"Young Master Yue, the world is in turmoil now, and the Four Cities are in unrest.
Moreover, there are evildoers causing trouble outside. You are still with Miss Liu, and if anything were to happen, there would be no one to look after you. Why not stay in Black Mountain?"
I was pleasantly surprised that Wushuang had learned our way of speaking, and much more eloquently than us.
I chimed in as well.
"Yes, yes, stay in Black Mountain. Although Black Mountain is the main target of the Four Cities,
they are now severely weakened and dare not attack for the time being."
Fei Xiong chuckled heartily and said directly,
"Brother Yue, you see, both of us are eager to stay here.
There are many people here, plenty of good food, and most importantly, everyone cares about each other, like a family.
Where else can you find such a good place? Even if you seek it, there's no such place. So, stay. I can gather herbs for Miss Liu."
"I can also gather herbs and make medicine,"
Dao Lang added with a smile.
"If you guys do all the work, then I'll have to learn the Moon Shadow Swordplay from Jiu Cong."
Xue Gu Cheng also joined in the jest.
Seeing everyone talking and laughing, each one expressing their concern for them,
Yue Jiu Cong actually enjoyed being with everyone.
However, he didn't know if his Miss Liu was willing to stay, so he remained silent, waiting for her to speak.
If she said they should leave, he would unhesitatingly take her down the mountain.
If she said they should stay, he would stay with her.
Miss Liu smiled gently. Seeing everyone's genuine concern and warmth for her,
though it had only been a few days, they had shared drinks, laughter, and games, and she had gradually integrated into their group.
Even Mu Ye, no longer the terrifying Myriad Ghost King, was playfully roughhousing like a child.
Despite the dangers in Black Mountain and facing life and death, everyone remained united and fearless.
Every moment, every detail, was so real and touching.
Having understood everything, she made up her mind. Turning to Yue Jiu Cong, she said,
"Brother Jiu, let's stay."
Yue Jiu Cong was somewhat surprised. While his expression remained calm, his heart was ecstatic.
Despite this, he tried his best to conceal his overwhelming joy that was about to burst out.
"Okay..."
"Hooray!"
Upon hearing his answer, everyone cheered happily.
As for me, I worriedly looked down the mountain, but the figure of Liu Shi Nian was no longer there.
Legend has it that the Merfolk tribe lives in the vast ocean, on a hidden island called "Penglai Island."
It is rumored that "Penglai Island" is shrouded in a dense fog, unseen by anyone, and unvisited by any.
Liu Shi Nian traveled day and night, finally reaching the coast of the vast ocean, only to witness another strange sight.
The thatched huts that once stood by the shore were now completely burned down, leaving only broken walls and scattered tiles.
He had heard from the surrounding people about the evildoers causing trouble, but he had not witnessed it himself and therefore did not believe it.
Now, seeing the scene before him, he realized the horrific extent of the tragedy that had occurred here.
Though his heart ached, he dared not delay.
He walked towards the sea and found several dilapidated fishing boats. One of them was still usable, though it had a hole in the bottom.
He found a piece of cloth, plugged the hole, and then pushed the small boat into the sea.
He then leaped aboard. However, "Penglai Island" was merely a legend, never visited by anyone.
He had no idea of its location and could only sail forward blindly.
After an unknown period, when he looked back, the place where he had entered the sea was already far behind.
All that met his gaze was a vast expanse of blue ocean.
He stood up, looking at the scorching sun in the sky, and wiped the sweat from his brow.
He then lowered his head, gazing at the undulating sea surface, and suddenly leaped into the water.
Like a beaver entering the water, he swam with coordinated movements, as if in his element, freely navigating the sea.
He swam downwards, and after an unknown distance, he suddenly sneezed, and water instantly rushed into his mouth.
He struggled to swim towards the surface, but it was too late. After swallowing a few mouthfuls of water, his limbs gave out, and he lost consciousness.
At this moment, from the depths of the sea, a place so dark that one could not see their hand, a shadow slowly emerged. With a pull of its hands, it dragged him away.
After an unknown period, a beam of bright light suddenly struck.
Liu Shi Nian felt a sting in his eyes. He slightly opened them and saw himself lying on a piece of driftwood.
A rope was tied around him, firmly binding him to the wood.
The other end of the rope was attached to a strange creature in the water, which was dragging him rapidly towards the shore.
