The Shining Saber meets a pearl

As Wang Shuaiyue departed from the East Ramped Ocean, Lady Xiying Ma solemnly proclaimed her promise: that she would retreat forthwith after returning to camp. Embodying a sense of honour, the two adversaries partook in a last shared glance before setting off to their respective ends to bring a definite end to the conflict.

When Lady Xiying Ma arrived back at camp, she sternly communicated the deadline that Wang Shuaiyue had laid out before her and rebuked her husband harshly for his foolishness, emphatically vowing never to support him again.

The husband scathed and somewhat chastised, humbly agreed to abide by the terms of the agreement. Seeing as this had become an irreversible agreement, the two factions left their camp, disbanded their armour and weapons, and both retreated to the battlefield.

Soon thereafter, life in the East Ramped Ocean returned to a semblance of normalcy, as word of the agreement spread and the people left the topsy-turvy state of uncertainty. Although both figures had made a great sacrifice, Wang Shuaiyue and Lady Xiying Ma were both regarded as local heroes.

Returning hastily to his dukedom upon filing a report to Queen Kuang Lingxuan, Zhu Bolin felt humiliating chagrin at his previous conduct upon the arrival of Lady Xiying Ma to Henan province.

After Wang Shuaiyue met with his newly freed son, Wang Jianhong, and explained to him about the trip to the royal palace, the former entered the inner palace to discuss the situation with his wife and hand over the leadership to her while he was away.

His expression was stern as he took out his Imperial warrant, impressing upon her that the most important thing was that she must maintain the proper rituals of the state, "You must ensure that everything is done properly while I am gone; do not neglect your responsibilities."

The next morning, Wang Shuaiyue, and his son, Wang Jianhong, headed out in a carriage with five-thousand soldiers and four–hundred officers to make a quick pace to the capital. Their journey would prove perilous, and times would be difficult.

The pair steered their carriage with a sense of unquestionable strength and purpose, each step taking them closer to their ultimate goal. With impenetrable courage, Wang Shuaiyue guided his convoy through the tumultuous terrain, preparing to face the unknown with unwavering resilience.

Despite any obstacles they might encounter, he was certain that his bravery and determination would ensure their triumph. Wang Jianhong followed his father's lead, confidently striding into the future with his heart determined and unshakable faith.

Following the passage of many days, Wang Shuaiyue and his entourage arrived at a courier station in Hongmen and stayed there for the night.

However, there had been a rumour of an evil sprite that was lurking within this station for the past few months, and Wang Shuaiyue thus constantly exchanged moments of reading his book of military strategy to ensure his son's safety throughout the night — strategically positioning himself and his son close to the door.

The night dragged on slowly and anxiously, eventually bringing Wang Shuaiyue to the brink of exhaustion — however, he was determined to defend his son against any potential threat.

He stayed vigilant, clutching tightly onto his military strategy book as he commanded his soldiers to guard outside the door of the courier station.

At the break of dawn, he confirmed that his son was safe — the night had passed without incident, and his determination had prevented any harm.

Exhausted, Wang Shuaiyue glanced at his son, sleeping soundly inside his room-he went to rest for a while.

Wang Jianhong woke up hungry, ignoring the guards around, the eighteen years old boy peeked out of the camp.

After having breakfast at a tavern outside the camp, Wang Jianhong walked around a bit, wanting to investigate the town.

Unfortunately, the town seemed heavily guarded and most people had a solemn expression on their faces. Wang Jianhong quickly attempted to go back, wanting to avoid any trouble.

He whirled around, his shoulders thudding against something solid. His gaze swept the area, yet there was no one in sight. Confusion bubbled up inside him, but he soon found himself clenching his jaw as a cold chill ran up his spine. What was going on? He narrowed his eyes and squinted into the darkness, searching for any sign of movement, any hint of explanation.

Something was amiss-!

Suddenly, a beautiful woman in a white robe stepped out from seemingly nowhere, an ethereal glow radiating from her being. Her silky, white hair cascaded down her back. Her eyes were a vibrant green and her skin was porcelain smooth and unblemished. Her ethereal figure was able to hypnotize any living being.

Startled, Wang Jianhong stepped away from her and looked into her calm, intelligent eyes.

The figure bowed slowly towards Wang Jianhong, her voice soft yet profound, "I can help you free you from the shackles of the royal princess, and return you to your mother. All I ask of you is that you give me the locket around your neck."

Wang Jianhong stared at her in disbelief. Was this woman a deity sent from the heavens? He took a deep breath and took a step back, cautiously realizing that this creature may not be what she seems.

Wang Jianhong pulled out his Shining Saber.

''Young master, the royal highness, the princess, is the heir to the throne. She would gather you as her pawn and wield you as her tool to control, manipulate, to kill your family, your homeland. Your life hangs in the balance - will you accept her dominion or will you defy it?'' She said.

''Who are you?'' Wang Jianhong asked pointing his Saber at her.

ZhenZhu could sense the warmth in Wang Jianhong's gaze when he looked at her. She stepped closer to him, her eyes locked with his. She reached out to touch his face and ran her fingers lightly over his forehead and cheeks.

In a soft, sultry voice, she said, ''Zhenzhu!''

She spoke seductively as she walked closer to Wang Jianhong. ''Young master, they call me Zhenzhu. I am your friend''.

She moved closer to him, running her hand along his arm. He felt a shiver run through his body and he was enraptured by her feminine charms. Zhenzhu sensed his desire and so decided to take a step further.

Gently she brushed her lips against his, barely touching yet still provoking a strong desire within him. She kissed him deeply as if to convey the emotions she felt for him without saying a word.

She stepped back, studying his eyes. "I'm here for you," she murmured. Wang Jianhong felt like he was in a dream. He felt truly alive as he looked into her eyes, the warmth radiating from her skin and heard the tenderness in her words. He had never felt so close to someone before.

Zhenzhu slowly walked around him, tracing her finger over his shirt and caressing his arm. She leaned forward as if to whisper in his ear. "Trust me," she said in a low, seductive voice.

Wang Jianhong instinctively leaned into her touch without hesitation. He felt himself surrender to her spell as he realized that she could be his. He leaned forward to kiss her deeply.

''Stay by my side''. He whispered in her ear.

She smiled, ''Remove this locket and I am all yours''.

Removing the locket aggressively from his neck, Wang Jianhong threw it away.

Wang Jianhong didn't realize but something pricked into his palm. Small droplets of blood poured out. Zhenzhu licked off the blood from his palm, ''There-there tiger, no one would be able to separate us now''.

She blood bonded them together-!