Un joven errante

Capítulo 57

"Yunying, have you never had any doubts?" Overnight, someone who had never learned to read could compose poetry; the timid Fourth Miss had become strong and fearless, even adept at feigning ignorance; at such a young age, she understood the ways of the world. As my closest person, it was impossible for her not to have doubts, impossible for her not to understand. Yet, she never asked; she simply stayed by my side, silently, quietly, always by my side, for so many years. She never changed.

Looking at the masterpiece on the stage, Yunying murmured, "As long as it's Miss, it doesn't matter what it becomes."

"Yunying, it's our turn to go up."

Yunying gazed at the young lady in the bamboo hat and black veil—no, at this moment, she should say the breathtakingly handsome young man. It was as if a light, like the spotlights cast by the bronze mirrors during the previous fashion show, dappled shadows danced across his face, shimmering and radiant, finally enveloping him like a ladder to heaven. Yunying didn't know what that strange white light was, but she guessed it contained a mixture of worldly sorrows, the hues of human existence. A desolate beauty that chilled the heart, a magnificent beauty that captivated the soul.

The performance had just ended, and he was about to leap onto the stage under Xiao Qi's meaningful gaze when, unexpectedly, someone suddenly appeared there.

A man in a grey robe stood there, his gentle gaze flowing like water, his handsome and composed appearance, his finely embroidered robes, and most importantly, the aloofness hidden beneath his gentle smile—exactly the same as the one my third brother had seen years ago when he took me there. Behind him were many other men in long robes, their faces obscured, all standing respectfully to one side.

He stood there, nodded slightly to Mai Qi, and then said respectfully, "You, on behalf of the Mayan priests, present this congratulatory gift to Young Master Jin. The Mayan people will follow Young Master Jin for eternity."

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o(∩_∩)o……Dear friends, two chapters are done. I will continue to work hard.

Volume 3, Chapter 117: Night Trick (Part 1)

A young man wearing a straw hat and black veil, dressed in white, gently swept across the sky and finally landed gracefully.

I couldn't see his face or his expression clearly, but I could see his fair and smooth hands, like lotus flowers in midsummer.

Suddenly, behind him, enormous, multicolored flowers bloomed in the sky. As one flower slowly opened, another began to bloom, blossoming in the tranquil and deep night sky of Jiankang. The falling petals continued to drift down, one by one, transforming the entire sky into a breathtakingly enchanting spectacle.

The colors are vibrant and dazzling. A blue more dazzling than Turkish sapphire, a white more translucent and clear than plum blossoms in falling snow, a gray more enigmatic than drifting smoke, a purple more eerie than swaying irises in spring, a yellow more captivating than pure daisies, a red more alluring and delicate than roses, a green more ethereal than floating duckweed on the Qinhuai River…

Although the boy's face was covered by a transparent black veil, one could still discern that his skin was as white as snow and his eyes as black as lacquer—a truly exquisite beauty.

Everyone present, whether onlookers or high-ranking officials who had bought tickets, stared in a daze at the night sky, which had suddenly become extraordinary. They looked at the young man who seemed to have descended from the heavens. Behind him stood a small, bowed figure, respectfully to the side.

The Vermilion Bird King, who had always been aloof and silent, greeted him respectfully and gently, saying, "Your subordinate greets Young Master."

The boy nodded slightly: "Xiao Qi, thank you for your hard work."

The boy turned to look at the respectful man who had brought the gift, and said indifferently, "Has he arrived?"

Director Wang looked at the boy, and although he couldn't see his face, he seemed to recognize him, as if they had met before at some point.

A smile appeared on Wang Dao's calm face: "The priest was preparing a gift for the young master and couldn't make it in time, so he specially instructed me to come and offer my congratulations."

"Hmm." The boy glanced at the gift box and replied casually.

Wang Dao chuckled, "Why doesn't Young Master ask what's inside?" Although he had never seen him before, a single glance filled him with inexplicable respect, as if it were destiny. From the bottom of his heart, he truly revered this master he would follow for the rest of his life. Though strange, he felt mostly joy. The Wang family had existed for Feng Fei for generations, and today, in his hands, they had finally found Feng Fei's master. They had waited for hundreds of years. Now, in this turbulent world, what they longed for was a wise ruler to unify the land.

