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

Chapter 396 Mysterious Object
It was still early, only noon, but Zhao Ti didn't keep track of time when he started cultivating. Gradually, dusk fell and night arrived.

He sat on the couch and practiced his cultivation for nine cycles. Feeling that he had accumulated enough, he began to attempt to break through to the eighth level of the Twelve-Story Tower.

The eighth level is called Vermilion Bird Wings, and the corresponding tribulation is the Infant Suffering Tribulation, which symbolizes endless life and continuous existence.

The Vermilion Bird is able to be reborn from the ashes, just like an infant crossing a sea of ​​suffering, enduring hardship and bitterness, and gradually becoming stronger through all the difficulties.

He had not yet used up all the spiritual energy he had absorbed at the Six Yin Temple on the grassland. After converting it into mana, he still had some left, which he could use when he advanced to the ninth level of the Life and Death Gate next time.

Although it is called the attempt to break through the eighth level, in reality, as long as you accumulate enough energy and operate it smoothly, you can guide your body's energy directly upwards.

In less than a quarter of an hour, Zhao Ti felt another shackle on his body being broken, and his magical power surged like the Yangtze River, roaring and surging within the eighth layer of the Vermilion Bird Wing.

He slowly regulated his internal energy and stabilized his state. After everything calmed down, he began to examine his meridians and body. Just as he finished his examination and was about to finish, his body suddenly trembled.

Hmm, here we go again? Zhao Ti raised his eyebrows; this was a sign that he was about to enter another world.

Sure enough, in just a moment, his vision became blurry, and then, as if the fog had been cleared, another scene appeared.

A solitary lamp burns in the dim light, the humble room is filled with the fragrance of books, and shadowy figures of a man and a crow gaze at each other on the wall.

"Brother Crow, what obstacle have you encountered that requires my help?"

“Brother Zhao, I was embarrassed to ask for your help, but I really couldn’t think of any other way…” Crow sighed.

Zhao Ti was even more puzzled upon hearing this. The crow was a demon, and it didn't seem to be any minor demon. After all, it claimed to be able to protect him under Zhuge Qingqing's command, and it kept referring to itself as "this one," which sounded very imposing.

"Brother Ya, please tell me. As long as I can do it and it doesn't violate the law, then there's no reason for me to refuse." Zhao Ti pondered for a few moments before speaking solemnly.

As long as it's not something bad and it's something you can do yourself, you might as well help the other person. First, it's good to build a positive relationship, and second, since the other person is currently protecting you, it's only right and proper to lend a hand.

"It's not a matter of breaking the law," the crow said. "To be honest, my reason for coming to Yuzhou is to retrieve something from Feilai Temple."

"To retrieve something from Feilai Temple?" Zhao Ti said, "This..."

The crow's two red eyes gleamed: "This thing does not belong to Feilai Temple, but was an object of my clan countless years ago, and is now suppressed under the Feilai Pagoda."

Zhao Ti remained silent upon hearing this. He did not quite agree with Crow's explanation, because since the item was in Feilai Temple and was placed under the pagoda, it should belong to the temple. It was unreasonable to assume that it was something belonging to its clan based solely on Crow's statement.

Moreover, even if it originally belonged to another race, why is it now at Feilai Temple? We have no idea what happened in the past, or if there were other reasons that led to this item ending up in the temple's possession.

“This item was stolen by the monks here when Feilai Temple was first built countless years ago. I searched for a long time before I finally found its whereabouts. I have come here today to retrieve it,” said the crow.

"When Feilai Temple was first built?" Zhao Ti was taken aback upon hearing this.

This temple has a very long history. It existed not only during the current Daqian Dynasty, but also before the Jin Dynasty, and even five or six dynasties before that. If we really trace it back, it probably has a history of five or six thousand years.

This temple has endured many vicissitudes and wars, yet it has never been destroyed, making it one of the most important ancient sites in Yuzhou.

But how did this temple get involved with the demon race?

After a moment's thought, Zhao Ti realized the temple's mysterious nature. Although the temple was open to the public, only the main hall in front was open. Other parts of the temple were not open to the public, and the people and pilgrims of Yuzhou could only offer incense in the main hall and could not go inside.

This also means that the temple is not very popular, far less so than other temples in the city, and even less so than temples in the suburbs.

Could there be some secret hidden in this temple? If what the crow said is true, and the monks here stole items from the demon race back then, then this must not be an ordinary temple.

“That’s right, it was back then.” The crow nodded. “Thousands of years ago, when this temple was first built, the demon race and the human race had a fierce battle. The treasures were taken away by the human race in that battle. It was a mystery where they ended up with the human race. I investigated for a long time before I finally got a clue and found the Feilai Temple in Yuzhou.”

