Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

A bright moon hung high in the night sky, its pure light filtering through thin clouds and falling like a silver veil upon the world, enveloping the capital of the Women's Kingdom in a dreamlike silver glow.

A gentle night breeze stirred the trees, their shadows swayed, and the air was filled with the fragrance of flowers. In this tranquil night, Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart was like a turbulent sea, unable to find peace.

Ever since overhearing the palace maids' discussions at the banquet and confirming the unusual spending at the Grand Tutor's mansion with her "Insightful Eye," Zhu Xiaoxiao has been restless.

The suspicious accounts and the whispers of the palace maids kept flashing through his mind, like a tangled mess that he couldn't sort out.

As the Empress's confidant, he had a responsibility to uncover the truth and protect the safety of the Women's Kingdom. However, directly confronting a powerful figure like the Grand Tutor would be tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

After careful consideration, Zhu Xiaoxiao made a bold decision—to sneak into the Grand Tutor's mansion at night.

He knew the decision was risky, but he couldn't ignore his inner unease and thirst for the truth.

"Xiao Bai, do you think I was too impulsive this time?" Zhu Xiaoxiao asked himself, a hint of hesitation in his voice, as he straightened his night clothes. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the moonstone ring on his ring finger, as if seeking some kind of comfort.

"Hmph, you only think of asking for my opinion now?" The voice of the Ringwraith White came from the Moonlight Ring, tinged with sarcasm. "However, since you've made up your mind, then go for it! I believe in your abilities."

Hearing Xiaobai's words, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt a surge of warmth in his heart. Although this Ringwraith was often stubborn but soft-hearted, he always gave him the greatest support in crucial moments. A slight smile appeared on his lips.

Taking a deep breath, Zhu Xiaoxiao cleared his mind of distractions and changed into a black night outfit. The soft fabric clung to his slender body, showcasing his well-proportioned physique. He checked the hidden weapons and powders he carried, making sure everything was ready.

The moonlight, like water, spilled across the meticulously manicured garden. Zhu Xiaoxiao moved with light steps, like a nimble black cat, weaving among the shadows of the flowers. Every movement he made was carefully calculated, both to avoid the patrolling guards and to ensure that he did not disturb anyone.

The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers—night-blooming jasmine, jasmine, and roses—intertwining to create a captivating and mysterious atmosphere. However, Zhu Xiaoxiao had no time to appreciate the beauty. His entire focus was on finding the entrance to the Grand Tutor's residence.

Finally, guided by the moonlight, he spotted a slightly ajar window. A faint light shone through the crack, as if inviting him. Zhu Xiaoxiao held his breath, cautiously approaching the window and listening intently. A rustling sound came from inside the room, as if someone was moving things around.

"Looks like I've found the right place." Zhu Xiaoxiao was secretly delighted, a feeling of excitement welling up inside him. He gently pushed open the window, his movements as natural as flowing water, without making a sound. By the moonlight, he nimbly slipped into the room, as silent as a wisp of black smoke.

The room was filled with a faint fragrance, the unique floral scent of the Women's Kingdom, mixed with a hint of intoxicating perfume.

The unique fragrance made Zhu Xiaoxiao feel distracted, and he had to force himself to concentrate.

By the dim light, Zhu Xiaoxiao looked around. The room was luxuriously furnished, with silk bed curtains cascading down like a waterfall, soft wool carpets that felt like clouds, and various exquisite and beautiful ornaments, all of which demonstrated the owner's status and position.

Just then, Zhu Xiaoxiao's gaze was drawn to a wall that seemed out of place. He approached for a closer look and discovered a hidden door there. A thought struck him; his intuition told him that this place might hold an important secret.

Taking a deep breath, Zhu Xiaoxiao carefully pushed open the hidden door.

A chill swept over him as he cautiously stepped into the secret room. The sight before him made him hold his breath instantly.

The secret room was filled with gold and silver jewels, which shimmered brilliantly in the dim light.

Mountains of rare gems, gold bars, and silver ingots were piled up, along with many exquisite works of art and antiques. Zhu Xiaoxiao roughly estimated that the value of these treasures was enough to equal half of the Women's Kingdom's treasury!

"This...how is this possible?" Zhu Xiaoxiao was shocked and looked at everything in front of her in disbelief.

His mind raced, trying to understand the origin of these treasures. Were they all embezzled public funds by the Grand Tutor? Or were there other, more sinister secrets at play?

Just then, he noticed an inconspicuous wooden box in the corner.

Compared to the surrounding luxury, this wooden box seemed out of place. Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart skipped a beat; her intuition told her that this box might hold an even more important secret.

He walked over cautiously and slowly opened the box. It was filled with letters, each carefully tied with ribbon, clearly having been read frequently. Zhu Xiaoxiao picked one up at random and opened it with trembling fingers.

When he read the contents of the letter, Zhu Xiaoxiao felt as if his blood had frozen. His pupils contracted sharply, his breathing became rapid, and his heart pounded like a drum.

The letter, written by an envoy from a neighboring country to the Grand Tutor, contained a conspiracy to create chaos in the Kingdom of Women, then seize power through internal and external cooperation! Every word was like a sharp blade, piercing deeply into Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart.

"What a vicious woman!" Zhu Xiaoxiao cursed inwardly, his fists clenching unconsciously, his nails digging deep into his palms, yet he felt no pain. He forced himself to calm down and carefully placed the letters back into the box. This evidence was too important; he had to take it back to the Empress.

However, just as he turned to leave, the door to the secret room was suddenly pushed open. Zhu Xiaoxiao's heart nearly leaped out of his chest. He instinctively tried to hide, but found himself with nowhere to escape.

An elegant figure appeared at the doorway; it was none other than Grand Tutor Shangguan Yanran. She wore a moon-white long dress that accentuated her exquisite figure.

Her jet-black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, accentuating her stunningly beautiful face. However, at this moment, her eyes were icy cold, as dangerous as a venomous snake.

"Advisor Xiao, what brings you here so late at night?" The Grand Tutor's voice carried a hint of laziness and amusement, yet it sent a chill down Zhu Xiaoxiao's spine.

Zhu Xiaoxiao was startled; he never expected that the Grand Tutor would return at this time.

He quickly turned around, wanting to explain, but the Grand Tutor had already walked up to him, blocking his way.

"What, not saying anything now?" The Grand Tutor chuckled softly, her voice as melodious as a nightingale's, yet carrying a subtle hint of threat. "Have you discovered something you shouldn't have?"

Looking at the Grand Tutor's beautiful face, Zhu Xiaoxiao thought to herself: This woman is definitely not simple. She is not only ambitious and ruthless, but also knows how to use her beauty to achieve her goals.

"Your Excellency is too kind. I was merely... merely curious, and that's why..."

Zhu Xiaoxiao tried to explain, but her words seemed somewhat incoherent.

He felt his mind go blank and he couldn't form coherent sentences.