Chapter Ten: The Enchanted Crystal

Xiao Feng’s loyalty no longer needed to be tested; Megan Venturi and Grace already trusted him. The next day, Megan Venturi was preparing to leave Yunzhou for Northern Europe on a private plane. After sending Megan off at the airport, Grace eagerly commanded Xiao Feng, “Quick, show me that little treasure sword of yours!”

Xiao Feng was now completely obedient to Megan Venturi and Grace; even if asked to risk his life, he would comply without hesitation. So, showing his demon-slaying magical sword was no trouble. He gently extended his left hand, and the golden, radiant Wei Zun Sword rose upright in his palm.

Grace finally had a chance to examine it closely. The Wei Zun Sword measured about one foot and a few inches long, its body a soft pink hue emitting a golden glow. Two shimmering streaks of light circled the blade like a dragon and phoenix dancing together. The handle was about four inches, exquisitely carved, and the sharp blade extended roughly seven inches, incredibly keen.

Grace grasped the handle and immediately felt a warm current flow through her entire body. She toyed with the sword in her hand and asked, “Little servant, what powers does this Wei Zun Sword have?”

Xiao Feng replied respectfully, “Sister, the Wei Zun Sword is very spiritual. It seems to recognize you as my master, allowing you to handle it freely. This sword can slay demons and protect its owner completely. Moreover, in critical moments, it can open a space to help us escape danger.”

Hearing this, a flicker of delight appeared in Grace’s eyes. Imagining herself wielding the sword to slay demons, she couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Suddenly, the sword’s light flared intensely; the two streaks of radiance transformed into the shapes of a dragon and phoenix, swirling around her as if awakening a dormant power within. Grace gripped the Wei Zun Sword tightly, her phoenix-like eyes wide open, filled with unprecedented anticipation and excitement. “Little servant, can this Wei Zun Sword cut through that stone?”

“I actually forgot to try. My mysterious master told me the Wei Zun Sword can break through anything. Let’s give it a shot!”

“Go get it quickly!”

Xiao Feng hesitated, “Sister, I don’t dare enter your room without permission.”

“Why are you talking nonsense? Didn’t you sneak in last night without asking me?”

“You weren’t asleep then?”

“Just go!”

“As you command!”

Xiao Feng hurried upstairs, retrieved the stone from Grace’s room, and placed it on the tea table.

Grace held the Wei Zun Sword in her hand, a little nervous. “Little servant, what if it can’t cut through? Will you ruin your little treasure sword?”

Xiao Feng smiled and shook his head, his eyes shining with absolute trust in the Wei Zun Sword. “Sister, the Wei Zun Sword will never disappoint you. This stone is just a small stage for it to show its power.”

Grace took a deep breath, raised the Wei Zun Sword, and gently touched the sword tip to the stone’s surface. Instantly, the blade’s light intensified as if resonating with the stone. With a crisp sound, the stone shattered into powder, releasing a dazzling glow from within. Grace was astonished and even more excited. She looked at Xiao Feng, her eyes shining with expectation. “Little servant, there really is something inside!”

Xiao Feng carefully spread apart the fragments. A pink heart-shaped crystal stone about five centimeters in diameter and nearly two centimeters thick appeared. He was stunned. “Sister, it really is this thing…”

Grace was less worried. “What’s there to get excited about? It’s just a crystal stone — worthless!”

“Sister, haven’t you noticed something special about it?”

Grace examined it in her hand. “What’s special? It’s neat and smooth, shaped roughly like a heart, nothing extraordinary, not valuable!”

“Don’t you feel a faint glow radiating from your own body as well?”

“Ah…”

Grace looked down at herself. Dressed in white, it was easy to see a subtle pink light emanating from her. “What’s going on?”

“My mysterious master told me that in this world, there’s a magical crystal called the Enchanted Crystal. Whoever possesses it can avoid disasters!”

“Is it really that magical?”

“Sister, whether true or not, since this crystal resonates with you, it means it must stay with you.”

“This thing isn’t worth anything; don’t try to fool me!”

Xiao Feng knelt beside Grace, holding onto her leg affectionately. “Sister, do you think I’d easily give it up?”

“Little servant, why wouldn’t you let it go?”

“Because in my heart, there’s only you and master. I don’t want to make mistakes or upset either of you, or else you won’t like me anymore!”

Grace, with noble elegance, pointed at Xiao Feng’s arm, signaling him not to take advantage, then asked, “I believe you, but how am I supposed to wear it?”

Xiao Feng, perhaps never having received much love before, and under his mysterious master’s strict care, now finally feeling security with Megan and Grace, did not heed her warning. Holding onto her leg, he said, “You could have a craftsman make a bracelet so you can wear it on your wrist, right?”

