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From the dark alley, the cloaked figure dropped down on the floor. Their gloved hand clutching their side, ragged breaths racked their slim torso--laid flatly against the cold surface as heavy footsteps coming. Suddenly, the soldiers of Cloud Army are chasing the intruder--the wounded figure groaned when they tried to escape, blood dripping from their wounds and staining their attire. Their tattered cloak hood getting lower on their face, the blackened messy hair framed their forehead and cheekbone, strands of their locks stuck on their skin.

"What happened?!"

Fang shouted when they had managed to come into their sight, the rest of their groups turned to their direction from hearing their sudden barge. "We found a cloaked figure, Chief-General Zhou!" a soldier replied, kneeling down with the group to held the wounded figure. In respond, the chief-general gave out a nod. Yinghua look down and gasp, watching the figure coughed blood again. "Alright, show yourself," she said, the soldiers were worried in case their leader do this, not even hearing Fang warning about their lives. Their wounded form seem not listening, but Yinghua just grabbed their hood. Before she uncovered their face, her eyes widened in horror.

Yinghua had a dark flashback when she slowly re-opened her eyes, her brows scrunched up--the face of the wounded figure has reminded her past. Fang noticed her action; he furrowed his eyebrows. It made her shaken with fear and disbelief. Their group stared at the wounded figure--who has long brown hair covering her unconscious face, black shoulder pads and golden armored bracer which have strange glowing runic symbols on the forearms. Yinghua screamed in horror as she dropped her sword, clutching the short fringe of her hair. Why is that girl, who is far younger than her, covered in blood? She took a breath and pressed her palm to her face. Something has happened, something which she feared the most. Something unspeakable.

"Yinghua! Snap out of it!"

Fang snapped at her when she tried to run, approaching the young woman whom had got her bleeding wounds after the painful fight with several masked warriors. He felt so worried and anxious over the fact that her emotional stability seems unbalanced and unstable, usually the calm and composed woman rarely showed her emotions until certain moments--whenever she wasn't felt well or her anger burst. "Chief-General Zhou! She's infected with Black Plague! Don't come closer!"

One of her soldiers warned and stopped Fang, pulling him away from her. He could notice the black marks started to show on the frail young body of the collapsed young woman, he's afraid that it is an emergency for the kingdom to do something. He just gritted his teeth, clenching his fist to a ball to the point his fingernails dig the palms as Yinghua was still in pure shock and horror. "Chief-General Xue! Are you okay?!" the female soldier asked, poking her leader's shoulder in concern when she didn't answered; but merely shivered a bit when she did it. "Bring this woman to the Infirmary Hall, I'll deal with Chief-General Xue later, men!"

Fang ordered, standing to look upwards to see the clouds above, sensing the sudden heavy weather. Everyone saluted before they did everything what they're told to do. When the clouds slowly turning dark gray with the wind getting rough like a thunderstorm coming, he felt himself anxious--something tells him bad feelings are brewing after their unexpected meeting of that young mysterious woman. "Yinghua, look at me. Calm down, deep breaths."

Fang said gently when he sees her shook, feeling the shivering as she closed her eyes while trying not to scream or crying aloud. "Fang, help me," she whispered and leaned onto his shoulder, fisting his collar in her hands as the rest looked surprised, but felt nothing will destroy their bond. "Don't worry, please believe that the woman will survive and healthy," Fang assured her, stroking her head gently, then making her slowly relaxed as she took a deep breaths. The citizens, soldiers and everyone were observing their interaction; their bonds has made the unity strong, regardless the difficulties and challenges they faced together. "No... it's not about that... it's... that mark... I know that mark, from where it came from..."

Yinghua mumbled at his words, confusing everyone including him. His expression look mixed of concern and worry, this is the first time since she lost her parents when she was 7, did have her past trauma of those monster attacks had traumatized her both mentally and physically, he nearly lost her because of it. "I'll bring you to your room, then tell us what's bothering you," he said, keeping his soothing voice while he strokes her black silky ponytail, massaging her temples and her forehead then under her round cheekbone.

Yinghua felt her breathing became easy once again, her shaking coming to a halt; then looked up to his gentle face. His gaze met hers for a moment, he reached up and caressed her cheek to soothe her troubled mind. Her cheeks reddened a little, but soon becoming pale as she sniffled. "Fang... that mark... has been written in the forbidden scroll I had researched... when we went to an expedition in the ruins 8 years ago."

