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The Philosopher's Stone
{第六章}: Chapter VI

{第六章}: Chapter VI

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The girl entered the city of Xanadu while she look around her surroundings, wearing a black cloak with a hood over her head and her entire body. She has a messy black bobbed hair with her bangs fell over her dark brown eyes and cheeks, pale complexion and appears slender. She wears a black and red high-collared qipao long dress, white turtle-neck and a red flowing sleeve underneath, high-waist pleated black sash with red stripes along black shorts, and a pair of mid-heel black boots. She also wears a necklaces attached by a long black strap--hanging a crystal-shaped pendant and earrings paired with them--it has golden tassels falling down to her neck. "Don't lose your guard, Qingshan... don't let your older sister find you..." she muttered to herself.

Qingshan is a human and younger sister of Yang Huifang, unlike her older sister who was known for her rage and arrogance from her birth, she was kind, soft-hearted and forgiving. After she casted a forbidden spell from the Ancient Scripture she stole from her former kin on herself, she became a human being and abandoned her original form as a Dragon. Qingshan then got herself separated from her older sister, she will never forget how her older sister reacted when they are going to have a disagreement. Now her purpose is to secure the scrolls on her bag, not wanting it to fall on the wrong hands. She is different than the 'yin' sisters, while Huifang is known for her arrogant self and a strong yet independent Dragon (she can hold her own), her sister is a gentle and kind soul who didn't felt anger towards the humans.

Ruyan was in the weapon shop as he was the Chief-Generals' trusted and skilled blacksmith, he was a young fellow with a black messy hair, fair skin and light gold eyes. He has a long tuft on the lower sides, his attire consists of black oriental coat uniform and sleeves with five adornments but minus three ornaments, black sash belt and an armor band around his shoulders, also has metal decorations on his belt--wore a white inner and dark gray gloves, while wears the red pants and a pair of dark black military boots. As he heard the bell ringing, he pulled his hammer and raised his other hand--gesturing the newcomer with friendly smile. "Welcome! Oh, are you new here?" he asked, seeing the girl that reminds him of... that youthful woman.

Ruyan have faced Huifang once in the past, recalling how that 'old hag' defeated him. At first, he thought that his magic were getting stronger through the years and by finding another metal ores were strong enough to withstand the powerful attacks; however, it was no match against her battle skills and magical strength. Ruyan had underestimated her due to her true potential, something that he can't expect of her abilities. As his mind traveled back from the memories, he thought of a method on how to counter her tricks and this is his chance. But, this girl... isn't like that bitch who tried to attack him out of the blue. The girl, named Qingshan walked forwards the counter and made a slight grin.

"I'm looking for some valuable material... would you care if I buy some?" Qingshan replied, gesturing towards her large and black bag; as the weapons displayed were pretty intimidating yet attractive. Such sharp, dangerous weapons made her having an immense curiosity towards the weapons which that young fellow even created, those swords and spears had become legends within his workshop. There's a sword that captured her interest, as her fingers touched the elegant golden border that had been passed through the generation to generation. The owner smiled, pointing out to the sword while the woman stared upon the sharp edge. "Chaofeng, one of a Nine Heavenly Wyvern Blades we had stolen from a neighboring country. You like the blade?"

Not gonna lie, this girl looked so humane that she shows no sign of animal traits coming out from her body. Qingshan indeed has human traits, but the only thing that the kins could notice were her slightly odd features which may alarm some of the officials. Well, it was just the instinct... but Qingshan kept staring at the blade which had its name is mentioned after several generations passed. She wasn't a fan of war because how cruel and hideous death will took away their comrades, and yet she knew how each of these weapons that got crafted into beautiful objects were part of the tales and epics during the brutal battles. "Yeah..." she answered, trying to hold her excitement before her face flushed out. Ruyan laughed a bit, as he watched the woman having a silly, dozing face.

Yinghua yawned when she finished defeating the Great Warriors that got piled up during sparring, causing the Chief-Generals to be amused by her moves and tactics. Yinghua knows a lot of martial arts, since she and Fang worked hard as they could. Seeing Ruqian's impressive teaching skill, she learned a lot of combat skills under his wing--even Yiyang taught her few things to enhance her strength and Sui-Feng taught Fang how to control his strength since he wanted to become her pupil like Yinghua; with the guidance from Jingshen.

