Today I've been busy all day. I figured it must be dark outside by now, and it's time to head back.
I opened my mouth.
"Sister Qing, Young Master Jin, it's getting late, so I won't bother you any longer."
Jin Yulan smiled faintly.
"Very well, I'll be heading back soon too."
Sister Qing still tried to persuade me.
"I think you should both stay the night here at Qingfang Tower."
I had already inconvenienced them by disrupting their business.
How could I possibly accept their hospitality for free now? So I said,
"I've really troubled Sister Qing too much today. We've already rented rooms at an inn outside.
It's not far, so we won't trouble you, Sister Qing."
Liu Shinian pouted.
"If you want to go back, you go back. I'm not going."
I knew he liked staying here, so I didn't force him. I just said,
"Then you stay. I'll take A'Li and A'Da with me."
"On what grounds? They are my people."
Liu Shinian became displeased.
Alas, this kid had learned to defy my wishes. I took a step back and said,
"A'Da stays with you, and A'Li comes with me."
"Don't even think about it."
I ignored him, took A'Li's hand, and was about to leave.
Liu Shinian grabbed A'Li's arm, preventing me from taking him. I angrily questioned him,
"What are you doing!"
"A'Li has to come with me."
"On what grounds!"
"Because I'm his older brother."
"Shameless!"
He refused to let go of A'Li. Annoyed, I simply let go of A'Li.
Turning, I grabbed A'Da and started to leave. Liu Shinian again grabbed A'Da with one hand.
I said angrily,
"What are you doing!"
Liu Shinian was indignant.
"I brought them out to play today. Let's play a bit longer."
Full of anger, I stepped on him.
This time, Liu Shinian didn't dodge. He took the kick squarely.
I snorted in anger and left alone.
Jin Yulan couldn't watch any longer and chided him,
"Liu Shinian, what's gotten into you today? Why do you have to argue with Muye?"
Sister Qing also blamed him,
"Look at you, you're starting to upset people again. Go after him!"
Liu Shinian snorted and turned his face away, looking arrogant.
"I'm not going."
Sister Qing was also angry.
"What's wrong with you today? Who are you being stubborn with? Hurry up and go!"
Liu Shinian thought about it carefully and still chased after me with A'Li and A'Da.
I walked alone on the street, full of anger, walking forward by myself.
My mouth was full of indignation.
"Damn Liu Shinian, stinky Liu Shinian. Who wants to care about you? If it weren't for A'Li."
Thinking of this, I became even more angry and shouted,
"Damn Liu Shinian, I'll make sure A'Li stays away from you!"
The more I thought about it, the angrier I became, to the point where my limbs were uncoordinated. I just kept walking forward.
I didn't care about the strange looks from passersby.
I thought to myself, if I saw them tomorrow, I wouldn't pay them any attention.
Suddenly, a hand grabbed me from behind and pulled me into an embrace.
I looked up in a daze, and my anger immediately dissipated.
It was A'Li.
A'Li held me tightly and apologized gently,
"Muye, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone."
Listening to his apologies, word by word, I suddenly felt a surge of grievance.
I cried on his shoulder.
A'Li stroked my head and comforted me softly.
"I know you're full of grievances. You're doing this for our own good.
Don't be angry anymore, okay?"
I wiped away my tears, nodded slightly, and hugged him tightly as well.
Liu Shinian and A'Da stood in the corner, watching silently.
A'Da inadvertently looked up and saw a flicker of loneliness in Liu Shinian's eyes.
He asked confusedly,
"Big Brother, what's wrong?"
Liu Shinian quickly resumed his nonchalant demeanor and turned back.
"Nothing. Look, how well-matched they are."
A'Da looked at the two people not far away, full of envy.
"If only someone loved me like that."
Liu Shinian laughed.
"Hahaha, aren't I here?"
A'Da wondered:
Does Big Brother love me? Could Big Brother be gay?
Seeing him lower his head in thought, Liu Shinian guessed he was thinking of something bad again and said,
"What are you thinking about? We're good brothers."
A'Da's somewhat anxious heart finally settled down.
After an unknown amount of time hugging, I slowly let go of A'Li.
In the night, high red lanterns were hung,
Gradually illuminating the figures of the two of us. Only then did I remember to ask him,
"Where are Liu Shinian and A'Da?"
A'Li smiled and looked to the side.
"They are right over here."
The crimson lamplight fell on A'Li's face,
Illuminating his casual smile so beautifully.
When he followed me before, he always frowned.
Now, being with Liu Shinian, he seemed to smile a lot more.
I also abandoned the idea of getting rid of Liu Shinian.
"Where are they?"
I looked around. Besides the dark street and the people coming and going,
I couldn't see Liu Shinian and A'Da anywhere.
"Are you looking for us?"
A familiar voice suddenly came from behind.
I turned around and saw Liu Shinian and A'Da walking out from around the corner.
