THE LEGEND OF SHENLI

CHAPTER 10

The room felt stifling with the windows firmly shut and talisman paper taped all over the walls. The lack of air circulation also served to intensify the smell of incense. The crown prince sat behind his desk with a cold expression on his face.

“Prince Ruì’s palace . . . to think they’d actually go to such a place.”

A sapphire bead shot out onto the table shaking the tea cup with its force, rippling the water inside. The black clad assassin by the table spoke up saying, “This time I won’t leave them any room to maneuver. Where are the hired warriors and spell-casters?”

“Your Highness, they have returned and are outside waiting your command.”

The crown prince nodded in satisfaction. “Good. We’ll see what abilities that evil enchantress has.”　

. . .
Shěn Lí watched the grape leaves flutter in the wind and idly wondered if they were edible. The things Xíng Yún made were always delicious so the fruits of the trees he tended must also be wonderful and sweet. She didn’t think she would be around long enough to harvest the grapes though, thus her thoughts about the leaves.

Threat from the crown prince would be nullified if Xíng Yún stayed at the palace, however threat from the Demon realm . . . that was not something a mortal could contend with. No matter Xíng Yún’s condition, she had to leave soon; at most she could stay for three more days; any longer than that would just complicate things.

“Sha sha.” Shěn Lí looked over toward the sound and saw Xíng Yún moving a rock. He was apparently laboring very hard judging from the sweat dripping off his forehead. The combination of his serious expression and the somewhat muffled words from his lips gave him an air of seriousness that was unusual for him. She was used to his default idiotic smiling expression. Seeing him like this made her wish the marriage contract didn’t exist. Then she wouldn’t have to leave and feel so anxious. She could . . . she could . . . 　

Shěn Lí was stunned at her train of thought. What could she do exactly? Her heart felt strange and conflicted with these unfamiliar desires.

“Shěn Lí.” His call from the front yard interrupted her thoughts. She walked over to find several stones arranged on the ground and Xíng Yún standing in front of a large water barrel that stood up to his waist in height. “Help me lift this up.”

Shěn Lí grinned. She walked over and easily lifted the barrel with one hand and asked, “Where do you want it?”

“Over there in the corner.”

Xíng Yún watched as Shěn Lí moved the barrel over. “OK I’ve rearranged the array so its strength is considerably increased, especially at night. The battle array is fierce and extremely powerful. Remember to not go out the front yard, and if you want to leave, make sure you leave with me.”

Shěn Lí knew Xíng Yún was talented when it came to arrays and building them in alignment with the sun and moon, but she had strong doubts about his battle array formation abilities. To call them fierce? Could they really rival those in the Demon realm? Shěn Lí didn’t really think so. She listened to what he had to say but didn’t take it seriously.

“How come you wanted to change the pattern of the array?”

“In case of attacks. This way you and I can sleep soundly.”

In fact that very night proved the sagacity of his words. It wasn’t long after the lights were extinguished that chanting reverberated in the small courtyard. Xíng Yún sighed and burrowed deeper under his quilt trying to cover his ears. “Ugh. I overestimated the crown prince. Seriously what a poor move on his part.” Suddenly a distinct sharp sound disrupted the chanting. Xíng Yún immediately got up and grabbed his robe, putting it on as he rushed out to the hall.