Chapter 47: Heavenly Mysteries Spring Hunt

Spring hunting was a traditional social event among the nobility of the Empire, emblematic of the Qin nation’s martial foundation, as a reminder that the nation must always cherish and uphold its martial heritage. Depending on the hosts, participants, and locations, these hunts were divided into various ranks and classifications.

The Tianxuan Spring Hunt that Qiqi was about to attend occupied the lowest level. It was reserved exclusively for young nobles with rankings below seventh tier—ensuring all accompanying retainers also did not exceed that limit.

Two high-profile organized hunts also existed specifically for participants below the seventh tier: the Diyuan Hunt and the Beihai Hunt. The Tianxuan Spring Hunt and Bei hai Hunt were on par, but Di yuan was hosted by Imperial relatives and carried the highest level of ceremony and prestige—as expected when四大 Great Families dispatched their chief heirs specifically for Diyuan, while major clans from all over the empire brought forth their genuine descendants. The lesser gentry, unless displaying rare talent recognized and specifically invited beforehand, generally held no eligibility to participate at this exalted level at all.

In stark contrast the Tianxuan Spring Hunt maintained a much more relaxed entrance criterion. The current list for participants featured prominently two prominent Family clans: Ya nu Fen clan, representing Yan Yun Zhao氏 and Gao Ling Song’s family. Then came seventeen or eighteen Upper, Middle and Lower tier families, followed numerically by approximately one hundred lower-ranked common gentry families.

Qian Ye kept staring blankly at Song Zi-ning’’s name for some moments, before an unusual sense of disturbance stirred strongly within him. he understood immediately this was another adverse after-effect lingering from strengthening his vital-blood to such an unprecedented integrated ninth-stage potency; it had grown substantially more solidified and formidable since its transformation through the ninth refinement, rendering it unable to even be corroded or diluted by typical gold-purple-colored blood energies.

But this breakthrough was double-edged—as the intermittent waves of restlessness and irritability returned again unpredictably—this time affecting him so profoundly they disturbed normally unruffled mood.

Exhaling gently, Qian Ye discarded the hunting documents, stepped silently to the adjacent meditation room—then commenced applying the Bing Fa martial techniques to channel more raw primordial energy. This additional energy nourished his existing blood power, while simultaneously soothing his volatile blood qi turbulence, allowing him increased voluntary control in sustaining that fiery blood-transformation state for longer durations if desired.

Two short days later, a mid-sized ‘Flying Wild Goose’-class airship emerged from over Western Chang’s city boundaries, lifting slowly as the night-dark continent receded far behind it while it sailed towards the great interplanetary void ahead. This floating airborne vessel closely resembled ancient two-masted seafaring ocean craft, crowned atop with an impressive seven-storied superstructure. The predominant color scheme featured elegant jade blues and fresh greens, tastefully adorned throughout the hulls with sacred mysterious beasts carved along side traditional motifs that captured the charm and essence from dynasties past.

In its highest chamber, the tension within that enclosed area was almost tangible. Standing solemnly beside a window gazing outside sat Qian Ye, although his dark expression, deep scowls and clenched jaw revealed an uncharacteristic state of fury radiating through each movement. Before him remained trembling in quiet trepidation two light-dressed young attendants holding elegant platter trays in delicate feminine grasp.

On the distant couch at the other end, however, was a positively gleeful Qiqi. Draped beautifully in the full regalia of imperial blue-silk layered gowns featuring grand wide sleeves tied tightly with ornate ceremonial woven bands, had her posture reflected any semblance of nobility poise and elegance—those present could’ve sworn they witnessed the flawless model young mistress from any refined ancient ancestral house. Instead though, her posture slouched carelessly sideways leaning upon her couch’s padded armrest with legs draped sideways over its frame. Cradling her cheek against her tiny upraised hand resting on a supporting palm upon the furniture cushion surface, her amused gaze studied intently the young furious male in opposition.

“You swore on your life that you’d protect!”

“I didn’t sign-up agreeing to wearing something this humiliating!!”— Qian Ye replied, eyes narrowing with open disdain as they quickly darted toward the elegant tray in one handmaid’s grasp. Rested neatly upon silken cloth was an identical set of precisely matching female robes and jewelry accessory—all intended for him to wear in place of suitable male attire.

