Boom!
It was as though thunders were bursting in the heart of Childe Yu. Only two words were left in his mind,
Li Dan! Li Dan! Li Dan!
In the era of the emergence of various scholars, and in the mansion of the administrator of the treasure chamber in Luo Yi, Childe Yu had met a man named Li Dan. How could he not overthink?
Is he... is he the incarnation of the very high lord?
Is he Lao Tzu who has written the five-thousand-word Tao Te Ching?
The World of Gods was nothing similar to the Earth. The very high lord - who was also the Lord Dao De - was an almighty being who had a well-deserved reputation. He was active in the world hundreds of years ago and participated in the Great War. He almost destroyed the world with his omnipotent power. Apparently, for him, killing Childe Yu was nothing different from pinching an ant to death.
Childe Yu had initially planned to take over the role of the very high lord to open up the World Avenue and enjoy great returns. Yet, he had run into Li Dan at the moment. It was just like how Li Gui ran into Li Kui in the famous story, Outlaws of the Marsh. On top of that, the very high lord - currently standing in front of him - was a famous figure in the myths and legends who had the ability to destroy the entire world. As a result, Childe Yu had a guilty conscience. Feeling frightened and fearful, he broke out in a cold sweat, and his legs became flaccid. Fortunately, he had a fairly good self-control ability due to his high achievement in martial arts and rich life experiences. Otherwise, he might have pissed his pants.
Li Rong and Li Jianjia were frightened to see the dramatic changes of Childe Yu's countenance, so they stared at each other in shock. Li Jianjia transmitted a secret message to Li Rong, "Father, what's wrong with Childe Yu?"
"Is he possessed by evil spirits? Otherwise, why does he suddenly become so ill-mannered?"
Meng Qi could sense the dramatic reactions and fluctuating emotions of Childe Yu with the Yuan Xin Seal. Without a change of countenance, he thought to himself, Why is he frightened by my name? Li Dan, Li Dan... Does he know who Li Dan is and what the name represents?
Currently, nobody in the Words of Gods is supposed to know who Li Dan is, unless someone has seen the future. Yet, how would a person who can see the future have such a cowardly reaction? Perhaps he has gotten a magic weapon by chance that helps him in seeing the future?
Is he a Samsara Traveller? The Tao Te Ching of the Main World is passed down from the Ancient Times to the recent times after it underwent numerous Heavenly Tribulations, so it has nothing to do with Li Dan. Therefore, if Childe Yu really is a Samsara Traveller, he is certainly not coming from the Main World. Is he coming from a world similar to the Earth that has the history of the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period?
Encountering a Samsara Traveller was the last thing Meng Qi wanted. However, since he had already came across a person who seemed to be a Samsara Traveller, he could not turn a blind eye to him. Meng Qi had decided to find out his identity.
When Meng Qi was taking a careful look at Childe Yu, Li Rong asked in a clear loud voice, "Childe, are you feeling unwell?"
The voice of Li Rong came into Childe Yu's ears and gave him the shivers. As though being woken up from a nightmare, Childe Yu shook his head blankly, "N-no."
Subconsciously, Childe Yu looked at the man called Li Dan, and saw his face that was full of wrinkles. His senile appearance did not seem to match the descriptions in the legend - he was supposed to be an old man with white hair and white eyebrows. However, the "Li Dan" in front of him looked just like an ordinary person.
Is it just a coincidence? Could it be that he isn't the incarnation of the very high lord?
As the world is so big, there can be more than one person who is named Li Dan!
Some doubts had arisen after Childe Yu tried to calm himself down.
I have to find some evidence to prove that it's only a coincidence. But how do I do it? Should I attack him? No, it's not a good idea. If he really is the real Li Dan, I'll die immediately.
Well, I'd better not try him out with malicious intentions. I must do it in a subtle way to avoid offending him, just in case he is the real Li Dan!
"But Childe, just now you're…" Li Rong asked with concern when Childe Yu was still sinking in thoughts.
Childe Yu dealt with the question with quick wit. He sighed and said, "Just now, I've thought of the chaotic world situation and the moral degeneration of society. What a pathetic situation! Thus, I got emotional and felt a little out of place. I'm sorry for that, Treasure Chamber Administrator."
"Ah, what you said is true. I've always felt that way too," Li Rong was moved by the words of Childe Yu as he had always been feeling the same way. Once again, he ordered Meng Qi to take Childe Yu to the treasure chamber to have a look.
Trembling with fear, Childe Yu followed behind Meng Qi. They were walking on a stony path in the Li Mansion. The gentle breeze was blowing, and the flowers on both sides of the path were emitting a sweet fragrance. Suddenly, a thought came to Childe Yu's mind.
All servants will be changing their names when they start serving at a mansion. Hence, Li Dan might not be the real name of this person!
If that's the case, it's very unlikely that he is the incarnation of the very high lord. Apparently, the lord wouldn't bother to change his name and become a servant...
Childe Yu took a few quick steps to walk side-by-side with Meng Qi. He laughed heartily and said, "Brother Li, thank you for taking me to the chamber."
"You're welcome. Anyway, it's the order of the administrator of the treasure chamber," Meng Qi cast a glance at him.
Childe Yu said with a smile, "Judging from your appearance and accent, it seems that you are not born and raised in Luo Yi?"
"I used to be a refugee, but I am lucky enough to be brought to the Li Mansion by the administrator of the treasure chamber," answered Meng Qi honestly.
Childe Yu was overjoyed. He continued asking, "Did you change your name to Li Dan after you entered the mansion?"
"Yes," said Meng Qi. This fellow really knows about Li Dan!
Haha, as I expected! I've always been so smart! Childe Yu could hardly hide his smile. While walking in a breezy manner, he said casually, "Brother Li Dan, what was your name before you entered the mansion?"
"My surname was Lao, and my first name was Dan," said Meng Qi with a calm tone.
"Lao Dan? It's a nice name… Lao Dan? Lao Dan!" the legs of Childe Yu became flaccid again. He almost knelt to the ground, and his teeth almost bit his tongue.
After all, he is the incarnation of the very high lord!
Childe Yu tried to pull himself together, but he was still feeling anxious and doubtful. He felt that he was having a lot of emotional ups and downs ever since he stepped into the Li Mansion. Deep down inside, he still could not believe that the very high lord would incarnate himself in a body of a servant. In silence, both of them went out of the Li Mansion and walked to the treasure chamber that was located two alleyways away. The chamber was so close to the mansion that they did not need to ride a carriage.
"Brother Li, since you're a servant of the administrator of the treasure chamber, you must be a knowledgeable person who have read a lot of books," flattered Childe Yu to try him out.
Meng Qi said in a dull tone, "I've only read a few books."
He has only read a few books? Well, it seems that he isn't an incarnation of the very high lord, thought Childe Yu. Then, he began to mention about some ancient books written in remote antiquity.
After Childe Yu travelled to the current world, he had been a childe for quite some time in the Middle-Mountain Kingdom, and thus he had read a great number of books. In contrast, Meng Qi was not familiar with those ancient books, so he did not even need to pretend to be a semi-illiterate. After a conversation, Childe Yu was quite confident that the Li Dan beside him was not Lao Tzu. Gradually, he felt relieved.
Just then, Childe Yu heard clatters of a horse's hoofs. It seemed that someone was chasing them.
Childe Yu suddenly got an idea. He took a few steps forward to go in front of Meng Qi. As they were standing at a turning, it was likely for the pursuer to neglect them. If the pursuer was neither a strong martial artist nor skilled in riding horses, the horse would most likely collide with both of them.
It was a chance to try out whether Li Dan practiced martial arts!
Da da da... The clatters of a horse's hoofs could be heard from far to near. Childe Yu felt more relieved because Li Dan did not seem to notice it. He had a feeling that his guess was correct.
"Don't go the wrong way, Childe," suddenly, Childe Yu heard a reminder from Li Dan. In an instant, Li Dan quickened his pace and went ahead of Childe Yu, which left him no time to react at all.
Dub!
Being hit by the horse from the back, the body of Childe Yu flew forward. As soon as the high whinnying sound of the horse came into his ears, he fell to the stony ground. His nose was bleeding and his face was swollen.
"Childe, childe, are you alright?" asked Li Jianjia guiltily and fearfully.
Childe Yu shook his head, wiped his nosebleed, and forced a smile, "I'm fine. Why did you come after us?"
To his surprise, Li Dan had dodged the horse, and he was the one who was hit. This is... he was in a confused state. He doubted the judgment that he made moments ago.
Li Jianjia got down from the horse and said, "Childe, you've been travelling across different kingdoms, so I believe that you have a wide range of experiences. I really admire you. I wish you can tell me some of your experiences."　
Young girls were always full of curiosity and looking forward to explore the world outside. Li Jianjia could not wait to leave her house and travel across the kingdoms.
Li Jianjia had a beautiful appearance and a charming voice. After hearing that, Childe Yu immediately became hot-blooded that he forgot about the important matters. He said with a smile, "The world is vast and wonderful. I can't tell you everything in such a short time."
"Speaking of it, the fall of my kingdom is both a disaster and a blessing for me. Without this incident, I would have been trapped in the Middle-Mountain Kingdom for my entire life. I would be like a frog at the bottom of a well, having no chance to explore the magnificent world outside the well and travel everywhere freely..."
"A frog at the bottom of a well... what a good description," Li Jianjia expressed her admiration for Childe Yu because she had also felt the same way.
Childe Yu stood up with a straightened back. He smiled and said, "This is the beauty of freedom. Lady Jianjia, I have a poem for you, 'Life may be precious, but love has a higher value. However, both can be given up for the sake of freedom.'"
As soon as Childe Yu finished speaking, he heard a sound of retching. Feeling confused, he turned his head and saw Li Dan who was trying to vomit but nothing had came out.
"Brother Li?" Childe Yu suddenly realized that he should have focused on the matters related to Li Dan first.
I've almost vomited after hearing him flirting in an outdated way... Meng Qi thought to himself. At the same time, he already had a guess about the identity of Childe Yu. He said casually, "I've caught a cold."
Is he my fellow-townsman of the Earth?
Even if he is my fellow-townsman, the Samsara is definitely not trying me out through this way because it's too coincidental. If the Samsara has really sent a person from the Earth to me, it means that they have already discovered my secret. There is no point trying me out anymore.
Li Jianjia frowned as she did not know how to react to the poem. If she voiced out her honest opinion, she would surely offend Childe Yu. As he was actually having a good intention, she did not want to be harsh on him.
After hesitating for a while, Li Jianjia had decided to remind him, "Childe, the world situation nowadays has been chaotic. So, let's talk about the way of bringing back peace and prosperity to the world, and the relationship between the kingdoms - not poetry and songs."
Childe Yu clapped his hands and laughed, "Well said, well said. You're indeed a lady that is not inferior to the men."
After Childe Yu recovered from being hot-blooded, he had regretted his choice of poem. Thus, he changed the topic.
While Meng Qi showed the way to the treasure chamber, Li Jianjia was leading her red horse behind him and Childe Yu was walking by her side. Three of them went out of the alleyway and were about to step on the street that led to the chamber.
"Fortune-telling! Fortune-telling!" Suddenly, someone on the street came up to them. Dressed as a Taoist priest, the person was carrying a wooden box.
Due to her playful temperament, Li Jianjia asked with great interest, "How are you going to tell my fortune?"
The priest smiled and said, "Draw two words from the wooden box and make up a term from that. The term will indicate whether you will have a good or ill luck. It can foresee the future and also tell you about your marriage."
Once again, Childe Yu came up with an idea. As he had learned a method of divination, he could actually take this opportunity to test Li Dan!
Before Li Jianjia replied the priest, Childe Yu laughed aloud and said, "Interesting. Lady Jianjia, Brother Li, why don't we give it a try?"
As Li Jianjia would certainly agree on that, Li Dan would most probably go along with the mutual decision.
"Sure!" As expected, Li Jianjia agreed without a hesitation. Then, Childe Yu saw Li Dan give a barely noticeable nod.
Childe Yu laughed and said, "I've also learned a method of divination that can tell the fortune through words-drawing. Why not I give it a go first? Then I'll compare my result with the priest."
"Sure, it's fine too," the priest had no objection.
Childe Yu took the wooden box and went to Meng Qi, "Brother Li, you go first."
Meng Qi looked at Childe Yu calmly. Then, he put his hand into the wooden box, drew a word and handed it to him.
Childe Yu took a look at it. It was a word 'Soil.' His five fingers moved slightly and began making a deduction.
Meng Qi drew another word, but he did not pass it to Childe Yu. Instead, he showed the paper on his palm to him.
"'Sphere', after combining with 'Soil', the term is..." the voice of Childe Yu stopped abruptly, and the movements of his five fingers were frozen completely. He looked up at Meng Qi and saw a pair of deep eyes.
The combination of words meant 'Earth'!
How could he possibly know his deepest secret?
He must be the incarnation of the very high lord!
Feeling panicked, the legs of Childe Yu became flaccid, and he fell to his knees.


