Long Tian stared at the beating heart enclosed within the transparent beaker.
*Ba-dump*
*Ba-dump*
Two hearts seemed to synchronise as he stared at the beating heart in his hand.
All or nothing.
"Haider, bury the ashes."
The room had returned to normal as haider left with the burnt ashes.
*******
Long tian stared at the old black door through the egg shaped holes of his mask.
17th street, the most populated place within the city of Naqueser.
Dense tall buildings stood in place, blocking all the sunlight from entering. The area looked slightly dark even during noon.
*knock knock*
*clang*
A small window opened up with a rusty metallic noise, revealing a pair of golden eyes.
"You are"
Long Tian removed his mask, surprising her.
"You"
She was a bit irritated, as the protocol was to never remove mask within the premises of The Silent pavillion. However, seeing his face, her irritation turned into surprise.
Although he had gotten older, she recognized this face.
*crrrr*
The door gave off a rusty noise, as if it had not been repaired in a while.
"I need your help."
A monotone voice resounded in the small room.
....
Prior to the birthday banquet, the entire manor seemed to be in a festive mood. The front gate was adorned with beautiful orange and amber lanterns, casting a warm glow on the polished white marble pillars.
The trees beside the spacious white road had their branches adorned with a multitude of ornaments and miniature lanterns, each glowing like fireflies.
As usual. Extravagant
A luxurious red carpet unfurled like a river, leading to the manor doors. The circular water fountain in front of the manor had returned to its original deep shade of blue, reminiscent of its peak days.
In the heart of the fountain, water cascaded upon a towering grey sculpture of Marquis Long Xiang. His broad shoulders, taut beneath the heavy overcoat, seemed to be capable of holding up the weight of the world. A rugged handsome face chiseled by time and experience rested atop his thick neck, his defiant gaze affixed at the distant horizon.
His left hand was casually tucked into the pocket of his heavy overcoat, while right hand held a gleaming Sabre forward, as if issuing a challenge towards the world.
Long Tian gazed at the sculpture in silence. He tried to recall a smile on that face. But memories of his childhood had eroded, only leaving behind a handful of fragmented images, warmth of which could no longer soften his numb heart.
“He’s going to be in the bouquet tomorrow, loser Tian”
Ling Yu's voice, laced with a playful edge, broke the silence.
Rays of light created a halo around her heart shaped face and braided snow white hair. A prominent dragon tattoo rested on her left cheek, rising from the back of her neck.
“I know”
“Do you have the courage to face him?”
Long Yu sneered, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Long Tian turned around and started walking, in no mood for a verbal arguement.
“Loser Tian, Loser Tian, did you get a birthday gift for me?”
Long Yu floated beside him, matching his pace.
“You’ll be surprised”
An enigmatic smile crept across Long Tian’s face, causing Long Yu’s slanted to arch up her snow white eyebrows. How long has it been since she had seen that expression on his face?
“Oh? Then I will be waiting”
Long Yu watched the departing back of Long Tian.
“What are you planning, brother?”
*************************************
29th February
Huaxia calendar year : 9302
As soon as the first rays of hazy sunlight illuminated the estate, the maid and cooks sprang into action, preparing an array of exotic and aromatic dishes.
Within the grand round hall, black and white serpentine patterns twisted and turned like smoke.
The vast ceiling hundreds of meters above were held up by lofty swirling pillars. The ceilings adorned arrays of transparent chandeliers that rotated almost imperceptibly.
Bright rays of sunlight cast from the large rectangular windows fell upon the hall, illuminating it in pale golden brilliance.
Deep within the magnificent round hall, an oppressive throne carved with myriad dragons sat silently above the rectangular white platform. Besides the platform, long rows of white tables were arranged circularly. Innumerable ornate chairs laid in the middle.
Long Tian sat on one of the chairs.The scent of the thousand-year-old dragon-oak wood stirred memories deep within him, triggering a wave of pain that coursed through his being. Soon the scene in front of him changed.
****
The chandeliers blazed with vibrant light, casting a kaleidoscope of amber and gold across the vast round hall. Laughter and cheers filled the air, along with the gentle clinking of silverware as the guests savored the mouth-watering delicacies.
A stunning woman in a maroon gown was sitting in the second row. Her limpid brown eyes were simmering in anticipation as she looked intently towards the pristine white stage.
A boy no older than five sat in her laps, his brows furrowed. His gaze darted around nervously, looking uncomfortable with his surroundings. The woman in maroon gently patted his back, reassuring him.
Soon, Marquis Long arrived, clad in a snow-white greatcoat that matched his snow white hair. The heavy fibric of the coat could not hide his broad shoulder and sculpted muscles. His rugged face betrayed a smile, revealing a tinge of pride.
A black-haired young man clad in midnight blue uniform stood beside him. On his waist hung an ordinary, green wooden sword.
The silver insignia of Academy glittered brightly on his left chest. An eye catching “S1” shone on the corner of the insignia.
Stolen story; please report.
*Tap*Tap*
A soft but resounding noise resonated under the light strikes of Marquis Long’s sheathed Sabre, drawing the attention of everyone attending the bouquet.
