Chapter 095: Night Intrusion

"What did you say?"
"Is there any difficulty?"
Liu Li did not reply immediately, lowering his head in thought. "It's nothing, really, but Bluebird Lake is now guarded day and night by the Imperial Guards. May I ask why you insist on going there?"
"I... I worry there may still be remnants of the dark fiends within the lake. To prevent future calamity, I feel compelled to investigate thoroughly!"
Liu Li nodded. "Then, can you trust me?"
"Trust you?" Xueze repeated, her tone light. Liu Li’s expression shifted, and she responded with a gentle smile, "You are the Emperor, yet you speak to me without any airs, even forsaking the imperial address. I can see that you trust me. Likewise, I treat you as a friend, disregarding status—how is that not trust?"
Liu Li smiled softly, lowering his head in joy. He sighed inwardly: If her trust is born from friendship, that alone is enough for me! Perhaps no one in this world can feel as I do—how could I hope for more?
"That is good! Your arrival was sudden; I haven’t considered the situation at Bluebird Lake in detail. Give me a moment to think of a solution."
"Very well."
Xueze absent-mindedly traced her teacup, uncertain of this peculiar feeling. Since arriving at the Northern Hua Palace, she had been attuned to unusual sensations, and seeing Liu Li had stirred new emotions within her.
Her heart’s lake was restless, rippling ceaselessly beneath the wind.
Liu Li’s heart too had never found calm; he missed her in solitude, rejoiced in her presence. Now he must quickly find a way to help—he would not let Xueze risk herself.
If he could assist her in everything, he would gladly do so with all his heart.
"Since you departed, Bluebird Lake has been thoroughly investigated; Gao Hai ensured the lakebed was cleared. Afterward, the Imperial Guards took over its supervision, a post under the Empress Dowager’s control, so I cannot command them. If we are to enter Bluebird Lake, we must first find a gap in the guards’ watch."
Xueze smiled calmly, "There's no need for such trouble; I merely came to inform you. After all, the Northern Hua Palace has its master—I cannot barge in unannounced. If you agree, I’ll slip in quietly; with my powers, I can enter unnoticed, assured no one will discover me."
Liu Li shook his head and looked at Xueze. "You are truly courteous. You came for the safety of Northern Hua, yet you consult me; there’s no need. Yet, I’m glad you did. The Imperial Guards are not so simple."
"Oh? How so?"
"The guards are charged with palace security, gathering all manner of talents. Among them are those versed in sorcery and disciples of renowned sects. Most who oversee Bluebird Lake possess some magical skill; though not your equal, your presence might still be detected."
Xueze pondered, speechless for a moment, doubts growing within: With so many capable people guarding Bluebird Lake, could a demon truly remain? If so, why does the Empress Dowager only defend, not eradicate? It seems as if she intentionally shelters them! Alas, I am no match for her schemes, cannot fathom her motives, and cannot let the world know I’ve descended the mountain in secret.
"I know—if I trouble you, it is no small matter. However, Bluebird Lake has changed; it may not be suitable for you to investigate. Perhaps I should invite the High Priest?"
Xueze paused, then smiled, "That’s unnecessary. The High Priest’s powers are beneath mine; if he goes, he’ll only complicate things."
"Then should I send Gao Hai to investigate?"
"No need. If the lake harbors secrets, it might endanger Lord Gao."
Xueze stood, smiling at Liu Li in farewell. "Given the situation at Bluebird Lake and the many talents in Northern Hua, I shall not interfere. I came down the mountain in secret; I won’t linger. Farewell!"
Liu Li quickly rose, stepped near Xueze, and gently tried to detain her. "Leaving so soon? If this matter warranted your descent, can it be resolved with mere questions? Let us think of another way!"
"The situation is clear—what more can be done? Moreover, since the Empress Dowager governs it, she must have her reasons. I heard you’ve had discord with her, and lately things have worsened. Best not get involved!"
Liu Li lowered his head and sighed.
"Filial piety is the root of all virtue—I understand your counsel. Yet, compared to loyal ministers and the safety of Northern Hua, I cannot simply accept the Empress Dowager’s actions. I hope you understand."
"What do you mean by this?"

