Druid Fairy

Chapter 201 Curse

Li Mengze's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly in mid-air.

His calm expression was like the surface of a lake rippled by a stone thrown in, but it quickly returned to its unfathomable stillness.

He didn't answer.

There is neither confession nor denial.

He simply watched the tea leaves floating in the cup, the rising steam blurring his handsome face and the fleeting, complex emotions in his eyes.

There was regret, there was resonance, and perhaps... there was also a trace of a stirring in his heart that he himself was unwilling to admit, a stirring that had just begun to sprout but was destined to be buried deep within.

He and she were like two flowers striving to grow towards the sun. Although they saw each other for a moment, they ultimately took root in different courtyards, separated by an insurmountable wall called fate.

Looking at her silent brother, the intelligent Li Mengyue seemed to understand something.

She didn't ask any further questions, but simply lowered her head and sipped her tea.

However, for some reason, the tea seemed to have become somewhat bitter.

…………

late at night.

Li Mengyue sat cross-legged under the osmanthus tree, clutching the "soul-soothing talisman" given to her by the old priest of the Baiyue tribe. She was completely immersed in a mysterious state of mind.

Her brothers' experiences and her sister Chen Qingxuan's resolute decision weighed heavily on her heart.

"If I also had power... perhaps..."

Unlike his brothers who pursued breakthroughs in "techniques," he sought to experience the origin of "Tao" under the guidance of his master, Qingxu.

With the blessing of the Taiyin Sacred Body, following this aura, it was no longer a simple perception, but a slow sinking into the "memory" of the land beneath my feet.

She "heard" countless voices, which converged into a massive torrent of resentment large enough to break the mind of any cultivator.

If it were an ordinary person, they would have long been assimilated by this resentment and turned into a demon who only knows how to kill.

But Li Mengyue didn't.

Within her sea of ​​consciousness, the illusory image of the osmanthus tree rooted in the void suddenly burst forth with an unprecedented holy radiance!
Beneath the tree, the full moon hangs high, casting its gentle light.

"You... must be in a lot of pain."

Her divine will did not choose to suppress or escape, but instead transformed into the gentlest sigh and the purest moonlight, softly caressing those raging resentments.

Her power was but a drop in the ocean compared to that boundless resentment.

But this insignificant grain of millet, like a drop of clear water added to boiling oil, triggered an unexpected chain reaction.

Those violent resentments were miraculously calmed down by this gentle power.

At the same time, Li Mengyue's "Taiyin Sacred Body" and the Druid's legacy were fully activated in this resonance with the resentment of the entire dynasty!
"boom!"

The illusory image of the osmanthus tree in her sea of ​​consciousness began to solidify at a speed visible to the naked eye, its branches and leaves stretching out as if to cover the entire world!

On the tree, silvery osmanthus blossoms quietly bloom, each petal containing the supreme charm of purification and soothing the soul!
A cool and sacred aura spread out from her center, and the ordinary flowers and exotic plants that Qingxu had casually planted on the star-gazing platform bloomed at the same time, bowing down in worship to that small figure!
Qingxu stood at a distance, watching this scene. Finally, a hint of surprise appeared on his perpetually unchanging face.

"To save all living beings... This girl has actually embarked on a path that I never even imagined."

He muttered to himself, then seemed to remember something and frowned.

"Sigh, this is troublesome. Her karmic ties with this dynasty are now impossible to sever. That old codger in my sect is probably going to make me his laborer again!"

He complained, but a hint of relief and anticipation, which he himself did not notice, flashed in his eyes.

…………

Imperial City Ancient Street.

An old-fashioned vehicle slowly drove up and stopped beside Li Mengze.

The carriage curtain was lifted, revealing a beautiful and refined face, yet with a hint of illness and pallor.

It was Chen Qingxuan, the eldest daughter of the Chen family, who was "single-mindedly devoted to the Tao".

"Young Master Mengze," she said, giving Li Mengze a slight bow, her voice clear and cool, "may I have a word with you in private?"

After dismissing everyone around them, only the two of them remained inside the carriage.

Chen Qingxuan personally poured Li Mengze a cup of tea, her eyes, which seemed to see through the ways of the world, quietly looking at him: "I know you have doubts in your heart, and I also know that what your Li family is after is definitely not just power."

Li Mengze held his teacup, remaining silent.

"Thank you for saving me."

Chen Qingxuan said slowly, "The Crown Prince may seem gentle, but he is actually narrow-minded and stubborn. If you really cure the Empress and break off my engagement, the first person he will settle accounts with if he ascends the throne is you, who has made great contributions but is unwilling to completely submit to him."

