Mystique Soul: A Cultivator's Flame
Chapter 78

Chapter 78: Chapter 78

Beyond the lively banquet hall, the emperor and Feng Zhenhai sat in a more secluded chamber, away from the prying eyes of the court. A low table adorned with exquisite jade inlays sat between them, a delicate porcelain teapot resting upon it. The soft glow of lanterns flickered, casting long shadows along the walls.

"It’s been far too long, old friend." The emperor leaned back slightly, his golden robes pooling gracefully around him. "Seeing you stand so tall and unbothered by age... It is almost enough to make me envious."

Feng Zhenhai chuckled, pouring tea into both their cups. "Envy? You sit upon the dragon throne while I... could not even shelter the little girl my son entrusted on this old bones. And now contend with rebellious juniors and an ever-growing pile of sect matters. I would say I am the one who should be envious."

The emperor exhaled lightly, amusement lacing his gaze. "You always did prefer the solitude of cultivation over the chaos of the court. Many wondered if you had truly vanished into the mountains for good." He took a sip of tea before adding "I almost believed it myself." The emperor’s eyes grimned at that as he looked at his old friend.

Feng Zhenhai smirked. "Would that have been so terrible? The world is vast, and the matters of the empire continued on without me. A secluded life has its benefits. No intrigues, no betrayals, just the pursuit of enlightenment. The only regret I had... is that I failed as a father in educating my sons... One is missing, while those that stayed... sigh... where have I gone wrong?"

Seeing his friend’s enthusiasm dulling, the emperor decided to stir clear of that conversation.

"Enlightenment." The emperor sighed, setting down his cup. "That is a luxury few of us can afford. A ruler has no choice but to entangle himself in the affairs of the world. Even in seclusion, you were fortunate to escape the politics that weigh on those who remain."

Feng Zhenhai’s gaze darkened slightly. as he rolled his eyes and jestingly glared. "Escape? You make it sound as if I abandoned my duty. I do remember a certain crown prince in our youth that did not run from the palace even for a single day."

The emperor shook his head with a chuckle. "Ah, how times have changed." He toast a cup towards Feng Zhenhai. "Though, yes, I do understand. A clan leader’s duty is to his family first. The Feng Clan has always stood strong as a pillar of the empire and your retreat from the public eye never weakened it. If anything, it has only made your return more... noteworthy." He studied Feng Zhenhai for a long moment before adding, "Tell me, now that you are here, do you intend to stay?"

Feng Zhenhai stroked his beard thoughtfully. "That depends. I have no desire for power, nor for courtly entanglements, but..." He glanced at the emperor meaningfully. "It seems the world has forgotten me that they have dared to touch my beloved kin"

The emperor chuckled. "And that it shall regret." The emperor’s gaze flickered to Feng Jiao Xue, nodding slightly in approval upon seeing how, despite her cassual movemengs, her eyes remained as sharp as a well maintained sword. "Forgive me, old friend. I should have taken better care of your kins. If I had looked at it more attentively... perhaps, some grievances would not need to be amended." The emperor sincerely appologized.

"I did not expect you to. This clan is my family, I should not have to rely on others to ensure my members’ well being" Feng Zhenhai shaked his head. "And with the empire’s affair to look after, you would have only given yourself trouble while pushing another form of danger towards not just Jiao Xue, but the clan from those eyeing it. Looks like your Heir understood that well."

The emperor proudly chuckled at that. "And yet another junior I have failed that has to grow beyond his age young. Though your name still carries weight whether you like it or not it is not to late to correct the wrong. The younger generation looks to their elders for guidance, and while you may have been absent, your granddaughter has proven herself that she is a phoenix through and through. Your clan has always been known for your tenacity and resolution and it appears that your granddaughter has that in spades."

At the mention of Feng Jiao Xue, Feng Zhenhai’s expression softened slightly as his gaze also locks on in Feng Jiao Xue’s direction. "She has made a name for herself, hasn’t she? I’ve heard the whispers, the praise. Some say she is more talented than I was at her age."

"They are not wrong." The emperor’s gaze gleamed with interest. "Her presence is remarkable, her strength undeniable. The empire could use such talent, especially in these uncertain times."

Feng Zhenhai’s lips pressed into a thin line. "A cultivator’s path should not be determined by politics."

The emperor sighed, lifting his cup once more. "Perhaps. But fate often decides otherwise. Speaking of politics..." The emperor’s eyes trailed to Mo Tianze. "Since when did the Feng Clan accept slaves?"

