Hearing the noisy sounds from across the way, at this moment Ah Jun observed the sky on one side while glancing at his shoulder, sighing helplessly—ah, what should be done now? The moon is about to clock out!
"Chirp chirp chatter chatter..."
His heart had long been extremely anxious, obviously without any good countermeasures. Just as this child turned back to worry alone, that fur ball had already switched perspectives, no longer continuing to peek at this person, but drooping its eyes and muttering there, looking somewhat displeased...
—So it's all my fault then... You foolish boy, no wonder that girl is so angry at you! Sigh, still watch this great one...
—Xin'er, that great one is not someone a little girl like you can point at and criticize!
You should know, what you call a troublemaker is the king of that flock of sparrow-birds, the guardian envoy of Vermillion Bird Prefecture's Sacred Domain—even this Vermillion Bird Divine Sword must respect it! Is it something you children can discuss...
"Ahem, don't judge arbitrarily based on appearance alone! Though it's not a sparrow-bird, it's absolutely not something you can discuss. Moreover, do you think this Vermillion Bird Hall is somewhere anyone can just come to—since the hall's founding, it's always been here, you just haven't seen it!"
—Back then, this palace was the youngest in Vermillion Bird Prefecture's history to complete the trial, how glorious that was. But didn't I also fail to gain its favor? If it weren't for finally gaining the Emperor Sword's recognition and having Resonance qualifications, perhaps I wouldn't necessarily have seen it either—yet this boy not only made it appear voluntarily, but actually dares to...
Regarding Ah Jun's performance, that Sacred Empress who'd been closely monitoring him became dissatisfied and anxious again, quite critical in her heart. After all, in the eyes of experts like them, not only did the boy's current encounter not bring trouble to his trial, but from another perspective, it was simply divinely assisted!
Therefore, even a great figure like the Sacred Empress, after seeing this, couldn't help but feel somewhat envious, jealous, and resentful.
However, luck was only one aspect—at least one should be sensible, right? But that foolish boy's behavior went completely contrary! Could it be that the benefits of being the Child of Destiny could really be so willful!
—Yes, indeed!
Subsequently, right under everyone's noses, that great one suddenly stretched and yawned, eyes immediately brimming with tears. Then it quickly wiped its cheeks and began grooming the three long feathers atop its head...
"Huh? What's that fur ball doing!"
In a moment, under little Xi's surprised gaze, the three feathers were quickly groomed into an orchid leaf style, and that fur ball overall looked like it had become a keychain pendant—perfect!
The sky had brightened, trial time was about to end. That Ah Jun who seemed still dazed was already pumping himself up—no more time, must quickly try once more. I can't give up!
But imagination was beautiful. Ah Jun's naivety meant nothing to the sparrow-birds, as if they'd acknowledge you... Just as this child was about to exert force, that flock suddenly actively approached, then uniformly lowered their heads and called once... Uh!
—What's this situation... it looks like they're apologizing to me? But this is too polite, not necessary. Still quite embarrassed... Sigh! You... wait, you're flying away... then what do I do?
Just as Ah Jun was overwhelmed by the birds' behavior, wanting to be polite before taking action, that flock suddenly made a turn—they were leaving, oh no! This got Ah Jun anxious and confused. The trial... looked like it was going down the drain.
However, the next second, the moment to witness a miracle came once again!
At this moment, that fur ball on the side was increasingly calm and composed, looking like it was thoroughly enjoying itself—then, with just a light wave of its wing, the sparrow-birds whooshed away all at once!
—No, what are you doing? Why drive them away... how am I supposed to handle this? This... no, I must find a way to quickly try again!
"Alright... everyone, follow me to the feast!"
"Ahaha... It's over, good good! Hmph, I knew that boy couldn't possibly succeed!"
"Hey, you—no, Aunt... uh, Sacred Empress—what about Ah Jun?"
"What about him... do I still need to invite?"
"Ah? No, but his trial..."
"Ah, you foolish boy, when Auntie said so, how can you not turn the corner... He, succeeded!"
"What? This... impossible!! Mother..."
"Ahem! After all they violated rules first, consider him passed—hmm? What, not hungry... Xin'er!"
Just as Ah Jun completed accumulating strength, wanting to achieve success in one go—an inexplicable yet joyful good news drilled into his ears...
That Sacred Empress turned around, swept one hand in dismissal, then invited the Sacred Maiden while reminding others to follow her to attend the palace banquet together—her reaction left everyone puzzled...
And that long-awaited little princess, her first reaction was—trial time was up, that boy didn't complete it, naturally he failed, so Mother called everyone to leave.
