Ya She

Chapter 18 Golden Face

560 AD.

Gao Changgong rode a white steed and stood on a hill, gazing at the distant, undulating mountain ranges.

He heard the sound of approaching hooves behind him, but he knew that only his personal guard Han Ye could be looking for him at this time, so he did not turn around.

"Your Highness." Han Ye reined in his horse behind Gao Chang Gong, falling half a step behind, not daring to stand shoulder to shoulder with the prince.

"Is it time?" Gao Chang Gong sighed.

"Yes." Although Han Ye was reluctant, he had no choice but to answer. As the fourth prince of Northern Qi, the Prince of Lanling, bestowed the title by the late emperor, he was the elder brother of the current emperor. With such a noble status, he should have been enjoying wealth and honor in the capital, but now he had been dispatched to the military camp.

This seemed absurd, but Han Ye knew the emperor wished his prince would die a horrific death on the battlefield. Since its founding, the Northern Qi dynasty had seen five emperors in just ten years, with uncles, nephews, and brothers killing each other; the power struggles were truly horrific. Therefore, to some extent, Han Ye hoped his prince could escape that cannibalistic imperial city. Even on the battlefield, he would fight to the death to protect him, rather than let him die an unexplained death in the capital.

Gao Changgong wasn't unaware of Han Ye's intentions, but he was physically weak and hadn't read much military strategy. On the battlefield, even if his soldiers obeyed his commands, a mere enemy soldier could easily cut him down. Gao Changgong pulled on the reins, clumsily urging his horse to turn in a different direction, and said with a wry smile, "Since it's time, let's go back that way." In a few days, they would reach Hangu Pass, and then they probably wouldn't even have time to leisurely enjoy the scenery like this.

Han Ye stared blankly at Gao Chang Gong's handsome face, momentarily stunned. Despite serving the prince for six years, Han Ye couldn't help but be momentarily speechless whenever he saw the other's otherworldly beauty. If even he was like that, how much more so would others?

Han Ye hesitated for a long time before finally making up his mind. He gritted his teeth and took out something from his pocket, handing it over. "Your Highness, I believe this item can be of great help to you on your journey to the border."

Gao Changgong looked down at the hideous yellow mask, narrowed his handsome peach blossom eyes, and his voice turned colder: "Han Ye, where did you get the money?"

Han Ye was overjoyed, because the prince was not blaming him for presenting the mask, but rather annoyed by its value. He quickly explained, "Your Highness, this was given to you by a hermit who wishes to remain anonymous. It is said to ensure that Your Highness will be invincible in every battle."

Upon hearing this, Gao Changgong shook his head and sighed. If a mask could achieve such a feat, then what would be the point of having an army to protect the country?
However, he couldn't refuse his guard's kind offer. Despite his utter disbelief, the usually gentle and soft-hearted Gao Chang Gong accepted the golden mask.

He grasped the heavy, cold object in his hand, steadied himself, casually slipped the mask into his robes, and pulled on the reins, galloping ahead towards the hill. The year was 2011.

Holding a box in her hands, Xiao Li ignored her mother's nagging and rushed to her room.

He remembered filling out a beta test application for an online game a long time ago. This package must mean the application was successful, right? It's a box that's neither too big nor too small!

She knew her final exams were coming up soon, but life is short, so why not enjoy it while you can? What's wrong with playing games? Xiao Li quickly closed the door, gave her mother a few perfunctory words through the door as she caught up, then rubbed her hands together and carefully opened the sealed package.

At the top was a poster, which Xiao Li casually unfolded, but was immediately stunned by.

The poster didn't feature any of the currently popular large headlines or sensational slogans; it was completely blank, containing only a CG image. The image depicted an incomparably handsome man, clad in dark armor, riding a white steed, gazing into the distance atop a hill. In his hand lay a狰狞 (zhengning - ferocious/hideous) golden demon mask, which further accentuated his jade-like features, making him appear like an immortal descended to earth, almost too dazzling to look at directly.

"Wow, the computer-generated image processing technology these days is really impressive, Photoshop is all the rage! Who would actually look like this?" Xiao Li sighed, stroking his chin, but he couldn't help but become even more interested in the game.

Holding the poster up in her hand was too tiring, so Xiao Li simply stuck it on the wall and stared at it for a long time before forcing herself to pull her gaze away from the "virtual" handsome man and continue looking into the box.

Inside was a well-packaged wooden box. Xiao Li unlocked the box and stared in amazement at the golden mask lying quietly inside. The mask was a ghostly face, identical to the one held by the man in the poster. The ghostly mask had glaring eyes, a protruding forehead, and sharp, pointed teeth; if seen suddenly in the dark, it would likely terrify anyone. But now, under the light, its golden luster shimmered, its lines flowing smoothly—it was simply a finely crafted work of art.

Xiao Li was surprised that the beta test slots would come with such exquisite merchandise. Instead of immediately playing with it, she searched the box for a beta test disc or card. However, after turning the box inside and out, she couldn't find anything else, not even a scrap of paper with writing on it.

