Author Angel Chua

Adapted from Princess Agents drama series and original novel by Xiao Xiang Dong'er – Chu Qiao Chuan Biography

Eternal Twilight (Raw) 10/23/2024 (edited) 10/25/2024

A dense, mist-filled jungle surrounds a massive stone entrance carved into the side of an ancient mountain. The entrance leads into a labyrinth of caverns known as The Thousand Caves. The three men, dressed in dark, tactical gear, move silently through the undergrowth toward the mouth of the cave. They have the look of experienced assassins—calm, calculating, and deadly.

The older, more experienced assassin, nods toward the cave entrance as they approach coldly inquired: "You're sure this is the right place? A thousand caves, and we need just one."

The younger, brash but skilled assassin smirking, checking his watch responded: "One way in. One way out. At least, that's what the map says. We get in, grab whomever we can, and get out before anyone knows we were here."

The man in the blackhood pauses, narrowing his eyes at the young assassin "It's never that simple, kid. This place is crawling with traps—booby traps, hidden passages, and god knows what else. And I'd bet there's more than a few people waiting inside."

Older assassin chuckles lightly, pulling a small blade from his sleeve and twirling it in his fingers "Good. I was getting bored. Besides, I like a challenge."

The younger assassin grunts, shaking his head, and pulls out a small, weathered map from his pocket, "Don't let that cocky attitude get you killed. Focus. We stick to the path and don't engage unless we have to."

The man in the Blackhood shrugs "Sure, but if anyone crosses our path… they won't live to regret it."

He glances at younger assassin, eyes cold and focused retorted: "Listen, kid. The last thing we want is a bloodbath. The caves echo sound for miles. We don't know how many are down there, and we don't need the entire underground knowing we're coming. Got it?"

The younger assassin tucks the map away, adjusts his tactical gear, and steps closer to the entrance said: "Got it. just a reminder, this isn't just another job. This is theThousand Caves. People don't come back from this place for a reason."

The man in the Blackhood suddenly becomes serious pauses for a moment, his usual cockiness replaced by a flash of seriousness: "And what reason's that?"

No one answered, hinting that the two assassin have no idea or who they have to fight or if there is an enemy inside the thousand cave.

Deep inside the Thousand Caves, these three men have been navigating the labyrinth for hours. The oppressive silence is broken only by the distant drip of water echoing through the caverns. The air is damp and heavy, and their nerves are frayed. Suddenly, the narrow tunnel widens into a cavernous chamber dimly lit by cracks in the rock above. Sitting in the corner, barely visible in the gloom, is a ragged figure—a hunched old beggar, cloaked in tattered robes, his face hidden beneath a dirty hood.

The young assassin pauses mid-step, pointing at the shadowy figure with suspicion: "What the hell? We're not supposed to run into anyone down here."

Older Assassin nods slowly, his voice low and cautious: "Keep your guard up. No one comes this deep without a reason."

Nervously tightens his grip on his weapon, eyes fixed on the beggar the younger assassin said: "You think he's dangerous?"

The man in the blackhood squints at the figure, his expression unreadable: "Anyone who survives this long in these caves is dangerous."

In a raspy, broken voice, without looking up, the old beggar suddenly wants to start a little conversation to discipline the new visitor's and orient them further said: "Its considered disrespect if you bypass me without knowing the cave protocols."

The man in the blackhood suddenly let's out a sarcastic laugh: Ha.. ha.. ha.. What protocols? even in a cave there are protocols?

The beggar still not looking up, slightly rolled her all worn Kam sleeves and exposed her palms waiting for the token said: "It not as dangerous as what's coming for you, if you do not know the protocols."

The older assassin steps forward, eyebrow raised, half-amused but wary "Oh yeah? And what's coming for us, old woman?"

The old beggar about to transform herself was momentarily disrupted when the younger assassin suddenly tossed a mooncake. And the beggar stay still did not move and received the token.

