Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Consort Yang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly moved the exquisite pagoda to a side hall. Her fingers trembled slightly, and her heart raced, fearing that the emperor might suddenly wake up and stop her. As she placed the pagoda on the sandalwood table in the side hall, a strange chill crept up from the soles of her feet, making her shiver involuntarily.

Back in the emperor's bedchamber, Consort Yang gazed at the sleeping Emperor Xuanzong, her heart filled with mixed emotions. Moonlight streamed through the window lattice, casting dappled shadows on the emperor's face. His brow was no longer furrowed, and his breathing had become steady. Consort Yang gently stroked the emperor's forehead, feeling his body temperature gradually return to normal.

"It seems there really is something wrong with this pagoda," Yang Guifei whispered to Zhu Rong, her eyes filled with worry and relief. "Luckily you discovered it in time, otherwise the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Zhu Rong's expression was grave as she replied softly, "Your Majesty, we cannot be careless. Elder Jinchi is cunning and treacherous; since he dared to present the pagoda at the birthday banquet, he must have other plans. We must uncover the pagoda's secret to completely eliminate this threat."

Yang Guifei frowned slightly and nodded gently: "You're right. But how should we investigate?"

Zhu Rong pondered for a moment, a glint of inspiration flashing in her eyes: "Your Majesty, do you remember I told you before that my nine-bead bracelet has the power to dispel illusions and purify inner demons?"

“I remember,” Yang Guifei’s eyes lit up, “Could it be… you intend to use the nine-bead bracelet to inspect the pagoda?”

“Exactly,” Zhu Rong said firmly. “I believe that if Elder Jinchi has indeed cast a spell on the pagoda, my nine-bead bracelet will definitely be able to detect it.”

The two exchanged a glance and nodded in tacit agreement. They quietly left the palace and headed towards a side hall. The night was deep, and only a few palace lanterns swayed in the wind in the courtyard, casting flickering shadows that seemed like countless eyes watching from the shadows.

Upon entering the side hall, Zhu Rong and Consort Yang dismissed their attendants and placed the exquisite pagoda on the table. In the candlelight, the pagoda's surface shimmered with an eerie light, as if it were alive. Zhu Rong took a deep breath and channeled her spiritual energy into the nine-bead bracelet, which immediately emitted a dazzling light, illuminating the entire side hall.

The light shone on the pagoda, and its surface began to ripple, as if something was struggling within. Suddenly, the pagoda let out a sharp shriek, and a dark shadow darted out from within, hovering in the air and emitting a chilling roar.

"Watch out, Your Highness!" Zhu Rong reacted swiftly, shielding Yang Guifei behind her. At the same time, she quickly summoned her nine-bead bracelet. The bracelet instantly transformed into a dazzling golden light, hurtling towards the dark figure with lightning speed.

The shadowy figure couldn't dodge in time and was struck accurately by the golden light, letting out a shrill scream before turning into a wisp of black smoke and dissipating into the air.

The pagoda returned to calm at this moment, and the shimmering light gradually dissipated, as if nothing had ever happened.

Yang Guifei was still in shock, her face as pale as paper. She gripped Zhu Rong's sleeve tightly and asked in a trembling voice, "What...what is this?" Her voice was still trembling slightly, clearly not yet fully recovered from the fright she had just experienced.

Zhu Rong's expression was solemn, her brows furrowed as she said, "This is Elder Jinchi's sorcery. He used this pagoda to try and control the Emperor's mind. If I hadn't discovered it in time and stopped him, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

Consort Yang was still shaken and said with lingering fear, "It was terrifying. Luckily you were here, otherwise we wouldn't know how to deal with such a situation." She looked at Zhu Rong with gratitude, her eyes filled with trust and reliance.

Zhu Rong put away the nine-bead bracelet and said, "Your Majesty, we have now confirmed that there is something wrong with the pagoda, but Elder Jinchi's conspiracy goes far beyond this. We must find his whereabouts as soon as possible and stop him."

Consort Yang nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with determination: "You're right, we must split up. You will be responsible for investigating Elder Jinchi's true identity and motives, while I will appease the Emperor and prevent him from being misled by Elder Jinchi again."

Zhu Rong bowed respectfully, "Your Majesty is wise. I will go and investigate immediately." After agreeing on a way to contact each other, they parted ways. Zhu Rong returned to her palace and immediately contacted Xiao Bai. "Xiao Bai, can you help me find out the true identity of that Western Region envoy?" Zhu Rong said eagerly. "No problem, you silly pig," Xiao Bai teased, "My database has everything."

