by Mars Gravity
“About that…” Feng Hanjin said nervously, “This servant usually stays in her chambers, and has never been involved in national affairs. As such, it’s impossible to give an answer to Sir Yun’s question. This servant asks for Sir Yun’s forgiveness.”
“Oh… no problem. It was just a casual question.” Yun Che waved his hand. Then, he sat on the low bed and stretched out his hand to feel its ice silk cover. “What a comfortable bed. It seems I’ll be able to have a good night’s sleep.”
“If Sir Yun is going to take a rest…” Feng Hanjin’s fingers were tightly entangled with each other, and her face was flushed deep red. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Yun Che. “Allow this servant to… help you… b-bathe.”
“Oh, that’s unnecessary.” Yun Che lay down. “I don’t have such a habit.”
“Then… allow this servant to help you take off your robe.”
“That’s also unnecessary. I never take off my clothes before going to bed.” Yun Che was lying with his face upward and eyes closed. He casually waved off his hand. “There’s nothing left here for you to do. All of you leave now.”
Feng Hanjin had a complicated expression. It was hard to tell whether she was disappointed or feeling relaxed at his attitude. She bent to bow. “Okay… this servant will be outside, waiting for Sir Yun’s instructions at all times.”
“Oh, wait a moment!” Suddenly, Yun Che got up from the bed. He took a glance outside through the window and muttered, “This trip to the Ice Wind Empire is a rare opportunity, so it doesn’t feel right to go to bed so early. Princess Hanjin, could you call over your Royal Brother Hanyi? Have him take me on a tour around the imperial palace.”
“Understood, this servant will pass on your words right away.”
Feng Hanjin came out of the Ice Maiden Palace. Just as she was about to transmit her voice to Mu Hanyi, she found him unexpectedly coming right in her direction.
She promptly went over to him. “Thirteenth Brother.”
“Hanjin?” Mu Hanyi was a bit surprised. “Shouldn’t you be serving Senior Brother Yun Che, as per the order of Royal Father? What’re you doing outside? Is Senior Brother Yun not present in the Ice Maiden Palace?”
“Sir Yun is in the Ice Maiden Palace at the moment, but he wanted me to call Thirteenth Brother over here. He was hoping to have Thirteenth Brother take him on a tour around the imperial palace,” Feng Hanjin replied.
“Oh, so that’s how it is.” Mu Hanyi nodded lightly. “Then let’s quickly go over to him.”
“Hanjin, what do you think about Yun Che?” he asked unconcernedly.
Feng Hanjin thought for a bit before she said in a light voice, “Actually… we didn’t talk that much, but I feel that he is a very gentle person. Despite having such an honorable identity, he isn’t overbearing in the least.”
“Haha, that’s natural. If there was some problem with his behavior, there’s no way Sect Master would’ve chosen him as her direct disciple.” Mu Hanyi smiled and continued in a very natural manner, “Since you’ve already exchanged words with him, did he ask you about anything?”
Then, he spoke again to supplement his words, “If he asks for anything, make sure to satisfy him no matter what.”
“He didn’t ask for anything either… AH! He casually talked a little about the history of our Ice Wind Empire, and asked a question regarding the destiny of a nation,” Feng Hanjin replied truthfully. Even though she had the noble status of a princess, she had been brought up strictly in the imperial family, and was used to be behave obediently.
“Destiny of nation?” Mu Hanyi’s eyebrows shot up.
Feng Hanjin turned her gaze to him upon listening to the abrupt change in his tone. “Thirteenth Brother, is something wrong?”
“Oh.” Mu Hanyi smiled. “I truly didn’t think that even Senior Brother Yun Che would believe in such an imaginary thing, so I was really taken aback, haha.”
He came with Feng Hanjin to the Ice Maiden Palace. He apologized immediately as soon as he caught sight of Yun Che, “Senior Brother Yun Che, it is Hanyi’s return to this place after a period of several years, so there were a lot of trivial matters that I had to deal with. Hanyi is so utterly ashamed to be absent from your side for such a long time.”