I care not of my past and neither of my future.
Conquering all heroes and foes while looking with disdain at the horrors of the Samsara, I yearn only for a life of thrilling wonders!
History will repeat itself after many ages as the menace of the Great Calamity rises once more.
Which will rise with triumph in the face of adversity; the Golden Form of the Great Buddha or the invincible Heavenly Taoist Form?
Which will seize all glory amidst all struggles; The Buddha's Palms or the  Seven Strokes of Heaven's Interception?
From the sanctum of the Shaolin Temple, Meng Qi's adventures and struggles through the Samsara begin as we follow his climb to claim the title of "the Unrivaled and the Invincible One"!


he thinks he accidentally offended me "Well she's still the same naive girl." I responded with a laugh "How about you Mr. Harold?" I asked as I looked at him and then the road "Well.. my wife is still at her parents house with our son Joe." He responded back. As I was about to answer we were already at the Kingdom "Oh.. that was fast" I laugh "Indeed" Harold laughed beside me, "We'll be back at probably hmm.. 6:30 PM, I believe" I told Harold as I get off "Alright." I heard Harold replied.

As I opened the door of the carriage I saw Ray reading a book, he looked like he was in his own world I then saw him smile which made me blush, as I can back to my own senses I shook my head and told Ray that we were already in the kingdom of Leonard. He glanced at me and closed his book and put it next to him as he started to fix himself I looked around the castle and saw children playing which made me smile as I heard a bit shuffling I looked back and holded out my hand.


As Ray took my hand I saw a little bit of paper sticking out of his pocket but payed no mind to it and continued to help him out, as Ray got out I closed the door and quickly guided him inside the Kingdom but without waving good bye to my friend Harold.

I'm getting impatient now -<- timeskip inside le castle.

As me and Ray walked in a maid guided us to where the soon-to-be queen will be.

As Ray go to the room where the meeting will be held I decided to go to a nearby balcony "The wind is refreshing..." I said out loud to noone "Ara ara~ what is a good-looking butler here~?" A husky voice said as I turned around I saw......

Hachirou the sister of Akako

———————————————————————————

Hachirou Leonard

Age: 24

Hobbies: Writing a Poem, Reading, Singing, Cooking. 

Appearance: White hair that goes to his back, red eyes,elf ears, has one black earring, pale skin

Likes (People):(Y/N)

Dislikes (People): Ray, Ally, Haily, Luna, Kim, Christopher, Scott, John, Akako, Masaaki.

Likes:Black Tea, Peace, Birds.

Dislikes: Accidentally Makes a Mistake on the poem, Accidentally burned his dish, Accidentally Drops His Tea.

His nicknames for you: N/N, good-looking butler, sweetheart, darling, my bird.
———————————————————————————

"O-oh Sir Hachirou, s-shouldn't you be in the meeting?" I stuttered while I tried to remain an expressionless face but I seemed to fail[kawawa ka naman] "I was in the meeting but the man that you served named Ray, has been glaring at me and my sister ever since he came in the room, I couldn't help but be annoyed and left the room." Hachirou replied while he he looked at the view infront of  him, "Oh... I deeply apologize for his highness Ray ."
I said as a panic expression was showed in my face.

