October 11, 2027, Li Xing Palace.
Xiyin paced anxiously in the reception hall, her concerns mirrored by her fellow Guardians, especially about Ling Ru’s mission.
Although she was aware of the ‘Ling Ru’ mission, her own task remained unchanged:
to find an opportunity to approach Qi Yue’an and extract information.
Her mission did not interfere with Ling Ru’s ‘Raccoon’ plan.
All she could do was to avoid causing any disruption.
Just recently, she had reconnected with the long-awaited Qi Yue’an.
Yet, despite their face-to-face encounter, the distance between them felt insurmountable.
Was Qi Yue’an truly a sacrifice to someone else’s resurrection?
Or had Lin Xiao confided something new, causing her to waver?
Xiyin couldn’t comprehend it.
Helpless, she could only await Ling Ru’s return,
who had promised to show her face each night to avoid detection by the guards.
The hours ticked by.
The agreed-upon time for Ling Ru’s return came and went,
but she had not returned, fueling their worry.
“Click—”
The door swung open, and Xiyin sprang forward,
only to find it wasn’t Ling Ru but a Witch and her entourage of guards.
“One of you is a spy. Come with us for interrogation.”
Xiyin’s unease was validated.
“We’ll go,” she replied, though her heart raced.
Bai Jin attempted to transform and resist,
but Xiyin restrained her. “Don’t act rashly.”
They were quickly escorted from the reception hall,
but Xiyin noticed the guards’ cautious, almost rehearsed, movements.
They used no restraints, and the handcuffs were mere replicas,
unable to suppress magic.
The guards merely ‘escorted’ them through the labyrinthine corridors of Li Xing Palace.
Other factions watched with various expressions—some with glee,
others with indifference, and a few with hidden vigilance.
“Look, it’s the Guardians…”
“I thought organizations from the same country would be more united.
But here they are, being targeted at this crucial moment.
It seems the unity in China is overrated.”
Whispers trailed behind them, fading as they moved through the hallways.
As many had speculated,
Li Xing Palace, a rising power amid the surge of Witches and Guardians,
had faced infiltration attempts from other groups.
Tonight, the Guardians were taken away for questioning,
a mere power play, a warning to stay within bounds.
Li Xing Palace seemed unwilling to fully confront the Guardians,
likely just putting on a show.
In a temporary guest room, other Guardians’ representatives
conferenced urgently via encrypted channels,
reporting to their superiors.
They wondered if this sudden turn was a threat to the Guardians as a whole,
or specifically to Xiyin’s team, close to Qi Yue’an.
Meanwhile, Xiyin, still in handcuffs,
forced herself to remain calm, her mind racing.
The guards’ path wasn’t leading to an interrogation room or prison.
Instead, the surroundings grew more opulent,
with magic flowing richly and orderly.
Bai Zhi gripped her sister’s hand, whispering, “Don’t worry,
this doesn’t look like a bad place.”
Though pale, Bai Jin nodded,
her defensive magic subtly activating.
Despite her fear,
she steeled herself, ready to protect her sister and Xiyin if needed.
Bai Zhi worried about Ling Ru’s disappearance,
uncertain if her mission was proceeding
or if it was linked to their unexpected escort.
Finally, they passed through a moonstone archway,
entering a breathtaking courtyard.
It captured the essence of a condensed starry sky and silver moon,
with a night-sky ceiling and twinkling stars.
In the center, flowers bloomed vibrantly,
contrasting sharply with the stern aesthetics of Li Xing Palace.
This place felt like a secret garden for a magical queen.
Amid this ethereal scene,
a stark white plastic chair stood out,
occupied by a familiar figure—Qi Yue’an.
She wore an elegant gown, her black hair cascading down,
her bun revealing a smooth forehead and long neck.
The ‘Crown of Logic’ atop her head
glowed with profound luster, enhancing her regal presence.
She sat motionless, her eyes closed,
imbuing her with a sense of commanding the entire magical domain.
As they entered, the guards retreated silently.
Qi Yue’an opened her eyes,
her silver gaze filled with enigmatic hues.
She waved subtly,
and Liu Wenwen, disguised as a maid,
retreated into the shadows.
“Xiyin, Bai Zhi, Bai Jin…”
Her voice was cool yet piercing, resonating in the enchanting courtyard.
“And Ling Ru.”
She exposed Ling Ru’s disguise, causing a jolt in Ling Ru’s heart.
“No need to be nervous. I didn’t bring you here to question you.”
Qi Yue’an approached, her steps graceful and light.
Her aura was unlike any of her past selves,
neither the shy, self-deprecating girl
or the love-smitten queen.
Instead, she seemed like a mischievous Witch.
Xiyin watched her,
noting the stark difference in her demeanor.
The affection in her eyes was no longer tinged with dependency.
A bad feeling grew in Xiyin’s heart,
her suspicions rising with each passing moment.
“An’an…”
“Xiyin, miss me? 🎶”
Qi Yue’an spoke with a playful tone,
her words a stark contrast to the Qi Yue’an they knew.
Xiyin’s worst fears were realized.
She should have known—Qi Yue’an’s sudden farewell,
her resolute expression, all hinted at a monumental decision.
“An’an!”
Rage surged within Xiyin.
“Who are you? What did you do to An’an?”
Her magic flared, shattering the handcuffs,
and her blue lance and musical notes materialized alongside her.
“Oh my, still so impulsive, Xiyin.
You’re my favorite.”
Qi Yue’an winked, her voice flirtatious.
“Introducing myself, I’m the ‘Jealousy’ of Li Xing Palace,
the Dual-Faced Witch Queen, Qi Yue.”
Bai Zhi understood the gravity,
quickly transforming, her bow charged with energy.
Bai Jin raised her giant sword, ready to fight.
Facing their hostility, Qi Yue’an showed no sign of fear,
her smile widening.
“Why so violent? Even without Qi Yue’an, you have me.
I can be your companion, can’t I?
I’m the true Witch Queen, the complete Qi Yue’an, the true me.”
Her words were casual,
as if removing a trivial obstacle.
Her indifference fueled Xiyin’s fury,
shattering her composure.
“Shut up! Give me back my An’an!”
In a blaze of fury, ‘The Hero’ descended,
her anger palpable.
****