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He paused for a moment, then continued, "Uncle, that was a gift from the young master, I can't refuse it."

The young man on the stage covered his mouth and chuckled softly: "I'm giving you a city, and you're so reluctant to accept it?"

The round-faced boy said respectfully, "Xiao Qi wouldn't dare, Young Master has given Xiao Qi too many things."

The young man in white smiled dismissively: "Good things should be shared with family, of course. Are you sure you want to discuss our family matters in front of so many seniors?"

The round-faced boy looked up and saw a sea of astonishment, speechless with disbelief. He couldn't help but feel a little humble: "I'm sorry, seniors, I've disturbed you."

Qingci, standing beside him, smiled and said, "Young Master, things are over. We should go back now."

The boy muttered to himself, "The Tiger Gang and the Fox Gang have already left to meet up with the Black Hawk Gang and the Leopard Gang in Cyathea City. The person impersonating Yi Zhu has also been caught. It seems like I'm no longer involved."

He turned to the disheveled former city lord and said, "If you don't want to die, go far away. If I see you again, I can't guarantee I won't be forced to kill you like I did with your men."

Mentioning this incident, Xiao Qi and Qing Ci's eyes turned cold. Guilt and pain instantly filled their minds, and they almost wanted to rush up and kill the culprit on the spot.

In this tense moment, the boy suddenly smiled with breathtaking beauty, "Let's go. Don't dwell on these things. Even without him, someone else will always do it for him. As human beings, we all have to change and grow up."

"Perhaps, Xiao Qi, you should thank him. He took your throne and drove you away, which allowed you to mature and learn more." The boy casually made up a story.

The two finally changed their expressions.

"Wait," the bearded man suddenly stood up and said, "You can't leave yet."

The boy asked in confusion, "Why?"

"You are the last person to stand on the stage, and you are the martial arts leader chosen today. Moreover, we have all witnessed your martial arts skills, little nephew Jin, you deserve it."

My steps faltered as I stepped off the stage. I turned back and gave an awkward smile. "Me? How could I possibly be qualified? That young man from the Xiaoyao Sect, Brother Yan, is both scholarly and martial, the best candidate to become the leader of the martial arts alliance. Moreover, I think he's kind-hearted and will lead the entire martial arts world to prosperity. As for me," I resumed my usual roguish manner, "I'm just a small-time hoodlum living in Jiankang, a nobody, not worth mentioning. Besides, I'm used to the Xiaoyao Sect; don't ask me to do something so thankless. Right, Master?" I tossed the difficult question to the person who had been watching the show all night.

The man whose name was called smiled faintly: "My disciple has been unruly and undisciplined since childhood, truly unfit for this position. In terms of skill and character, Yan Anran of the Free and Unfettered Sect is more suitable. You need not worry, everyone. Before stepping down, I will personally train him. I believe he will be someone who can lead everyone to greater strength. You can all rest assured about that." He looked at me: "Xiao Jin, rest for the night and descend the mountain tomorrow." I nodded. He was like a mind reader; he knew exactly what I was thinking.

However, I patted my chest nervously, thankful that I hadn't been put in that thankless task. Suddenly, a scream erupted from the crowd, and the person on the platform was nowhere to be seen. Luckily he escaped quickly, otherwise—

Just as I was about to go back to my room, exhausted after a night of commotion, the little brother named Yan Anran, supported by his fellow disciples, approached me and respectfully said, "Thank you so much, Young Master Jin, for saving my life and giving me the medicine. I will forever remember this great kindness. If you ever need my help in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

I looked at him and nodded, somewhat puzzled. Actually, I didn't intentionally save him; it just so happened that he was the one standing at the end fighting Ji Mo. I would have saved anyone else too. However, I wisely kept quiet. It wouldn't be good to say such things out loud, and it would embarrass him.

As soon as I reached the door, there was a figure standing there, seemingly waiting for me for a long time, even though I saw him in the venue before I left!

