Chapter 43: Falling off the Horse
Today could be considered a grand feast prepared by Zhuang Yu.
The lamb meat was sliced into rolls, and the other lamb offal was also sliced into strips, very pleasing to the eye.
When the pot was filled with a big pot of red broth, the aroma could practically envelop a mountain.
Little Mushrooms ran over with plates, ready to serve up a bowl for Little Mushroom, who could finish them all.
The way of eating hotpot was novel for the group. Sitting around a big pot, surrounded by neatly cut vegetables.
A group of little ones looked at the red broth boiling in the pot, drooling, their eyes not blinking. "Brother Yu, how do we eat this? Do we drink this soup directly?"
Zhuang Yu picked up a thinly sliced roll of lamb and blanched it, then dipped it into the sauce bowl before putting it in his mouth.
This was the tenderest meat from the lamb's body, other meats couldn't be eaten like this; they had to be cooked in the pot.
The group of little ones exclaimed in excitement, realizing that this was how the hotpot was eaten.
They started imitating.
Shao Hao had been neglected by Zhuang Yu these past few days, and he couldn't hold back any longer.
When he put the blanched roll of meat into his mouth, he was moved beyond words.
It was too delicious, fresh and flavorful.
He had never tried this way of eating before, nor had he ever tasted something so flavorful. Yes, there were only two words to describe his current feeling-full of flavor.
The taste in his mouth was richer than the stir-fried meat he had eaten before, especially when dipped in the white garlic sauce.
Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and fragrant leaves were all new condiments, and these people were eating them for the first time.
For the group of little ones and Shao Hao, who liked strong flavors, the taste of the food had risen to countless levels.
The group of little ones kept clamoring, "Brother Yu, is my meat blanched? Can I eat it now?"
They ate with white smoke coming out of their mouths because it was already night, and the temperature had dropped.
Eating hotpot in such cold weather was the real enjoyment, and they even started sweating.
"Haha, look, I can blow white smoke."
One of the little ones put the blanched meat in his mouth, and the hot air he exhaled turned into white mist when it met the cold air.
It was both delicious and fun.
Little Mushroom's hands were short, and he couldn't reach the vegetables in the pot, so Zhuang Yu had to help him pick them up.
Little Mushroom pointed at the pot, trying to pick up more and more. This was too delicious.
Zhuang Yu glanced at the pile of meat in his plate and estimated that he wouldn't be able to finish it even until tomorrow. These little ones were models of being careful.
But Little Mushroom was oblivious; later, he would still be able to drink up a whole pot of soup.
Under the night sky, a group of people, lively and cheerful. This was the most beautiful time, Zhuang Yu wished time could stop at this moment.
Unfortunately, time always waits for no one.
"After eating hotpot, my whole body feels warm."
A little one touched his belly, "My stomach is warm, so comfortable."
"Brother Yu, let's eat hotpot every night from now on."
Zhuang Yu smiled. Before, they talked about eating tofu pudding every night, then it changed to stir-fried meat every night, and now it became hotpot.
Zhuang Yu had the little ones wash their bowls and then let them clean up and go to bed.
The weather outside was very cold. Just now, sitting by the pot with fire underneath, eating hotpot, they didn't feel cold. But now that they finished eating, they would soon feel cold.
The entire space was left with Zhuang Yu, Shao Hao, Feng Wen, and Little Mushroom.
Zhuang Yu also took Feng Wen into the cave, lit the kang, and let him sleep first.
After Feng Wen fell asleep, Shao Hao was waiting for him.
There was a bit of awkwardness between the two all of a sudden.
Zhuang Yu couldn't help but laugh, "Congratulations, you just broke off an engagement and already have a new marriage prospect."
Shao Hao's face darkened, "What do you mean? You don't know?"
It's all just about interests, not something he willingly pursued.
Seeing Shao Hao's unhappy expression, Zhuang Yu comforted, "At least you're luckier than the Young Prince of the Crimson City. Not only was he jilted, but he's also in trouble now."
Shao Hao: "..."
Why did he feel like he wasn't being comforted at all?
Nevertheless, the weird atmosphere that arose from their recent cold war seemed to dissipate.
