HAHA omg Xie Lian!!! You're so seductive XD Even though it's only taking on your form loool woooow dem curves tho ML's detailed armour reminds me of Touken Ranbu somehow lol kinky times Thank you Yuslia, you've successfully slain me with just pictures. That's it.
no need to apologize sweetie <3 aaaaah young ML is so precious "dies" ooh ooh what did he propose? also is ML responsible for the sky Lanterns (?) http://xiaojie81990.lofter.com/post/1d9a3044_112a43b4 http://xianyugali.lofter.com/post/1d390e68_112a98c7 http://chenmiwangxiandefunu.lofter.com/post/1ea385cc_112a721a http://sorrrra.lofter.com/post/1cf54edf_1129f3ff
Actually…I don’t enjoy reading this last part to the flashback. I know it’s just this part then, we return to the somewhat easy-going pace, 800 years after (and are the latest chapters interesting!) but this is important to the story…I just don’t like it though. DX;;; It’s too heart-breaking for me. MC-!! //wails. Welp, interesting revelations ahead: Spoiler: 84 -That guy runs about madly, knocking pedestrians over in the main street and is then hit by a carriage. Blood flies everywhere and many witnesses at the scene are very alarmed. -Because of issues cropping up again, MC has no choice but to set aside kid!ML’s problem and focus on the present situation. -The frenzied man who’s been hit fainted but as MC approached, he suddenly leaps up shrieking for someone to quickly kill him. -People are horrified, confused etc etc as said man flips out, falls to the ground and eats dirt. -People draw back further in horror when they see the face on the guy’s cheek. Face on a face. Faceception. -The second face looks like an old man, all wrinkled and very ugly. Poor guy. Sux to get a second face but an ugly one?? (Note - that face is the size of an adult’s palm.) -MC’s like: What is this monster?! and brandishes his sword. -Suddenly, someone from the crowd tremulously utters, terrified, “He…How did he become like this?” -MC catches on quick and questions that speaker, “You know this person?” -The man replies that yes, of course, he works with that guy after all. -MC orders the crowd of onlookers not to get close and potential-disciple!ML helpfully separates the people from that man but MC doesn’t notice… Shifu, notice him! -MC’s telepathically called FX and MQ to come to the main street and also questions that nervous coworker standing at the side, for any other details he can share. -The coworker hesitantly answers that a few days ago, he himself had something growing on his chest. (No, not manboobs but something else). That man removes his shirt to reveal an indistinct face and is shocked. It’s wasn’t so life-like before! -Terrified, that man seizes MC, begging for salvation. -MC tells him to calm down, projecting a serious, calm facade while the cogs in his brain are turning rapidly. These faces gradually grow, reminiscent of the way an onset of an illness occurs. Tentatively referring to these faces as a symptom of a possible disease, MC comes to the conclusion that there may be more people unaware of their own condition than it seems. -Immediately, MC orders MQ and FX to conduct a city-wide search for anybody who’re also exhibiting identical or similar symptoms. -Results: In the entire capital of XL, there were 5 people whose symptoms have reached the stage where the faces are distinct while more than a dozen of people are in earlier stages where the face has not yet formed. -These more than a dozen people affected by the ailment, most of which are women and youngsters, all seemed to recognise one another and some even comforted each other. Turns out that some of these people are even neighbours and all of them live in the outskirts of the city. This brings up the possibility of the disease being like an infection. -MC heads to that area at the edge of the capital, having the people residing there to evacuate. -There is a large large forest nearby that area known as the Forest of No Peace(?), that was intended to be used as a temporary quarantine area by the ministers for placing the “sick”. -However, in that very forest, there are already people who’ve set up camp in here. The further in the woods they went, the more apprehensive MC felt as an thought began to weigh heavier in his heart. -Turns out the Forest of No Peace is actually where LY had personally dug a hole in the ground to bury the corpse of his son. -There’s actually a foul stench of rotting corpse lingering, thick and choking. -MC warns the normal people not to come over as they go over to the source of the stink to dig it up. The not normal person, FX goes over to do the job, shovelling up soil until reaching a small, black-coloured thing, that seemed like it was faintly wiggling… -It suddenly arches from the ground, the bloated figure swelling enormously out of the ground in front of everyone’s faces. The putrid smell intensifies like hoooooly. -Everyone’s all, “Burn it with fire!!” and they do. (Disclaimer: No actual forests were hurt as a result of this chapter, neither before nor after its creation/upload. I think;; ) -As the fire’s raging on, the city gate’s are sounding alarms. -The gang moves quickly back to the city. -The epidemic has spread. And within 6 days. more than 50 people are suspected of displaying symptoms of the disease. (Note: the epidemic is called the Human Face Plague) -On top of dealing with the outbreak of this frightening plague, YA’s attacks are becoming increasingly frequent. -The affected people are now isolated away from the rest of the populace in the capital. Lots of energy and magic power is being focussed that area. -The isolation zone has grown from 20-something people to nearly a hundred. Magic is being used to ease the symptoms. -One guy latches onto MC’s clothes, “Your Highness, I'm not going to die, am I?” -MC recognises this man as the same one who had given MC the umbrella