Yinghua stared blankly while Fang placed the sword over her shoulder, looking all heroic and unreachable due to his abilities to see an abnormal future and able to show possible attack and strategy (just like his mentor, Jingshen). "What...?" she asked, as he closed his eyes. "Do you need another meal from the great Chief-Generals? 'Cause right now, Taiyang is a really weirdo--you can't expect what will happened if we're walking in there without permission," Fang said, placing his index finger on his lip.

'You're right, Taiyang might ended all of us out of nowhere and saying that whatever I tried to cook... he might kill me with food poisoning!'

Yinghua thought as she gulped, shuddering at his awful memory when she tasted the scallion pancake. Even worse, she will be haunted by the weird-tasting peach drinks or meat soup for the rest of her days if she crossed path with that freak. Yinghua noticed the crowd and she can see a large cart was covered by a sheet of brown and yellowish canopy. If someone wants to go sightseeing, Xanadu is the most beautiful place to go with modern area and nature at the same time; only few would tried to get here unless they were requested in form of petition. "Alright, boys and girls! Get off from the arena and wash up!" Sui-Feng barked at her trainees, signaling them that it was another two-hour break for them. Unsheathing her blade, she let her sword rested on her shoulder--while her teal-blue eyes were seen burning in spirit and determination.

Jingshen may seem lazy and tired due to his constant napping in the training field or the meetings, however he is a skillful man with wits and uses his ability signature to strengthen his abilities and tactics against his enemies. He sat quietly with his closed eyes, thinking that something was missing from his personal journal that he wrote about his new invention: Xanadu Royal Military's defense system and their future tactics.

Meiying was reading the scrolls in the library about the Philosopher's Stone, Forbidden Scrolls, and many more, the shelves were filled with ancient books and scripts which may could help the people in Xanadu learned about various researches about magic, weaponries, martial arts and many more. There's history section too and it kept her entertained whenever she studied this part of the collection. No one has ever reached this part of the Royal Library, because the guards were doing a good job on keeping the peace and didn't let anyone trespassed their works. She was curious about the origins of Mara clan, she didn't notice that a cloaked figure entered without a sound.

"What's this...?"

The cloaked woman curiously glanced over the scrolls that contained very strict knowledge which are said forbidden or must be kept a secret, unfortunately Meiying took her attention. Then she saw something that got her full curiosity, these papers had numerous mathematical formulas to detect the life essence of any living thing. Meiying didn't know about the cloaked person was here and when she gasped in shock, she found herself a second too late to retaliate. She grabbed a certain scroll from the first shelf, but slowly fading away through the shadows with a sinister grin plastered over her face. When Meiying looked around the Royal Library, she didn't see a particular scroll which she presumed was stolen before could even notice her presence. The Mara Clan's interest and other secrets had become a forbidden piece of technology, that could brought harm towards the Xanadu Empire itself.

Qingshan tripped over and fell over, which she look up to see Meiying standing there with a parasol on her hand. "Alright, stop right there, don't try running," Meiying sneered, pointing her parasol over the cloaked girl's nose. However, the girl did not spoke a single word and just stayed on the ground. 'Wait, is she...?' she thought, before she yelped to see Zilian approached them. "I didn't expect you would've escaped after becoming human, Qingshan," he told her, seeing Qingshan look up at him and sighed in relief. When Qingshan ran away from her former clan, she casted an ancient spell to form a new body and becoming human.

Although this mysterious girl that doesn't felt an animal-like instinct, Meiying knew she wasn't a threat... and she looked cool and friendly. "Who is she?" she asked Zilian, who kept his gaze into her dark-colored eyes. "Her name is Yang Qingshan--a former Dragon kin of Mara clan, it has been a long time that she was sealed away. She was the younger sister of Yang Huifang, plus she wasn't much known unlike her sister. By any chances, if they encounter... Qingshan will do all she can to ensure her safety," Zilian explained, which Meiying nodded her head. The Dragon kins are merciless beings, and they will resort to brutal massacre if they found out Qingshan is going on a run away mission.

Qingshan watched Meiying lend her a hand, although hesitant, she grabbed the princess' hand to stand. "I am not going to hurt you, although that hair is a bit messy but I let that pass, since you are a real cute girl," Meiying joked, looking at the girl's dark brown orbs with gentle kindness. Qingshan could feel a faint warmth coming out from her light skin, without a doubt she had failed protecting a valuable scroll that she stolen from her former kin. "It's a scroll, isn't it? Don't worry, we'll find the solution to your problems," Zilian claimed.