Shao Hao said, "I haven't thanked you for inviting me to eat such a unique meal tonight."
Before he could finish his sentence, Zhuang Yu interjected, "This might be our last meal together. I'm leaving with these children."
Shao Hao was stunned. What?
Yu said he was leaving, and this was their last dinner? So, was that why it was so lavish?
"Where can you go? With such a large group of children..." Shao Hao felt a bit panicked for some reason, speaking hurriedly.
Zhuang Yu fell silent for a moment. "Otherwise, what can we do? If the White Great City and the Red Great City form an alliance, these children will become a stumbling block and a thorn in our side."
These children are all from the Golden Centipede Tribe, and it was the people from the Red Great City who exterminated the Golden Centipede Tribe.
Once they form an alliance, no one knows how they'll be dealt with, but one thing is certain: it will be difficult for them to stay in the White Great City.
Zhuang Yu wanted to discuss this with Shao Hao because Shao Hao was perhaps his oldest friend.
Shao Hao was getting agitated. "But where can you go? Without the protection of the ancestral beast, there is simply no place for you outside."
Zhuang Yu looked up at Shao Hao seriously, then said, "Back to the Crimson Great City."
Shao Hao's heart suddenly tightened because Zhuang Yu didn't say back to the Water Marsh Tribe.
Some things are like window paper. Shao Hao didn't want to tear it, for once torn, they couldn't go back to how they used to be.
But some things will eventually come to light.
It's just that he didn't expect Zhuang Yu to reveal it in front of him personally and so quickly.
Zhuang Yu looked at Shao Hao, who had no reaction, and couldn't help but be stunned. "You... already knew?"
Shao Hao nodded. "I knew some. The Water Marsh Tribe doesn't have a young Chieftain at all, and the envoys from the Crimson Great City have been trying their best to get close to you."
The air suddenly quieted down.
Zhuang Yu forced a bitter smile. It turned out Shao Hao had known all along that he was a spy from the Crimson Great City.
But what was strange was, since he already knew, why didn't he expose him?
"So, I have to leave even more," Zhuang Yu said.
Shao Hao frowned. "Regardless of what you've done, you've solved the White Great City's water source problem and taught us how to make pottery. Based on these two things, the White Great City won't pursue it anymore, and you don't need to leave the White Great City."
Zhuang Yu shook his head. "You may not pursue it, but what about the White City? A spy from the Crimson Great City sitting in the position of the White Great City's Great Mage. Once the news gets out, how can the White Great City maintain its dignity? Moreover, even if the White City forgives, the children of the Golden Centipede Tribe still cannot stay in the White Great City."
Once they form an alliance, this is an inevitable outcome. This matter has no solution. Some things, even the Young Prince of the White City can't control.
The two fell silent again.
Shao Hao frowned, thinking about something. After a while, it seemed like he had made a decision, and he looked up at Zhuang Yu, saying, "Actually, there is a way."
Zhuang Yu was stunned.
Shao Hao continued, "All this is predicated on the success of the alliance between the White Great City and the Crimson Great City. But what if the alliance fails?"
Zhuang Yu opened his mouth, "That's impossible. The White Emperor's attitude today was very clear. He didn't hesitate to directly offend the Crimson City."
The relationship between the Crimson Great City and the Crimson Great City has always been bad, and what the White City did was a statement.
It can be considered a leader's means. From the perspective of a leader, it may not be wrong.
Shao Hao looked at Zhuang Yu, his lips curling up. "But don't forget, I am the one involved in the marriage. If I already have a partner, the Crimson City won't send his daughter over to be with someone without a proper status. That would be humiliating for him."
Zhuang Yu opened his mouth. If Shao Hao had already chosen a partner before the alliance, then the alliance based on marriage would indeed be impossible.
This was a loophole.
However, Zhuang Yu said, "Where do we go now to find a suitable partner for you? We can't just let you pick anyone randomly for the sake of convenience. This is a lifetime commitment."
Although the people of the Tribe are primitive and casual, liking someone means they just roll into bed together. But at the same time, they are also loyal and faithful. Many people cherish sincere one-on-one relationships, although there are also many cases where one person has multiple partners. It depends on the individual.
