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墨書 Inktalez
"Take good care of Luna, Lucius," Aelia's voice was filled with concern, much like a loving mother preparing her child for a journey, each word imbued with reluctance and hope.
She gently stroked Luna's soft hair, her gaze so tender it seemed it could weep.
"This child is frail and loves to be in the midst of things; you must be extra careful."
Luna tilted her head back, her big, dark eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Though she was still a mere toddler, she seemed to sense the worry in Aelia's words.
The Little One reached out her chubby little hand, tightly grasping Aelia's hem, and in a soft, sweet voice said, "Madam, Luna is good; Luna wants to go!"
Lucius stood nearby, his brows slightly furrowed, appearing somewhat hesitant.
It wasn't that he was unwilling to care for Luna; it was just that this trip into the mountains for the ritual was no small matter—there were undercurrents and dangers lurking everywhere.
Taking such a little one along made him uneasy.
"Mother, the mountain paths are treacherous, and Luna is still very young. Perhaps it would be better if—"
"No need to say more," Aelia interrupted him, her tone resolute.
"Take Luna with you; consider it... a chance to clear your mind." She looked at Luna with a complex expression, as if seeing some hope through her.
"This child... may bring us unexpected surprises."
In the end, Lucius agreed.
He bent down and picked up Luna, feeling her small body in his arms, a surge of inexplicable responsibility swelling within him.
“Don’t worry, Mother, I will take good care of Luna.”
As noon approached, the crowd at the foot of the Glorious Demon Fortress gathered in a grand procession.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting dappled light and shadow on the ground, illuminating the varied expressions of the people.
Lucius stood at the end of the line, holding Luna, appearing somewhat out of place.
Some noticed them.
“Hey, isn’t that Third Young Master Lucius? What brings you here to join the fun?” a sharp voice called out, dripping with undisguised malice.
Lucius frowned slightly and turned to see a young man in extravagant clothing standing among the crowd, regarding him with a disdainful gaze.
“Hmph, bringing along a burden and thinking you can share in the spoils? How ridiculous!” another voice chimed in, filled with contempt.
Lucius's expression darkened, but he ignored their mocking taunts.
He knew these people were minions of Leonard, who had always made things difficult for him and Aelia.
Now that Lord’s betrayal was gradually coming to light, they were even more brazen, eager to trample him underfoot.
Luna seemed to sense the hostility around her; her little face tightened slightly.
She lifted her head and scanned those around her with clear eyes, showing no hint of fear—only a faint trace of mockery.
“Stop being so loud,” she said in her baby voice. Though her tone was soft, it reached everyone’s ears clearly.
The crowd fell silent in surprise; they hadn’t expected such boldness from a mere infant daring to openly provoke them.
Lucius's lips curled slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile.
He held Luna tightly and strode forward, ignoring the gazes of those around him as if they did not exist at all.
The group began to move slowly, making their way into the mountains.
Lucius, still holding Luna, closely followed at the end of the line.
Leonard's companion noticed this and immediately stepped forward to block Lucius's path.
"Third Young Master Lucius, please wait." A burly man stood in front of Lucius, speaking with a firm tone.
"The Lord has ordered that no outsiders are to approach."
Lucius's eyes turned cold, refusing to back down.
"I come at Mother’s command for the ritual; how can you call me an outsider?"
"Hmph, don't think I don't know what you're plotting," the man sneered.
"If you know what's good for you, you'd better get lost. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being rude."
"Step aside!" Lucius shouted angrily, standing his ground.
He exuded a powerful aura, like an enraged lion.
The man was momentarily intimidated by Lucius's presence and involuntarily took a step back.
But he quickly regained his composure and shouted in anger, "Do you dare defy the Lord's orders? You must be tired of living!"
"I only follow Mother’s orders!" Lucius declared resolutely, holding Luna close as he forged a path through the crowd.
Luna nestled in Lucius's arms, curiously observing the surroundings.
She noticed that the mountain was even taller and more mysterious than she had imagined.