Oh, that's all this shitty beggar wants? The blackwood man said and looks disdainfully.

The Old Beggar laughs softly, a dry, almost painful sound: This is not just an ordinary mooncake. She cracked it opened and took out the gold coin and she advised the Blackhood man: "Death. But not the kind you're used to, boy."

The Blackhood man interrupting before the older assassin can respond, his voice calm but firm: "Who are you? And why are you here?"

Lifts his head slightly, revealing a weathered face, his eyes gleaming with a strange intensity the old beggar said: "Names matter little in this place. Call me what you will. I've been here longer than the stone around you. Longer than the fear in your heart."

The Blackhood man despite receiving the warnings scoffs, shifting his weight, clearly unsettled but masking it with bravado: "Right. So you're just here to spook travelers, huh? Some kind of ghost story?"

The old beggar smiles faintly, but there's no warmth in it hauntingly said: "No ghost. No story. The three of you thinks you can get out of this cave alive? You're hunters… killers? But this place, this cave, it hunts the hunters. It kills the killers."

The older assassin's eyes narrowed, stepping closer, voice cold and measured: "You know the way out, don't you?"
"Out? There's no 'out' once you've come this far in. You're part of the cave now. Just like me." The old beggar wants to finish this chatty visitor's.

Older assassin Glances at the young assassin, half in disbelief said: "This guy's lost it. We're wasting time."

Younger assassin ignores older assassin , staring down at the beggar, his voice stern: "Tell me what you know. What's waiting for us inside?"

Old beggar coughs harshly, but the gleam in his eyes sharpens as she speaks: "You seek something. Hidden deep within the heart of this cursed place. But you won't find it the way you think. You've already gone too far."

The Blackhood man growing impatient, steps closer, voice rising in frustration: "Enough with the riddles! What do you know about the Moon kingdom? Where is it?"

Suddenly the old beggar slowly raises a skeletal hand, pointing to the dark tunnels beyond, her voice rasping with finality: "It lies within. But to take it… to touch it… will cost you more than your life."

The Blackhood man sneers, eyes narrowing and feels creepy, fear starts to crawl in his skin leaving him goosebumps: "More than my life? What's that supposed to mean?"

The Old Beggar leans back against the wall, his voice barely more than a whisper now: "Some things are worse than death, boy. You'll see. Soon enough."

The Blackhood man growing curious still watching the beggar closely, voice calm but with an edge: "And what about you? Why are you still here? What keeps you alive?"

Who said I am alive? I belong to this place. Like the bones in the walls, like the echoes in the dark. You can kill me if you like… but I'll still be here, long after you're gone."

The older assassin grits his teeth, clearly disturbed, turning back toward the younger assassin bluntly said: "We should keep moving. This guy's a waste of time."

Younger assassinNods slowly, though his gaze lingers on the beggar said: "Let's go.

The older assassin Muttering under his breath as they move away said: "Yeah, well, either way, I don't trust him."

As they walk deeper into the tunnel, the old beggar's raspy voice calls out behind them, echoing in the cavernous space said: "Beware the shadows, killers. Beware the whispers in the dark."

The older assassin glancing over his shoulder nervously, voice lowered: We are flesh and blood you should be the one who should beware!

While the Blackhood man's eyes scanning the tunnel ahead, his voice barely above a whisper said —sometimes it's the ones who sound crazy that know the truth."

The beggar's words linger in the air, gnawing at their thoughts as the assassins venture deeper into theThousand Caves. The deeper they go, the darker the secrets they uncover, when suddenly they began to realize. . .

Eternal Twilight of the Moon Kingdom

Yuwen Yue stands on a cliff towering in Qinghai, lost in thought over the mystical Moon Kingdom, forever drenched in soft silver glow of eternal twilight. This was a beautiful land hidden from the world but now dances at the whim of chaos for it stood between dimensions. Light from otherworldly shimmers across the skies; time stands meaningless—day and night blend into one continuous cycle, like a broken clock where no one can tell what time is it?