“Let go of my hand, don’t dirty my clothes!”

Reluctantly, Xiao Feng released her, still reluctant. “Sister, you and master have given me warmth, so I…”

“Then you better behave, or I won’t let you hug me anymore!”

“Okay, I promise I’ll be good!”

Grace’s anger softened into joy as she patted his cheek. “That’s better. Now put away your little treasure sword.”

Her approach was a mix of sternness and sweetness—first a reprimand, then a treat, then a reprimand again. With such treatment, it was no wonder Xiao Feng was so attached. With a gentle wave, the Wei Zun Sword transformed into a streak of light and vanished into thin air.

“Sister, being with you makes me so happy!”

“Stop being sentimental. No hugging if you keep that up. Here’s a task for you!”

“Yes, Sister, please command me!”

“Go to our Jewelry City and pick out a bracelet for me. Get this done—I don’t want to go out today!”

“As you command!”

Carefully cradling the pink heart-shaped crystal, Xiao Feng hurried to the courtyard, got into his car, and rushed to Jewelry City, filled with anticipation for the surprise Grace would soon unveil.

Just as he turned onto the highway, a car suddenly cut in front of him, forcing him to stop. Puzzled, Xiao Feng leaned out to see who it was. None other than Aunt Ye Lan stepped out, dressed in a silver-gray professional suit, exuding noble elegance and cool grace.

“Aunt Ye, what are you doing here?”

“Xiao Feng, come with me to my house!”

From Aunt Ye’s anxious and uneasy expression, it was clear something was wrong. “What’s going on, Aunt Ye?”

“You’ll see when we get there. Hurry up!”

“Alright, let’s go immediately.”

Xiao Feng followed Ye Lan across the road and turned toward her villa. After parking, Ye Lan urgently urged, “Child, come with me quickly!”

Without asking questions, Xiao Feng entered the villa with her. Immediately, an ominous atmosphere struck him. Ye Feng was lying on the living room sofa, filthy, his hair disheveled, trembling slightly.

“What’s going on here?”

Xiao Feng approached to check. Ye Feng’s facial muscles were contorted; his eyes were cloudy and vacant. Just as Xiao Feng reached out to touch him, Ye Lan stopped him softly. “Child, don’t touch him yet. He’s not well—he seems to be possessed by some evil force.”

Startled, Xiao Feng looked at Ye Lan, seeing the anxiety and fear in her eyes. Suddenly, Ye Feng emitted a piercing scream, jolting upright on the sofa. His limbs twisted as if countless invisible hands were tearing at him. A pungent stench filled the air, causing Xiao Feng to cover his mouth and nose, overwhelmed by a strong sense of unease.

Ye Lan gripped Xiao Feng’s arm tightly, her voice trembling. “Child, please save him. I fear he won’t make it!”

Xiao Feng furrowed his brows, quickly scanning the room for clues. He noticed a statue in the corner whose eyes bore a strange resemblance to Ye Feng’s condition, radiating a sinister evil. He suddenly recalled his master mentioning an “Evil Spirit Statue” capable of controlling minds.

Taking a deep breath, Xiao Feng said to Ye Lan, “Aunt Ye, don’t worry. I have a way. Please step back and don’t come closer.”

He raised his left hand lightly; the Wei Zun Sword appeared upright in his palm as he murmured an incantation. Instantly, the sword radiated brilliant light, transforming into a golden beam that struck the statue precisely.

“Hum!”

The statue emitted a circle of red light before shattering into pieces with a clatter.

Looking back at Ye Feng, he was gradually returning to normal. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Xiao Feng asked, puzzled, “Aunt Ye, last time I came, this thing wasn’t here. Who brought it?”

“Ye Feng brought it home last night.”

Xiao Feng glanced at the recovering Ye Feng. “What really happened?”

“Hu Shan gave it to me. Could she be trying to harm me?”

“Ye Feng, it’s understandable if she’s angry. I can guess how you treated her.”

Ye Lan was stunned. “Child, tell me what happened.”

Xiao Feng, unwilling to hide the truth, briefly recounted how Ye Feng had toyed with Hu Shan over the past three years. Ye Lan was furious. “Ye Feng, I forbade you from seeing her. If you had listened, none of this would have happened. You secretly played with her, and now you’re reaping the consequences. Do you want to kill me with worry?”

“I…”

“Aunt Ye, given the situation, you should just let them be. Otherwise, with Hu Shan’s malice, who knows what else she might do.”

Ye Lan swallowed hard. “Child, I know you mean well, but that girl is so vicious. She tried to harm me and now Ye Feng. How can I forgive her?”

“Aunt Ye, it’s not entirely her fault. You decide what to do…”