Chapter Forty-Nine: Crisis

Suhe hurried back, only to find that within a single night, the tides had shifted on the Emperor's Island.

It all began when the Emperor King, during his cultivation the previous day, suddenly suffered a qi deviation for reasons unknown. His life was spared, but he was left dull-witted and paralyzed.

Without the Emperor King to keep them in check, his sons each began to carve out their own domains. If not running utterly wild, they were at least eager and restless, barely able to contain themselves.

Within Thousand Waves Cave, the air was thick with celebration. Yan Sanbei of the Sea Swallow Clan respectfully cupped his hands and said, "This is a heaven-sent opportunity, my lord. You should seize this chance to remove the Third Prince, that stumbling block."

"Oh?" The First Prince looked at Yan Sanbei with great interest. Of course, he knew it was a golden opportunity, but hearing it spoken by another made all the difference.

He found he rather enjoyed it.

Yan Sanbei lowered his eyes, stepped forward, and said, "My lord, two living people fell into the formation—how could there be no sign, no sound? And so many days have passed. Even if they perished and were eaten by beasts, there should be some bones or scraps left.

We have openly searched and covertly investigated several times. Lingyun Cave claims ignorance, yet in secret they've reinforced their defenses. This can only mean that not only are the people still alive, but that the Third Prince himself has ordered their protection."

Given the Third Prince's past obsession with that human woman from Juanxi Terrace, the likelihood that he is hiding humans is nearly certain.

To let such a golden opportunity slip by—wouldn't that be a shame?

The First Prince nodded and turned to the Albatross, saying, "Gongyu, what do you think?"

The Albatross stepped forward. "Replying to my lord, I share Yan Sanbei's opinion. The Emperor King's sudden madness is a fleeting chance. However, if we act against Lingyun Cave, we must strike to kill—give them no chance to breathe. If the Emperor King recovers, it will spell our doom. Moreover, we must guard against one more person."

The First Prince ruffled his feathers, understanding dawning in his heart. "Who?"

"The human rescued by Lion Island. The Sea Swallow Clan reported earlier that this person has gone missing. My lord, we must beware that he may take advantage of the chaos."

"Your caution is not without reason," the First Prince nodded.

Yan Sanbei lowered his head, then lifted it in protest. "I disagree with Gongyu. Setting aside whether that human will come—should he appear, with your strength, my lord, do you truly fear a mere human?"

Gongyu retorted urgently, "You—"

The First Prince cut him off. "Enough. For now, we set this matter aside. Pass the order—I...am missing my Third Brother."

With that, he whooshed out of Thousand Waves Cave. Yan Sanbei followed, while the Albatross gathered his own and the Sea Swallow clans to launch a surprise attack.

Outside Lingyun Cave, the Egret Boy ordered the birdfolk to repel the main assault, stealing away to report to the Third Prince.

"Master, Gongyu has led the Albatross and Sea Swallow clans to our perimeter. What should we do?" The Threefold Shadow Formation worked well against humans, but was of little use against the island's birdfolk.

If we fight head-on, we've lost the initiative and cannot hope for victory in a prolonged battle...

The Third Prince's sharp gaze made the Egret Boy's heart thump wildly.

Nervous, he asked softly, "Master?"

"You hold the line with the others. If you encounter the First Prince, let him pass. His aim is me, not you. You need only block the Albatross and Sea Swallow clans—the rest, I will handle."

"Yes." The Egret Boy received his orders and swiftly departed the cave.

The Third Prince spread his wings, landed at Juanxi Terrace, and gazed at the figure among the flowers. "I'm leaving. If I don't return by tomorrow, take them all and leave the island. Never come back."

Axiao trembled, clutching her little shoes tightly. She held back the pounding in her heart and could not bring herself to reply.

The Third Prince waited a long while, but the words he wished to hear never came. At last he cast her a final glance and flew away in silence.

Yi Qingchen emerged from the house, joining Axiao. Gazing at the spot where the Third Prince had stood, she asked, "Madam, you look troubled. Is something weighing on your mind?"

"It's nothing. Let's talk inside," Axiao replied, inhaling deeply and tucking the shoes into her sleeve as she walked past Yi Qingchen.

A gentle breeze stirred, coaxing the riot of blossoms to vie in splendor—and sowing a seed of doubt in Yi Qingchen's heart. Master’s wife...

Inside, they found Fractured Jade clinging to Huai Yin's back, pulling his hair. She called it "plucking flowers."

After waking, Fractured Jade remembered nothing—not who she was, nor why she had fallen into the sea.

Whenever asked, she remained blank, crying or laughing by turns.

Huai Yin had said it was inconvenient not having a name. She’d looked like a ragdoll when fished from the sea, so he decided she deserved a pleasant, auspicious one.

Thus, he named her Fractured Jade.

Unexpectedly, though she was silly, she took a great liking to the name, despite Yi Qingchen’s attempts to persuade her otherwise.

Suddenly, Huai Yin howled, "Ow, ow, ancestor, go easy!"

Truth be told, he wanted to throw her off his back, but feared she’d hurt herself if he let go.

Yet holding her, she gleefully yanked his hair and clapped her hands after each tug. "Fun, fun, so much fun!"

He dared not protest, for at the slightest complaint she would start to cry—those dewy eyes misting over, sapping all his resolve.

Just now, as he tried to pacify her, she bit him in protest.

"Bad man, bad man, you won't play with Jade! Boo-hoo..."

Huai Yin shuddered in pain, turning to make his face less fierce, and coaxed her gently, "Alright, alright, I'll play with you. But first, come down and let's play ‘pushing rice,’ shall we?"

Fractured Jade considered, then slid off his back, her eyes sparkling. "Uncle Huai, what's 'pushing rice'?"

