Su Su was the newcomer, dressed in shabby clothes, and several noble-looking young ladies clearly had no intention of including her in their scheme to seduce the new emperor.
Yan Wan, in her cyan dress, said, "Yun'er, I've inquired before. The new emperor has no concubines by his side. He's young and vigorous—it's impossible for him to remain unmoved by beauties. As long as we seize the opportunity, we won't be sent as sacrifices to the demons."
Undoubtedly, Zhao Yun'er was the most beautiful among them.
Dressed in a pink ruqun, she stood out vividly in the crowd. Even her sorrowful expression did little to diminish her beauty.
Zhao Yun'er nodded, agreeing with Yan Wan's idea.
A flicker of resentment passed through Yan Wan's eyes; she wished she could take the chance herself, but her appearance was utterly plain. With lives at stake, she could only actively strategize for Zhao Yun'er.
"Yun'er, when the time comes, you must save your sisters and put in a good word for everyone," Yan Wan urged, silently adding, Don't forget about us if you gain favor.
Zhao Yun'er solemnly replied, "Of course, I won't let anything happen to you."
The other girls also expressed tearful gratitude, thanking her repeatedly. A blush spread across Zhao Yun'er's cheeks; as an unmarried maiden, she felt deeply embarrassed at the prospect of seducing the new emperor.
The scene grew lively as they all fantasized about the new emperor becoming enamored with Zhao Yun'er and releasing them.
From beginning to end, no one paid any attention to Su Su.
They silently excluded her.
Su Su wasn't wearing a ruqun but a practical red outfit with tightened cuffs that revealed her slender, fair wrists. Her skirt was neat and functional.
Great Xia valued martial prowess, and Su Su's attire made her look like the daughter of an ordinary soldier. Yet, with her rosy lips and pearly teeth, and warm, clear eyes, she was no less striking than Zhao Yun'er.
Naturally, it was precisely because of her looks that Su Su hadn't been thrown to the tiger demon and instead joined this "beauty camp."
From their conversation, Su Su deduced that these girls were all former daughters of officials from Mohe River.
The one in pink, Zhao Yun'er, was the daughter of Zhao Xing, a former general of Mohe River.
Strictly speaking, Zhao Xing had been under Su Su's father, Ye Xiao's command. He had died on the battlefield not long ago. After Mohe River fell and was occupied by Tantai Minglang, his daughter became Tantai Minglang's captive.
Tantai Minglang, being lustful, kept them alive for two reasons: first, to amuse himself with the beauties when the mood struck, and second, to use them as sacrifices to awaken the great demon in Mohe River if he lost interest.
Unfortunately, before Tantai Minglang could carry out his plan, he was killed by Tantai Jin. With his death, Zhao Yun'er and the other daughters of generals became Tantai Jin's captives.
Tantai Jin intended to proceed with Tantai Minglang's plan that very night, offering Zhao Yun'er and the others as sacrifices.
As they heatedly discussed their scheme, Su Su, headache brewing, reminded them, "The new emperor is cruel by nature—no kinder than Tantai Minglang. A beauty trap won't work on him."
Her reminder only stirred up a hornet's nest.
Yan Wan immediately retorted, "How do you know it won't work? You know you're going to be sacrificed, yet you're not panicking at all. Are you planning to seduce the new emperor yourself?"
Even Zhao Yun'er's expression darkened. After all, Su Su's beauty was evident, and if it came to a competition, it was uncertain whom the new emperor would favor.
The other girls chimed in, "Exactly! Do you even know who Miss Zhao is? If you behave yourself and she gains favor, she might even plead for you."Su Su grew more serious and said to Zhao Yun'er, "Your father died fighting for the Mohe River. Are you truly willing to remain by the enemy emperor's side?"
Zhao Yun'er replied warily, "There's no need to try and turn me against him. Yan Wan was right—we're all just trying to survive, and you're no exception. This is my chance, and I'm doing it to save our sisters as well."
Everyone was deeply moved, united in their resentment as they glared at Su Su.
Su Su said, "Fine, I concede."