"Oh it's fine, just keep your dog-- I mean...." He trailed off as I sweat dropped "A-alright, soo how's queen Elizabeth and King Stephan?" I asked, trying to change the subject "Oh.... They're fine, father is still ill." The white-heard male beside me said as his eyes wandered around, I took that as a sign to not talk about his parents "Ahem.. would you like to accompany me to the garden?" Hachirou said as he offer his hand out to me "I would be delighted." I replied as I took his hand 'This is weird, I feel like I'm a princess not a butler.... HOLY FUDGE I ACCIDENTALLY FORGOT THAT I WAS A BUTLER, wait I forgot that I was a butle-' my thoughts was cutted off as Hachirou started to speak "Soo sweetheart, how is your brother?" The said male asked as he glanced at me "My brother..? Oh well his doing well.. I hope.." I said as I mumble the last part his gazed his remains on my figure before he continues to look ahead of us,

While looking around I saw a door it looked suspicious but I don't have enough power to ask what does the door leads to. As me and Hachirou reached the garden I was in awe the garden looked like a fantasy 
"You look like a cute child that just saw they're favorite characters from those books I read." Hachirou said as he laughed, I felt heat growing through my face and my ears from embarrassment "A-anyways why did you bring me here? Sir Hachirou?" I asked as I tried to cool myself down "Call my Hachirou when we're alone. And I wanted to have tea with you privately, you might be saying "But isn't the balcony where we were standing or talking a while ago already private?" Am I right my darling?" Hachirou asked as I nodded

"Well you see, my darling, someone was behind a pillar if you didn't knew." What? Someone was behind a pillar and I didn't knew?!?! "Have a seat, darling." Hachirou said as he took a seat 

——————————————————————————

As I took a seat I was about to pour both of me and Hachirou tea, He beat me to it while saying "I invited you here to have tea and talk, not serve me tea and act like a maid or something, anyways why didn't you came when I sent you an invitation to speak with me and Akako?" 

"Well... Me and his highness Ray told me to accompany him to go visit sir Kairo." I asked as I looked at him pouring tea, I heard him hum in response "How's Akako...?" I asked "She's fine, though she was whinning on how it has been 'decades' since the last time we saw you." 'weird... I'm just a butler serving a soon-to-be king, butwhy would Princess Akako would whine about not seeing me for 'decades'??' I thought "Hey (Y/N) when are you returning back to the Ravaryn Kingdom? Its 6:15 PM now.." "Oh! Looks like I've lost track of time we should get going now, Si- Hachirou." I said as I slowly get up while looking at him "Oh.. ahem let's go." He said as he gets up and offers his hand to me which I gladly took.

———————————————————————————


"Your highness Ray, I deeply apologize for being late, I suppose I got lost wondering around." I apologized to Ray as I saw him standing impatiently "Your forgiven but make sure to not wonder around. Now we must go, I still have way more important things to do than just stand here." He responded.

As we reached the kingdom I saw Ally my cousin as I got off the carriage and hurriedly open the door of the carriage and hold my hand out for Ray, after he got out I closed the door and quickly run to my cousin which I got a weird state from Ray but who cares about his stare I haven't seen Ally for soo long "Ally! Wait up!" As I yelled to catch her attention, she looked behind her and smile as she saw it was me, she stopped walking for me to catch up "It's been a while huh? (Y/N)?" Ally laughed "Indeed it has been a while" I laughed along her 

———————————————————————————

Ally (L/N)

￼

Age: 20

Hobbies: Dancing

Appearance: Long blonde hair, ocean eyes, pale'ish skin

Likes (People):Ray, (Y/N), Haily, Luna, Kim, Kairo.

Dislikes (People): Christopher, Scott, John,Akako, Masaaki, Hachirou, Korra, Akiteru.

Likes: Guns, Swords, Cats, Donuts.

Dislikes: Someone Saying They're Better Than Her, Being Teased. 

Her Nick names for you: N/N, Mija, Idiot
———————————————————————————

"How is the new knights?" I asked Ally as we were in her room

"Oh, they're fine, thoughthere is this one girl that is clumsy but she would make a good leader if you ask me." Ally replied as she was changing her clothes in her dressing room "Oh really? What's her name?" I asked as sat on her bed "Well her name is Angela Melvin, I heard that she was a relative of Harold Melvin." She said as she walked out of her dressing room and layed down on the bed beside me "Oh right, did you heard that Queen Alyssa was pregnant?" "No way!" I said as I looked at her surprised "What? Why are you soo surprised?" She asked, as i thought to my self 'Why am I surprised...?' as I was about to responded I heard the door opening to reveal a girl holding a tray with three cups, as the girl got closer I recognize her as Kim
———————————————————————————

Kim Magnolia

Age: 20

Hobbies: Dancing

Appearance: Long Blue'ish Grey Hair, Blue eyes, a little bit tanned skin(omg I just noticed that I keep putting "light skin" and that made me sound racist- I'm sorry 😭😭)

Likes (People): (Y/N), Ray, Ally, Haily, Luna, Kim, Kairo.

Dislikes (People): Christopher, Scott, John, 
Akako, Masaaki, Hachirou.

Likes: Sunflower, Cookies, Cats, Horses.

Dislikes: The Sun, Spicy Foods, Broccoli [edi waw], Horror stuff
———————————————————————————

"Oh! Kim, what a lovely reunion we have here" said Ally as she got up while laughing "Indeed it has." Kim laughed as she set down the tray "Soo (Y/N) how was the meeting? Did princess Akako thrower tantrums?" Ally asked as the three of us laugh 

But what we didn't knew was someone was watching us while gritting they're teeth...

The irony is that humans are not even aware of the complacent attitude they have allowed themselves to sink to. Nature is everyone's Amma and her fierce blows will sooner or later corner us and force us to understand this truth. Earlier, pilgrimages to places of spiritual significance were rituals that were undertaken when people became free from their worldly duties. Even now some seekers take up this pious r religious journey as a path to peace and knowledge. Anyone travelling the this attitude feels and travels with only a few essential items that his body can carry pilgrims traditionally travelled light, on foot, eating light, dried chickpeas and fruits, or whatever as available. Pilgrims of olden days did not feel the need to stay in special AC bedrooms, or travel by luxury cars or indulge themselves with delicious food and savouries. 


Pilgrims traditionally moved ahead, creating a feeling of belonging towards all, conveying a message of brotherhood among all they came across whether in small caves, ashrams or local settlements. They received the blessings and congregations of yogis and mahatmas in return while conducting the dharma of their pilgrimage. A pilgrimage is like penance or sadhana to stay near nature and to experience a feeling of oneness with it, to keep the body healthy and fulfilled with the amount of food, while seeking freedom from attachments and yet remaining happy while staying away from relatives and associates. 


This is how a pilgrimage should be rather than making it like picnic by taking a large group along and living in comfort, picking in entertainment, and tempering with environment. 







What is worse is giving a boost to the ego of having had a special darshan. Now alms are distributed, charity done while they brag about their spiritual experiences!


We must embark on our spiritual journey by first understanding the grace and significance of a pilgrimage and following it up with the prescribed rules and rituals – this is what translates into the ultimate and beautiful medium of spiritual evolution. There is no justification for tempering with nature. 


A pilgrimage is symbolic of contemplation and meditation and acceptance, and is a metaphor for the constant growth or movement and love for nature that we should hold in our hearts. 


This is the truth! 


On the basis of your understanding of the above passage answer the questions that follow with


the help of given options:

(2 x 2 =4)


How can a pilgrim keep his body healthy? 


By travelling light 


By eating small amount of food 


By keeping free from attachments 


Both (i) and (ii) 


How do we satisfy our ego? 


By having a special darshan 


By distributing alms 


By trating it like a picnic 


Both (i) and (ii) 


Answer the following as briefly as possible :

(1x 6 =6)


What Change has taken place in our attitude towards pilgrimages? 


What happens when pilgrimages are turned into picnics? 


Why are we complacent in our spiritual efforts? 


How does nature respond when we try to be clever with it? 


In olden days with what attitude did people go on a pilgrimage? 


What message does the passage convey to the pilgrims? 


Find words from the passage which mean the same as the following: (1x2=2)


Made/turned (para 3) 


very satisfied (para 4) 


Unseen poems

Q6. Read the following poem carefully answer the questions that follow 

The Lapwing In the dark that falls before the dawn, 

When the dew has settled on the thorn, 

When the stars have been obscured by clouds, 

A silence covers all things in shrouds. 

No wind sighs in the mulberry tree,

 No firefly glimmers wild and free, 

A shadow has wrapped the night in gloom, 

It's silent as a deserted tomb. 

All of a sudden a lapwing's cry 

Cuts the black silence as it flies by, 

Again and again it slashes the dark

 That haunts the empty, desolate park. 

Anguish, sorrow pours from its throat, 

It wings in the night, note after note; 

I open my window so the light 

Will flood the dark of this wretched night. 