that rainy day. -MC, recalling that day, feels warm in his heart and crouches, replying earnestly, “I’m prepared to (save you) at all costs” -Convinced, the man happily lies back down. Every one of the people residing in this area are placing all their faith in MC and even give birth to a little self-blame, wanting to find a cure quickly. -There is a stretcher that helpers are transporting from the Forest of No Peace (MQ: 4th or 5th body) -In actuality, the epidemic does not kill which is even more horrifying because that would mean that from then on, the patient would have tho bear those “faces” for the rest of their life. This leads to a loss of courage to live out their lives, esp. for the women who’ve been afflicted with the disorder. Some women would even rather to die than to live with the plague. -MC and MQ overhear a conversation where someone laments what the use of not losing the war is, looking at the current state of affairs. -If FX were present, he’d scolded those speakers while MQ waits until those people have gone before he retorts, “Truly the opinions of commoners, only blaming gods and accusing others. Can it be that they expect a military deity to take responsibility over everything?” -But MC's also internally agreeing with what that guy had said. -It seems not one person from YA’s side are experiencing any of the Human Face plague symptoms -It’s concluded that this plague is the handiwork of ghosts, a curse. (Infection is ruled out because even the soldiers under MC’s command don’t catch the plague as easily as the common people despite drinking & eating together etc) -MC and co. suspect that the origin of the curse is from LY’s son. But it’s only a suspicion. There really isn’t any traces of the curse to lead back to its source. -Although the people “infected” are women, young children, teens, elderly and the men who aren’t of best constitutions, MQ, MC & FX think something’s up and don’t easily label the plague as a simple infection. Spoiler: 85 -MC, MQ and FX are investigating and they’re still confused. What have the soldiers done/or are doing that makes them resist the epidemic form spreading to them? -MC thinks of something and he pales, eyes wide. He’s thought of an awful speculation and it shakes him. MC needs to test it, though his heart is hoping that he’s proven wrong. -FX and MQ are both tense but in the next moment, they're squabbling with each other. (Man, their fighting is legendary in of itself. I mean, even 800 years after, they’re still fighting like cats and dogs with each other whenever they meet omg MC, how do you put up with them lol) With knit brows, MQ spoke, “Your Highness, if you want to determine if your own speculation is right or not, you need to use a living person to test it on. This is the most appropriate method. You fretting is of no use.” FX also knit his brows, “Don’t you see how vexed he is? Don't say these kinds of words right now.” MQ turned around, “Strange, what was it that I said? Was I not speaking the truth? Reaching this point and still hesitating and being at a loss, what use is there? Disgusted, FX retorted, “What are you doing here, even thinking of weighing out their usefulness? They’re living people, hesitate a little. Aren’t you being too cold?” MQ snarked, “Cold? Are you perhaps trying to say that I’m cold-blooded?” MC no longer had the patience to gently mediate between the two like all the other previous times, “You two, just one word and you’re both gearing up for an argument, what's next? The two of you will stand right here, right now for one incense stick’s time. Within this one incense stick’s time, no one can move. (Follow) the established rules.” “…” “…” As soon as they heard the three words, “the established rules”, FX and MQ both faintly paled. MC waved a hand, “天官赐福, begin.” A while before FX clenched his jaw, “… …福星高照 (A lucky star rising).”^ MQ was also grinding his teeth, “… …照本宣科 (Rising (according) to the rules).”^ Struggling, FX braved on, “科(Rules)……科(Rules)……” ^paraphrased and juggled with the meaning of the original words to crudely fit them together. Even though I’ve mangled them beyond recognition, these are actually idioms lol.-As FX was strenuously pondering on how he should continue, MC turned around and simply entered the Forest of No Peace, searching for the three soldiers who’ve fallen ill for an interrogation. The so-called established rules was a way of distracting their attention that MC had thought up of. FX and MQ, whether there’s something on or not, are always battling it out with their words. What sets off an argument is neither big nor small. Once they start quarrelling though, MC will get them to stand silently for one incense stick’s time, not allowing either parties to say a single word until they’ve cooled their heads. However, this yielded little to no results, so consequently after, MC adapted it into making them play the game where the last word of an idiom is the first of the next. There was the motivation to emerge victorious and in this way, the two’s brains wouldn’t be idle enough to cause trouble again. After discovering that this was a great method, MC felt that he understood world peace a lot more clearly (??) and was immensely pleased. lol -Anyways, MC’s going around questioning all the soldiers, and personally asked more than 300. To the question he poses, all 300 soldiers have answered in the same way. -MC’s more certain that the plague is a curse. -MC heads to Cang Shan and meets with the GS asking for an audience with the Heavenly Emperor (??) -GS replies that Heaven’s Great Door will not open for MC. -MC knows but he still want to try to ask if the HE knows about the source of the curse. -It’s not that GS refuses to help MC but there’s no use. Even if HE were to possess GS’s body and speak to MC, it won’t be the words MC is looking for. -Paling, MC asks GS