The boy looked at him for a long time as if he had heard something very strange, and said softly, "What you should be asking is whether you are willing to tell me?"

Director Wang was slightly taken aback. Although he felt a little embarrassed, he was not disgusted and replied, "What's inside is the country."

The boy looked at him through the black veil, but he could still sense a great deal of unspoken emotion in his gaze, tinged with a hint of silence. His voice was delicate and deep as he said, "Yes, I will see him soon. Feng Fei will take me to him." The boy paused, then suddenly his pupils brightened, like amber, and he said, "You are Director Wang." He used a statement of certainty, without a trace of doubt.

Although Director Wang found it strange, he still answered, "Yes."

What a strange and intelligent person! He guessed the meaning from just two words and understood the congratulatory gift that the priest had spent a long time preparing.

In the strange silence, the boy suddenly said, "Xiao Qi, it seems we have an uninvited guest. Remember to clean up, I'm going to cut the cake."

The Vermilion Bird King's eyes turned cold as the young man's figure gracefully departed. He released a special firework into the air, and then many people quietly appeared from the crowd.

The young man hadn't taken more than a few steps when someone roared, "Young Master Jin, prepare to die!" It was someone lurking in the crowd who looked like an ordinary citizen, but was carrying a sharp knife and a dazzling array of other weapons.

Today is Jin Shao's birthday. Knowing he will appear tonight, many restless assassins and swordsmen, eager for the bounty on the top spot on the continent's rankings, have sprung into action. However, they've forgotten one crucial thing: the former number one assassin is now the Azure Dragon King, Ge Kong, whose responsibility is protecting Jun Jin. His preparations are foolproof. They were overconfident and foolish to choose this day to oppose Jun Jin. They underestimated him!

Without causing any chaos among the crowd, those ungrateful江湖人士 (jianghu figures) and money-grubbing individuals will have no chance of returning alive.

The killing continued in secret. Amidst the blood and gore, the peerless youth calmly pushed out a modified cart, on which sat an extremely tall, large, and exquisitely crafted object, supposedly a cake. The eighteen candles inside the cake swayed gracefully in the gentle breeze.

Just then, a swordsman who had broken through the encirclement and was covered in wounds flew up and thrust his sword straight at the nonchalant young man. The young man remained calm and continued pushing the cake forward, as if he hadn't seen it or was indifferent to it.

The Vermilion Bird King, standing to the side, remained calm and composed, showing no emotion whatsoever.

But just as the sword was about to pierce the boy's chest, Director Wang could no longer hold back and was about to intervene to save him when a pebble struck the swordsman's wrist, instantly knocking the sword away.

The alien man, who had been standing quietly in the corner watching, curled up a wicked smile and said to the burly man beside him, "Tamu, the legendary Young Master Jin is indeed living up to his reputation."

The man beside him said respectfully, "Young Master is a hundred times stronger than him."

The man covered his mouth and chuckled seductively, "Tamu, you don't have to be so dishonest when you're trying to flatter me."

The burly man said calmly, "Isn't this the result the master wanted when he asked Tamu that question?"

“Haha,” the fox-like man laughed happily, “Tamu, you are so cute.”

Upon hearing the word "cute," the usually silent and reserved muscular man's lips twitched involuntarily.

The alluring man smiled as he looked at the boy standing on the high platform in the distance, his pupils constantly expanding with laughter, his laughter shaking the very air.

He said with the certainty of seeing his prey after a long search, "Interesting. One day, I will definitely subdue him and make him my slave willingly."

The man next to him remained silent.

The empty moonlit sky seemed to grow colder because of this eerie laughter.

Volume 3, Chapter 118: Night Trick (Part 2)

You are a radiant youth, as pure and bright as moonlight. Looking at you from afar, it seems as if you possess delicate, transparent wings that could carry you away at any moment. You seem not of this world, but rather like a spirit that suddenly appeared in my life. Your gaze is the vast, azure blue of the ocean, encompassing all aspects of the world, including my cold heart. Your lips are like blooming daisies, vibrant and alluring, like sunflowers from another world, full of life and temptation. Your hair is like a half-moon, crystalline and dazzling, making me imagine the soft touch of it. You wear a pristine white robe, imbued with the fragrance of grass and wildflowers. As you pass by, a strangely alluring scent of roses lingers.

