Yun Lintian and Nantian Yu found a restaurant for breakfast before heading to the plaza to watch the pill competition.
The second round focused on individual knowledge. Competitors received random ingredients and had to formulate the best pill recipe they knew.
Yun Lintian found the competition intriguing. If he had the chance to hold such an event, he'd set it up similarly.
Ti flew by, and the competition reached its climax. Ten winners were announced, including Yan Jingru and Jin Yang.
"There's nothing else to see here. Let's go sailing," Nantian Yu suggested.
Yun Lintian naturally agreed. Perhaps he could glean so information from overheard conversations.
They weaved through the crowd and headed towards the west side of the city.
On the stage, Jin Yang glared at Yun Lintian and Nantian Yu, his expression darkening. The murderous intent in his heart intensified.
Yan Jingru noticed the killing intent in Jin Yang's eyes and frowned. She had warned Yun Lintian, but he seed oblivious. With a sigh, she realized there was nothing else she could do.
After the ceremony, Jin Yang stord off with anger flickering in his eyes.
Yan Feihong approached Yan Jingru and whispered, "Her Majesty has arrived."
Yan Jingru's eyes widened in disbelief. "She…?"
"Don't worry," Yan Feihong soothed, "that boy will be safe. Co on, let's go." She gently pulled Yan Jingru away.
In the distance, Jin Yuxin observed the interaction between Yan Feihong and Yan Jingru. A frown creased her face. It seed she needed to intervene and prevent Jin Yang from attacking Yun Lintian.
***
The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the jade-green water of the Serene Canal, a ribbon that snaked through the city's western side.
Yun Lintian, brow furrowed in concentration, wrestled with the ornately carved tiller of the flat-bottod boat. Beside him, Nantian Yu's laughter, tinkling like wind chis, filled the air as she expertly adjusted the sail, catching a playful breeze.
"How's it going? Master sailing yet?" Nantian Yu teased.
"Well, it's definitely harder than I imagined," Yun Lintian admitted, letting out a breath and surrendering to the rhythm of the water lapping against the hull. His pre-conceived image of sailing was far from reality.
Naturally, Yun Lintian could use his power to effortlessly maneuver the boat, but that would defeat the purpose of enjoying the mont.
The wind, carrying the sweet fragrance of blooming lotuses that lined the canal, filled their lungs. As they glided past bustling markets overflowing with exotic wares and restaurants wafting the aroma of spiced delicacies, a lody drifted across the water.
A group of musicians perched on a nearby bridge played on instrunts resembling stringed lutes but emitting an otherworldly sound. The music, lancholic yet strangely uplifting, painted a picture of soaring mountains and ethereal waterfalls in Yun Lintian's mind.
Nantian Yu retrieved a small clay pot and two delicate cups from a wicker basket. With practiced ease, she brewed a fragrant tea, the steam swirling skyward like wisps of smoke. "This is Butterfly Blossom tea," she explained, handing him a cup. "Said to calm the mind and awaken the senses."
Yun Lintian took a tentative sip. The tea, infused with the essence of the music and the sights around them, tasted like a dream – sweet, floral, and strangely invigorating. As he closed his eyes, the worries gnawing at him seed to lt away, replaced by a sense of wonder and a newfound peace.
In that mont, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, surrounded by the beauty of this fantastical world, Yun Lintian wasn't just a man lost in an unknown world. He was a traveler, a part of this breathtaking tapestry, and for a stolen mont, everything felt strangely perfect.
"I wouldn't mind living like this every day," Nantian Yu spoke softly, sipping her tea and looking at Yun Lintian.
"He must have been bothering you, right?" she asked. Nantian Yu's keen observation skills easily picked up on Jin Yang's deanor and petty personality.
"Don't worry about ," Yun Lintian said casually. "He should be grateful I didn't retaliate."
"Wow, I never thought you'd brag," Nantian Yu laughed.
Yun Lintian took a sip of his tea with a smile. "I thought you'd resort to alcohol again."
"I'm not a drunkard," Nantian Yu shrugged. "Last night was an exception."
Yun Lintian chuckled and fed Qingqing and Linlin so snacks.
Nantian Yu's gaze followed the path of the golden sunlight, her mind drifting to an unforgettable mory buried deep in her heart. In the past, she'd often sail a boat with her mother, those being the happiest tis of her life.
Unfortunately, she would never be able to experience that again.
Yun Lintian sensed the shift in her mood. Hesitating briefly, he reached out and gently patted her shoulder. "I believe she wouldn't want you to be sad."
"You know?" Nantian Yu looked up at him, surprised.
"Well, I t with Yan Jingru last night, and we had a conversation," Yun Lintian explained, not hiding anything.
"She probably warned you to stay away from , right?" Nantian Yu chuckled. "Why didn't you listen?"
"Why should I?" Yun Lintian smiled. "I trust my own judgnt."
Nantian Yu held his gaze for a long ti before speaking softly, "Thank you."
Her voice blended with the ethereal music, yet Yun Lintian heard it clearly. He looked at her and said, "I've lost soone precious to as well. But I know they wouldn't want to live in despair. The only thing I can do is follow their wishes. Maybe you could try it too."
Nantian Yu locked eyes with Yun Lintian for a mont and said, "You know what? I've always had this feeling since I first saw you. It's like we've known each other for a long ti."
"Really?" Yun Lintian smiled faintly, taking a sip of his tea. "I thought you were attracted to my undeniable handsoness."
"Bah!" Nantian Yu rolled her eyes. "Not only do you brag, but you're also narcissistic. I take my words back. I don't think we have known each other."
The two laughed, sharing a peaceful mont.
Standing on a distant stone bridge, a beautiful veiled woman watched Yun Lintian silently. Her eyes, hidden beneath the veil, held a complex mix of emotions.
If Yun Lintian were present, he would be utterly shocked. The woman's appearance was identical to Yan Siqi, the one he'd seen in the past!
Behind her, Yan Jingru and Yan Feihong stood silently, unsure why their Lord chose to observe Yun Lintian from afar.
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