Did she still not get a beta test spot? Was this merchandise just a consolation prize? Xiao Li flipped through the package relentlessly, but couldn't even find the game's name. The shipping address on the outermost part of the box only showed her home address; the sender's address was blank. Were they really going to be so secretive? There wasn't even a game name; she couldn't even find it by searching!

Xiao Li was extremely annoyed, but she had to admit that the game's developers had piqued her intense curiosity.

But she really forgot what game she had applied for during the closed beta test. Xiao Li paced around the room anxiously for a while, finally closing the wooden box containing the golden mask and stuffing it into a drawer, hoping to avoid seeing it altogether. Gao Chang Gong sat in his tent, reading a book by the flickering candlelight.

The military camp was even more austere than he had imagined, a world apart from the prosperity and wealth of the capital, Ye City. He was assigned to guard Hangu Pass, named for its location in a valley, where the pass was as deep and treacherous as a box.

Although Han Ye had told him that Hangu Pass, stretching from the Xiaoshan Mountains in the east to Tongjin in the west, was known as a natural fortress, and that the pass was situated in a deep, treacherous valley, so narrow that only one carriage could pass at a time—truly a place where "one man can hold the pass against ten thousand," and that guarding it wouldn't be dangerous—Gao Changgong still dared not be careless. He put down the book in his hand and pressed his slightly aching temple. Such a dangerous place had always been a strategic location fought over by military strategists. With Yuwen Yong of Northern Zhou now on the throne, he was eyeing Northern Qi with predatory intent, and the recent spate of troops indicated that Northern Qi was eyeing Luoyang.

If Hangu Pass were to fall, Luoyang would become increasingly precarious. Luoyang is so close to the capital, Yecheng. If it were to be forced into such a situation by the Northern Zhou, then the demise of the Northern Qi would be imminent.

Gao Changgong sighed deeply. His younger brother's tyrannical nature was truly unsuitable for being emperor, but he also didn't believe he had the ability to seize the throne. He wasn't ruthless enough. He remembered his father's assessment of him many years ago, and that assessment still applied to him today.

Therefore, he had no idea what he could do in the military camp. He was already tired of the soldiers' disdainful and contemptuous looks these past few days. His appearance was not his own choice, and his lack of martial arts skills was due to his upbringing in the secluded palace. If he had known he would one day be sent to the battlefield, he would naturally have prepared in advance.

Gao Changgong reached into his robes, his fingertips touching something icy cold. The golden ghost mask Han Ye had given him had never left his side, but he had never worn it either.

Invincible, victorious in every battle? Gao Chang Gong gave a bitter smile. When would he, the dignified Prince of Lanling, ever place his hopes on a mere inanimate object?

Just as Gao Changgong was about to put the mask in the cabinet beside him, he heard a sudden burst of neighing horses and shouts of battle outside, like a pair of giant hands mercilessly tearing apart the long, silent night. The barracks immediately erupted into chaos, with noise rising and falling. Through the curtains of the tents, one could see figures running around in all directions.

"Your Highness! Northern Zhou has sent troops to attack our camp!" Han Ye rushed into Gao Changgong's tent, his usually composed face showing a hint of panic.

Seeing his appearance, Gao Changgong knew that tonight's raid on the camp was different from usual, and that the Northern Zhou was serious.

"Your Highness, please do not wander around the barracks. I will protect you." Han Ye steadied himself and barely regained some of his senses. Although he was a guard, this was his first time in the barracks, and he had never experienced the bloodshed and carnage of the battlefield. It was already quite remarkable that he could remain calm at this moment.

Gao Changgong felt uneasy, recalling the sarcastic and mocking faces of the soldiers from a few days ago. He suddenly stood up and walked towards the armor in a corner of the tent.

"Your Highness!" Han Ye was shocked upon seeing this.

"Help me put on my armor," Gao Chang Gong said calmly. He was also a fine man of Northern Qi; if others could go to the battlefield to defend their country, why couldn't he?

Han Ye had followed Gao Changgong for many years and knew that his master was a man of his word. Although he was gentle, once he made up his mind, no amount of persuasion would change it. So he had no choice but to go over and help him put on his heavy armor.

The heavy armor pressed down on him, a feeling Gao Changgong had never experienced before, yet this heaviness weighed heavily on his heart. What rose within him, however, was an indelible sense of responsibility. He picked up a rather heavy steel sword from the side, and as he walked to the table, he saw the golden demon mask reflecting the candlelight. For a moment, almost unconsciously, he took it and put it on his face.

Are they invincible and victorious in every battle?

·two·

Xiao Li finished her homework easily, slipped into the kitchen to get a cup of honey milk tea, and then started pacing around the house in a huff.

Because her mother discovered that she had ruined her final exams by playing online games a few days earlier, she made the difficult decision to remove the computer from the house completely after summer vacation started. Along with the computer, she confiscated a whole host of electronic devices, including a PSP, Wii, MP3 player, and cell phone. She wasn't even allowed to use an electronic dictionary, and was given a brick-sized Oxford English-Chinese dictionary instead.

