Chapter 34

Xilin Lake existed long before the capital of the Tian Nan Empire was established. In the distance, there are two green mountains named Lianlang and Wupan. These two mountains are separated by several dozen feet, standing shoulder to shoulder. The Tian Nan Canal flows from upstream, passing through the gorge between the two mountains and converging at Xilin.

Originally, the capital of Tian Nan did not have the Xilin River, and Lianlang and Wupan were one mountain, known as Xilin Mountain. According to legend, hundreds of years ago, the two greatest experts of the time, Lianlang and Wupan, engaged in a duel at the peak of Xilin. Both were at the pinnacle of the Divine Martial Realm, one wielding a sword and the other a knife. They were evenly matched, and the battle was intense. Just as they were exhausted, a fire kirin ran in from outside the mountain. This beast was extremely fierce, capable of spewing intense flames.

Lianlang and Wupan, unable to bear the fire kirin causing havoc, put aside their personal grudges and joined forces to fight it. They finally slew the fire kirin at the foot of the two peaks. Then, using their entire life force, they split the entire mountain in two, diverting the canal water to form a lake where the fire kirin was slain. They died from the exhaustion of their efforts.

To commemorate these two experts, the two peaks were named after them, and the lake was named Xilin...

From the lakeside, through the white corridor over the lake to the pavilion in the center, Shangguan Ruomeng gently recounted the history of Xilin Lake. Feng Jueyu, who had a vague impression of Xilin Lake, listened with great interest. Although almost everyone in the Tian Nan Empire knew the origin of Xilin Lake, hearing it told in the spring breeze added a unique charm.

The pavilion was already filled with many people. It was noon, and the blazing sun was directly above Lianlang and Wupan. In the distance, the faint outlines of two paths leading to the mountain tops could be seen.

These two paths were extremely clear, like two giant dragons winding around the mountains, with a grand and majestic presence. Together with the sun at the mountain top, they formed the image of two dragons playing with a pearl.

In March, the peaks of Xilin appear, subtly resembling two dragons playing with a pearl...

Shangguan Ruomeng took a deep breath, feeling refreshed. She recited two well-matched lines of poetry, perfectly matching the unique spectacle of Lianlang and Wupan playing with the sun.

The surrounding scholars and beauties all applauded and praised her.

One of the reasons the Spring Scholar Gathering was held in March at Xilin Lake was because of this unique spectacle of the two dragons playing with the pearl, which only occurred once a year.

After Shangguan Ruomeng finished her story, Feng Jueyu and Xing'er nodded in agreement. It was rare for such a blood-filled story to take place amidst such beautiful scenery and be passed down to future generations.

Feng Jueyu, deeply influenced by Shangguan Ruomeng, gazed at the temples deep in the mountains and felt his mood improve: "Actually, when I was young, I also heard some stories that left a lasting impression and were passed down through generations..."

Xing'er, not satisfied with just one story, quickly said, "Master, you've told stories before, but they were all pranks. Are you going to tell those again? Can you tell something more touching, preferably about love?"

"Hmm?" Feng Jueyu tilted his head, looking at the cute maid. He suddenly remembered the story of the White Snake. "Of course, I'll tell the story of the White Snake."

"The White Snake?"

The master and servant knew that Feng Jueyu enjoyed making them laugh and had told many stories, but they had never heard the story of the White Snake. They all perked up their ears and looked at him.

Feng Jueyu waved his folding fan and, gazing at the beautiful scenery of the two mountains, began to tell the story: "According to legend, a long time ago, there was a white snake that had practiced for a thousand years in the forest..."

This story was a world-renowned myth from his previous life, with a twisting plot, vivid emotions, and a touching and beautiful love story. Although it involved demons and fierce battles, it ultimately told a tragic love story.

Feng Jueyu, with his silver tongue, made the tragic love story of the White Snake even more moving.

Most of the people in the pavilion were scholars and beauties from all over the country. When he started speaking, all eyes were on him, and everyone was captivated by his story.

He told the story for about half an incense stick's time before finishing it perfectly. At that moment, the lively pavilion fell into an unprecedented silence. Many scholars fanned themselves in deep thought, while countless beauties were moved to tears, shedding tears like pear blossoms.

When love is deep and sincere!

This touching love story left many hearts of infatuated men and women unsettled for a long time.

Xing'er was already in tears, and her embroidered handkerchief was no longer usable. Even the strong Miss Shangguan was moved to tears by the tragic myth, unable to control herself.

The pavilion was silent, and after a long time, a voice from the crowd asked, "Young Master, what happened to Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen later?"

Feng Jueyu had only told the story up to the point where Bai Suzhen was imprisoned under the Leifeng Pagoda. Hearing this, almost everyone looked at Feng Jueyu, including Shangguan Ruomeng.

