Shadows of the Underworld

by Angel Chua

Chu Qiao grows increasingly aware of the threats surrounding her. She receives cryptic messages from spies within the underworld, warning her of the coming danger. Viper, always by her side, continues to guide her, revealing more about her mother's role as the leader of the Wind and Cloud Decree, a secret organization of spies.

15. Eternal Twilight

Blackhood man and his search of the Moon Kingdom

A dense, mist-filled jungle shrouds the towering stone entrance carved into the side of an ancient mountain. This gateway leads into the fabled labyrinth known as The Thousand Caves. Three men, clad in dark tactical gear, move with eerie precision through the undergrowth, inching closer to the entrance. They are seasoned assassins—cold, calculated, and efficient.

The older assassin, his voice cool and steady, glances at the looming cave mouth. "You're sure this is the right place? A thousand caves... and we need just one."

The younger assassin smirks, checking his watch. "One way in, one way out. At least, that's what the map says. We get in, grab whoever we can, and get out before anyone knows we were here."

The man in the black hood, silent until now, narrows his eyes. "It's never that simple, kid. This place is riddled with traps—booby traps, secret passages, and things worse than traps. And don't think for a second we'll be the only ones down there."

The older assassin chuckles softly, pulling a slender blade from his sleeve and twirling it. "Good. I was getting bored. I could use a challenge."

The younger assassin shakes his head, annoyed, and pulls a worn map from his pocket. "Save it. Let's just stick to the plan. We move fast and avoid any unnecessary fights."

The black-hooded man shrugs, his cold eyes flickering to the younger assassin. "Sure, but if someone crosses our path, they won't live to regret it."

The older assassin's tone turns serious as he steps closer. "Don't get too cocky. The last thing we need is a bloodbath. These caves echo for miles. We don't want to alert anyone to our presence. Got it?"

"Got it," the younger assassin mutters, tucking the map away and adjusting his gear. "But remember, this isn't just another job. People don't come back from these caves for a reason."

The black-hooded man smirks, his cockiness returning. "And what reason's that?"

The cave entrance looms before them, and none of the assassins have an answer.

Hours later, the trio has been navigating the labyrinthine caves, the oppressive silence broken only by the occasional drip of water echoing in the distance. The air is thick and heavy, tension hanging between them. The tunnel suddenly widens into a dimly lit chamber, where a hunched, ragged figure sits in the corner—an old beggar wrapped in tattered robes, her face obscured by a dirty hood.

The younger assassin freezes mid-step, his hand instinctively reaching for his weapon. "What the hell? We're not supposed to see anyone down here."

The older assassin's eyes narrow. "No one comes this deep without a reason. Stay sharp."

The younger assassin tightens his grip on his blade. "You think she's dangerous?"

The man in the black hood regards the figure coolly. "Anyone still alive this far in is dangerous."

Without looking up, the beggar speaks, her voice a raspy whisper. "It's disrespectful to pass without knowing the cave's protocols."

The man in the black hood laughs mockingly. "Protocols? In a cave? Give me a break."

The beggar rolls back her frayed sleeve, extending a hand as if waiting for something. "It's not the cave you should fear... It's what's coming for you if you don't follow them."

The older assassin steps forward, amusement in his voice but a wary look in his eyes. "Oh yeah? And what's coming for us, old woman?"

Before the beggar can respond, the younger assassin tosses a mooncake at her feet. The beggar stays still, her frail hand scooping it up and cracking it open to reveal a small golden coin hidden inside.

The black-hooded man sneers. "So that's all you wanted? Some lousy mooncake?"

The beggar's laughter is dry and cracked, like the sound of old bones. "This is no ordinary mooncake," she says, holding up the coin. "It's your death... but not the kind you know."

The black-hooded man's eyes narrow. "Who are you? And what do you know about the Moon Kingdom?"

The beggar lifts her head slightly, revealing a weathered face and eyes gleaming with an eerie intensity. "Names mean nothing here. Call me what you will. I've been in these caves longer than the stone itself."

The black-hooded man, unsettled but hiding it, scoffs. "So you're just some ghost here to scare us off?"

The beggar smiles faintly, but there's no warmth in it. "No ghost. No story. You think you're hunters? Killers? This cave hunts the hunters. It kills the killers."

The older assassin steps closer, his voice now cold. "You know the way out, don't you?"

The beggar's eyes darken. "Out? There is no 'out.' You're part of the cave now. Just like me."

The younger assassin's face hardens. "What's waiting for us inside?"

The beggar coughs harshly, her voice sharpening. "You seek something deep within the heart of this cursed place. But you've already gone too far."