If they wouldn't listen to reason, there was no point in persuading them further.
This time, they even discussed their plans away from Su Su, afraid she might overhear. Su Su paid them no mind, focusing instead on carving the small Peach Wood sword she had hidden away.
The daughter of a hero—yet courage was not guaranteed.
As dusk fell, the matron arrived in the courtyard.
With an expressionless face, the matron said, "All of you, change into these clothes and follow me."
Attendants handed over several white dresses.
Su Su took one look and thought, Well, well—the patterns embroidered in gold thread are clearly for sacrificial rites. These were indeed the garments for a human sacrifice. The white ceremonial dresses appeared pure and beautiful, and the girls exchanged surprised glances, marveling at the fine quality.
The matron shoved Su Su. "The others have already changed. Why are you dawdling?"
Su Su thought to herself, The moment these beautiful dresses shimmer with gold thread, it'll be our death sentence. Under the matron's disapproving glare, Su Su reluctantly changed into the white dress.
Observing the graceful, captive young women, the matron nodded in satisfaction.
"Let me reiterate the rules," she said. "You will be taken to the banks of the Mohe River. The leader will hold the jade mirror, while the others will carry the golden hairpin, flowering branch, morning dew, bright lamp, and pond mud, respectively. The jade mirror is to be presented to His Majesty—no mistakes allowed. If you perform well, you might be pardoned. But if you fail... hmph..."
The girls trembled at her warning.
When the items were brought out, everyone tacitly agreed that Zhao Yun'er should hold the jade mirror.
After all, only the bearer of the jade mirror would have a chance to approach Tantai Jin. As soon as Zhao Yun'er took the mirror, the others scrambled for the remaining items.
Yan Wan gleefully secured the golden hairpin.
In the end, Su Su was left with a handful of pond mud.
Unfazed, she picked it up.
It was a bit smelly.
They boarded the carriage, and the others instinctively kept their distance from Su Su, their expressions full of disdain.
Clutching her mud, Su Su paid them no heed. Ignorance is bliss, she thought. We're being offered as sacrifices—why fuss over the aesthetics of what we're holding?
Aside from the jade mirror, the other items represented the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. But the five elements alone couldn't awaken the great demon—blood was required.
They wore sacrificial robes, hoping Tantai Jin would show them mercy. Did they think they were Ye Bingshang?
As the carriage jostled along, Zhao Yun'er occasionally checked her reflection in the jade mirror, ensuring her hair was still neatly arranged.
Su Su leaned in the corner of the carriage, eyes closed, contemplating how to prevent the demon's emergence.
Though the restless girls avoided speaking to her, they couldn't help stealing glances her way.
Dressed in white, with two ribbons tied in her hair cascading over her shoulders, the young woman sat upright. Her long, curled lashes caught the moonlight, and the gold thread on her dress shimmered with a holy radiance.
The girls stared at her, mesmerized. Among the six, only she managed to imbue the solemn sacrificial attire with a sacred aura.
Even Zhao Yun'er, holding the jade mirror, lacked this ethereal quality.
Zhao Yun'er noticed it too. Biting her lip, she unconsciously straightened her posture.Su Su was completely unaware of all this. She didn't know how long the carriage had been swaying when someone announced, "We've arrived."
The women disembarked from the carriage one by one.
Zhao Yun'er led the group, while Su Su walked at the very end.
Carrying her mud, she secretly surveyed her surroundings.
On this summer night in July, the moonlight poured down like flowing water, transforming the vast Mohe River into shimmering fragments of silver.
Nearby stood a dense forest, filled with the incessant chirping of cicadas and croaking of frogs.
Attendants holding palace lanterns stood along the riverbank.
Where the lantern light gathered, the gloomy and indifferent face of the young man in black stood out clearly.
Su Su thought to herself: Last time I left, I nearly strangled Tantai Jin to death. If he discovers me now, I'm surely finished.
Keeping her head lowered and walking at the rear, she felt grateful to be holding mud.
Mud was good, mud was truly lovely.
Several men who appeared to be Taoist priests stood beside Tantai Jin.
