The Theft

Shaman Qilin Hall.

"Lord East Lord... has truly entered seclusion."

Sensing that the presence suppressing the Shaman Terrace had vanished, Yue looked at the Qilin Tome, now back in her hands, and a thoughtful expression crossed her face.

Before long, a black bird flew in from outside and landed beneath the eaves. A child's clear voice came from its beak: "Grand Witch, Spirit Shaman Xian requests an audience."

"Let him in."

Yue waved a hand. A gaunt Spirit Shaman with black markings on his face and iron rings strung beside his ears entered. He knelt, his face full of flattery. "Greetings, Grand Witch. Congratulations on attaining your wondrous power... Xian has brought a gift."

He held up a box containing a string of jet-black pearls.

"Shadow-Sinking Pearls from the sea. You've been thoughtful..."

Yue nodded. "Xian... what do you want?"

"Grand Witch, we Spirit Shamans have not been allowed to study the Qilin Tome for thirty years. Our cultivation has reached a bottleneck..."

Xian raised his head, his face brimming with sincerity.

Yue's expression did not change. Within her, the wondrous power of Suo Qiong Grass suddenly stirred and took the form of a black cicada, chirping with all its might.

Only Yue could hear its cry. When she looked at Xian now, a hint of amusement entered her gaze.

She considered for a moment, then said, "No."

"Why? Lord East Lord bestowed the Qilin Tome on us. It isn't one household's private possession..." Heat surged through Xian's chest, and the words burst out of him.

The moment he spoke, he knew he had gone too far. His face turned deathly pale.

"Because Man is also about to break through to Grand Witch. The Qilin Tome goes first to those attempting that breakthrough. That, too, is Lord East Lord's command."