At this moment, Shao Hao suddenly looked at Zhuang Yu, making Zhuang Yu feel a bit embarrassed. Zhuang Yu thought, what is he doing? Suddenly, his heart couldn't help but skip a beat. Could it be that he...
Shao Hao said, "What do you think of me?"
Zhuang Yu: "..."
Oh my god, why is my heart beating so fast? Could it really be what he's thinking? He hasn't even been in love before.
Shao Hao is a very pleasant person to be around, and he's also manly. Zhuang Yu has secretly admired him several times, but it was purely admiration.
Zhuang Yu stuttered, "You... you're... good, but..."
Before he could finish his sentence, Shao Hao interjected, "I think you're also very good. It's always so comfortable being around you."
Oh my god, there's a little deer jumping around in Zhuang Yu's heart. Is this a confession?
Shao Hao continued, "So, can I sleep on the kang tonight?"
Zhuang Yu: "..."
Although the people of the Tribe are quite open-minded, as long as they like each other, they can roll into bed together. But asking like this, how the hell is he supposed to respond?
This confession is too straightforward.
Zhuang Yu looked at Shao Hao's strong physique, then looked at his own, swallowing hard. He kept recalling some small pieces of information hidden deep in his mind, tucked away in the furthest folder.
Oh my god, this could be fatal.
Zhuang Yu hesitated, "Um... maybe we should think about it for a while longer and find a more suitable partner for you."
Shao Hao reached out his hand, holding a piece of jade. It was a natural jade stone, very beautiful. "According to the customs of the White Great City, I'm giving you this jade stone. If you accept it, it means we're willing to become partners."
Zhuang Yu: "..."
Shao Hao directly placed the jade stone into Zhuang Yu's hand. "I'll take that as a yes."
Zhuang Yu: "..."
Wait, let him consider it a bit more. This isn't like buying groceries, it can't be decided in an instant.
Before Zhuang Yu could react, Shao Hao had already placed the jade stone in his hand and walked away without giving him a chance to refute. "I won't sleep on the kang tonight. I'll go back to the White Great City and explain to everyone that I already have a partner."
Leaving behind a completely red-faced Zhuang Yu, holding the jade stone, feeling bewildered.
Is that it?
Not having been in love before really puts him at a disadvantage. He should have let Shao Hao say a few more words. Just now, listening to Shao Hao, apart from feeling nervous, there was also a hint of joy deep down.
As Shao Hao walked out of the cave, his lips were curled up. Yu didn't reject him, which means Yu also has feelings for him.
Although he looked calm on the surface just now, he was actually quite nervous inside. If Yu had firmly rejected him, what would he do?
Actually, it's not just Zhuang Yu who secretly looks at Shao Hao. Shao Hao also occasionally casts glances at Zhuang Yu, especially when Zhuang Yu is playing with a group of children. Shao Hao feels like something has touched the softest part of his heart.
Shao Hao touched his chest, feeling the rapid beating of his heart. Is this what it feels like to like someone?
This feeling... is really nice.
Shao Hao descended the mountain, leaving Zhuang Yu sitting alone on the kang, unable to sleep.
He seemed to have suddenly acquired a partner, and it was someone incredibly strong, like someone who could be on the cover of a magazine.
Why is his face so red with just the thought of it?
Actually, it feels quite nice.
He quickly covered himself with the blanket.
He didn't know how long he had been lost in his thoughts when he heard a sound from outside.
Zhuang Yu was taken aback. Was it Shao Hao coming back?
Didn't he say he wouldn't sleep on the kang? Could it be...?
Zhuang Yu's heart pounded as he got off the kang and walked outside.
Reaching the entrance of the cave, he called out, "Shao Hao?"
But...
A hand suddenly reached in, grabbing him by the neck and lifting him up.
For a moment, Zhuang Yu found it difficult to breathe.
It was a middle-aged man with a cryptic expression, someone he recognized.
He had seen him at the banquet in the White Great City, standing behind the Crimson City's son, Qiong Wu.
