Eastern Yuan Holy Residence, Xiaoxiang, Feng Family—
The sky had brightened, the sun shining brilliantly, its golden rays piercing through the clouds to illuminate the world.
Qin Yan moved about the courtyard as if nothing had happened. She knew well that Feng Xi had a fondness for earthly treats, so she decided to take the opportunity to prepare more for her. Even if she could no longer personally make these delicacies in the future, Feng Xi would have fond memories to cherish.
In the courtyard stood a tall locust tree, its canopy like a large umbrella, casting a cool, refreshing shade. Under this tree, Feng Xi lounged idly on a comfortable chair, one hand lazily supporting her head while the other casually flipped through a peculiar notebook.
The cover of the notebook bore modern-style letters: “The Overbearing Empress Loves Me.”
She crossed her legs, reading the melodramatic plot: a polygamous story in which the female lead, as empress, held ultimate power, while multiple male consorts vied for her favor, scheming and competing in the imperial harem.
“Qi Yuan left behind some interesting books. Though her and Feng Chao’s ending is bittersweet, they truly loved each other. May you, in the next life, avoid the strife of the world and find a peaceful, safe place to live out your days,” Feng Xi mused.
Just as she read about the villainous male lead scheming to poison the empress in an attempt to seduce her, a cold, emotionless voice suddenly echoed in her mind:
【Oh my, what are you reading? Such corrupt and scandalous things.】
Feng Xi replied internally, irritated.
【Do you even know anything? This book is one of a kind in the world. Do you even recognize these characters? Stop babbling.】
The voice paused slightly, then twisted into a strange smile.
【Hmph! I am Kemu. No character in the world escapes my knowledge. Even with simplified forms, there are still some I recognize. This book, however, is quite peculiar, not of local origin. Where did you get it?】
Sensing the anomaly in Kemu, Feng Xi arched her brow, her gaze flickering with curiosity and playful teasing.
【Oh? You always call yourself “I,” and now suddenly you refer to yourself as “me”? And Kemu, of all beings, still doesn’t know something?】
Her words carried clear mockery, as if ridiculing Kemu’s pride and ignorance.
“Miss, the jujube paste cakes are ready. Taste and see if you like them,” Qin Yan said, placing a tray of pastries on the nearby table.
Feng Xi sat up, casually tossing the notebook into her storage space and picking up a cake from the table to eat.
“Mmm, delicious! Qin Yan, I didn’t realize your skills had improved so much over the years!”
Kemu remained silent for a moment, then his voice echoed in her mind again.
【Hmph, this book is indeed extraordinary. Though I am well-read and knowledgeable, I have never seen such strange characters and records. As for why I refer to myself as “me”… it’s merely a habit.】
A faint, subtle smile tugged at Feng Xi’s lips. She didn’t fully trust Kemu’s explanation—she knew he had always held himself in high regard and would never admit ignorance lightly.
Yet she chose not to probe further; time was still long. Eventually, she would uncover what Kemu, the entity parasitic in her mind, truly was.
Ignoring Kemu, she turned her gentle gaze to Qin Yan.
“Qin Yan, come sit here and eat with me! Stop running around so much.”
【Enough! It’s time to focus on finding the Child of Destiny.】 Kemu impatiently urged.
Qin Yan’s face was slightly pale, but her expression radiated warmth—a smile as gentle as a spring breeze, comforting and soothing.
Obediently, she nodded and sat down beside Feng Xi.
“As long as you like, Miss, I can make a variety of treats for you every day,” Qin Yan said softly, her voice full of care and tenderness.
Feng Xi continued to ignore Kemu, suppressing her earlier doubts about Qin Yan, and casually asked:
“How have you been all these years? And back then, how did Feng Jingce save you?”
Qin Yan paused briefly, thinking inwardly.
【Why is Miss suddenly asking these things? Could she be starting to suspect me?】
But she soon calmed herself and answered with composure:
“Miss, under the protection of the Young Master, I have fared well. Back then, the Young Master arrived in time to save me, preventing those people from succeeding.” Her expression was calm, as if recounting an ordinary event.
Yet inside, she was far from serene. She feared Feng Xi learning the truth, and dared not hope for more. Simply seeing her Miss again in this lifetime was enough.
Feng Xi noticed her relaxed demeanor, lips curling in a meaningful smile. She slowly set the cake down and looked attentively at Qin Yan, speaking softly:
“Is that so? Feng Jingce…”
Before she could finish, a sudden surge of violent purple-gold Kemu thunder erupted within her mind.
The abrupt disturbance darkened Feng Xi’s expression. She quickly extended a thread of her soul, moving at incredible speed into her mental space. Her body began trembling uncontrollably, as if entering a state of frenzied madness.
Qin Yan, witnessing this, looked on in shock and astonishment, silently thinking:
【Ah! Miss… is her epilepsy acting up again?】
Within the mental space—
“Feng Xi! Who gave you the audacity to ignore my words? I commanded you to find the Child of Destiny! Did you hear me?”
As Feng Xi entered, she saw a shadowy figure controlling the purple-gold Kemu thunder. The figure radiated a majestic and mysterious aura, commanding awe.
Facing Kemu’s interrogation, Feng Xi did not flinch. She furrowed her brows, eyes flashing with anger, and shouted:
“Enough! Stop this at once!”
Kemu snorted coldly and unleashed more Kemu thunder. A thick bolt, as wide as an arm, struck down, illuminating the entire mental space.
“Hmph. It seems you have taken my words lightly. If you do not seek the Child of Destiny, I will obliterate this mind of yours!” Kemu’s cold, threatening voice echoed through her consciousness, laced with anger.
Feng Xi, watching her violently shaking mental space, was alarmed. She knew Kemu was not bluffing—if she did not act soon, he would truly strike.