Zhao Ti thought for a moment, but he had never read about such a great battle in any books. He had a broad knowledge of the world's customs, history, and legends, but he had never seen such a record.

"Brother Crow, what kind of battle is it?" Zhao Ti asked, frowning.

The crow glanced at him and said, "Even if you humans have some records, you probably wouldn't spread this matter around. Back then, the demon race and humans weren't as peaceful as they are now. There were frequent wars, countless deaths and injuries, mountains of corpses and seas of blood, and the battlefield was like hell on earth."

Zhao Ti nodded. The area of ​​Daqian Kingdom has been generally called Xuanhuang since ancient times, and the people are called descendants of Xuanhuang. There are ninety-nine histories of Xuanhuang, which means that there were ninety-nine dynasties before Daqian. However, apart from the lost parts, the history books of these dynasties mostly describe the affairs of the human race and the changes of dynasties, and do not write about other races.

The likes of demons and ghosts, or even the most mysterious monsters, are all recorded in some separate histories, miscellaneous histories, and local histories, but they mostly focus on specific points and events, and have not described large-scale war scenarios.

The crow continued, "Thousands of years ago, it was the last great war between the demon race and the human race. Countless people died and the war lasted for many years. The elites of both races suffered heavy casualties, and both sides were greatly weakened, to the point that they could no longer stop."

Zhao Ti asked, "How can such a great battle eventually end?"

The crow said in a strange voice, "Originally, the fire was already raging and would not be extinguished, but who would have thought... that a celestial demon would suddenly descend!"

Zhao Ti was taken aback upon hearing this: "What Heavenly Demon?"

The crow said, "Beyond the nine heavens, in the vast starry sky, there are all kinds of demons. These demons either come alone, or in groups of three or five, or in groups of clans, attacking and devouring living worlds everywhere. Their methods are bizarre and hard to defend against, and their tricks are so varied that they chill the heart. If there is no resistance or defense, some large demon clans can destroy a living world."

Zhao Ti looked astonished. This was something he had never seen in the book. Although some miscellaneous books and illustrated books told stories of immortals and demons, they did not mention any extraterrestrial demons that would attack the continent.

"The situation was critical at the time. The demon and human races had no choice but to cease hostilities and join forces to resist the attack of the Heavenly Demon," the raven said in a heavy tone.

"A few years later, the Heavenly Demon was defeated, and both the demon and human races suffered heavy losses. Even if they wanted to continue fighting, they no longer had the resources. Fearing that the Heavenly Demon would make a comeback, they signed an agreement in the name of the Dao Ancestor to coexist peacefully, live for themselves, and refrain from starting wars. This agreement has continued to this day."

“I see.” Zhao Ti nodded. “So, that thing…”

“According to my clan’s records, that item was taken by a monk from the Xuanhuang Land during the great war, and then disappeared without a trace. Over the years, I have investigated and found that the monk was the abbot when the Feilai Temple was founded. He then secretly entered the temple and looked through ancient classic records to find clues. Finally, he determined that the item was suppressed under the Feilai Pagoda behind the temple,” the crow said.

Zhao Ti remained silent for a few moments: "In that case, Brother Ya, just take it out. What help can I possibly offer?"

The crow shook its head: "The underground palace that suppresses this thing has a restriction set up by the monks back then, and non-humans cannot enter. Although I pride myself on my great supernatural powers, whether I can break the restriction is another matter, but it will definitely cause quite a commotion, alarming the monks in the temple and even the Yuzhou government. Then things will be difficult." Zhao Ti fell silent again. This matter seemed somewhat complicated, and whether to help or not was truly a dilemma.

Logically speaking, things from ancient times have long since passed, and since it belongs to the demon race, there's nothing wrong with helping them retrieve it.

But I'm worried that there might still be some connection between them. Even though thousands of years have passed, who knows if problems might arise? I don't want to cause any unnecessary trouble because of this.

The crow looked at him and said, “What I said is not made up. There is a stone tablet at the entrance of the underground palace under the tower. The monk himself carved it and told the story of the origin of this thing. He also said that if anyone can take this thing a thousand years later, they can take it as they wish, as it is a matter of fate.”

Zhao Ti exclaimed in surprise, "Such a thing is true?"

The crow said, "Of course, my good brother, you can come with me to see for yourself and prove that what I said is true."

Zhao Ti couldn't help but think to himself, if the monk's message back then was waiting for someone with a predestined connection, it must be open to both humans and demons. In that case, helping the other party wouldn't be a problem, since this item originally belonged to their clan.

He asked, "Brother Crow, I wonder what kind of item it is?"

Upon hearing this, the crow's tone immediately lit up with joy: "Brother, you've agreed? That item is called... the Demon-Summoning Banner!"