Due to lack of oxygen, Zhuang Yu's face turned red, and he struggled to speak, "You... you're killing people recklessly in the White Great City. The... the White City won't spare you, and your alliance is impossible to succeed."
The middle-aged man revealed a cruel smile, "Do you think the White Emperor wouldn't know?"
Zhuang Yu's eyes narrowed. What?... Could it be that the White City tacitly approves...?
Does Shao Hao, who went to find the White City, know about this?
The middle-aged man's grip tightened, "Blame it on you for being too troublesome. Anyone who obstructs our alliance must die. I'll kill you first, then those little scraps, without anyone noticing..."
Before the sentence could be finished, there was a sudden "whoosh" sound breaking the silence.
The pain caused the middle-aged man's hand to loosen.
"Bang!" Zhuang Yu fell heavily to the ground, his head hitting the floor, and he immediately fell unconscious.
The middle-aged man looked down, a dark arrow piercing his chest, blood oozing out. "How is this possible, the Thousand Hands Tribe?"
On the kang, Feng Wen trembled all over.
Feng Wen was terrified, but no one could bully his brother. Because his brother had said, Feng Wen was his first bodyguard, the bravest. He would never forget when he was in the Crimson Great City, begging every day, bullied every day, until someone walked up to him, patting his messy little head, "I'm from the Crimson City Tribe, we should love each other, from now on, no one will bully you again, you'll stay by my side, be my first bodyguard."
Feng Wen's body trembled, he was too scared, wrapping himself in the blanket, then opening his mouth and letting out a sharp scream.
He was terrified.
"Damn it." The middle-aged man pulled the arrow out of his body, "A meddling little worm."
With a cold expression, he walked towards Feng Wen.
But suddenly, there was a series of "whoosh" sounds breaking through the air.
"Splurt!"
The sound of arrows piercing into the body.
The middle-aged man dodged repeatedly, but still several arrows pierced into his body, causing him to bleed profusely.
But the pain was overshadowed by the astonishment in his heart. Why would the Thousand Hands Tribe attack him? Could it be that the Thousand Hands Tribe had betrayed the Crimson Great City?
The middle-aged man began to run downhill because there were members of the Thousand Hands Tribe by the side of Qílín Zǐ Qióng Wú. He had to bring this news back as soon as possible, and he couldn't care about killing anymore.
A group of children looked pale because they saw Zhuang Yu lying motionless on the ground.
The terrified scream of Feng Wen just now woke them up. Their cave was just next door, only a few steps away.
Seeing the invading middle-aged man, they lined up and shot in unison like they did during training. They particularly liked their new weapons and hadn't taken them off their arms at night.
The children cried loudly as they lifted Zhuang Yu onto the kang.
Zhuang Yu had a dream, a very realistic but strange dream.
A thousand miles of red land, with yellow sand everywhere, but in the midst of this yellow sand, there was an oasis, a city situated in this only oasis.
Because life was scarce around, the people in the city lived a very difficult life. They didn't have enough food, enough water, enough animal skins.
Everyone looked dry-skinned, dressed in tattered clothes, just like beggars, and the children in the city were like a group of little beggars.
Until, the birth of a child, named Lie Shan Yu, a descendant of the imperial Liè Shān Tribe, the Young Prince of this city.
A very naughty but ambitious child, from the moment of his birth, he bore the mission of leading this group of suffering people to a better life because he was the only heir to this city.
Although he was physically weak, he was very intelligent and had a firm determination.
He traveled to the mysterious West Kunlun Mountains and brought back a ferocious peacock, which greatly enhanced his reputation, marking the first time he entered everyone's sight.
Passing through Fox, he brought back a nine-tailed white fox, demonstrating his exceptional talent for the first time, as others could only possess one giant beast.
But these were all personal strengths, and they didn't have much impact on changing the entire city.
Until he obtained his third giant beast, the Lord of the North Sea.
The Lord of the North Sea's Dark Butterfly could plunge people into successive dream realms, each representing the life of an individual in any corner of this vast land.
He began to frequently enter and exit dream realms, experiencing the lives of others, using this as experience to improve the living standards of the city.
However, the people on the earth followed similar trajectories in life, living off the land, hunting for a living.