if he knows what the creep in white really is? -GS asks in return what MC is trying to achieve. He descended and meddled with the affairs between the two countries. When it came to war, he let them survive and grow stronger each time. What is he trying to do? Does he think that both sides will repent and return to harmoniously living together as a country? -Hearing this makes MC feel a bit ashamed, but he’s confused more than anything. (Classic case of “the road to hell is paved with good intentions”.) -The cause of this epidemic is MC’s interference. -Because MC is a god and him getting involved with the humans will tip the scales. Something else has entered the scene to balance it out (?) -Nevertheless, it’s too late. Even if MC were to withdraw from influencing the humans, the thing that’s been brought over will not disappear. -Just like how it’s not easy for deities to intervene, ghosts/demons etc can’t easily tamper with the humans either. -Hearing this, MC figures that he might as well just stay here and do his best to fight ’til the end. -Half a month later, LY leads the YA army to strike again. -It’s become a truly powerful army that resembles nothing like how it had started out as. -MC is still using his magic to have it rain in YA. -LY’s got the aura of a king which prevents MC from killing him even though this is the first time MC has ever resolved himself to kill LY;; -The capital manage to fend off YA but the outcome of that battle can barely be called victory. MC considers it a loss in fact. Because many on his side have lost and MC was even stabbed. -MQ has also informed MC that in just one day, another 100 people have been afflicted with the plague. -Basically, a pyrrhic victory for XL side. -The face plague has progressed in some, to a stage where the faces move around and chew grass…Like for the faces on that umbrella dude's legs, they’ve been wasted from all the faces on them that move and graze… -Magic doesn’t seem to work despite MC’s efforts. A nearby physician asks to try amputation or at least, cutting out the faces homg I feel a little queasy;;; MC agrees because what choice do they have? Physicians are too scared to do the amputating btw. -The sword has not yet touched the leg before the mouths stop chewing and scream out. -More freaking out happens and MC eventually gets the job done, removing the dude of his left leg afflicted with those dreadful faces. -Guy who’s amputated exclaims that MC has saved him!! -It’s sad, the way the chapter ended was both terrifying and heart-breaking. I feel so sorry for MC, this was something he ever predicted nor intended when he decided to descend and “help out” his people. Spoiler: 86 -MC only amputates a few people to see if they’ll relapse even after amputation. -But the people only beg for MC to help them and clamour, saying that they’re willing to take the risk. -Still, MC is adamant. If within a period of time those people do not show signs of relapsing, then he will spare no effort to rescue and treat everyone with medicine. -MC’s clothes are messy with ash/dust, sand and even bloodstains that can’t be brushed off neatly. Head and face filthy with grime, MC falls asleep under a tree. -Who knows how long had passed before MC awoke to hearing FX calling for him. As he rises, he feels something slipping down his body and looks down to see a worn-out patched-up blanket spread over him. Probably from a potential disciple, hiding in the bushes. Who knows? -Only two days later after assuring the people, more than a dozen of the patients had actually secretly amputated themselves, cutting into their flesh to dig out the faces. Because it was done improperly, there was ghastly blood loss. It was painful to see that they had buried themselves within blankets to muffle the noise, afraid of alerting anyone nearby of their actions. In the end, some died without a sound. -Furious, MC scolds them. This is the first time the believers had ever seen MC being so angry and directing it towards them. They bowed their heads without a single word. -The believers are beginning to waver in their faith to MC -MC is so angry that he leaves to go back to that mountain, shouting for the white creep to show himself. -MQ and FX are trying to calm down MC before they hear a sound behind them. Turning back, they see the pasty white creeper lounging up there among the branches of a tree. -Seeing him, MC loses all reason and speeds forth, murderous. -Pale ghost goads MC and even proposes to MC that there’s a method of winning this war. -MC sighs in relief and urges the guy to quickly, speak! (Oh MC…) -The creep whispers something to MC who becomes incensed because that’s not the solution MC is seeking! -MC demands for his identity. The creep responds with a prompt for MC to remove his mask. -Beneath that mask is a face identical to MC. ...Even though dear authoress has pulled this card on me before, I keep falling for it and end up hanging off the side of that dastardly cliff...orz Spoiler: 87 -Enraged, MC hacks and slashes at the body. It’s actually an empty vessel! -MC takes his anger out on the vessel, but as it looks identical to MC, the sight of MC savagely slaughtering “himself” disturbs both FX and MQ. -In fact, the creep had told MC the way to create a human epidemic. -MC, not wanting to see the soldiers nor the patients, returns to the palace. -It seems that all the faces growing on XL people are the YA people who’ve died from the drought. -MQ actually agrees with the creep’s “solution” of returning the favour and cursing YA people back using the resentment of XL just like how the YA side has done so far. -MC vehemently vetoes the notion. He’s going to think of other ways. -MQ and FX break out into a fight again. But this is a big fight. It cools in the end, yet this is a knot between MQ and FX that won’t really get resolved for a long time, if