Why does it cry so miserably? 

Why is it so solitary? 

All I know is that loss and ache 

Are left behind in the lapwing's wake

. --Meera Uberoi 

Write the option that you consider the most appropriate in your answer sheets:

 (a) When darkness falls there is ___________________________. (i) complete silence everywhere (ii) a shroud covering all things (iii) the crying of the lapwing to be heard (iv) gloom and desolation (b) When does the lapwing come out? (i) at dawn (ii) at night (iii) just before dawn (iv) in the morning (c) Why does the poet open the window? (i) he can get some light (ii) he can hear the lapwing (iii) he can see the lapwing (iv) he can get some air. (d) What are the causes of the Lapwing's misery? (i) loneliness and gloom (ii) loss and pain (iii) darkness and loss (iv) darkness and pain (e) The lapwing's cry fills the poet with _____________________ . (i) longing (ii) anger (iii) unhappiness (iv) joy.

Q7. Read the poem given below and write
 'boughs drop tranquillity means the wind... i) has started blowing ii) has stopped blowing iii) has disturbed islanders dreams iv) caused a sea storm B. The parrot is very excited to find its i) swaying joy ii) image formed in the mirror iii) reflection in the sea. iv) loneliness on the tree C. The narrator and his companion would i) leave their ship and rest on sands ii) fasten their ship and go for a walk iii) repair their ship and restart their journey iv) fasten their ship to the parrot's tree D. 'alone of mortal's means away from the company of ... i) animal kingdom ii) other sailors iii) human beings iv) parrots and peahens E. When the islanders die, the evening will become i) noisy and violent ii) silent and tranquil iii) snowy and frosty iv) damp and dull

Since high school, Jin, a billionaire CEO, has neglected all the other women in his life in order to pursue Eunji, his dream girl. In his dreams, she wove an exciting future for them. But he was afraid to confess to her how he felt. 

Even though she had no feelings for him, Eunji, a cheerful young lady, agreed to date him. But he was too reserved for her. "He isn't my kind of guy" She gave up hope of ever seeing him again. 

Jin had plenty of time to catch her, but he let her slip through his grasp. In the end, he was left with nothing. 

Is this going to be the last chapter? Or is this the culmination of a fresh start that is about to begin?

If he is shy, then why the Novel named 'Domineering Husband'? Find out reading the novel.


MINE BOOK SERIES
★ My Playboy Is a Prince
★ My Domineering Husband
★ My Wicked Male Lead
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POINTS TO BE NOTED

• [GOLD TIER WINNER in WFP#23]
• No smut scenes uptill Chapter 10.
• Read the auxiliary chapter if you are a New Reader.
• This Novel features Mature and R-18 contents, however, no rape.
• Join the author's server to discuss This Novel and get fanarts.
• Any comments that are baseless and not meant for the novel will be Deleted.
• Thanks for reading.

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After clearing the misunderstanding, Rosie and her group bought certain flowers and incense. They headed to the aristocratic cemetery outside the city gate shortly after.
Following the grave keeper guidance, they headed for the burial grounds that belonged to the Reinhard Family.
'Lisha, please forgive your big sister. May you be happy and calm in heaven--' Rosie burned incense and put flowers on her niece-, her little sister's grave.
After delivering her long prayer, she moved to Alisha's father and mother's grave to pray for them. Fran and the others did the same, but the protectors were only watching from the side.
'Alisha, I still don't know if you are on Earth, in my Subconscious Mind Realm, or have gone to the afterlife... However, I wish you all the best. May yourself be blessed and given the gift of happiness wherever you are.' Elysia put her hands together and sent her prayers. She made Alisha's grave, which had nothing in it, the last to be visited.
'Amen.' Elena uttered at the end of Elysia's prayer.
Elysia heaved a subtle sigh afterwards and stood up. She turned to the side and saw Rosie and Fran still continuing their pilgrimage even to the more than a hundred knights who died during the tragedy that night.
Then, she carried back the white cat, who felt a little confused and lost. How could that not be? Vanessa was at the funeral of people who died because of her brother. The white cat just shook her head and buried her face in her master's soothing breasts.
Elysia was quiet. It was true that some of the knights here died because of Vanessa's brother... But most of them were the work of Sylvia. May this be passed and forgotten or never brought up again. Well, if the push came to shove, Elysia couldn't lie either.
After an hour or two on the pilgrimage, Rosie and Fran decided to return. The others, of course, just nodded without saying much... Considering that Rosie and Fran were in a bad mood. Something like the previous misunderstanding could happen again.
Just as they were just stepping out of the burial area, a knight lady in black armor stood near their carriage. She had black hair dangling down the middle of her back and a tattoo-like black scar on her forehead down to her chin, past her right eye.
"Woah, Saint Holy Knight Ariel Evadne! His Majesty didn't tease me this time and spoke the truth. Finally, I met the youngest Saint-level holy knight of the Holy Central Region, hehe..." The lady in black armor mumbled under her breath. She was excited about the obvious reason.
However, she immediately cleared her throat and spoke in her knightly fashion. "Ahem, let me introduce myself. I am Hannah White, the escort sent by His Majesty. I will be the liaison between you and His Majesty to ensure your safety during your visit."
"Yes, Emperor Elliott told us beforehand. Please take care of us during our visit, Miss Hannah." Evelyn represented the others in a polite response.
As Hannah and Evelyn exchanged courtesies, Elena stared suspiciously at the knight lady in black armor. 'Ely, this knight lady is named Hannah White, but why is her armor black? She has black hair, brown eyes, and olive skin. Apart from her white teeth, I failed to see the white of this knight lady.'
'A-uhh... Sister Elena, you that, ah.' Elysia didn't even know what to say in response to that. It was also none of their business to dispute someone's name.
Yet, she knew Elena was just bored and raised it up for a joke. Elena chuckled afterwards, and it was definitely true.
Finished with the greetings, Hannah and Rosie's group headed back to the Reinhard Family's mansion. It was noon, and Rosie had promised to have lunch with her family. Elysia and the princesses obviously had to go along at Rosie's request.
"Rosie, Fran, and distinguished guests... You are on time. Lunch is almost finished, and you must have lunch with our family. Yes, everyone~" Rosie's mother invited everyone who had just come to move into the dining room. All of them, without exception. Even Hannah was categorized as distinguished guests in question.
"All right, please, make yourself at home." Rosie gave a polite pointing hand gesture before guiding the others.
After they arrived at the dining room, several people were already seated in their respective seats. The dishes were lined up neatly on the long dining table, attracting the culinary connoisseur's full attention. Vanessa instantly forgot everything else because the delicious food was justice itself.
Elysia and the others sat down politely to the assigned seats, on the guest seats.
Meanwhile, Rosie looked at the family's head's vacant chair with a slightly sad expression, then she just sighed as she stared at the three chairs that were left empty nearby.
However, Harold came into the dining room not long after. Somehow, he no longer wore a sad or depressed expression for some unexplained reasons.
"Please, lunch is ready. Oh, you were sent by Emperor Elliott to be the escort, Senior Hannah?" Harold sat down and invited the others to eat, but his attention was caught by the knight lady in black armor.
"Oh, of course, it's me, Junior Harold. Don't say you didn't welcome me, hmm?" Hannah put her hand to her chin with a mysterious smirk.
"Ha-haha, nobody said that. Go ahead, eat as much as you want. For the guests, feel free and make yourself at home." Harold waved his hand in front of his face once with a dry laugh, then invited the others. After that, they had lunch together.
Ella and Evelyn had a silly expression for a moment. They looked at Hannah and then at Harold. They believed Harold was older than Hannah, but why did the former refer to the latter as a senior?
Even so, the two of them put the matter behind their heads a moment after. It was different for Elysia, who already knew Harold and Hannah's age because she could see their status screen.
Elysia was somewhat relieved that she wasn't the center of attention anymore. She only ate lunch while occasionally feeding the white cat on her lap.
Not long after, their hearty lunch was over. The dining table was professionally tidied by maids and butlers.
"Miss Elysia, Princess Evelyn, and Holy Princess Gabriella ... May you tell me about your activities after this? You won't go straight back to the Holy Central Region, are you?" Harold asked for confirmation. For some reason, he wanted them to stay the night and see Elysia a little longer.
"Uhm, Rosie's original plan said that we would return to Aeddoterra City in the late afternoon soon. However, it looks like that has changed a bit for some reason." Evelyn looked at her best friend, then at Rosie. She wanted Rosie to explain their plans as they would return to the academy together.
"Yes, I think we'll stay for the night, and we'll leave for Aeddoterra City in the morning." Rosie nodded with what she thought was the best. After saying that, she looked at Elysia with imploring eyes.
Elysia's acceleration magic was effective at shortening travel time without consuming resources. So, they didn't need to rush and follow the original plan, right?
"All right, we'll stay overnight. I hope we don't bother you." Elysia gave a gentle smile with understanding.
"Haha-ha, no, nothing is a bother no matter what. You can do whatever you want without feeling awkward or embarrassed." Harold laughed, but his eyes lit up a little because of that. "So, what are you going to do next? Going for a walk in the city? Going shopping or visiting somewhere?"
Evelyn didn't know, and Ella was as clueless as Evelyn about what they were going to do. They needed recommendations and guides as this was their first visit to Cuttexus City.
The advice given by Harold wasn't a good thing to do due to limited time. Not to mention, they were still under the tutelage of the protectors, and that wouldn't be fun. Ella and Evelyn unknowingly turned to Elysia, curious about Elysia's plans for the day.
"That's an interesting suggestion, Sir Harold. However, please forgive me as I have a plan for today. Miss Ariel, would you do some practical training with me today? I want to try what I learned last night." Elysia clasped her hands together with a sweet smile. She wanted to practice the science of physical attacks using magic.
Fran, who was drinking tea, immediately coughed because Elysia's words made him choke. Practical training, learned last night... What did they do last night!? Could it be that Ariel taught these innocent girls certain something about lady's matter?
Well, Fran wasn't the only one who misunderstood that, but a certain grandpa too.
Ariel smiled softly at Elysia's enthusiasm for learning new things. "With pleasure, Miss Elysia. Princ-"
Before Ariel had time to invite Evelyn and Ella, the two girls immediately raised their hands slightly with the same enthusiasm. "We're in. Let's just do the exercises."
"Cough, ahem! If I may know what exercises will you do?" Maximilian interrupted the conversation when the opportunity came. He had suspicions and hoped that the training mentioned was nothing more than magic or sword practice.
"Of course, it's magic practice, Sir Maximilian. The girls and I are going to train in an open field or a wide training ground. Miss Hannah, can you please request a permit for us?" Ariel didn't understand the meaning behind Maximilian's question. She only answered simply and turned to look at the beaming Hannah.