For the city in the impoverished yellow sand, these didn't have much effect.
Until... he entered a fragmented, strange dream realm.
The dream was extremely fragmented, perhaps because it was too far from his location. The farther away, the less clear the dream became, and he didn't even know whose life this dream belonged to in any corner of the earth.
But even in the fragmented dream, he saw too many different things and learned too many useful things. This dream was like a new civilization to him. He even suspected that this might not even belong to any Tribe on the earth.
With the help of these fragmented dreams, he brought the water of the North Sea into the city, solved the water problem, taught his people to cultivate grass for livestock, solved the food problem...
Even though the city still couldn't be called prosperous, it could now sustain itself and no longer lived like beggars.
The fame of the peerless youth spread far and wide.
He was even more eager for that fragmented dream.
But before that, his fate had to be in his own hands. His engagement with the White Great City's Young Prince must not become a shackle for him.
Moreover, the Crimson Great City needed him, and the people of the Crimson Great City also needed him. He... couldn't go to the White Great City because of the engagement.
So, he took the opportunity of the legendary ancestral beast's appearance and left the Crimson Great City with the Lord of the North Sea. He went to compete for that legendary ancestral beast and, at the same time, approached the White City's Young Prince. No matter what, he would make the White City's Young Prince voluntarily cancel the engagement.
He temporarily stayed with the Water Marsh Tribe, using the identity of the Tribe's young chieftain to get close to the White City's Young Prince.
He went to the Golden Centipede Tribe, entangling the White City's Young Prince with an image that everyone despised.
His plan was very successful.
While making the White City's Young Prince detest him, he searched for the ancestral beast, and at the same time, he let the bewildered Fēng Wěn infiltrate the enemy's ranks. In front of everyone, he bullied this poor little guy, but secretly, he gave all the food to this clueless little fellow who didn't even know what infiltrating the enemy's ranks meant, all while studying that dream.
Things went smoothly, but accidents still happened.
The dream that had always been fragmented and unclear finally became complete. The unique civilization within it brought great joy, but perhaps because this dream was too far from his location, he was trapped in the dream.
So much so that he forgot whether he was Zhuang Yu, the archaeologist, or Liè Shān Yǔ, the Young Prince of the Crimson Great City in the midst of the yellow sand.
In a daze, he lived strange days, from the Golden Centipede Tribe to the White Great City.
The dazed days lasted for a long time, until just now, when he felt like he was about to die, suffocating, that dream completely merged with his previous memories.
When Zhuang Yu woke up, a group of crying little kids surrounded him, with Fēng Wěn lying on him, tears streaming down his face. Little mushrooms were shaking his head anxiously.
Zhuang Yu opened his eyes, feeling strange. He didn't even know if he was Zhuang Yu or Liè Shān Yǔ, or maybe both.
But Zhuang Yu got up, his face full of unrestraint, arrogance, and a carefree smile.
Fēng Wěn was stunned. His brother, his brother had returned.
That invincible brother of theirs, who could overcome any difficulty.
Fēng Wěn was timid, but what he was most afraid of was that his brother would suddenly change, like he did during that time. He was really scared then, but now, everything was fine. His brother, who had always protected him and the people of the Red Land, had returned.
Zhuang Yu reached out and pulled out the strands of hair that bound his long hair. In this chaotic world, self-restraint would only bring suffering to oneself and those around. It was better to act recklessly and do whatever he wanted.
He was Zhuang Yu, and he was Liè Shān Yǔ. No one could easily bully him without paying the price.
Zhuang Yu got up, his long hair flying, and his slender body exuding a hint of wildness. The group of little kids were all stunned. Something seemed different, but this version of Brother Yu was too handsome.
Zhuang Yu said, "Pack up your things. I'll take you home."
Where was their home? Their home was in the southern Red Land, the giant city in the midst of the sandy desert.
The group of little kids were stunned for a moment, then they ran off, "Wherever Brother Yu goes, we'll go."
"Wherever Brother Yu is, that's our home."
"Bring everything with us. Our porcelain bowls, our chili, beans, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaf seeds."
They took everything they could carry.