ever imo… -All of a sudden, the trio feel a burst of extreme trembling. An earthquake has struck and they hasten to the scene. -just before they can leave though, they're stopped when from below the bench (lol wtf) a person cries, “Cousin! Cousin don’t forget me!!! Bring me too ah!” (omg QR. Yeah, this is the palace and yeah, these quarters have been unused for years, but!!! This is still the Crown Prince’s bedroom!!) -There are no casualties but the Heavens’ Pagoda is falling. This pagoda was a symbol of the XL palace and was constructed at the heart of the palace and city and yet now, it is tilted on its side, crumbling. -Another tremor shakes the place as the golden image form Tai Cang Shan literally pops off its golden seat and races down the mountain, avoiding stepping on the people below and prevents the Pagoda from collapsing onto its side completely by holding it up. Spoiler: 88 -Looking at the stiff, golden and magnificently bright face of the statue, MC feels uneasy, wondering if that’s truly him? -However, there’s a burst of pressure weighing heavily on MC, as the Pagoda is indeed extremely heavy after all. -This is the first time (of the many following;; ) that MC’s ever felt so powerless. -Arms trembling, MC grits his teeth and heaves that Pagoda back into place. -Witnessing this, people below are cheering, and imploring for him to save them, the common people! -QR had actually overheard MC’s conversation with FX and MQ about the creep’s “solution” of cursing back at the YA people, and eagerly volunteers himself to help MC curse the YA side. -MC can’t even get angry at this point anymore - he’s exhausted, but he still firmly refutes QR -QR blabs too loudly and soon, the people in the vicinity hear about a possible “cure” and urge MC to tell them etc, noisily hounding MC for a solution to their questions, to their problems etc. MC struggles to reply. -MC gets FX to take QR away but as he’s doing so, QR catches onto MC’s sleeve, expectantly prodding MC, “Cousin, you’ll definitely defeat those YA people and drive them away, right? You’ll protect us, you absolutely will! Right?” -Sad, if it were a few months prior, MC would’ve readily answered, “I will protect you all!”, but now, MC is only staring at QR confusedly. -QR isn’t the type to really care about anyone else. Why is he getting so excited? MC then remembers that QR’s father seems to have been from YA. -Anyways, QR is dragged away with lots of shouting etc. His words are like stakes driving into MC’s heart. Man, talk about pressure;;; -MC’s magical power seems to be depleting to low levels from all that rain summoning for YA, and to support the gold image, he couldn’t leave his spot at that moment. -The believers initially praying to the golden image at Cang Shan also followed the statue and continued praying at the palace. Although, not everyone can enter the palace to pray, people are flocking in because of the huge giant-sized figure-shaped hole that’s been made by the golden god image bursting in like kool aid. -The emperor wasn’t looking like he had it any easier than MC himself. Exhausted and appearing years older. While the father and son duo had nothing to say to each other when they met, their silence is more harmonious than it has ever been in the past. -The empress seeing how much suffering her son is going through, how weathered he’s looking, feels that her heart is blocked with immeasurable grief and pain. MC fearing that she may be standing there for too long, coaxes her to leave. -Hearing this, empress cannot hold the tears at bay anymore. To conceal her haggardness, empress’ makeup was caked on thick, but the tear tracks running down her cheeks revealed how much she’s physically aged from all the stress and worry. She cries, but she still doesn’t dare cry loudly, afraid the commoners would find out. -Staring at his mother, MC reflects to himself. During moments of hardship, people will think about the person they love the most. For MC, it is undoubtedly his mother. Perhaps there is no use in thinking this but, suffering day after day, being cut apart slice by slice until the present, in this moment, MC genuinely wants to revert back into a ten year old child who can throw himself at his mother, and cry within her arms. -Still, in the end, MC grits his teeth and reassures his mother, telling her that he is not suffering. -Suffering and not suffering, only he knows clearly within his heart. -His parents step back, leaving towards the exit. MC is once more exposed to the rays of the scorching sun and soon, nods off. -MC opens his eyes to the sun setting, and only a few believers are still remaining. -It’s only when he bows his head that MC catches sight of a sprig of flowers not far from his side, all alone. -MC is not at all certain where from and how long ago this flower has been taken and placed here, he turns his hands and picks it up. -It is an incredibly small flower. A snow white flower with a clear green stem and a tender, young stalk, still sprinkled with dew that looked like teardrops and gave it a very pitiful appearance. It’s faint fragrance that brought forth a sense of familiarity was unremarkable, yet penetrated his heart deeply. -He couldn’t help bringing the flower close, pressing it near the place his heart was. -Abruptly, the smell of blood overpowered the quiet flower’s fragrance as a figure rushed madly towards him. -The figure turned out to be the one-legged dude who had given MC that umbrella. He lifts up the only pant leg to reveal a face on his right leg. The man is collapsing beyond the brink as he grills MC, a frenzied glint in his eyes that greatly contrasts against the warmth that MC had seen when he'd given that umbrella to MC eons ago. -Suddenly, MC’s bombarded by all the people who’ve relapsed, crying, why it has returned and how will they be cured?! (The people who’ve been