The Auspicious Cat from the Psychic Embrace and Enhancement Ritual

During the Tang Dynasty, Yang Yuhuan won Emperor Minghuang’s deep favor for her beauty and talent, but this also drew much jealousy. She kept a white cat named “Xueying” (“Snow Shadow”), whose pure white fur and lively charm provided constant comfort. However, palace rumors slandered Xueying as an omen of misfortune, planting doubt in the emperor’s mind.

One day, Ye Zongsheng, a Chief Xuanling Master of the Xuanling Sect, entered the palace. Proficient in the Psychic Embrace and Enhancement Ritual, Ye had blessed spiritual creatures for nobles before. Emperor Minghuang invited him to resolve the doubts surrounding Yang Yuhuan and Xueying.

In Yang’s chamber, Ye found Xueying resting quietly on her lap, its eyes bright with liveliness and docility. Ye took out a talisman and chanted incantations. Instantly, Yang felt a spiritual bond form with Xueying, sensing its joys and sorrows. She saw the light in Xueying’s eyes—loyalty and dependence.

“Your Majesty,” Ye explained, “Xueying is no omen of misfortune but a highly spiritual cat. Through the Psychic Embrace Ritual, it becomes not just the consort’s emotional companion but a bringer of auspice. Its spirituality symbolizes purity and peace; its company soothes her heart, not curses. On the contrary, it brings calm to the consort and tranquility to your realm.”

Witnessing the ritual, Emperor Minghuang marveled at Ye’s magic and admired Yang’s kindness and love for the cat. He realized her affection for Xueying sprang from respect for life, not whim.

Thereafter, the emperor loved Yang more deeply and accepted Xueying. He often spent time with both, forming a close triad. Yang’s compassion and love for Xueying inspired him to cherish their bond.

This story celebrates Yang Yuhuan’s kindness, the emperor’s love, and the acceptance of Xueying. The Xuanling Sect’s Psychic Embrace Ritual adds mystery and harmony, embodying the emotional bond between humans and spiritual animals.