Are you kidding me? Who still uses a dictionary to look up words these days? It seems her mom is determined to make her study hard, but she's so bored she's already finished her homework. Does she expect her to do another worksheet on her own?

This is just too much torment.

Xiao Li, sipping her drink through a straw, was tired from walking and half-reclined in her chair, staring blankly at the pictures of handsome men on the wall. What was the name of this game? A few days ago, when she finally had a computer, she had asked almost every friend online, but no one knew what online game it was. One person, however, guessed that the handsome man holding the golden ghost mask was none other than the historically famous Prince Lanling.

Lanling Wang? No idea. Xiao Li wasn't interested in the man, only in the poster!

Driven mad with boredom, Xiao Li remembered that a few days ago, along with this poster, there seemed to be a physical mask included. Xiao Li jumped up from her chair, tossed her milk tea aside, and took the golden ghost mask out of the wooden box.

It was surprisingly heavy, almost like it was made of real gold. But it was definitely a cheap, gold-plated item; otherwise, why would it be given away as a free gift?

Xiao Li fiddled with the golden ghost mask in her hand, and as if possessed, she moved closer and closer. By the time she realized it, her cheek had already touched something icy cold, and she had actually put the golden ghost mask on her face.

Just as Xiao Li was about to find a mirror to check the effect of wearing it, he suddenly felt his vision darken. Instead of the room he knew so well, he found himself on an ancient battlefield engulfed in war!

What? Could this golden ghost mask actually be the legendary all-system gaming helmet? Xiao Li was so excited he couldn't contain himself.

Gao Changgong stepped out of the tent, looked at the chaotic military camp, and shouted at the soldiers to calm down, but his voice dissipated in the cold wind, and no one obeyed his orders.

"Your Highness, let's go to the commander's tent first!" Han Ye suggested from the side. He looked at his prince's handsome face covered by the golden ghost mask and felt a sense of unease.

Gao Changgong was also shocked by the scene of the camp being in chaos. Just as he was at a loss, he suddenly heard a young woman's voice in his ear.

[Huh? Why doesn't this game have a control screen? How do I play it?]

Gao Changgong was taken aback. How could a woman's voice be heard in the military camp? He looked around curiously but didn't find anyone suspicious. The closest person to him was Han Ye.

[Tsk, this is no problem for me. Could it be an emulator system like the Wii?]

Before Gao Changgong could react to where the woman's voice was coming from, he found that his body was out of control and turned to walk towards the white horse tied in front of the tent.

"Your Highness?" Han Ye was also startled by Gao Chang Gong's actions, watching helplessly as his prince gracefully mounted the horse, cut the reins of the white horse with a single stroke, and, with only his legs bent, spurred the white horse toward the place where the shouts of battle were the loudest in the distance.

Han was also terrified, breaking out in a cold sweat. He quickly grabbed a horse and gave chase. Gao Changgong was no less horrified than his own guards, especially when he realized his body was completely out of his control, and he watched helplessly as he charged into the battlefield. After assessing the situation, he discovered that the Northern Zhou soldiers had already taken advantage of the chaos to breach Hangu Pass and were about to seize this easily defensible pass.

"We can't lose," Gao Changgong muttered to himself through gritted teeth. "If Hangu Pass falls, then Luoyang will be in imminent danger."

"Oh, I see. The task for this level is to guard the pass." The young woman's voice was light and cheerful, clearly not taking the fierce battle before her seriously.

Before Gao Changgong could even see who was speaking, a Northern Zhou warrior spotted him and turned to slash at him. Never having experienced such danger before, Gao Changgong felt his entire body stiffen, as if his very soul had left his body.

"Your Majesty——"

The screams of Han Ye behind him filled the soldier Zhou with elation. If he could kill the prince of Northern Qi, he would surely be promoted two ranks.

My life is over.

The thought had barely formed in his mind when Gao Changgong, who had rushed towards his closed eyes to await death, saw his right hand casually swing, the gleaming blade reflecting the torches beside him, creating a dazzling arc as it cleanly and decisively cleaved the Northern Zhou soldier in the chest, knocking him from his horse. Blood splattered like rain, dotting his face and head. Although the golden ghost mask prevented the blood from staining his skin, a strong, nauseating stench of blood assaulted his nostrils.

The drawn-out "Your Highness—" from behind Han Ye abruptly stopped, clearly finding it hard to believe that the person who so easily wielded his sword to kill the enemy was his gentle and refined prince.

"The special effects aren't great, but the scenes are so realistic! Oh well, there aren't even health bars, so it really is a beta version." The woman's voice carried a hint of disdain and contempt, but more so excitement and eagerness.

"Who...who are you?" Even if Gao Changgong was slow to realize something was wrong. Ever since he put on the mask, things had started to take a strange turn.

[Me? Huh? This game requires an introduction to NPX? Well, that makes sense, this game doesn't have a control screen, so you can't input your player name.]

Gao Changgong listened to the woman rambling on and on, saying a string of words he didn't understand at all, and didn't know how to interrupt.

