Volume Four: The Buddha Saves No One; Only I, the Demon, Shall Save Them - Dark Sword (Part Two)

The Supreme Pure Emperor returned to his chambers, and Xu Hu withdrew on his knees. After a moment's thought, the emperor reached out and opened a box at the head of his carved dragon bed. Inside lay a bronze mirror. He gazed into it, and after a while, a Shadow appeared on its surface.

"Find his Dewflower Terrace for me," the Supreme Pure Emperor said without preamble. The figure in the mirror understood. "Unless he's hauled that ship ashore, I'll find it." The emperor nodded. "I'll owe you one. But be careful. Luo Qian must never learn the secret of the Heavenly River." The figure nodded. "Don't worry. I know what matters." After a pause, he laughed. "Want to borrow some Netherfire Clams? Without those nine Immortal Jade mines, things must be hard for you." The emperor snorted. "That's none of your concern. I have ample reserves." The figure nodded. "Very well. Wait a moment."

The time it took to drink a cup of tea later, a shell flew out of the bronze mirror. "Found it," the figure said. The Supreme Pure Emperor caught the shell. "Thank you."

"I have to say, this way of grooming a crown prince is a mistake from start to—" Before the figure could finish, the emperor snapped the box shut. "What a nag."

The Supreme Pure Emperor looked at the shell in his hand. Without a sound, several pale-faced Shadows drifted to his side. "Your Majesty, do you require us to act?" Their voices were thin and shrill, neither male nor female.

The emperor did not even raise an eyebrow. He tossed them the shell. "Send three. Once Lu Kuangtao has finished, make your move." As silently as they had appeared, the Shadows vanished.

Across from them stood an ordinary Zhuangzi, with a