Liu Shi Nian reached his hand into the water to feel the rope and suddenly grabbed it, forcefully pulling the creature to a halt.
With a smug look, he slapped the water and said to the creature,
"Hey, take me to see your elder. I am an envoy sent by the City Lord."
Upon hearing this, a curious little head slowly emerged from the sea.
Revealing a pair of large, bright eyes, it was a small boy.
"Take me to see your elder. I have candy,"
Liu Shi Nian coaxed him with a smile.
The little boy blew a bubble, looking half-believing.
"What flavor?"
Liu Shi Nian smiled slightly.
"Honey-flavored."
"Okay, hold on tight. I'll take you there."
He really is a child; he's so easily fooled.
He dived underwater and then, like a gust of wind, sped through the sea with Liu Shi Nian. The little boy suddenly shouted,
"Close your eyes! The sea fog going to the island is poisonous. It will hurt the eyes of land dwellers like you."
"Okay."
Liu Shi Nian obediently closed his eyes. The only sound he heard was the whistling of the sea wind, which stung his face.
After an unknown period, the little boy said,
"We've arrived. You can open your eyes now."
Liu Shi Nian slowly opened his eyes and saw an island before him.
He could still hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, but his eyes were captivated by the beauty of the peach blossoms.
Liu Shi Nian broke free from the rope and was about to go ashore when he heard the little boy ask,
"Where's my candy?"
Liu Shi Nian couldn't help but laugh. He took out a rattle he had picked up on the shore and gave it to him, promising,
"I'll treat you when I get back, as much as you want."
"What is this?"
The little boy shook the rattle in his hand, full of curiosity. It seemed he had never seen a toy for coaxing children.
Liu Shi Nian said,
"It's a small trinket. Take it. I'll be back."
With that, he went onto the island.
The little boy watched his receding back, shaking the rattle as he swam back into the sea.
Liu Shi Nian stood amidst the soft pink peach blossoms, about to admire them.
Suddenly, a sticky, fish-like stench assailed him. He frowned and covered his nose with one hand.
Then, the sea breeze blew again, stirring up a flurry of peach blossoms. He looked up and saw specks of silver light amidst the beautiful pink blossoms.
He suddenly sensed danger and stepped back, only to see the silver light fall straight down, embedding itself where he had been standing.
Suddenly, he heard the sound of "thump, thump, thump" footsteps from the peach grove, and a group of people emerged from all directions.
Each of them held a silver steel fork, and their green armor was very striking.
This group surrounded him and, without a word, lunged at him with their forks.
Liu Shi Nian drew his sword and spun, hacking at the steel forks. Then he leaped into the air, landing on a peach tree.
He casually plucked a newly bloomed peach blossom, brought it to his nose, and inhaled. The floral fragrance filled his senses.
The people below became enraged and threw their steel forks at him, but he dodged them with ease.
Then, with a flick of the peach blossom, he descended, his sword moving like a nimble snake, unleashing his ultimate skill.
"Liu Style Swordplay"
His right hand moved forward lightly, then flicked aside, and he moved behind the enemy.
With a casual sweep of his sword, he struck the man on the back. The man lost his balance and lunged forward.
At this moment, countless steel forks attacked him simultaneously. Unperturbed, he raised his sword.
He swung his sword forward, to the left, upwards, or downwards, skillfully carving a path through the dense barrage.
Then, with his sword angled upwards, he leaped rapidly, directly seizing one of the individuals who appeared to be their leader.
He held his sword to the man's neck and explained,
"I am not here to cause trouble. I am an envoy. Take me to see your elder quickly."
The man, somewhat frightened, stammered,
"Okay, okay, I, I'll take you, I'll take you."
Liu Shi Nian escorted him forward, the man leading the way out of the peach grove.
Before long, a magnificent and exquisite building appeared before them.
Looking up, they saw several large characters carved on the gate made of white marble.
"Penglai Immortal Palace"
"Sir, sir, please wait here for a moment. I will go in to announce your arrival."
The man said.
Liu Shi Nian was confident in his own strength and believed the man would not dare to make any other moves. He released his hands and simply said,
"Alright."
The captain of the guards stumbled and hurried into the palace.
Liu Shi Nian watched his receding back, unconsciously touching the letter in his怀, but felt no certainty in his heart.
He began to analyze in his mind.
"The Merfolk tribe has been at peace for many years. Although there are some grievances with the Four Cities, they never actively seek trouble.
