Chapter 11 Zizi
Zizi
Time passes in a blink of an eye. Having found an elusive happiness with Lei Ying, Four flits between the world of the living
and the realm of the dead.
But the fate of the cultivators changes with the season. War takes a toll on the kingdom, and when winter returns, a deep freeze ravages the land. With more
deaths, more Revenants are born. Fear spreads among the common folk. So, too, do the whispers of a young woman, a cultivator
whose spiritual energy is so strong it calls to monsters.
The orphan who brought death to her entire village.
From town to town, the whispers spread, until they reach the ears of the capital.
Four is exasperated. This is a side of humanity he has not experienced firsthand before. It confuses him. Angers him.
“Why do they spread such awful lies? Do they not understand that you are all that stands between them and the Revenants?”
“Humans fear what they do not understand,” Lei Ying says. “When people feel helpless, they need someone to blame.”
“They are ungrateful things,” Four says spitefully. “Why do you still risk your life to protect them?”
Lei Ying’s eyes glisten. “Because it is the right thing to do.”
Snow blankets the kingdom. Sunlight is scarce. The Revenants thrive, and the whispers have crescendoed to screams.
The Emperor is compelled to act.
“I have been called to the Imperial Palace,” Lei Ying announces.
Four takes her hand. “Do not go, not without me.” Already, his grip is weakening, his skin turning translucent.
His time is up; he must return to the underworld.
“Wait for me to return. I will be back as soon as I can.” Something feels wrong.
Four fears that if he leaves, he shall never see her again.
But the tug from the underworld is unbearable, the black silk around his neck sears his skin.
“The summons comes from Emperor Burning Flame himself,” she says, a catch in her voice. “His general will escort me. I must
go to the gates. If I do not, it will make things difficult for Shifu and the cultivators.”
“My love—”
Lei Ying smiles. A smile that is brighter than light. “We will meet again.”