"Well, let's chat after I finish this level," the woman said, then fell silent.

Gao Changgong watched with a chill run down his spine as his body was controlled and he charged unstoppably into the heart of the battle, wielding a steel blade to reap one life after another.

It was as if he possessed boundless power within his body. Gao Changgong had lived for nearly twenty years and still did not know that he could cut people with a knife as easily as chopping vegetables.

He must be possessed by a demon. Gao Changgong recalled the stories described in the vernacular novels from the Southern Dynasties, and a chill ran down his spine.

However, the Northern Qi soldiers around him were greatly encouraged by his brave charge and managed to resist the Northern Zhou's attack, gradually forcing the enemy back outside the Hangu Pass.

The battle raged until dawn before finally ceasing. Gao Changgong sat on his horse, looking down at the Northern Zhou banners trampled on the ground, surrounded by corpses. His armor was stained crimson with blood, and drops of uncongealed blood dripped from the tip of his steel sword, seeping into the sand and leaving deep red marks.

The eastern sky brightened, and Gao Changgong stared blankly at the hellish scene surrounding him. Was this all his doing? No! It was that demon who created it through his hands!
"Why is this? Why treat human life so lightly?" Gao Changgong couldn't help but voice his innermost thoughts.

"Huh? Isn't this just a game?" the woman replied.

Gao Changgong shuddered violently. Did he see killing as a game?

There really is a devil inside that golden demon mask! Xiao Li twirled the pen in his hand, his gaze involuntarily falling on the golden demon mask that he had placed to the side.

Yesterday's discovery filled her with ecstatic joy; she never imagined the mask would be the terminal for a holographic game. However, it was likely still a single-player game, with only her as the player, and probably in a trial phase. After completing yesterday's final mission, the NPC inexplicably said something, then reached out and removed the mask. Her view returned to normal, revealing her familiar room. Afterward, no matter how many times she put the mask back on or touched every protrusion, there was no button to restart the game.

This was indeed just a trial phase; there was only one level to play. Xiao Li felt immense regret upon realizing this. If she had known the game would end after only one level, she would have deliberately lost and played a few more times.

However, the game is quite interesting. Generally speaking, the character played by the player is completely under the player's control, but the NPC she controls seems to have its own consciousness, and in the end, it even said a line like that.

Or perhaps her response was inappropriate, which led to the end of the game?
Xiao Li went to the library today to look up some information about Prince Lanling. This handsome and valiant prince of Northern Qi only stirred up a small ripple in the vast river of Chinese history, before being swallowed up by the raging waves. The Northern and Southern Dynasties were an extremely chaotic era. Although heroes emerge in times of chaos, Prince Lanling was clearly not the protagonist in this period of great ethnic integration.

Historical records indicate that Lanling Wang's father was Emperor Wenxiang, Gao Cheng, the eldest son of Emperor Gao Huan, the founding emperor of the Northern Qi Dynasty. However, his mother's surname was not recorded. Historians speculate that his mother, Kennen, was a lowly palace maid. During the Wei, Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties, a time when lineage and social status were highly valued, Lanling Wang, despite being a descendant of the imperial family, found himself in a rather awkward position.

This explains why Prince Lanling was demoted to the army. His younger brother certainly wouldn't want his elder brother to hold military power; he probably wanted his troublesome elder brother to die quietly on the battlefield.

It is said that because Lanling Wang's appearance was too delicate to intimidate the enemy, he would wear a ferocious mask in every battle, and he was invincible, enjoying a great reputation on the battlefield.

Xiao Li touched the golden ghost mask on the table, then looked up at the exceptionally handsome man on the poster. She thought that even someone as accustomed to slaying bosses as her would probably soften her heart if she saw that face. Unfortunately, in the game, since this Lanling King seemed to be the protagonist, she couldn't see this handsome man from her perspective, and the game was still in the trial phase, without even any CG effects.

Even so, she really wanted to keep playing! Xiao Li was incredibly itchy, and knew she couldn't continue writing the exam in her current state, so she simply pulled off the golden ghost mask, put it on, and then lowered her head to continue doing her homework. Gao Chang Gong knew his attitude yesterday was somewhat biased, but as a young prince raised deep in the palace, unaware of the hardships of ordinary people, suddenly facing that hellish, bloody battlefield, where he had personally killed many people, and still managing to sit upright on horseback, he was extremely impressed with his own years of self-cultivation and composure.

But after accusing her recently, and hearing the female devil treat murder like a game, he immediately removed his mask, disregarding the consequences. Fortunately, he could no longer hear the woman's voice, and the feeling of being controlled was gone. But, is that the end of it?

Gao Changgong caught a glimpse of the golden ghost mask he had casually placed on the table. Han Ye dared not move it. The blood on it had congealed, adding to the mask's ferocious and menacing appearance.

"Your Highness? Are you feeling better?" Han Ye's voice came from the side, interrupting Gao Chang Gong's thoughts.