I waved my hand, and Xiao Qi and Qing Ci, who were following behind me, left knowingly. I stepped forward, opened the door, and let him in. Once we sat down in the darkness, neither of us had the desire to light a candle.

After a long silence, I chuckled softly, "Isn't it strange that I am the owner of the Pearl, just like you are the owner of the 'Hidden Door'?"

He said in a deep voice, "You know everything."

I remained silent for a long time before finally asking, "Why did you come to me?"

In the darkness, Sima Rui kept staring at the boy sitting on the other side, his eyes shining with a strange light.

"I don't know, I just want to see you, I want to find you. I've been going crazy since you disappeared. I'm so desperate to find you, to see you, Xiao Jin, so we can be like before, and get everything back to normal."

"Yi Zhu was the last gift Sister Dan Yi gave me before she left," I replied, seemingly changing the subject. "Before I took over, Yi Zhu was a notorious assassin organization feared by everyone in the martial arts world. It was Sister Dan Yi's organization for gathering intelligence and conducting business in the Central Plains. However, due to internal strife in the Xianbei, she had to return. So, before leaving, she gave me the jade token of the sect leader. A few years ago, the entire martial arts world united to try to wipe it out. At that time, Yi Zhu almost disappeared. I, who had always ignored it, began to rebuild it, turning it into the Yi Zhu we know today. It has the best defense and organization in the country, and it exists specifically to protect all of Jun Jin's chain stores. It exists to protect Jun Jin's business and poses no threat whatsoever, but it should not be underestimated."

“Look, we’re so far apart. I, An Jin, am a ruthless businessman, while you are an emperor, a person of high status. I beg Your Majesty not to be willful and return to court soon. There are many important national affairs awaiting your wise decisions. We,” I took out a small knife, cut off a lock of my hair, and handed it to him, “are now severing all ties and becoming strangers. I will not know you, and you will not know me. Let’s just live our own lives, okay?”

He took it. The darkness prevented me from seeing the pain in his eyes, just as it prevented me from seeing my pain. He said bitterly, "Is this the result you expected? If so, then I'll grant your wish, Xiao Jin. But please don't refuse to let me watch you from afar, okay? I don't know if I'm going crazy, why am I thinking about you so much? I don't have any extravagant hopes, I've just been searching for you for a long time, and it's not easy to finally see you. Please don't refuse, okay?"

I couldn't bear to refuse, so I just said softly, "I need to rest."

He stood up and said, "Then I'll be going now."

I sat there, lost in thought in the darkness. "Don't fall in love with An Jin," it was like a taboo. "If there's still a chance for us to be together, then you should fall in love with Xie Weiying. That's the only identity I can have in the eyes of the world." But—I gave a self-deprecating smile, utterly bitter and helpless. How could I forget how much he hated Xie Weiying? How could he possibly love her?

Even though it's another version of myself, why do I feel a vague unease? It's like being disliked by someone I care about.

Last night was the evening gala of our local Volcano and Hot Sea Tourism Festival, celebrating the opening of the town's airport. Many celebrities came, but unfortunately I didn't have enough money for a front-stage ticket; otherwise, I could have taken some close-up photos. I could only sit obediently in the back with the ticket someone gave me and watch the performances attentively. There was Tang Can, the AIDS ambassador, the singer who sang "It Doesn't Matter," the tenor who frequently appears on CCTV, and many more. When Sun Nan sang "See You Later," the whole place erupted in cheers. There was also an hour-long fireworks display; the fireworks bloomed in the sky and then fell back down—it was beautiful. I craned my neck until it ached. The gushing fountains sprayed high, and the brightly lit Three Bridges were all reflected in the tranquil river, shimmering and colorful. I was mesmerized…

Volume 3, Chapter 84: Arrest Warrant

When Sister Danyi left, she told me the whole truth, and everything about the One Pearl.

