Jun Lin Tian contemplated and found it peculiar how sometimes people act in strange ways. Despite knowing that they are wrong, they still proceed. Even though they anticipate no results, they refuse to give up. Despite acknowledging the difficulty of their chosen path, they march forward without hesitation. Even if they encounter answers they didn't desire, they still feel content.
"As the wedding date approaches, you better make a decision soon! I can continue staying in Haoyue Kingdom under the guise of celebration. The Crown Prince has already returned to his country, and even Murong Xingchen has gone back. If I continue staying in Haoyue Kingdom, it might be hard to explain to the Haoyue Emperor. Also, Prince, think carefully. If you want to postpone the wedding, Yan Ping'an might not agree. After all, the princess's injury isn't severe."
Jun Lin Tian paused and said, "I'll think about it. You can go back for now."
Jun Lin Tian strolled to a chair and sat down, but then another thought crossed his mind. "It's better if you keep a low profile recently. Murong Yunxuan and Su Zimo aren't easy to deal with. They can find a clue with the slightest hint. Be cautious, or you might not even know how you ended up dead. If there are any new plans, I'll inform you."
"Very well! I'll return now."
"Wait!" Jun Lin Tian called out to Murong Zeyu.
Murong Zeyu swiftly turned around, his brows slightly furrowed. "Is there something else?"
After contemplating for a moment, Jun Lin Tian took out a book and placed it on the table.
"This is the secret manual for cultivating the Yin-Yang Devouring Heaven technique. I obtained it by chance, and there are two copies in total. However, only one person can practice from each copy. Since you and I are allies, I won't monopolize such good fortune. If you're interested, you can try cultivating it. We can join forces to deal with Murong Yunxuan and Murong Shaofeng."
Jun Lin Tian handed the manual to Murong Zeyu, willing to sacrifice something valuable for a greater cause. He didn't need to dwell on trivial matters when they were bound together like insects on a rope.
Murong Zeyu hesitated as he picked up the Yin-Yang Devouring Heaven manual from the table. He looked at Jun Lin Tian with suspicion. How could he be so kind as to share such a great opportunity with him?
"Of course, if you don't trust me, you don't have to take it."
Jun Lin Tian could discern Murong Zeyu's thoughts. Did he not believe in him? Did he still see him as the previous Jun Lin Tian? Those were common issues among kings and generals. With more exposure to people and events lately, he had gradually matured.
"How could that be? We share a common goal, so I thank the Third Prince for his generosity."
Murong Zeyu smiled at Jun Lin Tian, his gaze transitioning from disbelief to trust. He carefully kept the manual. Then, he turned and disappeared into the night.
On the way to Xingyue Kingdom, Murong Shaofeng spurred his horse, hastening his journey until he reached the border between the two countries.
Inside a tavern owned by Murong Shaofeng on the border, he stood at the railing on the third floor, gazing into the distance. His face was obscured, but his tall and majestic figure emanated an air of mystery, sorrow, and an indescribable sense of desolation. He resembled a god of the night, elevated and overlooking all beings.
"Your Highness, it's late. You should rest," Zhu Yan quietly approached him from behind and respectfully spoke.
"I have no desire to sleep. You need not concern yourself with me. Go rest!"
His voice was indifferent and low.
Under the moonlight, his handsome and gentle appearance seemed divinely sculpted, infuriating both gods and men. The moonlight illuminated his face, yet it failed to penetrate the depths of his melancholic, yearning eyes. They were like a clear pool, crystal clear, but shrouded in deep sorrow.
"Your Highness, every night you are like this. It will take a toll on your health. Everyone has their own struggles, and every heart carries its own sorrows. Sometimes, even with full dedication, we don't receive what we desire. Despite hard work, we may not see the expected rewards. Your Highness should release your worries as soon as possible."
Zhuan Yan understood the anguish in the prince's heart, but no matter how heartbroken he was, in the end, the prince was still alone.
"Zhuan Yan, everyone has their stubbornness when it comes to life. Even if it exhausts the body, they still cling tightly to their emotions. Even if it burdens the soul, they remain devoted to their pursuits. When we sincerely commit ourselves to something, we may not always expect success. When we deeply love someone, who doesn't want to be together for a lifetime?"
Murong Shaofeng spoke with a hint of melancholy. His eyes, filled with longing, gazed into the distance. How could Zhuan Yan understand the pain in his heart? Only those who had truly loved could comprehend such a painful yet mysterious feeling.