Zhuang Yu walked out of the cave, looking at the vast sky, his long hair flying in the night breeze.
The stars were brilliant, the universe vast, and Zhuang Yu just wanted to say, "I'm back."
He picked up a small bamboo and started carving with a bone knife.
It was a flute, a bamboo flute.
Putting it to his lips, he started playing. The sound of the flute rose, ethereal and melancholic, sometimes long and sometimes high-pitched.
In the mountains and forests, a colorful peacock, a giant white fox, and a leisurely big fish lifted their heads and quickly headed down the mountain.
On the peak next to Tongshan, Hàn Hé Bá, Yǔshī Hé Fēnghòu, still angry about the White Great City's breach of contract, suddenly heard the sound of the flute.
The four of them trembled, it was the war song of the Qing Fox, it was the Young Prince summoning them.
"I knew it, no one can easily bully our Young Prince."
"Our Young Prince has never suffered such a loss before. At that time, our Young Prince didn't show any reaction. I almost thought our Young Prince had changed."
"Let's go, let's kill them. It's so suffocating. Damn the White Great City. Let it go to hell."
When Zhuang Yu's flute stopped, the three giant beasts had already arrived in front of the cave, and the group of little kids were carrying things and climbing onto the big fish's back.
Little mushrooms also held his stick like a spear, his little head held high, charging ahead!
"Young Prince!" Hàn Hé Bá, Yǔshī Hé Fēnghòu also rushed over.
A smile appeared at the corner of Zhuang Yu's mouth, "It's time for them to know that the Young Prince is not to be trifled with. Our Crimson Great City is known for its bravery. When have they ever been able to trample on us?"
Hàn Hé Bá, Yǔshī Hé Fēnghòu were excited. They knew that with their Young Prince's character, how could he let the other party bully them without retaliating.
At this moment, in the White Great City, the White Emperor was beaming, with guests filling the seats below.
This was their White Great City, the unification of the world had always been their White Great City's only wish.
The only thing that made him unhappy was when Shao Hao, with a stern face, claimed he already had a partner, which was utter nonsense.
The White Emperor said, "Today is the day when my White Great City and the Crimson Great City dissolve the engagement, and it's also the day when my White Great City forms an alliance with the Crimson Great City through marriage. Shao Hao seems confused, but please don't mind."
"Yes, how could we not know if the Young Prince has a partner or not."
The Kirin Child of the Crimson City, Qiong Wu, also laughed loudly, "Then let's celebrate..."
Before the words were finished, suddenly, with a loud "boom," figures flew into the banquet venue, they were guards from the White Great City.
Everyone was stunned, what was going on?
At this moment, a voice came, "I heard that the White City intends to dissolve the engagement with my Crimson Great City. As the person involved, isn't it inappropriate for me not to be present?"
What?
Suddenly, a bird's cry came, and a noble and fierce rainbow-colored giant bird flew in.
The giant bird's eyes gleamed with fierceness, domineering.
On the back of the rainbow-colored giant bird stood a young man holding a bamboo flute, standing barefoot with flying long hair, completely unrestrained.
Behind the young man, two children stood on both sides, their noses pointing to the sky, looking down on everyone.
Behind the giant bird was a huge white fox, its nine white tails floating in the air like ribbons, its green eyes shining like evil stars in the sky, shimmering with green light, truly an ancient beast.
Behind them was also a big blue fish, with a group of children standing on its back, covered in all sorts of messy things.
People from the White Great City were all stunned, "Archmage?"
"Archmage, what are you doing? Today is an important day for our White Great City."
"Archmage, why do you seem like a different person."
"And, isn't this the rumored three giant beasts of the Crimson City's Young Prince? The first fierce beast, the rainbow-colored Peacock, the White Fox with nine tails from the Green Fox, and the Lord of the North Sea, Kun..."
The most surprised was Shao Hao. He had never seen Zhuang Yu like this before.
"Archmage, don't disrupt the grand event of our White Great City."
Zhuang Yu laughed wantonly, "Even the person involved is not present, how can this be called a grand event?"
What person involved?
The White City's face turned ugly. How could their alliance have so many twists and turns?
