Chapter 124

Three days later, we followed Hyoling Feng back to the Qi State's chariot depot. After all, Mist City had just experienced war, so there could be no reserve supplies for us to loot unconditionally.

Over the next few days, the voyage plan began; the three of us, including Hyoling Feng and his retinue, started spending our days busy in terrifying hell. Wanting to sail far out to sea is absolutely not as simple as imagined. The sea can be said to be the most dangerous and unpredictable place in this world, so we had to be cautious.

Since this idea had already taken shape in my mind long ago, I had already researched many ships and related knowledge even in modern times. Nevertheless, I still felt there would be many omissions—huge ships, compasses, food, weapons, even boatmen. Fortunately, Qiran helped from the side, and Hyoling Feng's unconditional financial and material support prevented the plan from being strangled in its cradle.

When the detailed design drawings of my modern-version super cruise ship came out, not to mention Qiran and Buke being dumbfounded, Hyoling Feng's blazing gaze could practically burn a hole through me. I could only force a laugh, yeah! When I originally drew those warships for Hyoling Feng, I indeed made many reservations, but that was because I used this era's technological level as the standard!

For such a large cruise ship, I tried every means to improve and replace various parts and the drive, so that it might be possible to gather all the skilled artisans of this era to build it. Not to mention the huge consumption of time—three whole months, hundreds of masters, thousands of shipworkers desperately rushing, barely completing it. The sheer material consumption alone left everyone dumbfounded, and they realized that mass production was impractical.

The ship's hull was entirely made of the most precious and sturdy jun wood, sheathed in tin-gold worth twice as much as gold in this world, with a triangular mast sail. There were five main and auxiliary pilot cabins, and a hydraulically self-driven propeller… I thought, fortunately Hyoling Feng isn't stingy; otherwise, just the construction cost of this ship would surely make him heartbroken enough to stomp his feet.

However, Hyoling Feng has recently become really strange; my requests being granted without hesitation is one thing, but he often goes above and beyond. For example, when I asked him for shipworkers and sailors, he without a word dispatched the thirty-odd most elite of his subordinates to me. He also added twelve guards highly skilled in martial arts and well-versed in water, and five meticulous and loyal maidservants. This made me marvel at how thorough his consideration was—something we could not match.

Furthermore, when I mentioned that foreign currency might not be gold but shells or only exchangeable for silk and such, he spared no effort mobilizing the whole country, gathering crate after crate of supplies, piling them one by one in the national treasury, preparing to move them into the ship's hold later. There were also those few fruit trees he had people cultivate, and the ever-growing dry rations… Looking at these, I couldn't help wondering whether the common folk would regard me as a calamitous enchantress who brings disaster to the state and its people; yet my heart remained deeply moved, yet also helpless.

The ship that will soon carry us on our long voyage resembles modern vessels in appearance, though it cannot match the precise sturdiness of a true cruise liner; yet we can be certain that, barring major accidents, it will never capsize. Of course, risks certainly exist on the boundless sea, and we are all aware of that. However, life inherently contains many unknown variables; if we were to let these dangers easily thwart our dreams, then what meaning would there be in living?

I named this ship Polaris, hoping it would shine eternally in the ocean like the North Star.

All preparations are complete, only lacking the east wind. In ten days, once Polaris undergoes its final inspection, we will set sail. But right now, I, Qiran, and Buke are in a secluded deep valley, bidding farewell to Qiran's master and Buke's benefactor—Xie Yanke.

After hearing our words, Xie Yanke smiled and nodded slightly: 'You said you'll return in three years?'

Qiran chuckled and replied: 'That's the plan, but it's not certain.'

'Ah!' Xie Yanke let out a low sigh, lifted his head with a look of longing, and said, 'If I were thirty years younger, I would surely join you at sea. This is indeed a splendid idea, lass—was it you who thought of it?'

I burst out laughing helplessly; this Xie Yanke is truly amusing. I hastily composed myself and answered: 'Yes. In our world, someone had already put this into practice; I am merely following their path.'

Xie Yanke looked at me and gave a deep smile, saying: 'You, lass, are also interesting. Then I will entrust my disciple to you.'

'Good.' I smiled with eyes curved like crescent moons, giving him my assurance.

Xie Yanke turned his head to look at Buke and said: 'When you return in three years, remember to come by here once.'

Buke startled, but still replied: 'Okay.'

Until we departed, Xie Yanke stood at the doorway, gazing after our silhouettes, and involuntarily shook his head and sighed: 'You didn't even ask me what I'm coming back for—Buke really is Buke! Three years… I wonder if Orange will be able to wait…'

Then he felt bored again, gave a self‑consoling chuckle, as if speaking to someone, and continued muttering: 'Look at those three—youth is truly great! Feeling envious? Then go together. Believe the lass won't blame you…'

When we returned, we detoured below Duanmu Cliff. That place, which once created the most terrifying purgatory on the Tianhe Continent, now bears hardly any trace, yet it still makes us feel sorrowful.

