Free Web NovelChapter 1731: Chapter 996: The Empress’s Ice Rose
"You must absolutely keep the existence of this ring a secret. This is the Jiu Mountain Family, and Jiushan Cangxuan is known as Japan’s strongest Angel Envoy for Spiritual Magical Artifacts. This person is formidable, with a highly sensitive sense of smell. Be extremely cautious," Yang Xiao warned.
"I know," Tong Han nodded. Before coming here, Director Nalan had reminded her more than once to be careful in every aspect of this journey. frёeweɓηovel.coɱ
Next, Yang Xiao explained to Tong Han the reason she was invited this time: a Secret Realm owned by the Jiu Mountain Family can greatly curb and delay the degree of backlash faced by an Angel Envoy due to the Magic Artifact, while also enhancing spiritual power.
"Joining a nightmare task that’s already in progress, and not dying in the process?" Tong Han was stunned upon hearing this, as it was indeed puzzling.
Yang Xiao understood Tong Han’s concerns. He too had doubts when he first heard about it. "Rest assured, it’s true. I’ve verified it with the General Bureau. However, as for the origins of that Secret Realm, I’m not clear. It’s a secret of the Jiu Mountain Clan, and they won’t tell us."
Yang Xiao wasn’t interested in others’ secrets; as long as the Secret Realm was effective, it sufficed.
Since Tong Han came today, Yang Xiao didn’t attend classes. In the afternoon, the weather was nice, so Yang Xiao took Tong Han around the Jiu Mountain Family’s estate.
The backyard had a secret garden, arranged with antique elegance and graceful environment. Pavilions and towers exuded a grand style, evidently designed by a famous designer, showing considerable investment.
The pond housed koi fish. Yang Xiao received some fish food from a following servant and fed fish with Tong Han at the fish viewing pavilion. The fish crowded and collided with each other for food, making Tong Han giggle ceaselessly.
By evening, Yang Xiao and Tong Han returned to their residence. Mu Yunshu had already prepared a room for Tong Han in advance. Originally, according to her idea, there was no need for Yang Xiao and Tong Han to live separately, but since this was abroad, and Yang Xiao was the General Bureau’s special envoy to Japan, with a special identity, it was wise to be mindful of appearances.
Around nine o’clock at night, Yang Xiao was preparing to rest, when footsteps came from the yard, followed by knocking at the door. Outside, a proper inquiry was heard; it was the samurai of the Jiu Mountain Family. In broken Chinese, they formally said, "Honorable Envoy, the Family Head requests your presence to discuss something."
"Please wait a moment." Upon hearing that Jiushan Cangxuan invited him, Yang Xiao dared not delay, and after a quick tidying up, left with the samurai.
Unexpectedly, just as he stepped out of the small courtyard, Yang Xiao bumped into Tong Han outside, accompanied by a middle-aged woman neatly dressed. It was then that Yang Xiao realized Jiushan Cangxuan had invited both of them.
The middle-aged woman nodded slightly to Yang Xiao in greeting and then walked ahead to lead the way, while the samurai followed behind Yang Xiao and Tong Han, making Yang Xiao feel as though they were being escorted like prisoners, causing him discomfort.
Soon, they were brought to a secluded courtyard where a large wooden house stood. Inside, two people awaited them: the Family Head Jiushan Cangxuan and Jing Lan, whom Yang Xiao had met once before.
"Two seniors, may I ask the reason for inviting us late at night?" As soon as they entered, Yang Xiao sensed a subtle atmosphere; although Jiushan Cangxuan’s face revealed nothing, Jing Lan’s gaze was firmly fixed on Tong Han, as if intending to pierce through her.
Yang Xiao had a vague ominous feeling, but given this was the Jiu Mountain Family’s domain, he had no choice but to abide. Most importantly, he believed that Jiushan Cangxuan dared not act against him considering his status.
"Please, have a seat," Jiushan Cangxuan gestured invitingly.
Yang Xiao sat down first, followed by Tong Han, who faced Jiushan Cangxuan and Jing Lan directly.
"Seniors, is there any matter you wish to discuss by inviting us here tonight?" Yang Xiao inquired directly.
"It’s nothing urgent, just that we’ve heard Miss Tong isn’t in great health, and we’re wondering if there’s anything we can help with," Jiushan Cangxuan calmly stated. fɾēewebnσveℓ.com
"Senior, when will the Secret Realm open?" What concerned Yang Xiao the most was this point.
"Around a week or so, but before the task begins, we hope to first ascertain Miss Tong’s health condition. Jing Lan, check Miss Tong’s pulse," Jiushan Cangxuan directed a glance to Jing Lan.
The request seemed reasonable, and Yang Xiao had no reason to refuse. Tong Han obediently extended her hand, and Jing Lan placed her fingers gently on Tong Han’s wrist. Everything started off normal, but after about half a minute, Jing Lan’s expression turned abruptly. In the next moment, a strong force spread out, completely enveloping Tong Han, and simultaneously, the Red Ruby Ring mysteriously appeared on Tong Han’s hand.
Yang Xiao, realizing something was amiss, hastily stood up but was immediately grabbed by Jiushan Cangxuan, caught by the wrist. The next moment, a red light flashed. When he opened his eyes, he found himself in a strange world.
This space was vast, a dilapidated church, yet from some details, one could glimpse its former grandeur and splendor. Much of the dome’s carvings were eroded, and the stained glass shattered, leaving only sporadic color blocks, dark red like congealed blood.
The seemingly endless rows of benches were severely decayed, with ornate but unrecognizable imprints on the steel armrests. The confession booth in the corner hid within shadows, seemingly with silhouettes swaying behind the bars. The cross above was heavily rusted, with half broken by wind, its remaining body slanting, much like a snapped spear.