If I were to state my purpose directly, they would likely not agree to cooperate easily."
While he was lost in thought, the captain of the guards hurried back, panting,
"Sir, please follow me."
Liu Shi Nian followed him inside.
"Penglai Immortal Palace," as its name suggested, was like a celestial realm.
Upon entering the palace gate, the first thing that met their eyes was a clear river. The clear water acted as a dividing line, separating the front gate from the main entrance.
After crossing a stone bridge, they reached the main gate.
In front of the main gate stood two colossal stone statues, each two meters high, depicting Merfolk men holding steel forks.
Entering inside, they found the main palace hall.
On both sides of the main hall were displayed various rare and precious treasures.
Coral that emitted a red glow, red flowers carved from agate, and curtains of white jade and emerald.
Each sight, each item, was astonishing and opened Liu Shi Nian's eyes.
Although Black Mountain could be considered a prosperous place, compared to this, it was like a drop in the ocean, not worth mentioning.
Not to mention the Four Cities; even a single item there would be a priceless treasure.
Perhaps because Penglai Island had not been visited by outsiders for thousands of years, the arrival of a land dweller quickly spread throughout the Merfolk tribe.
Everyone eagerly crowded behind the screens in the main hall to catch a glimpse of Liu Shi Nian's magnificent beauty.
The Merfolk tribal chief, holding a golden-threaded cane, entered the hall from the side, followed by four Merfolk protectors.
Before he could even sit on the main seat, he asked,
"Are you from the Four Cities?"
Liu Shi Nian did not lie. He cupped his hands and said,
"I am from Black Mountain, my name is Liu Shi Nian. I pay my respects to the elder."
"Elder? Is that what everyone calls you there? Here, everyone calls me the Chief."
Liu Shi Nian's remark caused a great faux pas, but he did not feel embarrassed. Instead, he tactfully resolved the awkwardness.
"Elder is indeed the highest honorific in our land. Since no one has seen the supreme leader of the Merfolk tribe for thousands of years, I mistakenly used the wrong term. I ask for the Chief's forgiveness."
His words neither offended the Chief nor put himself in an awkward position.
It must be said that Liu Shi Nian was indeed a person of high emotional intelligence.
The Merfolk Chief was very pleased with Liu Shi Nian's response and gestured,
"Please, have a seat."
"Thank you, Chief."
"Tell me, why have you come?"
"I have a personal letter from my lord that I was asked to deliver. I request the Chief to examine it."
Saying this, he took out the letter from his懷 and handed it to the Chief.
The Chief took the letter and opened it on the spot. It read:
"Your junior, Myriad Ghost King, sincerely requests the Chief to join forces and attack the Four Cities."
A short line of text said it all. He put the letter away and said casually,
"Myriad Ghost King. I have heard about him from the Sea Guardian General. There is a general named Myriad Ghost King who has been disturbing the peace of the Four Cities."
"Myriad Ghost King is indeed my lord."
At this moment, Tian Long, one of the Four Protectors, suddenly said,
"Speaking of Myriad Ghost King, I had a chance encounter with him a thousand years ago.
Although he was deemed an evil heretic, at that time, everyone subconsciously felt he was a hero."
Liu Shi Nian frowned slightly, feeling some confusion. This was completely different from the version he had heard.
The Chief did not show much surprise and did not rush to reply to Liu Shi Nian. Instead, he said to someone nearby,
"Prepare a fine room for this distinguished guest from afar."
"Yes."
Then, he left without looking back.
Liu Shi Nian had long guessed that they would not agree so quickly, so he was not too worried.
After the Chief left, the Merfolk women hiding behind the screens suddenly darted out.
They surrounded Liu Shi Nian and led him to his lodging.
Along the way, they curiously asked him,
"Are you here to propose marriage?"
Liu Shi Nian was slightly taken aback, then smiled,
"No."
"Then what are you here for?"
"I'm here to deliver a letter."
"A letter for a marriage proposal? People here say that outsiders like to propose marriage."
He didn't know where they had heard these things. Although it was amusing, it was also endearing.
It was evident that these were simple-minded people.
Liu Shi Nian was escorted by a group of women to the guest room in the back courtyard. Perhaps it was because they had not seen an outsider for a long time.
Seeing Liu Shi Nian's handsome appearance and elegant demeanor, they were both curious and enthusiastic towards him.