As much as how brave her personality is, Fang will take it easy of course. "We're going back to your room, you need a good rest," he commented; only to be stopped when he noticed someone was spying. Lifting a smirk across his lip, he squint his eyes and the young Great Warrior warrior scrammed. Yang grinned, jumping into the scene with Yunjiao. "Totally making out couple, huh?" he commented, teasing Fang who had his cheeks blushed in red. "Why you little...!"

"Stop it, both of you," Lingshan warned, folding her arms. "Don't you see how it affected her?"

At the words of Lingshan, their teasings are coming to a halt, knowing Yinghua become troubled over the marks she mentioned; probably cause her to have another war flashbacks over something bad, especially during her missions with him. However, from Fang's perspective, Yinghua is worried and panicking--like something will soon happened. "Don't let His and Her Majesty uninformed about this," Yinghua ordered, before she exhaled. "And... and..."

Everyone listened, staying on their positions. Despite how she can handle matters in work and with other Kingdom generals, she knew they did cared her and Fang well. Thus, to keep their loyalty to the kingdom--Xanadu, is their secret code, unless there are news are a must be told. Suddenly, Yinghua fainted--falling down onto her knees until Fang caught her, staggering for a moment before regained his balance. "What's going on?" Sui-Feng asked after she finished talking with other Generals, turning her head to their direction.

Both Fang and Lingshan agreed over some worries, carrying Yinghua on his back and left to her room, so she can rest properly. Besides, she sometimes stayed there while she just recovering. Or is it just her having stress from yesterday...? No, it's like she saw something that can sent her alarm off, in addition the weather becoming abnormal. "Madame General, Yinghua got a huge panic attack," a male warrior explained, recalling that after he received the letter from another messenger guard, claiming Yinghua collapse and having a huge breakdown when she saw the strange sign on that young woman. "If that's so, I'll leave her with a medicine and instructions," Sui-Feng answered, turning to leave.

Fang laid her down carefully, smoothing his thumb over her forehead to prevent her brows furrows any longer.

"It must be a severe case, or maybe she didn't feel well..."

Fang sighed, staring through her bedroom window and witness the clouds were turning dark gray while wind blowing gently. Once every thing has settled down, a pair of footsteps had rang through the hallway until Sui-Feng was seen. "I should let you know that Yinghua has a Moon-struck affliction or called as Lunar Moon-struck," she explained to Fang, who was surprised about her condition, glancing down at her figure. He did remembered how she would lost in space and acting strange at night, whenever there was full moon is occurred or might could. But if she's like that because of illness--then that explain everything about the sudden distress look on her face.

Before he said anything, his hand reached out to move her bangs over her ear. "She told me about it, she said that she got inflicted by the disease after she escaped from being a slave fighter of Borisian race with your help. Not only it mutated her strength, but it also gave her an unusual symptoms of sudden paralysis, confusion and panic attack," Sui-Feng commented, checking her pale forehead before wrapping a white blanket on her body. "But I didn't knew until 5 years ago..." Fang responded, clenching his fist and turned to outside the window. "Don't worry, Yinghua can cure it on her own because... I've faced the same thing as she does," his mentor gave a calm smile, patting him.

"She was kind, heroic and compassionate... but her face when she saw that girl... full of pain and sadness..."

Sui-Feng said her thoughts, shocking Fang when he heard what did she said. "It reminds her when she failed saving her comrades from the Black Beasts' attack back then, causing her Lunar Moon power to awaken inside her. Facing two different obstacles, only determination and support from others allowed her to survive," she added, realizing the time and glanced over her head, seeing a vase stand on top of the drawer near the window. "Anyways, I'll have to go and check on the people today--in the meantime, you'll look over her," she said. Before Fang's sentence could be spoken, Sui-Feng jumped through the window and leaped into the air. When the white-haired woman left, he settled his gaze onto the unconscious woman beside him; he was worried on the fact that Yinghua's wellbeing.

Ever since she was his partner during his early stage of his long journey with her, he felt glad to have met a very compassionate and supporting people, a person that can put all the pressure and he also told her that... he also loved her more than a friend, their bond was getting stronger and close--for a boy and girl often getting arguments over the silly mistakes they had done. As for Yinghua, she was like his inspiration and his source of comfort. Without her, their families would suffered and got killed; even in the future they planned to sacrifice themselves in order to save their world.

