After their affectionate moment, Lucian carried Rover to a nearby tea stall and sat down. Rover, still slightly weak, slumped lazily in his arms.

Across from them, Xinyi smiled and said, “Now that the crisis at Mt. Firmament has been resolved and the water route between Jinzhou and Hongzhen has reopened, more people from Jinzhou have started visiting. It’s definitely livelier than before.”

“The effects of the temporal disruptions have vanished, allowing towns to trade freely again. The residents can finally settle down and thrive in peace.”

“We must also thank Rover and Lucian for helping Mt. Firmament and Jinhsi resolve the temporal disturbances there.”

Lucian replied modestly, “It was nothing.”

Xinyi smiled. “You two are both benefactors and honored guests of Hongzhen. If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Earlier, I noticed you were asking around. Did you run into some trouble?”

Lucian explained the contents of the letter.

Xinyi was acquainted with Changli, and the two trusted each other. Moreover, Xinyi was also Jinhsi’s teacher, so there should be no issue in seeking her advice.

After understanding the situation, Xinyi pondered for a moment before saying, “I see… That does sound like Changli’s style.”

“Though I’m not particularly close to her, I do know a thing or two about her character.”

“Heh, it’s better if she explains it to you herself.”

“Everyone knows that the Counselor has a labyrinthine mind, her schemes intricate and inscrutable…”

“If she intends to do something, it’s never as simple as it appears on the surface, and few can discern the true meaning behind her arrangements.”

“Because of this, rumors and criticisms about her have never ceased, yet she seems utterly unbothered.”

“I believe… Changli’s intentions are best understood by those directly involved, independent of anyone else’s opinions.”

From Xinyi’s words, it was clear she held Changli in high regard.

Lucian nodded slightly. “We share the same view.”

Xinyi continued, “As for the riddle Changli left… It seems you’ve already found the answer.”

“In that case, I’ll take my leave. If you encounter any difficulties or needs while in Hongzhen, feel free to come to me.”

After bidding farewell, Xinyi departed.

Lucian looked down at the shy Rover in his arms. “Shall we go too?”

“Mhm…”

…

Two Violet-Feathered Herons perched atop the highest rooftop in Hongzhen.

“Look over there.”

The pair gazed westward, where several peculiar ring-shaped structures stood just beyond the town.

“Is that the ‘Ring Traces Gazing at the Flying Eaves’?”

Rover’s eyes shifted to the front of the ring-shaped devices. “There’s a pavilion over there. The final destination must be there, right?”

Lucian replied, “We’ll know once we check.”

The two flew westward again, arriving at the pavilion and dispelling the Transformation Magic.

At the moment, the place was empty. Lucian stepped inside and saw two chairs facing each other, with a wooden table between them holding a board game—scattered black and white pieces arranged atop it.

Lucian took a closer look. It appeared to be Go.

However, he only knew how to play Gomoku and had little understanding of Go.

But Rover seemed to recognize it. “This is…?”

Lucian asked curiously, “Do you see something?”

Before Rover could answer, Changli arrived in a hurry.

“…My apologies, I’m a bit late.”

Lucian waved his hand. “We just got here too.”

Changli took a seat on one of the chairs and smiled softly. “In any case, thank you for coming.”

Rover cut straight to the point. “Why did you invite Lucian?”

Lucian: “…”

Changli was momentarily stunned, then chuckled. “Rover, you misunderstand. The one I wished to invite was you.”

Rover pointed at herself in confusion. “Me?”

Changli nodded slightly. “I have some questions in my heart, and perhaps you can provide the answers.”

She gestured to the Go board. “Do these black stones seem familiar to you?”

Rover studied the board. From the first glance, they had felt vaguely familiar, though the memory remained hazy.

“…I’m not sure.”

Lucian suddenly raised his hand. “I know!”

The two women turned to him as he declared confidently, “Black wins!”

Changli tilted her head. “How so?”

Lucian pointed at five connected black stones in the center of the board. “Look, this is the only five-in-a-row on the entire board. Black wins!”

Rover smacked the back of his head. “Stop messing around!”

Changli giggled. “Gomoku and Go are quite different…”

(Gomoku, also known as “Five in a Row” or “Gobang”, is a two-player strategy board game.)

“Behold Hongzhen in its entirety, next to a ring and hanging eaves.

When eternal snow thaw into flowing streams, let us reconvene”

Lucian stood up. “Well, since you invited Rover, I’ll take my leave!”

As he turned to go, Rover immediately grabbed his ear.

“No!”

Lucian looked at her in confusion.

Rover glared. “Are you planning to sneak off to find Chixia behind my back?”

Lucian: “???”

“Rover, my heart for you is as clear as the heavens and as bright as the sun and moon!”

“How could I ever seek someone else behind your back?”

Though his words were earnest, Lucian couldn’t help but admire Rover’s sharp intuition.

Damn, she sees right through me!

Rover smirked. “I remember you saying the exact same thing last time.”

Lucian protested, “When did I ever say that?!”

Rover: “Regardless, you’re not leaving my sight.”

Lucian: “…”

Changli covered her mouth with a light laugh. “Mr. Lucian truly is… quite the charmer.”

Lucian’s expression turned solemn. “Changli, it seems you’ve misunderstood me deeply.”

Rover nodded in agreement. “See? Even Changli thinks so.”

“This is what they call, ‘The spectator sees most clearly—fairness lies in the hearts of the people!'”

“From now on, you’re not leaving my sight.”

Lucian instantly deflated, slumping lifelessly into the other chair.

Changli chuckled at his defeated state. “I never expected Rover to be so possessive…”

Rover snorted. “What else can I do when this guy keeps flirting left and right? I had no choice but to resort to such measures.”

“Speaking of which, those tokens I received when I first arrived in Jinzhou—they were from you, weren’t they?”

Changli smiled faintly. “So you’ve already guessed. At the time, Jinzhou was beset by internal and external troubles. It wasn’t my intention to make our guest run around the city in circles… I must apologize for the inconvenience.”

Rover waved it off. “It’s fine. With Lucian around, it wasn’t too tiring.”

“Besides, Jinhsi already explained everything.”

Changli nodded. “Regardless, I owe you both a proper apology.”

“As for this time… It truly was a personal request of mine. To find someone who understands the meaning behind my moves brings me great joy.”

“So I’m very glad you came.”

Lucian raised his hand. “Then why give the letter to me?”

Changli chuckled. “You’re the one Rover trusts most. The two of you are always together.”

“Therefore, no matter whom I gave the letter to, the outcome would’ve been the same, wouldn’t it?”

Lucian grumbled, “Rover won’t even let me out of her sight. She clearly doesn’t trust me at all!”

Changli smiled meaningfully. “Doesn’t that precisely reflect how important you are to Rover?”

“Mr. Lucian, you should cherish her and not betray her feelings…”

Rover nodded in satisfaction. “As expected of Jinzhou’s Counselor. Even your words are so pleasing to hear.”

Changli replied leisurely, “I’m glad Rover is satisfied.”

Lucian: “…”

Are you two performing a comedy skit or what?

Changli returned to the main topic and asked again, “Rover, are you certain you don’t recognize this game?”

Rover shook her head slightly. “A little, but it’s very faint.”

Changli sighed apologetically. “…Forgive me. Knowing you’ve lost your past memories, this question was indeed presumptuous.”

“Then, have you heard of the legend of Mt. Firmament’s ‘Secret of Immortality’?”

…

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep