Chapitre 45: The First Encounter with Xuanyuan Hao
After finishing dinner early, Xianyue wished to take a stroll around the city with Jun Pinyu. Though she had been in Zhao'an City for quite some time, she had mostly stayed within the mansion, spending her days accompanying Uncle Fu. She had yet to explore the city.
As soon as she stepped out, before taking more than a few steps, the maid Xianglan, who took care of Uncle Fu, ran up to her and greeted her with a smile.
Xianyue was different from most young ladies of noble birth. She didn't carry herself with the air of superiority, assuming the role of mistress with pride. Instead, due to her years spent living in the mountains, she embraced the philosophy that all people are born equal. She was approachable and down-to-earth, often sharing tales of her adventures in the jianghu with the household staff. Because of this, they had all come to see her as the true lady of the Jun family.
"Madam, Uncle Fu is asking for you," Xianglan said with a smile, her manner free of any formality.
Xianyue glanced at the sky. It was still early, the summer sun not yet fully set. She nodded, "Is Jun Pinyu with Uncle Fu?"
Xianglan nodded as well. At first, hearing her call him 'Jun Pinyu' so casually had seemed odd, but now everyone had grown accustomed to the special way Xianyue addressed him.
As they reached the courtyard, she spotted Jun Pinyu, dressed in white, standing by the door. Bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun, he appeared as graceful and striking as ever, a faint melancholy surrounding him like an aura.
He turned just in time to meet her gaze, offering a gentle smile as he approached and took her hand. "Go in and speak with Uncle Fu," he said softly.
His palm felt damp, his fingertips cold and trembling slightly as he gripped her hand tightly, as if clinging to her like a man drowning at sea grasping at the last shred of hope.
"What's wrong with Uncle Fu?" Xianyue frowned, studying Jun Pinyu's face. Though he tried to act calm, a deep sorrow lingered between his brows.
"He's fine," Jun Pinyu said, releasing her hand and looking toward Uncle Fu's room. "In fact, his spirits are the best they've been in a while. He even had a full bowl of rice tonight."
Xianyue paused. She and Jun Pinyu both looked in the same direction, and then she turned to him, patting his shoulder. "I'll go keep him company."
She knew that this was likely his final burst of energy, a fleeting resurgence before the inevitable end. Though known throughout the jianghu for his miraculous healing skills, even Jun Pinyu was powerless against the slow decay of life itself.
Birth, old age, sickness, and death—these were the natural cycles of life, immutable and inescapable.
"Madam, you've come," Uncle Fu greeted her warmly when she entered, glancing at Jun Pinyu, who had followed her in. He smiled, the wrinkles on his face deepening into a crinkled mass. He wasn't lying in bed but seated in a chair by the table, dressed neatly and looking much more spirited than usual.
"Young Master, I'd like to speak with the Madam privately," Uncle Fu said, not as a servant pleading with his master, but more as an elder making a simple request.
Jun Pinyu glanced at Xianyue as if seeking her opinion. Xianyue waved her hand dismissively. "Jun Pinyu, don't be jealous. Close the door and wait until we've had our little chat, then you can join us."
Jun Pinyu chuckled, feigning hurt, and stepped back, closing the door behind him before sitting down on the steps outside, his gaze wandering from the fading red glow of the sunset to the vines entwined around the dried-up well, and the servants bustling back and forth.
"What is it that Uncle Fu wants to tell me in private?" Xianyue pulled up a chair and sat across from him. She considered leaning against him playfully but found she couldn't bring herself to be so casual, not like she had with Feng Jiulan.
The room was softly illuminated by a lamp, and the fading sunlight still poured in through the windows. Uncle Fu smiled again, this time with effort, as he reached into his robe with trembling hands and pulled out a carefully folded handkerchief. Something was tucked inside.
He placed the handkerchief on the table and slowly, corner by corner, unfolded it to reveal a small, intricately carved wooden box with a qilin emblem. The box was polished and smooth, clearly of fine craftsmanship. Judging by its size, Xianyue guessed it held a bracelet or something of similar value.