Ali Avery was a successful young man adored by everyone. But things were not as they were shown to the life. Shunned and betrayed by his peers... He was hiding among happy facades.

Everything changed for him on one fateful night when he awoke in a dangerous new world with a completely different body, and his guardian angel was also there to accompany him.

A world where the impossible was possible while the imaginations were the reality of the dreamer.

'Am I a Goddess? I'm just a little different.'

'My imagination can become real magic, but isn't this energy point a bit too much?'

Stranded in the new environment, new life, new strength, and new possibilities... How would he/she survive?


The lovers walked into the town with their horses following behind them. Zhao Renshu asked everyone he met where is central hall.

Guo Baiyu, "Do you really need to make it a mission?"

Zhao Renshu, "Yes."

Ping'an, "I don't even like white."

Zhao Renshu teased, "Are you sure?" He wrapped his left arm around her waist. "Last I check, you love white." He kissed her on the cheek.

Ping'an, "When did I say that?"

Zhao Renshu pointed at Guo Baiyu, "Don't tell me you don't love this white jade?"

Ping'an, "I meant the color white."

Zhao Renshu, "Look at his flawless white skin." Then a man walked past him. He grabbed the man's arm. "Can you tell me where is the clothing store in the central hall by the water-fountain?"

The man was confused, then looked from left to right, "You are in the middle of the central hall." He pointed to a water-fountain as high as a house. "There are clothing stores everywhere. Just choose one. Don't waste my time." He pulled his arm away from Zhao Renshu.

Zhao Renshu opened his mouth and murmured, "She could have told me the name of the store."

Man, "No shop is open until late evening."

Guo Baiyu laughed at the disappointed Zhao Renshu.

Ping'an, "Why is that, sir?"

Man, "Today, is a special day. The young master and young mistress decide to do a public marriage."

Zhao Renshu stroked his chin with the thumb of his left hand, "Interesting."

Ping'an, "Let's go see. I have never seen anything like this before."

Zhao Renshu, "Don't tell me you want another husband?"

Ping'an, "Nonsense. Keeping a log about this matter would be a good thing." She turned around and squeezed his left cheek gently. "Don't say we didn't invite you."

Zhao Renshu, "I want to wait for the shops to open, and beside, I don't need another wife."

Guo Baiyu held Ping'an's right hand, "You wait here then, we are going."

The lovers followed the man away.

Zhao Renshu called out, "Hey, you two really going to leave me here!" He dragged his horse and ran after them.


The lovers tied their horses outside the arena and walked in. The arena is full of people of all ages. On the left side of the stage are four rows of chairs. There are ten chairs in each row, all seated by people. An older man walked onto the stage and stood in the middle of the stage.

The lover walked to the front row, and then Zhao Renshu suddenly ran into a familiar face.

Zhao Renshu, "Sorry." Zhao Renshu looked, and it is the Huang sisters. Zhao Renshu bumped right into Huang Hongse's right shoulder. He chuckled and said, "Huh....What a small world?"

Huang Hongse looked at him with the murderer's eyes, "Don't stand too close to me, you might dirty my air." She rolled her eyes with arrogance.

Zhao Renshu, "You..." He pointed his right pointing finger out and nodded.

Old man, "Citizens of Waterfall City, today is a special day. Our Young master and young lady." He pointed to the front row seat. "It has been decided that they will have a public marriage. Any single ladies and gentlemen, no younger than sixteen or older than thirty-five years of age are welcome to participate in this competition."

All the citizens of Waterfall City cheered.

Two male servants walked on the stage. One servant held the big scroll, the other slowly rolled away and opened the scroll.

The paper wrote:
"Meet or part, live or die
Took an oath, swore our lives."

Old man, "As long as you correctly answer, any virginity status, our young master will marry you. Gentlemen who can defeat our young master in battle will marry our young lady."

A young man about twenty years old jumped onto the stage, "I will compete with the young Master Lim." He drew his sword.

An older man shook his head and said, "He is fool, Lim Peizhi is the best fighter in Waterfall City. What is he thinking?"

Another middle-age man, "He will defiantly lose."

A young teen asked, "Is he very that good?"

Older man replied, "If Lim Peizhi ranks second in Waterfall City, no one will dares to say they are number one."

The lovers looked at the group of people and listen to theirs conversation.

Ping'an looked at Guo Baiyu, "Baiyu, can you solve that poem?"

Guo Baiyu smiled at Ping'an, "The last line is:  Walk with you side by side, be your cane throughout your life, I will always be beside you, until hair are grey and our days are due." He smiled at Ping'an and held her hand.

Ping'an smiled at him, "Who wrote it?"

Guo Baiyu said, "I did, back when I first met you."

Zhao Renshu, "Wow, I need to start writing poems." He gave Guo Baiyu a thumb's up.

The young man was kicked so hard that he flew over and landed on the ground in front of his lovers. Lim Peizhi jumped off the stage and walked towards the lovers.

Lim Peizhi asked coldly, "Who answered this poem just now?"

Lim Peizhi is six feet tall. His body is slim. He is very handsome, with a light brown mole the size of a small pea located at the corner of his left eye towards the left temple.

Zhao Renshu pointed at Huang Hongse with his finger, "It's her." He giggled. "I heard she answered this poem."

Lim Peizhi looked at Huang Hongse. Huang Hongse stared madly at Zhao Renshu.

Huang Hongse unsheathed her sword, "Jerk!" She attacked Zhao Renshu.

Zhao Renshu gently pushed Ping'an back into Guo Baiyu. Lim Peizhi glanced past Zhao Renshu,  he saw the handsome Guo Baiyu. He can't take his eyes away. There should be no man more handsome than him. He couldn't believe it. Zhao Renshu dogged Huang Hongse's attacks he went straight behind Lim Peizhi. Huang Hongse swung her sword at Lim Peizhi, and her attack was blocked by Lim Peizhi.

An old man called from the crowd, "Peizhi, wait."

Lim Peizhi, "Uncle Huang."

Huang Honghui, "Peizhi, this is my sister's daughter Huang Hongse."