Beaming delightedly without pause, “Please look—see! I deliberately custom ordered these heritage garments for both us! Because the subtle design distinction separating male and female attire simply lies in which direction the opening runs from—the left versus the right placket closure. At casual glance it appears nearly undistinguishable! And I promise, you will only need to bear wearing the ensemble on day one. Later after we settle inside the hunting area—when we are no longer observed interacting externally by outsiders—it’ll matter no longer.”

The formal Spring Hunt Regulations specified that while the hunting teams were limited to maximum size of nine warriors after entry began, allowing non-fighting support and auxiliary hunters to be present separately—still remaining officially registered under Qiqi’s overall party contingent.

The Spring Hunt spanned an entire moon-phase cycle over one whole calendar month duration. Of that timeframe fifteen full days would involve extended immersion operating deeply within wilderness territory. Obviously Miss YIn of esteemed blood couldn’t conceivably be lodging, sleeping alongside crude male hunting companions without strict etiquette enforcement and supervision.

Proper conduct required her at very least maintain daily presence in the company of at least one female companion for sharing chamber space—dual attendance in daily meals, sleeping arrangements and so on. The official records and formal documents previously submitted earlier had specifically listed that essential companion as “Miss Qian Xiao Ye”—none else than Qian Ye secretly masquerading.

The whole ridiculous tradition had never escaped Qian Ye’s suspicion since first reviewing those deceptive registration papers.

Despite her enthusiastic explanations, she persisted with reasoning along similar lines: “Look dear—one, Lady Lan ranks at eighth level! Naturally too powerful herself to legally accompany any official hunting parties. And the remaining servant staff are weaklings mostly only at levels two or three. To accompany them into those core danger zones—surely they’re practically begging for premature death themselves!”

“You already agreed to protect! So you will stay with me!”

In the throes of recent blood energy accumulation overload hangover, and consequently his patience rapidly thinning with each exchange—they soon degenerated quickly into an abrupt turning motion of him walking defiantly toward the exit door.

Immediately she sprang from lounging comfort to block his path: “Wait! Please wait! We cannot have any other lady stay inside my tent! Even then, if you were truly sleeping inside alongside as myself, wouldn’t Father certainly discover immediately when inspecting our quarters?”

Qian Ye countered bluntly while still striding:—”But it wouldn’ really transform me into an actual woman? Even co-sleep arrangements—if we are under the same tent merely sleeping together, he would certainly realize something odd still?”

Smiling confidently she continued, “That’s actually not the problem at all! He won’t be bothered really—so long as the official documents presented and the external perception when we show up before crowds—always depicts us as normal girl and her attendant—then in father’s mind, it’s exactly as good as real truth.”

Qian ye practically lost words entirely at that flippant assertion! He could practically picture again that infernal fabricated personal registry file containing his newly assigned fabricated personal alias—Miss”QIAN XAO YE”. Did she actually believe disguising with just adding an intermediate feminine ‘x’ sound in any person’s actual given name alone automatically converted someone into appearing genuinely womanly in people’s perception?

Thus, amid a rising internal maelstrom f fury, the airship successfully emerged from void-hyperspace transit—arriving eventually to finally land within Central Qin territory at the strategically located city stronghold base settlement: “IN-ZHONG” Garrison outpost; the flying vessel gracefully descended through early dawn skies descending upon assigned landing docks, finally halting beneath a pale sky with rosy clouds.

The Tianxuan Spring Hunt’s official event was being arranged and hosted on behalf of the regional ruling Duke: Duke Wei. As per protocol the central hunting territory revolved exclusively upon the surrounding ranges located to its west—the sprawling Tianxuan Mountainous Range, itself possessing an unusual mystical leylines system deep within the terrain. Legends spoke of how immense reserves abundant with rare and unique ore-deposits—infused with dense and volatile ambient mana-energy sources—caused the surrounding region to attract a great plethora of dangerous, unpredictable beastlife manifestations.

Not confined merely to those beasts, occasionally ancient rare medicinal flora of extraordinary quality might emerge briefly before vanishing into thin mist; and even further according to tradition every hunt’s host invariably increased overall challenge and excitement by additionally introducing various battle-hardened Dark Realm race representatives inside designated hunting sectors.