Gao Changgong took the hot water Han Ye handed him and drank a few sips, enduring the aches and pains throughout his body. Yesterday, he collapsed as soon as he returned to his tent. Having never fought so fiercely in his life, every muscle and bone in his body was silently protesting. He slept for a whole day but still couldn't recover.

Han Ye had served Gao Chang Gong for many years, and he could guess the reason as soon as the latter frowned. He immediately picked up the medicinal wine and began to massage his master's legs. He had already checked the prince when he removed his armor and changed his clothes. After such a dangerous battle last night, the prince only had a few bruises on his body, not even a single broken skin wound. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Even the general who usually looks down on his prince has come to visit him several times. Although he was rudely blocked outside the tent, he was not angry at all. Instead, he personally brought him the best medicinal wine and medicine for his injuries.

Including Han Ye, none of the soldiers who witnessed that horrific night would believe that the person wearing the golden ghost mask, who truly reaped the harvest like a demon crawling out of hell, was the same gentle and harmless Gao Chang Gong.

But on that morning, they watched in disbelief as the blood-stained demon mask was removed, and in the light of dawn, a handsome and extraordinary face was slowly revealed. The stark contrast left everyone present mesmerized, unable to recover for a long time.

This scene will surely be unforgettable for many.

Unlike the other soldiers who blindly worshipped their lord, Han Ye knew the truth. His lord's extraordinary bravery was undoubtedly related to the golden demon mask. Han Ye's current worry was whether his lord might suffer any other aftereffects, and he couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

Gao Changgong had long regarded Han Ye as a trusted confidant, treating him with more openness than even his own family. Furthermore, since the golden ghost mask was a gift from Han Ye, he immediately recounted the events of the previous night. Han Ye was shocked to hear this; he hadn't expected that this supposedly invincible golden ghost mask would actually harbor an evil spirit—a female ghost at that!
"Your Highness, I was worried that there might be something wrong with this ghost mask before, so I wore it, but it didn't work." Han Ye regretted his actions. If that evil ghost were to possess the prince's body and be reborn, wouldn't he have harmed the prince?
“It’s not your fault.” Gao Changgong shook his head with a wry smile. “It was I who was being sentimental. On the battlefield, it’s either you or me. Being soft-hearted towards the enemy is being cruel to yourself. If it weren’t for the Golden Ghost Mask last night, we would probably all be dead here.”

Han Ye lowered his head, knowing that things had come to this point and he could say nothing more. The person he served was a prince, with his own position and principles, a world that a nobody like him could not participate in.

Gao Changgong remained silent. After Han Ye finished massaging his aching muscles, he stared intently at the golden ghost mask. Suddenly, he noticed that the mask, which had been stained with blood, was now spotless, without a trace of blood.

Han Ye must have wiped it clean before leaving.

Gao Chang Gong didn't think much of it. After hesitating for a long time, he finally reached out his hand towards the mask. (Part 3)
Xiao Li has been very happy lately.

Her life was originally very simple, consisting of nothing but studying and playing games. And this new game she acquired was exactly what she aspired to.

Although the game's timing was highly unpredictable, with the game screen appearing almost randomly, she was already quite satisfied. The game's content wasn't just battlefield combat; it also included detailed storylines involving army management, food distribution, and military conferences. Moreover, the decision-making power wasn't in her hands; she had to persuade Lanling Wang. If persuasion failed, things would proceed according to Lanling Wang's insistence. This challenge ignited Xiao Li's fighting spirit, and she borrowed many books on the subject from the library, burying herself in them day and night. Her mother, thinking she had finally reformed, prepared delicious and nourishing meals for her every day, making Xiao Li feel very embarrassed.

However, with such a powerful holographic game before her, Xiao Li had no time to spare. She extracted various insightful theories from military books and even suggested that Lanling Wang select 500 guards from the army camp and train them like special forces. Fully armed with the best armor and horses, after several rounds of training, Sakurai became the sharpest blade in the Northern Qi army. Xiao Li consolidated several areas for improvement, memorized them, and then put on the Golden Ghost Mask to enter the game, only to find that the game screen had changed to winter. She remembered that it was summer when she logged in yesterday. Sure enough, it's a game; the time progress is fast. "Oh! Where am I?" Xiao Li carefully observed the game screen and realized that the surroundings were not the military camp she was so familiar with.

"You're finally here!" Gao Changgong's voice came, unable to hide his joy. "The Northern Zhou couldn't take Hangu Pass, so they've already gone around to Mangshan behind Luoyang and besieged Luoyang for many days."

Xiao Li didn't feel like she'd missed too much time, because in the month or so she'd been playing the game, four years had passed in the game world. The plot intervals were irregular, which she found reasonable; after all, the game only played the most interesting parts! And the siege of Luoyang should be the historical victory at Mangshan. Thinking of this, Xiao Li confidently said, "Don't worry, leave it to me. I guarantee I'll relieve the siege of Luoyang."

Gao Changgong hadn't heard the voice from behind the mask for almost half a year. Although this had happened before, it was during a time of war between the two countries, and he was under immense pressure from the soldiers' worship and trust. So he simply wore the golden ghost mask day and night, which both concealed his anxious expression and allowed him to stay informed about Xiao Li's whereabouts.

