A grand library stood adorned with pure, snow-white memories. Every corner was graced by hanging lanterns, and every small corridor within the sanctuary was bathed in a brilliant, sacred light.

  Mo Yan sat dressed in his High King’s robes, yet despite his sovereign status, his attire remained humble and simple. His disciples stood around him like magnificent statues of modesty.

  However, from time to time, Bao Fang’s gaze drifted toward Su Nian, who stood a short distance away. Su Nian’s face was flushed a deep crimson, and a faint, lingering mark was visible on his neck. Aware of Bao Fang’s mischievous, sidelong glances, Su Nian gently pulled his hair forward, veiling his neck from view. Yet, the subtle curve of Bao Fang’s smile showed that his playful thoughts had already pieced together the truth.

  Suddenly, Lady Shiyan Lee and Lady Wang Ayi entered the main courtyard of the library. Upon seeing them, Mo Yan bowed with a heart-stirring elegance, and his disciples followed suit with equal grace. Master Tong Men then stepped forward, bowing in respect before Mo Yan, and spoke solemnly:

  "Our Emperor, we received your message. We have examined the map you sent. Please, allow us to explain its secrets."

  Mo Yan granted permission with a reverent nod. Moments later, they were seated around a low, exquisitely carved wooden table. His disciples sat in perfect harmony below him no movement, no sound. Master Tong Men spoke:

  "Emperor, this is a secret map of a hidden temple known as the Eternal Spiritual Temple of Qasiong. It was discovered by the Great Master Xi Jayong. According to the legends of Master Xi Jayong, it is a temple that reflects the soul of a Great Sovereign Ruler. It possesses a celestial, ethereal power... a power capable of finding even a lost soul."

  As Master Tong Men finished, Lady Shiyan Lee spoke. Her eyes were rimmed with red, and Lady Wang Ayi offered silent emotional support, resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. When Lady Shiyan Lee finally spoke, her voice glowed with maternal tenderness, as if she were speaking not to a monarch, but to her own son:

  "Mo Yan... Qasiong is a sacred scripture containing deep, hidden knowledge that only a pure heart can perceive. Master Xi Jayong wrote in the Ming Xi that for centuries, it has held the essence of purity and divine energy. It is written in the pure Chwen language. Its power is so intense that if your heart harbors a single lie, you will be consumed by its divine fires. The soul of Qasiong shows no mercy to the deceitful or the treacherous. But... if there is compassion in your soul; if your love is pure; if you bow not out of fear, but out of true devotion it will grant you its blessing."

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  Mo Yan remained motionless, absorbing the weight of these profound words. Su Nian’s face held a unique sense of pride as he listened.

  The library fell silent, as tranquil as moonlight scattered over a landscape. Lady Wang Ayi spoke in a gentle tone:

  "Mo... we can only guide you through the ritual. What lies within you is known only to you, Your Majesty. But we hold great hope for you. We pray that your lost spiritual energy returns to you."

  She opened the Ming Xi book and detailed the ritual:

  "The Trial of Qasiong: You must offer five closed peach blossoms to the soul of Qasiong. If they bloom, your heart has been accepted. But if they wither and burn, you are judged as a sinner. Following this, you must sit in absolute meditation for 111 days. Qasiong herself will assist you, releasing energy as she breathes in the surrounding peace. Her divine heart will nourish your soul. You will feel no hunger, no pain nothing. You will perceive only the Truth. But remember... only if your soul is pure."

  Mo Yan bowed his head once more. Lady Wang Ayi concluded, "You may depart now. May your journey be auspicious."

  As she bowed, every head in the room followed, stooping low before Mo Yan. Mo Yan, possessing a soul-deep beauty, stared ahead with eyes filled with a haunting emptiness. Though his head was bowed in respect, he felt the desolate, silent space beside him the space where Yu Sui used to walk.

  For a fleeting moment, he looked to his side and saw a vision of Yu Sui, standing there with a radiant smile, gazing at him with love. But as Mo Yan reached out his hand to touch the image, the phantom vanished. The void left behind felt like a parched land, desperate for a rain that would never come.

  His eyes filled, and one by one, tears began to fall. As Lady Shiyan Lee, Lady Wang Ayi, and Su Nian witnessed those tears, the grief became visible a reflection of his heart's true state. Su Nian lowered his gaze, his eyes heavy with his own hidden tears, feeling the echoes of that eternal love within his own heart.

  Lady Shiyan Lee felt a shock like being crushed under a heavy stone; she hadn't even had the chance to say a proper goodbye to her son. Steeling herself, she approached Mo Yan, wiped his tears, and placed the map Yu Sui had left behind into his hands. She looked at him as if she were gazing at the last remaining trace of Yu Sui. Witnessing this, Su Nian’s eyes overflowed. The love was overwhelming, yet it could not bridge the agonizing absence of Yu Sui.

  Finally, Mo Yan offered a parting bow and left. His disciples bowed one last time before following their Emperor out into the world.