"Your Majesty, when the bright lanterns are lit, the river will surely part. We shall walk upon the water with Your Majesty and find the demon that has slept for a thousand years."
Tantai Jin smiled and said, "I naturally trust you all."
His burning gaze remained fixed on the water's surface.
Even Su Su couldn't help but wonder what kind of demon resided in the Mohe River that Tantai Jin was so determined to retrieve.
He probably wouldn't bother with anything less than a great demon, but if it were a great demon, once awakened it would likely help him commit evil deeds.
Bringing six sacrificial offerings—he clearly intended to make the demon recognize him as its master.
Zhao Yun'er stood closest to Tantai Jin, staring dazedly at the exceptionally handsome young man, her heartbeat quickening.
The new emperor was actually so young and good-looking.
Holding the mirror, she thought about what she needed to do next, feeling somewhat shy and less afraid and resistant.
Zhao Yun'er had actually hesitated before, after all, her father had been killed by the barbarians of Zhou Kingdom, and she also hated Tantai Minglang for turning her into a captive.
But Yan Wan was right—what could a group of weak women like them do? They could only prioritize their own survival.
Tantai Jin wasn't Tantai Minglang; he held no grudge against her. Wanting to survive wasn't shameful, especially since Prince Xiao Lin couldn't rescue them now anyway.
Tantai Jin noticed someone staring at him. He turned around, and the leading girl met his gaze before blushing and lowering her head.
He sneered inwardly, scanning each of them until his eyes fell upon the last young woman.
Her head was bowed, her face unclear, appearing timid and frightened.
He withdrew his gaze, leaning back in his seat as he waited for the moonlight to shine directly upon the center of the Mohe River.
Finally, under the moonlight, the Mohe River resembled a bright mirror. The Taoist priest said, "Your Majesty, the timing is perfect."
Tantai Jin nodded.
An attendant announced, "Present the jade mirror."
Zhao Yun'er took a deep breath and tremblingly approached, half-kneeling as she presented the jade mirror to the black-clad emperor seated before her.
His pale fingers reached for the mirror. Gritting her teeth, Zhao Yun'er deliberately stumbled, pitifully clutching the hem of the emperor's black robe.
Tantai Jin remained expressionless as he took the mirror from her hands.
He completely ignored the woman leaning against his leg. Zhao Yun'er felt both disappointed and relieved—that he wasn't angry was already a good start.
"This humble girl didn't mean to, please forgive me, Your Majesty."
Tantai Jin toyed with the mirror, his dark eyes watching her until she grew anxious. Then he smiled gently and said, "I pardon you. Would you be willing to lead the way for me?"
Zhao Yun'er stared at him in a daze.
Tantai Jin's expression appeared fragile and disappointed, as if heartbroken by her hesitation.
The sickly yet gentle young man pressed his lips together slightly.
Zhao Yun'er hurriedly said, "This humble girl is willing! Willing!"Tantai Jin dripped a drop of blood onto the mirror and said indifferently, "Then go ahead."
Zhao Yun'er took the mirror again, feeling somewhat regretful. She had come to seduce him, but she feared death.
Tantai Jin gently stroked her hair and said hoarsely, "Don't be afraid. I am right behind you, protecting you."
Zhao Yun'er's face flushed red as she nodded and stood up, aiming the mirror at the lake surface.
Su Su: "..."
She feared incompetent allies. She looked at Yan Wan, hoping she would be more effective and call back the disoriented Zhao Yun'er. However, Yan Wan tightened her grip on the golden hairpin, her eyes filled with both hatred and envy.
Su Su was left speechless. She tightened her sleeves and decided to smash these idiots' heads.
Moonlight reflected from the mirror onto the lake surface. Several Taoists chanted spells in unison, shaking the bronze bells in their hands.
A miraculous scene unfolded—the river parted, revealing a downward path.
Yang Ji beside Tantai Jin rejoiced: "Your... Majesty, Tantai Minglang didn't lead us to the wrong place."
Tantai Jin rose from his seat, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement. Breathing rapidly, he stared intently at the river surface.
