The Song Dynasty was the king for thirteen years before he knew that he was Tianlong.

Chapter 290 Snow Mountain, Return to the Palace (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
"Kumārajīva and Huo Linglong have gone missing?" Zhao Ti looked at Wu Xiong and said slowly, "Tell me the details."

“Yes, Your Highness.” Wu Xiong nodded and began to explain in detail.

It turned out that after Zhao Ti and the others parted ways in the snowy mountains, the Thirty-Six Caves and Seventy-Two Islands were led by Kumārajīva, Huo Linglong, and Wu Xiong to begin searching the mountains.

Tibet has many snow-capped mountains, but the one being searched at this moment is the one on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau. This snow-capped mountain is one of the largest in terms of area among all the snow-capped mountains in Tibet, and it is very magnificent and long.

Because it was so large, they were divided into three groups. Kumārajīva and his two companions each led a group to search for it separately, agreeing to meet at the signal arrow.

Not long after, news came from Kumārajīva's group that he had disappeared and that they had searched repeatedly but could not find him.

The other two groups hurriedly helped with the search, but found no trace whatsoever. Kumārajīva had simply disappeared while walking, leaving almost no clues whatsoever.

Left with no other choice, the group split into two teams: one searching for Mu Wanqing's whereabouts, and the other searching for Kumārajīva.

But one morning, Huo Linglong suddenly disappeared. Everyone was shocked and searched everywhere but couldn't find her. They dared not make any further moves, and Wu Xiong hurriedly returned to Xingzhou to report the news.

Zhao Ti frowned after hearing this: "Kumārajīva disappeared without a trace during the search of the mountain, and Huo Linglong was nowhere to be found when she got up early this morning?"

Wu Xiong said, "Your Highness, that is indeed the case. That is why we are panicked and dare not take any further action. We have come to Xingzhou to ask Your Highness for a decision."

Zhao Ti nodded. The disappearance of the two was definitely not a coincidence or an accident; there must be something serious going on.

Mu Wanqing went missing. After searching, it was finally determined that she was not in the big mountain north of Shanju County, but in the snow-capped mountains of Tubo across the way. So, Kumārajīva and Huo Linglong are missing in the snow-capped mountains. Could there be any connection between the two?
This is highly likely. There must be something wrong with the snow mountain opposite the Great Mountain of Shanju County. Kumārajīva and Huo Linglong are missing in it. If Mu Wanqing really came here before as predicted, could it be that she encountered something in this snow mountain and then disappeared?

If all three of them disappeared in one place, then what kind of strange thing exists in this snow mountain that has trapped all three of them without a trace?
"Your Highness, I feel there seems to be something wrong with that snow mountain," Zhu Chuyi said.

"Your subordinate also feels there's something wrong with that snow mountain," Wu Xiong said. "We discussed it with the others, and we're wondering if Miss Mu disappeared in that snow mountain?"

Zhao Ti pondered for a moment and said, "That's possible, but we don't know the specific circumstances of Wanqing at that time. The disappearances of Kumārajīva and Huo Linglong were strange, and Wanqing's situation was also very unusual."

“That’s right,” Wu Xiong said. “I have questioned the cave master and the island master carefully, but there is no trace of them. Master Kumārajīva disappeared mysteriously while walking in the group. Although King Huolong disappeared in the morning, he should have left in the middle of the night. However, there are at least two people on night duty every night, yet no one noticed anything.”

Zhao Ti pondered for a few more moments and said, "That snow mountain is vast and not within the territory of the Song Dynasty. If a thorough investigation is needed, we should send more people to infiltrate it."

Everyone agreed, and Zhao Ti immediately began to mobilize troops, summoning all the Tibetan generals in the city, giving them instructions, dividing them into several teams, and starting to lead them quietly into the great snow mountain.

Then he wrote another letter to Yang Jian, who was stationed in Qingtang City, and sent some Tibetan generals and soldiers there as well.

To thoroughly investigate that snow mountain, a small manpower would be insufficient. Fortunately, the area is on the border of Dali in Tibet, not in the heart of Tibet, so the Baolun King, who controls that plateau, might not be aware of it.

He then dismissed everyone and summoned officials from various departments in the city to inquire about government affairs. During this period, Xingzhou was stable and peaceful. He wrote a memorial to Zhao Xu and sent it to Tokyo. After everything was settled, he returned to the palace.

Upon entering the palace, the scene remained desolate and quiet. There were simply too few people, and the atmosphere was far from lively. In the distance, the maids Ruyi and Youcao were picking flower petals, their purpose unknown.

Zhao Ti coughed lightly, and the two hurriedly ran over to greet him. Zhao Ti asked, "Where are Azhu, Ling'er, and Lan'er?"

