Thunder hit the "evil quencher" of the imperial padoga. The rain covered the whole Louyang capital, like the veil of a Christian to be wife at the altar. The Imperial Palace disappeared from mortal eyes as the rain poured heavily over the buildings, blinding anyone who dare peak through it.

A loud banging came from the Court Room. Silence was followed. The cracking of wood breaking invaded the whole room. Energy was expelled in such ferocity, even the eleven years old Tang emperor Zhaoxuan Ai felt the lack of air from his lungs. His mother, Empress Xuanmu of He, laid still, sitting on the floor with hands on her lap, pointing meticulously forward, back erected, and eyes closed. Everyone in the room were in a cold sweat. General Lu stayed looking straight at nothing. His eyes were at level with Warlord Zhu Quanzhong, but he was evading to have eye contact with those eyes that could kill from just one look. As for General Lu's guards, their legs were trembling nonstop. He gave them a menacing look which, instead of making them stop, it intensified.

These idiots!

The wooden office desk's surface finally broke when another ferocious, energy charged slam from Warlord Zhu's fists was given. At that, the guards stopped their trembling while trying with all their might to hold unto their ready to fly out of their mouth souls. The emperor laid at one side trembling like a freezing dog. Warlord Zhu exclaimed,

- I ordered you, and those incompetent asses of yours to retrieve me both the necklace, and that bastard thief dead, or alive, and you come to me empty handed, and asking for forgiveness. If you didn't have an outstanding war tactic knowledge, I would have taken away your life years ago.

General Lu could only listen to the warlord's blood clotting words. His Adam's apple bobbed at such statement. The Warlord proceeded with his reprimand until Empress Xuanmu, without still opening her eyes, coughed as if to speak. The small emperor held strongly, while trembling to his mother still like rocks arms. In a low voice he pleaded,

- Mother...

His mother smoothly shushed him, and while obtaining a glaring death stare from Warlord Quanzhong she started,

- My lord... Is there a reason to be as angry as to destroy private property?

- Mother...

Another shushing sound, and a more intense glare made the atmosphere tense up more than it already had been since the general had told the Warlord their fault. The empress continued with her eloquent speech.

- As you may know, that desk belonged to my poor too early deceased husband, and now it belongs to my son, Emperor Zhaoxuan Ai. To bestow your wrath on others does not solve the matter at hand, it only shows the weakness that exists in the leader of so constructed military system.

All except Emperor Ai gasped, and gapped at the closed eyed empress who had just insulted the Warlords intelligence. In other words, she had called him an incompetent fool. They trembled both because of fear, but also because of the laughter they where trying to contain to themselves. Seeing their reactions, and still having the empress words resonate inside his ears, he clenched both of his fists. With one swift, and powerful lift and fall of his right leg unto the desk surface, he finished destroying it. Wood pieces flew all around the Court Room. Their Qi was used to block the wood from hurting them.

Emperor Ai now hugged desperately his mother, and with peering tears, lowly just could say,

- Mother...

This was how her child was. He was and is still too young to carry the burden of being and emperor. As a small child he must tolerate the tyrant Warlord who was in front of them destroying the things in the room as if possessed by some evil spirit. Her son had to, but she didn't. She recognized as a Warlord, she had to respect Zhu Quanzhong, but she would not tolerate messed up behavior, or unreasonable actions taking place; especially in front of her.

As her eyelids slowly opened, white light flowed out; like two fireflies glistening through the night. General Lu and the guards held their breaths as they saw how the empress lifted her embraced free arm and tapped with three fingers the ground. The Warlord still with raging completely black eyes waited for whatever may come upon him. He had nothing to fear; he was the greatest Warlord Zhu Quanzhong!

All fell silent, waiting. Emperor Ai's face could be compared to that of an ignorant, dumb baby child. The General gripped the sides of his uniform. Hearts raced in rampage. All except the empress, and the warlord were anxious.

