped them, casting a golden glow over their path.
For now, Jingling Palace was a place of peace.
Cangqiu - Mingzhu Village
The healer's house
The sun was beginning to set as the village healer wiped sweat from his brow, his hands trembling. Feng Yichen's condition had worsened—his breathing was shallow, his face pale.
"Elder, what do we do?" a young apprentice asked anxiously.
The healer's voice was filled with dread. "If the Silver Moonflower does not arrive soon, I fear we may lose him."
A woman from the village clasped her hands together. "He has fought so hard to survive… will the gods let him die now?"
Children clung to their mothers, tears forming in their innocent eyes. The villagers whispered prayers, watching as Feng Yichen's fragile body trembled with pain.
Yet, three of them had not arrived.
The healer looked towards the entrance of the village, his expression grim.
"They are not here yet…" he murmured.
Darkness crept over the sky, and the question loomed over them like a curse—
Would Feng Yichen survive the night?
To be continued…