Beyond the Timescape [Wuxiaworld]

Pipa music filled the hall like a great sea.

The person playing the pipa was a famous master musician from the capital. She wasn’t very old, and wore a long white gown. She had a semitransparent veil covering her face, which made her seem even more elegant. Her good looks matched the depth of her music. Because of her skill, it was usually only high officials and noble persons that could afford to hire her. Ordinary mortals would likely never hear her music, and no one could convince her otherwise.

Today, she had been invited by Princess Anhai and Fourth Prince to play here. All it took was a glance for her to determine who the main guest was. Although guests were important, they didn’t affect her very much. Over the years, she had come to realize that most people who listened to her music didn’t understand it. There were few who did. In fact, perhaps there was only one person.

To most people, she was just useful as background decoration, nothing more. She was well aware of that fact. And thus, she kept her eyes closed and focused on playing her pipa.

As her delicate hand swept across the strings, soft music flowed out, apparently telling a story from ancient times.

The music contained deep and profound meaning that could only be described as moving, and was the perfect accompaniment to the graceful dancing of the handmaidens in the hall. The onlookers almost looked drunk as a result.

That was just an act, though. Perhaps on another occasion, the people present really would have been slightly drunk. But right now... they were all mentally focused on the position of honor, where Princess Anhai and Fourth Prince were accompanying Fan Shishuang.

Everyone was thinking something different. Some people wanted to curry favor. Some were wondering how to take advantage of the situation. Others were just trying to figure out what was going on behind the scenes. Perspectives differed based on the status and affiliations of the individual.

Princess Anhai and Fourth Prince were no exception.

Princess Anhai was pondering how to proceed without making any enemies.

Fourth Prince had different thoughts. Though nonhumans weren’t allowed to meddle in matters related to imperial authority, in the end... if he could turn a Firemoon Darkheaven chosen into an ally, then he could at least bring Grand Prince down a notch or two. Grand Prince’s accomplishments among the Firemoons had propelled him from a position of relative obscurity to the point of surpassing all the other imperial princes. In fact, he was one of the three rising stars. As a result, the other imperial princes were now paying much closer attention to him.

Fan Shishuang could tell what these people were thinking. He had suffered a loss to Xu Qing, and even feared him. But that didn’t mean he was fundamentally inferior. In fact, as a chosen from the Firemoon echelon, he would be the center of attention whether among his own species or others.

In fact, scenes such as were playing out right now were old hat to him. People were always chasing after him, trying to use him, and trying to curry favor with him. He had long since become used to enjoying the perks provided because of the strength of his species and his own admirable qualities. That was just who he was, and it was part of his dao.

His dao was that of puppets, and also of all living beings. Therefore, he always tried to read the hearts of people he dealt with. It didn’t matter if they were simple or complex, good or evil. Whatever they were, he could find ways to use that to his benefit. And it would help him continue on the dao of puppets for a long time.

The major worlds he had created were not as magnificent as those created by Sir Firedark. Nor were they as wondrous as Xu Qing’s. But they were very unique.

They were puppet worlds. All of the living beings in the world were actually puppets that imitated real life, that played parts in a script that had long been arranged for them. If he ever reached the level of the nine-world Smoldering God, then his puppets could be created out of nothing. They would be extensions of his life force. At that time, he would use the identity of a creator to become an Imperial Sovereign! That was his dream. His path.

Although the way to Imperial Sovereign was severed, he had faith that the way could be opened again. And if it was unable to be repaired that way, he would make a new one.

Godly ascension!

Fan Shishuang’s eyes narrowed as he ran his index finger along the decorative patterns on the side of his drinking vessel. Inside, he was laughing coldly. All it took was a glance for him to know what the other people present were thinking. It was an ability that had given him a tremendous advantage. In fact, without it, he wouldn’t have survived the incident in which he provoked Xu Qing.

Tuo Shishan had never treated Xu Qing with hostility. Sir Heavenink was also quick to side with him. But Fan Shishuang and Master Stillwinter.... The latter had died, but even if he didn’t, there would have been others who reached Smoldering God first and become one of the Firemoons’ heavenly kings.