Xiao Li learned about the events of the past few days from Gao Changgong, obtaining a steady stream of intelligence, which she meticulously analyzed.

Although the Northern Zhou claimed to have besieged Luoyang with an army of 100,000, Luoyang was actually protected by the strategically important Mangshan Mountains to the north and the south bank of the Yellow River, which served as natural barriers. The city walls were thick and strong, making it a city comparable to the ancient capital of Chang'an. A true siege of Luoyang was simply impossible for the Northern Zhou army. Therefore, the Northern Zhou could only deploy heavy troops in the surrounding towns to blockade Luoyang. A large-scale battle, especially one involving a 100,000-strong army besieging Luoyang, was not easily accomplished. The assembly of soldiers, army training, weapons manufacturing, and the stockpiling of provisions, all the way to supplying the towns along the route, were all interconnected. If any link was not handled well, the situation would be disastrous. Moreover, it was currently the dead of winter, the river was frozen, rendering the navy essentially useless. Therefore, the only concern was guarding against the Zhou army in the Mangshan Mountains to the north.

With Xiao Li's simple analysis, Gao Changgong felt reassured.

The great victory at Mangshan unfolded before Xiao Li just as history had recorded. Gao Changgong, wearing a mask and leading only five hundred soldiers, pierced through the Northern Zhou's defenses like a sharp blade, moving through the enemy ranks as if they were nothing, until he reached the walls of Luoyang. The Luoyang guards dared not open the city gates rashly. Seeing that Gao Changgong was wearing a mask, they asked him to remove it to verify his identity.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Gao Changgong touched the mask on his face with his finger and hesitated for a moment.

"Pfft, don't worry about me. There shouldn't be any more problems. The guards in Luoyang are only staying inside because they lack outside support. As long as you reveal your identity, they will break through the city and lend you a hand." Xiao Li yawned. She hadn't slept all night for this lightning operation, so she desperately needed rest.

"No, this king," Gao Chang Gong wanted to ask when he would hear her voice again. Half a year had passed since they parted, and he realized that he needed her more than he had imagined. However, he hesitated for a moment, the words circling in his mouth, but he still didn't say them.

"Your Highness?" Han Ye wiped the blood from his face, urging him with concern. This was a critical moment; every small detail on the battlefield could determine victory or defeat. They couldn't afford to fail at the last hurdle!
Gao Changgong sighed inwardly, reached out and removed the golden ghost mask from his face, which was stained with blood, and looked up at the sun hanging high in the sky.

Silence reigned as thousands of eyes were fixed on the incomparably handsome face atop the white horse, a face etched with a mixture of helplessness and pity, yet stained with crimson blood. He resembled both a valiant Asura and a celestial messenger preaching.

"It's Prince Lanling!"

After a breathtaking silence, the guards of Luoyang City erupted in a deafening roar. Lanling Wang had been at the height of his power in recent years, and could intimidate the Northern Zhou soldiers with just a single banner. How much more so now that he had broken through the Northern Zhou's encirclement and reached the gates of Luoyang City with only five hundred personal guards! What a miracle this was!

Gao Changgong slightly curled the corners of his lips, knowing that he had won this battle again.

Invincible in every battle, victorious in every fight.

These eight words, though simple to say, are built on the bones of countless others. Gao Changgong couldn't help but stroke the golden ghost mask in his hand, thinking to himself that the vengeful spirits clinging to this mask could probably even block out the sun above his head.
Over the years, Gao Changgong had never let the golden ghost mask out of his sight, even sleeping with it by his side. He was intimately familiar with the mask. Although he had initially believed that the person inside was an evil spirit, as they got to know each other better, he found that every suggestion or strategy the other party made was astounding, and that the other party treated the killing on the battlefield with a carefree attitude.

Indeed, to a god, human life is as insignificant as an ant.
Over the years, Gao Changgong had experienced countless battles, large and small. Although in many battles, as long as he wore the mask and rode on horseback to command the troops, the soldiers' morale was high, but at every critical moment, he had to rely on the power of the woman in the mask. The mask was stained with layers of blood, but Gao Changgong knew that the bloodstains on the mask would disappear naturally without needing to be wiped off.

It's like this ghost mask is sucking blood.
Gao Changgong harbored complex feelings about the golden ghost mask, both fearing its existence and reluctant to give up the victory it brought.

Truly, they were invincible, victorious in every battle.
Xiao Li slept soundly in bed. When she opened her eyes, she saw the golden ghost mask lying quietly beside her pillow. She should be considered to have passed the Mangshan Victory, right? Historical records describe the disastrous defeat of the Northern Zhou army: abandoning camps and fortresses, from Mangshan to Gushui, for thirty miles, military supplies and equipment filled the rivers and lakes.

