Chapter 153 True Dragon: Declaration of War [VIP]
"so--"
Luke thought for a long time and asked, "Master, did you venture into the North City to ask Thorin to buy the Rosa Marie, which was specially made for the palace, just to give it to him?"
"Yes."
"Is he, is he very handsome?"
"Yaris is the most beautiful man in the world. No one is more beautiful than him."
When Xiao Yun uttered the name "Yaris", the corners of his mouth unconsciously rose slightly.
Luke noticed this detail, but stubbornly said, "I don't believe it. I don't believe there's anyone in the world more beautiful than me."
"Luke, when you meet Yaris, you will no longer insist on this. Because even I am just an ordinary-looking person compared to him."
Xiao Yun patiently explained to Luke.
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"
Luke shook his head vigorously.
The boy's almost naive stubbornness reminded Xiao Yun of Alfonso again.
"You look a lot like a friend of mine now."
"I?"
"His name is Alfonso. He once had nothing, until he met Yaris... His life changed forever..."
"He is now... I mean the master's friend... the friend who changed because of Lord Yaris... he, he..."
"He was born out of wedlock without a father, and his mother was a barmaid, yet now he has become the king of a country."
"ah!"
Luke covered his heart, looked into Xiao Yun's eyes in fascination, and dared not make a sound.
"Luke, when you meet Yaris, your life will be completely changed, just like Alfonso's... I clearly feel that Yaris will change your future, and even the future of the Eastern Continent... His rule will not last long. Although He seems to have everything now, His rule is based on terror and magic... These things cannot truly touch people's hearts... That's what Yaris told me."
"I...my future will really...will...be affected by my meeting with Lord Yaris..."
Luke's face flushed red, and his heartbeat had never been so fast and anxious as it was at this moment.
"Yes, I am quite sure..."
Xiao Yun muttered to himself.
Looking at Xiao Yun, who seemed to be caught in some strange premonition, Luke suddenly felt a strong sense of unease and asked cautiously, "Where is Yaris now?"
"The Grand Palace."
"ah?"
Luke gasped.
“He, he…”
"Our story is so complicated that it would take two days and two nights to tell it all..."
Xiao Yun smiled and told Luke: "Once I rescue him from the Grand Palace, I will take you and your friends away from the Imperial Capital. It's too dangerous and too dark here."
"Uh-huh!"
Luke nodded repeatedly.
…
…
Two days passed silently——
During these two days, the young men of the Wild Dog Gang, under Luke's command, ran around the city, drawing a detailed map of the imperial capital and contacting other small gangs struggling to survive in the northern part of the city.
"Master, there are now eleven small gangs with a total of over five hundred people willing to join the North City Alliance you proposed!"
Luke excitedly told Xiao Yun: "Everyone has realized that the only way for small gangs to survive with dignity is to unite."
"What unusual activities have the Evil Ghost Gang and the White Ghost Gang been doing recently?"
"A few days ago, the Devil Gang members were swarming the streets with knives, searching for our boss. But since yesterday... for some reason, they've suddenly stopped talking about it... There's word that the Assassin's Order has told the Devil Gang to stop causing trouble."
One of Luke's boys said seriously.
"Is the Assassin's Order very powerful in the North City?"
"Big! So big it's scary!"
The boy said with a look of horror, "They own the very center of the Black District. The Devil Gang and the White Gang combined can't even match a finger of the Assassin's Cult. But the Assassin's Cult's headquarters isn't here. It's said that the Cult's leader in North City is just a small leader within the Cult..."
"There have been rumors in the North City District that His Majesty the Emperor and the Elders of the Assassin's Order signed a secret agreement. Because of this secret agreement, the North City District is allowed to exist."
Luke added.
"protocol?"
Xiao Yun frowned.
He wanted to meet Alans as soon as possible to find out the true relationship between the "Assassin's Order" and him.
On the other side, Luke suddenly asked cautiously: "Master, that..."
"What's up?"
"I've often heard people say that Rosa Marie is the most delicate and beautiful flower in the world, but I've never seen one... Is it really beautiful?"
"I see..."
Flora narrowed her eyes and said, "When the matter in the imperial capital is over, I will take you to the Twilight Kingdom to see the Rosa Marie I planted."
"Really?"
Flora nodded.