Uncle Fu opened the box, and as she had expected, there was indeed a jade bracelet inside. Its surface was smooth, with a soft, lustrous sheen that seemed to glow even in the dim light, as though it were a river of jade flowing in her hands.
"This bracelet was a token of affection from the master to the lady," Uncle Fu said, and Xianyue instantly understood his intent. He wanted to give it to her.
He gently took out the bracelet, his gaze lingering on it before turning back to Xianyue. For a moment, his aged eyes gleamed with a sharp clarity. "Before her passing, the lady entrusted me with this, asking that I personally hand it over to her future daughter-in-law."
Xianyue had originally intended to accept the bracelet temporarily, so as not to trouble the old man, planning to return it later to Jun Pinyu. But hearing Uncle Fu's words, she hesitated. This was not something to be casually accepted.
As she mulled over her options, Uncle Fu had already taken her hand, trying to slip the bracelet onto her wrist. Xianyue caught his trembling hand in hers, stopping him gently. "Uncle Fu, this is far too precious. I can't accept it."
Her gaze was sincere as she spoke, her refusal firm yet respectful.
Uncle Fu paused, his eyes fixed on hers. "This is not something I am giving you—it's from the lady of the house to her future daughter-in-law. Or… is it that you do not wish to be part of the Jun family? Is our young master not worthy of you?"
Xianyue looked into his sorrowful eyes, seeing the countless threads of worry and care intertwined within them. Her heart ached. So few people had ever treated her with genuine kindness. She could tell that Uncle Fu's concern for her was real, whether born out of affection for Jun Pinyu or a genuine fondness for her. It didn't matter—the old man's sincerity was undeniable.
She patted his hand gently. "How could that be? Jun Pinyu is so talented and accomplished that any woman would be eager to marry him."
Every man in her life was exceptional in their own way, but even she didn't know which one would ultimately be the right match for her.
Uncle Fu sighed. "Xianyue, you're a good girl—kind, approachable, and open-hearted. That's why I like you so much. I've watched the young master grow up, and I won't be at peace unless I know he's in your capable hands."
His gaze held hers, his words filled with earnestness.
"I understand," Xianyue replied with a nod. "But marriage is a serious matter, one that requires the consent of parents. I ran away from home, and if my father finds out I've made such a decision on my own, he'll be furious."
She thought of Feng Xuanling, her father, who would likely arrange a political marriage for her benefit and the kingdom's. No matter how remarkable Jun Pinyu was, in her father's eyes, he was still just a young physician.
"Good child, I don't have much time left. I won't live to see that day," Uncle Fu said softly.
Xianyue's eyes widened, her heart suddenly tightening with fear.
It was a fear born of the thought that one day, that same cold, distant man dressed in black might cradle her in his arms, stroking her hair, and whisper those same heartbreaking words to her.
"Xianyue, I'm begging you, just this once," Uncle Fu pleaded.
Xianyue vigorously shook her head, as if attempting to dispel the shadows that loomed over her heart. She took a deep breath, reached for the jade bracelet that Fu Bo held in his hand, and slipped it onto her left wrist. Then, she waved it in front of Fu Bo and asked, "Fu Bo, does it look good?"
Fu Bo grasped her hand tightly, nodding incessantly, tears streaming down his face, yet his expression radiated satisfaction. "It's beautiful, truly beautiful. No one is more suited than the young mistress. Even the late mistress couldn't wear it as elegantly."
Seeing Fu Bo, overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears, a smile crept onto Xianyue's face, though her heart was shrouded in a thick fog of despair. She wondered if one day, when her brother learned of her impending departure, he would be as concerned as Fu Bo, striving to find her a lifelong companion.