Liu Li took a deep breath, deciding to speak candidly. Recently, the pressure had weighed heavily on him, leaving him brooding and unwilling to confide in others. Yet before Xueze, he found calm and release.
"Lately, I’ve noticed changes at Bluebird Lake! A few days ago, I truly believed the matter settled, but then my mother suddenly increased the guards. It piqued my curiosity."
"Then why were you surprised when I voiced my thoughts and reasons?"
Liu Li paused, then smiled faintly, almost uttering 'silly girl,' but instead gave her a look of fond indulgence.
"I haven’t discerned the true reason, only sensed something suspicious. Yet I never suspected the Imperial Guards were meant to contain a demon."
Xueze withdrew her gaze, deeply moved but unable to speak. Liu Li’s presence unsettled her—she was confused and a bit ashamed.
Why did Liu Li trust her so readily? Could friendship truly prompt a filial son to doubt his own mother? She had always believed that noble friendships were as mild as water—was this not overturning her understanding?
"Xueze!"
"Hmm?"
Xueze started, raising her head nervously to look at Liu Li.
"What are you thinking?" Liu Li asked lightly, a gleam in his eyes as if he had caught a sight that delighted him.
Xueze’s reverie was broken; she looked bewildered, a pure, girlish innocence radiating from her that thrilled Liu Li.
"I..."
"No need to think further." Liu Li approached Xueze, speaking gently yet firmly, "Come, I’ll go with you."
For days, Liu Li had been busy day and night, his mind never resting, always burdened with endless tasks. Yet, with Xueze’s arrival, he felt instantly lighter—as if everything could be set aside, abandoned, and even the most pressing matters seemed less important.
At dusk, after admiring the evening glow, Liu Li led Xueze to Bluebird Lake.
Before this, knowing her tendency to get lost, he had purposefully guided her through flower-laden paths, shown her charming gardens, and watched the sky ablaze with clouds. It was a wish of one, but joy for two.
Both had not relaxed for a long time; such leisure and delight were needed on both sides.
For some reason, whenever Liu Li saw Xueze, the sky was always beautiful—perhaps because he was happy, or because he wanted her to see it.
The guards shifted, and the two crouched quietly in the corner of the courtyard wall, discussing their plans, when an argument broke out.
"Why change your mind so suddenly?"
"Because I sense an extraordinary aura here! We must not enter in person, and you especially mustn’t go!"
Liu Li blocked Xueze’s view, asking in a low voice, "Why not? I know some martial arts, and I have the Divine Pearl to protect me!"
Xueze shook her head. "I’ll go alone, just to investigate and leave quickly, don’t worry! If I’m detected, I can use the art of illusion to escape. But you? Can you turn into a cat or a fox?"
Liu Li was speechless, torn between reluctance and concern. Seeing Xueze raise her hand to cast a spell, he grabbed her hand without hesitation, pulling her down beside him.
The corner was small, and the two were almost pressed against the wall already. With Liu Li’s action, they were now completely leaning against it.
"What are you doing?"
Liu Li froze, cheeks flushing, about to explain when he noticed a patrol of guards nearby.
"Shh, don’t speak!"

Xueze tried to push Liu Li away but he covered her mouth. They wrestled, each maintaining propriety so neither used much force, but in their flustered struggle her veil slipped off.
They stared at each other in alarm, forgetting all words and actions. Everything halted; even the air seemed still, the only sensation was the increasing heat on their faces.
Such close proximity revealed every feature and expression, their gazes drifting, warm and aimless, uncertain what they saw or sought.
Their minds went blank, nerves taut—sometimes hazy, sometimes clear—as if both were wandering in dreams.
After an indeterminate time, Xueze and Liu Li finally recovered, awkward as if meeting for the first time, all arguments forgotten.
"S-sorry!" Liu Li picked up the veil with trembling hands, handing it slowly to Xueze.
She waved her hand and the veil returned to her face; turning aside, she said quietly, "If you want my forgiveness, then go back. I know this place well, I don’t need your guidance."
"No!" Liu Li glanced around. "There are clearly more guards tonight, you can't just barge in! There are sentries by the lake—a single drop of water could draw attention, you—"
"Who says I’ll disturb the water?" Xueze suddenly turned, looking at Liu Li seriously. "I’m only sensing the aura at the lake’s edge, not entering the water. Why so worried? Besides, do you think a disciple of Heavenly Mountain is less skilled than the Imperial Guards?"
Liu Li shook his head repeatedly. "No, not at all! I would never doubt your abilities. It’s just... those men are ruthless, I fear—"
"Don’t worry!" Xueze grabbed Liu Li’s wrist, leapt up, and in a blur brought him into the garden.
"You—"
"It’s late, you should head back!" Xueze turned her back to Liu Li, her expression relaxed at last, thinking she could finally be rid of him. "I’m leaving, farewell!"
Before Liu Li could reply, Xueze’s figure vanished, prompting him to dash towards Bluebird Lake in urgent pursuit.
In a blink, Xueze had reached the lakeshore, pausing by a willow tree, quietly observing the surface.
The lake water was still dark, radiating warmth, yet the peculiar scent was faint, suggesting only minor spirits lingered.
"Strange, why is this happening? Did the demon escape alive? What did the lotus seed sense? Could it be her perception of kin is keener than mine?"
Xueze took a deep breath, suddenly hearing the measured steps of patrols halt. Before she could react, the sound of arrows filled the air.
"They spotted me?"
Xueze sighed softly, using her invisibility spell to escape, eventually landing in a corner.
All around, hurried footsteps and countless torches burst forth; looking up, she saw a web of spirit spider silk stretched across the lake surface.
"Heavens, how did I miss that? Is there truly a master here? This web is no ordinary thing— for the honor of Heavenly Mountain, I can’t force my way through!"
Xueze transformed into a cat, darting past the guards’ defenses. Evasion was easy, arrows hard to dodge. The cat’s speed wasn’t enough; several times she nearly got hit.
"No, switch forms!"
Turning a corner, Xueze became a white dove, flying to the treetops three fathoms above, but the lake was vast—she could not find a way out.
"These people don’t even spare animals. Truly ruthless!"