"Er Guo Guo, where is this place?" she asked in her innocent voice.
Lucius glanced down at her, his expression softening.
"This is Shen Yun Mountain, the Holy Land of our Glorious Demon Fortress."
"Shen Yun Mountain?" Luna tilted her head, looking puzzled. "Why is it called Shen Yun Mountain?"
Lucius chuckled and replied, "Legend has it that a powerful deity fell here long ago, which is why this mountain is named Shen Yun Mountain."
"A deity?" Luna's eyes lit up with curiosity. "What do deities look like?"
"A deity..." Lucius pondered for a moment before speaking.
"It is said they possess immense power, able to summon winds and rains, to move mountains and fill seas. They reside in a distant heavenly realm, overlooking us mere mortals."
"Wow, that's amazing!" Luna exclaimed.
"Then why are we here to worship the deities?"
"Because we need to seek their protection," Lucius explained.
"We hope the deities will bless our Glorious Demon Fortress with favorable weather and peace for our nation and people."
“Which deity are we worshipping?” Luna continued to ask.
“We are worshipping the Mountain God,” Lucius replied.
“It is said that this Mountain God is the master of Shen Yun Mountain, overseeing everything on the mountain, including the flowers, trees, and all the creatures that dwell there.”
“The Mountain God?” Luna blinked, seemingly intrigued by the title.
“What does the Mountain God like?” she inquired.
“The Mountain God enjoys tranquility and cleanliness,” Lucius explained.
“So every time we come to offer our worship, we must remain silent, avoid loud noises, and not litter.”
“Oh, I understand now,” Luna nodded, looking enlightened.
“What else do we need to do?” she asked.
“We also need to present offerings to the Mountain God,” Lucius said.
“We will prepare some fresh fruits, vegetables, and some precious herbs as offerings to express our respect.”
“Will the Mountain God eat them?” Luna asked curiously.
Lucius smiled and replied, “The Mountain God is a deity, so there’s no need for food. We offer these gifts merely to convey our heartfelt intentions.”
“Oh…” Luna nodded thoughtfully.
As they walked and chatted, time passed quickly.
Unbeknownst to them, they had arrived at the entrance of the valley.
Lucius paused, taking a deep breath. He knew that the real test was just beginning.
"Luna, hold on tight," he said softly.
Luna obediently nodded and clung tightly to Lucius's neck.
Lucius took a step forward, carrying Luna as they entered the mysterious valley.
Meanwhile, deep within the valley, a mysterious force was quietly stirring...
"This year's sacrifice is unlikely to be peaceful," Leonard murmured as he gazed at the distant valley.
His eyes were deep and complex, as if hiding countless secrets.
He turned to his confidant beside him and said, "Keep a close watch on Lucius's every move. Report to me immediately if there’s any unusual activity."
"Yes!" the confidant replied respectfully.
Leonard looked back at the valley, unaware of what awaited him...
The air was thick with a heavy atmosphere, a humid "blanket" enveloping the twisted and interwoven branches of the thorny woods.
Each swing of the rough axe sent a cascade of glistening water droplets flying, but they were not refreshing like Luna; instead, they were the bitter sap and splattered blood pearls.
Those thorns, as thick as thumbs, tore at exposed skin, leaving angry red scars on his hands and forearms.
The scent of crushed vegetation mingled with a metallic blood stench, creating a pungent odor that permeated the oppressive air.
In the weary group, the rumbling stomachs of the hungry added a low rhythm to the "symphony" of the Thorny Forest.
They pulled out their dry, tasteless rations from their backpacks, chewing slowly and swallowing with difficulty.
The expressions on their faces were grim, etched with fatigue and frustration.
This arduous trek, part of an annual ritual, had never been so brutal.
Suddenly, an enticing Cedar Fragrance wafted through the air, sweet and warm, cutting through the scents of sweat and the earthy mix of vegetation.
The aroma carried hints of Honey and sun-ripened berries, along with the cinnamon-like Cedar Fragrance, and something… magical.