Fu Bo held Xianyue's hand firmly, trembling even more than before, his gaze drifting to the flickering candlelight on the table as if lost in memories. "The young master was not always like this. When the master and mistress were alive, everyone cherished him. Back then, he was willful and full of energy, a true king of children. He would often wield the wooden sword his father had crafted for him and challenge others to duels. The other children dared not retaliate. After each fight, he would return home, beaming with pride, boasting to the mistress. The master would occasionally be angry, scolding him for neglecting his studies, but the mistress always defended him, and he never suffered a single punishment. However, everything changed after that tragedy—"
Fu Bo's voice faded like the dimming flame of a candle in the wind. "Since that tragedy, the young master transformed; he no longer cried or fussed, isolating himself in his room for an entire year. Then, someone came to find him, and he left with that person. He has been away ever since."
Though she had never experienced it firsthand, Xianyue understood that feeling—happiness obliterated in a single night, families shattered. Such a blow was unbearable for most, let alone for someone as young as Jun Pinyu.
Xianyue allowed Fu Bo to lead her, assuming the role of a competent listener. She believed that for Fu Bo, who had endured that great upheaval, life and death had long lost their weight; his only concern now was Jun Pinyu. Over the years, he had remained in this place alone, yet he worried day and night for Jun Pinyu, who was thousands of miles away. One person felt unbearably lonely, and he longed for an opportunity to share the thoughts buried in his heart.
Pouring Fu Bo a cup of water, she noticed his weary expression. "Fu Bo, you're tired. You should rest early. I'll accompany you again tomorrow."
She extended the cup towards him, ensuring he grasped it firmly before letting go.
Fu Bo drained the cup in one go and turned his gaze to the darkening sky outside, nodding slightly. "Good child, from now on, I'll rely on you to take good care of the young master."
Xianyue nodded in agreement. "I will let Jun Pinyu come in."
Fu Bo smiled gently. "Let the young master enter; I have something to say to him as well."
Xianyue approached the door, opening it to find Jun Pinyu sitting on the steps. "Jun Pinyu, Fu Bo wants you to come in."
Jun Pinyu stood up, turning to face Xianyue. His clean, refined face bore no expression as he entered and approached Fu Bo. "Fu Bo, let me help you to bed."
Fu Bo remained seated, observing the duo standing side by side with growing satisfaction and assurance. "Young master, I can finally rest easy and seek out the master and mistress."
In that moment, looking at the elderly man smiling in the sunset, Xianyue felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She couldn't discern if her assistance to Jun Pinyu was right or wrong.
While others might offer comforting words, Jun Pinyu remained silent, bowing his head without a word. As a healer, he understood well that sometimes ignorance is far more blissful than understanding.
"Yue'er is a good child. You must treat her well and never bully her. If I find out you dare to harm her, I will summon the master and mistress to teach you a lesson."
Jun Pinyu raised his gaze as Xianyue brushed her hair aside. He noticed the jade bracelet on her wrist, and a sudden smile broke through his usually composed demeanor, illuminated by the gentle glow of the setting sun. Yet, this warmth was fleeting, quickly replaced by an icy glare that shimmered at the corners of his eyes.
"Fu Bo, I will."
Suddenly, Fu Bo stood up. Perhaps due to sitting for too long, his legs had gone numb, and as he rose, he almost stumbled into the table. Xianyue quickly caught him.
Fu Bo smiled, "Good child." The smile on his face deepened, and he thought to himself, with Xianyue's agility, the young master would have no need to fear being bullied while he was away.
With Xianyue supporting him, he made his way to the door. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he felt he had never seen such a beautiful sunset in his life.
As he stepped outside, his frail body bathed in sunlight, Jun Pinyu looked at him and suddenly felt that the person who had always served him might depart alongside the setting sun.
"Young master."
Fu Bo turned around, calling for Jun Pinyu.
Jun Pinyu stepped forward and stood beside him. He grasped Xianyue's hand with one hand and took Jun Pinyu's hand with the other, intertwining them tightly.
Xianyue gazed at Jun Pinyu, and he returned her look, neither withdrawing their hands as they watched the sun sink lower, a deep sense of sorrow welling up within them.