Lim Peizhi, "Your sword skill is not bad. Did you really answer the poem?"

Huang Hongse, "I will not answer such idiotic poem." She sheathed her sword.

Huang Yueliang, "Uncle Honghui."

Guo Baiyu walked to the group. He gave proper greetings.

Guo Baiyu said, "I do apologize. I am the one who answered this poem. Hearing such a soft tone, your spiritual power must be very strong."

Lim Peizhi said, "If you beat me, you can marry my sister today." He pointed to a beautiful lady in a light green dress. Lim Yuehai walked towards them. "My twin sister, Lim Yuehai."

Lim Yuehai, "May I ask, do you know the tile of the poem and who composed it?"

Guo Baiyu said, "You and Me,  it is  composed by the late childe Gou of the Gou family in Capital City."

Lim Yuehai smiled and said, "Can I quote another poem for you to guess?"

Guo Baiyu said, "I'm sorry Miss,  I am not qualified." He smiled at her.

Lim Yuehai, "May I know your name?"

Guo Baiyu replied, "Guozhao Baiyu."

Lim Yuehai smiled with two big dimples, "Young master Guozhao, you are very talented."

Guo Baiyu, "Not at all." He looked at Zhao Renshu. "Renshu, let's go."

The lovers walked out of the arena.

Huang Hongse gritted her teeth frantically and said, "Renshu."

Huang Honghui, "I have booked two rooms in the Star Inn for the two of you."

The three Huangs also walked out of the arena too.

Lim Peizhi turned around and said, "Since the first poem was solved,  bring out the second poem and continue."


Sitting at the dining table in the Star Inn, the couples waited for their food. Zhao Renshu poured himself a cup of wine.

Ping'an sighed, "If Guo Longtong were here, he would definitely win the competition easily."

Zhao Renshu choked on his wine.

Zhao Renshu, "Are you trying to kill me." He cleared his throat. "The only thing he can hold is his fan. No offense, but he can't even defend himself from rat's attack. Do you see how strong that young master Lim's attack is?"

Huang Hongse coldly said from behind as she walked in, "You are the same. Why mock others?"

Zhao Renshu turned around and saw the arrogant Huang Hongse and the beautiful Gou Baiyu's twin Huang Yueliang.

Zhao Renshu ignored Huang Hongse, "Miss Huang, which store did you buy that dress from?"

Huang Yueliang, "The store next to the water-fountain in central hall."

Zhao Renshu frowned, "Miss, there are about fifteen stores there."

Huang Yueliang, "I'm sorry, I told you exactly how the maid told me."

Zhao Renshu was very irritates, "Ah.... Thank you anyway."

Huang Hongse mocked, "No matter what color the firefly wears, it will never be as bright as a star." She rolled her eyes at Zhao Renshu.

Huang Yueliang murmured, "Hongse."

Zhao Renshu, "We are talking about clothes....Why you..."

Guo Baiyu stood up and looked straight at Huang Hongse, "Even though the firefly is not as bright as a star, with its pure heart, it is more lovely and brighter than any star."

Guo Baiyu is a very handsome and polite gentleman, but when he is angry, he can be very scary. He can send chill down someone's spine by just gazing at them.

Huang Yueliang apologized, "Childe Guozhao, please calm down. I do apologize." She pulled Huang Hongse closer to her. "I apologize again." The two Huang sisters and their uncle went upstairs.

The last time Zhao Renshu saw Guo Baiyu this angry was back in Peace Town, when he punched Boss Xiong on the face. Now, he saw the same anger in Guo Baiyu's eyes.

Zhao Renshu, "What's wrong with you? Why are you so angry?"

Guo Baiyu shook his head.

Zhao Renshu, "Stupid girl, we talk about dresses, but she continues to talk about firefly and star." He sat down and took a sip of wine.

Guo Baiyu, "You are the stupid one." Guo Baiyu sat down.

Ping'an, "Baiyu, let it go." She put her right hand on his right hand and squeezed it gently.

Zhao Renshu was unhappy and he asked madly, "You call me stupid....?"

Guo Baiyu sighed, "Do you not understand her?"

Zhao Renshu, "No....I don't understand what she is talking about."

Guo Baiyu, "Think about it. That's why you are stupid." He drank tea.

Zhao Renshu slowly scratched his chin with the fingertips of his left hand, "Mm...no matter what color firefly wear, it will never be as bright as a star." He stood up angrily and hovered straight at Huang Hongse.  He shouted angrily, "Huang Hongse!"

Ping'an, "Renshu!"

Huang Hongse unsheathed her sword and attacked Zhao Renshu. Zhao Renshu did a single backflip in the air to avoiding the sword. He sent out a talisman when he landed on the table, the talisman turned into ten icicles, heading straight towards the Huang. Huang Yueliang conjured three guzheng strings and sent out a power sound wave to stop the icicles attack. Zhao Renshu conjured a blue talisman floating on his palm as hundreds of icicles rapidly appearing and surrounding the Huang sisters and their uncle.

The guests sitting by the stairs jumped up and backed away. The guests on the second floor stopped by the railway to look at them. The guests in the in the main dinning hall chat endlessly.

Zhao Renshu was extremely angry.  He gritted his teeth and said, "Break the front and the back will stab you. Break the back and the front will stab you. Break both front and back and the sides will stab you." Zhao Renshu said aggressively, "How dare you?"

Everyone in the inn was amazed by the man's powerful talisman.

The Huang sisters didn't dare to make a move, only staring at each other. They noticed that every time Zhao Renshu closed his palm, the icicles approached them closer.

Huang Yueliang looked at Guo Baiyu, "Childe Guozhao please."

Guo Baiyu, "Renshu, enough."

Zhao Renshu jumped off the table and walked towards  Huang sisters angrily. Zhao Renshu stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking directly into Huang Hongse's eyes, "Do you think you are better than anyone else?" He sneered. "Tsk... Tsk... Tsk... I hate ugly women with beautiful faces."

Huang Hongse provoked fiercely, "I hate two faces people who pretend to be something they are not meant to be."

Huang Yueliang turned to Huang Hongse, "Hongse, stop it!"

Ping'an walked to Zhao Renshu, and then she poked the floating talisman on his palm. When the talisman despaired so was the icicles surrounding the Huang sisters and their uncle. She whispered something in his left ear.

Zhao Renshu expression immediately changed, and he smiled, "Really?"

Ping'an nodded, "Mm..."

The Huang sisters was confused.  He was in a state of murderous rage, and then whatever she told him made him act as if nothing happened.

The lovers returned to their table in time just as the waiter happened to deliver the food to them. The guests also returned to the table.

Guo Baiyu, "What do you say to him?"

Ping'an, "Um...."

Zhao Renshu said softly, "She said she will be on top tonight."

The two men laughed.

Huang Hongse looked at them angrily, "I hate that man."

Huang Yueliang followed her gaze, "I don't see it that way. I think you are in love with him."

Huang Hongse turned around and started walking up the stairs, "Nonsense."

Huang Yueliang, "The deepest hatred, the deepest love."

Syaoran was created as the most powerful mortal guarding the northern fortress. He fell in love with two souls secretly, which angered heaven. His punishment is to be reborn as a human being, and he must suffer humiliation, pain, illness and death in the form of a woman.

