The door to Zhang Wei's room shut with a dull thud, and silence blanketed the space.
The hustle and noise of the world outside faded into a dull murmur, as if even the air was holding its breath, waiting for what came next. Zhang Wei dropped the old bag he had carried from the black market onto the floor with a soft thump. Dust rose in lazy swirls around it.
With deliberate slowness, he crouched down beside it, his fingers trembling not from fear, but from a silent anticipation. The bag rustled as he unzipped it. Inside, all the junk he had bought earlier sat in chaos: broken utensils, cracked wood carvings, old calligraphy tools, and right at the top wrapped in a soft layer of aged silk, the jade hairpin.
Zhang Wei's hand reached out and gently picked up the hairpin.
It was simple yet elegant-translucent jade, the kind that shimmered under light, with motifs of blooming lotus petals carved into its body. Delicate gold filigree spiraled around its base, ending in a pearl that had long since lost its luster. But as soon as his fingers brushed against it, a strange warmth pulsed from its core.
"System," Zhang Wei said, holding the hairpin before him, "Appraise this."
DING!
Appraisal Complete…
Item Name: Empress Dowager's Spirit Jade HairpinRank: ??? (Mystic Class - Bound to Spirit)Description: A spiritual artifact once belonging to the Empress Dowager of the Tianxia Empire during the ancient cultivation era. This hairpin carries the lingering soul and legacy of the Empress Dowager. It resonates most with women who possess Yin-rich bodies. If fully awakened, the spirit within may attempt to merge with or possess the wielder.Warning: Host's sister Zhang Yuna possesses a Pure Yin Constitution. The artifact will recognize her as its vessel.Danger: Risk of soul assimilation. Host intervention recommended during cultivation.
Zhang Wei's eyes widened, his heartbeat pounding like thunder in his chest. The weight of the hairpin now felt different, as though it carried centuries of history... and danger.
He took a deep breath.
"A spirit... the Empress Dowager's spirit… inside this? And she might try to possess Yuna?"
His hands tightened around the jade hairpin, knuckles whitening.
"System," he said in a low voice, "if I give this to Yuna, will she be safe?"
System Notification: Host's sister will have a chance to inherit the Empress Dowager's legacy, but the risk of spirit interference is high during early cultivation. However, with host's guidance, mental support, and active suppression during inner demon trials, this danger can be mitigated.
Zhang Wei's expression turned steely, his eyes like sharpened blades.
"I don't care if a demon or ghost tries to take over her. Even if the heavens fall, I'll be there beside her," he growled. "If that Empress Dowager's spirit dares to harm Yuna, I'll destroy her even if I have to dig her soul out piece by piece!"
The system's mechanical tone softened, as though acknowledging his resolve.
System: Don't worry, Host. With me by your side, no one—not even the spirits of ancient tyrants—can stand in your path. I am the God of Systems. With time and power, you will stand above even the Empress Dowager.
Zhang Wei's fierce gaze lowered to the hairpin in his hand once again. The jade shimmered faintly, and for a moment... just a moment...he thought, he saw a graceful figure draped in imperial robes staring back at him from within the jade, her eyes cold, dignified, and ancient.
But he didn't flinch.
Instead, he gently wrapped the hairpin in silk again and placed it on his table with the utmost care.
"This... will be your future weapon, Yuna. And I'll make sure no one uses you. Not this spirit, not anyone."
The room fell into silence again, but something had changed. It was not the silence of calm but the silence before a storm.
And Zhang Wei… was preparing for it.