Jingshen observed him when he entered the bedroom, folding his arms with his calm expression. "You don't need to hide your condition if you're sick, Chief-General Zhou," he said flatly, in response, he rubbed his nape. Jingshen was one of the persons who had a long lifespan like him and can live longer. With him, Jingshen understood more about his complicated emotions; like in the past life, he was often bullied by his peers and Sui-Feng was the one who stand up for him, until he was a bit protective on how people treated her, in the hopes he can shield his friends away from harm. "How did you know?" he asked.

"Sounds like Yinghua is going to get her lazy ass up, eh? Speaking of the little missy," Yang murmured, walking across and smirked a bit towards Fang. "No wonder why she become strong and brave yet still got scaredy-cat tendencies," he teased with a proud smirk--which was received a palm, smacking against his face. "Yang, I bet your feet must had been getting frozen to the water because... you just been an embarrassment," Mingyu commented, holding his harp as he crossed his arms. As usual, the two playmates will argue until there's no more words are argued by themselves. At the sudden noises, Yinghua had begun to fluttered her eyes open.

Fang glared at them as he gesturing their friends not to approach her and make some noise. Of course, she grumbled, rubbing her temple as she covered her face to keep herself wake. She could feel her energy diminished and her body ache despite taking the medicine, she hates to stay in bed a whole day while resting and having her guards around, watching her--no matter how dangerous it is. Some part of her wanted to be left alone and alone, letting herself to breath fresh air outside the palace and a peaceful haven she's seeking within her chamber, that's what she wanted so badly before and after the promotion ceremony. "Yinghua, are you feeling better now?"

Lingshan asked when she got in the room, bringing a tray with a bowl of steaming soup. Setting the tray over on the desk near the large round window, the breeze sweeps through the curtains like it's moving quietly and solemn. It looked a bit sad and bittersweet at best, while they saw her sitting at the edge of her mattress with her head hung low. "Just a headache and sore..." she answered, closing her eyes then opening it again. "Your energy is drained by the illness, and at least rest before taking your work over, Yinghua."

Taiyang told her before placing his palm on her forehead, checking her temperature with his eyes closed and his furred vulpine tail wagged softly like a puppy seeing their owners come home. "Your Lunar Moon-struck was reacting just by looking at the Black Plague's marks," he added, leaving her fringes undisturbed before he released her forehead. Meiying entered the bedroom as the princess grew mad even though deep down she was worried over Yinghua, she did told her parents who were the Emperor and Empress about this--regarding the Black Plague disease.

Fang was holding Yinghua's fingers, making a firm grip. Seeing his old friend saw something bad, he cannot imagine the terrifying scene he saw from Yinghua back then. "Hey, I heard what happened!" Meiying snapped, even her loud snaps rivaling Yunjiao who whines a bit and Yang got upset by her tone of her harshness. "The last time you visited me, you been such a bully over the whole books I read and doings my jobs..." Yinghua responded, crossing her arms with a click of her tongue. It got Meiying upset and had got Fang calmed the two of them down before Yunjiao grabs her fan and told her off. "Princess, I know you're a bit bossy about this but... not so harsh," Yang said, clapping his palms and lowered his head when he apologize.

Fang took a moment to think, remembering the markings and injuries of the young woman, as if... it is connected to the recent events he had heard throughout around the country. "Master Taiyang, how long the woman will last? Like, the one with Black Plague?" he asked the healer, who was looking at his patients with the help of his assistants. "It can last until forever, because if there's no further treatment--they'll become a henchmen of Mara clan; like the Dragon kin that man Yuan Zilian came from. So, the only way to stop them is through Jade Natatorium, the water is a spring water that can cure not only the Black Plague disease, but it also healed wounds and injuries," the fox-person explain, folding his hands.

Meiying keep thinking about Zilian for a moment, because he definitely knows about this incident. Could it be a plan by the Mara clan in order to create a chaos and mayhem? Or some part of a plan used to begin a war. From the hallway, the conversation has become a problem and debate. "What do you think we're gonna do with the Mara Clan, Master Sui-Feng? That man named Yuan Zilian, the half-human son of the Dragon King Zizhen who was sealed away has been interacting with Princess Wu Meiying lately," Fang asked, Yinghua listens as she was trying to eat her soup.