"Young master, take the young mistress out for a stroll and enjoy the sights."
Jun Pinyu felt a pang of unease, and Xianyue felt the same.
"There will be plenty of time ahead; we can spend it together at home."
Xianyue spoke first, and Jun Pinyu nodded, murmuring, "Indeed."
Fu Bo chuckled, patting their tightly clasped hands. "I know your good intentions."
He smiled warmly. "I'll escort you both to the entrance."
Xianyue understood he wished to see her and Jun Pinyu hand in hand as they walked a short distance.
Jun Pinyu seemed about to say something but was silenced by Xianyue. She turned to Fu Bo, her smile radiant. "Having been here for so long, I truly want to go outside and see."
She tightly grasped Jun Pinyu's hand and led the way, while Jun Pinyu followed, maintaining a respectful distance behind her.
In the evening light, her hair floated freely, and from where he stood, he could catch a glimpse of her profile, bathed in a soft, radiant glow, slightly blinding, her lips gently pursed, forming a determined curve.
They walked slowly, trailing behind them was Fu Bo, laboring yet persistently following. His gaze remained fixed on their intertwined fingers, a satisfied smile on his face throughout the journey.
Neither Xianyue nor Jun Pinyu looked back. Fu Bo continued until they reached the entrance, finally sitting down on the threshold, his eyes still fixed on their clasped hands. In his heart, one thought lingered: he hoped his young master would hold onto that hand for a lifetime and never let go.
Until they reached the end of the street, Xianyue led Jun Pinyu into a secluded corner, hidden from Fu Bo's view. Leaning forward to peek, she leaned against the wall, released Jun Pinyu's hand, and let out a sigh of relief.
Jun Pinyu stared blankly at his right hand, which he now tucked behind his back, slowly forming a tight fist, as if grasping something tightly.
Xianyue felt utterly exhausted, realizing that being a good person was far more challenging than practicing martial arts at Lihua Zhai. "Jun Pinyu, I've done my best. Remember your promise to me."
She pointed at Jun Pinyu, her heart racing, her mind blank. All she wanted was to find the divine herb he had mentioned and locate the rare spirit medicine recorded in that book, concocting a remedy so that her brother could recover swiftly and free her from daily worry.
Jun Pinyu looked up at Xianyue and extended his left hand to grasp her lightly clenched right fist.
Xianyue straightened, walked up to Jun Pinyu, removed the jade bracelet from her wrist, and, leaning in, opened his right hand to place the bracelet that Fu Bo had entrusted to him moments before. "When you meet the woman destined to share your life, remember to give this to her."
Jun Pinyu stared at the jade bracelet in his hand, then raised his gaze to Xianyue, whose expression bore no trace of hesitation. Suddenly, he seized Xianyue's left hand and, with lightning speed, placed the bracelet back onto her wrist. "What is given to you belongs to you."
Xianyue was taken aback, her smile freezing on her face. What was the reasoning behind this? If it were merely common riches, she wouldn't mind; however, this was different.
Although she had no knowledge of the events that transpired in his family years ago, they must have been significant. His parents left him little, and this was
Xianyue vigorously shook her head, as if attempting to dispel the shadows that loomed over her heart. She took a deep breath, reached for the jade bracelet that Fu Bo held in his hand, and slipped it onto her left wrist. Then, she waved it in front of Fu Bo and asked, "Fu Bo, does it look good?"
Fu Bo grasped her hand tightly, nodding incessantly, tears streaming down his face, yet his expression radiated satisfaction. "It's beautiful, truly beautiful. No one is more suited than the young mistress. Even the late mistress couldn't wear it as elegantly."
Seeing Fu Bo, overwhelmed with emotion, shedding tears, a smile crept onto Xianyue's face, though her heart was shrouded in a thick fog of despair. She wondered if one day, when her brother learned of her impending departure, he would be as concerned as Fu Bo, striving to find her a lifelong companion.
