The rising sun bathed the Empire of Ling in golden light, casting warm hues across the capital. As morning arrived, the citizens began their busy routines.
That day, Matsushita brought two of his most trusted men and requested an audience with Emperor Xuande. Speaking on behalf of the High Priest Ampei, he expressed a desire to visit both the Imperial Temple and the historically revered Mingfa Temple. He claimed it was for cultural exchange, saying that some citizens of Yingzhou also worshiped the Buddha, though he was unsure if their deity matched the one revered in the Empire of Ling.
Emperor Xuande agreed with a casual wave of his hand. He ordered that word be sent to Hui Ming and Jue Fa to host the guests. Pleased, Matsushita left the palace to discuss their itinerary with High Priest Ampei.
Shortly after, the Shadow Guard Commander requested an audience. It was rare for a shadow guard to appear in broad daylight. Xuande's brow furrowed as he dismissed all palace attendants before allowing the commander to speak.
"Your Majesty, there were unidentified individuals scouting the capital last night."
"Tell me everything."
"There were three of them, working in a tight formation. They were exceptionally skilled in concealment techniques. While investigating the palace, I caught their presence and tailed them, trying to uncover their identities. However, they were cautious and dispersed once they sensed pursuit. I lost them shortly afterward."
"And?"
"While I tracked them, other shadow guards conducted a sweep. We found more individuals scattered throughout the capital, also scouting. Once discovered, they vanished without a trace."
"No useful leads at all?"
"There is one. I fought with one of them briefly. Their combat techniques differ from ours. They're geared toward assassination and ambush. Also, the man had a faint smell of sea salt. He tried to mask it, but I picked it up."
Xuande sat back on the dragon throne, watching the kneeling commander.
"You suspect it was someone from the Yingzhou envoy?"
"I cannot confirm it, Your Majesty. But they are the only recent foreign visitors. We know little about their background."
"Then investigate. Keep close watch on them. And pass word to the two temple abbots — the envoys are not to be allowed near any sacred or restricted areas."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Once the commander left, Emperor Xuande summoned Shi Fuqing, a senior minister who had served under three emperors.
Shi Fuqing was enjoying retirement at home, spoiling his great-grandchildren. When the summons came, even he grew a little uneasy, uncertain of what the emperor had in mind. His great-grandson Shi Zeren, now an official in the court, immediately came to escort him.
"Zeren, do you know why His Majesty has called me?"
"I don't, Great-Grandfather. But I believe it's unrelated to political affairs. No need for concern. His Majesty did meet privately with the Shadow Guard Commander this morning, though."
"Hmm. I see. Send someone to prepare a carriage. At my age, I can't be livelier than the emperor himself."
Shi Zeren was momentarily stunned. His great-grandfather had always been sharp and spry. But after that last sentence, he realized this was simply a veteran move — elder wisdom wrapped in humility.
Thus, with his great-grandson's help, Shi Fuqing was carried into the palace. Outside the audience hall, he steadied himself with a cane and slowly entered with Shi Zeren's support.
"Your servant Shi Fuqing greets His Majesty. May Your Majesty live ten thousand years."
As he prepared to kneel, Emperor Xuande stopped him with a wave and offered him a seat.
"There's no need for ceremony, Elder Shi. You are a pillar of our empire and a valued advisor. I've encountered a troubling matter and hope to hear your thoughts."
"I am honored by Your Majesty's trust. What matter has troubled the throne?"
Xuande explained the recent visit from Yingzhou and summarized the Shadow Guard's findings. Then he asked the key question — did Shi Fuqing remember anything about Yingzhou?
Shi Fuqing stroked his silver beard and searched his memory. A moment passed before he began to speak slowly.
"I recall that over two hundred years ago, a group of warriors claiming to be from Yingzhou landed on our shores. They raided and plundered coastal villages, slaughtered without mercy, and seemed able to command strange beasts and spirits. They caused great unrest among the people."
"They were few in number and never struck the same place twice. Once they pillaged what they needed — food, goods, treasure — they vanished, always one step ahead of pursuit. Twice, coastal officials petitioned the emperor to send troops against them. Both campaigns failed."
"In the end, it was a sea maiden from among the people who tracked them. She followed their ship for three days and finally uncovered their base."
"During the third campaign, many died. Officials and warriors alike. As they were about to be defeated, the invaders released a giant serpent, which helped them escape and killed several of our soldiers."
"Furious, the emperor issued a national edict, calling on all heroes to wipe out the invaders."
"It was a traveling monk who finally accepted the call. He joined the third campaign, helped eliminate the Yingzhou warriors, and subdued the serpent. That monk would go on to become the first abbot of Mingfa Temple, Master Mingtai."
Emperor Xuande clenched his fist. He had misjudged them. This so-called envoy came not as a friend, but wrapped in the disguise of diplomacy, baring fangs in secret.
"You truly are the Empire's treasure, Elder Shi. You remember even this."
"Your Majesty flatters me. The truth is, this matter can be found in the Empire's archives, but it takes time. I only recall it so clearly because my ancestor married a sea maiden — a descendant of the very woman who tracked that enemy ship."
"I see."
"My great-grandmother used to tell it as a bedtime story. I remembered it vividly. Later, when I entered the court and worked in the archives, I looked into it. That's when I confirmed it wasn't fiction."
Xuande nodded, then whispered instructions to a servant. Soon, a line of palace maids entered, each carrying a scroll.
"I'd like you to look through these portraits drawn by the palace artists. Tell me if they match anything your ancestor described."
The maids unfurled the scrolls. The floor was soon filled with images of the floor ship, Matsushita, his subordinates, and even High Priest Ampei.
With Shi Zeren's help, Shi Fuqing approached and studied each scroll carefully. After some time, he turned back to the emperor.
"Your Majesty, I am certain. These envoys from Yingzhou are of the same lineage as those invaders. Their weapons, clothing, and hairstyles all match. Especially the man in white — he is dressed exactly like the one who unleashed the serpent all those years ago."
Xuande said no more. He had Shi Zeren escort Elder Shi home.
After the old minister left, Emperor Xuande hurled his teacup to the floor. Everyone kneeling in the hall froze, not daring to breathe. None knew what had provoked his fury.
Inside, Emperor Xuande was raging. He had welcomed wolves into the palace. Such a mistake was unworthy of an emperor. Pacing back and forth, he began to weigh his next move.
Meanwhile, back at Lotus Lake, Jian Dan nodded quietly. So that was the root of this land's deep hostility toward beasts and demons.
On the floor ship, High Priest Ampei was meditating when a hoarse whisper echoed beside his ear.
"Let me out... let me out..."