Seriously, the Princess of Xanadu like Meiying who hates being treated like a noble lady she is, was interacting with the Prince of Mara clan? What the heck. Yinghua leaned against the bed, sighing after she finished eating her soup. "All the possible resources and new weapons will be developed and researched immediately, make sure to alert to the soldiers for any possible conflicts and assassination attempts, alright? Also, be prepared to make a transportation map to everywhere except those places where Dragon kin resides in a case of emergency," Jingshen responded.

What will Zilian does? Will he actually cooperate with them in order to end the plague? The remaining generals leave and give a nod to the Great Warriors, acknowledging their presence. After a while, Fang look back at Yinghua who silently stared out the windows. When they're alone, his pupils shone brighter; giving him that glowed a little. "So... about the young woman...?" he began, looking into her soft dark brown colored hues. "I don't know the woman, but I know the mark she had... it was the infamous sigil of the Mara Clan, created from their magic," she explained, sighing. After knowing that Zilian allegedly using his power to lure Meiying, how stubborn and free-spirited a girl princess she is. "Meiying, she is not even cautious," she muttered and then blinked her eyes, noticing how close he is as his face pressed over against her.

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

"What's... are you doing, Fang?"

She blushed as her question gave him the cue to be closer, still he wrapped his arm around her, keeping her near from him. It's a usual for them when they have a heart to heart conversation, he knew something is not right and yet, he cared for her and can read her like an open book. Sometimes she gets a mixed emotions; of happiness and sadness, which are things he felt as well. His soft silky black long messy hair was so calming, her face nearly touched his and her palm that caressed his cheek. "Hey, get a room you two! We can't stand seeing PDA around here," Yang's teasing comment caused Yinghua to sigh in irritation while Fang was caught off guard as he growled.

"That bastard should keep quiet..."

Meanwhile, Meiying twirled with her parasol when her younger brother Chengxun keep telling her about the Philosopher's Stone stories which made her interested and she wants to go find it for herself. Since it was not within her access of study, the teen prince is bored. "Don't you ever bored, brother? Doing studies and research all the time with papers and formulas?" Meiying asked as Chengxun blinked, recalling those moments and scratched his cheek with the blunt fingernails. "Yeah, it's hard work! Man... Mom's really trying her best to make me be like father!" he exclaimed, pouting when he thought about his parents. "Besides, Mother had always telling me not to leave, other than taking care of this realm with father's new army recruits."

Meiying rolled her eyes, knowing how concerned and protective her parents are towards her future. If they haven't made her as Xanadu's Crown Princess, she'll stay in the Imperial Court with her family and stayed as the only child--Meiying swore, she does not like the fact how many people adore her beauty more than her brain, her mother always makes her wear girly clothes and pretty things, much to her disdain but she let it go anyways. "I wanna take fresh air, don't follow me!" she warned as Chengxun waved his hand, knowing his older sister will sneak out again despite father told her not to run off or being kidnapped by the kidnappers of the other kingdom. "You better safe, sis, if anyone makes you like that, I'll kill them."

He said with a smirk on his lips, causing her to kick his face out the window as Chengxun screamed--fell onto the ground and broke the roof below, hitting the floor and dusts surrounding him. Meiying laughed and leave the scene as her brother groaned in pain. "I'll probably tell father," he grumbled and stood up, massaging his poor head. "Now, there's my little smart aleck."

Zilian was standing on the rooftop of the building, his white long hair swayed as his blue horns could be seen despite wearing his white mask--he look down to see Meiying rushing past the fountain and jumped over the gate, getting her outside the palace by sprinting through the streets. Following her, he thought back about the days where she often used to visit him when he used to live under his clan's influence and everything had gone wrong after the news had spread about the Dragon King's downfall. He wanted to avoid her parasol that has silver materials so he waited--he could feel his emotions flared when he was about to retrieve the princess, when an assassin was strangling her neck.

"Let go, jerk!"

Meiying yelled at him, before she saw Zilian jumping down and stomped the ground. He glared down towards the shocked enemy as his lavender irises met the man's turquoise hues--both were focused on each other, making sparks of their auras clashing within their glares, until the mysterious man smiled. "What a pleasant surprises... to see a Prince of Mara clan himself, welcome Zilian," he spoke, making a low deep tone. Zilian aimed his palm at him, before he end him with his ice magic--slashing him into pieces; blood splattered onto his face.