Fu Bo held Xianyue's hand firmly, trembling even more than before, his gaze drifting to the flickering candlelight on the table as if lost in memories. "The young master was not always like this. When the master and mistress were alive, everyone cherished him. Back then, he was willful and full of energy, a true king of children. He would often wield the wooden sword his father had crafted for him and challenge others to duels. The other children dared not retaliate. After each fight, he would return home, beaming with pride, boasting to the mistress. The master would occasionally be angry, scolding him for neglecting his studies, but the mistress always defended him, and he never suffered a single punishment. However, everything changed after that tragedy—"
Fu Bo's voice faded like the dimming flame of a candle in the wind. "Since that tragedy, the young master transformed; he no longer cried or fussed, isolating himself in his room for an entire year. Then, someone came to find him, and he left with that person. He has been away ever since."
Though she had never experienced it firsthand, Xianyue understood that feeling—happiness obliterated in a single night, families shattered. Such a blow was unbearable for most, let alone for someone as young as Jun Pinyu.
Xianyue allowed Fu Bo to lead her, assuming the role of a competent listener. She believed that for Fu Bo, who had endured that great upheaval, life and death had long lost their weight; his only concern now was Jun Pinyu. Over the years, he had remained in this place alone, yet he worried day and night for Jun Pinyu, who was thousands of miles away. One person felt unbearably lonely, and he longed for an opportunity to share the thoughts buried in his heart.
Pouring Fu Bo a cup of water, she noticed his weary expression. "Fu Bo, you're tired. You should rest early. I'll accompany you again tomorrow."
She extended the cup towards him, ensuring he grasped it firmly before letting go.
Fu Bo drained the cup in one go and turned his gaze to the darkening sky outside, nodding slightly. "Good child, from now on, I'll rely on you to take good care of the young master."
Xianyue nodded in agreement. "I will let Jun Pinyu come in."
Fu Bo smiled gently. "Let the young master enter; I have something to say to him as well."
Xianyue approached the door, opening it to find Jun Pinyu sitting on the steps. "Jun Pinyu, Fu Bo wants you to come in."
Jun Pinyu stood up, turning to face Xianyue. His clean, refined face bore no expression as he entered and approached Fu Bo. "Fu Bo, let me help you to bed."
Fu Bo remained seated, observing the duo standing side by side with growing satisfaction and assurance. "Young master, I can finally rest easy and seek out the master and mistress."
In that moment, looking at the elderly man smiling in the sunset, Xianyue felt a wave of uncertainty wash over her. She couldn't discern if her assistance to Jun Pinyu was right or wrong.
While others might offer comforting words, Jun Pinyu remained silent, bowing his head without a word. As a healer, he understood well that sometimes ignorance is far more blissful than understanding.
"Yue'er is a good child. You must treat her well and never bully her. If I find out you dare to harm her, I will summon the master and mistress to teach you a lesson."
Jun Pinyu raised his gaze as Xianyue brushed her hair aside. He noticed the jade bracelet on her wrist, and a sudden smile broke through his usually composed demeanor, illuminated by the gentle glow of the setting sun. Yet, this warmth was fleeting, quickly replaced by an icy glare that shimmered at the corners of his eyes.
"Fu Bo, I will."
Suddenly, Fu Bo stood up. Perhaps due to sitting for too long, his legs had gone numb, and as he rose, he almost stumbled into the table. Xianyue quickly caught him.
Fu Bo smiled, "Good child." The smile on his face deepened, and he thought to himself, with Xianyue's agility, the young master would have no need to fear being bullied while he was away.
With Xianyue supporting him, he made his way to the door. As the sun dipped below the horizon, he felt he had never seen such a beautiful sunset in his life.
As he stepped outside, his frail body bathed in sunlight, Jun Pinyu looked at him and suddenly felt that the person who had always served him might depart alongside the setting sun.
"Young master."
Fu Bo turned around, calling for Jun Pinyu.
