Su Yujin said, "That skull seems to possess a mysterious vitality..." As she spoke, her gaze suddenly turned feverish. Realizing that her heartbeat was quickening, she hurriedly regulated her breathing. Even with her martial arts cultivation, she could not escape the skull's influence. The transparent blue skull seemed to possess some unknown magic that made people want to venture inside and explore its secrets. Ever since someone had stolen it from the Clear Mystery Monastery, the sense of loss within Su Yujin had been indescribable. It had even tormented her until she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. No outsider could understand the pain and turmoil involved.
Long Xuanjiao said, "Didn't you say that skull was carved by human hands?"
Su Yujin smiled. "Of course it was. Have you ever seen anyone with such a large head, let alone a transparent blue skull?" Even with one's closest friends, there were times when the truth could not be told.
Long Xuanjiao nodded, believing her completely. She said softly, "If it's gone, it's gone. I'm just worried he'll ask me for it again. I really don't understand why he treasures it so much."
Su Yujin said, "In all likelihood, that skull has already fallen into his hands."
Long Xuanjiao said, "It's only a skull. Even if it's made entirely of blue crystal, there's nothing so precious about it. Oh, I remember him saying there was more than one skull like that."
Su Yujin's eyes lit up.
But Long Xuanjiao ended the subject there, shaking her head. "I'm tired. No more talking! Whatever he does, I will never again stake Longjing's future and the Fragrant Kingdom's fortunes on a gamble."
Su Yujin smiled. "Rest well, Your Majesty."
The day of the Fragrant Kingdom's selection of a prince consort finally arrived. Of the hundred