Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 228 Phoenix's Heart

Above the altar's stone platform, amidst the swirling mist, the eerie blue flames flickered silently, elongating the shadows of the two figures standing opposite each other and casting them onto the ancient, mottled rock face.

Lan Fenghuang's curtsy was dignified and solemn, a stark contrast to her previous lively, cunning, and even wildly mysterious "saintess" image. This curtsy was not only an acknowledgment of a powerful figure whose strength, wisdom, and willpower impressed her, but also represented a major decision by the Baiyue Sect regarding its future path.

Chen Xing looked at the Miao saintess before him, her head bowed, yet still unable to conceal her unique and ethereal beauty, and a slight ripple stirred in his heart. The three trials were less a test than a profound mutual scrutiny. He saw in Lan Fenghuang a courage and wisdom far exceeding that of ordinary women, and a steadfast commitment to her faith and her people's responsibilities; while Lan Fenghuang, through the "Mirror of Inquiry," glimpsed the most fervent and weighty ambitions deep within his soul.

"Holy Maiden, please rise." Chen Xing extended his hand to help her up, his voice gentle yet carrying the dignified air of an emperor. "With the assistance of the Holy Maiden and the Baiyue Sect, my great undertaking to pacify the south has been greatly strengthened. The previous misunderstandings have now been cleared up, so there is no need to mention them again. From now on, Xingqi and Baiyue shall be good neighbors and work together for stability."

Lan Fenghuang straightened up and looked up at Chen Xing. Her eyes were still clear, but they held less scrutiny and distance, and more complex emotions that were hard to describe. Admiration, relief, curiosity, and a hint of excitement that she herself was not yet fully aware of, a stirring that had quietly begun to stir within her because of the magnanimity and unwavering will she had witnessed in the "Mirror of Inquiry."

"Your Majesty has the world in your heart and cares for the common people. Phoenix... is truly convinced." She said softly, her tone sincere. "Our Baiyue sect has long lived deep in the mountains, isolated from the world, yet we are not ignorant of the outside world. The Southern Dynasty's rulers and ministers are incompetent, only knowing how to exploit, regarding our Miao region as barbarians beyond the reach of civilization, and often bullying us. Within the allied forces, there are also those who incite our sect to harass Your Majesty's army, making empty promises. However, Phoenix observes Your Majesty's military discipline, which is strict, and you treat the surrendered gentry such as Danyang with courtesy, not those who simply bully the weak. Moreover, Your Majesty's will shown before the 'Mirror of Inquiry'... Phoenix firmly believes that following Your Majesty may be able to find a true way out for our Baiyue people, different from the past isolation and dependence on the Southern Dynasty."

She paused, then took out an object from her bosom, also wrapped in banana leaves but more exquisite and delicate, and presented it with both hands: "This is the 'Bell of Unity,' a token of my Baiyue religion, and one of the symbols of my Holy Maiden's authority. The holder of this bell can command some of my religion's informants scattered throughout the southwestern mountains, and in times of emergency, obtain limited assistance from nearby villages. Today, I present it to Your Majesty to express my religion's sincerity in submitting."

Chen Xing took the bell; it felt slightly heavy in his hand. He opened the banana leaf, revealing a pair of exquisite silver bells, no bigger than a thumb, cast from a special alloy and connected by a slender yet incredibly strong five-colored silk ribbon. The bells were engraved with extremely fine patterns of insects, snakes, and stars, the same totem as the one on the blue phoenix hairpin. A gentle touch produced a clear, yet understated, tinkling sound, seemingly capable of cleansing the mind. This object was clearly more than just a token; it likely contained some unknown Miao secret technique.

"I appreciate the Holy Maiden's kindness." Chen Xing solemnly put away the "Symphony Bell." "Since the Baiyue Sect is willing to submit, I will certainly treat them as my subjects. The affairs of Miao territory can still be governed according to your old customs, with the Holy Maiden and the elders of the sect acting autonomously. The court will only appoint pacification envoys to coordinate and liaise, without interfering in internal affairs. The court can supply the salt, iron, cloth, and other necessities as needed. I only hope that the Baiyue can help the court stabilize the southwest, eliminate the bandits and fleeing soldiers, protect trade routes, and..." He looked at Lan Fenghuang, "The Holy Maiden is proficient in medicine and toxicology, especially in treating miasma and poisonous insects. I wonder if it would be possible to send someone from the sect who is skilled in this to serve in the army? My vanguard, Yang Zheng's troops, are still suffering from miasma."

Upon hearing this, Lan Fenghuang's eyes flashed with a smile, her lively and cunning spirit seemingly returning: "Your Majesty's request is my duty. I will soon issue an order for the most skilled elder in medicine and poison to bring the antidote to General Yang, and leave my disciples with the army to serve in the prevention and control of the plagues and poisonous insects in the southern mountains. Furthermore..." She blinked, "If Your Majesty does not find me unsophisticated, I am willing to personally serve Your Majesty for a period of time. Firstly, Your Majesty's army will inevitably encounter such mysterious methods or strange poisonous miasmas during its southern expedition, and I may be able to do my part; secondly, I also want to see with my own eyes how Your Majesty will realize the vision of peace and tranquility shown in the 'Mirror of Inquiry'."

