Despite the snow and cold that had taken hold at the end of the year, the city's shops were busy. Xinxin had wrapped herself tightly in her coat. Pian'er had shown considerably more taste and bought her a coat made of white fur with a delicate pink pattern. Pian'er had even stopped leaving her hair tied back in a simple braid, dangling back and forth. After all, she was the companion of Her Highness Liu Yan.
Even though an engagement had not yet been discussed, the entire demon realm knew that it was only a matter of time. Xinxin was almost unrecognizable, like a lady from a fine family with her clinking silver and gold jewelry and bright, warm clothes. Liu yan, on the other hand, was dressed in turquoise, dark blue, and red. Although he had kept his clothes simple, he still attracted attention with his long, black hair, which was artfully styled, and his slender stature.
"Candied hawthorn fruit," he held a skewer in front of Xinxin's nose. "Hopefully my cakes will survive a little longer next time," he said with feigned seriousness. Xinxin stuck her tongue out at him and took a hearty bite of the sweet fruit. Together they strolled through the snow-covered streets. There was no sign of people feeling threatened. There were no soldiers patrolling the city, even though it was closest to the border with the Wildlands. Xinxin pointed to a stand selling baozi.
"Let's buy some of these and some of those and..." She ran back and forth between the various food stalls. Liu Yan laughed. The food in the Wildlands was indeed inedible. When Pian'er deigned to cook alongside her duties as first general, it was edible. But most of the time, the dishes consisted of nothing more than a pile of meat that was either under- or over-seasoned and, on top of that, poisonous. Demons didn't care much for vegetables or rice. So most of the time, they were denied exquisite dishes or even the simplest culinary delights of a dumpling. The castle's treasure chambers had been well stocked, so Liu Yan was able to make a little extra money from the gems before they reached the city.
"All right, let's go to a proper inn," he suggested. Xinxin's eyes lit up like a child who had been promised ice cream and candy. As they strolled across the market square, Xinxin let her gaze wander over the stalls and shops.
"When things have quieted down, maybe I'll ask Pian'er to help me sell some of the medicine here," Xinxin said in a low voice. Although she made good and effective medicine, most demons didn't need it. They didn't get sick, and injuries healed on their own and were a status symbol for battles won. Only Pian'er and a few other female demons who could take human form were interested in it. Liu Yan pointed to a well-frequented inn. He wrapped a scarf around his face and entered with Xinxin. They took a table at the edge and ordered everything on the menu. Xinxin was delighted and tried a little of everything.
"We should bring something back for Pian'er and Yichen," she suggested. Liu Yan watched her eat and nodded in agreement.
"If you have any leftovers, sure," he joked. Xinxin grimaced but didn't let it stop her from eating.
"I mean, we should take a look at the unusual demon activity."
Xinxin froze in her movement and Liu Yan's gaze darkened. He quickly untied the strap that held the curtain of their private room together and pulled Xinxin closer to him.
"A'Cui, I understand your concern, but crossing the river in the middle of winter is dangerous," a second voice said. "Mu Bai, no one asked for your opinion," Tao Cui replied indignantly. "There must be a reason why so many demons are migrating back to the wildlands. Considering that the curse..."
"Tao Cui!" another warning voice rang out. Tao Cui fell silent, but her panting could be heard all the way down. Liu Yan had pulled Xinxin close to him. She didn't move and was frozen in place.
"The Kingdom of Tian has never openly admitted that Prince Tian Liu Yan really fled and left the country. It merely alerted the sects after what happened at the Zhao residence," the voice explained calmly.
"Jia Fu, we've been looking for A'Xin for over a year now. We don't know what the prince might have done to her. Perhaps he confused her mind and took advantage of her condition," Tao Cui said indignantly.
"I don't believe A'Xin would let anyone take advantage of her. The approach taken at the Zhao residence bore her signature. We should not rule out the possibility that she has strayed from the right path." The voice had a bright, friendly tone. Like spring rain falling over a mountain range and forming streams. Xinxin flinched violently. Liu Yan lifted her chin, but she didn't look at him, her eyes wide with horror, her whole body trembling and tears burning in her eyes.
"A'Shui," was all she could say.
"A'Xin is... she would," the second man's voice sounded rough but strong. Like a mountain resting behind a wall of fog.
"Jia Gongzi, we must not forget what she did in Chenzhu and her behavior," A'Shui's voice reminded him. Once again, Xinxin flinched so violently that the chopsticks fell from her hand.
Liu Yan took her by the hand and left the private room. Just as he was about to leave the inn with her, a sharp voice rang out.
"A'Xin," Tao Cui was as fast as the wind. Without using the stairs, she flew down from the upper floor and drew her sword as Liu Yan stood protectively in front of Xinxin.
"You again, you're still with her," Tao Cui growled. Something sharp whizzed past Liu Yan's ear as Mu Bei threw his crescent daggers at him and landed next to Tao Cui in one leap. They stood facing each other, ready to fight.