"Don't let Yiren and my sister find this, okay? She must know that I escaped from the clan. But, if..." she croaked as her voice cracked, speaking in a slight whisper. "... if I got caught by them, leave and never turn back," Qingshan told them, wiping her tears as she heard Zilian's voice who placed his finger over her head. "We'll keep an eye on you, you shall be protected as well. Besides, we will do our best to ensure her safety," he reassured, "And Meiying, I hope you know how to help me."

Qingshan was feeling touched, as she stepped out from the shadows. Her black cloak suddenly disappeared into sparks, revealing her petite yet slender built. Although Zilian didn't recognized her face until today, his senses has awakened a faint odor that made him grimaces in disgust. 'She need a bath...' he thought, which he saw Meiying told her female attendants to fetch the girl a pair of fresh robe, which the Princess needs to explain every details about her.

Meiying need to visit the Chief-Generals because her father told her to inform them about the situation, Ruqian would send the message about the matter regarding Mara Clan once she had arrived. However, fate has everything planned out... as Ruyan was seen cleaning his smithing swords when she approached the shopkeeper. He's an impressive human, she guessed, as she could learn a lot of skills and techniques here--that's why she likes staying with him. "Qingshan is a human and former Dragon kin? That's new," he commented, eyeing the young girl who wore a red Chinese robe. "Well duh!"

Ruyan shrieked at Meiying's frontal nature, which was replied with a scoff. He asked her to clean the forge as Qingshan started to work. He placed the sharp swords aside before using his blacksmith's rod while Meiying held the steel molds to put on the ingots. "Can you produce... ingots?" he asked, seeing Qingshan used her magic to create golden ingots by recreating the natural element of iron, he seemed impressed by her feats. Qingshan managed to make the best-quality steel without any obstacles, she is one of the sorcerers within the clan although everyone, including her older sister Huifang, used their skills and instincts to fight without any assistance. Then his mind flashed an event from his recent arrival; Meiying walked into his workplace after exploring the kingdom, then was attacked by Yang Huifang who had beaten him and leave a scar on his abdomen. He almost died, if Yinghua and Fang are not there and tried to protect him.

'I should remind her not to mess with people like that psycho, if not... she'll be dead,' he thought and tried not to look at the sword that placed above the chest, specifically the one that was about to be finished. Several months ago, he wasn't one of the soldiers but rather a blacksmith. "Qingshan, how are you managing living out there without your older sister?" he asked as the flame engulfing over the steel ingot in front of him, pounding his blacksmith's rod against the blade. In order to craft weapons or tools, you must learn some control and efficiency in order to strengthen the metal in order for those weapons to develop. "To tell you the truth, I want my sister to fall on her knees and crying in despair and pain," she replied bluntly, sighing softly. "She was... way crueler more than you think, even Yiren did betrayed me and now I am telling the truth to you."

***

Zihao is a tough commander, strict and quiet person, but not the scary man that would bark or make them ran in terror. His calm nature is contrasted by his passionate side and kind personality. However, underneath his aura are the secrets that brought only nightmare for the enemies once they pissed him off. He was a caring man towards his comrades, loyal and respectful.

Sui-Feng is having tea, making herself refreshed after another nightly, gruesome battle. She sighed as her eyes focused upon the scenery. Despite her youth, she could find a better hobby compared to fighting. It was a tradition within Mara Clan to taught her martial arts from her birth, which is forced, because her former clan master is becoming ruthless and unforgiving. "So, Yinghua..." she started, looking at her pupil who was a Chief-General like her. "How long you and Fang are dating, tell me."

Yinghua choked upon her throat, almost spitting the tea across the hall; Sui-Feng's giggles resounded nearby her, that silly snicker from her mouth. "D-DATING?! WHERE DID THAT QUESTION COME FROM?!" she roared loudly in comical state, placing her palm on her chest that her heart was thumping. That shocking question made her forgot her sardonic ways, her crimson-red cheeks exposed her embarrassment and self-conscious state. When Sui-Feng snickered was increased a bit louder, Yinghua can feels the rage rising within her body and the desire to end that perverted shit-fest was what triggered her wrath, that is. "Hahaha! Just kidding, both of you are partner-in-crime after all, so who wouldn't notice," the female warrior laughed, being amused by her pupil's shocked response.