"I have come here today to repay a favor to you."

She took out an old animal hide map from her sleeve and handed it over.

"This is a map of the original geomantic veins of the capital, drawn by my Chen family ancestor at the time of the founding of the nation. On the map, there is a royal altar that has long been abandoned, and its location... is between the present-day Kunning Palace and the Imperial Clan Court."

Li Mengze took the map, his pupils suddenly contracting.

“There was a brief mention in the ancestral notes that at the beginning of the founding of the country, the founding emperor performed a ‘blood sacrifice’ here to… ‘lay the foundation of the country’. But the specific object of the sacrifice was kept secret in the notes, leaving only the words ‘vengeful dragon’.”

Vengeful Dragon!

Li Mengze was deeply shaken.

This coincides with their speculation!

"This picture might help you find what you're looking for." Chen Qingxuan gave him a deep look. "Take care of yourself."

That's all she can do.

After seeing Chen Qingxuan off, Li Mengze held the animal hide map, frowning in deep thought.

However, before he could figure it out, one problem after another arose.

The Queen is ill.

The illness came on suddenly and quite strangely.

This dignified and composed nation's mother, who was always a model of virtue for the country, suddenly became bedridden overnight, her face pale and sallow, and she could neither eat nor drink.

All the imperial physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy consulted on the case but could not find any cause of the illness. They could only keep the patient alive with the most expensive ginseng soup, and their words were full of helplessness.

This news shocked the court and the public. The Empress Dowager's serious illness was an ominous sign for the fate of the nation.

More importantly, behind the Empress stands the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, which controls nearly 30% of the army of the Great Yu Dynasty!

For a moment, everyone's attention was focused on the Crown Prince and the First Prince, the two most popular candidates for the throne.

Outside Kunning Palace, the Crown Prince, dressed in a bright yellow robe, with just the right amount of anxiety and worry on his face, personally stood guard outside the palace, showing concern and care to the officials who came to visit him, perfectly portraying the image of a filial son.

"Your Excellencies are very kind. However, my mother is unwell and needs to rest. I thank you all on her behalf."

His words were sincere and his demeanor humble, which won the praise of many veteran officials.

However, the eldest prince has yet to make an appearance.

Just when everyone thought he had lost the initiative, a squad of Golden Scale Guards escorted a simple carriage and drove directly into the palace gate, arriving in front of Kunning Palace.

The carriage curtain was lifted, and stepping out was none other than Li Mengze, the most sought-after figure in the capital at the moment.

"Professor Li, you've finally arrived!"

A chief eunuch from the Eastern Palace hurriedly stepped forward, but his face showed a hint of wariness. "His Highness has ordered that the Empress Dowager's health is extremely precious and requires the personal treatment of a national expert like yourself to ensure her well-being."

These words, though seemingly polite, were actually a declaration of sovereignty, prematurely claiming credit for Li Mengze's achievements as belonging to the Crown Prince himself.

Li Mengze sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm. He cupped his hands to the Crown Prince and said, "Your Highness flatters me. I am here on His Majesty's orders to treat the Empress's illness, and I will do my utmost."

With a single sentence, he transformed his actions from "invited by the Crown Prince" to "sent by the Emperor," instantly freeing himself from the shackles of factionalism.

A hint of displeasure flashed in the crown prince's eyes, but he couldn't show it, so he could only step aside.

Just as Li Mengze was about to step into the palace gates, the eldest prince finally arrived.

He did not come alone. Beside him were Li Mengjin, dressed in a silver flying fish robe with a cold demeanor, and Li Mengyue, who was exquisitely beautiful and led by a palace maid.

"The Crown Prince has arrived very early."

The eldest prince wore a gentle smile, seemingly oblivious to the crown prince's face darkening in an instant. "Hearing that the Empress Dowager is seriously ill, I specially invited Deputy Commander Mengjin and Princess Mingyue to come as well. Deputy Commander Mengjin possesses a clear sword heart and may be able to suppress evil spirits; Princess Mingyue is blessed with auspicious omens and will surely be able to pray for the Empress Dowager's well-being. One more person means one more force."

What a great move!
The Crown Prince invited Li Mengze because he wanted to claim all the credit for himself.

The eldest prince, however, invited the Li siblings over, instantly turning the crown prince's "exclusive possession" into "shared possession," and even put on a noble posture of "not caring about factions for the sake of the empress's well-being."

The silent confrontation between the two princes in front of Kunning Palace terrified the old foxes present, who wished they could bury their heads in the ground.

