Chapter 769: Gilded Letter
Three days have passed since the end of the Crimson Tower Sword Duel. During this period, the streets and alleys were filled with discussions about each match.
“Some say the woman from the Illusionary Demon Workshop is more terrifying. If she had faced Sudeng Lou directly, she might have eliminated him right away.”
“Again with the ‘what if’. Where do you come up with so many assumptions? I think you’re just imagining things.”
“In fact, many masters say that the woman’s occupation is quite unique. It’s possible that what you see of her appearance is all an illusion.”
“After all, how could there be such a flawless beauty in the world? It’s like a dream, unreal and unattainable.”
The bustling noise came from the teahouse.
“In truth, I’m more concerned about the princess. She’s incredibly beautiful and powerful.” A man beside them expressed his admiration.
“If the current emperor passes the throne to King Huainan, wouldn’t that mean the princess will ascend to the throne?”
“Hush, speak softly. Don’t talk nonsense,” a companion nudged him, indicating that King Dai currently held immense power.
“Oh, I was just thinking aloud.”
“Well, don’t think about it. I saw her paying close attention to Young General Zhuo during the duel. Perhaps they’ve already confessed their feelings to each other,” another said.
“No way, that can’t be true,” the first man, suddenly disillusioned, protested.
“Haha, I think it’s true too. Yesterday, I saw them taking a boat ride down the Eternal Night River. Though there were other young people on the same boat, these two sat in the middle, chatting.”
“My Prince Yu Bing, how could you be so easily deceived?”
“Doesn’t anyone care about the Crimson Immortal Sect? They say they want to revoke Zhaoye Palace’s status and replace it with the Crimson Immortal Sect.”
“It’s possible. The incident at the Sunset Mountain Range was huge. Apparently, it took some special being to settle it.”
“What kind of special being? I haven’t heard of it,” someone else questioned.
“Well, it’s hard to say. The higher-ups have sealed off the information. It might be revealed later.”
“But such a big event won’t be easily settled, right? I thought it was the Red Phoenix who intervened.”
“The Red Phoenix has been in seclusion on Yuzhang Mountain for years.”
“Maybe the effects of the celestial changes haven’t subsided yet. Many immortals have fallen recently, and even cultivators of the eighth rank haven’t appeared.”
“What a pity I couldn’t seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hear that many major sects have broken their traditional barriers, opened their doors widely, and exchanged knowledge. They’ve also supported outstanding disciples, becoming less isolated than before.”
“How I envy that person. Born a commoner, entering the Cleansing Sword Palace, and now becoming the top swordmaster of the Crimson Tower, unmatched in the world.”
“Don’t mention it. I wish to climb the Crimson Tower and win the Purple Tassel, attending the Burnt Tail Feast.”
“The Burnt Tail Feast, how many dream of such a grand celebration?”
“Either one excels in literature and ranks high on the imperial examination, or one triumphs in the Crimson Tower and wins the sword duel.”
“This year’s Burnt Tail Feast will be held atop Yuzhang Mountain again. Who knows how many heroes will gather there?”
After the sword duel, the grand event was the Burnt Tail Feast on the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival.
Why is it called the Burnt Tail Feast? It references a story. Commoners or those without power could change their fate by winning the sword duel or ranking high on the imperial examination. Their status would rise dramatically, and they would rise to the top.
This transformation is like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, hence the feast is also known as the Burnt Tail Dragon Transformation Feast.
In a room in the academy.
Lolan Hill sat in a rosewood chair at the table, holding a plump little bird. Across from her was her senior brother Gu Lie, and they were discussing recent events in the room.
“Spring Official still hasn’t responded?”
Lolan asked curiously. She had previously wanted to meet the Red Phoenix, but Spring Official hadn’t given a clear response.
“No, it’s said that Red Phoenix Master has been in seclusion, and even Spring Official can’t see him,” Gu Lie shook his head. The Xiangyu Sect had many old connections among the Four Seasons Officials, so he could get this information.
“What about the seal on the letter?”
“It’s said that after reporting to the emperor, the emperor personally went to Red Phoenix Master’s residence to inquire. His status is extraordinary, so he doesn’t need to go through Spring Official and report.”
“Is that so?” Lolan stroked the fluffy Daiju bird in her arms, pondering slightly.
“Still, there are some matters I’d like to politely decline. I don’t really need a princess title,” Lolan spoke softly.
“Is it because of that incident last time? It seems you’re a bit annoyed by those royal family members,” Gu Lie picked up the teapot, pouring hot tea into his cup.
Though he looked like a robust and hearty man, Gu Lie was actually very knowledgeable about tea.
“It’s not that. It seems being a princess is troublesome. Everywhere you go, people watch you, and you have to follow certain etiquette. Besides, I don’t know much about the Hidden King.”
The girl shook her head and took out a small piece of fruit preserve from her sleeve, feeding it to the bird in her arms.
“Haha, how many people dream of such glory and wealth, yet it’s so insignificant to you, Lolan?” Gu Lie laughed loudly.
“Such a mindset is indeed rare. No wonder you’re the most favored peer in our sect.”
“Senior Brother Gu Lie, don’t mock me. I’m serious,” the silver-haired girl shook her head, puffing out her cheeks. She seemed to have learned many expressions from Ye Ling recently.
“Then let me ask Spring Official again,” Gu Lie rubbed his head, indicating he would try again.
“Thank you, Senior Brother. Let me write another letter, explaining my reasons,” Lolan thought for a moment and decided.
“Alright.”
Afterward, Lolan took out a specially made gilded letter, intending to write the letter to be submitted.
Her elegant handwriting fell onto the light yellow paper, reflecting a faint golden glow, faithfully recording the words.
Gilded letters are annual tributes from the Xiangyu Sect to the imperial court, used exclusively for imperial edicts, important documents, or formal letters. The ink remains unfaded for a thousand years, and the paper is thin yet resilient, immune to water and fire, making it excellent.
Because the Xiangyu Sect produces it themselves and due to the special nature of this matter, Lolan could use this paper to write her letter and hope for it to be taken seriously.
“Done.”
A few minutes later, Lolan picked up her pen, but then realized she didn’t have a seal. After a moment of thought, she looked at the Daiju bird in her arms.
It was you.
Amid the bewildered gaze of Daiju, Lolan lifted it, pressing one of its feet into the seal paste, then onto the paper, forming a red footprint.
Then, Lolan added a small line of text.
With the bird Lolan carried as a seal, she finished by drawing a simple and cute image of Daiju, trying to lighten the overly serious atmosphere.
Surely Red Phoenix Master would understand her situation. After all, in the eyes of these powerful witches, Lolan was as young and innocent as a newborn child.
With everything prepared, the girl sealed the letter and handed it to Gu Lie.
(End of Chapter)