Impatience boils over in the black-hooded man. "Enough riddles! Tell us where the Moon Kingdom is!"

The beggar's bony hand points toward the tunnels ahead. "It lies within. But to touch it... will cost you more than your life."

The black-hooded man glares at her, frustration growing. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The beggar leans back against the wall, her voice barely a whisper. "Some things are worse than death. You'll see soon enough."

The black-hooded man steps closer, his curiosity piqued. "And you? Why are you still here?"

The beggar's voice is a hollow echo. "Who said I'm alive? I am part of this place, like the bones in the walls. You can kill me if you like, but I'll still be here long after you're gone."

The older assassin scowls, turning to the younger assassin. "We're wasting time. Let's go."

The younger assassin nods, though his eyes linger on the beggar. "Yeah. Let's move."

As they walk away, the beggar's raspy voice echoes through the cavern. "Beware the shadows. Beware the whispers in the dark."

The older assassin glances back nervously, muttering under his breath. "We're flesh and blood. You should be the one who's afraid."

The black-hooded man, eyes scanning the path ahead, whispers, "Sometimes, the ones who sound crazy are the ones who know the truth."

---

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 Yuestood by the window, gazing out at the frozen landscape, the weight of unspoken plans lingering between him andChu 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, sitting by the fire, stares at Chu Qiao, his eyes filled with exaggerated disbelief. He sighs loudly and dramatically. "So, let me get this straight, Xing'er. I, the Great Yuwen Yue, the heir of the Eyes of God, Yuwen's fourth branch Young Master of Strategy and Lures, the one who outwits generals, warlords, and assassins for breakfast, was completely fooled by a…slave. A SLAVE? Who, it turns out, is actually the leader of the Moon Kingdom, Star Child, whatever? Did I get that right?"

Chu Qiaoraises an eyebrow, her lips twitching in amusement. "Yeah, pretty much. But you make it sound like Itrickedyou on purpose. I never said I was just a slave, Yue. You just…assumed." She gives him an innocent smile.

Yuwen Yue scoffs, leaning back dramatically. "Oh, yes, because when I first saw you, dressed in rags, scrubbing floors with all the grace of a royal mop wielder, my immediate thought was, 'Aha! This is clearly the Star Child! The ruler of an entire celestial kingdom!'"

Chu Qiao shrugs nonchalantly. "You missed the signs."

Yuwen Yue's jaw drops, his voice thick with sarcasm. "The signs? Oh, forgive me for not noticing thesubtleclues, like the way you couldalmostget killed every other day. Very Star Child-like behavior. Really gave it away."

Chu Qiao grins, unable to hide her amusement. "Well, it worked, didn't it? You never suspected a thing. In fact, I'd say you went above and beyond. Climbing mountains, dodging traps, solving riddles. Very impressive, by the way. All to protect a poor, 'helpless' slave." She adds air quotes for emphasis.

Yuwen Yue groans, rubbing his temples. "Oh, don't remind me. Do you know how many times I nearly died trying to protect you? How many ancient scrolls I had to decode? I should have been reading the prophecy of theStar Child, but no, I was too busy saving you fromlaundry duty."

Chu Qiao leans in, laughing. "Well, I have to admit, watching you stumble through all those 'trials' to discover my identity was quite entertaining. Especially that time you almost got crushed by that boulder. You were so close, Yue."

Yuwen Yue narrows his eyes, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ah, yes, I remember that boulder well. It was about five tons of rock that nearly flattened me.Allbecause I was looking for a 'secret treasure' that turned out to be you. A treasure I apparently already owned but didn't even know it."

Chu Qiao chuckles. "See, you should've just asked me. I could've told you right away: 'Hi, I'm Xing'er, leader of the Moon Kingdom. Please, no need for all the life-threatening drama.'"

Yuwen Yue throws his hands up. "Well, excuse me for trying to uncovertruths! You know, some people don't just go around handing out their royal lineage over tea."

Chu Qiao smirks. "And yet, here we are, Mr. Fourth Young Master… or should I say,Ra Yue, Crown Prince of Qinghai?" Her eyes glint with amusement as she watches his reaction.

Yuwen Yue freezes, his playful grin faltering for just a second before he recovers with mock horror. "Oh, no. You figured it out. What gave me away? Was it the fact that I triedso hardto be a mysterious heir to the Eyes of God? Or was it my overly dramatic entrances? I thought I did a pretty good job playing the humble 'Fourth Young Master' card."