The empress tapped once more, and what followed was a rumbling sound from beneath them. Earth, and rocks broke into the room, and like a typhon, encircled in their solid grasp the Warlord. He clenched his teeth, fuming, both from anger, and because of the air blocking squeezing he was receiving from the rock body that now had made his whole body, except his head powerless.

The empress slowly closed her eyes again, and gracefully lifted herself up from her sitting position.

She cupped her hands in front of her and bid the trapped Warlord her goodbyes.

- My lord, I hope this has given you and idea to how far your control among others can wonder.

With difficulty, the Warlord could just spat her name like if it was poison.

- He... Xuan...MU!

The empress bowed, and with the young emperor bowing at him as well with still lingering fright, the two disappeared.

General Lu didn't know if to speak, of if to leave the room as well. Obviously, he wanted to leave that infernal place at once.

A cracking sound came from where Warlord Zhu was with head hanging low. Another cracking sound followed, with the appearance of cracks. General Lu immediately resorted to taking flight. Black energy started to escape from the cracks, making them greater. They all knew that the empress Qi was strong enough to hold him for just a little, but it didn't compare to the Warlords spiritual energy.

- My Lord my report has finished...

A piece of the rock body flew over to one of the walls, breaking a hole on it.

- I... I'll take it that we are ordered to find both the necklace and Wú Chù Zhī...

Still no answer came from the Warlord; only flying rock pieces and hitting surface sounds were being heard.

- O...K! Men! Let's go find that thief at once!

- YES SIR!

Smiling in relief, all the guards followed their slightly walking, slightly running general out the room. As the general closed the door, a loud explosive sound was heard in all the Imperial Palace, off to Yuolang Zhén, and into the deepest part of the forest.

BAM KABOOOOOOOOM!

Pamella opened her eyes abruptly. Her again sweat covered body heaved up, and down, as her heart rate moved faster than normal; in like a frenzy. She had stopped breathing for a moment during her sleep. Now she was gasping incredibly for air, clutching her exposed chest. She squinted as soon as a ray of light hit her eyes. It was now morning. Birds could be heard making their daily routine callings, a deer continued its way in a running, as soon as it heard a noise come from where she had woken up. A fresh lightly cold breeze came to bid Pamella "good morning". It made her shiver far more than normal. Why would she shiver by a slight morning wind?

Where am I...?

As she gathered her senses, she slowly rose her upper body from the ground, and at the same time massaged the left side of her head which was incredibly throbbing.

Ugh... my head... What crazy nightmare was that? Imperial guards? Bandaits? Magic objects? Qi? Monsters? ME BEING A MAN?! What the hell did I drink yesterday that made me dhave such... a...

- Dream...

As another breeze made her shiver, and she touched her exposed chest, she came to the realization she was half naked! All her upper body was exposed. Her abs, her pectorals... EVERYTHING!! Who took her clothe off?! A neutral, but with a small hint of relief voice answered her questions.

- Good morning. How are you feeling?

She slowly directed her eyes towards where it came that serious, yet inexplicably melodious to her ears voice.

A man with a sinister, yet alluring outfit, looked at her from the boarder of a small lake. He was kneeling and squeezing a piece of garment with a visible dark stain, that apparently couldn't be removed. He slightly looked at her, and she caught a sight at his deep red almond eyes. As he laid the garment over a tree branch, and started walking towards her, the sunlight that filtrated along his siluette made him look godly beautiful. She again felt her breath flow being cut into more than half this time, and her heart ready to explode. She clenched again to her chest, and as soon as he was kneeling to eye level with her, and touched her forehead, her body temperature broke the thermometer. She immediately became all red and screamed the most girlish scream that could come out from a man's voice.

The sound was so brutally high-pitched, that Xián Leng had lost his balance and fell a few ways back. Eyes wide he just stared at the self-called "bravest and most respected bandit" in the whole land. He asked himself in unbelievable astonishment,

What just happened?