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow across the cold stone walls of the Snow White Rook. Outside, snow drifted silently, blanketing the Qinghai cliffs. Yuwen Yue stood by the window, gazing out at the frozen landscape, the weight of unspoken plans lingering between him and Chu Qiao, who sat by the fire, sharpening her blade with slow, deliberate strokes.

After a moment of silence, Yuwen Yue's voice broke through the quiet. "It's strange, isn't it?" he mused, his tone light but edged with irony. "After all these years, we end up here—alone, in a fortress no one else knows exists. Almost sounds like the start of a romantic tale."

Chu Qiao smirked, not looking up from her blade. "Romantic? You think freezing in a stone castle on top of a cliff qualifies as romance? You must have very odd ideas about love, Yuwen Yue."

Yuwen Yue turned slightly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You wound me. I've always thought of myself as the picture of charm. Haven't you noticed?"

Chu Qiao finally glanced up, amusement flickering in her eyes. "Oh, I've noticed. Charm, buried somewhere under all that brooding and your tendency to keep everyone at a distance. Very charming."

Yuwen Yue stepped closer, his tone playful but with a deeper current. "Is that what you think? That I keep you at a distance?"

Chu Qiao gave a half shrug, slipping her blade back into its sheath. "Not me. Just… most people. The ones you don't trust."

Yuwen Yue's expression softened slightly. "And you think I don't trust you?"

Chu Qiao paused, her eyes lifting to meet his. "Do you?"

A beat of silence passed between them before Yuwen Yue's smirk returned, though his tone grew more serious. "I trust you more than most. I wouldn't be standing here if I didn't."

Chu Qiao raised an eyebrow, leaning back slightly. "That's comforting. But trust isn't a battle plan, Yuwen Yue. We've got more than snow and silence to deal with."

Yuwen Yue sighed, stepping to the window and gazing out at the snow-covered cliffs once again. His voice lowered, tinged with thoughtfulness. "The Moon Kingdom is in danger. Its balance is fragile. The twilight that protects it is fading, and it won't hold much longer. If we lose the Moon Kingdom, it could throw all the realms into chaos."

Chu Qiao's sharp eyes studied him as she stood, folding her arms. "What exactly is your plan for the Moon Kingdom?"

Yuwen Yue's expression darkened, his mind clearly turning over complex strategies. "The Moon Kingdom isn't just a mystical land—it's a key to keeping the balance between light and dark. The longer it remains protected by that eternal twilight, the longer we can keep the dark forces at bay. But the truth is, we can't defend it forever. Lou He has retreated, and without her leadership, the realm is vulnerable."

Chu Qiao stepped closer, her voice quiet but firm. "Then what are you planning?"

Yuwen Yue glanced at her, his expression calculating but honest. "We need to strengthen the Moon Kingdom's defenses from within. Zao Baocung and the Skyshadow spies are holding off the dark breeds, but that won't be enough. I want to create alliances—bring Qinghai's forces and the remaining loyalists of the five realms together. If we can hold the Moon Kingdom, we can use it as a base to push back the darkness."

Chu Qiao tilted her head, studying him. "You're talking about more than just defense. You want to use the Moon Kingdom as a staging ground for a counterattack or bring in the Gurus along its Qinghai Queen and let them invade it? ."

Yuwen Yue gazed at Chu Qiao, his eyes cold and sharp as they shifted toward the horizon. His voice was low but unwavering. "No. The truth is, I planned to destroy it. The Moon Kingdom is strategically positioned between realms, and if we lose it, we lose access to the other dimensions. It will fall, as though no mysteries or powers remain within. This is the only way to secure the Moon people. Its underworld powers will lie dormant, and the spies from Jianghu and the underworld will be forced to lead modest lives."

