[Seventeen] The Archmage Lufu’s Exploration Journey
60
Morning light streamed through the half-open curtains into the room, pale golden patches falling upon the soft bed. Outside the window, birds in the forest chirped, and occasionally a breeze passed through, bringing a hint of the morning’s coolness.
Lin Xiaoyang sat on the edge of the bed, gazing at Xie Huijun, who was still immersed in her dreams. Her face was softened and serene in the morning light, her black hair scattered across the pillow, her chest gently rising and falling with steady breaths. At this moment, she was like a tranquil painting.
Suddenly, Xie Huijun’s brows slightly furrowed, her eyelashes quivered, and then she slowly opened her eyes. She stretched her arms and yawned lazily, her gaze, momentarily hazy, falling upon Lin Xiaoyang before her.
“Huijun, you look so beautiful when you’re asleep.” Lin Xiaoyang said softly, his voice full of tenderness.
Xie Huijun let out a light laugh and reached up to brush aside her messy hair: “Praising me like that, aren’t you afraid I’ll get arrogant?”
“I am speaking the truth.” Lin Xiaoyang’s lips curved into a smile, but his eyes revealed a trace of deep emotion.
Xie Huijun sat up, glanced around, and only then realized she was sleeping in Lin Xiaoyang’s bed. She exhaled lightly and said with a hint of apology, “Sorry for taking your bed last night.”
“It’s okay.” Lin Xiaoyang shook his head, his gaze never leaving her, “Want some coffee?”
“Sure! With creamer, no sugar.”
“Got it.” He smiled, stood up, and walked toward the living room, his steps carrying a trace of lightness.
Xie Huijun watched his departing back, her eyes flickering slightly. Then she got out of bed, her bare feet touching the carpet, and slowly walked toward the washroom.
Soon after, Lin Xiaoyang entered carrying a tea tray, the air filled with the rich aroma of coffee. He handed her a cup and smiled: “Here’s your coffee, rich and flavorful.”
Xie Huijun took the cup, lifted it to her nose to inhale, and closed her eyes slightly, enjoying the aroma: “Mmm, it smells really good.”
“I specifically told the kitchen to brew it with freshly ground beans.” Lin Xiaoyang sat opposite her, lifting his own cup for a sip.
Xie Huijun sipped lightly; the warm coffee melted on her tongue. She put down the cup and exhaled gently: “Thank you.”
“What would you like for breakfast?”
“No need, I’m not hungry yet.”
Lin Xiaoyang looked out the window. Morning light sparkled on the lake’s surface. He suddenly smiled and said, “The weather is nice today. Later we can take a walk by the lake, and I’ll paint a portrait of you.”
Xie Huijun blinked lightly, her lips curving slightly: “Should I put on some makeup?”
“No need, you’re beautiful without it.” Lin Xiaoyang said softly, his tone carrying a hint of serious certainty.
Xie Huijun smiled subtly, her gaze carrying a touch of playfulness: “Really? Your words are still so sweet.”
Lin Xiaoyang gazed at her, his expression suddenly softening and deepening. He sighed lightly: “Huijun, I truly cherish the time I spend with you… I originally thought that we would never—”
Before he could finish, Xie Huijun extended a finger and gently pressed it against his lips. Her gaze was gentle, yet carried an indescribable emotion.
“It’s all past now, Xiaoyang.” She said softly, her fingertip trembling slightly.
Lin Xiaoyang stared at her, silent for a moment, and finally nodded slowly: “Yes, it’s all past now.”
The sunlight remained bright, the air still warm, yet Lin Xiaoyang, immersed in long-lost happiness, did not notice the momentary complexity in Xie Huijun’s eyes, nor did he remember that far away in Paris, Huang Minhua…
61
By the shores of Lake Lucerne, the wind was gentle and the sun bright, the turquoise waves rippling lightly. The lake’s surface reflected the azure sky, a few swans gliding leisurely, occasionally dipping their heads into the water, sending up tiny ripples. The flower beds by the lake were ablaze with blooms—red, yellow, purple—intertwining to form a picture teeming with life. On the grass, several couples spun to the strains of a lilting waltz, skirts fluttering, light-hearted laughter rippling through the air. Two children ran barefoot, excitedly chasing dragonflies, their laughter clear and ringing like bells.