Jun Pinyu stepped forward and stood beside him. He grasped Xianyue's hand with one hand and took Jun Pinyu's hand with the other, intertwining them tightly.
Xianyue gazed at Jun Pinyu, and he returned her look, neither withdrawing their hands as they watched the sun sink lower, a deep sense of sorrow welling up within them.
"Young master, take the young mistress out for a stroll and enjoy the sights."
Jun Pinyu felt a pang of unease, and Xianyue felt the same.
"There will be plenty of time ahead; we can spend it together at home."
Xianyue spoke first, and Jun Pinyu nodded, murmuring, "Indeed."
Fu Bo chuckled, patting their tightly clasped hands. "I know your good intentions."
He smiled warmly. "I'll escort you both to the entrance."
Xianyue understood he wished to see her and Jun Pinyu hand in hand as they walked a short distance.
Jun Pinyu seemed about to say something but was silenced by Xianyue. She turned to Fu Bo, her smile radiant. "Having been here for so long, I truly want to go outside and see."
She tightly grasped Jun Pinyu's hand and led the way, while Jun Pinyu followed, maintaining a respectful distance behind her.
In the evening light, her hair floated freely, and from where he stood, he could catch a glimpse of her profile, bathed in a soft, radiant glow, slightly blinding, her lips gently pursed, forming a determined curve.
They walked slowly, trailing behind them was Fu Bo, laboring yet persistently following. His gaze remained fixed on their intertwined fingers, a satisfied smile on his face throughout the journey.
Neither Xianyue nor Jun Pinyu looked back. Fu Bo continued until they reached the entrance, finally sitting down on the threshold, his eyes still fixed on their clasped hands. In his heart, one thought lingered: he hoped his young master would hold onto that hand for a lifetime and never let go.
Until they reached the end of the street, Xianyue led Jun Pinyu into a secluded corner, hidden from Fu Bo's view. Leaning forward to peek, she leaned against the wall, released Jun Pinyu's hand, and let out a sigh of relief.
Jun Pinyu stared blankly at his right hand, which he now tucked behind his back, slowly forming a tight fist, as if grasping something tightly.
Xianyue felt utterly exhausted, realizing that being a good person was far more challenging than practicing martial arts at Lihua Zhai. "Jun Pinyu, I've done my best. Remember your promise to me."
She pointed at Jun Pinyu, her heart racing, her mind blank. All she wanted was to find the divine herb he had mentioned and locate the rare spirit medicine recorded in that book, concocting a remedy so that her brother could recover swiftly and free her from daily worry.
Jun Pinyu looked up at Xianyue and extended his left hand to grasp her lightly clenched right fist.
Xianyue straightened, walked up to Jun Pinyu, removed the jade bracelet from her wrist, and, leaning in, opened his right hand to place the bracelet that Fu Bo had entrusted to him moments before. "When you meet the woman destined to share your life, remember to give this to her."
Jun Pinyu stared at the jade bracelet in his hand, then raised his gaze to Xianyue, whose expression bore no trace of hesitation. Suddenly, he seized Xianyue's left hand and, with lightning speed, placed the bracelet back onto her wrist. "What is given to you belongs to you."
Xianyue was taken aback, her smile freezing on her face. What was the reasoning behind this? If it were merely common riches, she wouldn't mind; however, this was different.
Although she had no knowledge of the events that transpired in his family years ago, they must have been significant. His parents left him little, and this was
As the street lamps flickered to life, the bustling street was alive with people, a scene of vibrant activity. Yet, this lively atmosphere felt distinct from that of Yan Country; it was hard to pinpoint exactly how. Xianyue glanced around, unable to articulate the differences.
Equally prosperous and affluent, the faces of the townsfolk wore serene smiles, but an inexplicable sense of oppression weighed heavily on Xianyue's heart.
