Poison ? This cannot be

In the Illusion by Mount Zhaoshan

The silvery mist of the Celestial Dragon Formation coiled around the trio like a serpent, whispering lies and dragging them into their deepest fears. Each of them stood alone in their own nightmare, the world distorted by the formation's cruel power.

Feng Xiangling's Illusion

Feng Xiangling found herself in a familiar place—the quiet courtyard of her childhood home. The sound of laughter and the scent of freshly brewed tea once filled this space, but now, the air was thick with the smell of smoke.

Her heart sank as she saw her mother and brother lying motionless on the ground, their faces pale. "Mother! Brother! Wake up!" she cried, kneeling beside them and shaking them desperately. Tears blurred her vision as she tried to revive them, but their bodies were cold and unresponsive.

"No... this can't be happening," she whispered, her voice breaking. She stumbled forward, calling out for her father.

In the distance, she saw him—a figure in tattered robes, his face lined with sorrow. But something was wrong. His eyes, once filled with warmth, were now empty.

"Father!" she shouted, running toward him.

He turned slowly, his voice cold and detached. "You are not my daughter, Feng Xiangling. You were never mine."

His words struck her like a blade. She froze, her mind racing. "No... that's not true. You're lying!"

Before she could reach him, his body crumbled into ash, scattering into the wind.

"No!" Feng Xiangling screamed, falling to her knees. Her hands clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms as she fought against the despair threatening to consume her. "This isn't real. It's not real!"

Her voice echoed through the illusion, and cracks began to form in the twisted reality around her.

Lin Liangchen's Illusion

Lin Liangchen stood amidst a battlefield drenched in blood. The bodies of his comrades lay scattered, their lifeless eyes staring up at the darkened sky.

He looked down at his hands, trembling as he saw them stained with blood. His heart pounded as memories of past battles resurfaced—the screams, the chaos, the unbearable guilt.

"No… not again," he muttered, his voice shaking.

In the distance, he saw a familiar figure—his father, Grand Chancellor Lin Yuanfeng. Lin Liangchen ran toward him, his boots sinking into the blood-soaked ground.

"Father!" he called out, his voice filled with desperation. "What happened to our family? Why did we fall?"

Lin Yuanfeng stood silently, his face expressionless. As Lin Liangchen reached out to him, his father's figure began to dissolve into ash.

"No! Don't leave me again!" Lin Liangchen shouted, his voice breaking.

His knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground. The weight of his grief threatened to crush him, but he clenched his fists, forcing himself to focus.

"This isn't real," he muttered through gritted teeth. "I won't let it control me!"

With a surge of willpower, he rose to his feet, shattering the illusion around him.

Zhou Jinyu's Illusion

Zhou Jinyu found himself standing on a battlefield, his sword drawn. Before him, he saw Lin Liangchen, his lord and closest ally, mercilessly striking down their commander.

"Lord Lin! What are you doing?" Zhou Jinyu shouted, his voice trembling.

Lin Liangchen turned to him, his eyes burning with madness. "They all betrayed us, Jinyu. They deserved to die."

Zhou Jinyu's heart pounded as he watched the man he respected descend into madness. "No... this isn't real. This can't be real!"

He clenched his fists, his mind racing. "This is an illusion. I have to break free!"

Taking a deep breath, Zhou Jinyu closed his eyes and focused, blocking out the chaotic scene around him. "It's not real," he repeated to himself.

When he opened his eyes, the battlefield dissolved into mist, and he found himself back in the jungle.

The three regrouped, their faces pale and shaken.

"Feng Xiangling, are you alright?" Lin Liangchen asked, his voice filled with concern.

She nodded, though her eyes were red. "I'm fine. What about you two?"

"I broke through," Zhou Jinyu said simply. His hands were still trembling, but he kept his composure.

Lin Liangchen clenched his jaw. "We've endured worse. We can't let this stop us."

Feng Xiangling forced a weak smile. "Let's keep moving. We're not done yet."

Qingxi Palace - Residence of Imperial Princess Xu Jiayi

The grand hall of Qingxi Palace sparkled under the glow of countless lanterns, their light reflected in the polished jade floors. The noblewomen gathered around the long table, their laughter and conversation mingling with the soft notes of the zither played by a musician in the corner.

Imperial Princess Xu Jiayi sat at the head of the table, her regal demeanor commanding respect. She wore robes of crimson and gold, embroidered with phoenixes in flight, symbolizing her high status.

Seated beside her were some of the most prominent women in the kingdom:

Lady Huang Qing, the proud and outspoken daughter of Minister of Rites, Huang Jingde.

Lady Zhao Lin, Xu Jiayi's close friend and the witty daughter of Minister of Revenue, Zhao Renshu.

Lady Wu Rou, the reserved and graceful daughter of Minister of Justice, Wu Zhihao.

Lady Zhao Xi, the daughter of Duke Zhao Yunhai, known for her sharp tongue.

Lady Liang An, the cheerful daughter of Marquis Liang Shiming.

Princess Xu Lianyi, the youngest princess, full of curiosity and mischief.

The banquet began with lighthearted conversation.