Spring Hunts conducted as formal competitive trials under strict imperial protocol emphasized the concept of engaging real battle under dangerous life and death conditions throughout every official level; the only real distinction from battlefield combat existed solely when considering that by time you climbed sufficiently towards the higher end ranks—specific military campaigns themselves essentially became those Spring Hunting events.

An immense temporary encampment was strategically set beneath the mountains within Duke Wei’s estate gardens—though it was no simple garden at all. Actually resembling closely a full-scale fortified town in layout and scope alone—easily accommodating the tens of aristocratic houses and hundreds of noble retainers that converged every year for the hunt—including many thousands of support personnel and retainer escorts without discomfort.

Arriving into the In-Zhong Garrison’s Airfield complex, Miss Yin proceeded to change vessels; exchanging large transport to a much smaller lighter cruiser class ship for travel directly onward into the main central event camp. Well-known among many noble houses for representing the young generation as YIn House’s central heiress, the social circle had already arranged multiple prominent young noble youths to personally welcome the young noblewoman upon the arrival site.

Inherently one naturally attracting endless attention and fascination no matter where entering, this arrival proved particularly spectacular when the moment came that her companion also stepped onto view. Immediately countless pairs of startled eyes and hushed excited murmurs filled the arrival platforms.

Ultimately, he was still garmented head-to-feet wearing identically matching the flowing wide-sleeved ceremonial robes chosen uniquely by Miss Yin herself—soft strands black hair cascading mid-length over his shoulders, draped down. Surprisingly, only minimum modifications and subtle cosmetics application were necessary to soften naturally sharp and masculine facial angles just sufficiently to create a deceptively attractive countenance. The end effect worked flawlessly.

Both possessed identical height, while Miss Yin was absolutely bubbling visibly in delighted high spirit. Her almond eyes shimmered in mirthful curves—feminine allure practically radiating while beside her, dark clouds of grimness cloaked Qian Ye entirely stillness radiating a very real aura of deadly calm menace. Each of the noble youths who noticed that the vision of paired twin twin-sisters—practically carbon-copy in fashionably matched outfits, though differing greatly expression and temperaments—remained instantly mesmerizingly hypnotized at the sheer breathtaking visual.

He absolutely hated the way those lustful glances were fixed unblinking upon him—as fury boiled internally again. But such moments were nothing novel to Qiqi, whose natural exuberant sociality allowed her to expertly maneuver through clusters of acquaintances, knowns and unknowns alike exchanging smiles while engaging comfortably through familiar light conversational exchanges—this time lasting right through their eventual boarding inside Duke Wei’s personal guest carriage. Once aboard the transportation coach, Qian Ye followed behind into her interior quarters—violently slamming shut the vehicle’s boarding steps with a resounding metal bang—conveniently severing and shielding themselves completely as any lingering lingering glances burned at them.

Finally settled inside he turned directly expressing flat hostility:—”To me, every aspect disgusts about this assumed feminine persona.”

Smiling soothingly without pause to reassure, her tone instantly shifted warmer:—“We only really required appear officially just briefly—only need complete one social entrance for tonight. Immediately at conclusion with Duke Banquet we can abandon this entire façade.”

The carriage rolled smoothly through estate gates directly to YIn House’s allotted residential complex—a multi-courtyard manor sprawling in scale complete with garden koi ponds, miniature landscaped rockscapes artfully arranged in picturesque beauty with natural flora blooms adding aesthetic ambiance to entire property, even incorporating a modest hot spring located discreetly in the rear yard for exclusive relaxation. Numerous servant housing blocks filled outer courtyard perimeter housing dozens upon dozens additional retainers—Qian Ye naturally was assigned no independent living unit at present status due to his assumed identity as her feminine personal maid companion—the designated chamber lay at the outermost wing near her master sleeping quarters.

Customary practice dictated all hunters rested and remained in place inside the estate compound on first night—necessary recovery from long travel journey and preparation for subsequent hunt preparations. Several hunting team assistants—already assigned early scouting and prep duties—would depart early tomorrow heading west into hunting ranges first preparing temporary outpost bases ahead of primary hunting parties arrival and official initiation.