She spoke frankly and naturally, as if she were merely curious about and willing to assist in the process of realizing the "ideal." However, the slight gleam in her eyes and a hint of barely perceptible expectation revealed much more.

Chen Xing, being the man he was, could easily discern the underlying intimacy in her words. Looking at Lan Fenghuang's beautiful face, a blend of mountain spirit and mysterious wisdom, he couldn't help but feel a slight stirring in his heart. This Miao holy maiden was indeed a remarkable woman, entirely different from the imperial concubines and even Lin Wan'er. She was intelligent, bold, possessed extraordinary skills, and, most importantly, seemed to understand and agree with his deepest pursuit that transcended power.

"I would be most grateful if the Holy Maiden would deign to accompany me," Chen Xing said with a smile and a nod. "However, the army's facilities are simple, and there are frequent battles, so I fear we might neglect the Holy Maiden."

"Your Majesty, what are you saying?" Lan Fenghuang smiled sweetly, like sunshine after the clouds had cleared. "I grew up in the mountains and fields, and it's common for me to live a life of hardship. What do I have to fear about the simple conditions in the army? As for the war... Didn't Your Majesty just overcome three obstacles with your strength, wisdom, and benevolence? I believe that with Your Majesty here, we will surely turn danger into safety." Her words were full of unreserved trust in Chen Xing, and even carried a hint of admiration.

The matter was thus settled. Lan Fenghuang, as the Holy Maiden of the Baiyue Sect, officially submitted to the Xingqi Empire and decided to personally accompany Chen Xing back to the front-line camp. She immediately summoned several female guard leaders who had been hiding nearby using a special communication method, briefly explained the situation, and ordered them to split up immediately: one team would go to where Yang Zheng was trapped to deliver the antidote and provide assistance; another team would return to the core village of the Baiyue Sect to convey the Holy Maiden's decision to the elders and begin preparations for formal contact with the imperial court; she herself would only take two of her closest and most astute female guards with her as she descended the mountain with Chen Xing.

The descent down the mountain became much smoother thanks to Lan Fenghuang, their "landlord." She knew every hidden path in the mountains, which plants were poisonous, where natural traps lay, and could even command insects and snakes to avoid the way. Chen Xing's fifty elite soldiers followed behind, watching the Miao holy maiden and the emperor walk side-by-side, sometimes conversing in hushed tones. Their initial tension and hostility had long since dissipated, replaced by a strange sense of peace and exhilaration—even this mysterious and unpredictable mountain lord had submitted to His Majesty; what was there to fear in this southern expedition?

When they returned to the valley entrance and met up with Dian Xiong and the others, everyone was astonished to see the emperor return safely, and that the Miao saintess was even acting like a follower. They were immediately overjoyed. Lin Wan'er quickly stepped forward and carefully examined Chen Xing. Seeing that he looked slightly tired but otherwise seemed fine, she breathed a sigh of relief. She glanced at the smiling Lan Fenghuang with complicated emotions, but ultimately said nothing.

Chen Xing briefly explained the situation and ordered an immediate breakup and return to the Flying Tiger Pass camp. Yang Zheng's siege had been lifted, the threat on the southwest flank had been eliminated, and they had even unexpectedly gained the assistance of a special force. The most important thing now was to return to the main battlefield as soon as possible and deliver the final blow to Caishiji.

On the return journey, Lan Fenghuang naturally rode alongside Chen Xing, slightly behind him. She seemed brimming with curiosity about everything in the Central Plains, frequently asking about the army's flags, commands, and even Chen Xing's past military experiences. Chen Xing, in high spirits, answered her questions briefly. Lan Fenghuang listened intently, her eyes sparkling with admiration. She would sometimes hold her breath at thrilling moments, and sometimes clap her hands in delight at brilliant strategies. Her genuine sincerity and admiration brought a rare sense of ease and joy to Chen Xing, who had long held the throne and was surrounded by respectful ministers.

As the sun set, the evening glow gilded the rolling hills with a golden edge. The group was taking a short rest by a stream. Lan Fenghuang dismounted, ran to the stream, scooped up some clear water and drank a few mouthfuls. She then picked a few leaves of an unknown plant, rubbed them in her hands, and handed them to Chen Xing, who had just dismounted: "Your Majesty, these leaves are called 'Awakening Artemisia.' After crushing them, smelling their aroma can relieve fatigue and refresh the mind. It may be of some benefit to Your Majesty after days of travel."

Chen Xing took it, and a cool, refreshing fragrance indeed permeated his senses, instantly invigorating him. Looking at Lan Fenghuang's profile, made even more beautiful by the sunset, and her clear, shimmering eyes reflecting the stream's light, a corner of his heart softened quietly.

"Thank you, Holy Maiden," he said softly.

Lan Fenghuang turned around and smiled radiantly at him, a smile pure and bright, without any impurities: "Your Majesty, just call me Fenghuang. Calling me 'Holy Maiden' sounds rather formal in front of Your Majesty."

Chen Xing was slightly taken aback, then smiled and said, "Alright, Phoenix."