My steward, Uncle Fu, was the original head of Yizhuzhu, responsible for communication with the outside world. During the joint annihilation of Yizhuzhu by martial arts figures, it suffered brutal damage, almost disappearing and disbanding. I cannot abandon it because of my selfishness; it means many will go astray, many will never return to the right path, and many more will die. The old Yizhuzhu is indeed gone, but a new Yizhuzhu has emerged. I want more people to live happily, not to engage in killing. Only the brave and the strong can continue to survive. Yizhuzhu has grown step by step through hardship. When it has grown strong enough, and everything has settled down, Uncle Fu has stepped down; perhaps it's time for him to rest. I appointed him as the general manager of Junjin Manor, in charge of all miscellaneous affairs. Xiao Qi has too many things to do; he needs someone to help him. And Uncle Fu, who led Yizhuzhu all the way, is an excellent choice. Before leaving, Uncle Fu entrusted a pearl to his most trusted and only adopted son, Yi Fenghua. I had no doubt about this. For an old assassin who had never trusted anyone or anything to trust someone so much, he must either be genuinely loyal or a master of disguise. However, both of these presuppose that he possessed sufficient ability to gain the appreciation and trust of his former master. Uncle Fu was willing to trust him, so I chose to trust him as well.

However, what I regret is that, to this day, I have not had the chance to meet that young man named Yi Fenghua, the outstanding and strong person that Uncle Fu often mentions.

However, we will have a chance to meet; now is not the time. I've revealed my identity, and I think many people are eager to take my life themselves. Moreover, in mainland China, my life has become incredibly valuable. For example, kidnapping me to demand ransom from Jun Jin. For example, there are those in the martial arts world and the imperial court who have publicly offered bounties for my head, because over the years, I've had Yi Zhu rid the corrupt officials who tried to stop Jun Jin's business for money, or who demanded ever-increasing bribes from us, of all those scourges for the people. Therefore, those with ulterior motives see me as a major threat. And in the martial arts world, they see me as a demon, because they believe what I've done is unacceptable in their traditional feudal context.

When I heard how high the bounty was on me, I laughed incredulously. I never imagined that someone as ordinary as me, living a life of petty crime, would be worth so much. Maybe I should have Xiao Qi Qingci kidnap me and sell me for money; that way, Jun Jin would have an extra, substantial income.

Before I even realized how famous Jin Shao was across the continent, Xiao Qi and Qing Ci, with obvious schadenfreude, presented me with a privately issued arrest warrant from someone on the mainland.

I took it and saw it starkly labeled: "Mainland China's Number One Wanted Criminal: Young Master Jin, Master of Jun Jin." My eyes nearly popped out of their sockets. Those guys behind me were covering their mouths and snickering. When did I become so valuable?

I was particularly puzzled. I continued reading. The second most wanted criminal on the mainland: Yuwen Ruojian, the young master of Later Qin. I didn't recognize this person. The third most wanted criminal on the mainland: Murong Han, the exiled traitor and prince of Yan. Him? High Priest, prince of Yan? So many identities, I didn't know which one was him. I didn't expect him to be on the list too. We really are alike. Even this wanted list is on us. I wonder who decided on this mainland wanted list. If one day I meet the person who decided it, I will look at him with an innocent face and clear, pure eyes, and ask him, "How could someone as well-behaved and pure as me be the most wanted criminal on the mainland? He must have made a mistake."

Perhaps I'll have the chance to ask that in the future.

"Young Master, look—he's been following us for days, and we'll be in the capital soon. How should we get rid of him?" Qingci reminded me from the side. I knew what he meant. Once we entered Jiankang City, I needed to return to the palace. If I couldn't get rid of him, my identity would be exposed. For the past few years, to avoid revealing my identity, Qingci had no foothold in the Imperial Hospital and remained just an ordinary junior physician, except for being my personal physician. Now that I had fallen out of favor, he was even more neglected. The reason he was doing this was so that he wouldn't go unnoticed, so that no one would pay attention to him. Otherwise, he wouldn't be by my side like this.

I nodded to him, glanced at Sima Rui who had been following behind me with a relaxed expression, and silently turned my head away.