“I’ve said it many times before that Junior Brother Hanyi doesn’t need to be so polite.” Yun Che smiled unconcernedly. “Earlier when I nonchalantly took a walk outside for a short while, I was seriously awed by the unimaginable beauty of Ice Wind Imperial Palace. It can’t be mentioned in the same breath as the imperial palaces in our lower realms. So when I thought of it a while ago, I was unable to contain my desire to continue the sightseeing. Could I trouble Junior Brother Hanyi to take me on a stroll around the palace?”
“It’s no trouble at all, but an extreme honor to me.”
Walking abreast, Yun Che and Mu Hanyi left the Ice Maiden Palace. They both enjoyed the sights of Ice Wind Imperial Palace in the dark of the night as they strolled around.
There was a plane of difference between the God Realm and a lower realm. The grandeur of an imperial palace in the God Realm was far greater than the Blue Wind Imperial Palace or Divine Phoenix Imperial Palace Yun Che was familiar with.
On the way, Yun Che listened to Mu Hanyi’s detailed introduction to the many places of the imperial palace and would also occasionally talk about some matters of Blue Pole Star. Their laughing sounds could be heard continuously, having extreme fun discussing various topics. Unknowingly, they had already gone through most of the imperial palace.
“It’s nothing short of astonishing and admirable for the Ice Wind Empire to exist for as long as over eighty thousand years, being the empire with the longest regime in the history of the Snow Song Realm.”
Yun Che sincerely sighed in admiration. “It seems the huge Ice Wind Empire is certainly favored by the heavens to have been blessed with a formidable destiny.”
“Oh?” Mu Hanyi smiled slightly. “Senior Brother Yun Che also believes in something like destiny?”
“The issue with destiny is, whether it’s the destiny of a person or a nation’s, perhaps no one truly believe in it with all their heart, nor anyone finds it completely unbelievable. Similar to how there isn’t a single person who has the ability to really clarify whether our fates are decided by the heavens, or our own actions.” Yun Che said in an unhurried manner.
“Hahaha.” Mu Hanyi laughed for a while. He nodded in full consent. “Senior Brother Yun Che said it right. In Hanyi’s opinion, a thing like destiny couldn’t be completely trusted, and we can’t totally ignore its effect in our life, either. The main reasons behind my Ice Wind Empire being able to remain standing firmly in this realm are: First of all, our ancestral emperors were accomplished in governing the empire in a rightful and lawful way. The first instruction for someone ascending on the throne of this empire is, to be close to the masses and be popular amongst them. If the ruler isn’t liked by the masses, then even a powerful and prosperous nation would crumble to extinction. ‘The one to obtain people’s love, grasps the whole world’ isn’t just an empty phrase. Our ancestral emperors have tried their best to obey the instruction, and as such, the virtuous cycle of the ruler caring for the masses, and masses caring for the ruler in return came into existence. Therefore, it’s no surprise that Ice Wind maintained its stability all the while.”
Yun Che gave a deep glance at Mu Hanyi before saying, “Could it be there’s still something else?”
“That other thing.” A pretty mysterious, faint smile surfaced on Mu Hanyi’s face. “Is possibly the one with a considerably great protecting effect on what Senior Brother Yun Che calls as the destiny of a nation.”
“Oh?” Surprise was written all over Yun Che’s face. “Don’t tell me there’s a spirit vein underneath the imperial city?”
“That’s not it.” Mu Hanyi shook his head. “It’s actually a heaven-bestowed halidom safeguarding the empire that my Ice Wind Empire obtained in the early days of it
s establishment. This halidom has been with us for over eighty thousand years. The Ice Wind Empire is still present, and the halidom that has experienced a great number of things over a period of more than eighty thousand years, hasn’t shown even the slightest change in its appearance. If such a thing as destiny exists in this world, then this halidom is the one protecting the destiny of my Ice Wind Empire up to now.”
“Halidom safeguarding the empire… your imperial family is in possession of such an extraordinary thing?” Yun Che said in amazement. “What exactly is this halidom? It has to be quite a miraculous thing to be able to remain unchanged even after existing for eighty thousand years.”
“…” Mu Hanyi opened his mouth to speak but didn’t say a word for a brief moment. It was evident that he was hesitant to answer him. Shortly after, he regained his calm and said, “The existence of this halidom isn’t a secret either, but common people only know that Ice Wind Imperial Family has a halidom, and practically everyone is unaware of its real identity. This is considered one of the greatest secret of my Ice Wind Imperial Family after all. However, it’s completely fine to tell Senior Brother Yun Che about it. It’s just that Hanyi asks for it be kept secret.”
