Modern Era — 21st Century
On the rooftop of Skyrocket Tower, a 17-story skyscraper overlooking the heart of the metropolis, the night air was thick with tension. Thirty bodyguards in black combat suits encircled a lone figure — a woman with blonde hair tied in a high ponytail, her clothes torn and face marked with bruises and blood.
Her name was Agent Xingling, one of the most skilled operatives the agency had ever produced. And tonight, she fought like a cornered tigress.
The guards lunged at her in waves, but she moved with ruthless precision, dodging bullets, disarming enemies, and delivering sharp, bone-breaking blows. She was battered, outnumbered, but far from defeated.
Then — a sudden, sharp sting to the side of her neck. She staggered.
Turning quickly, she saw him. The man who had sent her on this mission. The one she trusted most.
"Agent Xingling, do you admit to the accusations?" a tall man in a different uniform asked, his voice cold and emotionless.
Xingling gritted her teeth. "What accusations?" she spat, anger flashing in her stormy grey eyes. "If I recall, you sent me on this damn mission!"
"You still refuse to admit you gave those spies the formula for the new drug," he said, raising his gun.
Xingling's pulse pounded. Betrayal.
As he pulled the trigger, she twisted, dodging the shot. Another round came, grazing her arm.
"You tried to silence me so your little secret stays buried," Xingling snapped, her voice weak but defiant as she staggered back to the rooftop's edge, the city lights shimmering below.
"You won't leave here alive," he growled. "My secret dies with you."
Another bullet fired.
This one hit her hand.
She stumbled, the world spinning around her, and then —
Darkness.
In the Year of the Ghost
The Phoenix Year
County of Beiyue
In an era long before skyscrapers, the land of Beiyue reigned supreme over the continent. It was a kingdom of power, shrouded in legend. Other nations bent the knee in fear, not only of the Emperor but of one man — the God of War, a mythical figure whose might rivaled the heavens.
Even the Emperor treated him as an equal. But the God of War rarely intervened in politics unless his homeland faced danger.
In the capital city, within the opulent walls of the imperial palace, tension simmered.
---
Ruyi Pavilion — Empress' Quarters
The Empress sat before an ornate table as an astrologer nervously knelt before her. Candles flickered, casting tall shadows against the embroidered walls.
"Astrologer, where has the Phoenix Star landed?" the Empress demanded.
The old man's hands trembled as he spoke. "Your Majesty… it falls upon Marquis Xiao's mansion."
The Empress narrowed her gaze.
"Nanny Shu," she called.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the elderly woman bowed.
"Send word to the Xiao family. Summon them to my presence immediately. Escort the astrologer out."
"As you command."
---
Marquis Xiao Manor
Within the grand manor, grief hung in the air like a heavy fog.
"She's dead, my lord. We should bury her before the body begins to smell," Mistress Nanli said coldly, feigning a concerned tone.
Marquis Xiao clutched the cold, pale hand of his daughter, Xiaoling, tears staining his face.
"I failed you… and your mother. I promised to protect you both," he whispered brokenly.
Suddenly — a soft sneeze.
"Master! She's breathing!" shouted Maid Ming, rushing to the bedside.
Marquis Xiao's eyes widened as Xiaoling's lids fluttered open.
"Why… is my vision blurry?" Xiaoling murmured weakly, her voice hoarse as she rubbed her eyes.
"You're awake, my precious child!" the Marquis exclaimed, embracing her tightly.
Mistress Nanli forced a smile, fury hidden behind her painted face.
"Ah… my poor daughter. You've finally awakened," she cooed, masking her hatred.
But inside, she seethed.
Why is this jinx still alive?
Xiaoling's mind reeled.
Where… am I? Who are these people? Why am I in ancient robes? Is this some kind of drama? I remember being shot and falling from the rooftop… how the hell did I end up here?
But when she tried to speak — nothing.
"Doctor! Why can't she speak?!" Marquis Xiao demanded, panic in his voice.
"I'm sorry, Marquis. The princess was poisoned. It's a miracle she survived… but her voice has been taken. I'll prepare some herbal remedies that may help over time," Doctor Lou explained gravely.
"Wenxi, escort the doctor and collect the medicine," Mistress Nanli ordered coolly.
"My lord, please let Xiaoling rest," she added sweetly. "I'll have Nanny Zhao look after her. You must attend court."
Reluctantly, Marquis Xiao left, casting one last worried glance at his daughter.
As soon as they were gone, Nanli and Nanny Zhao exchanged a knowing look and left the room.
---
Xiaoling's Thoughts
Finally, they're gone…
Then — something incredible happened.
In the mirror's reflection, another image appeared. An exact copy of her.
A conversation between Xingling and Xiaoling.
"Who… who are you?" asked Xingling.
"I'm your reflection," Xiaoling replied softly. "I called you from your world. Please, help me get revenge."
"Why am I trapped in your body?" Xingling asked, narrowing her eyes.
"I summoned you with this necklace," Xiaoling explained, pointing to a jade pendant at her throat.
Wait a minute… wasn't I on a mission to recover this ancient necklace worth 50 billion? Xingling thought, recognizing it. "Alright, tell me why I should help you."
Xiaoling's eyes filled with pain. She showed visions of her life — her maid Wenxi conspiring with her stepmother Nanli to murder her, her half-siblings tormenting her, her beloved mother poisoned, and her monthly allowance denied. Even the Grandmother labeled her a jinx, banishing her to a desolate courtyard.
"My brother… he's only thirteen," Xiaoling whispered. "They poisoned him too. Nanli said if I spoke, she'd withhold the antidote. He only has today to live."
"Damn… what a vile lot," Xingling muttered. "And your father?"
"He's blinded by Nanli's fake kindness. No one dares question her."
Xingling sighed. "Alright. I'll help — but first, I need to fix this weak body."
Xiaoling smiled faintly. "Trust Ming and Peng. They're loyal. Goodbye… and save my brother."
And with that, Xiaoling's spirit vanished.
"Princess!" Ming wept as she saw her lifeless body again. "Don't leave me!"
Xingling groaned, forcing herself to the dressing table. In the mirror, she saw a scar on her face.
"You're beautiful, Princess. Don't listen to them," Ming whispered.
Xingling scribbled a list of herbs.
"Princess… we have no money," Ming said.
Xingling removed the jade pendant. 'Pawn this. Tell the shopkeeper to hold it — I've marked it.'
"Also," she wrote, 'stay away from Wenxi. She poisoned me. Focus on saving my brother. We'll deal with Wenxi later.'
"Yes, Princess!" Ming vowed.
Moon Manor
In another estate, Xiaoping, the eldest daughter, paced angrily.
"How is she alive?!" she hissed.
"Calm down, Sister," said Xiaopeng, the third daughter. "Even Grandmother hates her. She's a jinx."
Nanli smirked. "Your father visited the Empress. The astrologer said a Phoenix Star appeared here recently. I've arranged for a Taoist to claim it's you, Xiaoping. Soon, you'll claim your destiny — just as I did sixteen years ago."
"Mistress, the Princess's medicine is ready," Wenxi entered, bowing.
"Add this powder," Nanli instructed, handing over a vial.
"As you wish, Mistress."