Lost in thought, Xiao Li suddenly wanted to see what was happening, so she flipped her hand and put the ghost mask back on. The moment the mask touched her face, she heard a surge of drumbeats. It wasn't the war drums used in battle; this drumbeat was far more powerful, filled with the sounds of clashing swords and galloping horses. The drumbeats rolled in her ears like thunder before a storm, each beat stronger than the last, making her heart pound. Her heartbeat would involuntarily rise and fall, fast and slow, in time with the drumbeats, a palpable pressure on her, her blood boiling. Xiao Li's eyes seemed to see a scene of thousands of troops standing on the battlefield, a terrifying sight of murderous intent. Then the drumbeats quickened, as if two armies were engaged in close combat, fiercely fighting, locked in a fierce and evenly matched battle. Suddenly, the drumbeats changed; she could hear a general from one side breaking through the enemy lines, charging straight into their heart, taking the enemy general's head from among thousands of soldiers as easily as picking something out of a pouch.

The drumming stopped abruptly, and Xiao Li realized that she was facing a huge war drum. The drummer's last hammer strike drew an arc in the air, like a sword being slashed down. The drum surface vibrated for a long time before calming down.

A burst of enthusiastic cheers and applause erupted around him. Looking at the ground still covered with remnants of snow, Xiao Li guessed that this must be a celebration banquet after the siege of Luoyang was lifted.

"What beautiful drumming!" Xiao Li exclaimed sincerely. She no longer treated Lanling King as an ordinary NPC; he also had joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, and would react differently to her words. The realism of this game truly impressed her.

"You heard that?" Gao Changgong had been playing the drums with a sliver of hope, wearing a mask, but he hadn't expected the other person to actually hear him. He handed the drumsticks to Han Ye, who was already used to his prince's occasional "mutterings," and turned away without a second thought.

"Is that 'Prince Lanling's Battle Song'? It's very moving." Ever since Xiao Li learned that the protagonist of the game she was playing was Prince Lanling, she had been thinking about this long-standing famous piece. It certainly didn't disappoint her; the simple drumming alone was so captivating. The game's production was truly meticulous. Gao Chang Gong had only acted on a whim, but he hadn't expected the other party to even give his drumming a name. After silently reciting it a few times in his mind, his mood inexplicably soared. However, this was only for a moment. Remembering the question that had been troubling him, Gao Chang Gong asked calmly, "Xiao Li, what exactly do you need me to do?"

Xiao Li was taken aback. Although she had told Gao Changgong her name long ago, he rarely called her that. Hearing it suddenly now felt somewhat strange.

But how can she tell a character in a game that she's actually playing a game? Even if she did, the other person wouldn't believe her, right? And even if she did, Lanling King's character is from ancient times—how is she supposed to explain video games to someone from ancient times? She's under so much pressure!

Xiao Li's mind went completely blank for a long time before she came to her senses.

Gao Changgong knew he had asked a very inappropriate question, but for four whole years, the other party had helped him fight and handle military affairs without complaint, so he should have asked for something in return.

He feared that he couldn't provide what the other party ultimately wanted.

The two fell into silence. Xiao Li, confused for a long time, finally remembered the turning point in the game. Historical records state that after the great victory at Mangshan, Prince Lanling was summoned back to the capital, Ye City, by his own younger brother, the emperor of Northern Qi, and stripped of his military power. Not long after, on some pretext, he was given a cup of poisoned wine by the emperor. Therefore, being too powerful and overshadowing one's master is not always a good thing.

But since this has been made into a game, it's impossible to give players an ending where they are guaranteed to lose, right? Does this mean the story will turn into a coup d'état and a forced abdication?
Xiao Li immediately began to persuade him with great enthusiasm. She was already very familiar with the background information of the Prince of Lanling, and in no time she came up with several ways to usurp the throne.

Gao Changgong didn't interrupt, but listened quietly. Finally, he sighed and gently pressed his mask, saying wearily, "I remember when we first met, you kept talking about games."

Xiao Li was startled, never expecting that her careless remark had been remembered so vividly. A sense of panic rose within her; she knew she must have said something wrong, but before she could figure out why, Gao Changgong continued speaking calmly.

"Perhaps in your eyes, I or even everyone else are just a game for you, but my life is only in my own hands."

Xiao Li opened her mouth as if to say something, but her vision was completely blank. She stared blankly at the white ceiling above her, feeling empty inside, and remained in a daze for a long time. She knew that Gao Changgong had taken off the golden mask, and she had a feeling that he would never wear it again.

But why would I think that way? It's just a game, isn't it?

To Xiao Li's surprise, although Gao Changgong did not wear the golden mask again, she could still see his figure through the mask's perspective.

He hung the mask on the wall, and Xiao Li watched it like a long, drawn-out TV drama segment, observing his life back in Beijing.

She watched him dismiss his five hundred personal guards, leaving only Han Ye by his side, and shut himself away from visitors. She watched him feign illness, deliberately feigning incurable disease, spending his days in a daze. She watched him often stare blankly at her, or more accurately, stare at the golden ghost mask, reminiscing about the years spent fighting on the battlefield.
Xiao Li had complained before that she couldn't see Lanling Wang's handsome face, but now that she sees him every day, they still have a complete communication breakdown. She would rather tease him a few times like before and then apologize sincerely.

