Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Springtime lingers, flowers and trees flourish. Orioles sing sweetly, and people gather herbs in abundance… In the Xingqing Palace Garden, the spring breeze is gentle, the sun shines brightly, and peonies of all colors vie for beauty, their fragrance filling the air. Scholars and literati compose poems, their songs are melodious, and the sounds of zithers drift softly—a scene of peace and prosperity.

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang sat regally on his throne, watching the grand peony poetry gathering with great interest. He wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a golden crown, exuding both majesty and refinement. Although time had left its mark on his face, his bright eyes still shone with wisdom.

Beside him stood Yang Guifei, dressed in magnificent palace attire. Her skin was as white as snow, her features exquisite, and every smile and gesture was captivating. Yang Guifei's beauty was as radiant as a peony; her presence seemed to add the most enchanting touch to the entire garden.

Zhu Rong and the other concubines sat below the emperor's throne, enjoying the grand event. She wore a light purple ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) and a simple jade hairpin in her hair. Although her attire was simple, it only accentuated her elegant and refined beauty.

Zhu Rong's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement; she was filled with a desire to explore this world that was still very unfamiliar to her.

"The poetry of the Tang Dynasty truly has a unique charm." Zhu Rong secretly admired it. As she listened to the poets reciting their verses, although she didn't quite understand some of the words, she could still feel the artistic conception and emotions within them.

Her gaze wandered through the garden, admiring the elegantly dressed nobles, and she couldn't help but marvel at the prosperity of this era.

"You idiot, what do you know about poetry and songs? All you know is eating!" Xiao Bai's voice rang out from the jade pendant, tinged with sarcasm.

Just as Zhu Rong was about to retort, she suddenly heard a commotion. A poet in flowing white robes strode in; his face was like jade, his eyes like bright stars, his long hair flowing freely—a picture of unrestrained elegance. Zhu Rong recognized him at a glance—it was none other than Li Bai, the great Tang Dynasty poet.

"Haha, everyone, don't panic, Li Bai is here!" Li Bai laughed as he walked to the center of the garden, holding a pot of fine wine in his hand, looking radiant. His appearance immediately attracted everyone's attention, even the nobles who were originally focused on admiring the flowers turned to look at him.

Emperor Xuanzong's eyes lit up, and he smiled, "Minister Li, you've come at the perfect time. The peonies are in full bloom today; how about composing a poem on the spot?"

Li Bai clasped his hands in greeting and said, "Your Majesty's refined taste is beyond my ability to refuse." He raised his wine jug, drank it all in one gulp, then looked around, his gaze settling on a vibrant peony, and recited aloud:

"Clouds remind me of her garments, flowers of her face; spring breezes caress the balustrade, heavy with dew. If not seen atop Jade Mountain, she will surely be met beneath the moon on the Jade Terrace."

The poem astonished everyone present. Yang Guifei blushed deeply, for everyone knew the poem was a praise of her. Zhu Rong, watching Yang Guifei's bashful expression, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.

She wondered to herself if one day someone would write such moving verses for her.

Just then, an old monk dressed in a kasaya and holding prayer beads approached the emperor. He had a kind face and deep eyes, giving him an air of unfathomable mystery. This old monk was none other than Elder Jinchi from the Western Regions, who had recently gained fame in Chang'an.

Elder Jinchi clasped his hands together, bowed to the emperor, and then recited a poem in a peculiar tone:

"The golden palace stands majestic, its jade steps cold; flowers bloom in the garden, intoxicating the world. Rainbow-colored robes and feathered garments sing of a prosperous age; a thousand-year dream of the emperor's face."

The poem had a profound meaning, yet it carried a hint of eeriness, making Zhu Rong feel very uncomfortable. She turned to look at Yang Guifei and found that Yang Guifei's expression had also become serious.

Zhu Rong noticed that as Elder Jinchi chanted, the emperor's eyes became increasingly unfocused, as if he were being drawn by some invisible force.

"Xiao Bai, who is this old monk?" Zhu Rong asked in a low voice. "His poems... something just doesn't feel right."

"He is Elder Jinchi, from the Western Regions, and is said to possess great magical powers," Xiaobai's voice carried a hint of wariness. "His poem is probably not simple! You must be careful; this old monk may have ulterior motives."

Zhu Rong's heart skipped a beat. She immediately activated the "Eye of Truth" supernatural power of the nine-bead bracelet and carefully observed Elder Jinchi. Sure enough, she discovered that Elder Jinchi was emanating a faint demonic aura, and the prayer beads in his hand were also emitting an eerie light.

"Truly a demon!" Zhu Rong thought to herself. She realized that Elder Jinchi's poems must contain some kind of sorcery, attempting to control the emperor's mind. She had to find a way to stop him, but with so many people around, she didn't know how to proceed.

Just then, Li Bai seemed to sense something amiss. He narrowed his eyes, looked at Elder Jinchi, and suddenly burst into laughter, "Excellent poem! How about we have a poetry contest?"

Elder Jinchi's expression changed, but he quickly regained his composure. He smiled and said, "I have long admired Li Bai's name. In that case, please enlighten me."

Li Bai, full of heroic spirit, raised his wine jug and took another sip, then recited:

"The heroic spirit of heaven and earth remains awe-inspiring through the ages. Amidst this picturesque landscape, I'll find solace in a drunken stupor, embracing my zither."

