Zixin and Hope carefully stepped forward, reaching the pedestal after a minute.
Zixin gave Hope a wary look, before speaking as gently as he could, "Why not play with the cube? It seems harmless."
Hope returned with an exaggerated confusion, her lips twitching constantly. Her expression was clearly fake yet her tone said otherwise, "Huh?! Why me? This looks so suspicious!"
Zixin gazed at the cube, speaking solemnly, "I was merely probing your reactions. You definitely know something."
Hope sighed, accepting 'defeat.' A swift hand grabbed forward, targeting the cube. A second later, Hope tossed the cube, caught it, and continued playing with it.
Zixin's thoughts wavered, before racing, How odd… nothing strange has occurred yet. Is it truly harmless or do certain conditions need to take place first?
Or maybe, I'm just overthinking again. He thought before deciding to take the cube.
He carefully raised his hand before her, his palm facing upwards. Hope, noticing Zixin's gesture, decided to hand him the cube.
But the moment he felt its smooth surface, purple fog erupted. The fog covered the room, blinding them both before it eventually started condensing in a single spot.
The fog formed a humanoid figure, with long white hair that flowed like the tides of the oceans, and gentle cyan eyes that emitted calmness. He was dressed in a long purple robe with golden ribbons hanging everywhere.
Zixin's thoughts began running like wildfire, The cube shattered, released purple fog, and somehow formed a humanoid figure… what the actual–wait, his robe seems similar to the one I have when I'm in the White Palace. This doesn't make sense. Why did the cube even break when I held it? This doesn't seem like a good sign.
He swept his gaze across the room, landing on Hope's stunned expression. His thoughts continued: Even she seemed confused. What did I unleash?
The figure turned to Zixin, asking as his eyes shone like the stars, "Are you perhaps a descendant of the Longevity Bloodline?"
Zixin hesitated before responding honestly, "I am from the Longevity Bloodline."
Zixin sighed internally, coming to his own conclusion: This is probably what Hope wanted to occur.
As he spoke, a faint smile formed on the figure's lips, his voice like a cool breeze, "How fortunate for me. Let me introduce myself–I am Fang Hau of Longevity, a former Ruler of the Land but now merely an Imprinted Soul."
Zixin's thoughts ran wildly, as though they had just been released, Fang Hau of Longevity? And Imprinted Soul? Ugh, think, think, think.
Zixin searched through his memories, digging deeper and deeper until he finally found it.
He began analyzing what he remembered, Fang Hau of Longevity was born more than eight hundred years ago. He became the Land's Ruler after his sister passed away but he quickly fell after being supposedly slain by his niece. If this person is truly Fang Hau, then, they must know secrets that could break the balance of the current era. His thoughts continued, as for the Imprinted Soul, he must have used some strange method to attach his soul to an object but I have no idea what that object is. This room is huge, so making a random guess would likely be incorrect. Hmm… the cube could have been it but it's broken now so it can't be it.
He commented internally, So my ancestor is currently standing in front of me, huh? Wait a second–Fang Hau was known as the 'Lonely King,' because of his extreme hate for social gatherings. So, he couldn't have been my ancestor since he never had a child. So, we share blood…
Zixin asked, probing deeper, "If you are truly Fang Hau, then how are you even here?"
He chuckled, reminding Zixin of his sister–Xiu Ying.
He waved his hands and stars came from the miniature night sky, forming into Fang Hau's image. The image showed him handling internal affairs.
"During the time when I ruled over the Land, I waited for an opportunity. I knew that I didn't deserve my position, so I decided to throw it all away to see the fulfillment of my hypothesis." He explained calmly, his gaze soft with a hint of reminiscence.
He continued, "After using some of my… 'methods' to look into the future, I saw an opportunity, like I had just struck gold. Using what I learned, I arranged for 'Guardians' to keep an eye on Mount Lorebale by creating a Contract."
Guardians? Is he referring to Hope's ancestry? He thought before giving her a curious look but when he did, his lips twitched slightly after seeing her.
Hope was taking down notes, as though the predicament at hand held no danger in her heart.
She quickly noticed Zixin's twitching lips, causing her own to follow.
"Eh… uh… um… I mean, everything he said so far is true so…" She scratched her cheeks, clearly not wanting to continue the topic further.
