Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Zhu Xiaoxiao's figure emerged from the shadows of the secret room like a ghost, delivering a swift spinning kick that struck Grand Tutor Shangguan Yanran squarely in the lower abdomen.

Grand Tutor Yanran let out a muffled groan, her body unsteady. The purple energy ball she had condensed in her hand vanished in an instant, like a fleeting moment, and she collapsed helplessly to the ground.

"Ah!" The Grand Tutor let out a shrill scream, her face instantly turning deathly pale. A nauseating stench of blood filled the secret room. Her eyes widened as she stared at Zhu Xiaoxiao in horror, her gaze filled with disbelief.

"You...you..." The Grand Tutor's voice trembled violently, as if it might break at any moment.

Zhu Xiaoxiao stared coldly at the Grand Tutor, her tone calm yet carrying an undeniable authority: "Your conspiracy has come to an end!"

Without pausing, he moved like a war god descending to earth, heading straight for the Grand Tutor. The nine-toothed rake in his hand emitted a golden light, like a golden lightning bolt, with a fierce aura.

"Don't even think about escaping!" Zhu Xiaoxiao roared, activating the "Heavenly Net" technique of his nine-bead bracelet, instantly trapping the Grand Tutor within. Inside the secret chamber, a powerful force erupted, immobilizing the Grand Tutor.

The Grand Tutor was trapped in the "Heavenly Net," her face turning ashen. She struggled frantically, but could not break free of the invisible confinement. Her eyes were filled with anger and resentment, but she was utterly helpless.

"You...you...you actually managed to break my Illusion Moon Heart Technique!" The Grand Tutor's voice was filled with despair and fear.

"The Illusionary Moon Heart Technique?" Zhu Xiaoxiao sneered. "Your self-righteous power is utterly insignificant before me."

Dongfang Yu stepped forward, a snow-white dagger in her hand, and stared coldly at the Grand Tutor, her tone icy: "Grand Tutor, your conspiracy has been exposed, and today you must pay the price!"

"No...no..." Grand Tutor Yanran screamed in terror. She had never imagined that she would be defeated so completely. "I...I...I still have..." Before she could finish speaking, she was slapped away by Zhu Xiaoxiao and fell into a corner of the secret room.

"Grand Tutor, are you still not willing to give up?" Dongfang Yu shouted sharply, his eyes filled with anger and killing intent. "Today, I will shatter all of this!"

"Hmph!" Zhu Xiaoxiao snorted coldly. He didn't rush forward to attack, but instead turned his gaze to Dongfang Yu, a complicated look flashing in his eyes. "Do you really want to help me, or do you have other motives?"

Dongfang Yu's face darkened. She remained silent for a moment before saying, "Zhu Xiaoxiao, you saved the Women's Kingdom. We have all seen the Grand Tutor's crimes. I... I am not a member of the Illusion Moon Sect. I was forced to join. I... I did not want to do this, but I had to make a choice."

Zhu Xiaoxiao's expression turned serious. He knew that things were far more complicated than they appeared. The stunningly beautiful woman before him, seemingly powerful, concealed unfathomable secrets.

"Now, we must leave here as soon as possible and report the news to the Empress." Zhu Xiaoxiao said with a firm look in her eyes. "Dongfang Yu, you and I will go to the palace together to report the situation of Grand Tutor Yanran to the Empress and explain the true intentions of the Illusion Moon Sect, including the 'Moon Soul Crystal' they need."

The two quickly left the secret chamber, moving like the wind, darting through every corner of the palace, avoiding the Grand Tutor's pursuers and the spies of the Illusion Moon Sect.

Zhu Xiaoxiao and Dongfang Yu returned to the council hall and handed over the evidence they had collected to the Empress.

He told the Empress in detail about the Grand Tutor's conspiracy and the true purpose of the Illusion Moon Cult—to seize the Moon Soul Crystal in order to awaken the ancient demon god and overthrow the entire world.