Lady Zhao Lin smiled at Lady Huang Qing, lifting her wine cup. "Lady Huang, you've grown even more beautiful since the last banquet. Your father must be proud."

Lady Huang Qing waved a dismissive hand, her voice laced with pride. "Father often says that beauty is fleeting, but intelligence is eternal. I strive to embody both."

Lady Zhao Xi chuckled, a sly grin on her lips. "Well, Lady Huang, with your sharp tongue and wit, you certainly leave an impression wherever you go."

Princess Xu Jiayi observed the exchange with a slight smile. "Lady Huang's confidence is admirable, but I hope you don't let it intimidate the rest of us."

Lady Huang Qing tilted her head, her tone playful. "Your Highness, who among us could match your grace and wisdom? We are merely flowers in your garden."

The women laughed, and the conversation turned to court gossip.

As the laughter subsided, a maid approached the table to refill their wine cups. Her hands trembled slightly, and she avoided eye contact as she poured the wine.

Lady Huang Qing noticed the maid's unease and narrowed her eyes. "Why are your hands shaking? Are you unwell?"

The maid quickly bowed, her voice trembling. "Forgive me, my lady. I... I am fine."

Lady Huang Qing's expression darkened. "If you're fine, then why do you look as though you've seen a ghost? Do you know the importance of this banquet? Any mistake here would bring shame upon you and your household."

Princess Xu Jiayi raised a hand, her tone calm but firm. "Lady Huang, there's no need to chastise her. Perhaps she is simply nervous."

Lady Zhao Lin leaned closer to Lady Huang Qing, whispering, "You can be a bit harsh, Huang Qing. Give the poor girl a break."

Lady Huang Qing huffed, brushing off the comment. "Nervous or not, a servant must know their place and perform their duties without fault."

The maid's face paled, and her hands began to tremble even more.

Moments later, Lady Huang Qing raised her cup to her lips. Just as the wine touched her mouth, her body stiffened. Her cup fell from her hand, shattering on the floor as she clutched her throat.

The women around the table froze in shock.

"Lady Huang!" Princess Xu Jiayi exclaimed, rising from her seat.

Lady Huang Qing gasped for air, her face turning pale. Servants rushed to her side, helping her sit upright.

"Fetch the palace physician!" Xu Jiayi commanded, her voice sharp and authoritative.

Lady Zhao Xi turned to the maid who had poured the wine, her eyes narrowing. "You! What did you do? Did you tamper with the wine?"

The maid fell to her knees, shaking her head frantically. "No, my lady! I swear I did nothing!"

Lady Wu Rou, usually quiet, spoke up, her tone calm but piercing. "Then why are you trembling so much? If you are innocent, you have nothing to fear."

The maid's voice quivered. "I-I... I am just nervous. Please, believe me!"

Princess Xu Jiayi stepped forward, her gaze cold and unyielding. "This is no small matter. If you are hiding something, speak now. The consequences of lying to the imperial family are severe."

The maid broke into sobs, bowing until her forehead touched the ground. "Your Highness, I beg for mercy! I... I poisoned the wine."

Gasps echoed through the hall as the confession.....

Princess Xu Jiayi's eyes narrowed. "Why would you do such a thing?"

The maid's voice trembled as she spoke. "Lady Huang Qing... she humiliated me countless times. She called me worthless, insulted my family, and treated me as less than dirt. I only wanted revenge. I didn't mean for it to go this far!"

Lady Zhao Lin's expression darkened. "You let your hatred drive you to this? Taking a life is no small matter."

Lady Wu Rou added, her voice cold, "No amount of humiliation justifies murder."

Lady Zhao Xi shook her head in disgust. "What a cowardly act."

Princess Xu Jiayi silenced them with a raised hand. "Enough. This maid has confessed to her crime. Justice will be served."

Turning to the guards, she said, "Take her away. She is to be executed for her actions. Let this be a lesson to all—revenge is no excuse for murder."

The maid sobbed as she was dragged away, her cries echoing through the hall.

The banquet ended in a heavy silence, the shadow of the crime lingering over the gathering.

On the way to Mount Zhaoshan

In the dense jungle, the trio stood before a vast cave entrance. The air was thick with an ancient energy that sent shivers down their spines.

Inside, the cave was a marvel of architecture. Intricate carvings adorned the walls, and glowing inscriptions pulsed with a soft, silvery light. At the center of the chamber was the Silver Moonflower, its petals radiating an ethereal glow.

"Finally," Feng Xiangling whispered, her voice filled with awe.

As they stepped forward, eight figures emerged from the shadows. The Head Guardian, a tall figure clad in black armor, stepped forward.

"To claim the Silver Moonflower, you must break through the External Flame Formation," he said, his voice echoing through the chamber.

The guardians moved into position, forming a blazing barrier of fire. Lin Liangchen unsheathed his sword, his eyes narrowing.

"Stay focused," he said. "We'll break through together."

Feng Xiangling gripped her blade tightly, her determination shining through. "No hesitation."

Zhou Jinyu nodded, his voice steady. "Let's do this."

The trio charged into the formation, their movements precise and coordinated. The heat was intense, and the flames seemed to come alive, but they pressed forward, their resolve unshaken.

Would they succeed, or would the flames consume them?

To be continued...