Under the shade of a stand of white poplars by the lake, Lin Xiaoyang was focused on painting a portrait of his girlfriend, Xie Huijun. Sitting on a wooden chair, Huijun held a book, her slender fingers gently turning the pages, occasionally lifting her gaze to the distance, the corners of her mouth carrying a faint, almost imperceptible smile. Morning light filtered through the leaves and fell upon her hair, soft shadows outlining her serene and beautiful profile.
A middle-aged man, dressed in a linen trench coat and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, walked slowly toward them. His steps were light, his gaze sharp; although disguised as an ordinary tourist, he could not conceal his extraordinary aura. He was none other than the Archmage—Lufu.
He approached slowly, standing behind Lin Xiaoyang, hands clasped in front of his chest, observing the painting with keen interest. Passersby in small clusters also paused, casting curious glances at the emerging portrait.
Lufu smiled slightly and murmured to himself: “I didn’t expect to find a street artist here as well.”
Hearing the voice, Lin Xiaoyang tilted his head slightly and nodded to him amicably. The charcoal in his hand did not stop, continuing to trace Huijun’s eyebrows and eyes.
Lufu’s gaze fell upon the canvas, yet a flicker of shock arose in his heart. That familiar face… His eyes darkened slightly, a wave of doubt and unease surging within him.
“Annie?” he murmured inwardly, his eyes discreetly scanning Xie Huijun’s face. Her hair had returned to its natural black, her eyes still gentle, yet subtly emanating a familiarity that unsettled him.
“I had her distract David, and now she is so close to this painter… If he really is the reincarnated David…” Lufu narrowed his eyes, his fingertips tightening slightly.
He pondered silently, ultimately deciding to remain still, observing the situation.
At that moment, the distant path carried the cheerful ringing of bells. Several young couples rode tandem bicycles toward them; the girls’ laughter sounded like silver bells, and a youthful, vibrant atmosphere filled the air.
Watching this scene, a long-dormant memory suddenly stirred in Lufu’s heart—
In his youth, he had ridden a bicycle, the girl on the back tightly holding his waist.
“Lufu, watch out ahead!”
The girl’s silvery laughter floated in the wind, brushing lightly past his ear. He looked back; her golden hair glimmered in the sunlight, her smile radiant.
“Don’t worry, Maria, I’ll take you to the most beautiful place!”
He pedaled with effort, riding through the country path toward the hillside blooming with wildflowers. They stopped on the slope; the girl jumped off the bike joyfully, running among the flowers, chasing the butterflies fluttering gracefully. Sunlight fell, her laughing face frozen into an eternal picture…
That was the purest, most beautiful time of his life.
Lufu returned to the present, watching the laughing couples before him, his heart swirling with complex emotions. His gaze again fell on Lin Xiaoyang and Xie Huijun, eyes deep and unfathomable.
Perhaps, the bond of this life has only just begun…
62
In a corner of the lobby of the Paradise Hotel, a warm yellow wall lamp cast soft shadows, illuminating a man dressed in a dark trench coat. The brim of his hat was pulled low, concealing most of his face, his fingers tapping slowly on the table, like a pendulum marking the rhythm of time. The air was filled with the scent of sandalwood burning in the fireplace. The people quietly conversing around him did not notice the Archmage—Lufu—who was hidden among the crowd.
However, Xie Huijun recognized him.
She walked through the crowd, her skirt brushing lightly against the marble floor of the lobby, and moved slowly toward the corner. Her gaze was scrutinizing, tinged with subtle testing, and finally, when she was a few steps away from him, she spoke softly:
“Archmage, I am Annie. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
Lufu’s fingers stopped, he lightly tapped the table once, lifted his eyes to look at her, his gaze foggy and unfathomable. He shook his head almost imperceptibly, signaling her to lower her voice.
Huijun smiled faintly, pretending to be casual as she asked, “May I sit down?”
Lufu reached out and pulled open the chair opposite him, the corners of his mouth curling into a meaningful smile:
“Of course, beautiful and gracious lady.”
She sat down elegantly, her fingers unconsciously stroking the glass cup on the table, her voice lowered as she said: “Thank you, Mage.”
Lufu leaned forward slightly, gazing at her with profound eyes, speaking slowly and deeply: “Earlier, in the café in the small town, I heard that a fierce fight had taken place here not long ago?”
