Chapter 30: Wind, Flowers, Snow, Moon

Lofugude Mountain Villa on this continent has always been a renowned power. Since not long ago, Viscount Lofugude, within the villa, single‑handedly repelled the four great masters of the Spirit Temple—Mingguang, Bavaria, Goth and Siri Sia—further enhancing the villa's fearsome reputation. It can be said that on the present continent, aside from the Spirit Temple, the strongest faction is the Lofugude Mountain Villa located not far from the outskirts of Aimiduo Town. Viscount Lofugude himself is regarded as the only one capable of matching the Spirit Temple's elite, and in an instant many mages and swordsmen forced to flee the Temple's oppression, as well as righteous men who despise the Temple's deeds yet lack the power to resist, flocked to the villa and swore allegiance to the Viscount. Thus the villa's population nearly doubled within just over ten days.

"Luo Shan, you've been gone so long; I was very worried about you."

While riding the wind toward the villa, Viscount Lofugude sighed. "That day at the villa, I thought you were being pursued by Goth; even if you weren't killed, you would surely have been captured, and I felt deep remorse. Yet later rumors spread across the continent that Goth was defeated by an unknown youth, his spells almost entirely shattered. I was astonished, but also relieved to know you had escaped safely, and I was overjoyed. Luo Shan, with your strength, how could you have been Goth's opponent? What exactly happened in that battle?"

"I don't know either," Luo Shan shook his head. "The power inside me, sometimes I can't control it as I wish." "If that's the case, then there's no point in worrying about it." Yet Viscount Lofugude showed no intention of probing further. "I sense that the magical energy within you has grown considerably; these days you seem to have had quite a few extraordinary encounters."

"Yes." Luo Shan thought of Mu Ze, who turned to dust to save him, and felt a pang of sorrow. "I've lived to this day only because of others' help; otherwise I would have died countless times already."

"Others." Viscount Lofugude's voice suddenly took on a deep resonance. "Then, does that include the woman from before?"

"Pei'er…" Luo Shan sighed. "Pei'er… she's my savior. Honestly, I have no right to ask anything of her." "She likes you, doesn't she?" Viscount Lofugude said bluntly. "I can see it; otherwise, why would she be so concerned about your affairs?"

"Uncle." Luo Shan looked up at that moment. "Pei'er—was she truly deceived by the Spirit Temple's spells?" "I'm only speculating, but you heard her babble; everything she said contradicts the facts." The Viscount smiled faintly. "Bavaria, as a branch master of the Spirit Temple, aided Mingguang's countless misdeeds, and everyone deserved punishment. I was previously afraid of implicating the villa's people, so I dared not oppose the Temple; I could only turn a blind eye. In hindsight, I feel deeply ashamed. Fortunately, a later great battle wounded Siri Sia and Goth, which at least partly atoned for my past. However, after that battle I was gravely injured and my cultivation suffered a severe loss. The Spirit Temple had arranged a duel at Cold Mountain's main hall three months later; now only a little over two months remain, and I think I'll most likely lose."

"Uncle." Luo Shan said. "Actually… one of the seven heads of the Spirit Temple, Alden, fell to my sword a few days ago."

"You killed Alden?" Viscount Lofugude stared at him in amazement. "Alden is one of the top masters of the Spirit Temple, a dual practitioner of magic and swordsmanship; his strength may not be below Mingguang's. How could you slay him?" "Just luck… I was almost killed by him myself." Luo Shan sighed. "Uncle, in two months can I go with you to Cold Mountain?" "You intend to rescue your parents?" the Viscount nodded. "Very well; if you have the strength to defeat Alden, you must be at least at the 'Human Emperor' level. Together with me, the Spirit Temple's people might not be able to contend. Luo Shan, I never expected you to improve so rapidly these days; across the continent, perhaps only the former Sovereign God could match you."

"Uncle, don't say that."

"Fine, let's set that aside. The villa is just ahead. Luo Shan, answer me honestly: do you like Qin Yan?"

"I…" Luo Shan was suddenly tongue‑tied. "Uncle, I…" "If you like her, you like her; what's there to be ashamed of?" Viscount Lofugude raised an eyebrow. "As far as I know, Qin Yan likes you a great deal."