quarantined have broken through the barrier of soldiers to dash towards MC and plead for him to save them.) -Anyways, a fight breaks out as confusion and panic stirs the crowd. -It ends with the mob getting angry at MC, emotions boiling over on both sides. MC’s confusion and helplessness renders him speechless as accusations are slung forth from the angry mob. -MC’s complexion was pale, eyes empty as innumerable arms pushed forward and pushed back, there were even hands clutching fiercely and viciously at his neck. MC was clearly a deity, yet from the bottom of his heart cried a feeble voice, “… …Save me ah-!” -Those people were tearing into him for some time when, from the distance, came the horn sounding. Everyone was too preoccupied with their own crying and howling to pay any attention but upon hearing this, MC was brought back from his daze. He knew that this was the horn sounding the victory of the YA people. -It was unknown whether MC wasn’t able to continue sitting anymore, or unable to go on continuing to support himself when his body collapsed, body bending into a kneel. Simultaneously, the 50 foot golden god image he had been laboriously propping up for a number of days, was no different to MC’s movements as it toppled over in a lifeless manner with a thunderous rumble. -While the body itself isn’t broken, the statue has become too fragile. People flee from the area to escape death by crushing. -MC with both hands covering his head, staggered along all the way towards the Capital’s great entrance gate. -City gates' tower is on fire. As black smoke and chaos spreads rapidly, MC goes up the high balcony, passes by countless soldiers. From the blurred vision, MC sights a familiar silhouette of that white figure, who seems to easily spot him in the distance and waves a sleeve beckoningly at MC, appearing as if he was going to easily and swiftly vanish. -Seeing this, MC’s stern voice rings out, “Don’t leave!!!” -MC feels as if that figure is it’s true form. (The form is of a young man btw, not a teen) -Unhesitatingly, MC jumps down from the tower. -In his life, MC has done all sorts of jumps and amazing feats etc, with his high (level/amount of) power and martial arts, he’s always landed perfectly fine. But he’s not longer a legend. This time, when MC jumps, he doesn’t land properly. A bolt of intense pain shocks him. MC has broken his leg(s). (it seems more content was added after this later) -It’s not like breaking his leg is a big deal for MC (physically), but from that day onwards, MC seemed to have become a different person. -It seems like as if he’s thrown away his immortal soul in general and became much more human. -He can’t stop his grip from trembling vigorously when he holds onto his sword. -The XL army experiences consecutive defeats. -MC loses the respect of his soldiers, bit by bit. -MC himself isn’t clear as to what he’s afraid of that’s making him tremble this way. ;o; -But MC is aware of the gossip people have begun to spread about him: What military god! This is evidently a demon of the plague! -MC can’t refute those rumours and had even begun to doubt himself: Is it possible that he’d truly turned into a demon of plagues? -It seemed so because te plague got out of control and soon, MC stopped asking each day how many people had been infected. (500, 1000, 2000, 3000 people etc etc) -Finally, a verdict was issued and MC could return back to heaven. -MQ and FX are uneasy as to what awaits MC when they return, however, MC’s mind is preoccupied, and he simply informs the two that he would like to visit a place first. -MC wants to visit the temple (@tai cang shan) -The temple, Huang Ji Guan (@ tai cang shan), was the first temple where MC had risen steeply from level ground, and it was also the first temple where his god image construction project was completed at. But under the request of GS, the three thousand disciples had long ago disbanded and left the mountain. Now, Huang Ji Guan simply stands as an empty temple, nothing more. -As they near the temple, the trio see it being set on fire. FX is upset, and tells MC not to look -These days, FX was often scolding MC who’s often dazed and almost a shadow of his former self. -The fire, however, was not a big one and was soon extinguished. -This surprised FX as people really only set fires and not put them out. If there were anyone to stand up for MC, the Plague Demon etc etc, then they’d be beaten to death. -The three of them rushed up the mountain. They could all hear the noisy racquet of a scuffle. Reaching the Crown Prince’s Peak, as expected the entire place was nearly trashed. (Dang, those haters be vicious;;; ) -They can see a group of all sorts of people at the great palace doorway, with one side of the flock beating at a curled up figure, and another side enthusiastically raining down verbal abuse. -With a glance, MC knows, this gang of people aren’t here to smash and destroy his temple due to their anger but rather, a group of refugees motivated by the desire to simple wreak chaos on the world. Either that, or they’re here to loot a burning house or even possibly, simply pursuing something thrilling. But nowadays, MC’s pretty apathetic about the kinds people who come to ravage his temples. During this moment, struggling within the chaos is a young teen, whose extremely vengeful voice pierced the night sky, “Scram!!!” -It’s tragic but the kid’s face is full of blood, even as he fiercely fights back without giving any leeway, his face is vividly coloured with black n’ blue bruises to the point where they all seemed to blur together (?) -FX: “This child will certainly grow up to be a strong and courageous person!” (lol. True. Veeeery true. These are strong words coming from the guy who can only watch as this courageous person kidnaps MC in the future from the heavens lol) -A man even picks up a stone to beat the ML