[Twenty-Four] The Arduous Mission
A gentle breeze swept across the midsummer morning, and on Lake Lucerne, small boats floated, each carrying lovers in pairs. On one such small boat, Lin Xiaoyang rowed with two oars, while Huang Minhwa wore a straw hat, and the two of them looked very relaxed.
Huang Minhwa said, “The people living here drift along with the scenery of mountains and waters, their pace leisurely and unhurried. It truly feels like a paradise on Earth! If I could live this way for my entire life, I would have no complaints.”
Lin Xiaoyang said, “Indeed! Life lasts only a few decades—why wind ourselves up every day and live so strenuously?”
Huang Minhwa smiled: “Originally, after finishing my studies, I planned to return to Taiwan to open an art studio and teach painting. But now it seems plans cannot keep up with changes.”
Lin Xiaoyang raised his eyebrows mischievously and said, “The Heaven Hotel needs a madam! You cannot run away.”
Huang Minhwa laughed radiantly: “Of course not! I promised Sister Huijun that I would take care of you for life.”
Lin Xiaoyang said with satisfaction: “Even in this beautiful scenery, without you by my side, everything would be meaningless.”
Huang Minhwa teased: “What’s this? Suddenly turning so literary and poetic?”
Lin Xiaoyang said: “I am a travel writer, after all. Writers are naturally poetic.”
The two exchanged smiles, sharing unspoken understanding.
In the hall of the Sky Castle, Luf and the Dragon Knight flanked Princess Maria on either side.
“Dragon Knight, lead a contingent of the Imperial Guard to Sicily, thoroughly sweep the Bat City, and eliminate the remnants of Anderson’s forces.”
The Dragon Knight cupped his hands and responded: “Yes! Princess, your subordinate will eradicate evil completely and leave none behind.”
The princess frowned: “You misunderstood me, Dragon Knight. I do not wish you to slaughter indiscriminately. Those who are willing to surrender should be brought back for reform.”
The Dragon Knight said: “Princess, I understand.”
Luf said: “Maria, I wish to attend to a matter and report it to you.”
The princess smiled: “You want to retrieve the Sun Staff, don’t you?”
Luf smiled: “You cannot hide anything from me.”
The princess said: “In this world, I understand you best. Go ahead! Should you find any clues or need any assistance, notify me immediately.”
Luf cupped his hands in farewell: “Then I shall depart!” He then turned and left the hall.
The Dragon Knight asked: “Princess, Luf…” He hesitated, unsure how to voice his concerns. The princess understood his doubt.
The princess said: “I know what you wish to say. If I did not trust Luf, I would not have brought him here.”
The Dragon Knight chuckled awkwardly: “I was overthinking, Princess.”
In the hall of Sky Castle, Maria sat on the throne, flanked by Chen John and the Stron brothers, Huang Lihua, Wilson, Adorno, and Rona and Kaise.
Maria said: “In the mission to eliminate Anderson, Fathers Chen John and Stron contributed the most. I thank both priests for their dedicated assistance.”
Chen John said humbly: “Princess, you govern the Dark World with benevolence, transforming the ghostly followers. There is a saying in the East: the forces of evil cannot withstand the power of righteousness. It is only natural that we, as your brothers, eradicate evil on your behalf.”
Maria smiled: “The remaining supporters of Anderson on Sicily are not a major threat. I have already ordered the Dragon Knight to lead the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard to purge them. Now, there is an arduous mission that will require both priests’ assistance again.”
Chen John asked: “What kind of mission? Please instruct us, Princess.”
Wilson faced Chen John and Stron: “Here’s the situation: over three hundred years ago, Anderson led his followers to attack Sky Castle and took away a Sun Staff inlaid with a skull of Jesus. This staff was originally granted by the Pope of the medieval Roman Church to Hans, the Sky King of the Dark World, as a symbol of authority over the Dark World. The staff passed down three generations, and when it reached Princess Maria’s father, Thomson, it was seized by Thomson’s brother, Anderson.”
Stron asked curiously: “Why did Anderson rebel and attack his own brother?”
Maria sighed: “Ah! It was all about the succession to the throne! My parents only bore me; I had no siblings. I and Captain David were in love and intended to marry, and I was originally uninterested in the throne. But several ministers at my father’s side believed my uncle was unscrupulous and violent, urging my father to break tradition and pass the throne to me, with David assisting me, and strongly advocating for reducing the military power of stationed generals. When this news reached my uncle, he believed my father had violated the succession law set by Grandfather Hans. He then allied with some generals dissatisfied with my father’s policy of weakening fiefdoms and, while my father was gravely ill, rose up to attack the castle.”
