I Have a Younger Sister

Uncle Xiao burst into the seclusion room, but found only some discarded men's clothes. Where was any trace of Yuan Weiyang? "Abducted the moment he walked through the door?" Uncle Xiao's mind went blank. "This is terrible!" Xu Ying hurried to keep up with Yuan Rushi. The young girl was like a canary escaping its cage, flitting happily here and there. She wanted to eat every delicacy she saw on the streets of Shendu, buy whatever looked fun, and stop to gawk at every novelty. "Weiyang said he'd have his sister accompany me for a stroll, but it feels more like I'm accompanying his sister." Before long, Xu Ying and Yuan Rushi had their arms full of assorted treats, their cheeks puffed out like goldfish. Xu Ying had little money—only a giant gold ring weighing over a thousand jin. Each time he paid, he scraped off a sliver from the ring to settle the bill, leaving the shopkeepers both astonished and overjoyed. "I'll take you somewhere fun!" Yuan Rushi grabbed his hand and surged forward. Xu Ying had no choice but to dash after her. The two wove through streets and alleys, occasionally squeezing through crowds or darting beneath colossal beasts. When Xu Ying had walked to within five li of Shendu, he saw more than a dozen carriages approaching to meet him, jostling and crowding until the post road was blocked solid. He heard someone call out, "Is that Young Master Xu of Lingling? By order of the Liu clan's Old Ancestor, I have come to receive you!" "I am a steward of the Guo clan's inner manor, here on the Old Master's orders to welcome Young Master Xu of Lingling!" "Young Master Xu of Lingling, take the Cui clan carriage!" "Our Pei clan carriage drives fast and smooth!" A eunuch even drove up in a prisoner cart. Seeing everyone else in jeweled carriages, fragrant coaches, and divine mounts while he drove a prisoner cart, he was too embarrassed to speak. Xu Ying did not board any aristocratic carriage, but walked straight toward Shendu, cupping his fists. "I prefer to walk!" The stewards of the great clans jumped down from their carriages one after another to walk beside him. Behind them, carriages and horses stretched into a long, snaking procession. Just like that, Xu Ying walked all the way into Shendu without anyone questioning him. The stewards pressed him to visit their respective manors, but Xu Ying politely declined them all, saying, "I have an old acquaintance in Shendu. I know Young Master Yuan Weiyang of the Yuan clan, so I will trouble him and stay at the Yuan residence. By the way, does anyone know which clan this gourd belongs to?" He produced the vermilion gourd. The Wang clan steward stepped forward to inspect it, then shook his head. "This gourd bears no markings, making it hard to identify whose manor it comes from. Could it be that Young Master Xu encountered soul-gatherers using gourds outside the city?" Xu Ying nodded. "I ran into a few strange people collecting souls by the river." The Wang clan steward smiled. "Most likely refining elixirs for an elder in some noble residence. Some folks like to take unorthodox routes, collecting the souls of the newly deceased to compound spirit elixirs for elderly masters to prolong their lives. Young Master Xu, this way please." Xu Ying frowned and handed the vermilion gourd to Qi. The head of the little snake on his shoulder suddenly swelled several times its size, opened its maw to swallow the vermilion gourd whole, and shrank back down. With the stewards of the great clans leading the way, Xu Ying looked around. The grandeur of Shendu was indeed extraordinary, and its populace appeared prosperous. The three divine statues in the city were the Statues of the Three Sages—sculptures of Emperor Wenwu Dasheng, Emperor Zetian Dasheng, and Emperor Zhidao Dasheng. Though these three emperors had passed away, incense smoke still billowed around them in magnificent abundance. The Three Sage Emperors anchored Shendu's fortunes. After their passing, they had become gods, and their incense smoke had become part of Shendu's thoroughfares. Shendu had incense carriage paths—official roads formed from the incense smoke qi of the Three Sage Emperors, floating in the sky and leading straight to