I am completely captivated by you. Falling in love with this unfathomable and elusive young man is the most confusing and unbelievable thing that has ever happened to me.

Sima Rui looked at the young man standing on the stage, a gentle smile on his face, his countenance as beautiful and enchanting as the fireworks blooming in the sky that day. Even after just experiencing a great battle and having his near-death experience easily averted by a man in a long robe who suddenly appeared, he remained calm and composed as he cut her birthday cake on the stage. He remembered that this kind of cake was only available in stores under the Junjin Group. He was always so special, his thoughts and style different from anyone else in this country, which made him even more infatuated with him, but also more troubled, because he always felt that the two of them were from different worlds, as if he might disappear at any moment.

Looking at his stunning beauty, Sima Rui felt even more tormented and heartbroken. His mind had always been filled with only him, but now, it seemed someone else had entered his heart. He hadn't had much affection to begin with, but somehow, the high wall of his heart had been breached, and his feelings had slowly seeped out, filled by him and her. The most important woman and man in his world. He couldn't choose. Even though he had fantasized about any connection between them, he still couldn't foresee, or was afraid to know, the truth that terrified him. He wasn't sure if he and she truly loved him.

He was originally a man with an empty mind and a cold heart, yet he fell in love with someone he shouldn't have.

Sima Rui looked at the peerless and handsome young man, who seemed to never grow old. A slight smile appeared on his lips, even though the blood in his heart was starting to flow backward and his rugged face was turning slightly pale from the pain in his heart.

Happy birthday, Xiaojin.

Sima Rui looked at him and mouthed the most beautiful and silent blessing.

I looked at the noble man in the gray robe, whose only visible feature was his sapphire blue eyes, and said softly, "You've come." Just now, at that critical moment, it was he who saved me with a pebble. Although I don't need anyone else to save me.

He smiled warmly: "Yes, I've arrived. I wonder if the host likes the gift I brought?"

I lowered my eyes: "Those things are too valuable."

His gaze remained as clear as blue water: "But those things are destined to be yours, there's no escaping them. Just like Feng Fei chose you to be his master."

I chuckled softly, "I understand." Suddenly, I gave him a mischievous smile (though I knew he couldn't see it), "Since you're here, sit down and have some cake. This one's fresh out of the oven; I baked it myself. It's a mix of blueberries and chocolate, and it tastes pretty good."

He respectfully took a step back and said in a deep voice, "I wish my master all the best."

I knew he would come, not only to celebrate my birthday, but also to subtly hint at something. And I, though aware of this, pretended to be oblivious. Inside were the jade seals of several surrounding small countries, which he had recovered and given to me. It was of great importance, precious, and incredibly heavy.

The gift he gave me on my eighteenth birthday was the country. It is the most unforgettable gift I received during my coming-of-age ceremony.

Those things represent a responsibility, a responsibility I must fulfill.

I remember the day I left that valley, he was drawn to Feng Fei, because of Feng Fei, he would find me no matter where I was. This was one of his special abilities as a priest and a guardian. It was the oath he swore to me before the old priest—a vow both tragic and loyal.

I smiled as I looked at this strange man, a man who should have long since vanished from the annals of history, and softly said, "From this day forward, the eldest prince of Yan, Murong Han, is truly dead. There is no longer anyone like him in this world. And you, are my White Tiger King, Lian. Are you willing?"

He nodded respectfully and said, "I am willing to follow my master to the death."

"Then, I will prepare a gift for you. 'The Other Shore' is called a publishing house, but it is actually a secret organization that collects intelligence from all over the world. Under the agency of Ge Kong, the Other Shore has gradually grown. You are the priest of the Maya people and Feng Fei's most loyal servant. From now on, you will be the master of 'The Other Shore' and lead and gather all the Maya people in the world."

His sapphire blue eyes looked at me intently, and he said in a deep voice, "Yes, Master."

I looked at the densely packed crowd below the stage, their hands holding gifts of varying sizes, their voices filled with joy as they called out my name, their eyes gleaming with a sincere fervor. Even through my veil, I couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. They were the poorest of people, yet the most grateful for kindness.