He paused, as if weighing his next words carefully. "It's as if we now exist solely for the mortal world—no more secrets to unlock, no more tales to reveal."

Chu Qiao stood in silence, her brow furrowed, contemplating the gravity of his words. She looked down at the ground, then back at him, her voice steady but filled with an underlying sadness. "So… the Moon Kingdom as we know it will cease to exist. It will be just another place in the mortal world, no longer the bridge between realms. Is this really the only way?"

Yuwen Yue nodded, his expression unyielding. "There are no other options, Chu Qiao. The Moon Kingdom's very existence invites danger. Every portal, every secret, every hidden power is a risk—one that could plunge all realms into chaos. By closing this chapter, we protect not only the mortal world, but also the Moon people themselves. Their powers will fade into legend, and we will finally know peace."

Chu Qiao stepped closer, her eyes searching his, looking for any trace of doubt. "And what of us? What becomes of those who have lived in the shadows, those who have fought for the truth, who sought the power hidden in those realms?"

Yuwen Yue's gaze softened for a brief moment, though his tone remained firm. "We are no different. Our fight was always for the mortal world, for a future where such realms could no longer threaten what we hold dear. We will live for the present, without the weight of ancient secrets dragging us back. It's time for us to let go."

Chu Qiao inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening. "If we do this, there's no going back."

Yuwen Yue nodded. "No going back."

There was a long pause as the wind rustled gently through the trees. Finally, Chu Qiao exhaled and spoke, her voice firm with acceptance. "Then I agree. If this is what it takes to protect the people and bring peace, I'll stand by your side. Let the Moon Kingdom fall into the realm of mortals. No more portals, no more powers—only the world we know and can control."

A brief flicker of relief crossed Yuwen Yue's face, but it quickly disappeared, replaced by his usual steely resolve. "Good. Together, we will ensure the transition is smooth. The Moon people will be safeguarded, and the balance will be restored."

Chu Qiao gave a small nod, determination clear in her eyes. "For peace."

Yuwen Yue stood silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on the distant horizon where the Moon Kingdom once held untold mysteries and unseen powers. Now, it was nothing more than a fading shadow, its influence dissipating with each passing day. He turned to Chu Qiao, his voice low but determined. "With the Moon Kingdom falling into the mortal realm, the powers of the underworld and the shadows that have lurked between dimensions will begin to crumble. The Jianghu, the assassins, the spies—they will no longer have hidden realms to hide within or powers to pursue. But their skills, their influence—they won't simply vanish."

Chu Qiao nodded, her expression pensive. "They've lived in the shadows for so long, clinging to their old ways, driven by ambition, vengeance, or survival. But now, without the promise of forbidden knowledge or the allure of hidden powers, they will have no reason to remain in the dark."

Yuwen Yue's eyes narrowed slightly, his mind already working through the possibilities. "Exactly. Without the lure of the unknown realms, they'll need to find a new purpose, a new order. If left unchecked, they could tear the mortal world apart in their pursuit of control. But if we guide them… if we offer them something different…"

Chu Qiao turned to face him fully, her voice calm but resolute. "A chance at redemption. A world where they can live openly, not as assassins or spies, but as people. A world where their skills can serve to protect rather than destroy. We could create that world, Yue. A community free from the shackles of power and the chains of the past."

Yuwen Yue's expression softened, though his tone remained firm. "The Freedom Community. A place where those from the Jianghu and the underworld can live with dignity, free from their old lives but still with a purpose. They'll no longer live in the shadows or be bound by the expectations of their former masters. They'll have a chance to build something new, something greater than themselves."

Chu Qiao's eyes gleamed with renewed hope. "A world where there are no more realms to fight for, no more secret powers to uncover—just the freedom to live as equals. If we can offer them that future, they'll follow us. The assassins, the spies, even the elite warriors of the Jianghu—they've always longed for something more, something better. They just never knew it was possible."

