Chapter 56 Unbreakable Kinship
Han Zhou wasn't particularly interested in what other people's fathers left behind. While Ran Luo was examining the letters in her hand with mixed emotions, Han Zhou was also carefully reading the documents in his hand.
Of the five auction venues, only three remain, but... these three venues are located in special positions and are marked with a special symbol. This is because they are situated within the three major families, and only those invited by the families can attend these three auctions.
The fact that the red-haired clansman was able to find the coordinates of these three places suggests that he must have put in a lot of effort.
Ranluo's hands trembled slightly as she held the letter. It detailed why she had left without saying goodbye and the issue of the seal within her body. From the words alone, Ranluo could sense the letter's apology.
My guilt about not being able to be with my mother and myself
In the somewhat quiet atmosphere, Han Zhou noticed a faint sound. Her extremely keen hearing made her turn her gaze towards its source—
It's that bell.
Is there some hidden message?
Han Zhou examined the bell in her palm; there was nothing particularly special about it. The array on it had lost its luster after being triggered, but the patterns remained intricate. She narrowed her eyes, realizing there must be another way to trigger it.
"Ranluo, take this bell. I suspect your father left behind some images." Hanzhou handed the bell to Ranluo.
"Thank you, Lord Hanzhou."
"No need. You can keep this bell. It's something your father left behind."
The moment the golden bell landed in Ranluo's palm, it seemed to sense something. The patterns on the bell began to change, forming a completely different shape from before. The patterns transformed into a new array that was activated.
Upon witnessing this scene, Han Zhou raised an eyebrow, unable to help but admire the talent of this deceased member of the clan.
Han Zhou saw the red-haired man's image again. Unlike the first time, this time the image was clearly pre-recorded; the man was dressed formally, and even his fox ears weren't hidden.
The man seemed a little embarrassed, awkwardly scratching his cheek, his golden eyes filled with guilt.
"Haha, I don't know if this video will even be seen. But... just in case. Um, I'm your father, my name is Cheyu. I'm sorry I couldn't be a part of your upbringing, unable to protect you, and although I say this, I don't think you'll forgive me."
A bitter smile played on the man's handsome face, his tone full of self-mockery.
"Don't completely trust either the government or the three major families, but... if this image can really be activated and delivered to you..." The man paused for a moment, a relieved smile spreading across his face.
"That means you have a very powerful leader, hmm... I suspect he's also a demon. The formation I left behind is difficult for humans to undo with their current level of skill."
Ranluo turned her gaze to Hanzhou, and couldn't help but mutter to herself.
Father, you're not entirely right. Although Lord Hanzhou is a demon, he is also a high-ranking deity.
"With someone this powerful, your safety will be guaranteed. I no longer exist in this world; this is... my final message. I really want to see what my child looks like..."
Cheyu's voice gradually faded, eventually becoming a completely inaudible murmur. At the very end of the photo session, a woman's voice broke in.
"Cheyu? What are you doing in your room? Time to eat!"
That was my mother's voice!
Even though the voice sounded younger than she remembered, Ranluo still recognized it. She bit her lower lip, tears welling up in her eyes.
I thought I'd never hear it again...
"I'm coming right away!" Cheyu replied to her lover, then turned her gaze straight ahead, where she met Ranluo's eyes.
This photograph seems to have come to life, its golden eyes filled with love for its child.
"No matter what the future holds, please remember that we will always love you."
After saying that, the photo disappeared.
Upon seeing this, Ranlu could no longer hold back, and soft sobs reached Hanzhou's ears. She wanted to hold back her tears, not wanting to be disrespectful before this divine being, but the moment she saw her father's portrait and heard her mother's voice...
The pent-up grievances surged uncontrollably like a flood bursting its banks. Since her mother's death, she had managed the citadel alone, navigating politics and guarding against the three major clans.
She had to be extremely careful with every step she took, because if it were revealed that she knew about what happened back then, death would be the only thing waiting for her.
Han Zhou looked at the somewhat stubborn girl, reached out and gently patted her head, his cool voice carrying an almost imperceptible tenderness.
"Ranluo, after everything is over, come with me. I remember the name Cheyu; maybe... we can find some of his things."
"You...you mean it, really?" Ranluo looked up in disbelief, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Yes, neither Cheyu nor your mother belong here. Their homeland... is in the East."
Ranluo looked at the bell in her hand and nodded.
"I want to go!"
Han Zhou gently wiped away Ran Luo's tears, and the golden bell in Ran Luo's hand was strung together and made into a necklace. Han Zhou personally placed it around Ran Luo's neck.
"It's rare to meet a junior member of the clan. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me. I will be your support."
"..."
Looking into those light golden eyes that resembled her father's yet were different, Ranluo felt the tears she had just held back welling up again. She quickly turned away, avoiding Hanzhou's gaze.
"I... I'm very capable too. But... Lord Hanzhou, may I visit you more often in the future?"
I'm not seeking help, I just want to... stay by your side a little longer.
"Can"
"Oh, by the way. My master Mikazuki asked me to ask you for some tea."
The topic shifted so abruptly that Hanzhou didn't mind going along with what the other person was saying.
"Okay, I'll give you some more. Share some with Higekiri and the others."
Speaking of this, Ranluo turned her head away angrily. The little girl's eyes and nose were red.
Why didn't you tell me back then that you had used so many famous swords?
Actually... when she used them, those knives weren't considered famous knives.
You didn't ask.
"..."
This... Hmph!
Knowing she couldn't win an argument with Han Zhou, Ran Luo snorted and turned to leave, clearly saying, "If you don't coax me, I won't talk to you anymore." Han Zhou chuckled and followed the girl.
"Lord Hanzhou, were you laughing at me just now?"
As a half-demon, Ranluo's senses were naturally more acute than those of ordinary humans. Furthermore, Hanzhou hadn't made any attempt to conceal anything, which allowed her to hear it.
"Hmm... what do you think?"
"What?! I was the one who asked you the question, why are you throwing the question back at me?!"
Seeing Ranluo's disgruntled pose with her hands on her hips, Hanzhou reached out and pinched her cheek, successfully capturing the girl's shocked and incredulous expression.
"Indeed, this look suits you better."
Ranluo stood there, covering her cheek that had been pinched, stunned. By the time she came to her senses, Hanzhou had already walked quite a distance away.
"What?! Lord Hanzhou, wait for me!"
Hearing the little girl's calls, Han Zhou's lips curled into a slight smile. She reverted to her usual self when Ran Luo reached her side, listening to the chattering voices around her.
He would occasionally respond with a sound of agreement, indicating that he was listening. The distance between them gradually closed without them even realizing it.
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