"Didn't you say you weren't coming back?"
I questioned him.
Liu Shinian saw that I was no longer angry and was impressed by the trick he had suggested to A'Li.
He thought that if A'Li hadn't agreed, he would have come by himself.
"How could I not come back? You staying alone at the inn isn't safe."
"You still have some conscience."
"Alright, let's go back."
Saying that, he walked ahead by himself, while I walked behind, holding A'Li's arm.
When we returned to the inn, Liu Shinian again snatched my room.
I said speechlessly,
"There are four of us tonight. How will we sleep?"
A'Da volunteered,
"It's okay, I'll go rent two rooms."
A'Li also said,
"I'll go with you."
"Okay."
So they went downstairs together.
I looked at Liu Shinian lying on the bed, full of helplessness.
Liu Shinian suddenly asked,
"Did you like A'Li from the beginning?"
I was a little confused. Why was he asking such a question today? After thinking for a moment, I said,
"Is it that obvious?"
Liu Shinian was speechless. He turned his body and said,
"Anyone with eyes can see it."
I smiled sheepishly.
"Hahaha, really? I didn't even know myself."
"So, did you and A'Li like each other from the start?"
"I don't know. But wherever I go, he accompanies me.
Few people can do that, right?"
"That's true. Only a fool like A'Li would fall for you.
Look at you, you have a bad temper and you hit people.
I really don't know how A'Li puts up with you."
Hearing him belittle me like that, I got a little angry and retorted,
"That's still better than you, a playboy."
"Hmph, that's just on the surface."
"Isn't it all the same?"
"Where is it the same?"
As we were talking, A'Li and A'Da returned with the keys.
As soon as they entered, they asked me,
"Miss Muye, which room do you want to stay in?"
"Let me think. A'Da, you should still call me Muye.
We've known each other for so many days, calling me Miss Muye is too formal."
He nodded and changed his address,
"Muye, so which room do you want?"
I thought for a moment and said,
"Which two rooms did you guys rent?"
"The two rooms to the left of this room."
"Then I'll take the one on the far left."
"Okay."
Just as A'Da was about to hand me the key,
Liu Shinian rolled over, jumped off the bed, and snatched the key, saying,
"Muye should stay next to my room.
If anything happens to you, you can call us."
It was rare for him to consider me.
I happily accepted, saying,
"Okay, then I'll stay next to you."
Liu Shinian then handed the keys to the two of us.
A'Da didn't seem to mind.
Liu Shinian suddenly thought of A'Da again.
"A'Da, you've been paying for everything these past few days.
You've treated us to so many delicious meals. What is your wish?
Tell me, and I will fulfill it for you."
A'Da looked surprised. He hadn't expected Liu Shinian to say that.
Seeing A'Da's shyness, I also encouraged him,
"A'Da, just say it boldly. A'Li and I will help you too."
Seeing that I also said so, A'Da thought for a moment and said,
"Well, I, I haven't been to the outskirts of Nanhai City yet.
I haven't eaten the phoenix fruit that grows in the mountains, nor have I tasted the clear spring water from the mountains."
"That's too simple."
This was child's play for Liu Shinian.
"But I don't have any other ideas. These are the only things I haven't done."
"Alright, then we'll go tomorrow."
"Okay."
"Everyone should get some rest early tonight."
"Mhm."
Then the four of us returned to our rooms and lay down on our beds.
Recalling the experiences of the day, it was indeed quite eventful.
The candle lamps lit by the bedside gradually shortened in their respective imaginations.
I looked at the half-open window, listening to the gentle breeze blowing outside.
A'Li was also looking at his half-open window, lost in thought.
Liu Shinian, however, was also unusually late to sleep, lying on the bed with his hands behind his head.
He stared blankly at the ceiling.
Only A'Da slept the most soundly, having already wrapped himself tightly in his quilt and snoring away.
This night felt truly long.
After dawn, I stretched and sat by the window, sighing.
I thought about returning home again, thinking that this world did not belong to me in the first place.
Causing trouble for others and for myself.
Perhaps, only returning to the human world would be the best outcome.
Since that was the case, I should at least leave behind some good memories.
Regardless of whether I remembered them after returning.
Now, it was time to ask the Heavenly Master how his business was going.
If he had time, he could send me back.
So I picked up my brush and wrote,
"Heavenly Master, did your journey go smoothly? When will you return?"
Afterward, I folded the paper into a somewhat recognizable origami crane.
Sprinkling a little red powder on it, I blew on the little thing and said softly,
"Go find Master Zhang."
It was as if it had been granted life by a deity.
Suddenly coming alive, it flapped its wings and flew out the window.
Thinking back, I still had to accompany A'Da out of the city today.
So I put on my clothes and walked out of the room.
As soon as I stepped out, I saw A'Li. A'Li was leaning on the railing with both hands, as if he had woken up early.
I asked curiously,
"Why are you up so early?"