“Of course.” Yun Che nodded in agreement.
“The halidom is in fact a Qilin horn.” Mu Hanyi said with a solemn expression. “Our great ancestor found it coincidentally underneath the myriad firn. Back then, Qilins have already gone extinct for many years. So it was truly an inconceivable good luck and miracle for him to be able to find a Qilin horn… and an extremely intact one at that.”
“A Qilin… horn?” Yun Che stopped in his tracks. A deep surprise could be seen in his face once again. “Isn’t Qilin a legendary beast that is used as an auspicious sign? Are you telling me that it isn’t just a made-up beast, but something that truly exists?”
“Of course.” Mu Hanyi nodded. “It has been quite long since Qilins have gone extinct in the Eastern Divine Region, and in the lower realms it would’ve naturally happened at an even earlier time. Consequently, only several legends of them are left now that are hard to distinguish as true or false. It’s no wonder that Senior Brother Yun Che would think of Qilin as a fabricated beast. But Qilins truly exist, and rumor has it that there’s a family of Qilins in the distant Western Divine Region that has managed to survive to this day because they obtained an ancient divine blood. Therefore, if fate allows it, Senior Brother Yun Che might be able to personally see a true Qilin someday.”
Yun Che remained in a daze for a good long while before he slowly nodded with a pretty surprised face. “There is no shortage of extraordinary things under the vast heavens. I never expected the auspicious legendary beast to be a true entity. It seems I’m still quite ignorant and narrow-minded, having lived in the lower realm for over twenty years.”
“By the way, where is this Qilin horn right now? I’d like to have a look at it myself.”
Yun Che’s tone and expression revealed a deep curiosity and excitement.
Chapter 1025: Ice Wind Treasury
“About that…” Mu Hanyi seemed hesitant. An awkwardly troubled look could be seen on his face.
Yun Che reacted at once upon seeing the other party’s response, “That was impudent of me. Since it’s considered to be a halidom safeguarding the empire, there’s no way it could be easily shown to others. Junior Brother Hanyi, ignore what I just said.”
“No, no,” Mu Hanyi revealed a terrified expression at Yun Che’s words. “How could Hanyi dare to disobey an order from Senior Brother Yun Che? Besides, anyone would want to personally look at an extraordinary thing like a Qilin horn, as long as they heard of its existence. It is just that… because the Qilin horn is a halidom of our Ice Wind Empire, Hanyi doesn’t have the right to make a decision on matters related to it. Even Hanyi needs to take direct permission from Royal Father to be able to get a glimpse of the halidom. Otherwise, it’s impossible to even get closer to it.”
Having finished his words, he took out a Sound Transmission Jade. But he didn’t utter a word for long, as his expression changed continuously. It was only after some time passed that he sighed indistinctly and put away the Sound Transmission Jade.
“Junior Brother Hanyi, are you afraid of your Royal Father’s refusal?” Yun Che asked, observing his look.
Mu Hanyi was startled when he heard him. Then, he smiled wryly, “Senior Brother Yun Che does indeed possess a great sense of discernment. At the birthday feast today, Royal Father said in presence of everyone that any request from Senior Brother Yun Che would be certainly fulfilled at all costs. Hanyi believes that Royal Father said it from the bottom of his heart. However… although Hanyi doesn’t completely believe something like the destiny of a nation, Royal Father has an extremely deep faith in it. Therefore, anything involving the halidom is a great taboo to Royal Father. As such… Hanyi is worried about the possibility of Royal Father tactfully turning down Senior Brother Yun Che’s request, or harboring grudge after giving his consent. It would be too awful if Royal Father and Senior Brother Yun Che ended up feeling displeased with each other due to such a thing.”
After explaining himself, Mu Hanyi shook his head heavily.
Yun Che appeared calm, with no signs of displeasure. “I’m thankful to Junior Brother Hanyi for being so honest with me. It’s only natural for something possibly related with the destiny of a nation to be taken care of with utmost severity. It would be nothing but reasonable if your royal father refuses my request. It’s all right, let’s drop the matter now.”