So, when she was pleased, he was Uncle Huai; when not, he was a bad man. What had he dragged out of the sea? If his master learned of this, he’d surely be skinned alive.

He felt the weight of his woes.

But Fractured Jade was not patient. Without waiting for an answer, she grabbed his hand and bit down.

Huai Yin snatched his hand away, rubbing the nearly bitten spot. "What are you, some sea creature? A quick soak and you want to bite everyone?"

He'd never heard of this before.

Fractured Jade, seeing her empty palm, grew teary-eyed and pitiful. "Bad man, you're bullying me."

She turned and dove into Yi Qingchen’s arms, her face buried, sobbing, "Sister Yi, Uncle's bad, Uncle's bad..."

Yi Qingchen looked helplessly at Huai Yin—what now?

Huai Yin, flustered under her gaze, scratched his cheek awkwardly and beckoned. "Alright, my fault. If you don't come over, I won't play with you anymore."

At that, Fractured Jade instantly brightened, running to him and shaking his big hand. "Really?"

"Really, really. My word is truer than gold—just plead for me if you ever regain your wits, that's all I ask."

He pulled her to the floor, sitting cross-legged. They hooked feet and held hands, pushing each other back and forth like a pair of wobbling dolls.

As they played, Huai Yin chanted, "Push the rice, sift the rice, invite an old man to knead the rice; you have a bowl, I have a bowl, house cat brings the fish to wash the bowls..."

Fractured Jade was delighted, her earlier woes forgotten, her cheeks soon flushed with laughter.

Yi Qingchen, having just sat beside Axiao, couldn't help but laugh at Huai Yin's nursery rhyme. "Brother Huai, where did you learn that?"

"Well... I forget. Heard it somewhere, saw it somewhere. It works for cheering her up."

So it did. Fractured Jade was childlike now, and this tactic was effective.

Leaving them to their play, Yi Qingchen turned to Axiao. "Madam?"

"Yes?" Axiao started, suddenly alert.

"It's nothing, only you seemed distracted, so I was worried."

Since arriving, she'd been lost in thought, not sparing a glance for Fractured Jade’s antics—quite unlike her usual self.

At Yi Qingchen’s words, Axiao’s manner turned icy. "I'm fine. No need for concern."

"Of course. Was it the Third Prince who visited just now?" Yi Qingchen probed gently.

"He comes every day. It's nothing to mind."

"Have you ever thought of leaving here? Of returning to your old life?"

Axiao turned her head, gazing at Yi Qingchen for a long time before squeezing out two words through clenched teeth. "Return?"

"Yes. After all these years, there must be someone at home who misses you. Perhaps he is waiting for your return, for a reunion." Did you know, Elder Bu has been waiting all along...

"…Reunion."

How does one piece together a shattered life? Even if they returned, could things ever be as they were?

"Madam?" Yi Qingchen gave her a gentle nudge.

Axiao snapped out of her reverie, unwilling to say more. She stood. "I'm tired. I'll rest now. Tonight, be ready. Tomorrow, we act when the time is right."

"Truly?" Yi Qingchen stood abruptly, surprise flickering in her eyes. Why so suddenly...?

Lingyun Cave

The First Prince’s tone was mocking. "Third Brother, you do manage your subordinates well. Knowing you can’t win, you invite your elder brother over. How thoughtful—it makes me happy indeed."

"With such a grand display, surely you aren’t here for a family chat. Speak plainly, brother."

"Very well. I want the two humans caught in the Threefold Shadow Formation. Hand them over, and I’ll withdraw my forces. We’ll still be brothers."

The Third Prince preened a feather, replying unhurriedly, "You must be weary, brother, to be so confused. I never consort with outsiders—when have there been humans in my formation? If you crave the taste, I can send some kin to hunt a few from outside the island. Why frame your little brother? I’ve already broken the taboo by sheltering Axiao for Father. To hide more humans—do you think I see myself above our father?"

"Oh? Then why not open your doors and let me search freely?" The First Prince sneered, and with that, unleashed two blades of wind, aiming to cleave open Lingyun Cave.

The Third Prince responded, a single feather sharp as a sword, slicing the wind blades apart in an instant. Then, with a sweep, he conjured a shield of light to cover the ground below.

Seeing this, the First Prince revealed his killing intent. "Killing a traitor who harbors humans—when Father awakes, he should have no complaints. Don’t you agree, dear Third Brother?"

"Your certainty is telling, brother. Could it be Father’s madness was your doing?" The Third Prince’s retort was as sharp as a blade—neither yielding nor relenting.

"You’re courting death."

With that, the two brothers clashed. A fierce gale rose, blotting out the sun, uprooting and shattering the island’s vegetation. Even the shield of light below trembled and threatened to break. Soon, a crack sounded—the feather shattered and was torn to pieces.

Juanxi Terrace

Yi Qingchen sensed something amiss and hurried outside, only to find the once-clear sky now shrouded in ominous clouds.

After watching a moment, she returned inside, bolted the door, and closed the windows.

Huai Yin, dragging his small companion behind him, emerged from the partition. "What’s happening out there?"

Why had the weather changed so suddenly?

Yi Qingchen turned, brows knitted in worry. "I’m not certain, but from the winds, I can guess."

"What is it?"

"It must be Huan and the Third Prince. Ordinary immortals can't summon such a terrifying storm. Only those born to command the wind—the Emperor Birds—can create a scene that blocks out the sun."

"Should we...?" A fight between Huan and the Third Prince was a clash of titans—impossible to predict a quick outcome. If they wanted the Emperor Stone, this was their chance. Moreover, with it, they could leave the island and search for Suhe.

Given the circumstances, if he survived at all, he would be gravely wounded. Waiting for him would be fruitless.

Yi Qingchen glanced toward the inner room, then turned away in silence.

Better to wait a little longer…