Xiao Bai searched the database and quickly found the answer: "Found it! The Western Regions envoy is named Yaqub Beg. He is the leader of a mysterious organization in the Western Regions. They believe in a religion called 'Zoroastrianism' and are said to possess the secret art of controlling people's minds."

"Zoroastrianism?" Zhu Rong frowned. "Why do they want to control the Emperor?"

Zhu Rong fell into deep thought. Suddenly, something occurred to her, and she muttered to herself, "Could it be that they want to use the Emperor's power to achieve their own goals? No, I must find evidence as soon as possible and stop their conspiracy."

"Based on my analysis, they most likely want to use the power of the Tang Dynasty to expand their influence," Xiaobai speculated.

“I see,” Zhu Rong said thoughtfully. “It seems Elder Jinchi’s ambitions are even greater than we imagined. I must quickly inform Consort Yang of this.”

Meanwhile, Consort Yang was also racking her brains to appease the emperor. She knew that the emperor's drastic change in temperament was due to the sorcery of Elder Jinchi affecting his mind. Therefore, she had to use sincerity and gentleness to dispel the emperor's doubts and anxieties.

Yang Guifei stayed by the emperor's side day and night, playing his favorite "Rainbow Feather Dress Dance" for him, soothing his restless heart with its gentle music. She told the emperor about their time together, evoking sweet memories. She also personally cooked for the emperor, preparing his favorite lychee cakes and osmanthus cakes, awakening his taste buds with delicious food.

Gradually, the emperor's emotions calmed down, and his suspicions about Yang Guifei dissipated. One day, the emperor held Yang Guifei's hand, his eyes filled with apology: "My beloved consort, I have been so suspicious of you lately, and I truly feel guilty."

Consort Yang gently grasped the Emperor's hand and softly comforted him, "Your Majesty need not blame yourself. I know you were only temporarily misled by evil spirits. Everything is alright now." Her eyes revealed firmness and tolerance, but she knew deep down that this turmoil was not over.

Although things appeared calm on the surface, Yang Guifei knew perfectly well that this was only temporary peace. Elder Jinchi's plot had not been completely thwarted, and they had to find his whereabouts as soon as possible to avoid falling into crisis again.

Just then, Zhu Rong rushed over, anxiously reporting the latest discovery to Consort Yang. Consort Yang listened quietly, her brows gradually furrowing, and her expression becoming increasingly grave.

When Zhu Rong mentioned that Elder Jinchi was related to Zoroastrianism, Yang Guifei couldn't help but mutter to herself, "Zoroastrianism? No wonder that pagoda has such evil power." A trace of worry flashed in her eyes, as if she foresaw an even greater danger.

Zhu Rong nodded in agreement, saying, "Your Majesty, we must find Elder Jinchi as soon as possible and stop his conspiracy. Otherwise, the consequences will be unimaginable." Consort Yang took a deep breath, a resolute look flashing in her eyes.

She stood up and said firmly, "I will not let him succeed! Immediately gather everyone and search for Elder Jinchi's whereabouts with all our might. At the same time, strengthen the palace's security to prevent any further accidents." She was determined to protect the emperor and the entire palace, and not allow anyone to threaten their safety again.

Consort Yang pondered for a moment, a resolute glint in her eyes: "Rong'er, I have a plan. Since Elder Jinchi wants to control the Emperor, let's go with the flow and make him think his plan has succeeded."

Zhu Rong looked at Yang Guifei in surprise, her eyes full of doubt and confusion: "Your Majesty means..." Her voice trembled slightly, as if she was shocked by Yang Guifei's suggestion.

Yang Guifei's eyes were firm and resolute. She held Zhu Rong's hand tightly and said softly, "We must pretend that the Emperor has been controlled by Elder Jinchi, so as to lure Elder Jinchi out." Her tone revealed a kind of courage and determination, as if she had already made up her mind.

Zhu Rong frowned slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her eyes: "But, isn't this too risky? What if Elder Jinchi discovers our plan?" Her voice was full of unease and doubt, clearly indicating her concerns about the plan.

Yang Guifei smiled slightly, her smile revealing confidence and determination: "Don't worry, with you by my side, what do I have to fear? Besides, for the safety of the Tang Dynasty, this risk is worth taking." Her gaze was fixed on the distance, as if she saw the hope for the future of the Tang Dynasty.

Zhu Rong gazed silently at Yang Guifei, sensing the determination and courage deep within the other woman's heart. She took a deep breath, nodded, and indicated her agreement to Yang Guifei's plan.

The two exchanged a glance and nodded in unison. They knew that their next move would determine the fate of the Tang Dynasty. Night deepened, and the palace fell silent, save for the echoing of their heartbeats. They prepared silently, awaiting the opportune moment to meet the challenge that would decide the destiny of the Tang Dynasty.