Emperor Xia thundered, “Hence, all of you thought that the Xia Kingdom would not be of a competitor for both of the families if they cooperated?”

　　There was a sunk in heart of the courtiers as they did have the thought. Unwittingly, the courtiers actually agreed that the once powerful Xia Kingdom would lose.

　　Emperor Xia gazed everyone blazingly. No one dared to look at him nor answer his question. Lei Hong was not an exception.

　　“Let it be. Court dismissed,” Emperor Xia demanded loathingly.

　　Hence, the issue was left unsettled. After the court, Emperor Xia continued joyous singing and dancing with Meixi. Although nine years had passed, his love towards Meixi was still the same. It was as though the once proud, knight-looking Emperor Xia had disappeared in the mist of alcohol and women. What left unchanged was his willful attitude.

　　As melody from the Chinese instruments in the palace passed through the ears of courtiers, they looked at each other and found the despairing look in their eyes. Although Emperor Xia was ruthless, he was the pillar of Xia Kingdom. However, that belief started to waver.

　　Lei Hong was the last to leave. As he was about to step out of the palace, he heard someone calling his name.

　　Without noticing, Guan Longzi was outside the palace doors. After nine years, Guan Longzi’s hair turned white and his face was full of wrinkles. The unchanged part was his eyes that was lit with insights of the worldly affairs.

　　Lei Hong was not young among his tribesman. With his experience, there were not many people to look up to. However, Guan Longzi was inexorable one of the few.

　　Lowering down his usual loud voice, he put up a smile and said, “Why did the Prefect Grand Astrologer call me?”

　　“Elder Lei, were you disappointed with Emperor Xia?” Guan Longzi’s piercing gaze seemed to be able to read his mind.

　　Lei Hong explained, “As a loyal official, I treated my emperor with my utmost respect. Hence, I had no thoughts that differ.”

　　Guan Longzi cautiously said, “The emperor may not speak out but he had decided to conquer Yinshang. If you do not believe my words, you could ask Her Highness personally. She would receive the secret order by this time. The advisor of Dongyi would be the frontier.”

　　Lei Hong shuddered. He turned and looked at the Xia Palace. Suddenly, he felt that the Xia Palace was unpredictable, causing his goose bumps to rise. Conquering a big country like Yinshang could not be ready by just preparing overnight. It was obvious that Emperor Xia had used his sovereign power to make the decision.

　　The power of the soldiers depended on the courage of their general. With capabilities but without the courage, the frontier would lose their enthusiasm. Therefore, it was obvious that his actions disappointed Emperor Xia.

　　Lei Hong bowed and spoke, “Thank you the Prefect Grand Astrologer, for informing me.”

　　Guan Longzi uttered, “I had advised Her Highness to not involve herself in this matter earlier. Unfortunately, she did. This meant that she would not listen to my advice. Hence, I would like to give an item as my last token of appreciation.”

　　Guan Longzi took out a yellow silk manuscript. There were drawings and writings on it. Lei Hong found it mysterious as he recognized Guan Longzi’s handwriting but could not understand the meaning.

　　Lei Hong questioned, “What was this?”

　　Guan Longzi explained, “It was just a small toy. I hoped you were able to pass this to Her Highness. This was the last thing I could do for her.”

　　As Lei Hong heard the word ‘last’, he quivered.

　　Then, a eunuch ran towards here and told Guan Longzi, “The King gave his orders to meet the Prefect Grand Astrologer in the palace.”

　　Guan Longzi dutifully accepted the order. Beside him, Lei Hong saw a sense of relieving pass through his eyes. It seemed that he had been waiting for this moment.

　　Since that day, Lei Hong never saw Guan Longzi.

　　…..

　　Guan Longzi met Emperor Xia near the hot pillar punishment platform. The heavenly lady looking Meixi imperial concubine snuggled between Emperor Xia’s arms. The beautiful melody was ringing by the ears while the sixteen palace maids were dancing on the empty land. The atmosphere was like under a spell.

　　“You seemed to understand my thoughts,” Emperor Xia spoke.

　　Respectfully, Guan Longzi knelt on the floor and bowed, answered, “My wise King, if I could not see that, I must be blind.”

　　Emperor Xia said lightly, “Get up.”

　　“Yes,” Guan Longzi gradually stood still. Although he knelt on the floor, he looked clean and unspoiled.

　　“Do you know that it was frustrating to communicate with idiots? However, I did not like smart people. You were the only one who stayed by my side after so many years,” Emperor Xia uttered.

　　“I knew about it. Last time, I was resentful but this time, I realized my naïve. Your Highness had been indulging in sensuous for nine years owing to the success in demon arts. The tribesmen that crossed you had been punished with death using the hot pillar. However, in reality, they were not dead but became your demonic generals. I thought I had the sage heart but still, I am fooled by Your Highness. This was a disgrace,” Guan Longzi’s gaze pierced through the dancers and looked at Emperor Xia. His face looked like it was crafted from Kunwu stone, flawless.

　　The pair of eyes were like the owner of million demons. It could steal one’s heart and soul and willingly submit oneself to him.

　　Emperor Xia was not surprised, he replied, “You were right. Nine years ago when I released Tianyi, I was preparing for today. It was only recently that my demonic powers were successful. However, this path was a path to emotion and character destruction. If the intention did not match, it could not be accomplished. Hence, I would like to throw this question to you, were you loyal to me?”

　　Guan Longzi responded, “Of course.”

　　“Good. Owing to your loyalty, I needed to kill you. Consequently, you would lose your human character. You could blame me, but it did not matter,” Emperor Xia moved his eyeballs. All of a sudden, the sixteen dancers became blood rain, annihilated between the heaven and earth.

　　Meixi shivered in Emperor Xia’s arms but did not dare to utter a word.

　　Guan Longzi sighed, “If I realized Your Highness secretly practiced the Primeval Demon Technique, I would have stopped it.”

　　“It was too late. Many times, I tried to make you leave me due to resentment. However, you were too loyal to me that I could not bear killing you. Therefore, I needed to make a move. I needed to kill you to lose my human character and became the Primeval Demon,” Emperor Xia’s hand gently caressed Meixi’s face. His eyes seemed to produce purple mist, turning to two irises.

　　Guan Longzi spoked, “The Primeval destroyed emotions but it was not comparable to an unruffled Taishang. Your Highness, if you entered the path of Demon, you were beyond redemption.”

　　“I would like to forget but who could I forget?” Emperor Xia thundered.

　　Guan Longzi let out a sigh and responded, “I was guilty, Your Highness.”

　　The thing he regretted the most was he did not put in effort in saving the High Priest. Emperor Xia could have taken the path of unruffled emotions which was better. The technique of Primeval Demon was powerful but it could not escape from the Six Realms of Samsara and Five Elements of Destruction. He would not have to destroy his human character.