The struggle for the throne has now been completely laid bare!
Li Mengze and Li Mengjin exchanged a glance, both understanding each other perfectly.

The empress's illness was truly "just right."

It's likely that the emperor deliberately stirred up this mess, hoping to see which side the Li family would ultimately side with.

Inside the Kunning Palace, the atmosphere was as oppressive as solidified amber.

The peonies blooming in the courtyard, which were originally of national beauty, now appeared somewhat eerily alluring due to the oppressive atmosphere emanating from the palace.

The Crown Prince and the First Prince stood on the left and right, respectively, amidst the smoke of battle.

Li Mengze led his younger siblings into the hall without looking to the side. Dozens of divine thoughts, some bright and some dim, enveloped them from all directions like a spider web, scrutinizing their every move.

On the phoenix bed, the Empress's eyes were closed, her face was sallow, and her lips were cracked. The magnificent phoenix robe she wore did not accentuate her elegance; instead, it resembled a heavy burial garment, squeezing out all her last breath.

"Academician Li," the Crown Prince spoke first, his voice carrying an unquestionable command, "the Empress Dowager's health is at stake with the foundation of the nation; you must do everything in your power."

Li Mengze ignored him, calmly walked to the bedside, extended two fingers, and gently placed them on the Empress's wrist.

The surface was cold and lifeless.

A wisp of spiritual energy, blending the true fire of the sun and the vitality of spring, flowed gently into the queen's body like a warm stream.

Instantly, Li Mengze's brows furrowed.

The empress's body was depleted of its meridians and her internal organs were failing; she truly looked like a lamp running out of oil.

But deep within her soul lurked an incomparably pure yet extremely cold resentment!

This resentment shares the same origin as the "Ten Thousand Souls Blood Crystal" beneath Kunning Palace, yet it is far more condensed. Unlike ordinary evil spirits, it is not violent, but rather like a leech, silently absorbing the Empress's life essence and the nation's destiny to strengthen itself.

This isn't an illness at all; it's a backlash!
The Empress Dowager, the "core" of the array that suppresses all souls, has begun to become unstable due to her advanced age.

The Empress became the second outlet for this torrent of resentment!

"How is it?" The eldest prince's voice broke the silence at just the right moment.

All eyes were focused on Li Mengze's face.

Li Mengze slowly withdrew his hand, having already made up his mind. He turned to the two princes and the room full of imperial physicians and high-ranking officials, and said in a deep voice, "Her Majesty the Empress's illness is neither curable by medicine nor caused by evil spirits."

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

"What exactly is the cause of this illness?" the prince asked anxiously.

“It’s a curse,” Li Mengze uttered.

"A curse?!" The crowd gasped in disbelief.

“Not bad.” Li Mengze’s gaze swept over the crowd. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone’s ears. “This curse cannot be cast by one person, nor can it be done by one force. It is a kind of ‘curse’ that is forged by the resentment of thousands of living beings as a catalyst and the fate of the nation as a furnace, and is refined over many years.”

He packaged this terrifying truth in a way that sounded both mysterious and plausible.

"Her Majesty the Empress is a paragon of virtue, and her phoenix-like destiny is intertwined with the fate of the nation. The soldiers on the frontier shed their blood, and the people were displaced. These grievances are usually suppressed by the majestic dragon aura of our Great Yu Dynasty, and dare not show themselves easily. But as time goes by, the grievances accumulate and become a sea, and will seek an outlet. Her Majesty the Empress is kind and compassionate, and cares for all the people, so she has become the first target of this curse."

These words were spoken flawlessly.

This not only explained the strangeness of the cause of the illness but also attributed the source to "having the people in one's heart." This not only did not damage the royal family's reputation but also portrayed the empress as a great figure who bore suffering for the fate of the country.

The Crown Prince and the First Prince exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of seriousness in each other's eyes.

"Then... is there a solution?"

“A curse arises from resentment, and should be dispelled with auspicious omens.” Li Mengze’s gaze naturally fell on Li Mengyue, who had been silent beside him.

At this moment, everyone's attention was focused on the delicate and seemingly harmless little princess.

Li Mengyue stepped forward without the slightest fear. At her brother's prompting, she stretched out her delicate white hand and gently placed it on the Empress's withered hand.

"Buzz!"

An invisible, sacred, and cool Yin energy slowly emanated from her body. The illusory image of the cassia tree in her mind swayed gently, scattering countless silver rays of light that flowed down her arm and into the Empress's body.

(End of this chapter)