It is said that many people died that day; it is said that Buke used his own suffering to stop Qiran's destruction; it is said…… that on that day Bai Shengyi was kicked off the cliff by Thus Character: Thus Character: Luofeng.

Qiran lingered for a long time before a tree bearing white silk ribbons; I noticed the ribbons were torn to shreds, hardly showing their original color, but the knot was clearly tied by hand.

A faint smile appeared in Qiran's eyes; he drew me close and said: 'Let's go!'

The mountain breeze brushed the treetops' white ribbons, bringing the faint fragrance of spring blossoms; this valley floor is tranquil and serene, at peace with the world.

Tianhe Year 1263, Month 3, Day 2—the weather was bright and clear, warm breezes brushed the people. We finally decided to set sail on this day.

When I personally saw that splendid giant ship moored at the coast, I couldn't help but feel excited to the point of tears welling up. Is this truly the Polaris I designed? Is this truly the ark that will carry us to set sail? Am I now dreaming or awake?

Xinhui's eyes turned red from crying, and she bluntly said she wanted to go with us. But I naturally know it's impossible—Wen Ruobin, though not holding a high‑ranking post in Qi State now, manages all of Qi's secret agents and scouts, a vital post controlling the nation's lifeline. Moreover, he loves Xinhui so much that he cannot accompany her, let alone allow her to leave.

Xinluo stared stubbornly, neither crying nor making a fuss, turned his head away, and coldly said: 'Anyway, you're not the first to abandon me. Best not come back again!'

'You stubborn little brat!' I snatched him into my arms, ignoring his kicking, and whispered softly, 'I will miss you.'

Having said that, the sorrow of parting surged up; I sniffled and said: 'Xinluo, your sister's health is poor—take good care of her, understand?'

Xinluo shoved me away hard, his eye sockets half‑red, and hoarsely said: 'You woman, why are you so naggy?'

I burst out laughing helplessly; the pent‑up sorrow of farewell had finally dissipated, and I said: 'Xinluo, why does your tone keep sounding more and more like Xiao Chi?'

The Emperor has arrived!! The already sizable coast became even larger with that shout.

But it was only a moment; then a deep, resonant voice sounded steadily in the air: 'By imperial decree, those seeing off may return on their own, those accompanying the voyage should take their places; within the time it takes to burn an incense stick, the Emperor does not wish to see any idle persons on this dock.'

Like a tide coming in and then receding! I stared wide‑eyed as the crowd withdrew—clean and neat, swift and decisive, departing with a carefree air… cough… of the people. Looking up, the figure in a moon‑white long robe had already come into view.

No one was beside him, not even Chengyou. Having removed his imperial robes, with only a gold‑silk hairband on his head, he now looked nothing like a lofty emperor, but rather like a handsome, refined scholar‑knight.

Imagining Hyoling Feng as a scholar‑knight, I couldn't help but turn my head and chuckle lightly; my previously suppressed mood instantly brightened a bit.

Hyoling Feng walked over to me at a leisurely pace, his gaze falling on Qiran behind me, and said lightly: 'I wish to speak a few words alone with Bingyi.'

Behind us there was silence for a long while; Hyoling Feng merely smiled without speaking, and I was shocked, caught between the two, embarrassed to move even a muscle, silently thinking: 'If Qiran doesn't agree, will he demand back everything on that ship?' Seeing he isn't that stingy…… No, this isn't about being stingy or not—after all, he is now an emperor who looks down on all under heaven……

Suddenly a sharp pain struck my forehead; I cried out low, furrowed my brows at the sudden assailant, and snapped: 'Why are you hitting me?'

Hyoling Feng wore an invincible, 'come‑hit‑me' relaxed smugness, his eyes full of mirth, and drawled: 'Who let me speak to you, yet you dare ignore me? I have no idea what you stuff in that head of yours every day.'

'Of course my head holds brain matter—do you think I'm stuffing tofu like you? Ah—why are you hitting me again!'

I angrily glanced back—Qiran had indeed vanished without a sound or trace, leaving only me and Hyoling Feng on the vast seaside dock.

Turning my head again, I had already put away my joking mood, fixed my gaze on him, and said lightly: 'Hyoling Feng, I'm leaving.'

'I know.' He answered with a smile as light as clouds and wind.

I blinked, feeling something was off—not his overly calm smile, nor his tranquil reply, but…… this little manner of his was actually the first time he referred to himself as 'I' in front of me.

Of course, hiding his identity in the cave and his being lost in memories of Qiran don't count. I secretly recalled that, unlike Qiran or Xiao Yifei, he really seldom used any self‑referral other than 'the sovereign' when speaking to me!