Yuwen Yue nodded. "We'll gather them. Offer them the choice. Those who want to hold on to their old ways will face the consequences, but for those willing to step into the light, the Freedom Community will be a sanctuary, a new beginning."

Chu Qiao's voice was filled with conviction. "They deserve a second chance. We all do."

The wind picked up around them, as if in response to their decision, carrying with it a sense of finality and renewal. Yuwen Yue reached out and took Chu Qiao's hand, a rare moment of tenderness between them. "We'll need strength, unity, and trust to build this world. But together, we can do it."

Chu Qiao squeezed his hand, her resolve matching his. "We've fought in the shadows for too long. It's time to step into the light and create a world where freedom, not power, rules."

Yuwen Yue looked at her, a faint smile forming on his lips. "For the first time, we fight for a future we can believe in."

Together, they turned their backs on the remnants of the Moon Kingdom, ready to face the new dawn ahead—a world where shadows no longer held dominion, and the Freedom Community promised a life beyond the chains of the past. Yet Chu Qiao did not finish this conversation yet.

Chu Qiao's gaze was steady, her voice carrying a hint of irony despite the seriousness of the conversation. "So, you're planning to turn a mystical kingdom into a fortress?"

Yuwen Yue's lips twitched in a faint smile. "Not quite. But the Moon Kingdom is more than just a beautiful place lost in eternal twilight. It's a shield, a weapon, and a refuge. If we can harness its power to diffuse it, we stand a chance of winning this war."

Chu Qiao crossed her arms, her tone thoughtful. "And what about Qinghai? You're the crown prince, Yuwen Yue. You can't forget your own people."

Yuwen Yue's gaze darkened at the mention of his homeland, and for a moment, the weight of responsibility seemed to settle heavier on his shoulders. "Qinghai will always be my priority. But the empire is fractured—infighting, corruption, and old wounds that still haven't healed. I need to restore order there, rebuild what we lost, and unite the factions. Qinghai is strong, but it's vulnerable."

Chu Qiao nodded slowly. "So, you plan to destroy the Moon Kingdom and rebuild Qinghai at the same time?"

Yuwen Yue's voice was low but determined. "Yes destroy and rebuild at the same time. The Moon Kingdom and Qinghai are intertwined. If one falls, the other will follow the opposite. We need both if we're going to push back the darkness. Qinghai's forces are strong, but they need leadership—unified leadership. That's what I intend to bring."

Chu Qiao's eyes softened as she looked at him, her voice quieter. "And where do I fit into this plan of yours?"

Yuwen Yue turned to face her fully, his gaze meeting hers with an intensity that left no room for doubt. "By my side. Always. You know as well as I do that I can't do this alone."

A moment of silence passed between them, the gravity of his words sinking in. Chu Qiao's expression softened, but she couldn't help the ironic smile that tugged at her lips. "So, after all these years, the great Yuwen Yue finally admits he needs help."

Yuwen Yue chuckled, the sound soft but genuine. "I wouldn't go that far. But you've always been my equal, Chu Qiao. I need you by my side—not just as a soldier or an ally, but as someone I trust."

No more Slaves obeys, illegal channels? Chu Qiao stepped closer, her voice dropping to a near-whisper, though the teasing tone remained. "Don't get too sentimental on me now, Yuwen Yue. I might start to think you've gone soft."

Yuwen Yue smiled, the tension easing slightly as their banter returned. "Soft? Never. I just know I met a slave who lured me in her slave status.

Yuwen Yue leaned back, crossing his arms as he eyed Chu Qiao with an exaggeratedly suspicious squint. His voice was dripping with sarcasm. "So let me get this straight. All this time, I thought you were just a lowly slave, running errands, scrubbing floors, and—oh, I don't know—dodging death on a daily basis… and yet, here we are, and it turns out you're actually the Leader of the Moon Kingdom? The all-powerful Star Child? Xing'er? Really?"

Chu Qiao, barely containing a smirk, raised an eyebrow. "Surprised?"

