When Jufeng returned to the aircraft, the mech was nearly in ruins, but fortunately, the adults and children inside were unharmed. The truth was that when Wade and Zhu Mao were receiving the mech, they witnessed Jufeng stepping out while holding a porcelain doll with an exquisite figure. Recalling the intense life-and-death battle they had just experienced, their jaws nearly dropped to the ground. They had thought Jufeng was exceptionally powerful, able to win even while carrying a burden, unaware that if it weren't for Chuyang's "certain endowment," Jufeng might not have made it back at all.
To be buried in the vast universe without stirring a speck of dust had become a rather popular funeral ritual over the past two hundred years.
About half an hour after Jufeng's return, just as Wade was about to take off in the mech to search for Bill, another mech, equally damaged as the previous one, finally returned. Bill jumped out of the cabin, his face covered in dust and frost, not even greeting his two brothers before heading straight home in a huff.
The next day, Flower Snow Moon took the opportunity to clarify with Jufeng about Politeness's scheme. Upon hearing this, Jufeng did not show much reaction; he merely smiled lightly and offered some words of comfort to Flower Snow Moon. Snow Moon and Wind were naturally close friends; during their school days in the capital, Sister Ni often followed the madman around causing trouble. Their revolutionary friendship was as solid as a rock, so Jufeng had no doubts about him. Out of affection for her friends, he regarded Situ Yu as a child who had yet to grow up and would not hold any grudges against her.
Another day passed, and Politeness was fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of a girl's heart; the two lost themselves in the universe for quite some time.
On yet another day, Bill and Jufeng raised their glasses for a long conversation, finally willing to support each other wholeheartedly. As for Wade and Zhu Mao, regardless of their inner feelings, they appeared much more respectful on the surface.
One more day later, the aircraft made a space jump and soon arrived at the planet where Yanhuang City was located.
From afar, the planet appeared blue and transparent with white mist swirling around. An uninformed person arriving here might mistakenly believe they had returned to Earth.
The aircraft was intercepted by an armed military ship in outer space. After thorough inspection and confirmation of safety, they were cautiously allowed to proceed.
The aircraft landed at one of the space transfer stations on the planet. The planet was quite large—at least three times bigger than Earth—but due to its remote location, it was not well-regarded by many. Although beautiful like a Peach Blossom Spring, how many people like Tao Yuanming existed in this world?
There were no nations on this planet; countless cities allowed people to settle freely and exchange goods. Security was managed by Yanhuang City; it sounded somewhat alarming but had indeed been this way for over a hundred years. It had always been peaceful and clear here; those seeking wealth did not come here, while those who desired nothing shunned yellow and white objects. Occasionally, tourists would come and go quickly without causing much disturbance to the locals.
Since Bill was involved in transportation, he did not land directly in Yanhuang City but rather at a location far from it. Due to restrictions on space vehicles flying freely within the planet's atmosphere, Jufeng and his companions had to take a plane instead. After some delays, by the time they arrived at Yanhuang City, dusk had already fallen.
As people often say about the passage of time—one day feels like three autumns— Jufeng had been away from Yanhuang City for so long that he wondered what his childhood hometown had become. Therefore, he did not directly visit old friends but quietly settled into a hotel. After enjoying a hearty meal and drink, he took Flower Snow Moon and Politeness out to search for old acquaintances.
Of course, Baggage is something that cannot be shaken off no matter what.
“Dad, don’t call me Baggage.”
Chuyang pouted her cherry lips to express her extreme dissatisfaction with the title Baggage, yet she was unaware that her adorable demeanor lacked any intimidation. Jufeng couldn’t help but peck her forehead, causing her angry expression to crumble, and she soon burst into giggles.
Yanhuang City is a city located on the edge of a primeval forest, nestled in hilly terrain where buildings are often constructed between mountains. Squirrel monkeys frequently roam about. In ancient Earth, it was said to have the Hanging Gardens of Babylon; this place is like a limited edition of those gardens.
“No wonder such prodigies can be nurtured here; this place truly has an ethereal quality,” Flower Snow Moon remarked, her eyes busy taking in the sights. In today’s urban landscape, such scenery is as rare as a mirage.
Politeness remained in a lethargic state with hands in pockets, but upon hearing Flower Snow Moon’s praise, he straightened his chest and said, “Of course! Don’t you know who I am? Have you heard of Lingyu of the Bell? How about Heroic Talent and Spiritual Land? A place that can nurture someone like me, Politeness, must be exceptional!”
Flower Snow Moon couldn’t be bothered to engage with this chatterbox, while Jufeng, lost in thought, reminisced about his past without paying attention to Politeness. Thus, Politeness had no choice but to sulk and fall silent.
As the winding path led them through the mountains, they encountered a courtyard nestled among the hills, behind which lay a hollow with several low houses.
Upon reaching the courtyard, they happened upon a young boy sweeping fallen leaves. He was slightly surprised to see three people and a child arrive unexpectedly; usually, no one disturbed this place. Could these be uninvited guests?
“Guests, it’s getting late; Ancestor is not available to meet,” the boy said, dressed in loose-fitting light-colored clothes that were simple yet elegant. His voice was crisp and pleasant.
Jufeng smiled slightly and instead asked, “Which master’s disciple are you?”
The boy was even more surprised and thought perhaps this person had some connection to his sect. Being straightforward and honest, he answered without hesitation, “I am the closed-door disciple of Listening White Master. May I ask who you are…” The boy pondered for a moment but ultimately refrained from mentioning Master Uncle.
“Oh? So you’re the closed-door disciple of Ninth Senior Brother. Not bad at all! Hehe, you can call me Master Uncle.”
The young man was filled with confusion, wondering if his Master Uncle was not Fan Zhi. Where did this other Master Uncle come from? Just as he was about to ask, a voice called out to him from behind, telling him to come back for dinner. Moments later, a young man in his twenties stepped forward.
"Junior Brother Juwen, who are these people..."
The newcomer walked up to Juwen and looked over the group of young people in front of him. His gaze paused slightly when it passed over Flower Snow Moon, then stiffened a bit when it reached Politeness, and finally, when he looked at Jufeng, there was an inexplicable expression.
"What’s wrong? Don’t you recognize your Master Uncle?" Jufeng said with a playful tone.
At first, the young man was still somewhat puzzled, but upon hearing Jufeng's tone and seeing his demeanor, he suddenly realized. A look of excitement appeared on his face, one that his fellow junior brothers rarely saw. He quickly grabbed Jufeng's hand and exclaimed, "Mad Uncle, is it really you?"
Jufeng smiled and nodded, and the young man's eyes glistened with tears.
(To be continued)
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