with, witnessing this, MC waves his hand and the stone bounces back, smashing into the man’s own face and rendering it a bleeding mess. The teen stared blankly before turning over, lifting a fist, and pounding that guy so good. The way ML hits people is immensely terrifying that it scares away the group of adults. Pointing a finger as he/they ran, they hollered with false bravado, “You just wait! We’ll be back!” (<< extremely paraphrased lol) ML sneers back at them, “If you dare to come back, I’ll have your (dog) life!!!” The gang were intimidated even further and so, worked those legs faster as they made a dash for it. After cursing at them, the teen rose, stopping to the side where the fire had been extinguished and relentlessly tread over the residues, even stomping away the small sparks. He then went into the main hall, picking up a piece of paper from the floor which he smoothed out and carefully hung it back up. Finally, he drew closer to the god platform, sitting on the floor, entranced. MC approached the front, lightly as a feather, swept up onto the god platform to discover that the juvenile had actually gone as far as to hang up a portrait. The ink (drawing) upon paper was immature, and with one glimpse, one could immediately guess the artist had never studied the art of painting. However, each brush, each stroke, was applied with great conscientiousness. Just like as if it was a portrait of the Crown Prince’s pleased smile. Looking again, it seems that the portrait was being used as a substitute for the god image MC had summoned down the mountain last time. FX exclaimed, “The portrait is really not bad!” These days, it was incredibly difficult for FX to see any people defending MC. Just now, FX had been emotionally moved and hated that he wasn’t able to go up there to assist the kid in the brawl. Naturally, he felt that everything about the adolescent was pretty good as a result. Meanwhile, MQ’s eyes drooped, something flashing within his gaze as he seemingly to recalled something yet maintained his silence. MC lifted his hand, fingers gently touching the portrait. Yet, it was not at all in any way obvious, nothing more than as if a slight breeze had brushed against it. However, that juvenile unexpectedly lifted his head that was resting on his knees, his face riddled with bruises were as if they were illuminated in a flash as he spoke out, “Is it you?” FX was startled, “How is this child this cunning?” MQ said, “Let’s go.” MC nodded faintly, turning around when suddenly, the young teen threw himself onto the edge of the god platform, breath slightly hurried as he continued, “I know it’s you! Your Highness, please don’t leave, I have words I wish to tell you!” Hearing this, the three all stared blankly. The young teen appeared exceedingly nervous, clenching his hand into a a fist as he spoke, “Although your temple has been burnt down…You mustn’t feel unhappy. In the future, I will construct a bigger, greater and even more gorgeous temple for you that no one else’s can compare to. Nobody will be able to top yours, I absolutely will!” “……” The trio were left speechless. The youngster in ragged clothes, whose head and face was covered with grime in addition to the bloody nose and swollen complexion, appeared utterly miserable and yet, was uttering such bold visionary words like these. It truly caused people to struggle between laughing or crying, unable to tell what kinds of feelings were being invoked. As if afraid that his voice was unable to transmit to the ears of the other, he gathered both hands to his mouth, climbing on top of the god platform and yelling towards the portrait, “Your Highness! Did you hear? In my heart, you are god! You are the only god, you are the genuine god! Did you hear?!” In doing this, he shouted himself hoarse, to the extent that all of Tai Cang Shan even echoed: —Do you hear! MC abruptly burst out loud laughing, this laugh was highly unexpected, frightening FX and MQ into both jumping. As MC laughed while shaking his head, the young teen naturally couldn’t hear him, yet he seemed to have detected something, his shining gaze travelled around everywhere. Unexpectedly, a single drop of ice-cold dew fell upon his cheek. The boy’s eyes suddenly widened, in a sole instant, mirrored in his eyes was a snow white reflection. Within a blink, that reflection had already faded away when his eyes had opened once more. Seeing that MC had gone as far as to reveal himself in that split second, FX spoke, “Your Highness, you, just now……” MC replied perplexedly, “Just now? Oh, my magic power really is no good anymore, just now, I was temporarily unable to control it, that’s all.” The teen stood straight, rubbing his eyes, as if still earnestly attempting to recapture the reflection that had vanished at once in that speck of a moment. Meanwhile MC shut his eyes, only speaking after a long while, “Forget about it.” To receive a reply at last, yet for it to be these kinds of three words, that juvenile’s gaze shone at first, as the corner of his mouth lifted before soon after, he stared blankly while the curve at the corner of his mouth fell, “…….What? Forget about what?” MC sighed, answering warmly, “Forget about it.” The juvenile was in a daze, speechless. MC also said to himself, “Let it be. In any case, very soon, no one will remember anyways.” Hearing this one phrase, the youngster’s eyes enlarged as all of a sudden, from his eyes, teardrops flowed forth wordlessly. On his face trickled a single, pale track of the tear’s mark. From his neck, the Adam’s apple bobbed, “I……” FX appeared somewhat disturbed, “Your Highness, don’t speak anymore. You’ve already broken the rules again.” MC agreed, “En. I won’t speak anymore. However, I’ve broken the rules so many times already, it wouldn’t hurt to say a few more sentences.” This sentence, he did not allow for the juvenile to