Thus accordingly, the current evening had already been assigned with hosting the opening Banquet event by Duke’s household to signify hunting festival formally beginning.

With arriving dusk, every hall and corridor in Wei Manor’s central great Banquet Hall “Military Valor Hall”—illuminated from all four corners with massive hanging braziers glowing brilliantly golden warm light across massive halls echoing with constant bustling servers carrying trays bearing lavish cuisine, endless flasks of aromatic wines poured continuously filling goblets to brimming, while guests in their finest arrived steadily in elegant splendor. Inside gathered many young talents descending from all noble lineages present—males mostly clad in military uniform or traditional warrior’s battle robes with proud erect silhouettes exuding youth power. Meanwhile noble ladies, adorned in those elegant wide-sleeve silk gown styles of deep heritage design, each accentuating hourglass forms elegantly, their gentle motions producing subtle swish-whoosh sounds of silken fabric, as they moved gracefully through assembled crowds.

Even amidst such a dazzling assembly, amidst countless young and brilliant elites gathered for feast—the pair arrived: Qiqi, the dazzling sunflower and Qian Ye the frost-shadowed rose—both instantly seized full spotlight from the moment entering the banquet hall. Their matched dress styles and contrasting auras created visual sensation so intense that few could avoid glances or ignore their arrival.

Lingering faithfully one step behind Qiqi, Qian Ye maintained his gaze rigid, expression neutral as possible. Each passing glance—curious, lustful and occasionally envious—generated increasing inner resentment toward his present situation.

Understandably, since elite hunting parties generally capped numbers strictly around nine combat specialists—it was extremely common to deliberately pick a balanced team combining both level six and seven tier specialists having specific battle skill profciency—their inclusion guaranteed survival advantage during hunting missions. In contrast standing barely at level five, his very participation in the team naturally seemed unusual enough to draw significant whispers, speculation even from nearby circles gathered in conversations nearby.

Meanwhile Qiqi was broadly well-known for possessing a unique romantic appetite that included equally appreciating charms found in either gender—a notorious reputation well-understood by everyone present. So many murmurs arose as speculations among those present—some judging that perhaps “Miss Qian Xoaye” may just be yet another new trinket recently acquired, perhaps dragged foolishly along unthinking into the wilderness without comprehending actual danger present in hunting grounds of Tianxuan.

Curiously the noblemen youths showed far less disconcert about potential battlefield deficiencies—hearing he was merely fifth tier strength. Their whispers turned instead upon discussing with increasing interest the mysterious intangible air surrounding him—the cold enigmatic manner exuding a unique deadly aura which intrigued them greatly—filling those young elite hunters with thrilling anticipations of possible dangerous possibilities.

In middle of this emotional chaos himself, Qian Ye remained fixated glumly upon watching the patterns made upon shoe leather as conversations flowed around him—he tuned half-mechanically back in while Qiqi engaged in trivial exchanges discussing horse racing results with some provincial peers when all sound silenced—interrupted abruptly by announcement bell chime herald calling out:

“Presenting Lord of the Song Clan heir! the seventh young master—SONG XI NINGGGHHH!”

The echoing fanfare instantly hushed hall-wide conversation.

All heads simultaneously turned like clockwork toward archway of entrance—awaiting arrival of the famed newcomer. In procession of youthful retinue entered one elegantly comely figure—eased forward gently amidst a cluster of refined youth who escorted the young master with subtle reverence.

That slender form of aristocratic beauty, wore a deep sage blue flowing long-sleeve ceremonial Hanfu robe—intrinsically radiating an aura of effortless sophistication. His manner—gentle, poised, exuding an alluring softness from smile and in each gaze. Every aspect exuded the comforting embrace of sunshine after snow—this young noble’s mere presence naturally made those nearby feel uplifted in spirits.

On the man’s entire attire, he bore zero extraneous decoration whatsoever—yet a detail drew gasps; a row exquisite jade-carved fastening buttons aligned precisely down the front of flowing robes, revealing underlying status beyond mere fashion.