—Yes... though there's no good show, the result is still good. Hmph! Pervert, serves you right for peeking!
Of course, the equally expectant little Xi didn't think so. He absolutely cared most about Ah Jun—after hearing such a result, little Xi definitely couldn't accept it, so that child bravely petitioned, hoping the Sacred Empress could give Ah Jun a chance.
But the children received an ambiguous answer—after little Xi and Ning'er exchanged glances, he had to continue asking, even without any response.
Fortunately at this time, the little uncle-in-law standing aside gave him an off-brand reassurance pill. Though somewhat unbelievable, it should be true.
Then, after receiving the Sacred Empress's reluctant confirmation, even Ah Jun's suspended heart gradually settled—he canceled his action plan, staying in place, still somewhat incredulous.
As for the little princess, she'd already been tormented by repeated surprises and disappointments to near collapse—however, even her own mother, the authoritative person in charge, recognized it. What more could she say?
Watching that boy actually pass this place's trial ahead of her, the girl's heart was truly not reconciled—even if Ah Jun only passed by luck due to the flock's rule violation, it couldn't soothe the girl's mood. Because this was just like that martial arts assessment before, simply cheating!
"Let's go... Xin'er, regarding completion, he absolutely can't compare to you!"
—Ah? Yes... ha! Right, when the time comes I'll definitely complete it better than him! That person still can't even find a sparrow-bird companion, just that fur ball, what use is it?
Moreover, wasn't he able to pass only because the flock accidentally violated rules? Victory without honor. I'm someone who will perfectly complete the trial... hmph, just watch!
"Yes... Brother Lü, let's go! Hmph..."
With the trial's completion, everyone began successively leaving the Vermillion Bird Hall to prepare for dinner—though the little princess's emotions slightly eased under Yuwen Lü's reminder, after all Ah Jun had also completed the trial, so her heart always felt somewhat uncomfortable. What made her even more annoyed was that boy Ah Jun was still dawdling there unwilling to leave. This person who got lucky and played coy was annoying just to look at!
—Yes... indeed so!
At this moment, Ah Jun really was somewhat hesitant, because this success was somewhat unreasonable—so he slowly crossed from the lake's heart over the single-log bridge, bringing that fur ball, pacing for a long time before coming to his friends.
Of course, little Xi wasn't so conflicted—that little fatty excitedly hugged Ah Jun, cheering happily. Then Ning'er also bravely stepped forward to congratulate, feeling happy for Ah Jun.
Though she appeared to have only a slight smile, it was a breakthrough for herself. She trusted and had expectations for this boy.
"Ah Jun... finally completed, haha... I knew you could definitely do it!"
"Congratulations... Ah Jun!"
"Yes... it's completed, right? That, thank you for your concern!"
"Young Master Ah Jun, you're amazing!"
"Ah... thank you Uncle Li—but I feel like I didn't really do anything. How did I pass..."
"Ah, bro, you're being humble now... If that girl heard, she'd definitely explode with anger, haha—hmm? Why is this fur ball still here? Did it become your companion?"
"Oh, no way? I don't know either—perhaps, maybe because it just scared away the flock, feeling guilty so won't leave?"
"Oh, I see, haha... makes sense. Just a fur ball, and so vain. Probably can't help with anything anyway!"
"Chirp chirp chatter chatter..."
"Hmm... right..."
—Hee hee ha ha... @#¥%&
Listening to the children's laughing discussion and chatting, that fur ball was angered beyond endurance yet helpless—at such an old age arguing with a few children seemed inappropriate. Besides, there was still a huge generation gap and barrier. Who understands bird language!
—This boy is truly dull. This great one so lowered itself to help you. You're not grateful, won't even speak up for me, and you dislike me! If not for the Child of Destiny's sake, who would bother with you...
So the inwardly depressed fur ball could only try to participate in conversation, but after continuously failing and struggling several times, had to give up trying—then, had no choice but to stand there dazed, drooping eyes, gaze confused, alternately whistling and grooming feathers, looking quite leisurely indeed. The children's comments continuously entered its left ear and directly slipped out the right ear.
—This great one... can't hear! Can't hear! Can't hear!
"Young Master Ah Jun, Young Master Xi, Sacred Maiden Your Highness, let's also go to dinner—Young Master Ah Jun?"
"Ah... oh, good—Uncle Li, please just call me Xiao Jun. Otherwise it always feels strange."
"Hmm... understood. Then Xiao Jun, please..."
Fortunately, beside the children was a senior elder who'd long noticed that great one's emotions, so suddenly reminded these young ignorant children it was time to eat—this stopped those controversial topics, easing that great one's discomfort. However...