I waved my hand and said, "Don't worry, I'll get rid of him. After we enter Jiankang City, we'll go our separate ways. You go to the villa, I have things to take care of."

Qingci nodded: "Yes."

After entering the city and parting ways with them, I wandered aimlessly, if you disregard the little white dog in my arms. At Jianxian Manor, the little guy was busy catching up with the Ten Strange Uncles. After not seeing him for a few days, he became even more clingy, following me everywhere.

I suddenly remembered the scene of the ten strange uncles bidding each other a reluctant farewell when I left. It's not like we'll never see each other again. It still makes me a little reluctant to part. I invited them to Junjin Manor to spend their leisurely retirement years, and there were plenty of people there for them to prank. In fact, Uncle Nine was very tempted and almost wanted to leave with me immediately. Because he was the first victim of my pranks, we developed a better relationship. That's what they mean by birds of a feather flock together. However, his interest was stopped by a look from Uncle One.

The ten strange uncles promised to come find me in Kyoto when they were done having fun. So I had no choice but to tell them to have the old man notify me when they came.

However, that's not what's troubling me right now. As if sensing my mood, the little white dog in my arms suddenly nuzzled against me affectionately, looking at me with its big eyes, as if trying to reassure me.

I looked at its appearance; as it grew older, I finally recognized something except for its white coat. This mythical beast, which should have grown up in the Kunlun Mountains, was now nestled affectionately in my arms.

I remembered what the strange uncle said when I left, leading me to a room: "The divine beast we gave you is the Bai Ze, which should have lived on Kunlun Mountain. This divine beast is pure white, can speak human language, and understands the feelings of all things. It rarely appears in the Dark Current Valley, unless a sage who can govern the world appears, in which case it will leave Kunlun Mountain and travel through time to the Dark Current Valley. A few years ago, a Bai Ze that looked like a newborn baby suddenly appeared at the entrance of the Dark Current Valley. We were all surprised, but we still took it back to raise it. We thought it was just a baby, but three years later, it suddenly spoke, telling us to find the person who had entered this Prajna Valley and was able to leave, and to give it to the person he wanted to give it to. An Jin, that person is none other than you. In other words, you are the destined master of the Bai Ze, the sage it chose to assist."

I was speechless with astonishment: "Then, then why hasn't Xiaobai spoken to me for so long?"

The strange uncle said with a solemn expression, "After Bai Ze spoke that time, it reverted to its infant state the next day and never spoke again. It once said that it was a divine beast that had cultivated for three thousand years in Kunlun Mountain, because all divine beasts in the Dark Flow must return to their infant state, and their magical power is sealed. Until it sensed your appearance, it used its remaining strength to tell us that it had found you. Actually, it's not a coincidence that the Ten Monsters have always been in Prajna Valley. We are descendants who have been ordered to protect Prajna Valley for thousands of years. We are responsible for delivering the divine beasts that appear in the Dark Flow to their masters. Little Jin, it's not a coincidence that Bai Ze will become your master, nor is it a gift we gave you. Rather, it chose you to be its master. It hasn't spoken yet, perhaps because the time is not right."

"Timing?" I was a little puzzled. How could something as cute and pet-like as Little White have so many secrets? How strange. But then I remembered its vivid expressions and eyes, so lifelike, as if it could hear us talking and understand everything in the world. Like a wise man. I had heard that Little White was a mythical beast, but I didn't expect it to be this powerful.

Bai Ze. What a lovely name. I'm so glad I called it Xiao Bai. But, can it really talk?

The strange uncle nodded and said, "That's right. Its magic power is still sealed. Xiao Jin, since you are its master, it will naturally protect you, assist you, and guide you on the path you should take. I've said everything I need to say. From now on, the Ten Monsters will forget about this matter. Take care of yourself."

I nodded solemnly, "Thank you, strange uncle."

Everything that happened after I left the palace felt like a dream. Was I dreaming and hadn't woken up? It all seemed so distant, so unreal, yet why did someone keep appearing to remind me of its reality?

