Chapter Thirty-Six: Su Thirteen, the Empress of the Nine Tribes

After parting ways with Hao Dan some days prior, Su Su accompanied Su Moran to Yan Feng Mountain’s Broken Branch. Yan Feng Mountain was where Su Moran had long secluded himself. In the midst of chaos within the Nine Yi tribes, Su Su, the Empress of the Nine Yi, could not return home yet. Until she regained her imperial status, she dared not venture back.

Since Su Su had fallen under the mental control of the Seven Stars Tower’s witch, Side-Face Gala, she’d lost her self-awareness. Before that, she was still the Empress. To break free from the witch’s control, she forcibly withdrew her consciousness, which resulted in lost memories and a shrunken form. Fortunately, she hadn’t reverted fully and lost a century of cultivation.

Su Moran brought her to this safe haven for her to recuperate for a year. When Old Black passed, Su Su’s memories had begun to stir. Now, all she needed was peace and cultivation; perhaps, after a year, she could be herself again. Of course, this was merely Su Moran’s initial estimation. For full recovery, rest alone would not suffice. Luckily, Side-Face Gala hadn’t destroyed Su Su completely—her aims achieved, she now controlled the Nine Yi. Whether Gala harbored deeper schemes remained unknown to Su Moran. Ever since attaining the Dao, he had never meddled in tribal affairs, rarely interacted with others, and could not investigate further.

Hao Dan, in past days, had noticed nothing amiss. The snow-robed Su Moran always carried a tiny, adorable golden finch on his shoulder—not an ordinary bird, perhaps possessed of strange abilities.

Meanwhile, within the Nine Yi tribes, the Empress’s disappearance had faded from memory. Now, the tribes were choosing a new leader: the Lion King He Qilie of the Yang Yi Tribe. He had coveted the Nine Yi throne for years, going so far as to enlist outsiders to secure his rule.

The Yang Yi people dwelled on the Yang Yi Prairie, notorious for their cruel and violent ways toward other tribes. Under Lion King He Qilie’s rule, they never saw others as kin, treating weaker groups as prey—a practice unseen among other tribes. All but the powerful Feng Yi, Huang Yi, Qian Yi, and Bai Yi feared He Qilie’s brutal reign. With the Empress vanished and chaos erupting, the remaining tribes endured in silence under the Lion King’s dominance.

Now, the Lion King had seized the Qingqiu Cave Mansion; the Qingqiu Grand Elder was imprisoned in Severed Arm Mountain, while the Second Elder perished in the unrest. Half the Qian Yi submitted, the rest scattered, homeless and adrift.

Lion King He Qilie stood above the white jade and blue stone dais of Qingqiu Cave, surveying the assembled tribal leaders from his lofty perch. Most leaders were present, save a few; those who had submitted attended in full. Notably, the mysterious and powerful witch of Seven Stars Tower, Side-Face Gala, appeared openly for the first time. Her exotic dress and peerless beauty stunned all, her allure nearly rivaling that of the Qingqiu Empress. Draped in an obsidian Seven Stars robe, her shapely legs exposed, her pale red hair cascading down her slender waist, she radiated a mysterious, captivating aura. Most remarkable were her soul-stealing eyes, which never met another’s gaze directly. She always regarded others in profile—even with Court Priestess Yuan Ji. For those insufficiently strong or resolute, a direct gaze from her could invade their minds instantly, a power she could not entirely control, innate and unintentional. Thus, she avoided eye contact unless absolutely necessary.

Side-Face Gala's exquisite face displayed a faint, indifferent smile. Her lips pressed lightly together, her profile obscured by strands of pale red hair, betraying no emotion. Only the serenity of drifting clouds and gentle breeze could describe her state. Standing behind the Lion King, she disliked the attention of so many, especially the lecherous, prying stares, which sickened her. Fortunately, Lion King He Qilie understood her well; his lion’s eyes flashed, quelling those malicious gazes with fierce authority.

“Today is a day of great fortune—the day I ascend the throne, and a day for all to rejoice. From now on, the Nine Yi tribes will no longer be called the Dong Yi State. I declare it shall be the Yang Yi State, and henceforth, all shall be my subjects, treated equally under my rule!” Lion King He Qilie loudly proclaimed.

“Long live our king! May his spirit endure! May his might reign! May he be invincible!” The Yang Yi led the chanting, igniting a fervor throughout the assembly.

“Spirit! Spirit! Long live...long live!” The echoing cries resounded within and without Qingqiu Cave, even reaching the imprisoned Grand Elder Su Qianshu in Severed Arm Mountain, whose heart trembled at the uproar.