"Oh right, how could I forget such an important thing... hahaha"
—Gurgle gurgle...
"Then let's go!"
—Yes!
"I say, bro, is this fur ball following us too? But taking it away like this seems not quite appropriate..."
"Yes! I was just pondering that, but it seems to want to come with me..."
"Huh? It's just latched on like that!"
"Young Master Xi, please mind your words—just now the Sacred Empress instructed that from now on you're companions. Xiao Jun, remember to take good care of your companion!"
"Really... yes, good!"
—Hmm, that's more like it! Young man, oh my, not bad performance. I'm optimistic about you!
The fur ball felt deeply moved—finally made official. At this moment, those three originally wilted feathers atop its head suddenly rose again, its gaze filled with pride, even eye sockets brimming with tears again... Then it proudly used its wing to wipe, continuing to groom feathers.
"This... Uncle Li, are you sure Auntie didn't make a mistake—look at it like that, is it reliable?"
"Little Xi..."
Though there were still many mysteries and puzzles, hearing Uncle Li say so, Ah Jun was still very happy—one more friend, one more path. However, in little Xi's view, this must be a misunderstanding. That fur ball was definitely here to cause trouble—just look at it!
Therefore, he had to bravely question again for his brother's future, but this time everyone ignored him, except that great one—it contemptuously retorted a few sentences, then flashed and disappeared.
Uncle Li led Ning'er and Ah Jun together leaving the Vermillion Bird Hall, only little Xi still stood there muttering... However, soon this person seemed to have a memory lapse again, happily returning to the group, beginning to anticipate the food again.
"Let's go, weren't you anticipating the banquet?"
"Ya... right right right! I'm coming, wait for me—ah, my stomach is so hungry... wonder what the imperial chefs made today. I really want to eat Chef Gao's Jingbei Zhajiang Noodles!"
"Uh... Young Master Xi, didn't you call to reserve that a month ago!"
"Oh! Right..."
"Chirp chirp chatter chatter..."
Hearing the noisy sounds from across the way, at this moment Ah Jun observed the sky on one side while glancing at his shoulder, sighing helplessly—ah, what should be done now? The moon is about to clock out!
"Chirp chirp chatter chatter..."
His heart had long been extremely anxious, obviously without any good countermeasures. Just as this child turned back to worry alone, that fur ball had already switched perspectives, no longer continuing to peek at this person, but drooping its eyes and muttering there, looking somewhat displeased...
—So it's all my fault then... You foolish boy, no wonder that girl is so angry at you! Sigh, still watch this great one...
—Xin'er, that great one is not someone a little girl like you can point at and criticize!
You should know, what you call a troublemaker is the king of that flock of sparrow-birds, the guardian envoy of Vermillion Bird Prefecture's Sacred Domain—even this Vermillion Bird Divine Sword must respect it! Is it something you children can discuss...
"Ahem, don't judge arbitrarily based on appearance alone! Though it's not a sparrow-bird, it's absolutely not something you can discuss. Moreover, do you think this Vermillion Bird Hall is somewhere anyone can just come to—since the hall's founding, it's always been here, you just haven't seen it!"
—Back then, this palace was the youngest in Vermillion Bird Prefecture's history to complete the trial, how glorious that was. But didn't I also fail to gain its favor? If it weren't for finally gaining the Emperor Sword's recognition and having Resonance qualifications, perhaps I wouldn't necessarily have seen it either—yet this boy not only made it appear voluntarily, but actually dares to...
Regarding Ah Jun's performance, that Sacred Empress who'd been closely monitoring him became dissatisfied and anxious again, quite critical in her heart. After all, in the eyes of experts like them, not only did the boy's current encounter not bring trouble to his trial, but from another perspective, it was simply divinely assisted!
Therefore, even a great figure like the Sacred Empress, after seeing this, couldn't help but feel somewhat envious, jealous, and resentful.
However, luck was only one aspect—at least one should be sensible, right? But that foolish boy's behavior went completely contrary! Could it be that the benefits of being the Child of Destiny could really be so willful!
—Yes, indeed!
Subsequently, right under everyone's noses, that great one suddenly stretched and yawned, eyes immediately brimming with tears. Then it quickly wiped its cheeks and began grooming the three long feathers atop its head...
"Huh? What's that fur ball doing!"
In a moment, under little Xi's surprised gaze, the three feathers were quickly groomed into an orchid leaf style, and that fur ball overall looked like it had become a keychain pendant—perfect!
The sky had brightened, trial time was about to end. That Ah Jun who seemed still dazed was already pumping himself up—no more time, must quickly try once more. I can't give up!