“May I have your attention for a second, honored citizens?”
His gravelly voice resounded in the entire hall. All the nobles and immortals stopped chit-chatting, turning the bustling hall pin drop silent.
“I have a small announcement to make.”
Watching the scene unfold, a radiant smile blossomed across the woman’s face. The child’s eyes were open wide, sparkling like stars as he stared at the young man in blue.
“Big brother Mu?”
The small boy questioned in a barely audible voice, looking up at his mother. Her lips had subtly curved upwards, the delicate creases around her eyes speaking volumes of the joy she felt.
He had never seen his mother so happy before. A bit of envy surfaced on his face as he stared at the platform.
Marquis Long Xiang pointed at the young man with his Sabre, his baritone voice revealing a tinge of pride.
“This is Mu Jian, my adopted son.”
*******
“Big brother Long Tian”
Long Tian felt a small hand tugging him, finally rousing him up from his daze.
Standing before him was a young boy of about six or seven, his large brown eyes filled with concern as he looked up at Long Tian.
“Are you okay, big brother?”
“Xian’er. Yeah, yeah. I am fine”
As the large wall clock kept clicking, the yellow sky slowly turned redder.
As the sun was close to setting, Ying Mei rushed towards Long Tian’s room, worried that he forgot about the time again.
“Young master Lon-”
The words in got stuck in her throat as she looked at the man in front of her. The already handsome Long Tian was looking devilishly charming with the combination of black overcoat and black pants.
A deep blush crept into Mei Ying’s face.
Long Tian opened a drawer of the red black table beside his bed, revealing a small wooden box.
*Click*
An antique black watch popped up from inside. He gently caressed the watch for a second before putting it on.
“Yes, MeiMei. let’s go”
“En”
Ying Mei nodded gently, not daring to look at Long Tian.
As they reached to the hall, large swathes of people were already seating and chatting with each other, while others were helping themselves with the delicious food.
Long Tian sat on one of the chairs in the corner, without drawing any attention.
As soon as the watch clicked on 6.00PM, the guard loudly shouted
“Marquis Long Xiang has arrived.”
Loud noises in the hall turned down into small whispers. Soon, a man wearing a white overcoat entered though the large door, with his signature Sabre on his waist.
He pointed his hands up and signaled for the guests to continue.
Long Tian stared at his father without a blink. He had not aged even one bit in 5 years.
As soon as Marquis left the hall, it quickly burst into loud noises.
“He is finally back”
“Does that mean Miferrin has been secured?”
A round faced short man wearing black robe waved his hand, showing his disagreement.
“So soon? That place is deep within the wasteland of Raoqen.”
“Don’t underestimate the marquis. It had taken him less than 4 years to take over Naqueser.”
A scrawny man in blue coat chimed in, defending the marquis.
“Logical fallacy! Naqueser is in the outskirts of the Raoqen. Look back at when he conquered Araman. That time, it took him almost 12 years and help from Long clan. Freyen also took him almost 9 years. Miferrin is much deeper than Araman. The fierce beasts in that area are all frightening, even the weakest of them are almost as strong as aspect 4 awakeners.”
Some of the guests listening from nearby nodded, showing their agreement.
“Miferrin is not going to take that long to secure, the seventh regimen has gotten much stronger, and marquis is no longer the same as he was a hundred ago. Have you seen the video transmission jades recently? His proficiency in the laws of time has gotten rather frightening.”
The man in blue fought back.
The surrounding nobles nodded again, thinking his words also made sense.The round-faced short man blushed red in anger, seemingly not finding a retort.
“Want to bet weather he conquered Miferrin or not? 10000 gold.”
Hearing the challenge, the scrawny man in blue suit looked troubled, his face showing a tinge of regret. He should not have argued with this madman, but now it was too late to jump off the ship.
He had decided to bet on Marquis Long.
“Sure, I wanna see you cry a river after losing that many gold coins. 10000 gold coins it is.”
As the heated argument and noises continued, A mascular man in black suit tiptoed towards Long Tian, his face looking delightful as he prepared to give him a surprise.
“Are you that bored?”
Long Tian turned his neck slightly to look at his friend.
Feng Huan’s square face quickly crumbled, his blonde eyebrows frowning in displeasure.
“How the hell did you manage to notice me?”
Logically, Long Tian shouldn’t have managed to detect him, as he had controlled the air around him.
“You reek of sweat. Anyone would be able to smell that from a mile away.”
Feng Huan quickly smelled himself, prompting his nose up in an effort to catch the smell.
He quickly realized that he had been fooled. Although he smelled at times due to over-training, he had extensively taken care of it this time.
“You seem to be itching for a beating.”
Feng Huan cracked his knuckles in preparation.
“Thanks for coming”
Long Tian looked at his friend with a happy smile on his face, causing Feng Huan to pause. He had never seen his friend so happy for a while.
“Only you this time?”
Feng Huan shook his head, his thick lips flashing a mischievous smile.
“Dragged Wan’er and dad along with me”
“May I have your attention, Honored Citizens and guests?”
