The vendor, who was entirely focused on tracing a design, glanced up briefly and answered, "Oh, that’s Alliance Leader Li of the Martial Arts Alliance."
Li Yuezhou: "???"
Lu Zhaoye: "..."
Li Yuezhou gasped, his eyes widening in utter disbelief as he took a voluntary step back.
Noticing the youth's shocked reaction, the vendor frowned in dissatisfaction. "What's that look for? Alliance Leader Li is a thoroughly good man, a true hero through and through. Do you take issue with that?"
"No, no, absolutely not. I was just... surprised to see him here."
"Ah, well, it’s impossible to make it look exactly like him, of course. But don't you think it captures his essence quite well?" The vendor lifted his chin proudly, clearly expecting some praise, before a sudden realization hit him. "Wait, have you two actually met Al
liance Leader Li?"
"Uh, yes, we have. It does indeed carry... a striking resemblance."
"Right?" the vendor boasted gleefully. "I'm not throwing hollow praise around; my craftsmanship is famous across all the surrounding villages!"
Lu Zhaoye cleared his throat, asked for the price, and handed over a few copper coins. He picked up one of the "Alliance Leader Li" sugar paintings and handed it to Li Yuezhou. "Here, hold onto it. Let's keep moving."
Li Yuezhou was still thoroughly dazed by the fact that his father had been turned into a sugar confection, mechanically following Lu Zhaoye as they continued their walk.
"Ahem. Zhou’er might not be fully aware, but when godfather led the righteous sects to repel the Demonic Cult all those years ago, he saved countless lives. His prestige among the common folk is incredibly high."
"I knew my dad was highly respected..." Li Yuezhou muttered. He had been momentarily stunned, but once the initial shock wore off, he found it incredibly amusing. "You know, it actually does look a bit like him."
Li Yuezhou turned the candy over and over. Though the design was simplified, it successfully conveyed a sense of commanding authority, a long sword clutched in his right hand, his robes billowing dramatically, looking fierce yet profoundly majestic.
The more he look
ed at it, the more entertained he became. He leaned in and bit off a chunk, saying with a mischievous grin, "Well, look at that. I’ve gone and eaten my own father."
Lu Zhaoye ruffled his hair, finding the display endearing. "Eat up. If you asked him, godfather would probably gladly offer himself up for you to eat."
"Oh, Brother, don't say such ridiculous things. I just want Father and Brother to stay safe and well." Leaving those words behind, Li Yuezhou clutched his sugar painting and dashed off toward another attraction, leaving the older youth in his wake.
Lu Zhaoye pressed a hand over his heart, feeling a wave of profound warmth wash through him. Many people in this world cared for him and respected him, but... He quickened his pace, catching up to the figure who had scurried ahead.
---
As they chatted along the way, Li Yuezhou managed to piece together a basic understanding of the current state of the martial world.
Back when he was confined to the Alliance, he hadn't known how to ask without sounding suspicious, but now that they were traveling, it was the perfect opportunity to learn.
Aside from the Martial Arts Alliance, there were only three other major righteous sects that commanded significant prestige.
The first was the Shaolin Temple, which maintained deep ties with the imperial court, the common popu
lace, and the martial world alike. It served as a massive pillar of stability for the realm.
The second was the Huayun Sect situated to the southwest. It was the largest sect second only to the Martial Arts Alliance, boasting countless disciples stationed across the lands. Their rules were far more stringent than those of the Alliance, and they served as a frontline force in combating the Demonic Cult.
The third was nestled deep within the Kunwu Mountains. Upon the peaks of Kunwu stood a magnificent tower, a sprawling complex of jade pavilions and crystalline structures.
It was said that during a clear sunrise, if one's luck was fair, one could catch a glimpse of ethereal maidens drifting amidst the morning mist. Of course, those were merely wild rumors circulated by outsiders.
In truth, the Kunwu Sect was comprised entirely of women who had established a sanctuary to live in peace and harmony. The reason they built their home upon the secluded and mysterious Kunwu Mountains was simply to escape the interference of men.
After all, a sanctuary populated solely by women was highly susceptible to drawing the attention of individuals with malicious intentions.
"Along with our Martial Arts Alliance, these three factions hold the highest prestige in the land," Lu Zhaoye explained dutifully as he walked beside him.
"Though the martial world is currently led by the Alliance, the contributions of these three sects cannot be overlooked. Zhou’er, do you still remember the uncles and aunts godfather introduced to you before we left?"
Li Yuezhou nodded, biting off the last piece of his sugar painting. "I rememb
er."
"Uncle Ye is the Sect Master of the Huayun Sect, Aunt Yunchuan is the Vice Sect Master of the Kunwu Sect, and as for Master Daozhen, I’m sure I don't need to explain his background."
Li Yuezhou nodded, his admiration for his father deepening. "Father is truly incredible. Even the friends he keeps are so extraordinary."
"Because Godfather himself is an exceptional man, he naturally draws equally exceptional friends to his side." Lu Zhaoye smiled. "Just like that sugar painting; it is precisely because of his immense prestige that the common people revere him so deeply."
"Brother will definitely become even more incredible in the future! You’ll be even more amazing than Father!" Taking full advantage of his father's absence, Li Yuezhou showered Lu Zhaoye with endless praise. After all, out on the road, he was completely reliant on his Brother!
Lu Zhaoye found the praise immensely satisfying, though comparing him to his Godfather still made him f
eel a bit guilty. He quickly reached out, gently cupping his hand over Li Yuezhou’s mouth. "Alright, alright, keep your voice down."
With his mouth covered, Li Yuezhou simply blinked, his eyes curving into sweet crescents as he smiled. His warm breath brushed against the older youth's palm, sending a tingling, ticklish sensation through his skin. Lu Zhaoye smoothly retracted his hand, his fingers tightening into a quiet fist against his side.
"Would you like to head outside the town gates for a stroll? The wildflowers are blooming beautifully this season, and many locals usually head out to admire them."
"I'd love to!" Li Yuezhou agreed unconditionally to his Brother’s suggestion, and the two walked out of the town gates, sharing laughs and lighthearted banter.
---
Beyond the town gates lay a vast ocean of wildflowers swaying gently with the breeze. They grew wildly along both sides of the thoroughfare, their resilient stems refusing to bow even under the frequent passage of heavy ox carts and horse carriages.
In the distance, green mountains were shrouded in soft mist, while up close, a tapestry of blossoms stretched as far as the eye could see. A single glance was enough to clear one's mind and bring peace to the soul.
Li Yuezhou scanned their surroundings, spotting several young women dressed in vibrant, lovely dresses playing amidst the sea of flowers. The sound of their silver, bell-like laughter drifted over, making the world feel incredibly beautiful.
The two youths found a relatively secluded spot, climbing on
to a clean boulder to sit and quietly admire the scenery before them.
Li Yuezhou leaned back, propping his weight on his hands as he drank in the sweet fragrance of the flowers and bathed in the warm sunlight. He felt truly, fully alive.
This was his new life.
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