Stron understood: “I see! But I heard from my brother that there is a complicated feud involving the three of you: the Princess, David, and Luf…”
The princess continued: “David is my father’s captain of the guard, leading the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guard alongside Luf’s knights. Anderson’s Bat Army laid siege to Sky Castle but could not capture it. Crafty Anderson discovered a grudge between David and Luf, both related to me. Luf is the son of my riding teacher and grew up alongside me; I always treated him as a brother. Anderson saw an opportunity and spread rumors in the city, claiming that after I married David, Luf would merely be a servant of our couple, sowing discord between Luf and David. He also sent secret envoys to persuade Luf to betray and assassinate David on the battlefield. Indeed, during the confrontation, David was ambushed and killed by the treacherous Luf. But once Luf gained command, he still firmly refused to let the Bat Army enter the castle or hand me over, only delivering the Sun Staff to Anderson.”
Stron said: “Looking at it this way, Luf isn’t exactly an unredeemable sinner…”
The princess said: “Indeed! But the ministers and the people inside the castle believe that Luf’s betrayal and assassination of David on the battlefield is absolutely unforgivable. The generals of the Imperial Guard also resent Luf for killing David and are determined to avenge him. To prevent a direct conflict between the castle’s Imperial Guard and the knights outside, I had someone deliver a letter to Luf, instructing him to leave here. Unexpectedly, after Luf departed, Anderson sought him out and put him to use again.”
Stron said: “Then, this lost Sun Staff…”
The princess said: “After I brought Luf back to the castle, he personally told me that the Sun Staff had been stolen three hundred years ago by Anderson’s daughter, Tanya. Tanya, helpless before her father’s cruelty and brutality, seized the opportunity to steal the staff, taking a few trusted followers and guards with her and leaving Sicily, never to be seen again. Since you did not meet Luf this time, know that he set out half a month ago to investigate Tanya’s whereabouts. Yesterday, he sent me a message via carrier pigeon, saying he had found a reliable clue.”
Chen John asked, puzzled: “Oh? Since Luf has found a reliable clue, given Luf’s profound magical abilities, do we still need to assist him, my junior brother and I?”
The princess said: “Luf said Tanya is in seclusion in a remote valley, which locals call the Nether Valley. It is said that the valley’s entrances are guarded by fierce dragons and unparalleled masters, so he is not confident he can enter. Moreover, for this mission, the two priests must bring David—oh, I mean Lin Xiaoyang—and Huang Minhwa along together.”
At this point, Huang Lihua asked perplexedly: “Princess, I can understand letting Xiaoyang go along, but my granddaughter Minhwa knows nothing of martial arts or magic. How can she help?”
The princess said: “Let me tell you a story from the past! Your granddaughter Minhwa is actually the same person as my former personal maid, Eileen, who was like a sister to me. She had long harbored feelings for David, which I had vaguely sensed. On the day David was ambushed by Luf, she saw David’s head hung on the castle gate’s flagpole. In the middle of the night, she rode to the gate, used medicinal wine to sedate the guards of the knight army, retrieved David’s head, and vanished without a trace. A century later, the white-haired Eileen, on her deathbed, personally returned David’s head. She fed the head daily with her fingertip blood, and when I took custody of it, David’s expression was still vivid and lifelike.”
Huang Lihua seemed to have connected the dots and said: “I see, so the princess deliberately arranged for the two of them to unite in this life.”
The princess said: “Yes. Moved by Eileen’s deep devotion to David, I specifically asked the Dragon Knight to deliver a letter to Satan, requesting that he release David’s soul.”
Chen John said in surprise: “Princess, asking Satan for help will surely come at a price. He never does business at a loss.”
The princess said softly: “Indeed! Satan demanded a condition: that I may never become David’s wife.”
Huang Lihua asked in shock: “Never become David’s wife? Princess, did you agree to Satan?”
The princess said: “Yes. I do not want David to remain under Satan’s command. I would rather he return to the mortal world, so I can still see him. Bringing him together with Huang Minhwa is also a way to repay the favor I owe Eileen.”
Chen John asked: “If the princess requires Huang Minhwa to accompany him, she must have a key role, right?”
The princess said: “Yes, priest. Huang Minhwa going with Xiaoyang has two purposes. First, combining their powers can unlock the ancient seal on the Sun Staff, awakening its magic. Second, I had long learned that Tanya cast a curse of resentment; unless David is resurrected and goes to her with his wife, she will neither appear nor surrender the staff.”
Chen John asked further: “But Huang Minhwa knows nothing of martial arts or magic. Can she really help Xiaoyang unlock the staff’s seal?”
The princess said: “Yes. Once Huang Minhwa and Xiaoyang are married and share an intimate bond, the pure yang magnetic field in Xiaoyang’s body will harmonize. Their hearts will be united; Minhwa will quickly learn the skills Xiaoyang has acquired. Together with their combined strength, plus the assistance of the two priests, they may subdue the dragons and guards and enter the Nether Valley.”
Chen John and Stron exchanged a glance. Chen John said meaningfully: “Even the Archmage Luf was unsure about this mission. Indeed, it is extremely arduous.”
