After their affectionate mont, Lucian carried Rover to a nearby tea stall and sat down. Rover, still slightly weak, slumped lazily in his arms.
Across from them, Xinyi smiled and said, "Now that the crisis at Mt. Firmant has been resolved and the water route between Jinzhou and Hongzhen has reopened, more people from Jinzhou have started visiting. It's definitely livelier than before."
"The effects of the temporal disruptions have vanished, allowing towns to trade freely again. The residents can finally settle down and thrive in peace."
"We must also thank Rover and Lucian for helping Mt. Firmant and Jinhsi resolve the temporal disturbances there."
Lucian replied modestly, "It was nothing."
Xinyi smiled. "You two are both benefactors and honored guests of Hongzhen. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask."
"Earlier, I noticed you were asking around. Did you run into so trouble?"
Lucian explained the contents of the letter.
Xinyi was acquainted with Changli, and the two trusted each other. Moreover, Xinyi was also Jinhsi's teacher, so there should be no issue in seeking her advice.
After understanding the situation, Xinyi pondered for a mont before saying, "I see… That does sound like Changli's style."
"Though I'm not particularly close to her, I do know a thing or two about her character."
"Heh, it's better if she explains it to you herself."
"Everyone knows that the Counselor has a labyrinthine mind, her sches intricate and inscrutable…"
"If she intends to do sothing, it's never as simple as it appears on the surface, and few can discern the true aning behind her arrangents."
"Because of this, rumors and criticisms about her have never ceased, yet she seems utterly unbothered."
"I believe… Changli's intentions are best understood by those directly involved, independent of anyone else's opinions."
From Xinyi's words, it was clear she held Changli in high regard.
Lucian nodded slightly. "We share the sa view."
Xinyi continued, "As for the riddle Changli left… It seems you've already found the answer."
"In that case, I'll take my leave. If you encounter any difficulties or needs while in Hongzhen, feel free to co to ."
After bidding farewell, Xinyi departed.
Lucian looked down at the shy Rover in his arms. "Shall we go too?"
"Mhm…"
...
Two Violet-Feathered Herons perched atop the highest rooftop in Hongzhen.
"Look over there."
The pair gazed westward, where several peculiar ring-shaped structures stood just beyond the town.
"Is that the 'Ring Traces Gazing at the Flying Eaves'?"
Rover's eyes shifted to the front of the ring-shaped devices. "There's a pavilion over there. The final destination must be there, right?"
Lucian replied, "We'll know once we check."
The two flew westward again, arriving at the pavilion and dispelling the Transformation Magic.
At the mont, the place was empty. Lucian stepped inside and saw two chairs facing each other, with a wooden table between them holding a board ga—scattered black and white pieces arranged atop it.
Lucian took a closer look. It appeared to be Go.
However, he only knew how to play Gomoku and had little understanding of Go.
But Rover seed to recognize it. "This is…?"
Lucian asked curiously, "Do you see sothing?"
Before Rover could answer, Changli arrived in a hurry.
"...My apologies, I'm a bit late."
Lucian waved his hand. "We just got here too."
Changli took a seat on one of the chairs and smiled softly. "In any case, thank you for coming."
Rover cut straight to the point. "Why did you invite Lucian?"
Lucian: "..."
Changli was montarily stunned, then chuckled. "Rover, you misunderstand. The one I wished to invite was you."
Rover pointed at herself in confusion. "?"
Changli nodded slightly. "I have so questions in my heart, and perhaps you can provide the answers."
She gestured to the Go board. "Do these black stones seem familiar to you?"
Rover studied the board. From the first glance, they had felt vaguely familiar, though the mory remained hazy.
"...I'm not sure."
Lucian suddenly raised his hand. "I know!"
The two won turned to him as he declared confidently, "Black wins!"
Changli tilted her head. "How so?"
Lucian pointed at five connected black stones in the center of the board. "Look, this is the only five-in-a-row on the entire board. Black wins!"
Rover smacked the back of his head. "Stop ssing around!"
Changli giggled. "Gomoku and Go are quite different..."
(Gomoku, also known as "Five in a Row" or "Gobang
Reviews
All reviews (0)