First it was Feng Fei, then Xiao Bai or some divine beast Bai Ze. And then there were the saints and the wise rulers.

What made me even more desperate was the record I found in an ancient book after I heard it from a strange uncle. I went to the old man's study to search and search before I left.

The "Annals of Xuanyuan" records the following about the divine beast Bai Ze: "When the Yellow Emperor was on a tour, he went east to the sea, climbed Mount Huan, and obtained the divine beast Bai Ze on the seashore. It could speak and understood the feelings of all things. So he asked about the ghosts and gods of the world. Since ancient times, there have been 11,520 kinds of things that are made of essence and spirit and wandering souls that are transformed. Bai Ze told him about them. The Emperor ordered that they be drawn up and shown to the world."

So it's true? These successive events are giving me a terrible headache.

Looking at Bai Ze sleeping soundly in my arms like an innocent baby, I murmured, "If you really are Bai Ze, then we've been together for so long, and you still won't say a word to me?"

Little White in the dream groaned innocently a few times.

As I passed Pengju Tower, I stopped and said in a cool voice without turning my head, "You must be tired after following me for so long. Why don't we go up and rest for a bit before continuing? Sima Langya, or Sima Rui?"

The person behind him visibly stiffened, then suddenly smiled warmly.

Chen Wen looked at his master. During this trip to the Sword Sage's realm, his master seemed like a completely different person. This master was truly unfamiliar, like that smile—so unfamiliar it was chilling. How could such a cold and aloof emperor possess such a pure, harmless, and warm smile? Chen Wen rubbed his eyes. He was seeing things; he must be imagining things!

Volume 3, Chapter 85, "The Song of the Pipa"

"Last time you said we'd drink until we dropped, to have a good time, but I couldn't join you because of something. Now, we can drink until we drop." I raised an eyebrow, while ordering the waiter to bring out the best wine and food. Little White lay lazily on the windowsill, not even bothering to glance at us.

"Alright, let's drink until we're drunk. You said it, let's see who falls first," Sima Rui laughed, completely ignoring the fluffy white thing.

I shook my head with a faint smile. Who would get drunk first was still unknown. I'd learned a lot about drinking from television, especially about Duan Yu's fingertip wine-flowing technique. So, with a smile, I drank the full cup of wine while simultaneously using my internal energy to let the wine flow from my fingertips. Of course, this was only when I had no choice; I couldn't get drunk, but I had to get him drunk. Only then could I shake him off and return to the palace. I couldn't let him suspect anything. Even if he did, he couldn't be suspicious. Therefore, drinking together today was a must.

"Come on, bottoms up!" I raised a glass of wine, drank it myself, and then poured another one. Looking at Sima Rui across from me, whose face was flushed, I knew he was already slightly drunk and needed my continued efforts to pour him more wine.

"I...I think I'm a little drunk," he said, his eyes watery.

"Not yet," I laughed, "We haven't drunk much yet, let's continue." I poured him a drink. He obediently downed it. I also drank a glass. We toasted each other.

He looked at me with blurry, drunken eyes: "You used to recite poems when we drank. Xiao Jin, I want to hear you recite poems."

"Really?" I rubbed my forehead, looking like I was almost drunk too. "Okay, let me think, what should I say?"

Perhaps I was truly a little tipsy, for without realizing it, I softly sang: "When will the moon be clear and bright? I raise my cup to ask the heavens. I wonder what year it is in the celestial palace today? I long to ride the wind and return there."

As the song drew to a close, I realized the surroundings were completely silent; we could almost hear each other breathing. I stared blankly around at everyone, only to find them all staring at me in disbelief. I looked at Sima Rui, and saw him raise his hand—one clap, two claps… followed by thunderous applause. The entire Pengjulou restaurant erupted in cheers. Sima Rui gazed intently at me. I was a little stunned. I had only been softly reciting Su Shi's poem; it was beautifully written, and I usually imitated Faye Wong's singing style. I hadn't realized it at first. Unexpectedly—I blushed.