Legend has it that during the establishment of the Zhou Dynasty, a large-scale battle occurred here against the fierce and warlike Qiang tribe. Devoid of favorable timing, terrain, or support, it devolved into a brutal melee. The Zhou forces, relying on sheer numbers, emerged victorious, yet at a staggering cost—tens of thousands of corpses buried beneath, every inch of the broad stone road steeped in blood.
Xianyue followed Jun Pinyu through the thronging masses, he moved quickly ahead, showing no signs of pause.
The air around them was filled with the cacophony of vendors shouting and the sounds of haggling, gradually diminishing as they moved forward, giving way to a wave of jubilant cheers that crescendoed with each step.
Eventually, Jun Pinyu halted before a crowded arena, and Xianyue rushed to his side, her eyes on him.
"This is a custom of Xuanyuan. On every full moon night, they hold contests here, as they say the God of Archery revels in lively festivities."
"God of Archery?" Xianyue inquired, her curiosity piqued.
She had heard whispers of this deity—a valiant and skilled warrior, particularly adept with the bow. Known for his strong sense of justice, he was feared even by Yama, the king of the underworld. In the realm of the Six States, it was no surprise that Xuanyuan revered him.
Surrounding the arena stood a throng of spectators, including brawny men stripped to the waist, while the women here possessed a robust physique, lacking the delicacy found in places like Yan and Feng.
"They say he possesses immense power and favors the brave and strong. Anyone who triumphs on this night may make a request of him," Jun Pinyu explained.
Xianyue observed the flush on Jun Pinyu's face as he breathed heavily, pondering whether he wished to make a wish to this revered deity of Xuanyuan. Despite her skepticism, the allure of trying was tempting.
Who said that those who are accustomed to life and death could remain unperturbed? They merely hid their hysteria beneath a veneer of composure.
"Alright," she agreed.
"Roar!" A sudden cheer erupted from the center of the crowd, as those surrounding the arena erupted into joy, clapping and dancing in delight.
Jun Pinyu watched the exuberant crowd with bewildered eyes, an expression of unspoken conflict flickering across his face.
Believing he feared he might falter, Xianyue cheerfully patted his shoulder. "I'll help you."
With that, she grasped his hand and pushed into the throng.
Inside, the atmosphere was far more boisterous, the cacophony of shrieks nearly deafening, while the arena featured neatly arranged targets alongside bows and arrows. The cheering roared from behind them, echoing like waves.
In the center of the stage stood six robust men. The one on the far left donned a black robe adorned with intricate patterns stitched in gold thread—evidence of its considerable value. He drew his bow, steadying his aim on the target, while the other five stood bare-chested, wearing knee-length trousers, exuding a sense of vigor, accentuating the black-clad man's commanding presence.
The other five slumped, holding unstrung bows, gazing lifelessly at their companion, lacking any semblance of enthusiasm.
"Let's go take a closer look," Xianyue suggested, pulling Jun Pinyu towards the black-robed archer. Observing the arrows embedded in the targets, she pieced together the likely scenario: this archer's skills were so extraordinary that the others dared not compete, and the cheers had been for him.
Xianyue stood behind him, unable to see his face clearly, yet she could discern the resolute lines of his jaw and the straightness of his back. His stance was poised and rigid, and the power in his arms suggested that a mere flick of his wrist could pierce the target effortlessly.
As she pondered this, the archer released his arrow, which shot forth with the unbridled force of a tempest, swift as lightning. In an instant, the crowd fell silent, and the only sound was the arrow slicing through the air, striking Xianyue's heart with an almost palpable tension.
"Bang!"
The arrow trembled at the target's center, while another arrow fell to the ground, and the empowered projectile shot straight through the bullseye, embedding itself in the backboard.
The silence was deafening, more terrifying than before. Through the tiny hole, one could see the arrow's tip firmly lodged in the board. After a moment, the crowd erupted into cheers, applause, and shouts that surged in intensity.
Xianyue tugged at Jun Pinyu, standing on tiptoe to whisper in his ear, pointing at the arrow-ridden target. "That looks a bit challenging."