People turned their heads, following the source of the Cedar Fragrance: young Lucius was cradling Baby Luna while opening a beautifully decorated small package.
Inside the package, nestled in silky Fabric, lay a pile of exquisite cakes, each shimmering with an ethereal, almost rainbow-like glow.
"Luna insisted on bringing these," Lucius explained with a smile as he handed a cake to the person closest to him.
With a bite, the weary travelers felt as if they had stepped into another world.
The sweet, enchanting dessert melted on their tongues, invigorating them and refreshing their spirits.
Strength seemed to return to their tired limbs as a Warm Current spread through their bodies.
Contented sighs replaced earlier complaints.
Even the sting from their Thorn-inflicted wounds felt diminished.
From the corner of his eye, Lucius caught sight of Leonard's followers' sullen faces.
They gritted their teeth and squinted their eyes.
The sweet cakes that had been generously distributed to others were clearly not meant for them.
The suppressed resentment in their hearts began to boil over.
This blatant favoritism, this manifestation of Lucius's growing power, was an infuriating insult.
"They and that little girl will pay the price," one person thought, and this sentiment resonated in the dark glances exchanged among the group.
The happy expressions of those enjoying Luna's magical food stood in stark contrast to Leonard's malicious stares, as a silent battle unfolded at the center of Thorny Forest.
Half an hour later, encouraged by the unexpected food provided by Luna, the group continued their journey.
While others stumbled and swayed, Luna lay safely in Lucius's arms, still full of energy and exceptionally alert.
Her bright eyes sparkled with curiosity as she admired the strange and dark beauty of Thorny Forest.
It was as if the oppressive atmosphere, the thorns, and the fatigue had no effect on her.
A barely perceptible Red Glow seemed to envelop her, a protective aura hinting at hidden strength.
Finally, the twisted branches began to thin out, revealing a breathtaking sight.
Before them lay a valley bathed in the warm afternoon sunlight.
But this was no ordinary valley.
Once barren and strewn with rocks, the ground was now covered with vibrant flowers, creating a colorful spectacle against the backdrop of the rugged mountains.
Deep red, golden yellow, sky blue, and emerald green—flowers of every imaginable color bloomed extravagantly, their petals shimmering with an otherworldly glow.
In the Thorny Forest, the heavy and cloying air was replaced by a sweet, rich Cedar Fragrance, a "symphony" woven from various floral scents that intoxicated the senses.
The group was stunned, coming to a halt.
They hurriedly brushed off the dust from their clothes and smoothed their disheveled hair.
A quiet sense of awe enveloped them, replacing their earlier fatigue and frustration.
This valley, as the Holy Land for the annual ritual, had never seemed so… enchanting.
One by one, they knelt down, bowing their heads in silent prayer, their voices drowned out by the rustling of flowers in the gentle breeze.
As they entered the valley, the true spectacle unfolded before their eyes.
The colorful flowers at the Entrance were merely a prelude to the wonders within.
At the bottom of the valley lay a sea of rainbow-like radiance, colors shifting and dancing in the breeze.
The flowers here were unlike anything they had ever seen, taking on shapes and sizes beyond imagination.
Some emitted an inner glow, while others trailed shimmering ribbons of energy.
An almost palpable energy filled the air, a sensation of ancient power slumbering just beneath the surface.
A gasp arose from the crowd.
Even members of Leonard's faction, hardened by years of schemes and power struggles, stood with mouths agape, staring in astonishment.
“Eternal Flower…” an elder from the Glory Magic Fortress whispered, his voice trembling with awe.
“It has not bloomed for a thousand years.” His words hung in the air, filled with unspoken implications.
The Eternal Flower, a legendary bloom said to blossom only when the balance of magic shifts, is… a harbinger of change.
A ripple of unease spread through the gathered crowd.
The beauty of the valley and the breathtaking sight of the Eternal Flower were now shrouded in a veil of fear.
What could this unexpected blooming signify?
Was it the favor of the Mountain God… or his wrath?