But why can’t I get rid of this unsettling feeling...?

After arriving here among the humans, his first day had been spent discussing matters with the two subsidiary species. Other than that, he spent his entire time in seclusion. This was only the second day he had appeared in public.

Even as Fan Shishuang pondered the situation, the music suddenly picked up in tempo. It became more impassioned, more penetrating, as if it contained the rhythm of life itself. The complicated thoughts of the listeners faded away thanks to the vigorous music. Then, the music slowly faded away, leaving behind only a faint echo.

For the first time, Fan Shishuang felt moved on an emotional level. He looked over at the young woman who had been playing the pipa.

“What’s your name?” he asked.

“Su Yue,” she replied softly. Without another word she gave a curtseying bow, then returned to her assigned seat.

Fourth Prince watched all of this happening with glittering eyes. He suddenly had an idea. Smiling, he raised his drinking vessel in a toast to Fan Shishuang.

Fan Shishuang’s expression was the same as ever as he took a drink. The banquet got more exciting after that. Many people stood to offer toasts, and there was a buzz of conversation in the air. Fan Shishuang wasn’t paying any attention to that. After all, these so-called chosen were like sparrows, while he was like a mighty eagle.

I really don’t understand how someone like Xu Qing could come out of an environment like this!

Just thinking about Xu Qing made Fan Shishuang feel more depressed, and it caused his uneasy feeling to grow stronger. He still remembered how shaken he had been to personally watch Xu Qing kill Master Stillwinter. Later, in the god domain, he was shaken even more deeply. Then, during the ceremony at God Mountain, he also watched Xu Qing defeat Sir Firedark. Because of all that, Xu Qing had become an insurmountable obstacle to him.

As he mulled such matters over, thunder boomed in the clouds outside.

It wouldn’t be suitable to stay here for much longer.... The unease within Fan Shishuang was spiking again. Of course, he didn’t dare to reveal his unpleasant feelings to the people who were toasting him, so he kept a smile on his face.

And yet, there are always people willing to dig for information, or at least, people who feel the need to prove how smart they are. At the moment, one of the young nobles was speaking.

“King Fan, we humans also got a new heavenly king recently. He’s King Skycrusher, also known as Xu Qing. He—”

The mere mention of Xu Qing’s name caused Fan Shishuang’s heart to leap into his throat. His guard instantly went up.

Before the young noble could even finish speaking, Fan Shishuang looked up, his eyes blazing as he barked, “Shut up!”

His voice boomed in the hall like thunder. The young noble’s face went pale, and he coughed up a massive mouthful of blood as he lurched backward in shock.

Fan Shishuang was scowling deeply, and his eyes were shining with vigilance. He had no desire whatsoever to provoke Xu Qing, and was convinced that the young noble had brought him up on purpose in the hopes that Fan Shishuang would say something disparaging. If word got to Xu Qing, then Fan Shishuang would quickly find himself in a lot of trouble. Convinced he was doing the right thing, Fan Shishuang did his best to hide what he was thinking. Snorting coldly, he stood to leave. He had no intention of staying any longer.

Everyone else present was surprised in some way. Some were confused, some looked on with glittering eyes, and some were already thinking of how to take advantage of the development.

Seeing that Fan Shishuang was leaving, Fourth Prince realized he needed to take action. Quickly rising, he opened his mouth to speak.

However, right then...

Thunder crashed loudly outside, even as the rain crashed down, two figures stepped into the hall.

They brought water vapor with them, which spread out around them, making them even more eye-catching. When they saw who had come, all of them reacted with visible surprise.

Princess Anhai got to her feet. After a moment of hesitation, so did Fourth Prince.

“Well met, Tutor,” they both said.

The other nobles all reacted similarly, saying, “Well met, King Skycrusher.”

Fan Shishuang stood stock still, neither continuing on his way nor going back to his seat. Inside he was reeling.

“Hahaha! It looks like those Whitemarshes were right, little Junior Brother. Little Fanfan is right here!”