She was well aware of her limitations; the strength needed to achieve such feats was far beyond her.
Xianyue's gaze remained fixed on the pierced target, unaware of the fleeting shadow that danced in Jun Pinyu's eyes as he regarded the black-clad archer, a moment of deep understanding passing between them, as swift as a shooting star against the night sky.
"Wait a moment."
Xianyue released Jun Pinyu and darted towards a corner of the arena, seemingly engaging in a discussion with the judge. Initially, the man shook his head vehemently, but after a few moments, whatever Xianyue said seemed to sway him, and he pointed toward the figure in black. With a smile, Xianyue skipped away joyfully.
Jun Pinyu watched as she approached. "What did you say to him?" he asked.
Xianyue chuckled. "Didn't I mention? I'll help you."
Pausing for a moment, she added with a grin, "Actually, Uncle Fu is quite remarkable. I'm a person who believes in gratitude."
Then, she leaped onto the stage, and in that instant, the smile on Jun Pinyu's face crumbled completely, his inner turmoil melding into the deep, unshakeable sorrow of late autumn.
As Xianyue bounded onto the arena, she dashed straight toward the black-clad man, while Jun Pinyu's smile turned bitter, yet he followed closely behind.
"Let's discuss something," Xianyue said boldly, grasping the hand of the black-clad figure in front of the crowd.
The man turned to face her. In that moment, the lantern light danced and flickered, and the full moon above seemed to cast a loving gaze upon the black-clad figure, illuminating his features. His face was strikingly handsome, reminiscent of the enchanting night, captivating enough to draw one in.
The man appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, standing tall and statuesque. Unlike the delicate appearance of those from the Lanli Xuan, his aura exuded a natural and commanding presence. Despite wearing the same black attire as Bai Zhifeng, the aura he radiated was entirely different; the color of the night wrapped around him, adding to his noble bearing. His powerful arms seemed capable of lifting an entire realm from chaos.
Xianyue examined the black-clad man with curiosity, while he scrutinized her in turn. Her porcelain skin and finely chiseled features glimmered as her eyes sparkled with determination, brighter than the stars in the darkened sky. Her slender figure was unmistakably not of Xuanyuan descent.
There was not a trace of makeup on her, nor any adornments; her long hair fell freely, save for a single light blue ribbon. The confidence radiating from her piercing gaze was rare indeed.
Though she was there to negotiate, her tone suggested that his acquiescence was expected.
Yet deep down, one could not fault her for her audacity; rather, it was met with admiration. Her eyes sparkled with appreciation, devoid of obsession—a woman of remarkable composure and self-restraint.
"What is it?" the black-clad man asked, looking down at Xianyue, who could only see his chin.
Xianyue turned slightly, pointing at the arrow-laden target he had pierced. After a moment of thought, she directed her finger toward the ground where arrows lay scattered. "If I can do the same, will you grant me the title of champion?"
The black-clad man pressed his lips together, studying Xianyue, uncertain whether he was mocking her audacity or admiring her confidence. "I shot through the bullseye, while all you need to do is strike the ground. That hardly seems fair."
Xianyue smiled, fixing her gaze upon him. "If I were a man and a woman made such a request of me, I would agree without hesitation."
After a moment's silence, seeing that the black-clad man remained noncommittal, she laughed lightly and prepared to retrieve a bow.
Silence was acquiescence.
"Let's forget it and go back," Jun Pinyu suddenly exclaimed, grabbing Xianyue's hand in an attempt to leave.
The black-clad man regarded the slightly flustered Jun Pinyu, his brown eyes widening suddenly as he called out, "Alright!"
Jun Pinyu looked at the spirited black-clad man, abruptly loosening his grip.
The black-clad figure approached Xianyue, almost towering over her. "What is your name, Xuanyuan Hao?"
Xianyue glanced up at him, her lips curving into a smile. So, he was Xuanyuan's heir, Xuanyuan Hao. No wonder.
"I'll tell you once I win."
État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
stone