The poem, with its magnificent momentum and boundless passion, immediately drew cheers from the audience. Zhu Rong was also moved by Li Bai's heroic spirit and couldn't help but applaud him. She noticed that as Li Bai recited the poem, the emperor's eyes seemed to clear up a bit.

Elder Jinchi's expression changed slightly, but he forced himself to remain calm and recited:

"The swirling dust of the world dazzles the eye; a single thought can render all things futile. Who knows that even the imperial family is but a fleeting dream?"

The poem contained a subtle admonition, yet it also carried a faint, eerie aura. Zhu Rong noticed that as Elder Jinchi recited it, the emperor's eyes became unfocused again. Anxious, she knew she had to act quickly.

Just then, Zhu Rong suddenly remembered the "breaking the spell poem" that Xiao Bai had taught her. She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and stood up. All eyes were on her, even Li Bai looked curiously at the palace maid who had suddenly stood up.

Ignoring the gazes of the crowd, Zhu Rong walked up to the emperor and recited aloud:

"Upright spirit soars high, dissolving all demons and monsters. Under the bright sun and moon, the Tang Dynasty's glory will last forever!"

This poem, with its majestic momentum and righteous spirit, was like a golden ray of light that swept away the gloom that shrouded the poetry gathering. As Zhu Rong recited it, an invisible force rippled through the garden, and everyone felt a sense of clarity and peace.

The emperor instantly snapped out of his daze, looking at Zhu Rong with eyes full of surprise and admiration. "What a poem! What a poem!" the emperor exclaimed excitedly. "Consort Zhu, your poem is truly... breathtaking! I never imagined you possessed such talent!"

Elder Jinchi's expression changed drastically when he saw his sorcery broken. He glared fiercely at Zhu Rong, his eyes filled with murderous intent. However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he dared not make a move.

Li Bai also noticed something amiss. He laughed heartily, walked over to Zhu Rong, patted her on the shoulder, and said, "What a fine poem! I never expected there to be such a talented woman in the palace! Young lady, your poem is not only beautifully written but also brimming with righteous spirit; it is truly admirable!"

Consort Yang also stood up, walked to the emperor's side, and said softly, "Your Majesty, you must take care of your health. This Tang Dynasty still needs your protection!"

The emperor nodded, realizing he had recently neglected state affairs and indulged in pleasure. He looked at Zhu Rong and said, "Consort Zhu, you have reminded me that I cannot continue like this. Your poem has not only awakened me but also given me hope for the Tang Dynasty."

He turned to Elder Jinchi, his gaze turning cold and sharp: "Elder Jinchi, although your poetry is well-written, I believe you should focus on your Buddhist practice and not get too involved in court politics."

Elder Jinchi was startled, realizing that his identity had aroused the emperor's suspicion. He quickly said, "Your Majesty, this old monk acted on a whim and had no other intention. Since Your Majesty has given this instruction, this old monk will naturally comply."

"Alright, I'm tired. You may all leave." The emperor waved his hand, signaling everyone to depart.

Elder Jinchi was unwilling, but dared not say anything more, and could only slink away from the poetry gathering. As he left, he gave Zhu Rong a deep look, a cold glint in his eyes. Zhu Rong was startled by this look; she knew that this mysterious monk probably wouldn't give up so easily.

Watching Elder Jinchi's departing figure, Li Bai said thoughtfully, "This elder seems to have an unusual background. Consort Zhu, you must be careful."

Zhu Rong nodded, secretly grateful for Li Bai's reminder. She knew that she still had a long way to go in this complex court, and Elder Jinchi was probably just one of the many challenges she would face.

As the poetry gathering came to an end, everyone gradually left the garden. Zhu Rong returned to her palace, her mind still replaying everything that had just happened. She sat before her dressing table, gazing at herself in the mirror, lost in thought.

"Xiaobai, do you think Elder Jinchi will come looking for trouble again?" Zhu Rong asked in a low voice.

Xiao Bai's voice came from the jade pendant: "That's for sure. These kinds of demons are extremely vengeful. You ruined his plans, so he definitely won't let it go. But don't worry too much, I'm here!"

Zhu Rong gave a wry smile and said, "You make it sound so easy. I'm walking on eggshells every step I take now, terrified of causing trouble."

“That’s your problem,” Xiaobai said. “You’re always too cautious, too afraid of making mistakes. Sometimes you need to be brave and take the initiative. Like today, if you hadn’t stepped up, who knows what would have happened?”

Zhu Rong nodded thoughtfully. She recalled today's experience; though risky, she had successfully thwarted Elder Jinchi's plot. Perhaps Xiaobai was right; she needed to be braver.

Just then, a palace maid rushed in and said, "Consort Zhu, Her Majesty Consort Yang summons you."

Zhu Rong was startled, wondering what Yang Guifei wanted to see her about. She straightened her clothes and followed the palace maid to Yang Guifei's palace.

Yang Guifei was enjoying her tea when she saw Zhu Rong enter. Smiling, she said, "Sister Zhu, come, sit down and have a cup of tea."

After bowing, Zhu Rong sat down and carefully accepted the teacup offered by Consort Yang. Consort Yang looked at her, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes, and said, "You did a very good job today. I've long suspected that Elder Jinchi is no ordinary person. This time, thanks to you, otherwise..." Consort Yang took Zhu Rong's hand and said gratefully.

"Your Majesty, you are too kind. This is what I should do," Zhu Rong said with a smile, but she knew very well that this crisis was just a small episode, and a bigger storm was yet to come.