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墨書 Inktalez
When the voice of the King of the Underworld transformed into words that fell into my ears, my mind went blank for a moment, my scalp tingled, as if it had exploded, leaving me in a state of indescribable panic.
Jun Chong was someone I could completely give up my chance at survival for, someone I would willingly sacrifice myself for without any regrets.
But Molin was different; he was my friend. They say that bickering strengthens relationships, and that was exactly how it was between us. No matter how much he teased me, he always treated me well, truly like an older brother.
Moreover, I felt a certain responsibility for what had happened this time. If I had chased after him that day, perhaps Molin wouldn’t have gotten into trouble.
For him, I harbored guilt and regret.
So I had to find his soul and bring him back to life.
Yet now that I knew his whereabouts, I found myself unable to act. It felt like the last piece of dessert had been ordered by someone else just as I reached for it; I could only watch but not taste it.
“Anxin, saving him depends entirely on you.”
The King of the Underworld's voice drifted toward me as his long fingers lightly tapped on the teacup. The sharpness of his nails touched the porcelain, producing a pleasant sound.
His words did not fill me with joy or hope. If this were our first encounter, perhaps I would have believed him. But the two previous incidents proved that every word from this man carried a certain ulterior motive. Trusting him completely might leave me unaware of how I could end up dead.
If he wanted to harm someone, others would be defenseless against it.
So upon hearing this, I felt a sense of wariness rising within me, but I maintained my composure. “You’re not joking around, are you? In your eyes, I'm just a woman; how could I possibly have that much influence?”
The King of the Underworld fell silent and poured himself another cup of tea. The fragrance wafted through the air continuously, delightful yet he only inhaled its aroma without drinking. A chill settled in the atmosphere as silence spread between us. He didn’t speak at this moment, nor could I; saying too much would play into his hands.
After a while, the King of the Underworld smiled and drank from the cup in one gulp. He set it down with a loud clink and said, “Anxin, I truly feel more and more why Jun Chong likes you. However, I’m not fond of clever women; sometimes being a bit foolish can earn a woman more love from a man.”
“In front of Jun Chong, I'm a fool. You’ve been tricked twice in front of me and nearly died; if you’re not clever, you should learn something.”
I tossed back a retort like a hydrangea thrown in return, mimicking his tone. This time, the King of the Underworld didn’t get angry; instead, he looked at me with a smile and pointed outside.
Through the sheer curtains lifted by the wind, I could see that we had already left North City. "Where are we going?"
"Naturally, back to Underworld Palace."
"No way!"
I almost immediately retorted. If I weren't completely immobilized, I would have jumped up. The woman's words echoed in my mind, warning me not to go to Underworld Palace before she found me again.
Although I knew I shouldn't trust her completely, it was better to believe in the possibility than to dismiss it entirely.
"Why not?" The King of Hell glanced at me with a hint of curiosity. "Don't you want to save Molin?"
"Even if I go, will you let me save him?" I shot him a glare, dissatisfied. "You're clearly using him to threaten me. Just tell me what you want me to do to release Molin."
"It's quite simple!" The King of Hell narrowed his eyes, a gentle smile playing on his lips, yet the words that followed were as cold as ice, devoid of warmth.
"If you destroy your own soul and dissipate, I will release Molin."
He spoke lightly, but there was an unprecedented hatred lurking beneath his calm demeanor. Even hidden behind the Human Skin Mask, I could feel the overwhelming dread emanating from his dark pupils.
A voice whispered in my ear, "He hates you, hates your very existence through lifetimes."
"Why does he hate me?"
I felt my voice tremble slightly, though I couldn't pinpoint why. A heavy emotion began to gather in my heart, one that I couldn't shake off.
"Hmph, hate?" The King of Hell leisurely cast a sidelong glance at me as he leaned back against the soft couch, propping himself up with one hand while closing his eyes. "I just find you amusing; I want to see how you crumble."
After that, he fell silent. I remained stiffly seated, unable to move and feeling increasingly chaotic inside, so I chose not to speak anymore. The carriage continued onward, and my mood grew heavier with each passing moment.
First and foremost was the worry that this journey to Underworld Palace would bring even more trouble.
Secondly, there was Molin.
The King of the Underworld did not seem like someone who enjoyed jokes; all his jokes turned into means of harm. Since he said it, he would definitely make me fulfill it.
But did I really have to die for Molin?
If I didn’t die, Molin would truly perish.
At this point, my heart felt heavier. By the time I regained my senses, the carriage had already stopped. A minor official approached and reported, "Your Majesty, we have arrived at the East City Fragrant Blossom Pavilion."
Fragrant Blossom Pavilion?!
It finally dawned on me. Peering through the thin veil, I could see that the surroundings were indeed unmistakably the Fragrant Blossom Pavilion. But why had he deceived me just now?