Yuwen Yue threw his hands up dramatically. "Surprised? Oh no, not at all! Why would I be? It's not like I spent months risking my life to protect you from all kinds of disasters. No, no, I was definitely expecting that I'd eventually find out the person I've been saving is secretly some cosmic princess. Totally saw that one coming."

Chu Qiao tilted her head playfully. "Well, technically, I never said I was just a slave. You just… assumed."

"Assumed?" Yuwen Yue scoffed, his voice thick with mock outrage. "Right! Because when I first found you, chained up and covered in dirt, my first thought was, 'Ah, yes, clearly this is the powerful ruler of a hidden celestial kingdom. Look at how regally she mops the floors.'"

Chu Qiao tried to suppress a laugh. "I mean, I do mop with a certain elegance, don't you think?"

Yuwen Yue shook his head, staring at her with exaggerated disbelief. "Yes, very regal. You truly commanded that broom like it was a royal scepter. How could I have missed it?"

With a mischievous glint in her eye, Chu Qiao shrugged casually. "Hey, you're the one who went through all those ridiculous trials to 'discover the truth.' Climbing mountains, fighting assassins, diving into deep, mystical caves… all while I was just, you know, casually existing."

Yuwen Yue groaned dramatically, pressing his palm to his forehead. "Oh, please, don't remind me. Do you have any idea how many people I had to battle to 'uncover the mystery' of your identity? Endless scrolls of cryptic prophecies? And let's not forget that time I almost got crushed by an ancient stone door just to read some poem about a 'Star Child.' All that, while you just stood there looking—what's the word?—incredibly normal?"

Chu Qiao blinked innocently. "I told you to stop looking for answers. I said I wasn't that important."

Yuwen Yue threw her a sarcastic look. "Oh, right, silly me. You, the girl with five different assassination attempts on her life every week, 'not important.' Clearly, I should have believed you. Next time I'll remember that when a humble 'slave' is dodging arrows like she's in an action play, she's probably just a celestial being in disguise."

Chu Qiao grinned. "I did try to make it obvious with my whole 'I'm not like the other slaves' vibe."

Yuwen Yue let out an exaggerated sigh. "Yeah, well, next time, a little heads-up would be nice. Maybe a 'Hi, my name is Chu Qiao, but you can call me Xing'er, ruler of the Moon Kingdom, bringer of light, wielder of secret powers… you know, just so I don't waste my time being 'surprised' when you suddenly start glowing."

Chu Qiao feigned innocence. "Where's the fun in that? I couldn't just tell you. It was more entertaining watching you piece it together… slowly."

Yuwen Yue shook his head, letting out a mock sigh of defeat. "Entertaining for you, maybe. I've never felt more like a fool. All those sleepless nights, strategizing and scheming, thinking I was protecting a fragile slave, when really I was just an unwitting pawn in the grand plans of the Star Child herself."

Chu Qiao couldn't help but laugh now. "You're being dramatic, Yue."

Yuwen Yue deadpanned, leaning in closer. "Dramatic? Oh, I'm sorry. I'm dramatic? I think you're forgetting who staged this whole 'slave girl with a secret royal assassins destiny' act."

Chu Qiao shrugged nonchalantly. "What can I say? You fell for it. Hard."

He sighed again, rubbing his temples. "I need a vacation."

Chu Qiao patted his shoulder, a teasing grin still on her face. "Well, now that you know the truth, you can relax, right? No more mysteries, no more surprises."

Yuwen Yue raised a finger, a glint of irony in his eyes. "Oh no, I'm never relaxing again. Next time, if I see a slave who seems too good at wielding a mop, I'm just going to assume she's an ancient deity in disguise and call it a day."

Chu Qiao chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. "Maybe I'll tell you my real secrets next time. Or maybe not."

Yuwen Yue shot her a tired but amused look. "Oh, I'm sure you will. In about, what, another year of me running around like a fool, chasing riddles?"