Huijun’s heart tightened, her eyelids lowering as if she were lost in thought. After a moment, she lifted her head, a glimmer of calculation in her eyes—Lufu has already heard the news, I might as well turn it to my advantage…
She controlled her expression, a trace of sorrow appearing between her brows, her voice carrying a hint of compassion: “I only heard about it after arriving here… George and Jack, the two guardians, were both defeated by ‘Gui Jian Chou’—Chen Yuehan. Jack, unwilling to bear humiliation, beheaded himself, while George… was forced to nullify his own magic, and now his body is crippled.”
Upon hearing this, Lufu’s brow furrowed slightly, the tapping of his fingers on the table pausing for an instant. His eyes darkened, as if pondering, and then he spoke softly:
“This ‘Gui Jian Chou’ is indeed not to be underestimated… And what about the people he brought? Have they all been captured by Maria?”
Huijun let out a soft sigh, her eyes flickering, and answered quietly:
“They have all surrendered, taken the elixirs granted by Princess Maria, and were brought to the Sky Castle…”
Lufu’s gaze sharpened slightly, his fingertips sliding unconsciously on the table. He calculated in his mind—the Duke’s subordinates are all opportunists who shift with the wind… it seems, the Duke’s failure is already inevitable.
One of his thoughts, however, had already been caught by Huijun. She tilted her head slightly, the corners of her mouth curling into a faint, almost imperceptible smile, thinking to herself: “Lufu, you ultimately cannot escape my mind-reading…”
At this moment, at the other end of the lobby, Wilson quietly observed them. He stood by the counter, pretending to organize account books, but in truth, he was secretly studying Lufu’s movements.
Lufu ignored the prying eyes, withdrew his thoughts, and looked directly at Huijun, slowly asking:
“The young painter who is with you, that is David, right?”
Huijun nodded, a trace of gentleness in her eyes, her tone unconsciously softening: “Yes, he is the reincarnation of David, named Lin Xiaoyang. Now… he is with me.”
Lufu smiled faintly, seemingly a little relieved, and said slowly: “While he has not yet turned toward Maria, you must secure him as soon as possible. With his addition, the Duke still has a chance to turn the tables.”
Huijun lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously stirring the coffee in her cup, a faint trace of helplessness appearing between her brows. She spoke softly: “I will do my best… but he seems only interested in painting. Toward me… he is indifferent. Honestly, I have no confidence I can persuade him.”
Lufu pondered for a moment, sighed, and his tone softened slightly: “As long as he does not turn toward Maria, that is enough. If you like him, then be with him.”
Huijun was startled, looking up at Lufu, her gaze complex, her voice trembling slightly: “But… humans and ghosts follow different paths… if I continue to be with him, I will endanger him.”
Lufu looked at her deeply, then said slowly: “In fact, when I rescued you from the White Wolf’s Gui Yequan back then, I once read your personal diary… I was moved by the depth of your feelings for your boyfriend.”
Huijun’s fingers trembled slightly, her heart skipping a beat.
Lufu continued: “I did not want you to fall into the path of ghosts, so I used my own blood to wash away the vampire virus in your body, and used magic to remove the curse on your soul… because, in you, I seemed to see the young Princess Maria.”
Huijun held her breath, gripping her knees tightly, whispering: “Mage… you mean, I am a normal person?”
Lufu nodded slightly, his tone distant and deep: “You always have been. Though you died once, I saved you, and protected you with magic, so that the leader and the horde of ghosts believed you were one of them… I also specially instructed Jack to ensure your safety.”
Huijun smiled bitterly, her gaze vacant, her voice low: “But I lost my memory… I feel as if I am just a walking corpse.”
Lufu sighed lightly, his tone tinged with regret: “Between two harms, one must choose the lesser. To eliminate Gui Yequan’s curse, I had no choice but to also erase your past.”
Huijun’s eyes became misty, her voice trembling slightly: “Mage… why tell me all this?”
Lufu was silent for a moment, then finally spoke softly: “I have a premonition… we will not see each other again… I hope you can find true happiness.”
Huijun’s heart jolted, tears forming at the corners of her eyes, she whispered two words softly: “Grateful…”
Lufu smiled faintly, his gaze deep but carrying a hint of warmth: “Put yourself in another’s heart… you and I, in the end, are both people trapped by love.”
Huijun lowered her head, her emotions turbulent. Over three hundred years had passed, yet in his heart… he still remembered her.
