I sighed helplessly and asked them, "What do you intend to do to me?"
Fei Xiong laughed heartily. Seeing my composed demeanor, he patted my shoulder and explained, "Miss, there's no need to worry. When we brothers learned that you two had left the Tai Shen Palace, we knew it was the Madam who let you out."
Dao Lang added, "My brother and I may be kidnappers, but we are not bad people. Since Madam approves of you, you must be a person of integrity and loyalty. We know you are heading to Dongyue Town and worried about your safety, so we followed to escort you there safely."
Hearing his explanation, my uneasy heart slowly calmed down, and a hint of emotion welled up. I then complained, both helplessly and happily, "You should have said so earlier; you scared me to death."
Dao Lang couldn't help but laugh at my startled expression, "Hahaha, if I had told you then, you would have found ways to drive us away."
"Hahaha, why would we? Since the misunderstanding is cleared, I suggest we go to a restaurant and have a good drink. What do you think?"
"Since Miss is so generous, we respectfully accept."
"Alright, let's go."
I never expected it to turn out this way. Dao Lang and Fei Xiong didn't seem too bad. It could be considered fate to have met them.
Fei Xiong suggested, "When it comes to good wine in Dongyue Town, one must mention Wangyue Zhai. The wines at Wangyue Zhai are brewed with flower petals, and sometimes a few drops of lovers' tears are added. Drinking it will make you want to cry or laugh involuntarily, but it will always leave you in a good mood, and the prices are fair."
A Li curiously asked, "Where is Wangyue Zhai?"
Fei Xiong replied, "That place is not far from here, in the Qixiang alley by East Street."
Hearing the words "fair prices," I was very pleased. I figured I didn't have much money left, so saving some would be good. I agreed, "Alright, let's go to Wangyue Zhai."
Dao Lang also said, "I'm familiar with the way to Wangyue Zhai. I'll lead you there."
With that, he led the way, guiding us towards Wangyue Zhai. We left West Street and headed towards East Street, passing through the bustling marketplace. Ahead, by the side of the street, we saw an inconspicuous alley. On the side of the alley hung a plaque with two large characters: "Qixiang."
Following Qixiang deeper inside, a quiet path suddenly appeared. The path meandered and twisted, leading into a lush green forest.
I found it a bit strange, thinking, why would there be such a dense forest here? Could there be something bad inside? Despite my thoughts, I boldly followed Dao Lang forward.
This path continued to wind its way into the depths of the forest. Although the forest wasn't large, it seemed endless.
A Li asked with some concern, "Brother Dao Lang, how much longer until we arrive?"
Dao Lang replied, "You don't need to worry, we'll be there soon."
I looked ahead. The scorching sun cast its rays through the gaps in the leaves onto the open path ahead, making the previously dark and silent path ahead beautiful.
Suddenly, bursts of hearty laughter, "Hahaha," echoed from the depths of the forest. The sound seemed to belong to a young man.
We followed the sound and arrived directly at the end of the path.
"Brother Dao Lang, are you sure this is it? There's no path here anymore. Are you trying to trick us?" I began to suspect Dao Lang's intentions.
Hearing my suspicion again, Dao Lang quickly explained, "No, no, how could I trick you? I remember it's right here, it can't be wrong."
A Li and I both took a step back, afraid he might try to sell us off again.
Just as everyone was looking confused and puzzled, suddenly, a large red peach flew from a tree and hit me on the head.
"Ouch!" I cried out, clutching my head and looking around in confusion, angrily exclaiming, "Who is it! Who attacked me?"
At that moment, a hearty laugh came from the tree, "Hahaha."
I roared, "Who is it? Get out here now!"
The person did not respond but instead recited a passionate poem, "With sword in hand, a traveler of heaven and earth, ten years I've guarded my beloved."
Following the voice, I looked up and saw, through the gaps of the green leaves, the faint outline of a handsome young man's face.
He was lying on the tree trunk, dressed in a blue-gray outfit of a young swordsman. He turned his head to look at me, revealing a smile as sweet as honey. That sweet smile was like the warm sun in the depths of winter, exceptionally dazzling. I found myself captivated, my dazed eyes filled with astonishment. Perhaps it was the effect of the leaves that made him appear so charming.
A Li, unable to watch any longer, slowly walked to my side, patted my shoulder, and coughed lightly. Only then did I snap back to reality. I bent down to pick up the peach and, holding it dazedly, asked the person in the tree.
"Is, is this your peach?"
The person smiled slightly, turned over, and leaped down, landing in front of me. With a swift movement, he drew his sword and, with lightning speed, pierced the tender pink peach in my hand, turning it into a delicate, blooming flower. Then, to everyone's surprised expressions, he quickly sheathed his sword as if nothing had happened.