His wrist suddenly tightened; I staggered a few steps and fell into his embrace, a pair of arms holding me firmly for an instant, then releasing.

I forced out a smile and teased him: 'How about it, a farewell hug?'

He lowered his long lashes without a word; his slender, elegant fingers gracefully took off a red cord from his neck, at the end of which hung a clear, translucent white jade, and slipped it onto my neck.

I stepped back sharply, gazing at him with complex thoughts, and after a long while only managed to whisper three syllables: 'Hyoling Feng…'

'Bingyi, do you still remember what you said—that an emperor's devotion is a calamity?' He stepped forward, placed both hands on my shoulders to firmly hold my posture, and once again slipped the purple phoenix onto my neck.

I stubbornly stepped back, furrowed my brows, and said: 'I remember, but Hyoling Feng…'

'Shh—' his warm fingers pressed against my lips, he gently shook his head and said, 'Listen to me finish.'

Helpless, I could only maintain this ambiguous posture and listen to him speak.

'Bingyi, from now on I will surely, as you wish, unify the entire Tianhe Continent and become a good emperor.'

I furrowed my brows, looked at him in surprise. Why would he say it's as I wish? Isn't that his own desire?

But I still said nothing, silently listening as he continued: 'From now on I will still take many wives and have numerous offspring, yet the empress's position will forever remain vacant for you.'

I widened my eyes with a swish, looking at him in disbelief, my lips still pressed against his warm fingers opening and closing slightly, I murmured: "Wei Lingfeng, you must be crazy."

Wei Lingfeng first froze, then gave a helpless chuckle, withdrew his finger, and said: "Bingyi, why is your reaction always different from others'? At this moment, shouldn't you be moved?"

Come on! Facing someone whose behavior is this strange, can my reaction be normal?

His smile faded a bit, though not completely gone, it was deeply buried behind those black, bright eyes that sparkled like stars. Sunlight fell on his lightly floating hair, his pale, slender face, his exquisite features… his white-robed figure seemed to glow, as if deeply embedded in the air, merging with the natural essence of heaven and earth.

He gazed deeply at me, bit by bit, inch by inch, then reached out to gently caress my cheek, smoothing my disheveled hair, and spoke softly yet firmly: "Bingyi, I will govern this country well, treat every consort beside me well, but as for love… I… can no longer give it…"

My whole body shuddered violently; I lifted my head and stared at him blankly. His crystal-clear, slender index finger gripped the two ends of the red string and pressed against my neck again. A faint tremor traveled through the thin collar, my breath hitched, but this time I did not refuse.

My face alternately pressed against and pulled away from his chest; the gentle yet domineering beat of his heart, transmitted through his heavy, trembling chest, entered my ears and seeped into my heart: "I will govern this country with an emperor's heart, embracing my subjects. But my true heart can only remain forever with you. You must always carry it, never discard it, never let go, occasionally… missing…"

My body was suddenly shoved into his firm embrace; the thunderous beat of his heart sounded right by my ear, carrying endless reluctance, longing, and emotion, making me unable to hold back tears.

"I… am so reluctant to part with you!" he said hoarsely in my ear.

I reached out and grasped the purple phoenix before my chest, which still seemed to hold his lingering warmth, sighed silently, then suddenly made a decision. I leaned quietly against his chest, voice calm and peaceful, saying: "Wei Lingfeng, then we have it settled. Your true heart will first be lodged with me; I will carry it to roam this world, see all wonders under heaven, experience all human joys, until… the day you take it back."

I gently broke free from his embrace, lifted my head and silently looked at him, then my brows and eyes slightly curved, and I smiled serenely and peacefully.

On tiptoe, I raised my feet slightly, my fingers touching his smooth, cool forehead, smoothing the deepening wrinkle between his brows, then stepped back, lifted my head, and said: "Wei Lingfeng, you also must promise that when you recall your true heart wandering outside, you will smile just like this. Your life will never be more painful than joyful. We, we have agreed!"

That day, the sea breeze gently brushed, the sun shone brightly. The frost-like man unfolded a clear, leisurely smile toward me.

The Polaris raised its sails and set off, carrying everyone's blessings, bearing our dreams, heading toward the unknown distance.

I stood at the bow, looking through the high railings at the rushing water below; the excitement and joy in my heart were almost uncontrollable.

We, we have finally come to this point! We, we have finally moved forward hand in hand toward our dreams.

My eyes gently closed, and past events flashed through my mind one by one.

The man who solemnly swore an oath to me in the hall, the valiant spirit of the three fighting side by side in Yin Yi City, the young emperor who firmly caught me when he fell from the sky, the helpless sorrow of Bing Shuo that I had to abandon, the full resentment when quarreling with Qiran, the anxious worry seeing him frown with stomach pain, the utter confusion upon reuniting with Qiran, the sense of security and trust when guarded by Buxia, the determination and reluctance before the blood gu's gloomy extradition, the gratifying grudges and favors while wandering freely…

Scene after scene, frame after frame, like a movie replay, played in my mind one by one, finally freezing on those eyes that sparkled like stars and were as clear as a pool of autumn water, the azure eyes.