She gave him a sly smile. "It's all part of the journey."

Yuwen Yue laughed, shaking his head. "Remind me again why I like you?"

Chu Qiao winked. "Because you're a sucker for a good mystery."

He sighed dramatically again, though his smirk betrayed his amusement. "That I am, Xing'er. That I am."

Yuwen Yue looked at her like he is gonna kiss her.

But Chu Qiao shook her head, a soft laugh escaping her lips. "I have good strategy or not, back to the Qinghai and Moon Kingdom people topic, this plan of yours is ambitious. You're talking about uniting realms and empires. Even for you, that's a tall order."

Yuwen Yue's expression grew serious again, his voice steady but filled with resolve. "I know it's ambitious. But we don't have a choice. The darkness is spreading, and if we don't act now, everything we've fought for will be lost. The Moon Kingdom, Qinghai… they both need to survive. And we need to survive to protect them."

Chu Qiao's gaze lingered on him for a moment before she nodded, her voice quieter but filled with determination. "Then let's make sure we do."

Yuwen Yue smiled faintly, his eyes softening as he looked at her. "We will. Together."

As the snow continued to fall outside, blanketing the world in white, the fire in the hearth crackled warmly, casting their shadows against the walls of the Snow White Rook. In that quiet, hidden fortress, the weight of their shared destiny hung between them—both Qinghai and the Moon Kingdom relying on their strength, their trust, and their ability to fight together against the coming storm.

Prison with no walls

Viper have never been busy not until the Gurus were captured and detained in the Moon Kingdom's prison.

This is not her first time to be exposed to them yet she said the very same thing Zao Baocung said: These are not normal people.

When Zao Baocung inspected them, the Gurus have odd formations and postures of meditation. Inside the Prison there were like druid priests like him, they look like monks but truly they are something else.

Viper trying to describe them further she said what are they then?

Zao Baocung like he will tell bedtime stories said, Once upon a time…

Viper rolled her eyes hating Zao Baocung telling stories, she said, do you want to taste this whip? And the Gurus suddenly not paying attention gathered in the prison with no walls. They talk in language known only to themselves know and are like whispering among themselves.

Zao Baocung found himself smirking, So, the all-knowing Gurus can't find their way out of a prison that doesn't even exist. You'd think they'd be able to "enlighten" themselves past a few invisible walls.

Viper chuckles said, I don't like those smirks Zao, because you know, it tells they're more about "seeking wisdom" than actually finding it. Maybe they're still "finding themselves."

Right, and by "finding," you mean wandering around in circles, hoping the answer shows up. Zao Baocung is scratching his head and giving a bored face.

Maybe they're onto something big this time. I mean, look at them—so close to touching the power of Ximeng! (snorts) Any second now. Viper is playing her whip while the Gurus looking at it like it was their first time seeing it.

Yeah, right. Ximeng's power isn't a riddle they can just chant their way through. The Qinghai Queen has been trying for decades, for a reason, it is never been in their grasp even if they are so close in it.

Well, That means you have done a good job. Gotta admire their persistence and dedication to… failing spectacularly. (grins)

Ah, but their failure is so beautifully enlightening, don't you think, Zao Baocung remarks were truly an insult to the Gurus

Both laugh as the Gurus continue their futile attempts to break free from their invisible prison, indifferent to their audience's mockery.

As the Moon kingdom is exposed in Ximeng Continent, Lou He retreated to the farthest part of the North. She is literally living in the Hellfrost roaming around, all by herself lost her memories.

She noticed the horizon, there is no changes of time here is not like any other States she thought to herself. There is little to no sunrise at all, where eternal twilight lingers.

Stepping to these exposed boundaries of the Moon Kingdom still lay threats and even dread because of its atmosphere. Most Qinghai citizens do not dare to enter or even take the time to explore.