【younger brother……】
Xiao Yun's mind suddenly popped up.
then--
”
…
"elder brother--"
【Um,
"Everything is fine. I found the flower grower who planted Rosamarias for Him and ordered a hundred red Rosamarias. The flower grower said He didn't like crimson Rosamarias, so there weren't any crimson Rosamarias in the greenhouse. I had to use red pigment dissolved in water to gradually dye the white Rosamarias red."
[Brother, order one hundred Red Cross pens at once...]
Yaris' voice was thick with worry.
"Not only did I order one hundred red Rosamarias, I also had the florist deliver all of them to the Grand Palace! I just want him to know I'm here, I'm in the Imperial Capital right now! Waiting for him to set a trap for me!"
[You——are taking too much risk!]
"This is not a risk, this is a strategy."
Xiao Yun said confidently, "He's known for a long time that I've come to the East Continent, and that I'm currently in the Imperial Capital. So, why can't I declare war on him? I'll use a hundred Rosamaris to tell him unequivocally that I want to see him, and I want to take you away!"
You Are Not Afraid of Him...
"I'm just afraid He won't dare set a trap for me."
【……All right. 】
Yaris was a little hesitant, and his slender body coiled in Xiao Yun's palm looked lazy and weak.
[Brother, I, I'm so worried about you. ]
"Me too. I worry about you every day, afraid that something might happen to you... After all, the new palace in the Holy City is about to be completed. I'm worried that once the new palace is completed, He will take you there, and then..."
[If something like this really happens, I'm not completely without a way to deal with it.]
"--what are you up to?"
[Don't worry, no matter what happens, I won't give up my life... I'll wait for you to pick me up... No matter how long it takes, I'll wait... Always and forever...]
As Yaris spoke, the "Tower Master"'s body gently rubbed Xiao Yun's thumb and palm.
[He seems to be plotting a conspiracy against the Green Scarf Army recently... According to his occasional mutterings to me, the North City District is about to become the entrance to a trap... You can work together to seize this opportunity and incorporate some of the Green Scarf Army's forces into your own...]
“Brother, you—”
Xiao Yun was speechless.
"I'm in deep trouble, yet I still..."
The True Human Empire is a far larger nation than the Solar Empire. Its territory encompasses the entire Eastern Continent, encompassing over two thousand cities. Without resorting to magical means, it would take an adult ten years to walk from the northernmost to the southernmost reaches of the empire. Yet, this nation lacks a bond like the Western Continent's Twin Gods, which unites most of its people. Do you understand what this means?
"What does it mean?"
This meant that within this country, there were hundreds of different cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs... and that his rule could not encompass the entire empire. The empire had only been established for a little over a hundred years, and while his laws might have been implemented in every city within the empire, there was still a vast countryside beyond the cities. No matter how powerful he was, he could not completely bring the countryside under his rule.
"—What are you going to do?"
Xiao Yun was frightened by the implication of Yaris's words.
[I don't intend to do anything, I just think we should follow the true thoughts of the people living on this land and help them get what they deserve~]
Under Yaris's control, the "Tower Master" tilted his head and smiled at Xiao Yun.
"But……"
[It just so happens that you picked up a boy named Luke. We can use this boy... Now I finally understand why when I first heard the name "Luke", I saw a weak star gradually rise into the sky and become brighter than all the surrounding stars...]
Yaris seemed very interested.
Xiao Yun, however——
"I'm beginning to regret promising Luke that I'd introduce him to you someday. He, he..."
【younger brother--】
Yaris's voice suddenly became heavy.
"Um?"
I understand your desire to protect Luke and his companions, but countless others share Luke's unfortunate fate in this land. To truly save them, there is only one way: to end his brutal rule. Luke's encounter with you is both his fortune and his misfortune. This encounter will forever burden him with the responsibility of uniting the people of this land, ending his brutal rule, and saving the entire nation.
"Yaris..."
Xiao Yun choked a little.
You've actually thought about this a long time ago, but you're unwilling to think about it because you've developed feelings for Luke and you're worried he might lose his life.
"……Yes."
Xiao Yun said distressedly, "Luke is a very charming boy. He is sincere and noble, kind and passionate, brave and resourceful, and has a sense of responsibility..."
[Precisely because he is a man of greater excellence and nobility than most, he is entrusted by fate with the important task of leading the people of this land to overthrow his tyrannical rule...]
"Yes, y-you're right...but..."
Xiao Yun shed tears.
I understand your sadness. You fell in love with him... You wanted him to be part of our family... However, the fate of the country and the people is more important than personal emotional needs...
A cold tongue slid across Xiao Yun's cheek, sweeping away the salty tears.