The attack was powerful enough to kill him, especially his magic gave him advantage, to freeze and burn enemies on sight. Meiying gasped when the icy stalactites stabbed on the man's chest, freezing him up to the head before he got crushed and vanished into thin layer of ices. She sighed softly, relieved that Zilian is here. "Oh, it's you. Thanks," she commented with a half smile. He gave a calm smile, behind his mask. "You can't go off like this, it is dangerous for the royalty," he reminded her.

"Cut the crap, you know I'm not like them!"

She complained as Zilian gave a small chuckle, walking to her when he used his sleeve to wipe away the blood which stained her creamy skin. Even he smiled, his eyes glowed brightly as he reached his hand to Meiying's forehead, pushing his magical cold aura into her. Luckily no one had notice both of them together, only she looked up at him with a light blush before it disappeared. "You're not cold like before," she spoke, knowing how gentle he touched her. It was rare because the dragon prince was usually kept his silence and calm even after witnessing the horrifying events and death. "Ever since I'm here, I never going back to that Clan," he replied, as both of them knew that their fates have been intertwined, like Yinghua and Fang.

Yinghua laid down on her bed, staring over the chandelier above her as it lights the room. She actually recovered and her condition getting better, and now it has gotten dark and the night has taken over. "Seriously, I'm fine you know..." she said to Fang, her cheeks reddened as the chief-general held her shoulders tightly. It was obvious his face appeared red on his cheeks, both of them can be mistaken with married couple because of their actions. "As your childhood friend, I was supposed to help you out whenever there's something bothered you," he replied, earning a groan when the girl rested her arms on the pillow. "Don't die on me, we have lot things to do tomorrow..."

"I'm not dying, silly!" she whined, her words were cute for him to hear. Everyone is sleeping, except the guards who patrolling outside her chamber. Despite this is the bedroom, if Yinghua is sick or either traumatized and has anxiety problems, Fang will be sleeping with her; in which Jingshen agreed to since his friend already dealing on the major burdens since his younger childhood. 'It was good that Yinghua still have him, keep her in line... and he truly cares about her,' Jingshen thought with a small smile in his usual slumping sleep. "This is what's called a lover's quarrel and their secrets that is worth revealing.

"So, Chief-Generals... what about her condition, huh? I mean... Lunar Moon ailment?"

Yaoren asked. "We're not her parents, but Zhou surely is treating her like she's the family since his dad had grown attached to her. What a relief, she seems alright after she taken a rest from this stress. And both of them not lovers, simply for now," Mingyu responded, earning his own comments about them while the two are oblivious, since Yinghua have given up trying to argue about her past because of several times when Fang comforted her, listened to her emotional rant or panic. "Ha! This can't get any worse!" Yunjiao exclaimed as Yang felt his lips pursed in a grin, a sly one. "See, we all are a family, right? All those moments are just making me remembered the tales of the Dragons, Immortals, and many species of spiritual human, plus... cultivation."

"No, please not another cultivation shit!"

Yang commented and went to vomit, if he knew that the Immortals, Goddess and Dragons are real entities as they used those kind of auras and power. Especially Lingshan mentioned how she encountered these 'cultivators', or rather she thought they're just ordinary magicians--by cultivating their auras or mental traits in order to improve their senses. "Don't you dare getting started on talking about cultivation stories," Lingshan told Mingyu with a grin, who showed his usual grin. He knows very well that those old Chinese old books had been written quite long time ago, like the Wuxia stories.

***

The Emperor read the scrolls after learning about the Black Plague, writing the response paper over it as the Empress watched him, while Meiying began to study the symbols of the Mara clan along with Chengxun, since they're expert and known to be interested in ancient languages, whether it is magic or mystery. "Mother, what's so interesting to read those old texts anyways, can't you read this?" their son whined, slumping on his chair. Since they're siblings, they have mutual feeling that having older sister sucks in a good way.