A'Li smiled faintly.
"I slept well last night, so I woke up early today."
I looked at his handsome youthful face and chuckled,
"I slept well last night too."
At this moment, the door next to me suddenly opened.
Liu Shinian walked out with a sleepy face.
Seeing him like this, I couldn't help but tease him,
"Why aren't you awake yet? Did you do something bad last night?"
Liu Shinian rubbed his eyes, full of disdain.
"What are you thinking? How could I?"
At this moment, there was movement from A'Da's room.
A moment later, he also pushed the door open.
Looking at the people standing in the hallway, he asked curiously,
"Are you all up so early?"
Liu Shinian looked back and reminded A'Da,
"Did you forget? We're going out of the city to sightsee today?"
"I didn't forget. Shall we go now?"
"Let's go now."
The four of us went out the door again.
On the street, we first found a street stall and ate a few bites.
Then we rented a carriage and drove towards the outskirts of the city.
For many years, nothing had happened in the four cities.
So entering and exiting the city gate was as easy as returning to the inn.
After exiting the south gate, A'Da curiously looked around, gazing at the mountain path beside us.
"Are there really phoenix fruits in those mountains?"
Liu Shinian confirmed,
"Of course there are. I've seen them many times here over the years."
As the carriage drove onto a quiet avenue,
The horses seemed to sense danger and stopped, neighing incessantly.
A'Li realized something was wrong and said nervously,
"It seems there are enemies."
Liu Shinian praised him,
"Good perception. It's people, and quite a few of them.
However, they should be coming for me. A'Li, protect Muye and A'Da."
"Okay."
After saying that, Liu Shinian got up and dismounted. I worriedly urged him,
"Liu Shinian, be careful."
Liu Shinian saw that I was showing him concern for the first time. His heart warmed slightly, and he replied with a smile,
"Don't worry, they are no match for me."
Then he walked to the front and shouted into the sky,
"Come out, all of you!"
Immediately, a gust of wind blew, and a group of about a dozen masked men.
Drew their swords and flew down from the trees. Liu Shinian raised his sword but did not unsheathe it.
Instead, he used his hand to parry the swords, moving with ease. The speed of his sword was so fast.
With a series of clangs, the men fell to the ground.
They formed a circle and lunged at him.
Liu Shinian calmly circled his sword, deflecting the attacking swords.
He spun his scabbard and flicked it out, hitting several people.
With a few cries of "Ah!", several people fell to the ground, groaning.
Seeing that they couldn't defeat him, the crowd immediately took out silver needles and threw them at him.
Liu Shinian blocked them with his sword, then dodged to the side, grabbed a needle with one hand, and threw it back at the crowd.
The crowd was terrified, thinking they were doomed.
However, to their surprise, the silver needles landed in their hair.
Liu Shinian had intentionally spared their lives.
Seeing Liu Shinian's skill and his virtuous conduct, the crowd was greatly impressed and cupped their hands, saying,
"We admit defeat."
Seeing that they had surrendered, Liu Shinian burst into laughter and then asked them,
"Did Jin Yulan send you here?"
One of them said,
"We all wanted to participate in the righteous warrior mission, but our qualifications were insufficient.
Boss Jin suggested that if we defeated Great Hero Liu, he would let us go too."
"He really knows how to stir up trouble. The righteous warrior mission is so dangerous, it's better not to go.
Alright, alright, you can go back now."
Several of them sighed.
"We have practiced martial arts for a hundred years, yet we are still unable to be of use."
"Alas, we overestimated ourselves."
Seeing their dejected and dispirited state,
Liu Shinian seemed to see his own past self when he was learning martial arts. He encouraged them,
"What's there to be sad about? Wasn't I like this when I started?
I didn't defeat others, but I defeated myself first.
Compared to me back then, you are all so much more powerful."
Hearing his words, the crowd's confidence instantly soared, and they asked,
"Really?"
"Did Young Master Liu also go through this?"
Liu Shinian said proudly,
"How could that be false?"
"Since Young Master Liu came through this, we will also persevere and strive to become masters like Great Hero Liu."
"Good, good, good. As long as you work hard, you will succeed."
"Yes, thank you, Young Master Liu. We will take our leave now."
"Go, go."
After a few words, the people who were originally dejected,
Now left with cheerful hearts.
Liu Shinian turned back to look at us, full of joy.
I guess he knew we had seen everything he did just now.
We would definitely look at him with new admiration.
Indeed, A'Da exclaimed enviously,
"Big Brother is so cool! He defeated everyone with just a few moves."
"Where, where."
Liu Shinian feigned modesty.
A'Li also praised him,
"Brother Liu's swordsmanship is effortless and fluid.
It has truly opened our eyes."
Listening to their flattery, I was dismissive, but I still praised him,
"Not bad."
Liu Shinian was very happy. He didn't expect to be able to show off by just going out.