She shouldn't treat other people's lives as her own game.

Finally, one day, the imperial guards sealed off the Prince's residence, and a cup of poisoned wine, bestowed by the emperor, was delivered to Gao Changgong.

Han Ye risked his life to deliver the golden ghost mask to Gao Chang Gong, but because he resisted the imperial order, he was stabbed to death on the spot by the guards.

Xiao Li stared in shock and helplessness at the scene before her. Han Ye had spent his life protecting his country, and instead of dying on the battlefield, he had died at the hands of his own people.

What an ironic ending! Xiao Li was furious and wished she could grab Gao Changxue's hand and make him put on the mask immediately. With her there, he would definitely be able to break through. Even if he had to live a life of hiding, it would be better than dying here in obscurity.

However, Gao Changgong ultimately did not put on the golden ghost mask in his hand, and Xiao Li saw a deathly silence in his eyes.

"Back then... I should have listened to you back then." Gao Changgong stroked the hideous ghost mask, a helpless smile curving his thin lips.

Actually, it was just a wrong decision in life. Why... why can't we turn back?

Xiao Li watched in shock as Gao Changgong raised the cup of poisoned wine and drank it all in one gulp. Dark, poisonous blood spilled from his lips, dripping onto the ghost mask in his hand, obscuring her vision until she was plunged into darkness.

Everyone says Xiao Li seems like a different person; she studies incredibly hard and her exam scores have improved by leaps and bounds.

When her good friend couldn't help but press her for details, Xiao Li simply said that she just didn't want to regret it when she looked back many years later.

It turns out that life isn't a game where you can restart after GAME OVER. Life doesn't have cheat codes or save files; all you can do is move forward steadfastly.

Her golden ghost mask had returned to peace with the death of Lanling King. No matter how she wore it, the battlefield and the antique courtyard would never appear again.

Xiao Li had already realized that the golden ghost mask in her hand was probably not the holographic game terminal she had imagined.

But what's the point of investigating the facts now? She doesn't want her life to become a game that can be played at will.

Shortly after the start of the semester, Xiao Li received a letter asking her to mail the Golden Ghost Mask back to an address.

Xiao Li hesitated for a whole night before deciding to mail the mask as instructed in the letter. Since the mask could no longer contact that person, there was no point in keeping it.

Fortunately, she still had that poster.

The doctor, carrying a takeout container, walked into the deaf-mute shop, just as someone brushed past him. Seeing the man's company shirt, he couldn't help but chuckle, "Boss, you use delivery services too? How fashionable!"

"There's no sender's address written on it, so I don't know who sent it," the shopkeeper said as he carefully unpacked the package, revealing a hideous and shocking golden demon mask inside.

"Oh, what kind of antique is this?" The doctor asked curiously, chewing on his disposable chopsticks.

"This should be Lanling King's Golden Noodles," the shopkeeper said hesitantly.

"Huh? There are antiques you can't even identify? That's quite surprising!" The doctor raised an eyebrow.

"It's not that we can't determine what it is, but rather that we can't determine who sent it." The shopkeeper lowered his eyes, trying hard to think.

The doctor, watching from the side, finally succumbed to the allure of the beautiful gold and reached out to touch the golden demon mask. Along with the coolness on his fingertips came a sound like a distant call.

[Your Majesty]

The doctor withdrew his hand as if he had been electrocuted, looking surprised and uncertain.

"What's wrong?" The boss noticed his unusual behavior.

"No, nothing." The doctor smiled, thinking he must have misheard. He'd worked the night shift all night; he was really exhausted!

The boss stared at the ghost mask in the wooden box for a long time before finally pushing it aside, looking up and smiling, "Let's eat first."

The doctor readily handed over a fast food meal, then quickly launched into a rambling complaint. The boss listened as if it were nothing new, nodding occasionally in agreement.

Neither of them saw that, under the flickering light of the Changxin Palace Lantern, a layer of bloody resentment faintly swept across the hideous surface of the golden demon mask before vanishing in an instant.
In a dimly lit tomb chamber, only a single oil lamp in the northeast corner emitted a faint light. A crimson lark flew in from the tomb passage, the air currents created by its wings causing the oil lamp to sway even more.

A small crimson bird landed on the edge of the coffin, looking down at the man lying inside. This man wore a golden ghost mask, exactly the same as the one that had just been sent to the Silent Shop. The golden mask concealed his face, only his long, silver-white hair was visible; the gold and silver shimmered together, more beautiful than any rare treasure.

The little red bird tilted its head and stared in fascination for a while, then finally couldn't resist jumping into the coffin and using its beak to comb its long, silvery-white hair.

Master, wake up! It's getting dark, time to go out and play!
The man lying in the coffin seemed to hear the whispers of the crimson bird. Behind the deep, dark eye sockets of the golden demon mask, he slowly opened his eyes, revealing a pair of crimson pupils.
(End of this chapter)