Holding the peach carved into a flower, I was stunned for a long time. He looked at his creation with great satisfaction, his smile radiant, and said, "It's mine. I'm giving it to you."
I held the peach dazedly, feeling shy without realizing it. A Li looked at my dazed expression with a look of utter despair.
Dao Lang, seeing an old acquaintance, greeted him, "Are you here for drinks again?"
He turned to chat with Dao Lang, "Ah, I'm always here. Why are you guys here too?"
"I'm bringing two friends to experience the unique aspects of Dongyue Town. I didn't expect to find the tavern, but I ran into you."
"Wangyue Zhai has always been special. It only opens its doors to those with fate. If you are truly destined, you will see it. If not, you can only leave with regret."
"Let's see. If we really can't find it, we won't force it."
"In that case, I hope you are those with fate. I have some things to attend to, so I'll be going now."
"Alright, you go ahead."
He nodded slightly, turned his back, and strode into the forest.
Watching his receding figure, I gradually woke up from my self-inflicted reverie. I smiled foolishly, blaming myself for not having seen many handsome men in the human world. Coming here, where handsome men were everywhere, made my heart flutter. I couldn't help but fantasize about having a harem, gathering all the handsome men I met, and experiencing the feeling of being an emperor.
Thinking of this, I couldn't help but giggle foolishly. A Li patted my shoulder with a helpless expression and kindly reminded me, "He's already far away, and you're still looking."
I turned my head and said with a proud smile, "That's not it."
"Then what is it?" A Li asked, utterly confused, unable to guess my thoughts.
"I won't tell you."
"Hmph, I don't want to know anyway."
While we were bickering, Fei Xiong suddenly spotted a three-story building ahead. He immediately pointed forward and said, "That's Wangyue Zhai!"
Hearing his shout, we also turned our heads and looked in the direction he was pointing. Indeed, we saw a three-story wooden building not far away.
"Yes, that's it." Dao Lang was excited. This would prove he hadn't lied.
Fei Xiong exclaimed happily, "It seems we are all destined for Wangyue Zhai and can taste its unique flavors. Let's go in and take a look."
Although this restaurant was very mysterious, appearing and disappearing, after hearing how magical Dao Lang, Fei Xiong, and the person just now described it, I was eager to see what kind of exquisite wine it held.
So, we followed Dao Lang and Fei Xiong along the stone path and arrived in front of the building. Looking up, we saw three large characters written in ink on the plaque: "Wangyue Zhai."
In front of Wangyue Zhai stood a simple-dressed, clean-faced young man holding a towel. Seeing guests arrive, he stepped forward.
"Several destined ones, you have come at the right time today. There is a vacant room on the second floor that offers a distant view."
Dao Lang said, "Then we'll take that room."
"Certainly, please follow me."
He then led us into the restaurant and into a room on the left side of a long corridor on the second floor.
Fei Xiong requested, "Four bottles of good wine and a table of good dishes."
"Certainly, esteemed destined ones, please wait a moment." After speaking, the young man retreated.
I hadn't expected that one could book private rooms for drinking here. This world is truly magical. However, I wondered why there was no menu.
"Brother Fei Xiong, do you not need a menu to order here?"
Fei Xiong explained, "This place emphasizes fate, so ordering is also done according to fate."
"I see." It was truly simple and direct.
At some point, A Li walked to the balcony, looking at the beautiful scenery outside with immense joy. He happily called me, "Mu Ye, come quickly and see, it's so beautiful here."
I walked over curiously and looked out. Indeed, as he said, from here, one could see the moat outside the city and the beautiful scenery of the mountains, one yellow and one green, rising with the wind.
Before long, the young man brought in the wine and dishes.
"Esteemed destined ones, your orders have arrived."
"Thank you," Dao Lang and Fei Xiong said, helping to serve the dishes. After the dishes were served, he said, "Esteemed destined ones, enjoy your food and drinks. I shall take my leave now."
"Thank you for your service."
With that, the young man withdrew.
Fei Xiong beckoned to us, "You two, come over quickly."
I replied, "Okay, coming, coming," and pulled A Li along with me.
Here, there were only cushions and no chairs, so we had to sit on the floor. Looking at the table laden with exquisite delicacies, my mouth watered.
Dao Lang opened a bottle of good wine and poured some for us. I curiously picked up a bowl and took a sip. Instantly, an aroma wafted into my mouth, sweet and lingering, with an unforgettable aftertaste.
I exclaimed excitedly, "This is fruit wine!"
A Li also took a sip and said, "It really has the taste of fruit."
Dao Lang and Fei Xiong also tasted it and laughed, "It is indeed fruit wine, with a hint of peach sweetness."
"See, I love this wine."
Dao Lang beckoned, "Come, let's eat."