"You are right, Your Highness. Each time, you refuse to accept setbacks. But the toll on your body from chasing after love is something only you can feel. Each time, you are reluctant to let go because the torment of being troubled is something only you can understand. Zhuan Yan only hopes that Your Highness will encounter a suitable princess soon."
Since childhood, regardless of whether it was Murong Zeyu or someone else, the prince suffered silently, keeping his grievances hidden within his heart. When facing the person he loved, he couldn't express his feelings openly. Only in the presence of someone who truly understood him would he occasionally reveal himself.
"Your Highness, the Princess of Li Xia Kingdom has been following us all along. Should we travel together with her? After all, she's a young lady, and it can be dangerous for her to travel alone."
"You mentioned that she's a young lady. Traveling together may be inconvenient in some ways. I'll go back and rest first."
Murong Shaofeng's tone grew colder as he turned around, his figure elongated by the moonlight.
Hidden in the shadows, Nalan Lixin listened, tears streaming down her beautiful face. Sometimes, there are periods in one's life filled with unease. But since she made the choice, besides facing it with bravery, she had no other options.
A friend who understands your tears is better than a group of friends who only understand your smiles. Happiness has never had shortcuts or been flawless. It requires nurturing and sincerity. She envied Murong Shaofeng's selfless and unconditional love for his sister, Murong Zimo. Perhaps, no matter how hard she tried, she wouldn't get the desired results. No matter how difficult the process was, if she didn't take the journey, she would never see the outcome.
The next morning, Mingyue Restaurant was already bustling with people, and it was packed with those who came for breakfast. Whether in the capital or at the border, restaurants with good food and affordable prices were always the most popular.
Even on the third floor, the noise from the surrounding people could be heard, creating a lively atmosphere.
Su Zimo didn't need to worry about oversleeping as she was awakened by the commotion. She glanced at the sky and realized it was already late. Looking at the empty space next to her bed, Murong Yunxuan's presence was nowhere to be found. She had slept until now, and she felt somewhat refreshed. She looked at her son, who was slowly blinking his long lashes, and he woke up too.
With sleepy eyes, Su Qi slowly opened his eyes and asked, recognizing the familiar fragrance, "Mother, do you feel better?"
Su Zimo was worried that his wound might still be painful, so she didn't move her body.
With a twinkle in his big, bright eyes, Su Qi smiled and said, "Mother, it still hurts."
"With such a deep wound, of course, it will hurt. Are you hungry? I'll have someone bring you something to eat."
"No, Mother. Su Qi is feeling much better. I want to eat the soup you make and the dishes you cook."
Su Qi's mind was calculating happily. Taking advantage of his injury to gain some benefits for himself, he knew that he couldn't have his mother's cooking every day. It depended on his mother's mood.
"Alright, I'll go and make it for you. You can rest a little longer, recover your body, and then we'll continue our journey. We can't delay your grandfather's time."
Su Zimo slowly got up from the bed, moving her injured arm slightly, managing to do so with some effort.
"Don't worry, Mother. The wound is deep, so give Su Qi three days. After three days, we will definitely be able to continue the journey."
"Yes, I trust your medical skills, and I trust you."
After Su Zimo left, Su Qi moved his body slightly, taking some golden needles and applying medicine to treat himself. He felt a noticeable reduction in pain afterward. He also prepared some poison powder for self-defense and tidied up some prank items, learning from his previous experience. At this moment, Su Qi had learned his lesson and made all the necessary preparations. After everything was settled, Su Qi took a pill and slowly lay back on the bed. Who was Su Qi? He was a divine-level alchemist. Treating this kind of injury would only take a day or two at most, but it would still be painful, just like now, even a slight movement caused pain.
"Okay!" Su Qi had just lied down when his delicate face wrinkled up. He needed to use the restroom, but in his current state, it was not only difficult to go but even sitting up was a challenge.
Su Qi frowned, experiencing such an embarrassing situation for the first time. But now, he was in urgent need.
"Damn those bastards! They caused me to face such an awkward moment. Once I recover, I'll teach them a lesson they won't forget."
While scolding, Su Qi supported himself with his hands to sit up, being careful not to reopen the wound and waste the effects of the medicine he had taken.
"Creak!" The door was pushed open, and Su Qi's eyes lit up as he looked at the person entering.
"Father, hurry, hurry! Su Qi needs to use the restroom and can't hold it any longer."
Seeing his father appear, Su Qi was ecstatic, as if he had encountered a savior.
"Lie down and don't move. Father will come over to carry you."
Murong Yunxuan hurriedly walked over, seeing Su Qi's flushed face, and he moved quickly.
"Hurry, Father, I can't hold it anymore." Su Qi just wanted to rush to the outhouse.