Ruyi said, "Your Highness, the three young ladies know that Your Highness has returned, so they are rushing to make flower cakes for Your Highness to taste. They asked us to pick flowers and said that if they see Your Highness enter the palace, they should quickly inform you so that they can come to greet you."

Zhao Ti said, "There's no need for a welcome. Take me over to see when you'll start making cakes again."

Ruyi smiled and said, "Miss Azhu knew a little bit before, but Miss Zhong and Miss Lan'er didn't know anything. They've all learned it recently and they've been very diligent."

Zhao Ti thought for a moment: "I know that A'Zhu can make flower dew, which can be drunk as wine and tastes pretty good. But Ling'er can't do anything... Well, you can't say that. She's good at catching snakes. Making cakes is always better than catching snakes."

Just then, Tong Guan ran over and hurriedly bowed, saying, "Your Highness, this humble servant is late in welcoming you. Please forgive me."

Zhao Ti glanced at him: "Where have you been? You're all sweaty."

Tong Guan wiped the sweat from his forehead: "My servant is over at the stable. For some reason, Black Rose has been a bit irritable these past two days. She almost overturned the stable corridor. I tried to calm her down, but she even tried to attack me. I can't just leave her alone, in case she causes trouble or runs away."

"Oh?" Zhao Ti raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with Black Rose? Take me to see her."

Upon hearing this, Tong Guan hurriedly led the way. Zhao Ti walked forward, and the two maids behind him exchanged glances and followed, carrying flower baskets.

A moment later, they arrived at the front of the stables and saw Black Rose gnawing hard on the wooden fence, while the giant eagle outside hid far away, staring blankly.

Black Rose looked up at the sound of footsteps, a broken piece of wood still dangling from her mouth. She let out a long neigh when she saw Zhao Ti, and then ran out of the stable.

It came to Zhao Ti's side, pawing at his hind legs incessantly. Unlike before, it didn't rub against his arm, but instead raised its head and made a series of hooves.

"What's wrong?" Zhao Ti looked at the horse with a surprised expression. Black Rose had never been like this before. This horse was not irritable, just a bit naughty, like a child.

He reached out and removed the broken wooden fence from Black Rose's mouth, but Black Rose opened her mouth and grabbed his hand.

Zhao Ti asked, "What's going on?"

Black Rose made two soft "woof" sounds, biting his hand before releasing it. She just held it in her mouth, making low, seemingly anxious sounds.

Zhao Ti paused for a moment, then said, "Is something the matter? But you can't speak, so I don't know what this means."

Black Rose seemed to understand, continuing to paw at herself and make noises, her large, black, gem-like eyes fixed on Zhao Ti.

Zhao Ti tried to pull his hand back, but didn't pull it out. Black Rose shook its head as if it were being coquettish. Zhao Ti reached out his other hand to stroke its head, and it took a long time for it to calm down a little.

Zhao Ti said, "Let's go back to the stable first. Although I don't know what you want, don't panic. I'll be going out again in a couple of days. I'll take you with me this time. If anything happens, just lead me there."

Black Rose blinked, seemingly understanding what Zhao Ti said, but still refused to let go of his hand.

Zhao Ti laughed and said, "Why are you biting me like that? If you're hungry, I'll have someone bring you more food. My hands can't be used as food."

Tong Guan, standing nearby, said, "This humble servant will immediately prepare more fine ingredients and send them over."

The groom cautiously replied, "I'll go myself; there's no need for the steward." With that, he ran towards the feed room.

Upon hearing this, Black Rose slowly released Zhao Ti. Zhao Ti withdrew his hand and said, "I have other things to do. You go back and stay here. I'll take you out in a couple of days."

He turned around after speaking, but unexpectedly, Black Rose bent down and grabbed the corner of his robe from behind, seemingly not wanting him to leave. Zhao Ti sighed softly, reached out and stroked the horse's ear. Black Rose blinked her big eyes, hissed softly, and then released the corner of his robe.

He then walked in another direction, with Ruyi Youcao leading the way carrying a flower basket. After a moment, he saw the east kitchen's baking room.

Even before they got close, a rich and enticing aroma wafted out. Ruyi turned around and said, "Your Highness, the two young ladies must have finished baking a batch."

Yu Cao asked curiously, "Did you finally succeed?"

Zhao Ti said, "It smells pretty good. What, did you fail to bake it before?"

Ruyi smiled and said, "The two young ladies either baked it too lightly or too heavily at first, and it didn't smell good. This time, the aroma is so strong that it must have been a success."

The door to the drying room creaked open, and Zhong Ling ran out. Her clothes were in a mess, and there were two flour stains on her face. When she saw Zhao Ti, she exclaimed in surprise, "Your Highness... you've returned to the palace?"

Zhao Ti smiled and asked, "How did you end up like this?"

Zhong Ling blushed and tried to run back: "I, I'll go clean up. I accidentally made this while making pastries."

Zhao Ti said, "What are you packing? Come here and let me see."