A Li and I also picked up our chopsticks. The first bite brought a rush of flavors, both sweet and savory.
I couldn't help but praise, "Wangyue Zhai truly lives up to its reputation. These dishes are too delicious!"
"See, I told you it was good."
As we chatted and laughed, we began to eat and drink.
Just as we were enjoying ourselves, suddenly, with a "bang!", the door was flung open. We saw a drunken young man, staggering in with a wine pot.
I looked closely. Wasn't this the somewhat handsome man we had met in the forest earlier?
He ignored us and walked straight towards the balcony, leaning against the railing, gazing at the lush green trees. While drinking, he lamented sadly, "Why, why won't they agree, why won't they agree."
After speaking, he felt life was meaningless and was about to draw his sword to commit suicide. Dao Lang, quick as lightning, rushed forward to stop him, and said helplessly, "Brother, what's troubling you? Don't do anything foolish."
The man turned and saw a familiar face. His bitter expression changed, and he chuckled, "Oh, it's Dao Lang. What are you doing here too?"
"I'm here with some friends for fun."
"Friends?" He looked around and suddenly caught sight of me. He then stumbled over, pulled me into his embrace, and cried, "Why won't you agree to me? I like you so much."
I was startled, my eyes wide with panic. Although I had some other thoughts earlier, I never expected the surprise to come so quickly. My face filled with astonishment and curiosity as I asked, "What, what's going on with this person? What's wrong with him?"
Dao Lang then explained the man's background to us, "His name is Liu Shinian. Fifty years ago, he was the renowned number one swordsman of Nanhai City. Now, he is a notorious wandering rogue. After being rejected by Xue Ji, he spends his days drinking and indulging to numb himself."
Fei Xiong commented with some helplessness, "My brother and I have known him for many years, and we are considered good friends. When we first met him, he wasn't like this. It was only after repeatedly pursuing Xue Ji without success that he took to drinking and living in a daze. He's truly blinded by beauty."
I never imagined he was such a devoted lover. I then murmured his name, "Liu Shinian? What a unique name."
Only then did I remember that I was still being held tightly by him. I tried to break free, but he held on too tightly. I had no choice but to ask for help from those nearby, "Help me, please help me."
Only then did the others react and step forward to pull him away. However, he clung to me like a stubborn stain, crying, "Don't separate us. I never want to be separated again."
The others were helpless. Fei Xiong had to grab him and drag him backward. Fei Xiong then took his hands off me when he wasn't paying attention.
Freed, I quickly hid behind A Li, cautiously wary of him.
I asked with confusion, "He doesn't look bad, why is he so persistent about this one woman?"
Dao Lang explained, "Xue Ji is the famous number one beauty of Nanhai City. Countless men would give everything just to catch a glimpse of her. It's no wonder Liu Shinian fell for her and became uncontrollably infatuated."
I examined Liu Shinian carefully, finding him truly strange. He looked decent and his demeanor was polite and proper, yet he was like this for one person. Perhaps the saying "what you can't get is always what you desire" was true.
Thinking of this, I suddenly found it amusing and burst into laughter, "I think, although he has a good appearance, he has no money or power. Xue Ji probably doesn't fancy him either. Young master, although I don't want to hurt you, since you can't have her, let her go."
Upon hearing this, Liu Shinian became sad again and shook his head desperately, "No, Xue Ji likes me. She only likes me. I want to be with her for all eternity."
I advised him helplessly, "Being a sycophant leads nowhere. A sycophant, a sycophant, licks until they have nothing left."
A Li asked curiously, "What is a sycophant?"
"It means someone like him. Others don't love him, yet he insists on liking them, doing anything for them. That's called a sycophant. Don't ever learn from him to be a sycophant."
Although A Li found it novel, after hearing my explanation, he felt that "sycophant" was not a good term, and said, "I would never be a sycophant. I am naturally free."
"Hahaha, right? But I don't think you're the overly romantic type either."
A Li was quite speechless and didn't say anything more.
Liu Shinian:
"With sword in hand, a traveler of heaven and earth, ten years I've guarded my beloved." Liu Shinian hails from the Liu clan of Cangshan. His true identity is from the Xuanyuan Kingdom. Orphaned in childhood, he studied under his uncle, Master Liu Xian. Fifty years ago, he was the number one swordsman of Nanhai City. After meeting Xue Ji, his pursuit was unsuccessful, and he has spent his days drinking and indulging.
His sword is named "Liu Jian," an ancestral heirloom of the Liu family. Legend has it that it was originally a treasure sword presented by a swordsmith to Liu Yanping, the founder of the Liu clan, who was a powerful figure ten thousand years ago. It was originally named "Qingfeng Sword" and later changed to "Liu Jian."