Of course, the new arrivals were Xu Qing and Erniu. And right now, Erniu looked very pleased. Back in the greater spirit mansion when Xu Qing brought up Fan Shishuang, the two of them immediately went out to look for him. They first went to the Whitemarsh and Saia garrisons, only to be unable to find Fan Shishuang. Thankfully, some friendly questions asked by Xu Qing got the details they needed.

As Erniu spoke, Xu Qing looked around, glancing at Fourth Prince, giving a nod to Princess Anhai, and then turning grimly to Fan Shishuang.

“You’re coming for a little walk with me, Fan Shishuang.”

All eyes shifted to focus on Fan Shishuang.

Face was important to Fan Shishuang. However, it was also important to take timing into account, as well as the person you were dealing with.... And in these circumstances, he wasn’t even capable of considering matters of face. Upon hearing Xu Qing’s words, his expression flickered. Then his heart started pounding as he thought back to the death of Master Stillwinter and the brutal defeat of Sir Firedark. A feeling of shame and humiliation began to fill him.

Struggling to control his breathing, he said, “Xu Qing, you’re... you’re pushing things too far!! You might be the Grand Darkheaven, but that doesn’t mean you can go out of your way to embarrass me! We don’t have any grudge between us. Furthermore, I don’t have any ulterior motives for this visit to human territory!

“My presence is just a formality! Furthermore, after I came here I spent my entire time in seclusion! A moment ago someone brought up your name as part of some conspiracy to frame me, but I immediately stopped him from talking!! If you’re going to throw your weight around, Xu Qing, you... you at least need to be reasonable!”

Fan Shishuang felt so humiliated that his words came across as being very sincere.

Xu Qing listened with a strange look on his face. He could tell that Fan Shishuang was embarrassed. And considering he had come to ask for help, he let his face relax a bit and made sure to speak in a gentle tone.

“I came looking for you to ask for a favor.”

Fan Shishuang hesitated suspiciously. “Really?”

“Really,” Xu Qing replied with a curt nod. “Let’s go.”

He turned and walked out. Erniu nodded eagerly and made sure to look very sincere.

Fan Shishuang still hesitated. He knew that he didn’t have the right to refuse, though. So despite the fact that he still didn’t believe what Xu Qing just said, he gritted his teeth and walked out of the hall. Along with Xu Qing and Erniu, he disappeared into the rainy night.

Thunder crashed, lightning fell, and the rain came down harder.

***

In a residence some distance away from that hall, an ancient sigh echoed out into the darkness.

“Why did he have to show up all of a sudden...?”

The person to reply spoke in a cold, high-pitched voice. “So, are we still going to kill Fan Shishuang? He doesn’t seem to like to come out in public very often. Or should we... kill them both?”

Silence reigned for a short time. Then a third voice spoke, this one as cold as ice. “Xu Qing can’t be touched. Let’s wait until Fan Shishuang is alone again. Then we make our move.”

“But all the arrangements were already made,” the high-pitched voice said. “If there are too many delays—”

“I’ll say it again,” the cold voice interrupted with decisiveness that could sever nails and chop iron. “Don’t touch Xu Qing!”

Deathblade's Thoughts

I know I recently shared a crowd-funding recommendation, but I have one more. This one is very exciting to me. My son Battle Boy (formerly Baby Deathblade) and I have been following the YouTube channel Boylei Hobby Time for years as he has been developing his Wild Imaginary West setting through crafting. Now he's releasing a ttrpg based on that setting. I'm insanely busy nowadays, but I have literally gone to the hobby shop MANY times and come THIS close to buying some model kits to try my own hand at kit-bashing the way Boylei Hobby Time does for his WiW setting. Suffice it to say, I'm excited about this game. Not sure if I'll ever be able to play it, but I was on the notification list for the Kickstarter, although I unfortunately missed the early bird rate, as the campaign was funded in 20 minutes, and it launched when I was driving Battle Boy to school the other day. Anyway, check it out if you're inclined! Here's the link!