Zixin sighed internally, feeling a little calmer this time. He turned his gaze at Fang Hau, asking, "And why did you specifically choose Mount Lorebale of all places?"
The stars changed shape, forming a fragmented image of Mount Lorebale.
"The answer is quite simple really: Mount Lorebale is a–Fragment of Truth. Does this name ring a bell for you, or have you perhaps neglected your studies?" He replied as he waved his hands, letting the fragmented image pieces themselves together.
A Fragment of Truth… uh… wasn't that the objects formed to help maintain the Barrier of Isolation? The Benefactor Jing Xiao has carefully scattered these across the Land so that they may not fall into the wrong hands. Sigh, that sure didn't last long did it? His thoughts continued, and why did he have to add that last part? Seems a little unnecessary don't you think?
The stars changed once more but it wasn't quite clear this time. In fact, it held no clarity to begin with. It transformed into a–question mark.
Is he controlling this thing manually or is it automatic? Why is it a question mark? Did he mess something up? Zixin wondered with a deadpan expression.
"I wish to do some… repurposing." He spoke softly.
That definitely sounds vague, maybe vague enough for this image generator to malfunction. He commented internally.
Zixin gave Hope a curious look, only to witness her writing vigorously. Is this topic actually that interesting? Well, now that I think about it, it kinda is? Strange, I never thought of Hope as a scholar-like individual.
Even though Fang Hau's words continued, the image generator stayed the same, "I wish to turn a portion of a Truth, an abstract idea into a physical object."
This sounds strange. Let me digest it… Hmm, so does he mean that he wants to reshape a concept? Uh, that sounds more complicated… wait, I think I understand it now. In layman's terms, he wants to make the non-material into a material. Like, turning a belief into a real object. This still sounds confusing. At least I have some basic understanding of it now. He let out a deep sigh, a little frustrated but still composed as ever.
Suddenly, the image generator started changing shape. It turned from a meaningless question mark into a whole chart. One was a symbol that Zixin assumed was meant to be a monster. Another was a symbol shaped like a Mountain, so he also assumed it was referring to Mount Lorebale. The last was plants or–herbs. In between these three were arrows pointing to the next, dyed green like life.
"The Restrictions that Mount Lorebale holds as a Fragment of Truth cause monsters to be born, but in return, a portion of Mount Lorebale's life essence would be lost, transforming into the monsters." He continued, "When these creatures perish, the remaining life essence that they hold would return to the Mountain but during this process, energy loss would be inevitable. This energy would take the form of the Mountain herbs that I assume nurtured you back to full health."
Zixin's thoughts raced, processing the information, So the cycle is: monsters are born from Restrictions, and when they die the energy returns into the Mountain, but lost energy would become herbs. So the herbs that Hope used to heal were this important, huh?
"Did I make myself clear? Or do you still have questions left for me?" Fang Hau spoke warmly yet his composure remained unchanged.
"How do I leave this… chamber of yours?" Zixin asked straightforwardly.
"I have one favor to ask of you, but I suppose that is a topic for another time." He copied Zixin's tone.
Waves of thoughts rushed suddenly, processing Fang Hau's words. Another topic to be discussed? Unfortunately, I am already tired.
Zixin turned his back on him, with Hope ready to lead him.
Fang Hau spoke once more, appearing oddly ethereal, "Time is limited, there are some things that must be done before the opportunity fades before you."
Is he referring to my ability–Longevity of Time? A sudden question emerged just as he was about to leave.
…
In the cabin, Zixin sat down while Hope prepared dinner.
He asked her, his curiosity piqued, "Why did your ancestors accept Fang Hau's Contract? Didn't it come off as a bit too suspicious?"
She replied, "Several generations ago, my ancestors lost everything. Our homeland was destroyed after a sudden surge in the infighting. Fang Hau took this golden opportunity to grant them a Contract, one that ensures their prosperity for generations to come. They had no reason to refuse, after all, they could only… hope."
That's quite tragic… but this still seems like a grand scheme of sorts. Hmm? Wait, the homeland of her ancestors was destroyed due to infighting? I don't recall there being such records in the documents I once read. Must be another hidden secret, huh? He pondered for a moment, accepting the past decisions of Hope's ancestors.
Zixin hesitated for a moment, as if wondering if he was asking the correct question before speaking, "Then, do you believe in Fang Hau's motives?"