That is our meeting, that is the beginning of fate! Qiran.

I smiled slightly, then leapt onto the bow. My feet stood firmly on the narrow plank of the ship's rail inside the iron railing, head held high, chest out, gazing far into the distance.

From now on, it will be the vast sea where fish leap, the high sky where birds fly, and I will wander freely.

From now on, it will be hand in hand, advancing and retreating together, never parting in life or death, wandering the world.

I lightly opened my arms, feeling the wondrous sensation of my body swaying at the point of danger. The sea breeze gently lifted my clothes, tousled my hair, bringing a salty, sticky taste; I slightly tilted my head, closed my eyes, and smiled.

"Bingyi, what are you doing?!" Qiran's voice came from behind, helpless yet exasperated.

I secretly stuck out my tongue, turned my head back, but did not jump down.

"Qiran..." I smiled and waved at him, saying, "Come up, I'll give you a brand-new experience." I tempted him.

Qiran helplessly exchanged a glance with Buxia behind him, his vision blurred, and he found himself already at my side.

His hand firmly locked around my waist, his feet planted left and right, firmly gripping the rail, a helpless indulgent smile on his lips, he said: "You, there's never a moment I can relax."

I gave a guilty smile, turned around, faced the blue sea and sky, and with my backhand took his slender index finger, stretching it out to the left and right.

A fresh, warm breath lingered behind me; the world of vast sea and sky lay before my eyes.

I took a deep breath, faced the distance, and shouted loudly: "Iamthekingoftheworld!"

The sound carried far and far. I turned back to the stunned Qiran and laughed, saying: "Listen carefully to the meaning of these words!"

I turned back, spread the arms holding his hand wider, and sent my voice, my joy and anticipation farther across the sea: "I——am——the——world——king!!!!"

I smiled as I dragged the still-stunned Qiran back onto the deck, saw Buxia glaring at me with a ghost‑seeing look, and immediately glared back.

However, the two of them eventually had extraordinary composure and quickly recovered.

Qiran asked: "Bingyi, the sea is vast; for the first stop, which direction are you preparing to go?"

I turned back, pointed with a finger, calm and composed, full of confidence, and smiled: "West, the first stop—we'll head west first, over there…" "Wrong." Buxia's icy cold voice cut off my grand speech at once; he lowered his head to check the compass in his hand, then lifted his head and said coldly, "That direction is north."

◎＃￥％……％￥＃×！＃， I gritted my teeth and shouted: "Buxia! Don't think I can't see the mockery in your eyes!"

"Since Bingyi said to go west, then let's go west!" Qiran laughed, embracing me, teeth bared and claws brandished, and said gently, "Even if it weren't Bingyi, I'm already eager to see those unknown worlds."

"Right!" I felt a surge of joy, instantly forgetting my earlier resentment, and looked at them with delight, saying: "Life has limits, but knowledge is boundless. To use our limited lives to explore infinite space—though it cannot be fully realized, it still makes people willing as if drinking sweet nectar."

Actually, where we are or which direction we go doesn't matter; as long as the three of us stay together, constantly striving, constantly moving forward, the brilliance of life will not fade, and happiness in life will not disappear.

I raised my hand in the air, lifted my head to look at the two of them, and said: "Wander the world, never part! Today we will take the first step!"

Where there are dreams, hope can burn; where there is love, there is surging hot blood like waves.

Two pairs of utterly dissimilar eyes, yet they shone with the same light, steadfastly gazing at me—there was tolerance, there was indulgence, and… unconditional trust and protection.

"Pa——" two crisp sounds, clear and pure, echoed through the clouds; even the busy shipworkers couldn't help but look up and smile at us, and the seabirds flying overhead repeatedly swooped down to greedily watch our smiles.

Under the blue sea and sky, amidst gentle breezes, we three smiled at each other, unconsciously turning to face the direction the bow had already been turned to, our chests burning with surging passion, our veins boiling with rushing blood.

World, we have come. We, the Wandering Group, have come——

Faintly, a sound kept echoing back and forth in my ear——

Wander the world, never part…… wander the world, never part……

"Miss! Miss!" a maid hurriedly ran up to me, then bowed to Qiran and Buxia, saying, "Please be at ease, young masters. Miss, I found this little thing in your room." She clutched a fluffy silver ball to my face and worriedly said, "I also don't know when it got in."

I froze, curiously stretching my head over to look, and happened to meet a pair of bright eyes like black glass.

I was shocked, and blurted out: "Xiao Yin?!"

(End of chapter)