Feng Jueyu paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and said, "A hundred years of cultivation brings two people to share a boat, a thousand years of cultivation brings them to share a bed. Since Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen have already fallen deeply in love, why should you care about the ending? As long as they love each other, even if they are separated by vast distances, their hearts will always be connected. The ending... is not important..."

Everyone sighed slightly, but then they all looked at him with approval.

In fact, the ending of the story was that the Leifeng Pagoda collapsed, and the lovers were reunited. However, Feng Jueyu did not say this. He was not trying to create suspense but because of his genuine and sincere nature.

Mythical stories are ultimately just stories. Leaving a suspenseful ending allows for endless imagination. Those with a positive mindset can end the love story with a perfect conclusion, while those with a rational mindset will turn the ending into an answer that doesn't need to be pursued, appreciating the brilliance of the process.

However, Feng Jueyu was not a cold and unfeeling person. His final words had already made many wise people guess the outcome.

"Beautifully told, a beautiful story." Several young ladies and noblewomen clapped their hands, and then the pavilion erupted in thunderous applause for Feng Jueyu's story.

Some even threw flirtatious glances at Feng Jueyu. He was already handsome, with a demeanor like a tall and graceful tree. Adding a touching love story, he won the favor of countless infatuated men and women. Some were even inquiring about his name and background on the side.

Xing'er was deeply moved by Feng Jueyu but was frustrated that he didn't give the ending. She glared at him and pouted, "Master is so bad, another prank. But the story was really beautiful, Miss, what do you think?"

Shangguan Ruomeng stared intently at Feng Jueyu, her eyes filled with disbelief and a strange unfamiliarity. "I've been with him for nearly ten years, and I've never heard him tell such a touching story. 'A hundred years of cultivation brings two people to share a boat, a thousand years of cultivation brings them to share a bed.' What sincere love. He clearly spoke from the heart, making the story so perfect, so different from his usual frivolous behavior. Why does he suppress himself and not show his true feelings?"

For a moment, Shangguan Ruomeng's mind was filled with many strange questions, all related to Feng Jueyu: Ruo Fan's sword techniques, his recent actions, today's story. He is different from before. Is the real him the one from before, or has he changed because of Xu Zixiong's brick?

"Young Master."

Just as Shangguan Ruomeng was staring at Feng Jueyu, an old man approached from behind and respectfully bowed to him.

"Is there something you need, old sir?" Feng Jueyu asked with a light smile.

The old man asked, "I often tell stories at Xilin Lake, but I have never heard such a moving story. May I ask if I can record it and retell it to others?"

Feng Jueyu, realizing this, said generously, "Oh, old sir, you're too kind. This story is meant to be passed down, not my exclusive property. Why not?"

The old man was extremely excited and immediately bowed. "Thank you, Young Master." He then left the pavilion.

Shangguan Ruomeng was lost in thought. As she walked today, she suddenly realized that Feng Jueyu was not as detestable as before, especially with the story and his conversation with the old man, which were so proper, making him seem like a different person.

After careful consideration, Shangguan Ruomeng's heart suddenly trembled: Could this story be a hidden reference to me and him? Xu Xian and Bai Suzhen fell in love at West Lake, and their relationship also had its ups and downs. Xu Xian even doubted Bai Suzhen, but in the end, their sincerity made them truly fall in love and cherish their relationship.

It's the same with me and him. Is he trying to tell me to cherish the person in front of me and not regret it? This fool, he's not so foolish after all, using this method to win my heart? Shangguan Ruomeng inwardly scoffed, but her heart was as sweet as honey.

Women are women, after all. A touching story might make her see him in a new light, and it's that simple.

But heaven knows, Feng Jueyu never thought of it that way. He was just feeling better after the gloom of the past half month and, in a good mood, told this touching myth. He had no intention of flattering Miss Shangguan or using the story to imply anything about their relationship.

If he knew that even the aloof Miss Shangguan had such thoughts, Feng Jueyu would probably immediately compile a book of stories to captivate thousands of young girls. This thing is too useful, truly a world-class tool for home, travel, and courting.

"Ruomeng, are you feeling better?" Ignoring the praise around him, Feng Jueyu laughed and said, "We're boating, so we should be happy. Why be unhappy?"

Shangguan Ruomeng, amused by Feng Jueyu's humorous expression, pretended to be melancholic, "I didn't expect you to tell such a touching story, Brother Feng. Sigh, it's just that the ending is so sad, making people feel melancholic."

"Melancholic?" Feng Jueyu laughed, "That depends on how you see it. The Leifeng Pagoda collapses, the West Lake dries up, but the heart remains unchanged, and they are reunited. Isn't that right?"

"Hmm?"

Shangguan Ruomeng and Xing'er's eyes lit up simultaneously, and they both spat, "So bad, you know the ending but won't say it."

"Ha ha..."

To the readers:

PS: Thank you, Xiaoni, for the tip, and also thank you, Yutian, for the tip.

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