After listening, the Empress's expression turned grave. She did not make a decision immediately, but instead carefully analyzed the evidence provided by Zhu Xiaoxiao and Dongfang Yu. She realized that the danger facing the Women's Kingdom was far greater than she had imagined.

"Now, we must devise a plan as soon as possible to stop the Phantom Moon Cult's conspiracy!" The Empress's eyes were filled with determination.

Empress Shangguan Wan'er's eyes gleamed with determination. She surveyed the hall and said in a deep voice, "The Grand Tutor's crimes are undeniable, and the ambitions of the Illusion Moon Sect are blatantly obvious. This matter concerns the safety of the Women's Kingdom, and even the entire world; there is no room for hesitation!"

She looked at Zhu Xiaoxiao and Dongfang Yu, her eyes filled with complex emotions, a mixture of gratitude and doubt: "Advisor Xiao, Miss Dongfang, your courage and wisdom are admirable. I believe what you say, but... the legend of the 'Moon Soul Crystal' is so mysterious, how can we stop the Illusion Moon Cult's plan?"

Zhu Xiaoxiao said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, according to the secret letter left by the Grand Tutor and the information provided by Dongfang Yu, the 'Moon Soul Crystal' is said to be hidden in the Xiling Secret Realm. It is heavily guarded and riddled with traps. To obtain it, we must find the correct way to open it."

Dongfang Yu added, "The people of the Illusion Moon Sect are secretive and skilled in assassination. They will probably deploy manpower in advance to protect the Moon Soul Crystal. Moreover, the Grand Tutor may also send people to stop them."

The Empress nodded, her gaze profound: "In that case, this journey is fraught with danger. But for the sake of the Women's Kingdom, for the sake of all living beings, we must take this gamble!"

"Your Majesty is wise!" Zhu Xiaoxiao said, cupping her hands in greeting, her eyes shining with determination. "To protect the Kingdom of Women and safeguard peace throughout the land, I am willing to risk everything!"

"Miss Dongfang, what about you?" The Empress looked at Dongfang Yu, her eyes filled with a question.

Dongfang Yu said softly, "I have a long history of conflict with the Illusion Moon Sect and am very familiar with their style of doing things. I will secretly assist Advisor Xiao to ensure the smooth progress of the operation."

Zhu Xiaoxiao and Dongfang Yu exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes. They knew that the road ahead would be even more difficult and dangerous, but they had to shoulder the heavy responsibility of saving the Kingdom of Women.

"Then what should we do?" the Empress asked.

Zhu Xiaoxiao pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, we need to raise an army as soon as possible and send people to explore the Xiling Secret Realm. At the same time, we also need to find a way to stop the Grand Tutor and the Illusion Moon Sect from taking further actions."

"Very well!" A resolute glint flashed in the Empress's eyes. "I will immediately order the mobilization of elite troops, and at the same time appoint Imperial Physician Qin Shuang to be in charge of medical logistics. Advisor Xiao, Miss Dongfang, you will accompany me to the secret chamber in the palace to discuss the specific plan."

The group entered a secret chamber deep within the palace in a grand procession. Inside, various precious books, maps, and antiques were displayed, exuding a profound sense of history.

"According to ancient records, the entrance to the Xiling Secret Realm requires two items: 'Moon Shadow Stone' and 'Nine Nether Profound Iron'," Zhu Xiaoxiao said, pointing to the map.

"The 'Moon Shadow Stone' is in the Moonlight Treasury, but it is guarded by experts from the Illusion Moon Sect; the 'Nine Nether Profound Iron' is said to be hidden in the secret garden of the Grand Tutor's mansion," Dongfang Yu added.

The Empress pondered for a moment and said, "Very well, Advisor Xiao, Miss Dongfang, you two should immediately split up and search for the 'Moon Shadow Stone' and the 'Nine Nether Profound Iron'. I will mobilize elite troops to provide support."

"Yes!" Zhu Xiaoxiao and Dongfang Yu replied in unison.