In the heavy snow, the entire city was in silence...
In the Apricot Blossom Court, Apricot Blossom Village outside Dragon Emperor City, Zhang Tie's substitute was having a drink with Jiang Ruoxin and Ji Yuelan. Zhang Tie even taught them drinkers' wager game and finger-guessing game. Three of them were pretty thrilled.
As a result, the entire tranquil courtyard was filled with the exclamations between Zhang Tie and the two girls, which was pretty warm and boisterous.
"Four-season wealth ya..."
"Fine-chiefs ya..."
"Six is happy ya..."
"Ah, Zhang Tie, you lost it; you lost it. It's your turn to drink..." Ji Yuelan's voice reached downstairs from the roof.
"Well, let's continue!" Zhang Tie's voice sounded again.
In the courtyard, Uncle Qu and his wife were whispering to each other with smiles while listening to the cheers of the three people on the roof.
"Which one do you think is in love with childe, Miss Ji or Miss Jiang?"
"I think both of them!"
"Men are always covetous. I feel that Miss Ji loves childe more. As a woman, I know it clearly. But Miss Jiang is also beautiful. Given her look, she could definitely bring happiness to her husband and could easily deliver babies..."
"It's normal for childe to marry a couple of wives..."
"Humph, I feel childe is not that kind of person..."
Although they didn't eat food anymore, the chafing dish in the pavilion on the roof was still giving out heat, making the pavilion as warm as spring. Being tipsy and having heard the talk between Uncle Qu and his wife, Jiang Ruoxin blushed a bit as she leaned against the soft couch in the pavilion, squinting her eyes. At the same time, she watched Zhang Tie whose face turned red playing finger-guessing game with Ji Yuelan excitedly.
Not knowing why, whenever Jiang Ruoxin came to Zhang Tie's courtyard, she had felt especially relaxed where she didn't need to think about or do anything; nor would she worry about anything. She only needed to have fun with Zhang Tie like what they're doing now. Zhang Tie would always show them odd things which could bring them a lot of fun.
In many cases, after staying long with Zhang Tie, Jiang Ruoxin even forgot about Zhang Tie's identity as an immortal general and his brutal and resolute deed when killing people; instead, she treated Zhang Tie as a craftsman who could make a lot of delicate widgets and a man who could create poems whenever he wanted or an old friend whom she could confide to without any concern...
'If we could live on like this without any concern, it's also not bad...'
Such a whim occurred to Jiang Ruoxin.
Right beside her...
"Two bosom brothers..."
"Eight horses ya..."
"Hah, I win..." Zhang Tie shouted, "It's your turn to drink..."
"You're shameless..." Ji Yuelan argued as she pouted.
"What?" Zhang Tie widely opened his eyes as he exclaimed...
"You were a bit late than me. I won't drink it this time. One more..."
"Even if you're a woman, you should also be justified..."
"Didn't you say that men should give concession to women? I'm not justified, so what?" Ji Yuelan watched Zhang Tie with peach cheeks and sparkling eyes, chesting out.
"Well, I give concession to you; I favor you; if you don't drink; let me feed you..." After leaving the words, Zhang Tie bottomed up. Before Ji Yuelan responded, he put his arms around Ji Yuelan's neck before sticking his lips to hers. When their tongues were twisting with each other, Zhang Tie poured the wine into Ji Yuelan's mouth. 
Watching wine dropping off their mouths and hearing Ji Yuelan's groan, Jiang Ruoxin's face turned redder as she closed her eyes at once. However, closely after that, she opened her eyes again.
After a long while, the two people separated. Zhang Tie smiled while Ji Yuelan looked drunk. Being thrilled, she instantly leaned against Zhang Tie's chest softly as she patted Zhang Tie, complaining, "How dare you take advantage of this elder sister..."
"You didn't oppose it just now. I thought you liked it!"
"If so, you shouldn't have ended it so fast..." Ji Yuelan continued as she drew a circle on Zhang Tie's chest...
Zhang Tie...
"Enough is enough. I've not been drunk yet. If you continue, I will leave..." Jiang Ruoxin couldn't stand opening her mouth as she glared at Zhang Tie and Ji Yuelan. Although it sounded like a condemnation, it contained other meanings.
"Ruoxin, how about having a try? It's called skin cup. If you want to have a try, I will sacrifice myself. I swear that you could do it with me for free. It doesn't matter even if you make me lose my innocense..." Zhang Tie turned around as he told Jiang Ruoxin solemnly.
"Peh, you're the last innocent person in the world..." Jiang Ruoxin turned around and argued as her face turned redder.
"Pufttt..." Ji Yuelan burst into laughter at a stroke. After that, she incited Zhang Tie in fear of no trouble, "Well, well, let Ruoxin enjoy one skin cup too. She's not tasted a skin cup since she was born..."
"Drink it if you like, don't draw me in!"
"The voice box that you presented us like time is Ruoxin's favorite. She directly put it at her bedside. Additionally, Ruxin usually recited the poem In the bright lamplight that you wrote last time. She's really crazy about it. Today, as all the plum blossoms in the courtyard have opened these days in the heavy snow, if you could write a poem that contains snow and flowers and satisfy us, I will let Ruoxin feed you a skin cup!" Ji Yuelan promised as she clapped her hands.
"It's easy. Listen!" After having a cup of wine, Zhang Tie watched the two girls. After being silent for a few seconds, he sang, "In the snowwhite world, there's a plum tree. The plum twigs being covered with ice were crystal. The plum blossoms at the top of the twigs are plump and pure white. These plum blossoms bring peope the news that the spring is coming. Being just open, how tender and beautiful they are! With rich fragrance, they're like beauties who have just come out of the bathtub in new clothes. The mother nature might prefer these delicate and charming plum blossoms as they make moonlight especially pure and white, spreading over the ground. Come! Let's cheer up for the good night with beautiful flowers and a round moon! Let's appreciate the plum blossoms and have a drink. No other blossoms could match plum blossom!"
After hearing Zhang Tie's poem, Ji Yuelan and Jiang Ruoxin were transfixed as they both felt Zhang Tie's line contained numerous meanings; especially the last line, "No other blossoms could match plum blossom!" which aroused the resonance of the two girls immediately...
Ji Yuelan hid her smile at once; instead, her eyes turned wet. Jiang Ruoxin watched Zhang Tie with a dumbfounded look.
At this moment, Zhang Tie was watching them with a smile, far away from being drunk and profaning them.
"The mother nature might prefer these delicate and charming plum blossoms...No other blossoms could match plum blossom..." Jiang Ruoxin murmured twice. Before Zhang Tie responded, Jiang Ruoxin had taken in a deep breath as she bottomed up. Closely after that, she put her arms around Zhang Tie's neck as she kissed Zhang Tie's lips, eyes closed...
When the two people were immersed in it, a thunder-like battle qi roared and broke the sky in the shape of a berserk golden dragon, shocking the rest of the city...
...
God helped those who helped themselves. After Zhang Tie traveled more than half a year in Dragon Emperor City, he finally discovered that heavenly shadow-demon knight one month ago.
Of course, shadow demons were variable. However, Zhang Tie's lotus-flower eyes were like a devil-identifying mirror which could reflect all the shadow demons in front of Zhang Tie.
When Zhang Tie found the right opportunity, he applied a master-level hiding skill aided by his invisible shen bead. As a result, his hiding effect was even greater than that of red and blue devils.
Even when Zhang Tie reached 10 m away from the heavenly shadow demon knight, he was still not discovered.
It was more like an earth-shaking assassination after an assassin fixed his target or prey; instead of being a fair face-to-face battle...
When Zhang Tie launched a sudden strike, his Shackle of Bloody Chakra, Deity-Killing Sword and Dragon Emperor Immortal Fist acted onto the heavenly shadow demon knight at the same time who was hiding outside Dragon Emperor City in the identity of a rich businessman.
Such an amazing strike severely inflicted that heavenly shadow demon knight almost in a split second. Meanwhile, the faint qi of Dragon Emperor Immortal Fist rushed into the sky, shocking the entire city...
　　


After the Catastrophe, every rule in the world was rewritten.
In the Age of Black Iron, steel, iron, steam engines and fighting force became the crux in which human beings depended on to survive.
A commoner boy by the name Zhang Tie was selected by the gods of fortune and was gifted a small tree which could constantly produce various marvelous fruits. At the same time, Zhang Tie was thrown into the flames of war, a three-hundred-year war between humans and demons on the vacant continent. Using crystals to tap into the potentials of the human body, one must cultivate to become stronger.
The thrilling legends of mysterious clans, secrets of Oriental fantasies, numerous treasures and legacies in the underground world — All in the Castle of Black Iron!
Written by Drunk Tiger, this novel is a prime example of fantasy steampunk. Let us journey through the world of limitless possibilities and inventions together!
------
**Warning: This novel contains mature content**