"It was forbidden scrolls. Not only these symbols are unfamiliar and has demonic elements mixed in, but it also written in the Mara Clan's native language, which the other 13 kingdoms will unleash the disasters if they have learnt it," the Empress replied as Chengxun pouted, in a matter fact, both children wanted to known Zilian's connection on the Black Plague invasion. Could it be that the infected young woman is not her old comrade, but someone had infiltrate Xanadu's capital just because the symptoms are being similar with her illnesses? A moment later, Meiying's parents have came into the meeting room. Wu Fuyin--the father sighed, he glanced at his daughter Meiying who was bold enough to face Zilian like that. "Pray tell, how did you met the Prince of Mara Clan, without our permission?"

In a straight answer, her mother took a seat with his hand resting her chin. "Do you have known Prince Yuan Zilian for a long time?" she asked.

Meiying simply checking her pink-colored nails, crossing her legs. "During the festival and he bumped onto me, my parasol fell and when he was about to pick it up--he decided not to. That's how I met him, he was planning to kill you guys... if Fang and Yinghua aren't with you guys, you know what I mean," she explained as Fuyin grumbled, displeased at her answer. Although they trust her, how her intelligence with her disinterest towards politics and diplomacy got her father frustrated as if he had given up several times, trying to made her not sneaked out of the palace. "Oh right, he was defected," she added, her mother--Wu Xiao sighed in relief.

Okay, that made him relieved over his worries for some times, then the Emperor pressed his quill down to the paper. "Well, Madame Chief-General Sui-Feng contacted us this morning, told me that Yinghua is recovering--" Fuyin stated, noticing his daughter looking away with her lips pursed into a smile. Their parents exchanged a look in which made everyone have a funny grins on their face. "Yes, I have visited her this morning before she was ready to left for her new patrol zone. Thankfully, the other Chief-Generals are willing to help her."

"That's unusual of you, sis."

Chengxun teased, making Meiying flicked her long dark brown hair like a bossy older sibling. "I gotta go," she said as she took her parasol, getting off from her seat. She had her sleeves sliding down. Her eyes glared at her younger brother who simply rolled his eyes; both she and Chengxun give each other a look of distrust because their antics. "AGAIN?!" Fuyin asked, banging his fist onto the table. Xiao was amused to see Meiying smirked lightly, turning around with her parasol opened--with a flick. "See ya!"

"MY LITTLE GIRL! I'm gonna teach you a lesson!"

Meiying dashed through the corridor where her father rages are like thunderous bellows, soon vanished when she was out from the Main Palace with sticking her tongue. "Don't worry, he'll forgive and forget!" her mother giggled, feeling nostalgic. At the balcony, Zilian watched her until his head looked to the window, his figure vanished in thin air. Walking across the quiet night town, she had her sleeves flowing gently on her long dress which Yinghua described as 'flowy' in purple color; however she dressed more like a noble lady. "Seriously, I can't believe she has my traits..."

Fuyin muttered and returned to his chamber, carrying a bundle of papers. "She can be a brat, but she's still our lovable daughter."

Even though Yinghua has taken her medicines when she needed them in order to reduce the side effects caused by the Moon-struck, she was able to stay positive and healthy and everyone wished her luck. Few days after that, she feel her energy has been return and standing on the chair with her foot on table--she looked out the window with the blue sky outside the Kingdom's center square which has an enormous tower in it's center. "You're definitely not just ordinary folks here... and one of you should confess right now," she said with a small snicker.

Yinghua yelped when she felt someone moved the table and made her fell backwards, only to get caught by Fang's arms. Seeing that he was amused and the corner of his lips curled into a smile, she blushed in embarrassment. "You sneak up on me again! Stop that!" she whined at him, shaking the dust from her clothes. Everyone knew very well how those two reacted like a married couple, no wonder Meiying having her laugh out loud. Since she was a true beauty, kind heart and always smile throughout the good and hard moments, and not being the high-spirited and brave yet immature--though a bit spoiling Fang.

But, for Yunjiao--she's absolutely losing it because why are these two Great Warriors so close than others. Was it something between them, cause that make the black-haired captain bursted a sudden laughter after her giggling. Fang pushed the short table back, sending a glare at his comrades who were having their hysterical giggle. "Someone's trying to be romantic, the weather's fine today isn't? That's great, I won't argue but," Yang commented as Lingshan shrugged, tapping her shoulder. "Yunjiao, stop making those scowls at Chief-General Zhou and Chief-General Xue," she added. She could have said something sharp and Yunjiao will kept mumbling bad words against her, especially the chief-generals.