the Imperial City. Jeweled carriages and carved carts often drove across them. There were also rainbow bridges formed of incense smoke qi spanning the Luo River, upon which people walked as if treading on clouds. Xu Ying gazed at the Three Sage statues, paused, and asked, "Everyone, do the souls of the three emperors enjoy bliss in the Netherworld, or do they reside within these divine statues?" The crowd shook their heads. The Pei clan steward smiled and said, "How could we know such things? However, the Three Sage Emperors do manifest at the turning of the year, and their statues come alive. In times of calamity or rebellion, they also awaken to suppress the insurgents." The incense smoke qi of these three statues was immensely powerful. Behind Emperor Wenwu Dasheng and Emperor Zetian Dasheng, the incense smoke qi formed flame-shaped shrines a hundred zhang tall, though compared to their massive bodies, even hundred-zhang shrines appeared diminutive. As for Emperor Zhidao Dasheng, his incense shrine was much smaller. "Young Master Xu, over there is Lingyan Pavilion!" The Pei clan steward pointed into the distance. Xu Ying looked over to see billowing green qi soaring straight into the clouds in tremendous vigor. Beneath the green qi stood a towering pavilion of majestic presence. "Enshrined there are the most powerful beings of the Divine Dynasty throughout the ages," the Cui clan steward—a beautiful woman—informed Xu Ying. Xu Ying pointed toward another place and asked in wonder, "And what place is that?" Everyone looked in the direction he indicated, seeing a giant willow tree towering into the clouds. No other buildings stood around it. Thick, churning black qi coiled about the massive tree with terrifying malice. Vaguely, one could see countless lonely ghosts and wandering spirits dwelling within the willow, each holding its own severed head. "That is the Solitary Willow Tree, the execution ground," the Chai clan steward said. To reach the Yuan clan, one had to pass that way. Xu Ying looked from afar and saw heads being severed beneath the Solitary Willow Tree. About a hundred people knelt in a row, overseen by the Jinwu Guard. Command banners anchored the four directions, Qian Heavenly Banners sealed the sky, and Kun Earthly Cauldrons locked down the ground to prevent any escape. "Young Master Xu, they are executing members of the Zhou clan," the beautiful Cui clan woman smiled and said. "They've been beheading them for more than ten days, a hundred-odd people every day. Look at the one holding the white banner over there—that's a soul-reaper, gathering the Zhou clan's souls to refine spirit elixirs for longevity!" Xu Ying glanced over and indeed saw a Jinwu Guard leaning on a white banner. He had seen this sort of white banner before; when the emperor had ordered the Jinwu Guard to slaughter the disciples of the Cangwu Sect, there had been Jinwu Guards holding white banners. "Why are only men being beheaded here?" Xu Ying asked. "The women were sold to brothels and pleasure houses to serve as government courtesans. The Zhou clan committed treason, daring to plot against His Majesty at Mount Jiuyi. Spared from the extermination of nine generations, they should consider His Majesty merciful." Xu Ying arrived at the Yuan manor. It was an aristocratic estate of towering gates and sprawling courtyards, unmistakably grand. Yet this ancient clan had fallen into decline, its household thinning; by this generation, young and old combined numbered fewer than ten. Seeing such a crowd arrive, the gatekeeper rushed inside to report. Moments later, footsteps sounded as someone from the inner manor came out to greet them. When the door opened, it was the green-robed old servant, Uncle Xiao. Behind him followed a refined young gentleman of courteous bearing and striking poise—Yuan Weiyang. "Brother Yuan, I've come to impose on you," Xu Ying said with a smile. Uncle Xiao's face darkened, and he moved to block the doorway. Yuan Weiyang, ever polite, said to Uncle Xiao, "Demon King Xu has traveled from afar, accompanied by stewards from every noble house. If our Yuan clan does not invite him in, we will lose all face." Uncle Xiao sighed helplessly, whispering, "It won't