"A'Xin," a woman hurried down the stairs. At first glance, she looked like a goddess. Her petite figure was full of grace and charm. Her fragile-looking body was wrapped in the finest white fabrics. Her black hair was adorned with elegant jewelry and several hairpins woven into a star shape. Her face expressed innocence and concern. She had large dark eyes, full lips, and such a lovely expression that one instinctively reached out to her. Liu Yan felt sick. A'Shui pushed past Tao Cui and Mu Bai and tried to grab Xinxin.
"Don't touch me," Xinxin cried, close to panic. Her heart was beating wildly, and Liu Yan could feel her body trembling behind him. He pulled her further behind him and formed a blade of black shadow, but before it could hit A'Shui, another blade crossed it. It was made of pure light, and Liu Yan was blinded for a moment. The recoil of their sword energy rippled through the inn, knocking over tables and chairs along with the guests. A man rose. His pure white robes were covered in frost, and his dark hair was adorned with an almost regal crown. White ribbons and transparent gemstones were woven into it. His facial features changed. Anger turned to restlessness, annoyance, rage, and sadness. He seemed uncomfortable. A'Shui placed a hand on his arm.
"Is it him?" she asked reverently, looking at Liu Yan with tear-filled eyes. The gaze of the man Liu Yan identified as Jia Fu became more determined. He stroked A'Shui's hands.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you," he whispered. A'Shui nodded with relief.
"A'Xin, I beg you, come back," Tao Cui pleaded, putting away her short sword to show her good will. Liu Yan also showed his good will by not slitting her throat immediately, but merely holding his blade to her throat.
"I thought she made herself clear enough last time," he said dangerously calmly. The whole situation was tense. Jia Fu was clearly an immortal cultist. It was the first time since his rise as a curse binder that he had faced someone who was his equal.
"Please, not in here," A'Shui said quietly. She had stepped forward unnoticed and placed a hand on Liu Yan's sword hand. Before Liu Yan could even wonder how she had approached him so unnoticed, she turned to Xinxin. "A'Xin, stop this nonsense, you owe us all an explanation," she said gently, reaching out her hand to her.
Pure panic flashed in Xinxin's eyes. Her eyes wide, she stared at A'Shui's hand as if it were a blade that would tear her apart. She staggered back, bumped into the inn's counter, and collapsed to the floor. She buried her hands in her hair and screamed. All she did was scream. Liu Yan grabbed the hand on his arm and hurled A'Shui toward Jia Fu. When Jia Fu let go of his sword to catch her, Liu Yan took Xinxin and enveloped her in black mist before retreating with her. "Your Highness, you must not let her use you," A'Shui called after him. Her voice was filled with concern and fear. "She's just playing with you. Has she ever allowed you to get close to her?"
When he reached the Honglou, he enveloped the entire castle in thick black shadows. A'Shui's warning echoed in his mind. Xinxin was using him? Manipulating him? Had she ever allowed him to get close to her? He shook off the unpleasant thoughts. Xinxin in his arms had lost consciousness.
"What happened, Your Highness?" Pian'er cried, rushing into the throne room. When she saw Xinxin lying in his arms, she hurried over. She quickly felt her pulse.
"She's alive, but she's in shock. She's hot and cold and sweating. Her heart is beating as if it wants to jump out of her chest," she said breathlessly. Liu Yan slid Xinxin onto the bed behind the throne.
"What happened?" Yichen had also reached the throne room.
"We met her again," said Liu Yan. Pian'er frowned. Then her eyes widened. Liu Yan had once told her about the woman who had stirred up Xinxin's past. She was supposed to protect Xinxin from her in particular.
"That Tao Cui," she whispered angrily.
"More of them. Xinxin has completely lost her composure," Liu Yan explained calmly, almost too calmly.
"It looks like her soul space is damaged," Yichen remarked. Liu Yan did not look at him. Almost every living being possessed a soul space, but only a few were able to use it or actively enter it. But if it suffered damage, it was equivalent to significant damage to a person's psyche. Much worse than any physical wound.
"Someone has to enter it and take a look," Pian'er said. "That's the only way we can help, if someone faces her greatest fears with her." Liu Yan kissed the back of Xinxin's hand.
"Strengthen the borders. Don't let them dare to enter the Wildlands," he instructed them. Pian'er and Yichen stood at attention.
"We will not allow anyone who puts Xinxin in this position to escape the Wildlands alive," Pian'er solemnly swore.
When they had left, Liu Yan leaned over Xinxin. She was snow-white and sweat stood on her forehead. She writhed as if she were having nightmares.
He gently stroked her cheek with the tip of his nose and kissed her lips before resting his forehead on hers. Xinxin did not resist him; her soul space opened up to him, and just a moment later, he was standing in a clearing. The clearing itself was lush and green, a garden of herbs had been laid out around an impressive little house. The sky was blue, the sun was shining, and the mountains rose in the distance. A young woman rose from the flower bed in front of him.
Liu Yan recognized her immediately. She was young, but beautiful. Her body was curvaceous and had a healthy pink color. Her hair was shiny and braided into playful plaits. Petals stuck to her white robe, and she was examining the basket she was holding in her hand. She had just picked up a flower and was holding it up to the sunlight to examine it when something crashed through her roof.