However, the lives of the Moon people continued the usual as Qinghai stills waits for their Princes to return, Ra Zheng and Ra Zhun's absences to the empire have greatly affected Qinghai situation. While Ra Yue and Chu Qiao disappeared after their supposed battle, their location where undisclosed after the Gurus were captured in the Moon Kingdom.

The Qinghai Queen received the news and she became furious. She is left all by herself and her Gorge spies to plan their next moves. As the Moon Kingdom is a shadow empire of Qinghai, a kingdom expert in spying and assassins activities that covers the entire Ximeng continent, nothing here goes unknown or unnoticed. The realms are not just simulation of spying instruments such as lures or traps or man made stratagems. The realms truly bring eternal damnation to both physical and soul of mortal beings. But to the outsiders, the underworlds are more of beings like mortals once they decide to expose themselves or expend their energies to bring peace amidst its chaos. They too are just as fragile as the mortal beings, but were mostly capable to handle a lot more pain, knowledge, or skills than the average mortals.

Zao Baocung run out of options imprisoned the Gurus but thinks this is not a good idea.

These Gurus are powerful enchanters, like wizards who can casts spells and summon some entities that can damage an empire, he would want them to be expelled rather than capture. But Zao Baocung still sees them as useful in the future and heed to Skyshadow's advise when she said: The prison of no walls is useless then! Aren't you confident of your powers to contain them?

Zao Baocung retorting said: I am a Chu Jing Healer! Come on, my powers is not to torture, my powers if for healing! I think Viper is fitting for the job!

And so Viper, assumed this post as their torture master if the Gurus does something unusual activities. The Gurus having been new to Moon Kingdom doesn't have any idea what is exactly in this realms even if they have read, studied, and analyzed Qinghai text for decades, it did not still give them the true experience not until today.

Skyshadow spy lets out a small chuckle said: So you are off to this duty, what do you plan to do? Now that Moon Kingdom is exposed, no more forgotten river or ersatz realms, it seems you would want to retire.

Zao Baocung felt depressed like a childish remark said: I miss them.

Skyshadow jokingly asked: Which one? The haunting souls or the dark breeds?

No I want to retreat to Hellforst and talk to Di Fu! Zao Baocung smirked!

Viper was passing by when she heard this casual banter spats in said: I missed the Urshan!

Ha…ha…ha… the Skyshadow rarely laughs but this time she revealed, said: I saw him in the Normal River. Not anymore forgotten and he looks gorgeous and like normal guy hanging around with his boat.

Viper chuckles too, which she's also surprised to feel lighter this days, said: Not like his monster days ferrying souls?

No! He is ferrying fruits and helping the Moon people cross from here to there.

Skyshadow stretched her arms and all three of them look at the Urshan.

Viper recalled and describes him: He is average height but carries himself as if he were larger in several ways. The skin on his body is pale, as if he existed in part under a luminescence that remains part of him even in the shadows through which he moves. His hair falls blacker than any midnight yet still seems to have those silk-like strands within and upon it so that it always cascades below his shoulders, usually kept tightly bound to the back to get out of his face. It is his strongly chiseled cheekbones and his powerful jaw that work together to give him an air of intensity and resolve.

His eyes are probably the brightest features of all – slitted pupils, ghostly silver glowing in the dark. And in this, he possesses the power to fix people's eyes so intently they freeze stiff with fear and in the same measure, hold it so deep within so that he can read people, understand them unto the depth of their intent with a strange sort of accuracy. He is the Great Urshan, the divine boat ferryman that carries souls from the mortal world to the after life.

Zao Baocung interrupted said: Without the Ersatz Realm the Forgotten river is no longer accessible to the afterlife, No one would ferry souls, and each time a mortal dies, it will just be up to the gods to lead them where?

Curious about this, the Skyshadow also asks, And what about us?

Viper is waiting for Zao Baocung's reply.

Zao Baocung in serious in tone said: We would probably be ending the same.