chapter 7 ：Undercurrents Surging

Looking at Qing Xuan, who appeared both dejected and slightly aggrieved, Si Jiang pondered for a moment. "If I told you there is a way to free your kin from Yibo's control, but you must help me relay messages when I need you, would you be willing?" Si Jiang looked seriously into Qing Xuan's eyes, revealing her true intentions.

Qing Xuan, full of suspicion, raised his voice and shouted at Si Jiang, "Why should I believe you? Even if you once had dragon blood, now you're just a human!"

Si Jiang smiled confidently, "Because I can help you fully transform into human form and give you self-control, instead of reverting to your true form when away from the dragon bone." She tilted her head playfully, suppressing her laughter.

Qing Xuan was stunned and transformed into a beautiful crow, no longer hiding. Seeing Qing Xuan blending into the dark cave, Si Jiang couldn't help but laugh. "You're quite a clever little bird, staying here to benefit from the dragon bone's pure energy rather than taking it away, diligently training in this place."

Determined to bring Qing Xuan under her command, Si Jiang asked, "Have you made up your mind? If you agree to my terms, I can help you now." Si Jiang stepped closer to Qing Xuan. "You just need to occasionally help me relay messages, and I won't control you or limit your freedom. In return, you get the chance to fully transform into human form. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity; if missed, who knows how many years you'll have to wait to transform."

"Not only that, your tribe can break free from Yibo's control. To reassure you, I can promise to plant a barrier in their bodies, ensuring they won't be affected by the taming spell anymore." Si Jiang's offer was irresistible to an inexperienced creature.

"Alright, I agree. As long as it's just passing messages, it won't affect me much. But if you deceive me or fail to save my kin, our deal is off!"

"Deal!" Si Jiang extended her palm. "Come with me. Fire Ling, guard the entrance and let no one in."

Si Jiang lifted the seal around the dragon bone with a wave of her right hand. She gently touched it, pondering whose bone it was and why it was here. She placed Qing Xuan beside the dragon bone and formed a spell. A large water sphere enveloped both the dragon bone and Qing Xuan, the surrounding energy converging into beams of light, spinning rapidly around the sphere.

"It might hurt a bit; bear with it," Si Jiang said, casting the spell, "Pure streams cleanse the heart, lotus blooms in pairs, unity of heaven and man, energy flowing like a rainbow." She formed a lotus shape with her hands, a giant lotus appearing above the sphere, enveloping Qing Xuan in a soft glow.

Moments later, the light faded, and it was successful. Qing Xuan, panting heavily, had returned to human form. "Now, try to channel your internal energy; there should be a surprise," Si Jiang encouraged.

Qing Xuan followed her instructions, and suddenly, his eyes widened. He jumped off the stone platform and knelt before Si Jiang. "Thank you, benefactor! My spiritual power has increased by at least fifty percent!"

Si Jiang helped Qing Xuan up. "No need for formalities; this was our agreement. Now, I need your help with the second part to save your kin."

"Benefactor, I am eternally grateful! Whatever you need, just command me!"

"Take this medicine; it forms an invisible barrier in the body, protecting against the taming spell. Find a way to get your kin to take it. I'll give you five days; once done, come find me at the Lotus Palace."

Qing Xuan hesitated, but Si Jiang read his thoughts. "Leave the dragon bone here. I'll conceal the cave, making it convenient for you to continue training after this is over."

Qing Xuan was stunned by her generosity, tears welling up. "Your thoughtfulness shames my previous mistrust. I will not fail you."

"This is for my benefit as well, so you needn't be overly grateful. Stay cautious of humans for your own safety. You and Fire Ling take care of each other."

Returning to the Lotus Palace, Si Jiang was soon informed that Tu Shan needed to speak with her. Entering the room, she saw Tu Shan lowering his cup.

"Si Jiang, news has come that the Hu clan embezzled disaster relief funds, causing great suffering, yet Yibo has suppressed the information," Tu Shan said, visibly angry.

"It was expected that Yibo would be involved in corruption. Do you have concrete evidence?" Si Jiang asked, pouring herself a cup of tea.

"I heard that Minister Ji Qi has been collecting evidence and escorting disaster victims to the capital, which has delayed him for months."

Ji Qi, a just man connected to the earth's energy, was known for his integrity and dedication to the people. Si Jiang had heard of his good deeds and asked Tu Shan to send capable men to ensure Ji Qi's safe return.

In the following days, news arrived that heavy spring rains had caused floods, forcing many to seek refuge in the capital, praying for the emperor's protection.

During a council meeting at Yibo's residence, an official named Ji An, dispatched by the capital, pointedly remarked on the disaster victims, hinting at Yibo's involvement.

"You jest, Ji An. We serve the people tirelessly; how can we bear such responsibility?" Yibo responded slyly, trying to maintain composure.

"Reports say disaster funds are missing, causing suffering. Do you know anything about this, Yibo?" Ji An pressed on.