"Uncle… stop teasing me." Luo Shan lowered his head. "I'm just an orphan, drifting across the seas, always in danger of being hunted by powerful foes. How could I be worthy of Qin Yan?" "What's this about worthy or unworthy?" Viscount Lofugude's voice rose sharply. "As long as you both love each other, that's enough. I am Qin Yan's father; even I consent. What more are you worried about?"

"Qin Yan grew up without a mother, which has made her a solitary person over the years. I've never seen her treat any man so well. After you left, she was gloomy all day, and as her father it pains me to watch." The Viscount sighed. "After repelling the Spirit Temple's assault, I have been searching for you everywhere. First, I feel guilty for failing to protect you back then; second, for Qin Yan's sake, hoping she can be happy again soon. Luo Shan, now that you have returned safely, everyone is overjoyed."

As they spoke, Lofugude Mountain Villa came into view. The guards gathered at the gate half‑kneeling respectfully as the Viscount arrived. With a wave of his hand, an ornate carriage rolled slowly to his side. "Step inside." the Viscount gave Luo Shan a slight nod. "After such a long wind‑flight, you must be tired, I presume?"

"Mm." Luo Shan answered briefly, yet his mind kept replaying the Viscount's words. All this time, though he lived day‑to‑day with Pei'er, his thoughts were always on Qin Yan. The pure white figure that appeared before him when Makas's dark power threatened to engulf him was like a lantern, forever lighting his heart.

"Luo Shan, that's a pleasant name."

"I'm Qin Yan."

"Hold my hand, don't be afraid; everything will pass, okay?"

No matter how perilous or dark the situation, those sincere, moving words and her face, radiant as spring water, constantly rose in his heart, giving him the courage and strength to keep fighting. Perhaps this is what they call love. Whether love at first sight or a slow bloom, it matters not; as long as she is in his heart, she is the answer and the end.

"Look." At that moment the Viscount laughed and patted him. "That little girl Qin Yan—I promised to be back before dinner, and she's been waiting in the courtyard the whole time."

Luo Shan looked over; the carriage had arrived at the glittering main hall of Lofugude Mountain Villa, and on the marble‑paved central plaza a young girl waited. She wore a light‑blue long dress, her water‑like hair loose, clearly having waited a long time; upon seeing the carriage she rushed forward. "Father," Luo Shan heard the familiar, moving voice again. "Why are you so late? I'm starving."

"Little girl." The Viscount smiled as he stepped down from the carriage. "Look who I've brought back for you." "Who else could it be? It's not like it's anyone but Luo Shan." Qin Yan pursed her lips, reached out and took the Viscount's hand. "Let's eat, I'm hungry."

"Qin… Qin Yan."

Luo Shan pulled back the carriage's silk curtain and saw the girl he had longed for; for a moment he didn't know what to say. Qin Yan turned, saw his bewildered figure, and her expression shifted from brief shock to ecstatic joy. "Luo Shan! It's really you!" she tore herself from the Viscount's hand, screamed and ran to him, hugging him tightly. "Luo Shan…" Qin Yan's voice was choked. "It's really… it's you… this is wonderful. This is wonderful. Luo Shan, I hadn't heard from you for so long; I thought something had happened to you…"

"How could that be." Luo Shan felt the girl's warmth and his heart sweetened. "Look at me now, standing before you—I'm fine." "You must never leave again. Never… like last time, when you suddenly abandoned me and went far away alone."

"I promise you." Luo Shan closed his eyes. "I'll stay by your side forever, as long as you don't reject me."

"How could it not?" Qin Yan laughed. "Having you by my side makes me so happy I can't even begin."

"Is it true?"

"Of course it's true." Qin Yan tapped his head. "What, you don't want it anymore? It's already too late. You're in my house now; you have to obey me."

"That's natural." Luo Shan smiled faintly. "So, Miss Qin Yan—Lady Lofugude, what shall we do next?"

"Next?" Qin Yan, still holding his hand, said. "Enter the house, eat."