Chu Qiao crosses her arms, feigning a thoughtful look. "Well, it wasn't exactly subtle. The way you command an army, the whole 'strategic mastermind' thing, the fact that people kept whispering about Qinghai every time you left a room… And let's not forget your endless supply of mysterious connections. Veryhumblefor a fourth son."

Yuwen Yue winces, shaking his head. "Ah, yes, Qinghai. The land I'm apparently supposed toruleone day. But, you know, I was really getting into the whole 'Eyes of God' persona. Felt very…mysterious."

Chu Qiao stifles a laugh. "Mysterious? You? Yue, you're about as mysterious as an open book."

Yuwen Yue holds a hand to his chest in mock offense. "I'll have you know, I've spentyearscultivating my aura of mystery. I mean, didn't my thousand-yard stare scream 'enigmatic prince'? Not to mention the whole 'emotionally unavailable' vibe. Come on, Inailedit."

Chu Qiao chuckles, shaking her head. "Sure, Yue. If by 'nailed it,' you mean everyone could see right through you except, apparently, me. How did I not figure out that the guy with unlimited resources and control over elite warriors might be more than just some random young master?"

Yuwen Yue waves her off, grinning. "Ah, well, you were too busy pretending to be aslave, remember? Too focused on scrubbing those floors with 'royal grace.'"

Chu Qiao rolls her eyes. "Oh, please. I had to keep it low-key. I couldn't have you figuring out I was the Star Child before I could see how many times you'd actually throw yourself in danger for me."

Yuwen Yue laughs, leaning in closer, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "You know, I should've known when you survived all those assassination attempts without breaking a sweat. That wasn't normal 'slave' behavior."

Chu Qiao smiles sweetly. "You're just slow, Yue."

Yuwen Yue gasps dramatically, placing a hand over his heart. "Me? Slow? Oh no, I prefer to think of myself as…methodical. You know, taking my time to make sure I wasn't jumping to any wild conclusions. Like you, for instance, not telling me that the person I'm risking my life for is secretly the most powerful figure in the realm!"

Chu Qiao shrugs playfully. "I thought the element of surprise made things more interesting. Kept you on your toes."

Yuwen Yue sighs with mock defeat. "Well, congratulations. You kept me on my toes, alright. And you—" he points at her accusingly, "—enjoyed every second of it, didn't you?"

Chu Qiao grins widely. "Oh, absolutely. Watching you piece it together, one cryptic clue at a time, was the best entertainment I've had inyears."

Yuwen Yue shakes his head, chuckling. "Great. So, we're both royal idiots who got played by each other's 'humble' personas. You as the undercover Star Child, me as the not-so-humble Crown Prince of Qinghai."

Chu Qiao leans back, folding her arms smugly. "Well, I guess the real mystery here is how we ever managed to fool each other for so long."

Yuwen Yue smirks. "I think the real mystery is why I kept rescuing you when you clearly didn't need saving."

Chu Qiao gives him a teasing look. "Maybe you just enjoy the thrill of being the hero, Yue. Or maybe you're just a sucker for a good damsel-in-distress act."

Yuwen Yue chuckles. "More like a sucker for overly complicated, life-threatening situations. It's not my fault you're a magnet for chaos."

Chu Qiao laughs. "Well, now that the secret's out, I guess we can stop pretending, right?"

Yuwen Yue grins slyly. "Stop pretending? Where's the fun in that? I'm sure there are a few more secret identities we haven't uncovered yet."

Chu Qiao raises an eyebrow. "Oh? Got any more royal titles hidden up your sleeve, Prince Ra Yue?"

Yuwen Yue leans in with a smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

He sighed 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 had never been this busy—at least not until the Gurus were captured and detained in the Moon Kingdom's prison.

This wasn't her first encounter with them, yet she echoed Zao Baocung's sentiment: "These are not ordinary people."

When Zao Baocung inspected them, he found the Gurus meditating in peculiar postures. Within the prison, they appeared like druid priests or monks, though something about them was decidedly otherworldly.

Attempting to describe them further, Viper asked, "Then what are they?"

In a tone as if beginning a bedtime story, Zao Baocung replied, "Once upon a time…"

Viper rolled her eyes, disliking Zao Baocung's tendency to ramble, and snapped, "Do you want to taste this whip?" At that moment, the Gurus, who had appeared indifferent, gathered closer within their wall-less prison. They spoke in a language known only to them, whispering as if sharing secrets.

Zao Baocung smirked, "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 chuckled. "I don't like that smirk, Zao. It says more about them 'seeking wisdom' than actually finding it. Maybe they're still just 'finding themselves.'"

"Right," he replied, scratching his head with a bored look, "and by 'finding,' you mean wandering in circles, hoping the answer appears."