Each individual button—smoothly polished crystal of exceptional rare translucent blood-red玉玉玉玉玉玉, emitting subtle ambient glow—a known high-class orichalc ore, valuable beyond reckoning. Possessing singular unit with similar properties already represented wealth beyond reach—possessing an entire full set of nearly identical such crystal-tuned buttons displayed a staggering wealth and resources.

This subtle demonstration silently reinforced their audience’s understanding on exact status being hosted tonight: as The Song clan—famed progenitors among the ‘Four Greatest Great Clans’, initially founded wealth on commercial success and mercantile dominance, having historically always favored low-key conduct while accumulating a networked empire.

Qia nYe startled briefly in recognition. He had once trained alongside Song Zi-nin back at the infamous Yellow Spring Academy a lifetime ago. He’d known this youth as fellow classmate in past, albeit back then Song Zi-ning’s outward bearing and youthful visage had since transformed entirely.

Now matured fully as adult, outward youthful charm had been retained, but the very essence of demeanor and charisma—utterly diverged—now projecting entirely refined composed sophistication far different from previously.

A low hum of commentary and observation murmured around the attendees regarding “Rising Star”—Song Zi Ning. Maintaining a profile so incredibly reserved, his name first emerged into public awareness only during his family’s selection process—an abrupt newcomer on elite circles of power, with most attending houses still possessing extremely little actual biographic documentation available—such ignorance fueling greater mystery further still.

When Mr. Song stepped forth toward hall center, he was instantly swarmed upon arrival by a throng of noble guests eager for introduction. Old acquaintances from generations past reasserted connection opportunely, while previously unknown noblemen desperately sought casual introductions, seeking an opening foothold inside the future heir’s influential inner circle.

Yet Song Zi Ning moved effortlessly—smile unfaltering as warm wind beneath April sun—winning instant appeal among all the young women present. Responding briefly yet warmly to each individual’s attempt with practiced poise—showing no sign of hesitation, missing even a single person, yet simultaneously maintaining subtle but clear social barriers.

On closer inspection it revealed itself—a natural mastery of high society’s delicate artful balancing act between warmth and distance. While his social handling remained polite yet firm, the distinction between casual and valued acquaintance became unmistakably clear within microsecond’s interaction time.

Young masters bearing stronger family connections from leading noble clans always received more personal attention—longer conversations laced with richer enthusiasm than those of lower ranked noble houses or gentry families present. The precision alone with which he navigated the crowded room—exiting each encounter seamlessly without over-staying, never missing an appropriate bow or exchange—served clear evidence proving Song Clan’s selection process indeed picked truly worthy candidates from pool of their young nobility, earning quiet nods from many senior attendants observing keenly in silent approval.

Very near whispering, barely audible into Qian Ye’s ear Qiqi whispered— “Loathy—I detest that man most intensely!”

Surprise flickered in that statement Qian Ye couldn’t quite fathom at first glance—until immediately explained:

“He surrounds only despicable wretchedly jealous women who adore fawning over him constantly.”

Indeed following close attendance behind Song Zi Ning’s entrance was an escort formation also comprised entirely female—specifically among them one particular figure Qian Ye immediately identified clearly as Miss Ye Mu-Lan—yet alongside beside her were few other young maidens similarly attired exqiusitely as well. From occasional brief moments of eye contact shared between them and Song Zi Ning, he quickly inferred certain intimacy existing between those individuals.

Even further, clad tonight in especially regal outfit, enhanced Ye Mu-Lan further elevated her naturally aristocratic demeanor with a distant imperious air. Keeping position firmly at Zi Ning’s side, refusing even brief sidewise glancing at the surrounding crowd—her cold disinterest dismissed lesser aristocrats without hesitation.

The moment Song Zi Ning raised his vision upward, locking directly upon Qiqi, a smile formed upon that handsome visage—his feet moved without break continuing forward with purpose to meet her, but then—his smile faltered. For beyond his old flame Miss CICI, directly behind her shoulder remained the figure of Qiang Xiao-Ye. That calm, dark presence standing in stillness like shadow cast upon moonlight—and for an undetermined, timeless heartbeat—the famed gentleman mask of Song Zi Ning cracked just the slightest, betraying a trace of confusion, perhaps a ghost of a flickering flickering emotional storm beneath his normally expression less mask.