"I am tired; summon Stunning to attend to me."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The King of the Underworld half-closed his eyelids. Soon after, Stunning lifted the curtain and entered the carriage. She glanced at me briefly before bowing to the King. "Your Majesty, I am here to serve you."
"Let’s go."
The King rose with her support, not sparing me a glance as he walked out. I sat there, feeling a gust of wind rush past me. The next moment, I realized I could move again.
Just as Stunning lifted the curtain to let the King out, something fell from her hand as the curtain dropped and rolled to my feet due to the wind. I didn’t move until they had walked far away, then picked up the object.
It was a small note that read, "He is injured; your blood is needed; hurry." I understood immediately—Jun Chong was hurt and needed my blood urgently.
Without thinking twice, I attempted to get down. However, having been stiff for too long made my body numb; my legs wobbled and I stumbled out, falling hard onto the ground and feeling pain all over.
"Ouch! How did you fall? Are you hurt? You mustn't get into trouble while with me; are you alright?" Mu Yan blinked at me and helped me up. She turned to the surrounding reapers and said, "What are you all standing there for? Come help!"
"Men and women should be kept separate; besides, she is the King's woman—how could we dare touch her?" Lianchi's cheerful voice came from ahead. The reapers parted to let him through as he approached my side and supported my other arm. He smiled at Mu Yan and said, "Let me take care of her!"
"Is Lord Lianchi mocking me?"
"You are the one being teased."
"My lord is joking. Let me handle this!"
Lianchi flicked something outward, and I felt my left arm loosen. Mu Yan staggered back several steps, her expression frozen as she stared at Lianchi, yet she managed a polite smile. "Lord Lianchi, what is this about?"
"I will take care of her injury, so you don't need to—it's unnecessary."
I clearly saw Mu Yan's body stiffen, and then her face turned pale, but she concealed it well, the change fleeting. "Lord Lianchi, you worry too much. I just didn't want to incur the king's displeasure! If you find my involvement unnecessary, I will refrain from meddling. A room has already been prepared above; Miss Anxin can rest there at any time. If you need anything, feel free to find me! I shall take my leave now."
With that, she turned and walked away without any attempt to stay. I frowned slightly but said nothing.
Lianchi placed his palm on my back. When I fell earlier, it was my back that hit the ground, which was why I couldn't get up right away. Now, as his palm radiated a coolness like spring water, the pain began to dissipate.
"Does it still hurt?"
I shook my head. He smiled with satisfaction. "If it doesn't hurt, then go inside and rest! Your complexion is not good."
"I don't need your interference."
I walked past him into the room. As we brushed past each other, his voice floated between us, laced with a hint of chill.
"Do you not wonder why you became the Courtesan of North City? Do you truly have no doubts about it?"
Lianchi's words caught me off guard. "What do you mean?"
"You were originally from East City but suddenly became the Courtesan of North City and won the title in one fell swoop—this is one point. Secondly, each city can only have one Courtesan. Thirdly, as far as I know, on the morning of the Flower Banquet, the Courtesan of North City suddenly died; rumors say she was killed by a handsome man in a dark robe who bore a scarlet lightning mark on his forehead. The news was suppressed, and shortly after that, you appeared. Fourthly, only by becoming the Queen of the Underworld can one obtain something similar."
"Shut up!" I glared at him in fury, locking eyes as I spoke each word deliberately. "I believe Jun Chong would never deceive me!"
With that, I turned and walked away without looking back.
In truth, I had also pondered why I had suddenly become the Courtesan of North City; Lianchi's words only clarified things further. If all Courtesans were on my side, it would make actions much easier to execute.
Jun Chong's purpose was to enter the Underworld Palace, first to rescue Molin, and second to find a way to obtain the Demon Fetus. If there was a third reason, it might be the fourth point mentioned by Lianchi.
But as I thought about this, I hesitated to delve deeper, for more thoughts would shatter my dreams. I wasn't foolish; I simply chose to believe firmly.
Returning to the room that Mu Yan had arranged for me, I was surprised to find it was the same room I had stayed in before. The moment I pushed the door open, a chilling wave washed over me, raising goosebumps and making my hair stand on end.
I instinctively closed the door behind me. My gaze fell upon the dark silhouette within the Sheer Canopy, causing my heart to race.
I walked slowly toward it, feeling a bit breathless. The bed curtains fluttered in the breeze, obscuring the figure inside.
"Jun Chong?"
I tentatively called out, and upon seeing movement, my heart filled with joy. Without thinking too much, I stepped forward.
"Jun Chong, you're hurt. Are you—"
Before I could finish my concerned words, the figure turned around. Long black hair cascaded down a face that seemed to swirl, spinning at an incredible speed from which the Wind Sound emanated.
The force of the wind was overwhelming. My hand rested on his body, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't pull away. My body leaned forward uncontrollably as I was drawn into that swirling vortex at an astonishing speed, all happening in the blink of an eye.
The pink bed curtains gradually settled back into calmness, and the shadow within had vanished as if it had never existed.
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