Feng Zhenhai sighed at that. "I owe my granddaughter alot, I would not have the heart to banish one of her only human... partially human companion and I don’t think that what’s going between them, is that of an owner and a slave"

The emperor nodded at that. "A collarless demi-beast." He muses as his gaze shifted to Mo Tianze’s bare neck. "...does Feng Jiao Xue know that the necklace is not just to control the demi-beast but to ensure that they are unable to go berserk?"

Feng Zhenhai shaked his head. "No, but that little fellow has sworn to the heavens never to harm Feng Jiao Xue"

He informed the emperor. It was one of Feng Zhenhai’s condition in allowing him to stay. Yet, the fox did not even hesitate.

Before the emperor could respond, a servant entered, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty, Lord Feng, the celebratory wine has been prepared."

The emperor waved his hand. "Bring it in."

A group of attendants entered, each carrying trays of fine golden goblets. The wine shimmered under the lantern light, the fragrance rich and intoxicating. Among them was the young servant from earlier, his face pale, hands gripping the tray just a little too tightly.

As the cups were placed before them, the servant stepped back, head lowered. His pulse pounded in his ears, but he forced himself to stay composed. He had done his part. Now, all that remained was to watch.

From her seat, Feng Jiao Xue watched the scene unfold, her expression placid as she sipped her tea. The tension in the servant’s shoulders, the way he lingered just a moment too long before retreating, it was all too telling.

Something wasn’t right.

Without hesitation, she stood and made her way to the private area, her movements graceful and unhurried.

"Sister?" Mo Tianze asked, momentarily stopping from eating his snack as he turned his head towards her and followed.

The guards at the entrance hesitated only briefly before letting them through.

"Grandfather" she greeted, bowing her head slightly. Her gaze flickered toward the emperor who regarded her with a bemused smile. "Your Majesty."

"Ah, the little phoenix of the Feng family," the emperor said warmly. "Come, join us."

Feng Zhenhai gestured toward an empty seat, but Feng Jiao Xue only smiled. "I wouldn’t dare intrude. I merely wished to ask if you are enjoying the banquet, Grandfather."

Feng Zhenhai raised a brow but played along. "Hmph, these old bones have no complaints. Though, I suspect you have another reason for coming all this way."

Feng Jiao Xue only tilted her head, her lips curving in amusement. "Why would you think that?"

The emperor observed her keenly before chuckling. "You have the same sharp gaze as your grandfather when he suspects trouble. Come, sit. Indulge this old man for a moment. I wish to hear how you have been faring."

She gracefully lowered herself onto the cushion, accepting the tea poured for her but making no move to drink it. "I have been well, Your Majesty. The trainings keeps me occupied, and my cultivation progresses steadily."

The emperor nodded approvingly. "Good. The empire needs strong cultivators, and you-" he tapped a finger against the table "-are far more than just talented. I have heard stories. Your feats in during this time, your battle against the others... remarkable."

Feng Jiao Xue remained modest, lowering her gaze. "Exaggerations, no doubt."

The emperor chuckled. "Perhaps. But I find it hard to believe your enemies would lie about their own defeat."

As the conversation flowed, she kept her peripheral vision on the goblets. Feng Zhenhai lifted his cup, the emperor following suit. The moment they raised their drinks, Feng Jiao Xue moved.

Her sleeve caught the edge of her robe as she stood, and with a perfectly executed misstep, she ’stumbled’ forward. The cup in her hands tipped, the contents splashing onto the potted plant beside the table.

A beat of silence passed.

Then, before their very eyes, the lush green leaves curled inward, darkening, the edges crisping and turning black. In mere seconds, the entire plant withered, the once-vibrant life drained from it.

A heavy tension filled the room.

The emperor’s expression remained unreadable, though his grip on his cup tightened. Feng Zhenhai’s gaze darkened, his eyes flickering toward the servant retreating to the corner.

The young attendant swallowed hard, his breath coming in short gasps.

"Grrroooowwllll!" Mo Tianze snarled, his tail aggressively raised as his golden pupils burned like the bright sun while turning into slits, pounding towards the attendant before he could escape and for a brief moment, an ancient aura spiked into his Qi before it vanishes, melting into his energy.

Feng Jiao Xue straightened, brushing off her robes as if nothing had happened. She turned to her grandfather with a perfectly neutral expression. "Grandfather, this wine... I don’t think it suits my taste."

Her voice was soft, polite, yet her words rang like thunder in the room while her cold gaze focused on the pale, trembling servant.