The Sorceress: Blossoming Power

Xinyi, Nianshi, and others sat outside the hut as she opened the diary again and saw the name Xian Xinyi.

"How come my name is here? Is this my predecessor's diary?" Then she looked at Nianshi, who only smiled at her. That smile of his told her he knew this all along and made Xinyi curious. Her fingers opened the next leaf and… suddenly a black hole which looked like a vortex opened on the page and s.u.c.k.e.d her in an instant.

"Queen… Xinyi!" yelled the Hutyuns and the animals together but Nianshi was as calm as ever and assured them by saying, "She's doing fine. Just keep watch for any unwelcome guest." Though confuse and concerned of Xinyi, the animals had no other choice but to listen to the lion dragon's command. They scattered in the surrounding forest while the cubs and pups went back to their lairs.

The lion dragon grabbed the book and placed it on his head and the cactus instantly rooted itself on him, hidden in between his hair. Then Nianshi transformed into his human form and laid inside the hut while the Hutyuns transformed into shrubs and trees covering the little abode from intruders' eyes.

----- o -----

In Fengfu City, Ming's scouts reported that the Goding army would arrive two days later. But the bad news, Youshi's full army's arrival would be delayed because of some unexpected turn of events in another city. It seemed half of Goding's army went ahead to Ninpu City. Fortunately, he received news that Youshi's cavalry and aerial army might reach Fengfu today.

Ming knew he could ask Xinyi for help but scratched the thought unless he had no other choice. If possible, he wouldn't allow her to join the battle this time. He too had to keep a low profile and avoid using his powers. Somehow, he knew what to do as a top-notcher of the civil exams and as a disciple of the retired general of the royal army.

In his survey, a shallow canal surrounded the walls and to his delight, special algae settled near the base. Based on his knowledge, these plants were a famous meal of the fire insects that come out at dusk till dawn to feast with these plants. And the most crucial point was these ants hated anyone, including animals, from disturbing their mealtime. So, he made these half an inch and red insects as his involuntary ally for this war.

He gathered enough black cloth and prepared it on top of the wall. So, when the enemies would come running to climb the walls during day time, his men would unroll the cloth to cover the wall so the resident fire ants would come out right away. Thanks to the wall's not so tall ten-yard height, they had enough cloth for the front portion.

Next, the sidewalls, he found more algae up to the topmost since these parts were near trees shading the whole wall. As expected, no one could go near the wall because of the mounds of fire insect's nest around the walls. So, the sides were no longer a problem from unseen climbers.

Yet, despite the insect's presence, he knew he could only use their help for a day because once the enemies learn of these ants' presence, all they need was send fire arrows to scare the ants away. Also, though they were called fire insects, they never produce fire. It's only their dark red color and dubious bites which hurt like hell gave them such a name. But at least, this would help stall the Goding armies attack for a time.

Next, the shallow canal. He looked at it and thought digging deeper wouldn't give them an advantage for the water had dried up without a good source of water because the water source before was the brook in his estate but its direction had changed later to provide water for the people inside the city.

Instead of getting discouraged, he went around the city and had his men collect oils from the shops to pour on the canal later.

Next, he examined the surrounding lands and there was this vast treeless space with tall weeds in front of the city. For sure, this would be the battleground and his tactical site. Ming let his men dug pits enough for horses to fall with sharp stakes standing underneath. Then as expected, the weeds blanketed the snares so a man couldn't see them, unless they were cut.

This third tactic would only hinder the enemies from advancing faster to the city. He also planned the archers to aim their arrows in between the holes to subdue the men avoiding the pits. They could also send fire arrows to burn the weeds along with Goding's army. Lastly, Ming had the wood crafters to make sturdy long arrows to struck flying mounts.

However, his main problem was the shortage of trained archers and warriors. He had enlisted all abled men, including his clan's men to help fight for the battle when the need arose.

Dusk almost came but the cavalry and aerial support hadn't come. Ming stood alone on the wall... thinking deep on what else he could do to protect the people while waiting for the army to arrive. He also hoped Xinyi would come soon before the war started.

Next problem was the food. The villagers occupied much of the city and the storage houses had only enough rice for a month. He tried to convince the people to run to other cities but it was detrimental for families to travel a month before the winter season. Ming could only pray for the royal army to come soon with the caravans of rations with them.

----- o -----

At this time, Xinyi's mouth cracked to a huge smile and excitement engulfed her heart when she found herself inside the land where both she and Ming came first after she shouted to the Hutyuns. She was sure this was the place because of the cascading flowers and most of all, the rainbow-colored Marigold which sent them to Kaos.

She hurriedly ran to the Marigold, believing it would give the same effect and she could meet Kaos again but… nothing happened after she touched it.

"What the…? Why it won't work?" she shouted in despair.

Then a lady's voice answered. "That plant won't send you back there again."

Xinyi turned around but saw no one. "Who are you?"

"I'm the scribe of your predecessor." The voice came from the rushing wind this time.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm the reason you came back to Forsaken Valley," the voice replied.

"Are you the diary?"

"Yes and No."