hear. The three people stepped down from the god platform, walking over to the outside of the main hall that had been pillaged earlier. The night wind assailed the body, MC shook his head. He was currently still a heavenly official, normally, it could be said that it would be impossible for him to feel “cold”. However, at that very moment, he was genuinely feeling the frigid chill down to his very bones. Unexpectedly, the juvenile who’d been left behind by them in the main hall suddenly mumbled, “No way.” He was distinctly unable to perceive MC and co., yet could accurately and unmistakably determine the correct direction to face, rushing out towards the figures of their back, “There’s no way!” The three figures turned, only seeing the adolescent’s eyes in the darkness of the night, shining enchantingly and face entirely bruised that seemed furious, seemed agonised, seemed delighted, seemed mad. With tears streaming down, he said, “There’s no way I’ll forget.” “I’ll still never forget you for all of eternity!!!” plzmarryalready. //wheezes. I'm dead exhausted but it's here. //Cheers. BANZAI \o/
I'll make sure to check around properly before coming to a definite conclusion next time. MXTX is still revising her stuff as she updates which I'm delighted to see. Ami~ you're so kind to me Young ML basically proposed that he'd construct the best ever temple for MC, telling him not to be sad. + more cute stuff XD HOW ARE YOU SO PRECIOUS ML???!! THANK YOU FOR THE LINKS!! KYAA They look so romantic with all the lampsssss <3 <3 MC... so handsome. These lanterns are usually praying for blessings (?) that are set off during the Mid-Autumn festival. This time of the year, all the bigwig gods (or maybe just all the gods in general? lol) like to compete over who has the most lamps dedicated to them by their followers. MC was expecting none, but surprisingly... He topped the ranks with a spectacular 3000~ Big guess to who may be responsible? Aaaaah!! The fanart you've linked are absolutely marvellous!! And I'm getting Disney's Tangled vibes lol
Hee hee. All the gods who hear this are in great shock. They're even left gaping speechless because the highest record in the past is 3000 so MC who's only just ascended for the third time has shot to top rank on his first try. Sounds like somebody's keeping to their promise~ Anyways, MC's astonished himself while some people bring up the notion of possible fraud or misscounting but considering how not any lantern is considered but rather only the ones written with the name of the god's temple on the lanterns for it to be counted then...MC's got his lanterns with no foul play But the gods don't put up too much of a fuss and some gods display good sportsmanship, congratulating MC in his victory. I'm happy that there were fellow gods who are MC's friends and stood up for him when other gods thought MC had somehow cheated. (Well, more like one or two but yeah) Et vous, MQ? FX??? Anyways, MC goes down to the human world, strolling along with MQ + the kid of the body MQ is possessing tagging along. I don't how to feel about this ragtag group but all I can say, is that QR is hella noisy, not too bad for now I suppose, but nonetheless noisy. I wanna swap him out for ML lol. There's a good team As MC treads along, he sees lanterns floating into the air and murmurs a quiet "thank you". All in all, a sweet chapter. (ML WHERE YOU AT? I need more on-screen MC and ML interaction ) Also, realised a great majority of my posts have all been in this thread...XD Geez, the obsession is real OTL
Is the latern festival thing on the current chapters (like not a flashback)? ....why did the mc went on a walk with QR?
Yes, lantern festival is for the current time. Flashback ends with MC being permitted back into heaven after the XL country has been devastated. Sorry, I basically ignored this part but what happens is that, after the flashback ends, MC and QR argue a bit. Or more like, QR keeps trying to provoke MC but MC only just has to mention bringing QR over to ML to be dealt with and QR flip-flops, cursing MC ("Dude, how can be so heartless! (paraphrased) etc etc. ) After exiting the venue where all the gods had gathered to compare their lantern popularity thang, MC was actually leisurely walking past the flailing QR up in a tree trying to escape...mosquitoes? lol It seems that QR's been a ghost for so long that now that he's got his hands on an actual body, he's terrified of being bitten by mosquitoes. Which hey, is a very valid fear actually. Those bloodsuckers are savage. It's more like QR is tagging along with MC but that's my tentative guess. And dang is QR's mouth filthy. Swearing so viciously lol I hope that tiny tot tailing his "father" doesn't learn to use those words;;; P.S. The crystal ring necklace that ML gave to MC last time may have significance (lol, who am I kidding, of course it's important)
It's cute, haha Source Rough Translation: MC: It's not your fault. MC: Alright. Don't cry anymore. Tiny!ML: Wu... ... (crying) ML: Thus, only ge ge has been residing within my heart since ❤️ MC: Shut up! Young Third! Don't speak anymore! Ahhh!!!! lol Probably a strange thing to speculate about but, could a reason for ML appearing before MC as a teen rather than his true appearance, possibly be that he had wanted to see if MC could recognise him or not after all those years? Ehh. Makes my heart squeeze a little at the thought, but I need to read more on their bantering etc before I can start cooking up wild theories lol can never have enough of otp \o/
that progression. There's no confession, no dating, just straight to marriage lol ML, workin' fast there. still took him 800+ years tho Kyaaa that face reeking of pure smugness. //worships Thank you for sharing, Yuslia <3<3<3<3<3!!
Does the ML have 2 appearances?...a ghost and a human like? ...and did the mc remember him in the end?