"Urgh.... please don't ask about that, it's a long story for me. And how on earth do you know about this crap, Master?" Yinghua argued, pinching the bridge of her nose--having the third biggest headache, that is; 'Who the hell started this shitty shit, oh Gods. I can't take it any longer, since the other bullshit rumors started because that motherfucker is in the same clan, let alone their age gap with the others!' she thought.

Fang was panting as he was sparring against Jingshen on the tiled training ground, their weapons clashing the hardest blows until the wooden planks got burned and exploded. He would imagine this to be a friendly spar, but no, the Chief-General was going rough and has higher endurance and flexibility for the last two days or hours, when their swords touched, his entire body was sent flying several meters away. He was lucky he already learned how to break through his opponent's defenses and reading their fighting skills quickly. "You're still aggressive as ever, Fang," Jingshen said with a relaxed smile, the sweat glazed his pale complexion as he showed his blade from the sheathe. "You were known as 'Beauty Prince' and 'Blue Warrior', but is that how your 'beautiful' face deserved to live to become a true warrior. Don't believe I used a normal bamboo stick, I used ironwood instead," he continued, flicking his blade to remove some dirt stuck between the metal part.

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"What? Who are you talking about? Damn, it's no way to fight!"

Jingshen laughed softly as he swung his sword, looking back at his pupil. "Now now, calm down. That's NOT how you fight. Right now, there's actually only one way you can stop me using that attitude," the man casually asked as Fang stared back at him. "So, how many times Sui-Feng and Ruqian have beaten me each sparring, counting that ridiculous amount of hours, huh?" Fang snarled while holding his blade, suddenly swinging the blade as he glared at the Chief-General's figure who closed his eyes. "They gave me reports about how your reactions right now, not good..." Fang widened his eyes as a red scar appeared right over his lip. 'How the hell does a master blocked the attack using his bare skin, should've known that it was a fake move!' he thought, preparing the counterattack and used his left hand before being grabbed and thrown over by Jingshen. As soon his body met the ground, Fang instinctively rolled over to his back with the sword landed over his neck.

Fang watched him circling around him with great speed, his moves were fast but fluid and graceful. Suddenly, he placed the tip from his sword over his pupil's blade. "In your definition, what is beauty?" he questioned, referring to his nickname, the 'Beauty Prince'. Of course, whatever nicknames or names came from is the fate and destiny's intervention on naming a particular item, human or inhuman. "Beautiful things can be a trap, or it can be a nightmare depending on our perceptions," he lectured calmly, seeing the rage faltering for a few seconds before placing his hand up. "Your strengths, are also your greatest flaws," Jingshen muttered solemnly.

"You're the strongest Great Warrior, right? You defeated Haishan just by your blade alone, doesn't mean that you can defeat a lesser foes with that tremendous amount of power. And yet, those two... are showing their signs that they trusted you. What will you do if you were put to the mercy of a situation? How are you going to use your abilities when faced with an impossible situations?" he explained.

Jingshen remembered the first time he tried to gain his disciple to get stronger, after being convinced. He was training Zihao's group as they keep improving in combat skills, strategy and utilizing their individual elements to the battlefield. 'I saved you from becoming a monster, so show me how you will protect them without getting yourself dead from those monsters.'

He wanted Fang to go through a real experiences, after they left Luohan for Xanadu Empire. Being a mentor required great responsibilities which he have the qualifications, he noticed the young man's true potential as a defender, and need to be developed. While most of his comrades have different jobs from day to day, some had the strengths and some had weaknesses. That's why the others were allowed to make any mistake, try and fail--that is one way to prepare and learn. "How about this, Zhou Fang? Let's take a study from Xue Yinghua, her title is Elegance Princess and Cherry Blossom Warrior--she defeated the Queen of Taotie as well as saving few thousands' lives from slaughter. Tell me, that girl used her brain instead of physical strength. Why is that, I wonder?" the Chief-General lectured while crossing his arms.

Fang realized something, hearing his mentor's words. He thought of his mentor's words, the past experience brought him suffering and in order to get stronger and no longer live in fear and hopelessness. Sure, his mentor have a point here. 'Right... Yinghua always use her brain to tackle a situation, not immediately going on a rampage,' Fang's mind started to rethinking again, before he look up--wanting to be stronger and unshaken by despair. 'I also need to train hard and be strong enough to protect Meiying, despite our own limitations. Even at the cost, I had to protect Yinghua... my vow and I won't let myself stay weak... I will walk towards a brighter future no matter what happens.'

