Chapter 6: The Beginning Of An Unknown Passion

With a disturbing grin, the leader of the bandits gazed at the young girl, taking note of her delicate features. Her jet black hair, slightly disheveled from her desperate escape, framed her face as she struggled to retreat. The fitted dress she wore accentuated her curves, drawing the bandit's attention. Her pink lips formed a pout of annoyance, further captivating his gaze. The sun's rays illuminated her white porcelain skin, giving her a subtle glow that made her all the more alluring. The leader of the bandits, with a grumpy expression and tanned skin, exuded a sense of danger. His muscular build hinted at his strength, and he wore a wicked and eerie grin.

As the atmosphere grew tense, the leader's eyes flickered with lustful anticipation, declaring, "I like wild girls. They taste the sweetest." The other bandits laughed, circling their vulnerable target, ready to strike at any moment.
In a hoarse and shaky voice, she defied their advances, hurling everything she could grab, determined to fight back against their menacing presence. The bandits, with their wild and unkempt appearances, had disheveled hair and shabby attire that matched their menacing nature. Their eyes gleamed with a predatory hunger as they fixated on the young girl.

Suddenly, a scream pierced through the air, and the leader of the bandits fell to his knees, whimpering in intense pain. Confusion and fear filled the air as the rest of the bandits frantically looked around, searching for the source of the unexpected attack.
Emerging from the woods, the young man exuded an aura of calm and composure. His presence carried a sense of dominance, commanding attention and respect. Pausing for a moment, he confronted the bandits with a question, his voice resonating with masculinity and pleasantness to the ear, "Do you find pleasure in harassing innocent people?"

Taken aback by his boldness, the bandits responded with aggression, demanding to know his identity and questioning his audacity. "Who are you?" they exclaimed, adding, "Who gave you the right to speak to us, you punk!"
"You don't know how to mind your business, do you?" one of the bandits spat, clearly agitated by the young man's interference.
Unfazed by their insults, the young man retorted, "I may be nosey, but I don't tolerate arrogant street rats like you."
With a sudden burst of dusty smoke, the bandits charged towards him, aligning themselves for a coordinated attack. They leaped into the air, their sabers raised high, ready to strike and potentially cleave him in two. In a swift motion, the young man reached for his waist and pulled out a flute, crafted from a clear and exquisite wood. Adorned with beautiful carvings and intricate inscriptions, the flute was long and slender, with a striking red and black tassel.

Bringing the flute to his lips, he contemplated playing a mesmerizing melody. However, his thoughts quickly shifted as he realized that these bandits might possess some level of cultivation. Playing one of the tunes of Weiji could potentially cause irreversible damage to their meridians. With a swift and fluid motion, he wielded his flute like a weapon, fearlessly engaging in combat. A seemingly frail bandit lunged at him, aiming to strike him down with a raised saber, but he swiftly evaded the attack.
The young girl watched in awe as he displayed a supernatural speed that seemed beyond human capability. Only a god, she thought, could possess such extraordinary abilities. Undeterred, another bandit pressed forward, attempting to bring his saber dangerously close to his neck. Yet, he skillfully parried the attack, swiftly counterattacked, and unleashed a powerful kick to incapacitate his opponent
As he swiftly defeated the bandits, reducing them to a pitiful state, he couldn't help but be captivated by her enchanting presence. His gaze locked onto her eyes, which seemed to radiate like shimmering peach blossoms, filled with disbelief at the extraordinary display of his skills.