At this moment, the Kirin Child of the Crimson City, Qiong Wu, spoke, "So it's the Archmage of the White Great City. Why are you so ignorant of the rules? Could it be that you're arrogant..."
Before the words were finished, Rain Master and Wind Behind, standing behind Zhuang Yu, raised their eyebrows and rebuked, "Rude, our Young Prince is talking to the White City, what right do you have to interrupt."
Qiong Wu was stunned. He, the son of the Red City, usually commanded wind and rain. Now he was actually being reprimanded in front of everyone.
Others were also stunned. The one being scolded was the son of the Red City.
But wait, didn't Rain Master and Wind Behind just refer to their Young Prince?
Weren't they the attendants of the Crimson City's Young Prince?
Everyone's gaze turned to the fierce peacock, and then to the young man with long hair flying on the peacock's back, their hearts trembling involuntarily.
Zhuang Yu looked at the White City, "Didn't the White City intend to dissolve the engagement with my Crimson Great City? Please continue, in front of me, the person involved."
And chaos ensued below.
So, their archmage was actually the Young Prince of the Crimson City.
The White Emperor publicly dissolved the engagement, and didn't even inform the Crimson Great City. Such humiliation, was the Young Prince of the Crimson Great City planning to make a scene?
No one had expected the Crimson City's Young Prince, who had been missing for over a year, to reappear under such circumstances.
Shao Hao opened his mouth, too stunned to react. What kind of situation was this, which completely disrupted his plans?
Didn't Yu say he was a spy from the Crimson Great City? How did he become the Young Prince of the Crimson City who was engaged to him? Well, once engaged.
No, Yu accepted his jade.
Oh my god, his mind was so confused.
The White Emperor's face turned darker than the bottom of a pot, "So, as the Young Prince of the Crimson City, you've become the archmage of my White Great City again. Are you playing with my entire White Great City?"
All voices stopped. Yes, manipulating everyone like puppets was a great shame for the White Great City, and the face of the White Great City would be completely lost.
Zhuang Yu smiled, his laughter tinged with sarcasm, "Playing with your White Great City? Isn't the White City also dissolving the engagement with my Crimson Great City without informing us, playing with my Crimson Great City? So, it's fine for your White Great City to be shameless, but not for my Crimson Great City? What face does the White Great City have to accuse my Crimson Great City? It's really ridiculous."
Talking about shamelessness, they were both equally shameless.
Hiss, everyone's hearts contracted. He was actually accusing the White City to his face.
This person was so arrogant, didn't he know what fear was? This was the White Great City.
Rain Master and Wind Behind raised their heads even higher, hmph, our Young Prince is not easy to bully, how dare you play with us like this?
The White Emperor's face was now extremely unsightly, "Outrageous."
But Zhuang Yu seemed oblivious, "Speaking of this Archmage, didn't I help your White Great City solve the water source problem and teach you how to make pottery? But even after doing so much for your White Great City, you still ungratefully dissolve the engagement with me and form an alliance with the sworn enemy of my Crimson Great City, the Red Great City?"
"I'll let all the creatures on this earth decide whether I owe your White Great City or if your White Great City owes me."
"This..."
The people of the White Great City looked at each other, the situation was so complicated that it couldn't be summarized simply as a matter of face.
Even the infuriated White Emperor was silenced, unable to speak, let alone act.
He knew better than anyone the difficulties of solving the water source problem. No matter how you looked at it, it was the Crimson City's Young Prince who helped them solve the water source problem, not to mention teaching them how to make pottery.
If he acted now, wouldn't it make everyone think that his White Great City was ungrateful and shameless?
No one from the White Great City dared to refute Zhuang Yu's accusation, not even the White Emperor himself.
At this moment, Qiong Wu spoke again, "Who knows what your Crimson Great City's intentions are? The noble Young Prince unexpectedly comes as a spy, aren't you afraid of embarrassment?"
The people of the White Great City thought, indeed, even if he helped them solve the water source problem and taught them how to make pottery, the motives behind it might not be simple.
Zhuang Yu's mouth twitched. Wasn't he just fooling around at the time? If he was really sober, would he come to teach the White Great City instead of the Crimson Great City? He wasn't stupid.