"Ah, I get it now... I have defeated Yinghua once during our first battle, but now... she defeated me after working harder than me--until now we're even," Fang chuckled, remembering the first time he met her when finding out that he was the only Great Warrior who was able to stand equal on her, Jingshen observed his changed expression as he saw Fang stand up and driven to his goal. "Why not taking a break, you need some rest," he told him, rubbing his back until he saw him held up his hand. "I would like another challenge," Fang retorted, being ambitious as his teacher smiled back.

Yinghua walked beside Sui-Feng when they saw Fang and Jingshen sparring against each other, her mentor noticed Yinghua's eyes are burning in determination, she wants to get stronger to protect not only Xanadu Empire but her friends as well. "Ah, look who's there... why don't try to take a close look instead standing over there like a doofus," Sui-Feng teased, which Yinghua glared at her. "Shut the fuck up, not everyone has your attitude," she snapped, watching her martial arts master laugh--before she glanced at Fang. Suddenly, Yinghua's face went red just by seeing the sweats dripping all over him as his forehead shined, sweating in the harsh sun. She felt her knees quivering as she leaned herself towards her master, trying to cover her blushing face.

'Wait, why am I feeling these thoughts are gonna come out?'

Sui-Feng yawned when Yinghua thought while trying to brush off her thoughts, raising her arms for stretching. Yinghua took a deep breath to relax her body, she continued to look at the scene in front of her with wide eyes. Sui-Feng closed her eyes while placed her hands behind her head, a cheeky smile formed and she knew that Yinghua started to freak out. "So, Yinghua... how did you defeat those Taotie creatures?" she asked, which Yinghua raised her eyebrow before chuckling; that was her strategy that her former sword-mentor taught, Song Guofeng.

"Says the one that stole the report of the three traitor soldiers who happened to get killed and tortured by the same enemy," she remarked, recalling the battle where they encountered those creatures that almost caused a disaster within the capital. She put her finger over her chin, her usual smile disappeared as her face straight as her eyes were full of confidence as a cool breeze swept over her ponytail. Sui-Feng turned around as Yinghua used her hand over her head before telling her what she had used her own blade that has a wide circular range combined with her abilities. Yinghua learned her mentor's powerful abilities, using her wits and resourcefulness over her enemies by creating her own tactics and developed her techniques after extensive training and facing enemies.

"Interesting..."

That is what Sui-Feng muttered by hearing about the story, especially the details. Yinghua remembered that encounter which was far from easy to talk about, except their victory was amazing--something she never seen before, when the three creatures were wiped out without a trace. Yinghua felt her Lunar Moon ailment ceased a little, making her eyes reverted back to dark brown which is her original color--the disease is part of her power; but she had to limit her contact with her element, even that her disease could cure if she control her power unless she reached her limit. 'I'm glad it worked, fighting them will take a toll on my body.'

Fang finished the training as he took a shower and changing into his main attire, he walked up to Yinghua who was waiting for him. They are just the typical childhood friends with a rather different personalities, although Fang is a cool-headed persona and Yinghua is a proud-filled tomboy. Yinghua teased him as they talked, making Fang playfully smirked as the sky was slowly turning into orange. "Sorry for not hanging out with you, ever since I've become a Chief-General, things were really busy for us and Meiying as well. Have you been visited her yet?" Fang apologized, looking at her usual long tied black hair.

"I hang out with her few times... okay, she can be a pain sometimes. Well, right now she's reading the Forbidden Scrolls, searching for an answer. I hope there's a cure for the disease, otherwise all will be for naught," Yinghua said, sighing before she stretched her arms--she shared the same height as him, putting her arms behind her waist. "That's good to know, can't wait to see her doing her Princess job and saving the people..." he said. He let out a sigh as a bright smile formed over his pinkish cheeks, which the expression made Yinghua looks away to hide her embarrassment. He needs to act more gentleman-like, she thought to herself; but, no; not every people needed to act so harshly and 'justice-loving', sometimes...

'Machoism' could lead a person to their downfall.

Meanwhile...