be easy to explain to the Old Mistress." Yuan Weiyang smiled. "I will speak with Mother. Uncle Xiao, do not keep our guest waiting outside; invite him in quickly." Uncle Xiao had no choice but to welcome Xu Ying inside. The beautiful Cui clan woman said with a smile, "If the Yuan clan isn't welcoming, you can always stay at my Cui manor. Our courtyards are vast and our beds are soft." Uncle Xiao offered an apology and shut the gates. Only then did Xu Ying breathe a sigh of relief. He apologized to Yuan Weiyang, saying, "I have caused Brother Yuan trouble." Yuan Weiyang smiled and gestured for him to follow, leading him into the manor. "Since parting at Guizailing, more than two months have slipped by. It has also been over a month since Old Ancestor White Eyebrows crossed his tribulation. I had guessed Demon King Xu would likely be forced out of the mountains and have no choice but to come to the capital. Just a couple of days ago, I was wondering how you would handle this predicament, never imagining you would truly arrive." Xu Ying felt slightly surprised, sensing that Yuan Weiyang was not quite as warm as before, carrying a touch of distance. Still, after being apart for two months, some unfamiliarity was only natural. Uncle Xiao came to arrange Xu Ying's quarters, while Yuan Weiyang did not follow, saying, "I shall inform Mother of my friend's visit." Uncle Xiao assigned Xu Ying a standalone courtyard. It was quite spacious, and although quiet, it was kept spotless. There was even a sunny spot for the great snake, Qi, to lie and bask. Xu Ying had Qi take out his clothes and folded them neatly. Qi said, "Yuan Weiyang doesn't seem quite as enthusiastic." Xu Ying smiled. "We haven't seen each other in two months; it's natural to be a little distant." Before long, Guo Xiaodie's cheerful, chattering voice drifted over: "Xu, you really dared to come to the capital! What nerve!" Xu Ying stepped forward with a smile. Guo Xiaodie wore her usual attire, though the color had shifted to purplish pink, and her breast-wrap was tied a bit higher, revealing less than before. Catching his glance, Guo Xiaodie giggled. "To guard against upright gentlemen—wouldn't want to disturb their Dao hearts and have them scold me again! You've gotten sturdier!" She punched Xu Ying in the chest, nearly sending him flying, and snapped fiercely, "Your little Qi bit my Fourth Uncle, forcing Second Aunt to chop off his entire arm! Fourth Uncle originally planned to find a friend in the Zhou clan to regrow the arm, but who knew disaster would strike the Zhou clan too? Now he's still down an arm, complaining that even going to the privy is inconvenient!" She glared murderously at Qi. Qi shuddered, hurriedly slithering back and calling out, "Your Fourth Uncle was trying to strangle Ah Ying—that's why I bit him! Woman, stay back, or a single puff of my poison breath will send your whole family to a funeral!" Xu Ying rubbed his chest and chuckled. "Have Fourth Uncle Guo come find me; I can reattach it for him." Only then did Guo Xiaodie's anger turn to joy. "He was hunting you on the emperor's orders. I'll make him kowtow and apologize to you, and then you two can make peace. Where's Brother Weiyang?" A moment later, Yuan Weiyang came over, his expression calm. He showed little excitement over Guo Xiaodie's arrival, offering merely a few indifferent remarks before saying, "These next few days I must cultivate the Yuan Dao Heavens Induction, so I am afraid I cannot keep you two company." Guo Xiaodie left in disappointment. Yuan Weiyang said to Xu Ying, "Demon King Xu, forgive me. My cultivation is at a critical juncture, and I will hardly have time to accompany you." Xu Ying smiled. "Brother Yuan, please attend to your affairs." Yuan Weiyang said, "We are bosom friends; being unable to keep you company leaves me uneasy. My family is not populous, but I have a younger sister, born of the same mother, who looks seventy to eighty percent like me. Last time, I promised to introduce you. Now that you are here, I will have my sister take you around these next few days." Xu Ying said, "Brother Yuan, go ahead with your business; I can walk around on my own." Yuan Weiyang said solemnly, "That is no way