"Yaris..."
【Um? 】
"That day... the day the miracle of resurrection happened... was it also like this that you persuaded yourself and forced yourself to make a decision in tears?"
Xiao Yun asked cautiously.
【……】
"Yaris..."
[…I’m sorry, I don’t know how to answer this question…]
The voice that entered his mind became extremely hoarse and full of pain, as if it was violently squeezed by some force.
The "Tower Master's" body was as soft as noodles, leaning against Xiao Yun's fingers.
[I've never been a weak person, but... this is the only question... I, I don't know how to answer... It's a painful nightmare... But we must accept it... In the face of fate, from beginning to end, we are chosen, not chosen...]
"...The 'we' you mentioned... also includes... the original Lucien... right?"
【……Yes. 】
The "Tower Master"'s eyes could not shed tears, but for some reason, Xiao Yun felt that the "Tower Master" was crying.
He is a very strong man, and no one is more certain of this than I am... No matter what happens, he firmly loves me and believes in me... He chose you as resolutely as a young bird flying to the sun, and entrusted everything he has to you, hoping that you can become the light that dispels the lies, pain, and despair that linger on this land... One day you will meet, and then you will understand how lovable he really is... and what a terrible person I am...
"Yaris, you are crying..."
Yes, I... I...
Yaris's voice became weaker and weaker, filled with sadness.
Suddenly, his voice became extremely cold and cruel, like a long echo brought by the long river of time from the distant future.
Everything that lives must perish... What is born must die, what is young must age, what is built must decay... Everything is meaningless... Everything will eventually turn to dust...
"Jaris, what's wrong with you?"
【I…I…no!】
He screamed.
He shouted in Xiao Yun's mind in an unusually high-pitched voice.
No! No! I don't agree! I exist! I'm here! My existence must have meaning! I won't let it vanish into thin air! I exist... I'm here... I must find my meaning... I...
The voice gradually weakened and became silent, as if the existence of life itself was being wiped out by the endless erosion of time...
"Yaris... what's wrong with you..."
Xiao Yun was terrified and asked nervously.
[It's nothing... "Demon Sleep" protects my body from being harmed by "Him," and also makes my consciousness easier for those things to find... You don't have to worry about me... For many years, I have been fighting against these things. I know what they are and how to fight them. I will protect myself... You just need to protect yourself... You are the key link that connects me to this world. As long as you are still in this world, I will never be lost... This is why I want you, why I must have you...]
Yaris said tiredly. The previous confrontation had obviously drained all his strength.
"Yaris..."
Xiao Yun bit his lip tightly, holding back tears: "Rest quickly, don't let Him notice anything unusual. I will find you soon... There is no power in the world that can stop us from being together..."
【Um……】
Yaris nodded painfully, and his consciousness quickly left the body of the "Tower Master".
…
…
"Hello--"
A strange, slender black shadow suddenly appeared.
Luke, who was lying on the small wooden table in the combat meeting room, struggling to read the book containing precious knowledge given to him by Xiao Yun, was suddenly startled.
"This, this place is..."
"In our eyes, there are no secrets in North City."
After saying this, the messenger turned to Xiao Yun and said respectfully, "The master has arrived in the North City District and is available to meet you at any time."
"Where does he want to meet me?"
"I'll lead the way for you—"
The messenger hunched over, ready to set off at any time.
Xiao Yun, however——
After thinking it over seriously, he called Luke over and said, "Luke, do you want to go with me?"
"I?"
Luke was surprised and delighted.
Xiao Yun: "This meeting may cost you your life, but it may also change your destiny."
"I do!"
Nian said while biting his lip.
Xiao Yun looked at the messenger and asked, "Do you need to send your companion back to inform him first?"
"The master anticipated this."
"really."
Xiao Yun shrugged and motioned Luke to follow him.
…
Under the guidance of the black shadow, Xiao Yun led Luke out of the chaotic northern city area and into an abandoned tower located on the outskirts of the southern city of the imperial capital.
After going through more than ten maze-like turns, I stepped into a dimly lit corridor with the scent of mysterious spices floating in the air.
There is a door at the end of the corridor.
The black shadow pushed open the door for Xiao Yun, and what appeared before him was a spacious and gorgeous room. The floor was covered with exquisite carpets, the walls were covered with silk wallpaper, and on both sides of the secret door were two-meter-high bookshelves and cabinets, which were filled with all kinds of books, bottles and antiques. The air was filled with a strange and special herbal aroma, and exquisitely and intricately shaped crystal lanterns hung from the ceiling.
