Find… Ji Xueqiao?
Ji Youyou spoke the name with difficulty.
That is right.
Fan Moxi replied.
You find him for me.
And I will get you out of this cursed place.
How?
I do not even know him.
Leave that to me.
I shall arrange everything.
Fan Moxi’s mood was unpredictable.
He sounded reassuring yet his intent remained veiled.
Are you truly unable to leave?
Fan Moxi’s tone turned cold.
One step beyond and heaven’s thunder falls.
I would not die.
But I would sleep for longer than I can measure.
He stroked the little dragon gently.
It nuzzled his hand like a cherished pet.
This creature is a demon of old.
It has done evil.
It deserves no pity.
If it should vanish when we leave then so be it.
Ji Youyou felt no urge to pity it.
She was uncertain of his motives.
What did he stand to gain?
She was alone and defenseless.
Heaven had never favored her.
She had no magic and no guide.
If she stayed Xie Lin would return.
Yu Xuanhe offered no safety.
She would not be anyone’s plaything.
She would not be tossed about and mocked.
She would escape.
She would go far away.
She would find a sect and learn to protect herself.
No one would ever control her again.
She met his gaze steady.
I accept.
I will help you find him.
How do I go?
Good.
Fan Moxi looked pleased.
You are sensible.
He rose brushing dust from his robes.
They were woven of ancient silk and would not soil.
He was always particular about his appearance.
He lifted the dragon from his shoulder holding it belly upward in his palm.
Within this tower magic is suppressed.
Yet those who have broken through certain bounds may still wield small arts.
He spoke like an old scholar.
I shall teach you a simple spell.
It is called Soul Tether.
Easy to learn.
Then I shall put the dragon to sleep.
My tether will carry you into his dream.
You must wake him.
It sounds simple.
Yet Ji Youyou hesitated.
Why do you not come yourself?
Fan Moxi gave a short laugh.
So wary.
How did you come to be imprisoned so easily then?
Very well.
If we both enter we may unbalance him.
He would lash out and you would perish.
I would survive.
Sealed as before.
You must stay outside to steady him.
Once he wakes my tether will pass some of his strength to you.
Enough to leave and to find Ji Xueqiao.
I would gain his power?
Fan Moxi nodded.
He is a demon yet uncorrupted.
You take his old strength at its source.
It will not harm you.
You will not turn to darkness.
He paused.
But?
Do not expect something for nothing.
My tether is the bridge.
It lasts only until you reach Ji Xueqiao.
Once you are there the power fades.
So I lose it when I find him?
Ji Youyou’s hopes sank a little.
She had hoped to keep it.
She took a breath and straightened.
I understand.
Let us begin.
Good.
Fan Moxi watched her with approval.
It is a pity I am no longer king.
You would have made a ruthless and capable minister.
Ji Youyou fell silent.
Your jokes are terrible.
Skip to the spell.
Fan Moxi nodded.
Very well.
I shall put him to sleep first.
The dragon looked up at him dazed and gentle.
He struck it firmly upon the head.
Again and again.
The dragon slumped unconscious.
A dark bruise swelled on its forehead.
Ji Youyou stared.
That is how you cast the sleeping spell?
Fan Moxi looked unabashed.
Why waste magic?
This works faster.
It sleeps just as soundly.
It certainly does.
The dragon looked barely alive.
Ji Youyou was impressed despite herself.
Nice.
A thought struck her.
You will not knock me out too will you?
Only if you ask nicely.
Fan Moxi grinned.
I do not strike women.
He recited the incantation slowly.
She repeated it after him.
It took some time.
When she had it right he nodded.
You learn well.
He set the sleeping dragon on the floor beside them.
They sat together cross-legged.
He spoke gently to reassure her.
Take your time.
Do not fear.
My voice will guide you.
Remember it is only a dream.
It is not real.
Breathe deep.
Speak the words.