Finally, Lion King He Qilie gestured broadly, palm open to the crowd, and the cheers abruptly fell silent.

“Today marks the founding of the Yang Yi State. All must celebrate through the night—no one may rest!”

“Long live our king!” Another surge of cheers followed, and only then did Lion King He Qilie and Side-Face Gala proceed into the cave, evidently with urgent matters to discuss.

“Court Priestess, please enter!” He Qilie courteously invited Gala, who now held the title of Yang Yi Court Priestess.

“No need for such formality, Lion King. My task is done; tomorrow, I depart for Xia.” Gala paused at the cave’s entrance, unwilling to enter, merely delivering her final instructions.

“Court Priestess, you’ve worked tirelessly to secure my rule. Now that the great matter is settled, why must you leave so suddenly?” the Lion King asked, perplexed.

“You need not know. Simply wait for my message in the future. If all goes well, we may never meet again.”

“Why so abrupt, Court Priestess? How will I manage without you?” the Lion King protested, clearly dependent on Gala and now anxious.

“The situation is settled. The Nine Yi tribes are no more. You are now their king; must I still teach you how to rule? When you unite the tribes, simply obey my commands. Gala’s patience was wearing thin for the first time before the Lion King.

He Qilie had no idea that Gala’s sister, Yi Shen, awaited her at the Seven Stars Tower. She didn’t want to keep her waiting long; their bond was unparalleled—even Court Priestess Yuan Ji could not compare.

“You are right, Court Priestess. I shall maintain correspondence with you; whatever you require, I will not disappoint you!” He Qilie’s lion face was earnest. Though he was king, the major tribal leaders had not yet truly submitted, and he wished Gala would stay and help him further.

“I know what you intend. Do not rush to conquer the other tribes yet; the key is to stabilize the situation. Those who seem submissive are only so on the surface. You need time to reform them—don’t lose sight of the big picture. If unforeseen changes arise, Seven Stars Tower will send all its members to assist you. For now, focus on governing well.” Gala turned impatiently, nearly meeting his eyes; the Lion King, startled, quickly averted his gaze.

“Court Priestess speaks wisely. I am wholeheartedly convinced by your guidance. Now that you depart for Xia, I will assign escorts for you—please accept my gesture!” He Qilie quickly withdrew his gaze, knowing that should he ever meet her eyes, he’d never escape her grasp.

“No need for farewell. I may leave at any moment!” With that, Gala turned and left, her steps light as lotus petals.

“I bid you a respectful farewell, Court Priestess!” He Qilie bowed slightly, reluctant to see her go, but powerless to make her stay.

...

Meanwhile, at Yan Feng Mountain, Su Moran continued his efforts to communicate with Su Su. He’d spent much energy along the journey; though reserved by nature, rarely speaking, he had, for Su Su, said more than in half his life.

“Little Thirteen, I must leave today. Stay here and recuperate. When I return with the immortal medicine, I will restore your memory. Please remain here and do not wander—do you understand?” Su Moran’s warmth was reserved for Su Su alone; in all of Qingqiu, only she could draw such tenderness from him.

“...!” After a long pause.

“Mm.” Su Su gazed outside the cave, perhaps longing for Hao Dan, perhaps for Old Black, hardly registering Su Moran’s words.

“You must listen—do not run about!” Su Moran gave his final admonition, then cast a barrier spell. So long as Su Su did not break it herself, she would be safe within.

“Mm.” This time, Su Su responded more promptly.

Su Moran, for reasons unknown, looked reluctant to part. He gently stroked Su Su’s head; his cold exterior softened into genuine affection. If Old Black’s spirit could witness this scene, he’d surely be comforted.

Su Moran had left Qingqiu in childhood to study under the Elder Overseas, whose identity was a mystery. He hadn’t always been so aloof, but after returning, Old Black had spoken with him many times, only to receive indifferent replies. Old Black often wondered why the ancestor named him Su Moran—so fitting for a Qingqiu fox, whose nature matched the name perfectly.

At that moment, brother and sister met eyes for the first time in years—one gaze dull, the other gentle. After a long exchange, Su Moran’s handsome face broke into a slight smile. If mortal women saw it, they’d surely swoon; set in stone, it would captivate countless hearts, stirring love to the point of fainting.

No words were spoken. Su Moran gazed softly at Su Su as if making a decision, his eyes flickering with emotion before he turned and left without looking back.

Just then, Su Su’s bright red eyes shimmered with emotion—a sign that, had her memory returned, tears would have fallen. Since Su Moran left the tribe, the siblings had never been so close. Su Su had always been isolated, craving familial affection, but in the royal Qingqiu household, such bonds had never existed.

What happens next remains to be seen.