“It’s like a palace!”
Flora poked her head out from Xiao Yun's hood and murmured curiously, "What's the origin of this Alans? Why is his temporary residence so luxurious?"
Luke nodded approvingly.
Everything before him was too luxurious and gorgeous. Even in his wildest dreams, he had never seen such a beautiful scene.
"If you like, I can discuss with Alance and let you live in this house."
Xiao Yun said nonchalantly.
"Live, live in such a big house..."
Luke's tongue trembled.
Flora patted his head and said comfortingly, "Don't be surprised. Alans owes the master a large sum of money."
At this time, the door leading to the outside world from the study had been opened by the black shadow.
"The master is waiting for Your Majesty in the drawing room."
"Lead the way."
"yes."
The black shadow nodded slightly and invited Xiao Yun to walk out of the study, through the corridor with thick carpets on the floor and decorated with fragrant flowers on both sides, and into the reception room with two white marble doors with exquisite reliefs on the surface that were completely open.
In the hall, under the respectful gaze of hundreds of tall and slender black shadows, Alans, whose entire body from the neck down was covered in a glittering black robe, stood up from the high-backed chair to greet Xiao Yun.
"haven't seen you for a long time."
Alans lowered his head slightly, his straight and smooth face showing an elegant and intellectual smile, and his cobalt blue eyes, like lapis lazuli, revealed a suspiciousness that did not belong to this world.
Xiao Yun noticed that he was still wearing leather gloves on his hands.
"Still can't take off the gloves?"
"You've already seen our true selves, why are you still asking such questions?"
"Because I know you're not exactly like them."
Xiao Yun said calmly.
"You are also completely different from ordinary people."
Alans smiled brightly: "I am full of curiosity about you."
"What are you curious about?"
"I'm curious about how far you can go for him."
"I would do anything for him."
Xiao Yun answered without hesitation.
"Even though he's probably not human?"
"Can you and I be considered human?"
Xiao Yun asked back.
"...Strictly speaking, there's no other normal person in this building except the child waiting for you outside. So, even if we take off our gloves and cloaks, nothing unusual will happen."
Alans spoke slowly, taking off his gloves and black robe, revealing his hands and neck where the skin was clearly bluish-green.
Xiao Yun also took off his cloak accordingly and transferred the "Tower Master" wrapped around his arm to his palm.
Both of them looked at each other with interest.
"As far as I know—"
Xiao Yun was the first to break the silence: "You call yourselves the 'Children of the Stars', consider your cobalt blue eyes and cyan skin to be the unique features of your race, and refuse to assimilate into the mainstream civilization of Planet Ella."
“That’s exactly what happened.”
"But you—"
"Life's minds aren't static, especially when we're convinced we can never return to our ancestors' planet."
Alance said slowly.
"Survival is always the primary need of life. However, our ancestors, due to unrealistic expectations of their home planet, wasted hundreds of thousands of years searching for a way home. They repeatedly rejected invitations from Ella, leading to our gradual decline into aliens ostracized by our planet."
"But is there really any point in returning to our home planet? Putting aside whether our home planet welcomes us, we've been away from it for too long. No matter how much we insist on pure blood and cling to tradition, we've already unknowingly embarked on a completely different path from our fellow race members who remained on our home planet."
"so--"
Xiao Yun looked at the man in front of him with interest.
"We have decided to retain some of our own racial characteristics and actively integrate into this planet."
Arans said bluntly: "We still admire cobalt blue eyes and cyan blue skin, but we want to live freely and normally on this planet like other life forms."
“…”
Recalling the blue-green skin of the Assassin's Order captives, which immediately began to smoke and fester like normal people upon contact with strong acid, and then continued to fester and ooze foul-smelling pus, Xiao Yun couldn't help but sigh: "You should have chosen this path long ago."
"In fact, there have always been people among us who advocate 'integration into Ella and coexistence with the planet', but before I met you, the coexistence faction never gained the upper hand..."
"Why?"
"Out of fear, out of rejection... Before you, every native human we encountered while on missions—regardless of their origins—would always reveal expressions of disgust and hatred once they saw our bodies, which were different from theirs, or smelled the stench our skin emitted when it touched the air."
"You made us realize that 'coexisting with Ella and being accepted by the native life on Ella' is not as difficult as we thought. We can indeed choose this path. As a member of the coexistence faction, I gradually gained real power in the cult."
Alans added.
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