Covering her pectorals with her hands, Pamella said what naturally would have been said if a man saw you naked, and even so touched you in such an awkward situation. Of course, if you were a woman.

- You... YOU... What?! What did you do to me? Where is my clothe?!

Still in incredibility, Xián Leng answered,

- Didn't you just see...? I washed them... for you... The stain of course... couldn't be removed... but its smell to rotting flesh has lessened...

She grabbed hold to the same piece of cloth that without knowing, had been covering her body while she slept. It smelled to a familiar fragrance; a flower fragrance. The smell was the same one as the red flowers on that glowing tree from last night. Seeing her clench at the fabric closer to her body, something in Xián Leng's eyes softened. Looking at Pamella he told her,

- You can wear my cape while your clothe dries a little.

This is YOUR cape!

Without thinking, she abruptly took it off, folded it in a lightning fast manner, and extending her hands she said,

- No thank you! You can have it back... I can't wear something that is yours!

Looking confused, Xián Leng retorted.

- Why not? It's just lending it to you... What is wrong about that?

Pamella thought,

Right! What is wrong about a handsome, good smelling stranger lending you his clothe Pamella! Good heavens! This cape smells soooooo NICE!

As if reading her mind, with a penetrating gaze, he pushed her hands back towards her, and finished their insignificant discussion with,

- Wear that until the clothe dries.

Pamella could only nod, and obey the command given.

The hours passed, and as day became night the two found themselves siting in opposite sides, watching the wood fire blaze; feeling its small but evident warmth. Xián Leng had found some lotus seeds, and walnuts in his gathering expedition. He also had caught fish for both of them, but soon was given all the fish meat because of Wú Chù Zhī exclaiming he was vegan.

What in the world is a vegan? A type of Buddhist monk?!

Even I f Pamella was in body, she was still Pamella. Her new body could make her speak Chinese fluently, but it differed in so many aspects, from ancient China dialect. Hers was more direct, less traditional, and slightly disrespectful. It was also different from peasant, or commoner Chinese, but far off the scholarly, high refined Taoist Chinese. In other words, she didn't fit in society. She was the Grinch in Whoville China; the WHAT of WHOS!

Wait! But I have far more knowledge than the people from this century! Even if I don't get to blend in with the people here, at least I could show my capabilities and try to be cool... Right?

Also, I should try to talk to this Xián Leng about his necklace,and how can I get home.

But... how?... Should I...?

Pamella was so deep in thought she forgot about the existence of Xián Leng. He had stopped watching the cooking fish, and had directed his gaze towards the walnut, and lotus seed, frowning Pamella. He had counted approximately twenty face expressions in the last thirty minutes. The fast change in Pamella's eyes, nose, cheeks and mouth gave out the fact that she was either thinking of something annoying, scary, happy, or dangerous. It was an amazing sight to behold. He let out an uncontainable chuckle.

The chuckle didn't escape Pamella's ears. She looked at him with a puzzled pouting face and inquired.

- What's so funny...?

Xián Leng wasn't afraid, or ashamed of anything. Never in his life since he was born. In other words, he would be straight to people, and tell them what they wanted, or not to hear; it all depended in the person. This Wú Chù Zhī person became fumed with attitude even with a slight gaze, not to mention his effeminate manners, which strangely went well with his young glow, pretty face.

- You're gonna' burn a hole on me if you keep looking at me like that.

Xián Leng became aware that he was just staring, and not saying anything. He blinked three times and cleared his throat.

- Why don't you tell me about yourself?

Pamella almost let out a snort.

- Why don't YOU tell me about yourself?

Although I already know about you as much as the history books tell about you. But...

- Now that you mention it... How about you tell me about this here.

As Pamella went for her top robe, she realized that the robe was still drying on the branch.

Where is the necklace?! Did he take it?! HOW MUCH DID HE TOUCH TO GET IT?!