"May we all live long and share the beauty of the moon, though separated by a thousand miles?" Sima Rui murmured. "I'm really drunk." With that, he collapsed onto the table, completely drunk.

"Hey..." I patted him, but he didn't react at all. Was he really drunk? I counted the bottles on the table again; there were already more than a dozen. I stood up, feeling dizzy, and almost sat back down. It seemed I really had drunk too much. Even when I used my inner energy to expel the alcohol from my body, I was still a little drunk, let alone him.

After looking around for a while, they still couldn't see Chen Wen. Seeing that their master was drunk, they wondered why the servants weren't coming out to serve him.

I waited a long time, but there was still no response. Sima Rui across from me was muttering to himself, but I couldn't understand a word. I swayed as I got up, walked to the other side, lifted one of his arms and put it around my neck, then helped him up with difficulty. They say a completely unconscious person weighs twice as much as usual; I thought I could believe that. I was panting heavily, my face and neck red, after helping him up. Little White raised its eyelids, looking at me with a "you deserve it" expression. Looking at its smug expression, I started to believe what that weird uncle had told me.

It clearly understands everything!

After settling the bill, I helped him to the nearest inn, hoping to get rid of him. But when I laid him on the bed, he kept frowning and groaning. Seeing his flushed face and sweat-covered forehead after drinking, I felt sorry for him. I fetched a basin of water, soaked a towel, and wiped the sweat from his face.

Suddenly, he closed his eyes, grabbed my hand, and unconsciously murmured, "Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin—"

I suppressed the stinging sensation in my nose and carefully pried open his fingers, one by one. Then, as if nothing had happened, I casually wiped his sweat. Suddenly, the little white dog, who had been lying on the table beside me, let out a hiss. I could almost picture it rolling its eyes and speechless at me.

I tucked the blanket around him and was about to leave with Xiaobai when Sima Rui suddenly opened his watery eyes, looked at me blankly, and called out, "Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin—" I froze and turned to look at him. Was he drowning his sorrows in alcohol today as well?

He suddenly sat up and brought his face close to mine. I guessed he wanted to kiss my lips, but because I couldn't see clearly, the wet kiss landed on my cheek, warm and making my eyes gradually well up with tears. I thought he had woken up, but he was still unconsciously moaning, "Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin, why aren't you a woman? Why? My heart aches so much, Xiao Jin..."

I was startled, but he suddenly drifted back into a dream, closed his eyes, and fell into a deep sleep. I was left sitting on the floor, stunned.

Why, why did you fall in love with An Jin?

If I were a woman, would you be willing to give up your kingdom, abandon your harem of three thousand beauties, and be an ordinary couple with me? We could watch the flowers bloom in spring, the lush green forests in summer, the golden leaves fall in autumn, and the snow blanket the land in winter. We could roam freely in the world, detached from worldly affairs, traveling far and wide, wandering among mountains and rivers. Could you do all that?

The answer is obvious.

If that's the case, why should we provoke each other? Why should we harbor any unrealistic hopes? It's better to never know, better to seal these feelings away in our hearts forever, never mention them, never expose them, never leave any unwarranted expectations, and let them grow old with time and memories.

I know you would give me the highest status as a woman. If I were deceiving myself, if I were a woman from ancient times, perhaps I would be grateful, perhaps I would willingly stay with you forever in this way, perhaps I would let myself indulge in loving you. But I am not that kind of woman. I cannot, I cannot do it. Just as you cannot give up your kingdom, give up everything you have worked so hard to obtain.

Let's not take that wrong step. Otherwise, everything will spiral out of control, and we'll lose ourselves. Even our pure feelings might be corrupted, and you'll regret it, or I will.

I will never regret meeting you, and I will never let that day come between us. If we have to endure any trials or pain in the meantime, let me bear it all alone. You don't need to know the truth; just do what you should do in your beautiful dreams and hope for what you should hope for. I will not let you suffer any harm, nor can I stay with you forever.