    The miles of road between London and Gavandon were swallowed up by the coach as Imogene watched Graham dozing in the seat across from her.  They had been married barely a fortnight.  Much of that time spent in the master's suite of Brentwood.  Emerging from their passionate lair, they had, on occasion, ventured out to the opera, and once to the theatre in the evenings.  They had managed to ingest some of their dinners while staring at one another over their plates.  One Sunday they had even attended church at St. Martin-in-the-Fields and reminisced about their wedding day.  An entire day had even been given up to stroll through The British Museum, arm-in-arm, viewing the recently acquired Elgin Marbles, or Parthenon Marbles as they were also known.  The carved bodies were stunning in execution, but it was also disconcerting to see such beautiful and ancient works of art cut apart and lying on the floors.  Both of them had to wonder as to the correctness of taking the marble masterpieces from their native Greece.
    The journey over winter-ravaged roads was definitely no leisure spree.  But last night - last night had been very pleasant.  Imogene smiled, remembering their stay at the inn.
    They stopped their travelling for a night of rest at The Lion's Crown, a fine establishment that Graham said he had used many times.  He'd notified the proprietor in advance to prepare for their arrival, and who greeted them personally at the entrance.
    "Lord Rothvale."  He bowed.  "The Lion welcomes you and your lady."
    "Ah, Jacobson, hello.  Your place is a welcome sight after the inside of a carriage on these blasted roads."  He turned to Imogene.  "Allow me to introduce Mr. Jacobson, the proprietor of this excellent establishment, and the most devilishly talented of cooks as you shall see."  He winked at her.  "Jacobson, my bride, Imogene, Lady Rothvale."
    Mr. Jacobson was younger than Imogene expected him to be for a proprietor of such an establishment.
    Smiling at her with kind, dark eyes, he bowed again in welcome.  "Lord and Lady Rothvale, congratulations upon the occasion of your marriage, and may I say, you honor us here at The Lion."
    "Thank you for your gracious welcome, Mr. Jacobson.  My husband assures me he wouldn't consider staying at any other establishment aside from yours while travelling this way."
    Jacobson flashed a quick look toward Graham before tilting his head in acknowledgement.  "We are ever here to serve you, my lady."
    "See there?  In the space of just a few words and a smile, my wife has secured another admirer," Graham teased good naturedly.  "I am constantly amazed at how easy these things are for her to accomplish."
    Mr. Jacobson laughed in easy conversation as he showed them inside.
    Once settled into their room, they gratefully sat down to a lovely dinner of venison and potatoes, and the most delicious bread Imogene had ever tasted.  "Mr. Jacobson is indeed a talented cook.  I should like to have his recipe for this bread.  Do you think you might get it out of him?" Imogene asked.
    "I'll look into it for you, chérie."  His eyes twinkled at her.  "You enchant people without even realizing it."
    "You enchant me, and I am fairly sure you are well aware of it," she answered.
    After the wonderful meal, while readying themselves for bed, Imogene thought Graham looked a trifle mischievous and sneaky standing there in his robe, like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth.
    "What are you up to, husband?"
    "Nothing really."  He tapped the book he held in his hand, grinning.
    "What have you planned?  With you, there is always some sort of concocted plan."
    "I thought I might read to you for an hour or so."  His answer surprised her.
    "How lovely.  And what shall my ears be attending to?"
    "Oh, just a volume of verses I stumbled upon."  He shrugged.  "Let's see," he said, making a show of reading the cover, "it is entitled Childe Harold's Pilgrimage,' and by a poet, perhaps you've heard of him?  He is called Lord Byron."
    "No!  You got a copy of Byron's latest book?  How on earth?  It sold out immediately and nobody can buy a copy."
    "I did indeed, and it was not easy.  I procured it in Town for the sole purpose of entertaining you upon this trip, that is, if it will not offend."
    "I am sure my sensibilities can handle it.  I like a challenge, remember?"
    "I never forget it, chérie.  But if the words are anything like the man, you should brace yourself to be in the least, shocked.  He does nothing in half-measures."
    "You know him?" she asked incredulously.  "You know Lord Bryon!"
    "Well, yes.  I have had occasion to meet him through the connection of another.  And he was also at Cambridge while I was still at my studies.
    "What is he like?  I have wondered if there is a possible connection in our families because we share a surname."
    "Yes.  I've speculated the same.  About Byron I can tell you he is a conflicted person, delving into all manner of outrageous behaviours publicly, which probably will be his downfall one day.  But that aside, the man can write a poem."  Graham helped to settle her into bed next to him, fished out his glasses, put them on and began to read...
    
-Adieu, adieu! my native shore
-Fades o'er the waters blue.
    Imogene loved the sound of Graham's intonation as he read aloud.  She soaked up the image of him reading to her as the pages turned one by one, the beautiful words falling from his lips.  As he read another part, Graham's eyes grew wider.  "Incredible!  He is referring to the Elgin Marbles.  Listen to this stanza."
-Dull is the eye that will not weep to see
-Thy wall defaced, thy mouldering shrines removed
-By British hands, which it had best behoved...
-...And snatch'd thy shrinking gods to northern climes abhorred!
    "It seems as if Byron did not care for their removal any more than we did."  Graham continued his melodious reading and Imogene relished it, every word...
-On with the dance! let joy be unconfined;
-No sleep till morn, when Youth and Pleasure meet
-To chase the glowing Hours with flying feet.
    He stopped reading then and looked over for her reaction.
    She couldn't help staring at him. "You are quite a contradiction of images right now, my husband," she said dreamily.
    "How so?"
    "Well, on the one part you look like an Adonis with your hair loosed and your skin showing with your robe open, just here."  She touched her own chest evocatively in the place she indicated.  "And on the other part, you have the look of a brilliant professor pouring over your book with your reading glasses and your dark robe."  She whispered at him naughtily, "Professor Adonis."
    Graham's pupils dilated and she saw him swallow hard at her teasing.  He removed his glasses and gawked at her.
    She kept at her merciless teasing, enjoying his reaction immensely.
    "Professor Adonis, I beg of you sir to help me.  I have need of your... instruction.  Can you help me with that last stanza you've just read?  You know the part about when Youth and Pleasure meet'?  What do you imagine the author was trying to convey there?  Could you tutor me on it and help me to see it with clarity, Professor Adonis?  I know you can.  You are so wise and so - "
    Graham silenced her with his mouth and the book fell off the bed with a thud.  There were other sounds too.  Gasping, grappling, giggling, and the swishing of garments.
    "Professor Adonis, you naughty man!  Ah...your hands...ah...oh my...your hands are very wayward.  What is that, Professor?  What is that hard thing you have pressed against me?  Do you carry a weapon under your scholars robe, sir?  Oh!  Professor!  I do believe you mean to stab me.  Oh, dear me, am I in danger?"
    "Great, grave danger," the Professor replied hoarsely.
***
    Graham awakened from his sleep in the coach to find his wife observing him and grinning like a devil.  "What?"
    She giggled.  "I was remembering our tutoring session of last night, Professor."
    Graham stared at her with such longing, it pained him.  He would remember her merry little game of professor and student until he drew his last breath.  Imogene had made his life enjoyable again.  She alone had accomplished that remarkable feat.
    He slowly shook his head back and forth and wagged a finger at her. "Tsk, tsk, my lady.  You are a most wicked creature, teasing me when I can do nothing about it while we are in the damn coach.  But you know that already, don't you?  You are very aware of your effect upon me.  My God!  Being married to you is going to be so amusing and diverting.  I hope you keep me in this state of complete bewitchment for the next fifty years or so."
    "But of course, my lord, I intend to take my charge seriously, to keep you so, with the upmost integrity."  She blew a kiss at him.
    "I have just one word for you, chérie."
    "What is the word?"
    "Repayment."  He rolled it off his tongue with a salacious drawl.
    "Fine," she purred.  "I'm bored.  How about you read me some more out of Byron's book?"


What if the truth about a famous painting was not what it’s been told to be? What if it was not even the original work and a different painting had inspired its creation? The story of a painting...

The motivation behind the work, Flaming June - Romanticist painter, Lord Frederic Leighton’s magnum opus - a woman sleeping in a chair. Hauntingly beautiful, but with its inspiration locked away in the mystery of times past.

1812...
Burdened with family skeletons and agonizing guilt, an unwilling Lord Rothvale, one Graham Everley, returns from a long sojourn in Ireland to attend to the obligations awaiting him in England. The last thing he imagines to find is his destiny, but find her he does. Imogene Byron-Cole, a girl as lovely as her past is tragic. Graham can’t walk away from her, and so he marries her instead, in spite of an increasingly tangled web of troubles that threaten to destroy the very foundation of his entire existence.

As Graham and Imogene start out on their journey together, they express their love through a series of portraits. The art ensnares them completely, and in the end, becomes their salvation, bearing them through their deepest pain of loss, and inspiring a masterwork.

*This book is intended for readers 18+ years due to adult content and situations.

THE MUSE is created by RAINE MILLER, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author.


childe harold's pilgrimage poem novel

Harold

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My Poem(s)

The Sage Who Transcended Samsara

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My Domineering Husband

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