In their childhood, Yunjiao admired Fang a lot and befriended him on a good terms, followed by the others. During the days that she was trying her best to surpass Yinghua but fails, she was so desperate and frustrated whenever Fang became popular and easily to impress girls by 'accident'. From what she knows, Yinghua knows him more than everyone else does; ever since he lived from the village like her, saving her when she got rescued and have the memories of her former days with her relatives, working in a fields. But when he started to develop a something on Yinghua, due to her being the one whom cared for his wounds after going along with her rescuing mission, he acted not interested but at the same time he won't admit he have a soft spot for her. And that means, whoever they are, they'll have to suck it up and deal with it.

Yunjiao still need to figure out what is happening and knowing the truth, she pouted and making a vow not to get herself killed, ever again. But, she wondered if her admiration towards Fang is just a competition? However, she soon received a small pat on her back, she gasped. Turning over the source, it was Yinghua herself. "That's it? Looks like you have a thought, right?" she asked the younger female warrior with a small smirk; as if she sensed Yunjiao is hiding something. All of them went silent when Meiying walked in, and the males blushed as she passed them. "Uuhm... nice hips and seducing walk, eh?" Yang said nervously, blushing a bit. "Ooh shit, here we go again..."

Everyone exclaimed after Yang's failed attempts to hit on Meiying, once the princess kicked him into the garden pond. With a hand on her hip, Mingyu scoffed; his palm over his face. "Sometimes, I can't handle this idiot anymore..." he groaned. Yinghua facepalmed and pinch her bridge of her nose, while Sui-Feng had her usual cheeky expression. "Did he had some tea this afternoon?" Sui-Feng question joked. Fang couldn't believe his friend Yang always trying to hit on a girls and failed, or he even tried to flirt with Yunjiao and got rejected. No matter how funny it is, either he is getting wasted or he did something stupid again.

Sometimes Yunjiao is often so blindsided, including her overprotective instinct towards Fang has become unneeded. Because if she try to strike back, Fang will give her a bad beating, unless Yinghua can intervene it since they used to do the training. When he and Yinghua had left in the garden, the female general went with her. "Sorry about that, Yunjiao. But, you can never separate us because we're friends since childhood. Trust me, don't worry about it."

She explained it to the slightly younger lady, giving a confident grin. When Fang sighed a bit, he knew his childhood friends and his younger sister Feihung were concerned about them. He simply wants a space and time alone with Yinghua, for several years. No wonder why he looks more mature--he had his puberty stage and everything has to go smoothly. Yinghua was humming happily, until her brain hit a red alert before she jumped to save a girl, her right arm stopped the knife from slicing her scalp and with a swift move, Yinghua knocked the attacker and stomped the ground with her feet. She almost groaned, although the assassin looked surprised.

"Another one? Ugh, how many times you just come to Xanadu trying to stab one of the monarchs?" Fang asked, seeing the assassin struggled and then sent her another punch into the masked face, cracking and it revealed his dark short hair. He noticed a hidden weapons holder on the man, pulling it open and revealed the hidden items. Suddenly, another man tried to catch his eyes and neck, only to be stopped by Fang's legs, he crashed through the building's glass wall and landed into the pond, spitting a water. Sui-Feng whistled as she witnessed the skills both were displaying, her eyes were gleaming with admiration and interests. "At least I'll beat them and throw them into prison where the guards will watch," Fang responded, smirking a bit.

"Don't kill him, Chief-General Xue. We must let the interrogators question him," Sui-Feng replied, receiving a nod from her. When Fang saw an explosive tool, he threw it over the area before it exploded. His speed has improved rapidly, and now he learned a new found ability. When he was about to land a kick to the assassin's hipbone, the enemy blocked him with his arm before throwing a punch at Fang--which he evaded swiftly, countering him off. Finally Yinghua defeated the second assassin before he blew up and reduced to ashes. "They came from rivaling kingdom against Xanadu Empire..."

Ruqian muttered, narrowing his eyes as he stood beside Yiyang whose gaze sharpened when she saw the assassin's attack; her mind had became overwhelmed by what just happened. It is possible because the attacks were occurred early in the morning and the residents got panicked. "Who's the cause of all these assassination attempts? Surely that involves politics and all... guess this isn't so peaceful after all," Jingshen mentioned, fixing his green cloak before Sui-Feng commanded the female general soldiers to help the rest evacuate and guard the walls.

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