Qingshan was about to grab her things, until she yelped to see the presence of her older sister here. She seems to be haughty as ever, laughing after seeing the horrors on the people's faces. "Oh dear, it's been a while since I massacred some kingdoms, hm?" she taunted, jumping off from the pole as she landed down smoothly--spinning her spear as the Great Warriors surrounded her. Huifang was the cause of the sea of flames, that burned down the whole harbor in Xingzhou Harbor. On the other hand, she also has the reputation of feared Dragon kins--merely using her wits and strategies in her arsenal.

"You again?!"

Yang shouted as he witnessed the infamous Fire Dragon lady who was responsible for the Xingzhou Harbor's destruction, even Lingshan, Mingyu and Yunjiao along the other Great Warriors are shocked to see her again. Not only she just destroyed the harbor, but also she had made the townspeople suffer from the infernal blaze that could annihilate the whole kingdom. They didn't hesitate to battle, as the Dragon was confident to take them down by her two-fold strength and elements; while her body let out the small yet dark cloud of smoke. "Let's make this... entertaining," Huifang sneered with amusement, as her red eyes darkened and was about to snap her fingers--manifesting her flames until her eyes narrowed at a sudden ambush; making her jumped back and landed on the ground.

Sui-Feng appeared as she spun her spear, aiming her blade at her with confident smile--she was standing on the pole after she made that ambush earlier. "Fire Dragon, Yang Huifang... I bet Zhang Xiu ordered you to destroy every military bases," Sui-Feng claimed, looking down at her. Yang Huifang was displeased when Sui-Feng remembered about Zhang Xiu, she always loathes him when it comes to his snobbish attitude and arrogant demeanor; acting superior because his heritage as part of the Borisian race, whose skills are undeniable. Since the Mara clan came to a neutral term, the dragons didn't had any war and instead choose to go after the enemies that killed their noble family.

The thought of Zhang Xiu getting praise or favor, is sickening her to the core.

"Madame General, you're offending me and every dragon exists!" she yelled in anger, a huge ball of fire swirling around her weapons as her eyes burned in flames of rage. "Careful, my boys... she's way deadlier than Yinghua could have known," she called out, signaling her subordinates to get their stances--before she watched the fireball headed towards her and she swiftly deflect it with the blade of her spear; which has silver material and its size is the size of a small boat. Her white trench coat blew across the atmosphere, tilting her head when the Great Warriors are about to attack her with the speed; but easily evaded. It may be strong, her capabilities and physical strength were immensely powerful and matched Sui-Feng's during her first years; her speed and agility were no match for the young woman's. Sui-Feng wasn't careless, as her spear clashed against her crimson lance.

Huifang growled when she was faced with difficulty, her hands let out another burst of enormous and scalding flames in various directions, attempting to blow her away yet once again failed. "What's wrong, Yang Huifang? For all these years, you never did saw another equal counterpart," Sui-Feng said as she smirked, grabbing a gunblade from her and fires a burning blue flames towards the dragon--who promptly gritted her teeth as the projectiles rushed into her direction. Yinghua watched as she saw Sui-Feng's dual weapons, a spear and a gunblade? How come Xanadu Empire's technology has developed?

Yinghua focused her vision on the clash, Sui-Feng is getting worse when she was faced by Huifang's strong hand-to-hand combat. She's getting better and better, she wondered if the Chief-General was able to master a certain magical martial arts in secret. The last time she joined the training, the Great General was still a Chief-General and never received his title. Fang recalled the last time he fought against Huifang, that Fire Dragon... how dare she mocked his late-father Zhou Cheng who was once a Chief-General during his reign and earned his pride. "Fang, do you remember when we lost against her?"

Fang clenched his fists as he glared at Huifang, he wanted to kill her after what she did--possessing his deceased mentor into using her flames to kill several innocents. While they might look like psychopaths. It was until their battle interrupted by Zilian splashing his water blast against Huifang, making her yelled in agony as the water hissed and burnt into a steam. "You traitor..." she muttered, glaring at him when he landed on the ground in front of her--Meiying panted heavily as she carried her parasol on her hands. "Princess Meiying? What a surprise," Sui-Feng said happily, before Yinghua and Fang landed on her sides; the two Chief-Generals was relieved that their Princess is okay. "Seriously... he made me chase after him and here we are..."