Zhong Ling walked shyly to Zhao Ti's side, and Zhao Ti reached out and gently flicked the flour off her cheek.

Zhong Ling's cheeks immediately flushed red: "Your Highness, I... I think I'll go wash up?"

Zhao Ti laughed and said, "Let's leave it at that for now. Let me see what delicious things you've made."

A'Zhu and Lan Jian also came out of the door at this time. They were in slightly better condition than Zhong Ling, but they were still covered in white stains. A'Zhu saw Zhao Ti and said, "Why didn't Your Highness send someone to inform us when you returned to the palace so that we could tidy up?"

Zhao Ti laughed and said, "What's there to pack? It's better to have something to do than to be idle and sentimental all the time."

A'Zhu's eyes darted around: "Your Highness, would you like to try the flower cakes that I, Ling'er, and Lan'er made?"

Zhao Ti nodded: "That's exactly what I was thinking."

After saying that, he walked into the baking room. The aroma became even stronger, a mixture of fresh flowers, baked flatbread, and cheese slush.

The baking room was huge and fully equipped with all sorts of facilities. There was a table in the middle with a few stools. Zhao Ti went over and sat down: "Bring over the cakes and pastries you baked."

Azhu said, "Tell this servant to clean it up."

Zhao Ti said, "No need, hurry up and bring it up so I can see. I'm a little hungry, I'll eat some first."

Azhu smiled and took Zhong Ling and Lan Jian's hands: "My two sisters, bring what we made to His Highness."

As he spoke, he walked toward the oven, and Ruyi and Youcao went over to help. A moment later, they brought out a plate of fresh flower cakes.

Zhao Ti told them not to plate them, but to put them directly on the table. Each piece of cake was different in shape, as beautiful as a flower, and was even decorated with the color of the petals' juice.

Zhao Ti picked up a piece and put it in his mouth. It was soft, tender, and fragrant, and his appetite was whetted. He ate half a plateful before taking a break and looking at the girls, he asked, "Why aren't you eating?"

The women laughed together, "I'm afraid it won't be enough for His Highness to eat."

Zhao Ti shook his head: "How can I eat so much? Please sit down and enjoy it with us."

Upon hearing this, the girls sat down at the table and quickly devoured a whole tray of flower cakes.

A'Zhu said, "Your Highness, my sisters and I will go and make some more."

Zhao Ti nodded: "Don't make too much, fresher is better. You can decide how to do it."

The women responded, and Zhao Ti then got up and walked outside. After taking a stroll around the palace, he went straight to his study.

He entered the study, closed the door, and then fell into deep thought.

This trip to the grasslands stirred up quite a storm in his heart. The strange scenes of shamanism, the practice of invoking gods, and the peculiarities of the grasslands all seemed to hide some great secret.

He didn't bring Huang Tianbiao into the palace, but instead had it follow Zhou Tong. The fact that a beast could speak like a human showed that this was no ordinary world.

It may be related to the great changes in the world, or there may have been supernatural phenomena in the world to begin with. After all, things like the Everlasting Spring Water and the Everlasting Youth Technique are beyond the scope of the normal world.

Those immortals are nothing compared to the existence of true immortals and gods in this world. Although they have not yet appeared, all signs point to the existence of extraordinary beings.

Zhao Ti recalled a wisp of thought from the Grassland Wolf Immortal. It was truly too peculiar; it didn't resemble martial arts, nor did it seem like magic, making it difficult to understand.

Huang Tianbiao said that this thing was cultivated, but he couldn't figure out how to cultivate his thoughts to the point that they could fly out of his body, both to attach to a person and to attack enemies.

Zhao Ti's brows furrowed even more. He then thought of the Great Snow Mountain again. It seemed he still had to go there again. Kumārajīva and Huo Linglong had disappeared in that snow mountain, and Mu Wanqing had most likely also disappeared there. That Great Snow Mountain must have something special about it, and this time he had to go there to resolve this matter.

After a while, Zhao Ti remained seated in his chair. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Zhao Ti said, "Come in?"

Then, A'Zhu, Zhong Ling, and Lan'er brought out fragrant tea, and Zhao Ti asked, "Are the cakes being baked?"

A'Zhu nodded, and Lan'er asked, "Does Your Highness have any further instructions?"

Zhao Ti thought for a moment and said, "Go and fetch some water so we can take a bath."

The three women went out together to prepare, and a moment later Zhong Ling came to call him, and then they headed towards Mu Palace.

The Western Xia imperial palace had a special bathing area, unlike the small wooden hut in the Prince of Yan's mansion, it was a luxurious palace.

Inside the central hall, there is not only a large pool, but also small courtyards around it for changing clothes, resting, and drinking.

Zhao Ti went straight to the main hall in the middle, closed the door after entering, and then walked into the pool.

(End of this chapter)