With a confident stride, he made his way towards her, his movements steady and deliberate. As he reached her, he gently scooped her up in his arms, shielding her from the chaotic scene of moaning and whimpering men. He walked with a casual stride, occasionally stealing glances at the girl. She was undeniably beautiful, resembling a fluffy bunny with her small nose and slanted eyes, possessing an exquisite doll-like charm.
"Put me down," she snapped, her tone filled with annoyance.
He was taken aback by her rudeness. Without hesitation, he gently placed her back on the ground, watching as she limped away from him. He had always been a man of few words, rarely speaking in any situation, but for the first time, he found himself compelled to break his silence. As he mustered up the courage to speak, he questioned,
"Won't you at least thank me for saving your life?"
"I didn't ask you to!" she sneered, her words laced with disdain and a dismissive sniff.
"Nan'er!" she cried out suddenly, catching his attention. He turned to see a young man approaching them, exuding an air of coldness and possessing handsome features with a poker face.
"Nan'er, ouch!" she whimpered as her brother lightly hit her head. Annoyed, he asked her, "How old are you?"
The young man, touched by the gratitude expressed by the stranger, saluted him in appreciation before scooping up his sister. She fussed and the two engaged in a lighthearted bickering, their voices filled with familiarity and affection. As he observed their interaction, a warm smile spread across his face, realizing that he had not only saved a life but also witnessed the unbreakable bond between siblings.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the imperial court, the young prince ascended the stairs with determined strides. His bodyguard remained by his side, ever watchful. A gentle breeze tousled his curly, shoulder-length hair, giving him an air of both handsomeness and authority.
"Here comes Prince Ming Huan!" the court announcer exclaimed, breaking the stunned silence. The empress, caught off guard, shot him a surprised look, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"What?! He's alive!" she thought, her mind filled with a mixture of shock and disappointment.
"Huan'er!" The emperor's face lit up with a beaming smile as he caught sight of his nephew. Ming Huan, full of respect and decorum, saluted the emperor and then gracefully offered a deep bow. "Greetings to the emperor and empress," he greeted, his voice filled with sincerity.

The emperor, dismissing formality, motioned for him to rise. Ming Huan slowly lifted his head, a barely noticeable line forming on his lips as he gazed at his majesty. Beaming with pride, the emperor spoke in a commanding yet affectionate tone,
"Tonight is a joyous occasion, as my nephew has successfully completed his studies and earned great honors. Congratulations to my nephew!" Ming Huan, acknowledging the emperor's words with a nod, replied,
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The ministries, recognizing the significance of the moment, bowed and offered their congratulations in unison. Ming Huan, deeply cherished by the emperor for being his younger sister's son, had inherited her affection, endearing him even further to his uncle. In a gesture of celebration, the emperor announced, "In light of this auspicious occasion, I extend an invitation to all for a grand feast in honor of my nephew's success and his upcoming journey into the ministry."


In the Glistening Ray Of The Sun hall, the great hall buzzed with excitement as chatter filled the air, and the decorations, adorned in the imperial colors, added an air of splendor and elegance to the festivities. The atmosphere was filled with an exuberant energy, as everyone eagerly anticipated the joyful event ahead. As Ming Huan looked around, his gaze fell upon the presence of the seven princes, each with their own distinct personalities. Ming Yuan, known for his aversion to elaborate events, stood among them. Lost in his thoughts, Ming Huan was captivated by the mesmerizing fire display performed by the entertainers. The swirling flames seemed to form a vivid peach blossom, bringing a tranquil beauty to his mind.

Meanwhile, the empress, adorned in her majestic royal garments, wore a smile that appeared slightly forced, masking any underlying emotions she may have had.
She appeared charming and delicate, yet beneath this facade, seethed an unyielding fury. Why hadn't this leech met his end? How could they have faltered? The black mage camp society was renowned for breeding the most proficient veterans in assassination across China. As a hub of criminal networks, how could they have possibly failed? She shot side glances at Ming Huan, struggling to comprehend the implications of his presence. His arrival made things infinitely more complicated, especially given the delicate nature of discussing the crown prince's nuisance. She knew she had to tread carefully.

Meanwhile, Ming Yuan, appearing disinterested and bored amidst the festivities, sought solace in his preference for solitude. Unfazed by the social gathering's allure, he politely excused himself, preferring the solace of reading and introspection over the revelry that enthralled others. Motioning towards the imperial gardens, his mind lingered on the lingering memory of the accidental incident. Suddenly, the young man with half braids collided into his arms, prompting an impulsive whirl as their eyes met. In that instant, a strange and exhilarating sensation overtook him—it was an entirely novel feeling, an unfamiliar warmth. A sudden flush washed over him, his heart beating frantically as if it were a drum resounding with urgency, especially when he entertained thoughts of the young man's face.
Amidst his contemplation of wild and forbidden thoughts, an arrow suddenly tore through the air, destined to strike him.