Secrecy

Two figures can be seen sitting across from each other in a study filled with papers filled up from the floor to ceiling. Even though the Emperor had plenty of problems to resolve and proposals to manage, right now he has more pressing matters at hand.

"Do you really think, she's the one?"

"Yes, your Majesty. Miss. Jing's circumstances match the part of the prophecy that speaks of a pillar of light.

'As that which keeps us warm begins to wane, a heart that beats will stop.

A swift end will lead to an abrupt beginning.

'He' that reverts from the otherworld will arise as chrysanthemums blossom.

A pillar of light illuminates the sky, and the four beasts shall awaken.

Gather they will as the eight pillars are falling and Yanlou will arise to reclaim that which was stolen.

Hand in hand, they ...'

Sigh. It's a shame that the rest of the passage has been destroyed over the years."

"What do you think we should do, Grandmaster Tian?"

"I feel that it is best if we keep all this a secret for now. She is far too young and vulnerable at the moment. If they find out about her she'll never be able to reach her full potential before she is hunted down by them."

"Mhm, Zhen also thinks that is best for now but it will be difficult to hide her identity from the other side for long. Their spies that are hiding probably have already sent the news back to their King. Soon their cultivators will swarm our cities to dig out information about her."

"Sigh, there's nothing we can do about that. The crystal's reaction was too showy. Even if we try to keep everything confidential, the people already know about it and will talk. Rumors have already begun to circulate about who the child might be."

"For now we shall keep quiet and let the people speculate whatever they want. Eventually, the excitement will die down and Miss, Jing can grow at her own pace. We shall not let anyone disturb her training or discover the prophecy."

"That would be best."

Emperor Huan takes out a brush and swiftly writes a few words on a piece of paper. When the ink dries he calls for a messenger.

"Head Eunuch Ping."

"Yes, your Majesty?"

"Send this letter to the Jing Family. Make sure no one sees you enter or leave their residence."

"As you wish,"

"Your Majesty, what did you write?"

"A decree to have the Jing Family keep this a secret. Jing Ling will continue to be the weak, sickly daughter of the family. Her full recovery needs to be kept hidden. This will give her a cover to hide behind."

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A few days later, a young man walks out of a training room. His stoic face and cold aura makes him hard to approach but this doesn't keep people from secretly admire him as he walks by.

As he enters his room he senses a presence inside.

"Bao'er, you're here again."

An elegant figure sits on a wooden chair as she sips the tea she had made for herself. Although her figure isn't very tall and didn't have any memorable facial features, all of that just adds to her cuteness. She gave off a feeling that makes people want to pamper and protect her.

"Hmph, you're finally out of that smelly room Huan Ying."

"I apologize for keeping you waiting. Why are you looking for me?"

"You didn't hear the news on your way here?"

Huan Ying sat down across from Xiao Bao with a soft smile on his face and reaches out for a cup of tea.

"What news?"

"A child with violet potential has appeared."

Huan Ying's hand pauses.

"When did this happen?"

"A few days ago. She stayed in the jade crystal for two weeks before she came out and the crystal reacted violently. The light it produced was even stronger than yours."

"Really..."

"My Master and I were both there. The jade crystal only lit up the hall with pale violet light when you had your evaluation but this time the light couldn't be contained within the hall and even shot up to the sky. It was even dark violet not pale."

"Is that so? What's her name?"

"Jing Ling. Why don't we recruit her to join our side? It's better if we do this early on. We wouldn't want your younger brother's faction to find out and take her first."

"There's no need. That foolish brother of mine won't be any threat to me even if she joins his side."

"Be careful Ying. If you don't pay attention, she's going to catch up and become stronger than you."

"Hmph, why should I worry about a little girl who just turned 10. If she does dare go against me I will just get rid of her. No matter what I will be the strongest even if she has slightly better potential than I do."

"I know... I am just worried."

"Don't be. No matter I will not let anyone get in the way of me ascending the throne."

"Sigh. Fine. Do as you wish."