to treat a guest. My sister's name is Yuan Rushi. You will see for yourself shortly." Xu Ying could only agree. Yuan Weiyang left. A long while later, a radiant young maiden walked through the blossoms and willows, clad in a goose-yellow dress. With bright eyes and gleaming teeth, she called out from afar with a laugh, "Are you Brother Xu from Lingling?" Xu Ying looked at her; the girl indeed bore an eighty to ninety percent resemblance to Yuan Weiyang, though with more of a young woman's delicate charm and elegance, enough to set one's heart fluttering. She wore light powder and subtle makeup, her fair skin glowing with a faint rosy hue that seemed tender enough to break at a breath. Standing before her, Xu Ying felt somewhat shy. Had it been a bold, outspoken girl like Guo Xiaodie, he would have felt completely at ease, but confronted with such a charming maiden who was also his good friend's sister, he found himself at a loss. "Brother Xu, my elder brother told me to take you out for a stroll," the girl, Yuan Rushi, said without the slightest timidity. Grasping his hand, she led him outside, laughing. "The capital is enormous, packed with delicious food and fun things. We can run wild all day!" Hearing this, Qi hurried over, shouting, "Wait for me!" The girl, Yuan Rushi, glanced back. Her gaze swept over Qi, making him feel an icy chill as if plunging into a pit of ice. Shivering repeatedly, he quickly said, "Ah Ying, I'm worn out from traveling, so I think I'll pass." Held by the hand, Xu Ying stumbled along after her, whisked out of the Yuan residence in a flash. Uncle Xiao was just returning from outside when he saw a girl pulling Xu Ying out the gates. He stared in disbelief: "Where did this girl come from? She's so pretty... Wait a minute!" He frantically rushed into the manor to find Yuan Weiyang, only for a maidservant to say, "The young master is in seclusion, deep in cultivation." Disliking the crowded bustling streets, Yuan Rushi pulled Xu Ying up onto the rooftops, where the two raced across the ridgelines. Suddenly, she leaped onto the long incense carriage path, bolting along it. Xu Ying followed her. On the incense carriage path, imperial carriages were rolling out of the palace, horses galloping with thunderous speed. The young girl led Xu Ying darting through the traffic, only to be spotted by Jinwu Guards, who immediately gave chase! Each of the Jinwu Guards bore a sword casket on their back. With a slap of their hands, sword qi flew out from the caskets, striking toward the two of them. Yuan Rushi giggled, grabbed Xu Ying's hand, and leaped off the incense carriage path. Sword qi swirled around her like clusters of snowflakes, darting about her body as she flew beneath the path. Brother Yuan's sister has impressive natural talent! Xu Ying hurriedly rode his sword to keep up. The two turned into two streaks of sword light clinging to the underside of the incense carriage path, soaring upward. How could the sword qi of the Jinwu Guards behind ever catch them? They soon lost their trail. Not long after, Xu Ying followed Yuan Rushi onto the imperial crown of the statue of Emperor Zetian Dasheng. Surprisingly, the surface here was completely flat. The colossal statue towered into the clouds, offering a panoramic view of the territory for over a thousand li around! The two dispersed their sword qi and sat down on the ground. Yuan Rushi propped herself up with both hands, leaned back, looked up at the sky, and gave an excited shout, her cheeks slightly flushed from exhilaration. The girl glanced at Xu Ying and saw him placing the snacks they had bought earlier onto the crown. Yuan Rushi also brought out her food to share. Sitting upon the crown, gazing out over the mist-shrouded Shendu, their hearts opened wide. "Brother Xu, do you know what this green grape tastes like?" Yuan Rushi's eyes danced as she pinched a green grape and asked. Xu Ying shook his head. "It's the last one; I haven't tasted it yet." The maiden popped the green grape into her mouth, suddenly lunged forward, and pressed down upon him. Xu Ying's mind roared with a resounding boom as he felt the green grape delivered into his mouth, accompanied by a warm, delicate sweetness.