Since ML's a ghost who specialises in disguise or at least, is proficient in them to have earned a reputation, I thought ML had many appearances but only one true form? What's interesting was that, when MC had asked ML about how he really looked, ML would get tense. He even asked MC once, what if he was really really hideous, would the MC not mind looking? MC simply replied that showing one's own true self to their friends is a show of sincerity. And MC considers ML a friend, so he's not too fussed about the looks. MC even assures ML that he has a gut feeling that ML doesn't look as bad as he's making it to be (extreme paraphrasing;; sorry). I think ML even asked MC when they finally met face-to-face in ML's city, which form MC preferred, and MC chose big ML even though MC didn't really mind either lol. Excuse the rambling, but I think ML has one true form? But it's possible he has two too though...(Nevertheless, ML seems to be a ghost through-and-through) Hmm. It's hard to say if MC has figured out ML's identity and just shoved it to the back of his mind, or if he genuinely doesn't recognise ML at all. The thing is, several times throughout the novel so far, MC's actually recalled flashes of a bandaged boy from his memories at certain times. There was an instance, where MC was reminded of ML when he was looking after this kid who is also wearing a bandage on his face. (The kid says he's from YA but his origins aren't very clear. All we know, was that he was picked up by that kind girl, and after she had died, was entrusted to MC. The same kid who was introduced early on in the novel.) I think there were other times where, if MC wasn't remembering what mini-ML looked like, he at least recalls snippets of maybe a convo from the past (the one about ML not knowing the meaning of living) etc. Another time, was when he first met ML as Young Third on the back of a cart heading towards a quiet town. The two shared a steamed bun, and when MC observed ML tearing ravenously into his half, MC had the feeling that he'd wronged Young 3rd - which I had chalked it up to MC's intuition catching on. Maybe, MC will start to realise soon? I don't think ML intends to conceal it from MC since it feels like he's waiting for MC to come to that conclusion himself, while ML just acts the way he does/wants. Hahaha
You probably didn't ask for this, but I can only deliver my current fav of the day: Delicious(??!!) picture ...aaaaaand these too (in no particular order) The actual beautiful picture #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7
coughs Rough translation of the delicious(??!!) picture: ML: Sorry, having money truly lets you do as you please. ✧ Artist's note: Altered the image. The new chapter is so sweet!!!! Hua Hua is too powerful (actual: Mary-Sue) wuwuwuwuwuwu (sobbing).
Rough translation of #2 (top to bottom): Panel 1: QR: If you have the skill, chase me away ah! Hahax5 Tiny bun in the BG: Dad... Panel 2: MC: QR! You've crossed the line! MC: ML! Get him! Panel 3: ML: Alright. I'll always listen/obey Ge ge. Sfx: Shua- (sound of a sword one-eyed sparkly knife saber being drawn out) Panel 4: Teary ghost QR: Hmph... ... (so painful)
Eh QR has a child ? since when =o ? also....sharing what I've found today http://hanbing8426744.lofter.com/post/1d074507_112e703c http://wenxivinci.lofter.com/post/1f0dbdf5_112e325c http://zuiliyou.lofter.com/post/1d5bd72a_112e50e7 http://xiaosiqi906.lofter.com/post/1e3cb016_112d25b7 http://zuoxiaoyuhan.lofter.com/post/1caefe1a_112d76ad http://zhaomux.lofter.com/post/1f0f0dda_112d44f6 http://blackyeop.lofter.com/post/1ec30afc_112d48ab
Rough translation of #3: I don't recognise the word "怜" (Lian from MC's name) Panel 1: One time when taking a break ML: I haven't asked before but where does the "Lian" from Ge ge's "Lian" come from? Panel 2: MC: It's the "Lian"(怜) from "pitiful" (可怜) MC: En...... (BG: like from a small pitiful scavenger) Panel 3: ML: Is that so? Panel 4: ML: I had thought that it was the "Lian"(怜) from "I see (you) and am moved"*, though. (我见犹怜) *我见犹怜: (The moment?) When I saw you, I liked you very much, and was awed at first glance. [appeared much like a woman Panel 5: Hapless bystanders: The hell!!! My eyes, my eyes!!! (??something along those lines lol) Omg, ML so smooth, laying on the moves and his paws lol. 我见犹怜 - A line that has apparently come to mean "Even I cannot help loving her/him upon seeing her/him", it was a line that was first used by somebody ancient. This phrase also has a connotation of praising the subject. Rough translation of #4: Panel 1: BG speech bubble A: Young Third. BG speech bubble B: Ge ge. A: Young Third! B: Ge ge! A: Young Third~ B: Ge ge~ Panel 2: MC: Isn't this show/act......A bit too intimate/love-dovey? Panel 3: Words in the BG: This person- Is it possible this person, himself hasn't realised?! Panel 4: Words in the BG: All the eye-rolling. Follow me and say this: Rolling these eyes up to the sky (??;; ) Rough translation of #6: Panel 1: MC: Ah? What? Me? MC: 3000... ...? Panel 2: ML: My Crown Prince^ Must! Always! Win! ^Actually, ML had said 我家太子 which is more closer to, "My family's Crown Prince". ML's essentially inducted MC as his wifey/hubby lol. Rough translation of #7: Panel 1: MC: Young Third! You unexpectedly released 3000 lanterns/lamps for me! You're truly kind! Panel 2: ML: Ge ge......No- no biggie! Panel 3: ML (thinking): Huh??? I clearly used only 2333 lanterns/lamps ah. But what am I supposed to say? Is it too mean for me to wait until this moment to come clean and say I didn't send 3000 lanterns? *2333 means lololol in chinese number-speak. Panel 4: On the other side A young boy • Up in Heaven^ Bunling: Was robbed of credit by ghost king (ML) for ~600 lanterns. Should I ask for them back? Waiting online......Worried/anxious...... Artist's note: The worries of the young child in heaven（。） I love ML's eye-patch the most. XD Maybe 520 or even 5240 lanterns would have been uber romantic though. ^The eyepatch kid who ran away from MC in early chapters and is now staying with MC. He took on the name Ying for firefly(萤) after that girl who raised him died. MC then gave him the surname Lang (郎) as he's from YA and YA's imperial family are 郎 (case in point: Lang Qing Qiu.) Spooky because this little kid's name sounds just like LY's name only with the different characters and meaning;;; :0 Anyways, when MC went to visit his parents' tomb, he left the kid up in heaven.