19 The Inheritance of Pangu

I must say, the chinese folk knew how to appease their guests. The led us to a hot spring, though hot was not my type since I am Ice, and I enjoyed it. Some guards wanted to stay and protect us, but I shooed them away.

I sat in the warm water bare chested, wearing a short. A while later, Tulip followed me, wearing a two part swimming suit. I felt a twinkle inside my heart, and my tongue was bounded. I must have been staring for a long time, because she blushed, which only increased her beauty.

"What?", she said. I just smiled and didn't answer. She sat beside me in the water and I put my arm around her. After I have undergone the mutation, she had allowed me to touch her.

After some time, the night fell and we just sat there enjoying the beautiful scenery. But suddenly, I had the feeling that someone was watching us, someone we knew. I turned my head to see a black bird sitting on a branch while watching us.

"Have you ever found black birds interesting?" I said cutting the silence.

"What do you mean?" she said.

"Oh you'll know in a moment," then I shouted, "HEY, RICHY. STOP SNEAKING ON US!"

Instantly, the black bird turned to a 180 cm tall Richard Dumbledore who looked like he was going to slap me. And he did.

"If you ever call me Richy again," he warned, "you'll taste my torment."

"Didn't your mother teach you not to sneak on people?" As soon as I said that, I realized my mistake. Richard doesn't even know his parents, much less to be taught by them.

"Richard," I apologized, "I didn't really mean it. Forgive me".

"Anyway, you two have seen me. I am also sorry to disturb such a romantic view", he said while smiling.

"Shut up", Tulip and I said at the same time. Though I must say, I realize that I have some feelings for Tulip after all.

"If you can appear here in the Emperor's palace in a blink, then why did you send us here? Why not send the message yourself?" Asked Tulip.

"Dear, it is required for Hasan to come on land, it is the only way he can receive the Inheritance. Amd I must remind you, you were the one thay that wanted to come, I didn't force you".

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"Can't I see my beloved disciples after a year had passed by without seeing them? ". I didn't say a thing and waited for him to say the truth.

"Fine", he said at last, "I have come partly because I want to check on you two. But mainly, I have come to speak of a matter with Sun Wu."

"Then go see him". He nodded and then transformed into a phoenix and flew toward the Emperor's room.

We continued our night in silence. Without me knowing, Tulip was asleep, her head resting on my shoulder. I didn't sleep. I enjoyed the warmth of the water, the gentle snoring of Tulip, and the beautiful night sky in every second.

In the early morning, Tulip woke embarrassed. I didn't bother with the matter and wore my robe-armor. We went towards the Emperor's hall and waited for him there. After a while, he appeared, not wearing any imperial robes, no crown, no jewelry, nothing at all that can say he is an emperor. If he decided to walk through mortals, he would do it with great ease.

"Morning," he said. We bowed our heads in salute. He said, "Oh don't do that. It is only the formalities that I make in front of my seconde. I really hate them." We, smiled.

"Come, let's go outside." The thres of us strolled towards the balcony that showed a magnificent view.

"You surely know why you are here, don't you?" he asked.

"Well", I said, "the prophecy mentioned me coming in search for the blades of Pangu. And Richard told us there are two pieces here, so we came looking for them".

"Yes. I indeed have two pieces of the axe. But to aquire them, you shall receive tests. You survived the easiest one, which was coming from Scotland to Gansu while on the earth."

"And the other tests?"

"Follow me". We followed him toward the forest beside the palace. We reached a big set of stairs, well, two sets of stairs. But each set was long enough to be crossed by more than a year.

"In order to have the first blade, you'll have to walk along the first set. The same for the other. But let me warn you, with each step you take, it will get more difficult."

I stepped towards the sets without any trouble, but when Tulip tried to step also, she was repulsed.

" Only the one who have the bloodline of the creator can pass", the Emperor shook his head.

"It's okay. Take good care for yourself. Emperor, please let her have exercise in your sect", I said.

"Don't worry, she'll be good", he turned to his palace leaving me alone with Tulip.

I stepped back and we hugged each other without saying a word. Then I took a last glance at her and took the first step.