"Let me ask you this instead: Is there a reason I need to plant the seed of doubt in myself? I think not. I can only–hope that it's real and not merely another ploy." Faint idealism lingered with her voice.
Zixin shook his head, already wanting to change the topic, and just as this thought came to mind, he saw her chopping some vegetables, the same ones they had previously bought.
He used this opportunity to learn by asking her, "Mind teaching how to cook?"
Hope's hand movements halted for a moment before she turned to him, her eyes wide open.
"Excuse me?" Utter shock followed her voice.
"Did I not seem genuine?" He paused before rising to his feet and speaking, "I want to learn a bit regarding the art of culinary from you, who I assume is a self-taught professional."
It never ceases to amaze me how much his curiosity continues to grow. Sigh, I'll just assume that being a Bloodline member requires curiosity, and not because he's just stupid. Hope's thoughts clashed before she smiled lightly.
She kindly explained, while gesturing for him to come closer, "Your guess was very close to the truth but I suppose it's close enough. I learned how to cook after watching my Father pour all his effort into making me a meal. I soon came to love cooking, to the point where I even started making my own dishes."
She pondered for a moment before continuing, "How about this? Why not do the chopping in my stead? I'll prepare the boiling water…"
"Understood." He calmly replied.
Zixin first headed to the sink, washing his hands clean before even daring to cut the vegetables.
He quickly moved back to the cutting board, held the knife, and started taking deep breaths.
Huh? Why does he seem so concentrated? It's not like you'll get yourself into trouble if you fail, you know? Hope lightly commented.
After a few seconds of chopping the vegetables, Zixin thought, This is strange, I don't seem to be doing this well. This is far from what I had imagined. I wonder why that's the case.
After a quick and sudden realization, Hmm? Don't tell me that I inherited Elmer's terrible cooking skills? It's the only reason why Charlotte and Michael never let him cook. Hopefully, it's just the knife skills.
Hope gave him a swift glance and saw the atrocious knife skills. It's still edible but… why is he so bad? I bet this is his first time so I probably shouldn't be so judgmental of his cooking skills, after all most of it can be fixed with practice and experience.
"Hmm… your knife skills could use some work but overall, they're not the worst. I'll handle the rest, so you can sit back and relax." She spoke, appearing calmer than usual.
"Oh, sure I suppose. Thank you for letting me try for a few minutes even if I may have just hindered you." He thanked her politely, making sure to show his gratitude.
Hope waved her hands exaggeratedly, dismissing his words, "Come on, no need to be so polite out of nowhere. We're already kind of living in the same house, aren't we?"
"I suppose," He paused for a second before continuing, "I just want to ask if my company makes you feel uncomfortable? I don't believe that I am actually someone 'fun' to hang around with."
Hope pointed to herself and said, "Do I seem uncomfortable whenever we're together? I'm not right? So, no need to worry! I'm here to support you as long as you complete Fang Hau's request."
He hesitated before he replied, "I'll think about it."
…
Zixin woke up the next morning and decided to take a stroll in Daisal so he asked for Hope's permission and she luckily agreed.
Hope led the way while Zixin followed close behind.
He questioned her nonchalance, "How are you so fearless when this Mountain is a monster nest?"
She replied with the most carefree smile she could muster, "Because I'm already used to it. You should remember that monsters in essence are just animals with enhancements. They're not a threat as long as you understand them."
Animals with enhancements… How interesting, monsters are not only born from Restrictions, they are also animals with enhanced capabilities. There's so much to learn–exciting. A faint smile formed upon his lips.
As they conversed, a team of Hunters came into view. One of them, a man with bulging muscles, sent Zixin a glare, confusing him rather than intimidating him.
Weird folks. Zixin commented lightly.
As soon as they passed the Hunters, he brought up the question, "Why did they just glare at me? Seems too excessive, no?"
"Well, they don't appreciate having civilians walking around their hunting ground," Hope replied, darting her eyes around.
"But no one owns Mount Lorebale? Are they proclaiming this Mountain to be their territory just because it has monsters?" He probed deeper, his curiosity piqued but also fragile.
Hope turned her gaze away, as if wanting to tell him something but hesitating at the last second.
Does Mount Lorebale actually have an owner? Or am I just overthinking things again? He shook his head, stretching his arms with a joyful face.