Soft, anxious whispers replaced the earlier silence.
Lucius looked down at Luna, her eyes wide, reflecting the shifting colors of the Eternal Flower.
She seemed… different.
The faint glow surrounding her appeared brighter and stronger.
“Lucius…” she murmured, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustling of the Magic Flowers.
“There’s something… something isn’t right…” Her words trailed off as her gaze fixed on the center of the valley, where the light was brightest and the energy most intense.
There, in the midst of the Eternal Flower, something… was moving.
A cold wind howled through the jagged peaks of the Dragon Tooth Mountains, whipping at the intricately embroidered cloaks of those winding their way upward.
Aelia, the Lady of the Glory Fortress, wore a look of worry on her face that even Yanzhi could not conceal. She adjusted the small hood lined with fur to shield Baby Luna from the biting cold wind.
“Be careful holding her, Lucius,” she murmured, her voice taut with unspoken fears that extended far beyond the treacherous mountain path.
Lucius, the Third Son of Glory Fortress, cradled Xiao Luna with surprising tenderness.
He might be a spoiled young noble, more accustomed to sleeping on silk sheets than climbing mountains, but today he held his sister with an almost reverent care.
“Don’t worry, Mother,” he said, offering a reassuring smile. “Luna is stronger than she looks. And,” he glanced down at the giggling baby, adding, “she seems quite excited about this adventure, don’t you think?”
Indeed, Luna appeared completely unfazed by the perilous ascent.
Her large, curious eyes, usually sparkling with mischief, now held a strange intensity as she surveyed the breathtaking scenery around her.
She thought to herself with a sly smile, He thinks I’m just a baby admiring the view, but I’m paying attention.
Every twisted tree root and every loose stone… perhaps these would become crucial pieces of information later.
After all, who knew when a well-timed landslide might come in handy?
The annual pilgrimage to the Mountain God’s temple was a tradition that had spanned centuries.
Yet this year, an unspoken tension hung in the air.
The shadow of betrayal loomed heavily over the group, like a poison seeping into the very ground beneath their feet.
Thanks to Luna’s subtle prophecy, Aelia knew that her husband, Lord Leonard, was not only unfaithful but was actively plotting against her and her children.
What had begun as a seemingly pious pilgrimage had transformed into a desperate gamble for survival.
After hours of arduous climbing, they finally reached the hidden valley where the temple was located.
It was a place of extraordinary beauty, a sanctuary untouched by the harsh environment of the surrounding mountains.
Yet even this sacred place seemed tainted by the darkness that now enveloped Glory Fortress.
Then, Aelia saw it.
A flower, shimmering like Amethyst flames, blossomed at the roots of the ancient oak that marked the temple.
It was a Whispering Flower.
Legend had it that this flower bloomed only once every thousand years, heralding either great fortune or unimaginable disaster.
Its sudden appearance in these turbulent times felt… ominous.
“Mother…” Lucius whispered in awe, “this Whispering Flower… it… has bloomed.”
Aelia stared at the flower as a chill spread down her spine.
This was a sign, she thought, her heart sinking.
A terrible omen.
Luna sensed her mother’s distress and reached out with a small hand, surprisingly strong as she patted Aelia’s arm.
“Mom,” she said, her voice carrying an unexpected weight, “the flower… has fallen asleep… and now it’s awake… the bad people… are angry.”
Aelia looked down at her daughter, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Luna's words, though phrased childishly, sent a chill down the spine.
The "Whispering Flower" that had awakened after a thousand years... could it be related to Leonard's betrayal?
Would this be the disaster foretold in legends?
"Lucius," she suddenly said, her voice revealing a newfound determination, "we must go back. Now." She paused, her gaze fixed on the flickering flower. "And we need to take... a different approach." The old plan that relied on passive defense was no longer viable.
Luna's words, her peculiar wisdom, ignited a spark of rebellion in Aelia's heart.
What had begun as a desperate plea for divine protection on this pilgrimage now ended with a declaration of war.
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