The princess said: “Priests, for this mission, please take Adorno, Rona, and Kaise along. At crucial moments, these three should be able to play a role.”
Chen John looked at the three and said: “You three should be mentally prepared. This mission may be one-way!”
Adorno said: “The princess previously consulted us. Although we only now know the details of the mission, we three are determined to see it through, even at the cost of our lives.”
Rona said: “Yes! We carry the souls of many innocent people. If our sacrifice can bring lasting peace to the Dark World and allow those souls to forgive our sins, then our wish is fulfilled.”
Huang Lihua said: “Princess, after we return to the hotel, we will arrange Xiaoyang and Minhwa’s wedding according to your instructions.”
Maria waved her hand, and two maidservants, each holding a long knife and a long sword, came before Chen John and Stron.
The princess said: “This paired sword set was given nearly two hundred years ago by a merchant from Qing China to Napoleon. After Napoleon’s defeat, a collector passed it to me. I feel that this pair of swords, one hard and one soft, represents a balance of yin and yang. Please deliver them to Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhwa as a wedding gift. On the night Xiaoyang slew Anderson, I personally witnessed his mysterious and subtle Eastern swordsmanship. Perhaps these swords will come in handy on the journey to the Nether Valley.”
Chen John and Stron took the long knife and long sword, respectively. Chen John examined the blade: “Even through its scabbard, I can feel the intense blood energy on the blade. Surely many wronged souls have perished by it.”
The princess reminded: “The collector once warned me: once drawn, this pair of swords must taste human blood. Do not kill the innocent by mistake.”
Chen John said: “Understood. I will relay your warning to Xiaoyang.”
The princess rose, approached the two priests, and took a sealed envelope of parchment from her sleeve, handing it to Chen John: “This contains the map to the Nether Valley and the mission to retrieve the Sun Staff. I entrust this to your care. I will see you off.”
Chen John took the envelope and cupped his hands: “We will give it our all.”
The princess personally escorted them out of the hall.
89
The wedding of Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhwa was held at the Heaven Hotel. Huang Lihua represented the bride’s family. Wilson was the musician. Father Stron acted as master of ceremonies, while Father Chen John officiated the ceremony. Robert, Margaret, Rona, and Kaise wore server uniforms, serving as attendants. The ceremony was simple yet solemn.
Musician Wilson played the wedding march on the violin. Huang Lihua was in high spirits. He walked Minhwa down the hall and handed her to Xiaoyang himself.
Huang Lihua said: “Xiaoyang, I entrust Minhwa to you. I know you will treat her well, bringing her joy and happiness.”
Lin Xiaoyang said: “I will, elder… oh, I mean grandfather.”
Xiaoyang’s small slip of the tongue brought laughter from the guests.
Xiaoyang scratched his head, forcing a laugh: “I’m not used to it yet, hehe, not used to it.”
Robert suddenly made a dry joke: “Painter Huang isn’t even bald yet, and he already has a grandson-in-law. This is unfair!”
The guests laughed again.
Huang Lihua said boldly: “Tonight, everyone drinks and dances to their heart’s content. No one leaves sober!”
90
In Room 504, the young couple sat together by the window. The laptop screen was open. Xiaoyang had one arm around Minhwa’s waist and one hand on the mouse. Outside, a thin mist covered the scene, and moonlight shone through, casting a hazy glow.
Xiaoyang said: “Minhwa, the novel I’m writing is called Meeting in This Life.”
Minhwa said: “Oh? When did you start writing it?”
Xiaoyang said: “The night you returned.”
Minhwa teased: “Then who is the heroine?”
Xiaoyang said: “The first part is Huijun, the latter part is you.”
Minhwa feigned generosity: “It’s Huijun, I have no objection.”
Xiaoyang whispered: “A moment of passion is worth a thousand gold, I’ll show you the novel another day. I want to…”
Minhwa’s cheeks blushed crimson, and she lowered her head shyly: “Help me take off my clothes…”
91
The next morning, Xiaoyang woke first, propping his chin with his hand, quietly watching Minhwa’s sleeping posture.
Soon, Minhwa stirred and opened her eyes, her face filling the frame.
Minhwa stretched and yawned: “Xiaoyang, how long have you been awake?”
Xiaoyang said: “A little while. I saw you were still asleep, so I didn’t wake you.”
Minhwa said: “Last night, I had a very long, very long dream…”
Xiaoyang asked: “What did you dream about?”
Minhwa reached out to touch Xiaoyang’s neck, sighing in relief: “It’s okay, you’re fine.”
Xiaoyang said: “I dreamt you held my head in your hands, crying tears like rain over me.”
Minhwa stared at Xiaoyang, astonished: “So you were having the same dream as me?”
Xiaoyang gently stroked her cheek: “It’s all in the past now.”
Minhwa hugged Xiaoyang’s neck, excitedly saying: “I won’t allow your body to disappear again!”
Xiaoyang patted her back softly: “Never in this life! I will always stay with you, Minhwa.”