"Maybe they're onto something big this time. Look at them—so close to touching Ximeng's power!" Viper snorted, playing with her whip as the Gurus stared at it as if seeing it for the first time.

"Ximeng's power isn't some riddle they can chant their way through," Zao retorted. "The Qinghai Queen has been trying for decades to harness it, and it's still beyond their grasp."

"Well, that means you've done a good job," Viper said with a grin. "You've got to admire their persistence... even if they're failing spectacularly."

"Ah, but their failure is so beautifully enlightening, don't you think?" Zao Baocung's remark was an intentional insult, and they both laughed as the Gurus continued their futile attempts to break free from the invisible prison, oblivious to the mockery.

Meanwhile, as the Moon Kingdom faced exposure across the Ximeng Continent, Lou He had retreated to the farthest northern reaches. She wandered alone in the Hellfrost, her memory lost, in a place where the sky seemed frozen in eternal twilight.

She noticed that here, time hardly moved; it was unlike any other land, with barely any sunrise at all. The atmosphere alone deterred most Qinghai citizens from entering or exploring.

Life in the Moon Kingdom continued as usual, though the Qinghai Empire anxiously awaited the return of their princes, Ra Zheng and Ra Zhun. Their absence had deeply impacted Qinghai, and with Ra Yue and Chu Qiao also vanishing after their battle, Qinghai's situation grew dire. The Gurus' capture in the Moon Kingdom only worsened matters.

When the Qinghai Queen received the news, she was furious. Left with only her Gorge spies, she plotted her next move. As the shadow empire of Qinghai, the Moon Kingdom's expertise in espionage covered the entire Ximeng continent, leaving nothing unknown or unnoticed. The realms of this shadow empire went beyond mere lures, traps, or stratagems; they posed eternal damnation to both the body and soul. Yet to outsiders, the underworld realms seemed populated by beings like mortals. If they chose to reveal themselves, these beings often brought a fragile peace amidst the chaos, though they were more resilient than most mortals, able to withstand immense pain, knowledge, and skill.

Although Zao Baocung had chosen to imprison the Gurus, he wasn't convinced it was wise.

"These Gurus are powerful enchanters," he admitted. "They can cast spells and summon entities capable of crippling an empire. I'd rather expel them than capture them." Still, he saw potential in their knowledge and ultimately followed Skyshadow's advice when she said, "A prison with no walls is pointless! Aren't you confident in your power to contain them?"

"I'm a Chu Jing healer!" Zao Baocung protested. "My powers are for healing, not torture. Viper would be better suited for this job!"

And so, Viper took on the role of their "torture master," set to discipline the Gurus if they behaved suspiciously. New to the Moon Kingdom, the Gurus had studied Qinghai texts for decades, yet this firsthand experience was entirely unfamiliar.

Skyshadow let out a small chuckle. "So, off to this duty you go. What do you plan to do now that the Moon Kingdom is exposed? No more hidden rivers or ersatz realms. Looks like you're ready for retirement."

Zao Baocung, in a slightly childish tone, replied, "I miss them."

Skyshadow raised a brow, "Which ones? The haunting souls or the dark breeds?"

"No, I want to retreat to Hellfrost and talk to Di Fu," Zao Baocung smirked.

Viper, overhearing their banter, remarked, "I miss the Urshan!"

Skyshadow, usually reserved, chuckled and said, "I saw him by the Normal River. No longer forgotten, he looked like any other man, just hanging around with his boat."

Viper, surprised by her own amusement, laughed, "Not ferrying souls like in his monster days?"

"No, now he's just ferrying fruit and helping Moon people cross the waters."

Skyshadow stretched, and the three of them gazed at the Urshan.

Recalling his appearance, Viper described him: "He's of average height but carries himself as though he were much larger. His skin has a pale luminescence, as if he exists partly in shadows. His hair, blacker than midnight, falls to his shoulders, usually tied back. His chiseled cheekbones and powerful jaw give him an intense, resolved air.

"But his eyes are his most striking feature—slitted pupils, glowing silver in the dark. They have a way of holding people still, and he can read intentions with uncanny accuracy. He's the Great Urshan, the divine boatman who ferries souls from the mortal world to the afterlife."

Zao Baocung interrupted, "Without the Ersatz Realm, the Forgotten River is no longer accessible to the afterlife. No one will ferry souls. When a mortal dies, it'll be up to the gods to lead them—if they lead them anywhere at all."

Skyshadow, intrigued, asked, "And what about us?"

Viper waited for Zao Baocung's answer.

In a somber tone, he replied, "We will likely end the same way."