Pamella's temperature rose again, and soon became as red as a tomato. As Xián Leng concluded moments ago, Pamella's expressions, and actions gave away what she was thinking, so he took out from a pocket of his robe the thing Pamella was thinking of.

- Here... From your reaction I figured you were looking for this...

Pamella extended her hand to grab it but then she stopped it half way. She suddenly stated.

- It is not mine though...

- ... Then why do you have it?

Does he know the necklace is his? He seems like he doesn't know anything about it... Maybe I should continue developing the conversation maybe then he recognizes it.

Pamella retracted her hand and left the necklace rest in Xuán Leng's hand. She continued.

- Do you know what it is?

Xuán Leng could only lift his arms in an "I don't know" motion. He continued with,

- I don't recall so much about it, but...

- Yes...!

Pamella felt her heart jump up from her chest and get stuck in her throat. If Xián Leng remembered about his necklace maybe he could tell her how the thing worked and could transport her back into her world without sounding like she had lost her marbles. As Xián Leng moved the necklace in his mind she still found the artifact pleasant to the eyes. What he told Pamella made her brake from her trance.

- I remember reading it in an old book at the Imperial Padoga once. It was...

- Yeah...?

- It was a forbidden book. I shouldn't have opened it in the first place.

Feel guilty later love, just keep on with the story!

Looking at how hesitant Xián Leng was, Pamella knew that the object wasn't of any good; either to the soul, or to the whole universe. She patiently waited for him to continue.

- I didn't know it wasn't supposed to be read, because if read it could corrupt ones soul; it could make one desire things...

- But is it not desiring things, a good thing? I mean, if one desires one must certainly gets near to success in life.

Xián Leng almost found her statement funny, but reasonable. He conjured,

- "Always without desire we must be found,

If it is deep mystery we would sound;

But if desire always within us be,

Its outer fringe is all that we shall see."

Pamella blinked at him quite more than usual. She had read something like it in some book she had back at her home, but she couldn't quite grab the title of it. Xián Leng continued.

- It's a Taoist poem from the Tao Te Ching written by wise master Lao Tzu.

Oh right! It was in my compendium of Chinese literature.

She smiled.

- I know. I have that book back at home.

Xián Leng was impressed. The Tao Te Ching was the centuries most expensive book, how could a commoner like this Wú Chù Zhī have the money to buy such a book?! He was starting to become suspicious of this young man, who by the way he acted was mostly likely telling lies to him from the beginning.

Xián Leng, from military experience, knew how to identify the liars and those who told the truth, and this one was certainly in all the words definition a fibber. But he hadn't done anything to him, or Emperor Wàn Quan. That's the reason he hadn't pushed him down, and also the sensation that he couldn't; he wasn't able to understand why he wasn't able to find the man in front of him detestable, or suspicious. He might be a thief, but he didn't give out the characteristics of a thief, more less a shameless bandit.

Pamella exclaimed, trying to bring back the lost Xián Leng to their early conversation.

- So, this book made you desire things is that what you tell me?

- Yes...

- What kind of things?

- Power... Control...

- Ooooooh! Like dictatorship, or world domination!

- Huh?

Damm! I said that in English. Stupid, stupid, STUPID!

- What kind of dialect is that?

Xián Leng now was looking awkwardly at her.

- It doesn't matter! Carry on with the story!

Energetically she hurried Xián Leng to get to the point.

- Ok... Well, the book also gave the ways of one to acquire the ultimate power that would grant these things. And other than selling one's soul to the Evil King of Hell Zuì'è Bùxìng, one obtained a necklace of gold and red pendant, much like this one, but the pendant in the book had five charms hanging on it.

Pamella's eyes flashed up.

But... Wasn't this Hu Xián Lèng's pendant necklace?! Now I'm confused! Is it a fake?! No, it couldn't be. Before I got into this body, the owner has snuck into the Imperial Padoga and taken it away. This was that necklace! So why...?

- What were those five charms?

Xián Leng with a sigh, answered.

- The Five Hún Bó Xué...