Meiying grumbled as she straighten herself up, Zilian stared at Huifang who was trembling by the scalding touch of water. 'Ah, there it goes... her flaw,' he thought, before Huifang snapped. "Yiren was right... you betrayed the Dragon King, your OWN father?! The infamous Zhang Xiu you chose to leave?! Now, see how much the humans had caused you... they forced you into this disgusting rat," Huifang said furiously, as her crimson-colored feathered wings spread and eyes glowed before she stepped back slowly. "Yiren would be waiting for you... he'd like to kill you and ending your pathetic life, FUCK YOU!" she cussed as she hastily fly up, leaving a large trail of scarlet-colored smoke that quickly dissipated.

"You're just a half-human Dragon Prince."

The moment she's about to flew, Huifang was about to flew upwards from the ground if Ruqian didn't gave her one flying kick on the head--the impact was strong enough to send the woman plummeted towards the broken pole which didn't broke apart, instead it broke into half and fell near the great generals themselves. Qingshan fell on her knees when she saw her older sister flies off, she was relieved that she didn't recognize her scent... yet. "Are you okay?" Meiying asked, lending her hand. Qingshan couldn't forget what will happened, if both sides will eradicated each other until nothing was left. "I-I'm okay..." she said.

Sui-Feng decided to take Qingshan to the interrogation, since she was the younger sister of Yang Huifang and turned human after using the Forbidden Scrolls. Zihao heard everything from his office, he folded his arms as he intentionally let Sui-Feng handled that instead of Ruqian--because this Chief-General could potentially dangerous and most of the people would already know his actions and how much the soldiers, women, warriors and commoners had feared his attitude. Some of the rumors have described that Ruqian was showing a possible chance of turning into a nightmare, perhaps. He killed several Dragon kins who attempted to destroy the three kingdoms of Xanadu Empire; using a swift action, single strike and merciless killing the enemies by his sword.

In addition, the truth behind the Philosopher's Stone which is very beneficial for humankind is also well-known and everyone have the same concept; yet every nation would compete to collect several samples of the precious gemstone in order to prevent the neighboring country from dominating the other kingdoms through their undying greed, plus the Black Beast is getting stronger as the time progressed through their attacks and invasion. Once the enemy of Mara Clan and their kins managed to find a potential method on obtaining it, several other kingdoms will face defeat or destroyed in an instant.

Taiyang tended the wounds of the injured Great Warriors who got burned and bitten by the fearsome Mara Clan members earlier, Yiyang watched Sui-Feng's arrival with the other two Chief-Generals--her eyes narrowed by the sight of Qingshan (despite Meiying pleaded them not to harm her), another potential informant. 'Zihao's patience has limits, his enemies are getting stronger and sooner they will got a clue,' she thought before noticing the smell of medical herbs, she noticed that Taiyang already put the medicine and healing spells on each of the warrior's body.

"I understand that both of you having mixed feelings right now," Yiyang told both Fang and Yinghua, seeing both of them still shaken and surprised by the invasion. Sui-Feng closed her eyes, having a possibility regarding Qingshan's intel was limited. It wasn't easy, because the younger dragon have all the capabilities and means to elude them but now that her older sister is going away, Huifang is unaware about this small ordeal and she may had underestimated her sister. Qingshan swallowed nervously, unsure why the three people she found her safety have to bring her here, she shuddered by the sight of three fearsome warriors aside from Sui-Feng--there were Ruqian, Yiyang and most importantly; Zihao.

Zihao suggested as he let out his fan, Yinghua looked at Ruqian's direction and was actually surprised to see how Zihao changed into the completely different person when her friend spoke up for him. Of course, she learned her lesson to show no fear no matter what obstacles they are having to face. Yinghua took a deep breath before starting telling the questions regarding of the information they gathered during their quest.

"What's your name? Did you remember anything from you, and when did you know that you are the former Dragon Clan before becoming human?"

Yinghua asked her, keeping her cool on her gaze towards the young woman's face. Qingshan answered their questions, as if nothing happen between them. She knows that Mara Clan and dragons have their own agenda and so was the humans, living in the unknown society was the hardest and life-challenging task. So, she answered the questions that they needed, including the one that was about Huifang. "She was... possessing a dead person, while I was originally a dragon from birth until I used that Forbidden Scroll... making me human. As for her case... she needed a vessel because her Dragon form got severely wounded from that battle. So, she did it... transferring it to her body after she got killed. The truth is, I came here to..."

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