Tang Dynasty: Inherit the Evil Sword Immortal and destroy gods and demons with one thought!
Chapter 17 - Li Shimin Is in the Prince of Qin’s Mansion!?

Chapter 17: Li Shimin Is in the Prince of Qin’s Mansion!?

At the Immortal-Gazing Terrace, Li Shimin voiced his deepest concern. The mysterious hand unnerved him more than the Heavenly Demon Emperor. Twice he’d seen it, each time stirred by an inexplicable familiarity, as if its owner were someone he knew. Taibai Jinxing, already embarrassed for failing to answer the first question, coughed lightly. “I disappoint you, Tang Emperor. I couldn’t trace the hand’s origin. Before coming, I visited Hui Province, but found no clues—not even a trace.” He sighed, surprised by the challenge. He’d expected an easy task, not this enigma.

Li Shimin sighed, confessing, “To be honest, Immortal Lord, this is my second encounter with that hand. Each time, I feel an odd familiarity, as if I’ve met its owner.” Taibai Jinxing pondered, then plucked a whisker from his duster, placing it on the table. “If so, there must be a karmic bond between you and the hand’s owner. This is a karmic thread I’ve imbued. Hold it, and it may reveal the truth.”

Curious, Li Shimin took the unremarkable whisker, pulsing with cosmic karma. As he grasped it, whoosh! a white light shot skyward, streaking across Chang’an to an unknown destination. “Fuji, dispatch men to trace where the karmic thread landed!” Li Shimin ordered. Zhangsun Wuji bowed, “As you command,” and set to work.

Excitement flickered in Li Shimin’s eyes. The thread’s path suggested a lead—knowing the owner’s identity would be a breakthrough. Opening his hand, he found the whisker grayed and crumbling to ash. “What’s this?” Taibai Jinxing’s gaze darkened. “Tang Emperor, the hand’s owner is at odds with you. ‘Karma burns, fate severs’—only one of you can prevail.”

Li Shimin paled. A mortal enemy? His heart raced. He racked his memory but couldn’t recall offending such a formidable foe. How can this be? “Your Majesty, the karmic thread’s destination is found!” Zhangsun Wuji returned, reporting, “It landed… in the Prince of Qin’s Mansion!”

The words struck Li Shimin like lightning. The Prince of Qin’s Mansion, his residence before ascending the throne, was his old home in Chang’an. He was doubtful. “Fuji, have you searched the mansion?” he asked urgently. Zhangsun Wuji replied, “Every corner, Your Majesty. Only five maids were found, no others. I’ve brought them.”

At his gesture, five maids entered, trembling. “This servant greets Your Majesty…” They maintained the mansion for Li Shimin’s occasional visits. Nervous, some wondered if the Emperor sought a concubine. Li Shimin ignored their faces, scanning their hands. Shaking his head, he muttered, “Not them. They lack that feeling.” Dismissing them, he turned to Taibai Jinxing. “Immortal Lord, the mansion is usually empty save for these maids. Could the karmic thread be mistaken?”

Taibai Jinxing spoke cryptically, “Patience, Tang Emperor. Karma transcends life, death, and time. The thread indicates the person resided in the mansion for at least a year, leaving a profound karmic mark. Recall who might fit. I must visit Shu Mountain, so I’ll take my leave.” Li Shimin escorted him out, then sank back into torment, pacing the Purple Palace Hall. An enemy, a peerless master, who lived in the Prince of Qin’s Mansion for over a year—each criterion alone could point to many, but together, they baffled him. Frustrated, he barked, “Summon the Star Ministers of Heavenly Kui, Left Assistance, and Right Support to the hall!”