“No,” But Mu Hanyi faintly smiled at this time, “Senior Brother Yun Che is misunderstanding me. Hanyi has decided not to report this matter to Royal Father, but that doesn’t mean Hanyi won’t take you over to have a look at the Qilin horn.”
“Oh?” A look of surprise was visible in Yun Che’s eyes.
“Do you see that, Senior Brother Yun Che?” Mu Hanyi turned round and pointed at the ice-covered mountain forest in the north of the imperial palace. “It’s brightly lit all around the imperial palace, except for that one side where it remains dusky. That’s because it’s the largest forbidden area in the entire imperial city. Underneath that area, lies the treasury, the most important place of our Ice Wind Imperial Family. The halidom, the Qilin horn is rightly kept in there.”
“Oh!” Yun Che nodded, showing his understanding.
“Obviously, the place is also guarded in the most strict manner. There’s a large number of experts stationed outside the treasury day and night. No one could even get closer to it. In addition, the treasury is also full of various mechanisms and profound formations. Even if an expert in the Divine King Realm were to come, it would be almost impossible to forcibly storm in there. Of course, all of it would be simply decoration if it were a peerless expert, like the sect master and Palace Master Bingyun.”
“However,” Mu Hanyi stretched out his hands to partially cover his face, and said a bit embarrassedly, “Hanyi is a prince of the Ice Wind Imperial Family, after all, and is considerably doted on by Royal Father. So, Hanyi in fact knows about a secret path, only known to Royal Father and the crown prince, which makes it possible to bypass the perception zone of the guards, and directly enter inside the treasury. Moreover, Hanyi is quite familiar with the mechanisms and profound formations in there, so it’s definitely possible to deal with them easily, without having to face any risk.”
“Though I feel somewhat sorry to Royal Father, but as its the only option left not to let Royal Father feel any sort of unnecessary grudge, as well as fulfill Senior Brother Yun Che’s wish, it could be considered an option that can satisfy both sides. It’s just that I feel bad to have Senior Brother Yun Che go out of his way and walk along such a secret path. What opinion do you have Senior Brother Yun Che?”
“I’m naturally fine with it. It’s a matter of great fortune to be able to see the legendary thing with my own eyes. But I think… I’d be making things too difficult for you in the process.” Yun Che said with a sl
ight hesitation.
“It’s no problem at all.” Mu Hanyi smiled faintly. “Senior Brother Yun Che has brought utmost glory to our Ice Wind Empire by taking the trouble to come here. Just one thing has been asked by Senior Brother Yun Che after coming here. If Mu Hanyi couldn’t help even with this, how would it be possible for me to return back to sect together with Senior Brother Yun Che?”
“So, I’d ask Senior Brother Yun Che to return to the Ice Maiden Palace for now.”
“Hmm?” Yun Che said in confusion, “Why? We can’t go over right away?”
Mu Hanyi shook his head as he said with a slightly bitter smile, “Despite the fact that there’s no one in the Snow Song Realm who would dare to bring any harm to Senior Brother Yun Che, it’s not possible for Royal Father to outright ignore your protection. Senior Brother Yun Che might not have sensed it but a good number of experts of the palace who are guarding you from the shadows at all times a thousand steps away. If they were come any closer, they might be able to even clearly hear our conversation. Besides, it’s still early at present. Royal Father must be still awake, and there’s the possibility of him going to the Ice Maiden Palace to greet Senior Brother Yun Che. If it was discovered that Senior Brother Yun Che is absent, he would surely feel deeply concerned and send people to look around. If by any chance, our plan were to be found out, we would be in an even worse situation.”
“I see.” Yun Che nodded in realization. “As expected of Junior Brother Hanyi to have thought it through. Speaking of which, although I’d be sneaking through the imperial palace with Junior Brother Hanyi, not only does it not feel wrong to me, it’s also making me look forward to it a lot, hahahaha!”
“Hahahaha.” Mu Hanyi also laughed aloud. “It’s an inherent nature of humans to seek stimulation. How can doing a thing following the norms be compared to the stimulation of doing the same sneakily? Tonight, Hanyi will take Senior Brother Yun Che on a fun tour.”