63
When Lufu set foot on Sicily, the night had already deepened. In the distance, the waves crashed against the rocks, bringing bursts of damp, salty, fishy air. Draped in a black robe, he walked along the winding mountain path, passing through hidden dark tunnels between layers of cliffs, until he arrived at the gates of Bat City. The city gate was towering and foreboding, with stone-carved bats on either side spreading their wings. Their crimson eyes flickered with eerie light in the darkness. The black-armored guards on duty silently parted to make way, and Lufu walked in slowly. A faint scent of blood lingered in the air.
He pushed open the heavy oak doors and entered the hall. Golden candle flames flickered, illuminating the ancient murals on the walls—depicting battles of old, with countless warriors fallen in pools of blood, and in the center, standing with a billowing cloak, was a man—Anderson himself.
Anderson sat on a high-backed throne. Seeing Lufu enter, he immediately stood and strode forward, his gaze sharp as an eagle: “Archmage, how is the situation in Switzerland?”
Lufu stopped in his tracks, drew a deep breath, and said in a low voice: “The situation is extremely unfavorable for Your Lordship.”
Anderson furrowed his brow, his voice deep: “Explain in detail.”
Lufu walked to the long table, lightly tapped his fingers on its surface, as if organizing his words, and then slowly spoke: “I have gathered intelligence. The Lord’s left and right guardians sent to Switzerland have already suffered the deadly hands of ‘Gui Jian Chou’ Chen Yuehan. Worse still, the batch of brothers they took with them has all surrendered to Princess Maria.”
Hearing this, Anderson’s hand involuntarily clenched into a fist, veins bulging, his voice dropping a few octaves: “Even they have surrendered?”
“Not only that…” Lufu lifted his head, his gaze sharp as a blade, “those who had originally stayed neutral, the liberal human-ghosts, have now also submitted to the Princess. The Princess’s influence already controls two-thirds of the Dark World.”
As soon as he finished speaking, the hall fell into dead silence, the burning candles emitting faint crackling sounds.
Anderson’s face turned iron-gray. He slammed his palm onto the table with a tremendous crash: “How is this possible! I have ruled the Dark World for hundreds of years; how could I be turned against by a little girl!?”
Lufu sighed lightly, his tone softened: “My Lord, I must make you understand the severity of the reality… If you insist on taking action at this moment—”
“Is heaven trying to destroy me!? No, I refuse!” Anderson spun around violently, his crimson eyes burning with fury, “Men!”
The White Wolf and Black Bear generals immediately stepped forward, kneeling on one knee and clenching their fists: “My Lord!”
“Summon all elite forces immediately! Prepare for war! I will fight Princess Maria to the death!” Anderson’s voice echoed throughout the hall, filled with irrevocable determination.
Seeing this, Lufu shook his head, his tone heavy: “My Lord, please think twice… The situation is stronger than men. If you attack rashly, the consequences may be unimaginable.”
Anderson’s eyes blazed like fire, teeth gritted, as he said: “Rather than sit and await death, I choose to strike first! Even if it is the final battle, it is better than living in cowardly survival!”
The White Wolf and Black Bear exchanged a glance, hesitated for a moment, but finally clasped their fists: “As ordered!”
Seeing that the situation was settled, Lufu could only sigh helplessly. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly said: “Since My Lord has made up his mind, I suggest a strategy of dividing the forces into multiple routes. First, harass several major cities to distract the attention of the Church and the government, exhausting them so they cannot concentrate their main forces. Then our main army will directly strike Milan, proceed into Switzerland, and head straight for Lake Lucerne.”
The White Wolf frowned slightly and spoke in a low voice: “But… we still have not confirmed the exact entrance to the Sky Castle. Acting rashly in this manner may result in doubled effort with half the success.”
Lufu smiled coldly: “That is precisely my plan. We will deliberately set fires everywhere, create chaos, and force Maria to dispatch her Iron-blooded Guard. As long as we can crush her main force in a local battlefield, we can capture prisoners and extract from them the secret passages of the Sky Castle. By that time—Maria will have nowhere to escape!”
Anderson’s eyes brightened, and he nodded: “Brilliant strategy! Then let us act according to plan, advance in coordinated attacks!”
Lufu nodded slightly, but a trace of unease stirred in his heart. He looked toward the Sicilian coast under the night sky, knowing in his heart that this war would be a trial of blood and fire…