"A demon-summoning banner?" Zhao Ti nodded. Judging from the name, it must be a demon's possession, but he didn't know its specific function. "Brother Crow, when do you think it would be a good time for you to take me to the underground palace at the bottom of the tower?"

The crow said, "I really have to thank you, my brother. I don't know many people in the world who can help me, let alone in Yuzhou. I am grateful for your help. After I finish retrieving the item, I will definitely thank you properly."

Zhao Ti shook his head and said, "Brother Ya, why be so polite? I helped you because we hit it off immediately and we have a deep friendship. I didn't expect any gratitude."

The crow said, "Thank you is certainly necessary. But how about this: if we have nothing to prepare tonight, then tomorrow night will do. Tomorrow night I will take you to the underground palace to observe, and you can help me break the restrictions and obtain the Demon Banner in one fell swoop."

Zhao Ti said, "Alright, then it's settled. I'll help Brother Ya tomorrow night."

The crow then flew out the window, and Zhao Ti pondered for a moment before continuing to read.

The next day, after breakfast, I walked toward the state school, only to see a little maid in colorful clothes looking around not far from the school gate.

Zhao Ti recognized her immediately; it was the maid from the Prefectural Governor's residence who had delivered the invitation to his home that day. The maid ran up to him upon seeing him, exclaiming, "Young Master Zhao..."

Zhao Ti asked, "Miss, are you looking for me?"

The maidservant said, "I am here on my mistress's orders to deliver something to the young master as a token of my gratitude for the Yujiang Poetry Gathering and as an apology for the fright you suffered that day."

Zhao Ti laughed and said, "There's no need for thanks or apologies, Miss Luofu, you're overthinking it."

The maid's eyes sparkled: "Miss originally wanted to come to see the young master in person to present the gifts, but due to some special matters, she had to rush to another place, so she sent me here instead."

"Oh? Miss Luofu has left Yuzhou?" Zhao Ti asked.

"That's right. Miss went to Jiangnan on business and won't be able to return for a day or two. Miss has written to Young Master Zhao, and you will know as soon as you see it."

As she spoke, the maid took out a letter from her person and gave it to Zhao Ti, then presented a brocade box.

Zhao Ti took the letter, and a delicate fragrance wafted over him. He then took the brocade box and said, "Miss Luo Fu is too kind. May I ask what this contains?"

The maidservant said with a charming smile, "Young master, you will know once you see it. Miss told me to tell you that you can just carry this with you. She even told me to tie it on for you."

Zhao Ti couldn't help but be curious, so he reached out and opened the brocade box, only to find a jade pendant lying quietly inside.

This jade pendant is pure white and flawless, radiating a soft glow; its material is clearly the finest mutton fat jade.

Its shape is that of a mythical Qilin, and the carving is exquisite and beautiful, lifelike. The Qilin raises its head to the sky, symbolizing striving upwards.

Zhao Ti said, "This is really too valuable; I cannot accept it."

Gold has a price, but jade is priceless. This top-quality mutton fat jade, with such exquisite carving, is clearly the work of a master. It would fetch an unimaginable price on the market.

The maid said, "Young Master Zhao, please don't refuse. This is a token of my young lady's affection. I will tie it around your waist for you."

As she spoke, she stepped forward, took out the jade pendant from the box, and deftly fastened it to Zhao Ti's belt.

Zhao Ti was immediately embarrassed and hurriedly said, "Miss, please don't do this. I, I can do it myself..."

The maidservant smiled and said, "What's the harm? Young master, please don't think about things like the impropriety of men and women touching each other. I'm just a servant girl. My mistress instructed me to help you put it on, and I naturally obeyed. Young master, please don't move around. Don't move, don't move. It will be done soon..."

Watching the maidservant swiftly attach the jade pendant to his belt, Zhao Ti couldn't help but smile wryly, "This is far too impolite..."

The young maid's face flushed: "Young master, then this servant will return."

Zhao Ti said, "Thank you for your trouble, young lady. Please make yourself at home."

Watching the maid turn and leave, he walked towards the state school, opening Luo Fu's letter as he went.

The letter was brief, but it conveyed a sense of intimacy. It mentioned the poetry gathering in Yuzhou that day, and sent a gift to express gratitude and apology. It also mentioned that he had gone to Jiangnan on business and had left in a hurry without having time to say goodbye, but that he would drink and chat with him again when he returned.

After reading the letter, Zhao Ti carefully folded it, put it in his book box, and then went into the school.

Nothing much happened that day except for Mo Xun teasing him about why he was wearing a jade pendant and where it came from, which he quickly brushed off with a few words.

After school, I went home, ate dinner, and went back to my room. As darkness fell, a cold wind silently blew open the window, and a crow flew in.

(End of this chapter)