With a thought, a jade koi appeared in Yun Youyou’s hand.
She pricked her finger with a silver needle and let a drop of fresh blood fall onto the koi.
The next moment, the koi absorbed her blood, transforming into a streak of light that sank into Yun Youyou’s collarbone, forming a koi-shaped birthmark.
A youthful voice echoed in her mind:
“Master, I am the spirit of the Jade Koi space. My name is—Little Fish.”
“This space was left to you by your biological father. He was an emperor from ancient times, and this space has been passed down through the royal lineage.”
“Only the direct bloodline can bind to this space. Your father was betrayed by treacherous ministers. After his death, he came to this era as an orphan.”
“When he grew up, an accident triggered his memories, and he recalled everything.”
Yun Youyou pinched herself. “Hiss—ouch! I’m not dreaming…”
Little Fish said, “Master, don’t doubt it. This is all true. The fact that you can bind me only proves that the old master is already dead.”
Yun Youyou twitched her lips. “Little Fish—don’t tell me you want me to go back to ancient times to take revenge?”
“I don’t have that ability!”
Little Fish: “Master, I don’t have that ability either. Otherwise, I would have already taken the old master back to avenge him.”
“However, you do need to find out how the old master died in this era.”
Hearing this, Yun Youyou frowned and voiced her concern:
“Little Fish, I don’t even know where my dad went. How am I supposed to find out?”
Little Fish: “Master, before leaving, the old master told me that he and the lady went to the research institute of the Liaoshi army to conduct research.”
At the mention of the Liaoshi army’s research institute, Yun Youyou’s frown deepened.
“In five days, I will go to the countryside. If I want to enter the army to uncover the truth, I must get into the Liaoshi army’s research institute.”
“Little Fish, you’re making it difficult for me. To enter the army, one must be a soldier, a military doctor, a military family member, or a researcher.”
“First, I am not a soldier. Second, I am not a military doctor. Third, I am not a military family member. Fourth, I am not a researcher.”
Little Fish didn’t seem the least bit concerned.
Calmly, it said: “Master, the space contains an entire imperial palace. When you travel through it, the space undergoes a transformation.”
“Little Fish has brought the Great Yun Empire here. The Great Yun Empire was the ruler of that continent.”
Little Fish stopped there, but Yun Youyou’s eyes shone like spotlights.
Cautiously, she asked: “Little Fish, be honest—are there any big traps waiting for me?”
Little Fish: “Master, even if you do nothing, this space is already bound to you. Everything in it is yours. If you want to be true to your conscience, help uncover the old master’s cause of death and avenge him.”
Yun Youyou twitched her lips. “Little Fish, you insult people so subtly. You just mean I have no conscience, right?”
Little Fish: “Master, I didn’t say that! Besides, if you complete this task, won’t you have a conscience?”
Ha! Little Fish didn’t directly call her heartless but criticized her indirectly.
Yun Youyou decided not to dwell on the conscience issue. Thinking of all the treasures her father had left for her, she sighed. She must have some conscience after all. This task doesn’t seem too difficult.
“Little Fish, you know my current situation. I will complete your task. But you need to give me time.”
Little Fish: “Alright, Master. Will twenty years be enough?”
Yun Youyou nodded slightly. “Fine, let’s do it according to your time frame.”
“Can I enter the space to take a look? I can freely use the things inside, right?”
Little Fish: “Of course. The space answers to the Master.”
Excited, Yun Youyou thought and entered the space.
She stood outside the Golden Throne Hall, seeing the grand hall supported by dozens of thick nanmu pillars.
The pillars were carved with auspicious patterns: dragons and phoenixes, cloud-and-water motifs, and more.
The roof had a double-eaved palace design, covered in golden glazed tiles, shimmering in the sunlight like a golden sea.
At each corner of the roof were bronze roof beasts, each uniquely posed and lifelike, guarding the hall.
Yun Youyou walked inside. Her eyes were drawn to the high dragon throne at the center, made of precious redwood, with a five-clawed golden dragon spiraling upward, imposing and majestic.
Behind the throne hung a huge golden screen embroidered with sun, moon, stars, mountains, and rivers—symbolizing the emperor’s dominion over the land.
On either side of the hall were exquisite decorations: blue-and-white porcelain vases, jade ornaments, gold and silver vessels—each priceless, showcasing imperial luxury.
The walls were adorned with calligraphy and paintings from famous figures across generations, carrying immense artistic and cultural value.
The floor was paved with smooth, mirror-like marble tiles, each polished to reflect one’s image.
Patterns of lotus flowers, auspicious clouds, dragons, and phoenixes were engraved, symbolizing good fortune and peace.
“Wow~~ Just this Golden Throne Hall is enough to awe me, not to mention the rest of the place… and the treasury!”
Little Fish: “Master, you can also explore other areas.”
With a thought, she appeared at the treasury’s gates, which were closed.
The doors were made of bronze, carved with dragons, phoenixes, and cloud-and-water motifs.
The door knockers were pure gold, heavy and grand, showcasing imperial authority.
Entering the treasury, a wave of opulence hit her.
First, the gold and silver jewelry section: a dazzling treasure trove, shining with gold and silver light.
Gold and silver ingots were neatly stacked in wooden boxes, each round and full.
Jewelry, headpieces, and ornaments sparkled with gemstones, intricately carved designs, golden and silver-threaded phoenix crowns and ceremonial robes, inlaid with pearls and jade like the brightest stars in the night sky.
Beyond the jewelry section lay the antiques and paintings area, containing precious relics and artworks from all dynasties, including masterpieces by famous artists.