Zhuang Yu continued, "I'm a reasonable person. Since the White Emperor wants to dissolve the engagement, I'm here to listen as well, to prevent anyone from saying in the future that your White Great City climbed up the high branch and kicked my Crimson Great City away. It wouldn't be good for anyone's reputation."
"You..."
What does climbing up the high branch mean?
Although the Crimson Great City is the strongest among the five major powers, they should still be equal partners.
Though seemingly emotionless, these words were like pointing fingers at the White City's nose, accusing him of being selfish, shameless, and shameless.
Rain Master and Wind Behind snorted. Their Young Prince was reasonable, but when he wasn't, he wasn't human at all.
The White Emperor was probably fuming, "Fine, it seems this engagement will have to be dissolved today, since the White City's Young Prince is here in person, let it be known to the world that the engagement is hereby dissolved."
Shao Hao suddenly looked at Zhuang Yu.
Zhuang Yu didn't even blink, "Fine."
Shao Hao's heart felt uneasy for some reason. Why didn't Yu hesitate at all?
Rain Master and Wind Behind muttered to themselves. Though they said it quietly, they didn't want anyone to hear, "It's as if we care so much about this engagement. How many times have we mentioned dissolving it to you? You didn't want to, but now that it's finally dissolved, you act like it's a relief. Disgusting, isn't it? How much trouble has our Young Prince gone through to dissolve this engagement, pretending to be close to your Young Prince and trying to get him to dissolve it voluntarily."
Shao Hao's heart chilled. Because the White Great City had always been unwilling to dissolve the engagement, Yu deliberately approached him, trying to make him voluntarily dissolve the engagement?
So everything before was false?
So now that the White Great City has dissolved the engagement, he doesn't have to hide his identity anymore?
But why did he still accept his jade?
Does the word "partner" mean nothing to Yu?
The people of the White Great City also looked unsightly. In the end, it was them who didn't want to dissolve the engagement before, but now it's suddenly them who want to dissolve it.
Every word and sentence was slapping their faces, making it impossible for them to retort. Did the Crimson City's Young Prince always disregard others' dignity? Actually, he exposed their shortcomings and wounds in front of everyone, shamelessly and relentlessly.
But what could they say?
Although the Crimson City's Young Prince played with their White Great City, others also helped them solve the water source problem and taught them how to make pottery. How could they interpret such playfulness? Besides, it was their White Great City who proposed dissolving the engagement. They used to be hesitant, but now they were straightforward. The Crimson City's Young Prince was the victim.
All voices seemed to stop.
Because everyone knew that no matter what, after tonight, the White Great City and the Crimson Great City were irreconcilable.
No matter what feelings or thoughts they had now, things had reached a point where there was no turning back.
In front of the Crimson City's Young Prince, in front of everyone, the face of the White Great City was completely lost.
What a ruthless, unyielding, and relentless Young Prince of the Crimson City.
The White Emperor took a deep breath. Although the face of the White Great City looked ugly, they had successfully resolved the conflict with the Crimson Great City. He said, "Crimson City's Young Prince, if there's nothing else, please leave our White Great City. Our White Great City can't tolerate a spy lurking here."
Zhuang Yu smiled, and his momentum suddenly became fierce, "I'm also broad-minded. The grievances between me and the White Great City can end here, but..."
Zhuang Yu looked at Qiong Wu, "The grievances between me and the Crimson Great City must also be resolved here tonight."
They had tried to assassinate him several times. If it weren't for the bees and a group of children tonight, he might have died without knowing why. This debt must be settled no matter what.
Zhuang Yu coldly snorted. He had always been one to bear grudges. Although the White Great City had disgusted him recently, he had been taken in by them when he was confused, and he had even thought of this place as his home. Plus...for the sake of Shao Hao's face, he could just end it like this.
But what kind of people were the Crimson Great City?
They had to pay for what they did today, or else they wouldn't know what fate awaited them.
That teenager, standing on the fierce peacock, was unruly and arrogant, reckless and willful, sharp and intimidating. Even when facing someone without anger, he showed no fear.
What a peerless young man.