A resounding voice rang throughout the entire hall, Marquis Long was standing on the platform. The huge screen on the back of the wall broadcasted his rugged face.
“I hope that you guys have been doing well. It has been a while since we gathered like this.”
“Yes, your highness, 13 years.”
“Good to see you back, Sir Marquis.”
The crowd loudly cheered back in response.
“You already know the occasion for this banquet. My small daughter just turned eighteen today. She is officially entering the age of adulthood. It only feels like yesterday when she couldn’t even wrap around one of my fingers with her whole hand. Are the children these days growing too fast? Or have i grown too old?”
Everyone in the hall laughed loudly.
The guard on the gate felt a hand on his shoulder. However, he was too focused on Marquis Long, trying to shrug it off quickly. That only resulted in the grip getting even stronger.
“Ouch, you bast-”
Turning his head, the words in his mouth seemed to get stuck. His pupils constricted, and he stood there in horror.
A young man along with a red veiled lady stood in front of him, while two armored grey giants floated behind.
“Shhhhh”
The young man smiled and put his index finger on his lips, quietly walking into the hall.
“I have said enough. Let me introduce the star of the show tonight, Long Yu”
As marquis Long announced with a booming voice, The screen focused on a gorgeous white-haired young woman.
Her snow hair was not braided tonight, falling downwards like a waterfall. Her sage green gown dragged behind as she walked towards the middle of the platform. The intricate silver embroidery on the gown accentuated her curvy figure.
“So pretty.”
“She looks just like the marchioness.”
The audience was mesmerized in her beauty.
“I would give up 50 years of my lifespan to have her as my wife.”
A long nosed man exclaimed wistfully.
“Hoh, classic example of a toad wanting to eat swan meat. Hou Fei, don’t even dream of having her, she is far beyond the reach of us. Furthermore, what is a mere 50 years to us? If you really love her, you should pledge at least half of your lifespan.”
A refined young man with long violet hair jeered, a witty smile laced on his lips.
“Zhou ren, shut your trap! Only a lecher like you would give away half of his lifespan over a woman. Even the imperial princess is not worth that much.”
As soon as he uttered that, Hou Fei felt a piercing gaze lock at him, causing him to sweat profusely. He slowly turned around mechanically, looking around.
However, he did not see her, causing him to sigh in relief.
“Screw off. Even if you pledge your entire phoenix clan on her feet, imperial princess would not accept you. What? Who are you looking for?”
The purple haired Zhou Ren was confused at his friend who kept looking around.
“I felt a gaze lock on me.”
*Ting*
Marquis Long stroke the platform with his Sabre again, silencing the loud crowd.
“There is another small announcement.”
All the gazes in the hall gathered towards the father-daughter duo. A proud smile broke into the face of Marquis Long Xiang.
“Long Yu got accepted by the institute of time, she will be undergoing her theses under Madame Li Na.”
“Institute of time?!?”
“Long clan is going to get another powerhouse in a few hundred years."
While everyone chittered about Long Yu, Long Tian just stared at the familiar happy smile on his father’s face.
“You seem to have forgotten about something.”
A resonant young voice resounded throughout the hall, silencing everyone. They have heard this voice before.
The screen focused on a young man in grey robe.
“Congratulations on gaining control of Miferrin, my friend.”
Everyone finally woke up from daze. All the audiences who had just sat rapidly stood up again, bringing their right fist towards their left chest.
*Thud Thud Thud”
A rhythmic noise echoed through the entire hall as everyone bowed.
“"WE GREET YOUR IMPERIAL MAJESTY ZHI YAN”"
Emperor Zhi Yan slowly walked towards the throne on the back of the platform.
“Rank 6 dragon soul?”
“It is rank 5, your imperial majesty.”
Long Xiang stood behind Emperor Zhi Yan, his face showing no expression.
“Very nice, Xiang, but I have something better.”
The armored giants beside him gave mechanical clinking noises as it quickly reassembled into a silver throne. The irregular texture on the throne pulsed like a heartbeat. On the top was a square insignia of Zhi clan, 4 mythical beasts surrounded it in a circle, seemingly protecting it. Emperor Zhi Yan sat on the throne, making himself comfortable.
“Everyone, don’t be so formal. I am also here to enjoy the banquet. Please be seated.”
Feng Huan stared at the writhing throne as he exclaimed.
“Artefact 003, it can morph into anything as long as the user can imagine it. How cool”
Feng Huan looked towards his friend inquisitively.
“Can you imagine a full army of indestructible metal taking over the world?”
“Yeah, I can.”
Long Tian gave a mysterious smile. His pretentious demeanour caused Feng Yuan to shot a disgusted glance.
The loud hall seemed to have gotten bustling again. A lot of the crowd seemed excited about seeing Emperor's face to face for the first time.
However, there were two men who felt their face turning blue in regret.
“Rest in peace, Hou Fei. How about you gift all of your maids to me? I will burn an incense every year in your memory for however long I live.”
The violet haired Zhou Ren jeered at Hou fei.
“If imperial princess catches me, I will reveal all of your secret ventures to her.”
Zhou ren also felt his face losing temperature at Hou Fei's words.