I stood there, cut the cake, and as I was about to make a wish, Xiaoqi waved her hand, and then many cakes were pushed off the stage.

I announced loudly, "Today is my eighteenth birthday. Thank you all for coming to celebrate with me. I am deeply grateful. Today, I have specially prepared a cake and drinks unique to Junjin Group to share this joy with you all. Tonight, let's drink until we're drunk!" After saying that, I took the newly developed "Rouge Red" wine that Xiao Qi handed me and drank it all in one gulp.

Cheers erupted from the audience, and then many people announced their names, bringing gifts to congratulate them. The gifts weren't the most expensive, but they were the most sincere and heartfelt.

Just as the atmosphere was filled with laughter, several strange laughs suddenly rang out: "How could such an interesting day be complete without us ten oddballs?"

I looked up with delight and saw the Ten Monsters flying over, stepping on lanterns scattered across the sky like dragonflies skimming the water.

"Uncle Ten Strange Things!" I exclaimed happily. I hadn't expected them to come. I had even mentioned that Prajna Valley was too far away and hadn't informed them.

They walked up to me, handed me the gifts they had prepared, and said with smiles, "Little devil, the Ten Monsters have come to celebrate your birthday."

I hugged them warmly, then suddenly remembered and asked, "Where is my master?"

Shi Guai smiled meaningfully. He didn't say anything.

I was somewhat disappointed, but considering that Jianxian Manor was so far from the capital, it wasn't good for him to have such a long and bumpy journey. So I didn't blame him. The old man had already gone through enough trouble for me.

I had Xiaoqi serve a large jar of plum and flower wine and the recently launched "Nine-Brew Spring Wine". We took our seats at the banquet on the stage, and large slices of cake were served one by one, along with a long list of delicious dishes.

With a few claps, a group of beauties dressed in Junjin attire emerged like a dragon, followed by melodious music, and the beauties began to dance. These were Junjin's most professional dancers. There were also some beautiful women who had sung for a living but had been trained to become singers. At Junjin, they had learned dignity, learned that there was no distinction between noble and lowly in this world, and that what they did was no less than anyone else's. Because they loved their profession, they lived with integrity.

The dazzling lights and flowing sleeves, accompanied by melodious music, captivate people and remind them of the beauty of the world.

Just as I was about to leave, suddenly, a servant-like figure blocked my way through Xiao Qi. I looked up at him in confusion, and he handed me a jade pendant-like object, saying respectfully, "A young master named Langya asked me to give this to you." After saying that, he tucked the jade pendant into my pocket and quickly disappeared.

I looked at the slightly cool jade pendant in my hand. Seeing the strange patterns on it, I couldn't help but gasp. It was a bluish-green color, of superior quality jade, with a jade chimera pattern. Two phoenixes coiled upwards, nestled alongside a proud dragon. This... isn't this...?

He sighed softly.

Life is but a dream, a solitary figure reflects a fleeting glimpse of beauty.

The night was slightly cool. Cool as water.

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Thank you so much, everyone! ~~~o(∩_∩)o

Volume 3, Chapter 119: Seductive

The silent night outside the window seemed to resonate with the thoughts of the person gazing at it quietly. I climbed barefoot onto the windowsill, curled up against the wall, and sat there. A bright orange moon peeked down from the osmanthus tree, casting a cool beam of moonlight onto my bare feet.

Little White nestled in my arms, not saying a word, just lazily rubbing against me, incredibly affectionate.

I looked at it and smiled for a long time, then murmured, "Why, even now, are you still unwilling to speak to me? Are you still disappointed in me and unwilling to talk?"

It remained silent, saying nothing.

The night was eerily quiet.

Remembering what Xiaoqi and Gekong said when they left the manor, everything was ready. So, does this current calm foreshadow tomorrow's turmoil?

Xiao Bai remained silent, but I was already used to it and didn't feel neglected.

Looking at the desolate courtyard, I murmured, "It's just the two of us left." It turns out that those concubines who were banished to the cold palace preferred to go mad or become stupid in this suffocating silence and emptiness rather than experience this bone-chilling loneliness and solitude again.