Chapter 21: Bonfire Dance

Night fell, the sky stained with the last crimson glow of twilight, then slowly swallowed by deep ink-blue, like a vast silk unfurling overhead.

The bright full moon rose silently, hanging in the sky like a silver disc, casting soft, clear light.

Stars ignited one by one, as if countless glowing silver grains had been stitched into the velvet of the night sky.

Beneath the ancient oak tree, in the village’s central open space, a massive bonfire had been built from a dozen logs; flames leapt and crackled, spewing countless sparks like fireflies dancing through the night.

Two long wooden tables were piled high with wooden bowls brimming with crimson fruit wine; a whole wild wolf, over a meter long, roasted on a wooden rack beside the fire, its fat dripping into the flames with a sizzling sound.

“Come on, Boge, have another cup of fruit wine—I won’t let you go until I’ve drunk you under the table!”

“Beautiful maidens, who will dance with me?”

“Maria, I love you—become my wife. I will love you for all my life.”

“Wolf meat, delicious!”

Villagers danced wildly around the bonfire; some dragged Boge into drinking contests, refusing to let him go even as stars swam before their eyes; others shouted for dance partners, scanning the crowd again and again without response; some knelt on one knee, offering woven flower garlands to their beloved girls, and in the end, embraced tightly amid everyone’s blessings.

Others ignored everything else, just gorging on wolf meat, eating until their bellies bulged and oil dripped from their lips, never stopping.

The scene was roaring with joy; nearly everyone’s face glowed with bright smiles—except one.

Not far from the bonfire, Xia Mingyu sat alone against the ancient oak, head bowed, brows furrowed.

He was still pondering the profession he had just acquired.

“Clear Stupidity” and “Wandering Beyond the Physical”—neither seemed like a combat ability at all!

And how does one advance in a college student profession?

Surely I can’t just go back and get a master’s or PhD!

Xia Mingyu sighed heavily, deeply worried he might be stuck forever at a mortal-tier profession.

If that happened, even if his title blessing were noblest, he’d only ever be a decoration or an advisor.

And besides, his title blessing was fake.

“The Lord of Black Wolf Hold will likely come for me soon—how should I face him?”

“Proud? Calm? Silent? But if he asks about my origins, what do I say?”

Xia Mingyu rubbed his temples, his head throbbing painfully.

“Your Highness, are you well?”

At that moment, a voice, clear as spring water and tinged with concern, awakened him.

Xia Mingyu lifted his head slightly and saw Anliya approaching.

The girl had donned her blue dress again; her bare white shoulders flushed faintly red, the hem swaying with her light steps like a blue bellflower trembling in the night breeze.

Her golden hair shimmered softly in the bonfire’s warm glow; her beautiful blue eyes brimmed with worry and care.

Xia Mingyu gave a slight nod, signaling he was fine.

The girl thought for a moment, then lifted her dress and sat on the ground beside him, leaning against the ancient oak—as if she had no fear of soiling her only dress.

“Your Highness, you seem unhappy—is it because of your profession?” Anliya asked cautiously, subtly shifting closer to the young man.

She noticed that since acquiring his profession, Xia Mingyu’s expression had remained gloomy.

“A little, I suppose. To be honest, I once dreamed of single-handedly defeating a thousand cavalry, of strength that could uproot mountains and overshadow the world—but now it seems impossible.” Xia Mingyu shrugged.

“Haha, most men think that way—even Boge did. As a child, he constantly yelled about riding dragons and becoming a general.” Anliya covered her mouth and giggled.

“But—” the girl changed tone.

She stole a glance at the man beside her; the firelight cast flickering shadows across Xia Mingyu’s face, highlighting his perfect bone structure and making his already handsome features even more captivating.

So… so handsome! It feels like His Highness became even more handsome after gaining his profession!

Then she turned her gaze to the profession blessing above Xia Mingyu’s head—“College Student.” Though she had never heard of such a profession, the word “student” clearly indicated it demanded immense knowledge.

And His Highness, such a noble person, even knew trivial knowledge like digging cellars to store fruit and making jam.

“I still think someone as learned as Your Highness is far more charming!” Anliya cried out, her face flushed.

Her voice was so loud it startled Xia Mingyu.

He had never heard the girl speak so loudly before; in his memory, Anliya had always been a lady whose voice was as faint as a mosquito’s hum.

“Phew, thank you for comforting me.”

Xia Mingyu exhaled deeply and gently reached up to stroke the girl’s head.

Though he knew her words offered no practical help for his current situation, when you’re lost in thought and troubled, having a beautiful girl with long legs and a slender waist sit beside you on the ground, unbothered by dirt, offering comfort—it naturally lifts your spirits.

Seeing the young man’s brow finally relax, Anliya finally relaxed too, her eyes crinkling into crescents as she savored the warmth of his hand on her head.

After a moment, she patted her dress and slowly stood up.

“Your Highness,” the girl whispered, her voice like a stream in the night breeze.

“Everyone is dancing—would you like to dance too?”

“If you don’t mind…”

Anliya stepped back two paces, her hands clasped behind her back, toes lightly raised; her cheeks flushed faintly, then she smiled—a radiant, sunlit smile.

“I can be your dance partner.”

“...Alright.”

Xia Mingyu had wanted to refuse, but the girl’s smile was too dazzling.

Crackling.

The bonfire burned fiercely.

An old villager with white hair and beard gently blew a cheerful tune on a wooden flute.

Xia Mingyu, following Anliya’s guidance, one hand holding hers, the other resting on her shoulder, moved gently to the rhythm of the flute.

The girl’s steps were graceful; his were clumsy and stiff, his feet always missing the beat, his arms rigid as wood.

The two were never in sync.

“Cough, Anliya, sorry—I’m holding you back.”

Xia Mingyu cleared his throat, his face flushed with embarrassment.

His coordination had always been terrible; in college, he’d even failed Tai Chi, dragging his GPA straight down.

“It’s fine, Your Highness. After all, I’m inferior to you in everything—if I can just barely outdance you, it will be my lifelong honor.”

Anliya lifted her dress, bowed slightly, her delicate face wearing a mischievous smile.

At that moment, Xia Mingyu suddenly realized this might be a good chance to test his ability.

He remembered the description of that ability—Wandering Beyond the Physical: You can empty your mind and let your body take over.

“Anliya, let’s try again,” Xia Mingyu said calmly.

(End of Chapter)