The Taoists swallowed Water-Repelling Pearls. Tantai Jin, Nian Bai Yu, and even Ye Chu Feng swallowed them as well.
Zhao Yun'er and the others, willing or not, each swallowed a pearl.
Zhao Yun'er watched in terror as the river split wide open. Instantly regretting her decision, she wanted to throw away the mirror but feared angering Tantai Jin behind her. Just as she tried to step back away from the river, a sudden suction force from the water dragged her in.
Blood bloomed in the water, making the indistinct path clearer.
The sacrificial maidens paled in horror.
Yet, a Crimson Flame Bee appeared behind each woman, forcing them forward.
No one remembered their original plan to seduce Tantai Jin anymore. One moment he had been gently comforting Zhao Yun'er, the next he had tricked her into holding the mirror to her death.
Someone began sobbing quietly.
Tantai Jin pressed a finger to his lips and smiled, "Shh, make noise and you die."
No one dared make another sound as they filed down the underwater staircase, each followed by a Taoist.
Su Su kept her head down, walking at the back of the group. With no Taoist behind her, a sandalwood fragrance approached. Su Su's scalp tightened, realizing Tantai Jin himself was behind her.
She walked obediently, showing no unusual movements.
Tantai Jin took a few steps, initially focused on the lake bottom. But a strange sensation compelled him to shift his gaze to the back of the sacrificial maiden's head in front of him.
He stared intently for two seconds, but could only see her small, pearly earlobes.
The girl's height barely reached his shoulders. He narrowed his eyes, feeling an impulse to turn her around.
However, a foul pond mud smell made him wrinkle his nose in disgust.
Nian Bai Yu whispered beside him, "Your Majesty, we've reached the river bottom."
The river wasn't deep to begin with. The Taoists took out luminous pearls, instantly illuminating the riverbed.
A sleeping eight-clawed Flood Dragon lay at the bottom.
Though Flood Dragons carried trace ancient divine dragon bloodlines—so faint as to be negligible—if one followed the Righteous Path and cultivated for tens of thousands of years, it could potentially ascend.
However, Flood Dragons should normally have only two claws, yet this one had abnormally grown eight claws.
Its entire body was gray-brown and unattractive, curled around a clam shell as it slept at the lake bottom.
Su Su had originally planned to seize an opportunity to kill this great demon, but now her eyes widened slightly.
The Flood Dragon bore no Demonic Aura—it was actually cultivating immortality!
An eerie energy swirled around the Flood Dragon, resembling resentment. This resentment shifted form, coiling around the Flood Dragon, actually beginning to take shape!
This red resentment energy had formed and was attempting to possess the sleeping Flood Dragon's body.Su Su realized that it wasn't the Flood Dragon who had just killed people, but rather this resentment that had accumulated over several years.
And now, Tantai Jin's plan was to kill them all and sacrifice them to the resentment, making it powerful enough to invade the Flood Dragon's body, turning it into a demonic Flood Dragon for him to command.
Su Su quietly took a step back, moving closer to Tantai Jin.
She clenched her small fist, thinking, "Ah, how infuriating."
Killing people to nurture resentment, turning someone's cultivated Flood Dragon into a demonic one—only he could come up with such an idea.
The Taoist said, "Five Elements Formation."
As the women were pushed to different directions and the Taoist came to push Su Su, she suddenly turned around and hugged Tantai Jin behind her, smearing mud from her hand onto his face and pressing it down hard.
Her movements were so swift that not only the Taoist, who was only skilled in spells, but even Nian Bai Yu failed to react in time.
The young girl pinched her throat and whimpered, "Wuwu... Your Majesty, I'm so scared..."
With stinking pond mud on his face, Tantai Jin's eyes turned icy cold, but his tone remained gentle as he said, "Nian Bai Yu, kill this thing."
Without a word, Nian Bai Yu swung his blade at her.
But then the girl in his arms suddenly lifted her head and, taking advantage of his speaking, shoved a pill into his mouth. Tantai Jin saw a smiling, detestable little face.
"I'm back again! Aren't you happy?"
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