The evil Qi, black as filthy mud, enveloped Yue Jinghua like a rapacious beast opening its gaping maw, ready to devour her should she make the slightest move.
Her heart stirred slightly, and the "Lianyun" in her hands crossed in front of her chest. On the broken sword, the Xuan crystal stone that resembled ink jade flickered lively. As her fingertips slid across Lianyun, a cool but not icy sensation spread from her fingers to her heart.
Panic and helplessness, like the morning mist in winter, dissipated upon encountering the clear day.
Yue Jinghua flared her nostrils, taking small breaths, the great sword in her hand silently raised above her head.
In the Jinghua Garden, King Fa Xiaoyun of Shang and the Empress had just arrived, waiting for the elder princess to join them.