But imagination was beautiful. Ah Jun's naivety meant nothing to the sparrow-birds, as if they'd acknowledge you... Just as this child was about to exert force, that flock suddenly actively approached, then uniformly lowered their heads and called once... Uh!
—What's this situation... it looks like they're apologizing to me? But this is too polite, not necessary. Still quite embarrassed... Sigh! You... wait, you're flying away... then what do I do?
Just as Ah Jun was overwhelmed by the birds' behavior, wanting to be polite before taking action, that flock suddenly made a turn—they were leaving, oh no! This got Ah Jun anxious and confused. The trial... looked like it was going down the drain.
However, the next second, the moment to witness a miracle came once again!
At this moment, that fur ball on the side was increasingly calm and composed, looking like it was thoroughly enjoying itself—then, with just a light wave of its wing, the sparrow-birds whooshed away all at once!
—No, what are you doing? Why drive them away... how am I supposed to handle this? This... no, I must find a way to quickly try again!
"Alright... everyone, follow me to the feast!"
"Ahaha... It's over, good good! Hmph, I knew that boy couldn't possibly succeed!"
"Hey, you—no, Aunt... uh, Sacred Empress—what about Ah Jun?"
"What about him... do I still need to invite?"
"Ah? No, but his trial..."
"Ah, you foolish boy, when Auntie said so, how can you not turn the corner... He, succeeded!"
"What? This... impossible!! Mother..."
"Ahem! After all they violated rules first, consider him passed—hmm? What, not hungry... Xin'er!"
Just as Ah Jun completed accumulating strength, wanting to achieve success in one go—an inexplicable yet joyful good news drilled into his ears...
That Sacred Empress turned around, swept one hand in dismissal, then invited the Sacred Maiden while reminding others to follow her to attend the palace banquet together—her reaction left everyone puzzled...
And that long-awaited little princess, her first reaction was—trial time was up, that boy didn't complete it, naturally he failed, so Mother called everyone to leave.
—Yes... though there's no good show, the result is still good. Hmph! Pervert, serves you right for peeking!
Of course, the equally expectant little Xi didn't think so. He absolutely cared most about Ah Jun—after hearing such a result, little Xi definitely couldn't accept it, so that child bravely petitioned, hoping the Sacred Empress could give Ah Jun a chance.
But the children received an ambiguous answer—after little Xi and Ning'er exchanged glances, he had to continue asking, even without any response.
Fortunately at this time, the little uncle-in-law standing aside gave him an off-brand reassurance pill. Though somewhat unbelievable, it should be true.
Then, after receiving the Sacred Empress's reluctant confirmation, even Ah Jun's suspended heart gradually settled—he canceled his action plan, staying in place, still somewhat incredulous.
As for the little princess, she'd already been tormented by repeated surprises and disappointments to near collapse—however, even her own mother, the authoritative person in charge, recognized it. What more could she say?
Watching that boy actually pass this place's trial ahead of her, the girl's heart was truly not reconciled—even if Ah Jun only passed by luck due to the flock's rule violation, it couldn't soothe the girl's mood. Because this was just like that martial arts assessment before, simply cheating!
"Let's go... Xin'er, regarding completion, he absolutely can't compare to you!"
—Ah? Yes... ha! Right, when the time comes I'll definitely complete it better than him! That person still can't even find a sparrow-bird companion, just that fur ball, what use is it?
Moreover, wasn't he able to pass only because the flock accidentally violated rules? Victory without honor. I'm someone who will perfectly complete the trial... hmph, just watch!
"Yes... Brother Lü, let's go! Hmph..."
With the trial's completion, everyone began successively leaving the Vermillion Bird Hall to prepare for dinner—though the little princess's emotions slightly eased under Yuwen Lü's reminder, after all Ah Jun had also completed the trial, so her heart always felt somewhat uncomfortable. What made her even more annoyed was that boy Ah Jun was still dawdling there unwilling to leave. This person who got lucky and played coy was annoying just to look at!
—Yes... indeed so!
At this moment, Ah Jun really was somewhat hesitant, because this success was somewhat unreasonable—so he slowly crossed from the lake's heart over the single-log bridge, bringing that fur ball, pacing for a long time before coming to his friends.
Of course, little Xi wasn't so conflicted—that little fatty excitedly hugged Ah Jun, cheering happily. Then Ning'er also bravely stepped forward to congratulate, feeling happy for Ah Jun.
Though she appeared to have only a slight smile, it was a breakthrough for herself. She trusted and had expectations for this boy.
"Ah Jun... finally completed, haha... I knew you could definitely do it!"
"Congratulations... Ah Jun!"
"Yes... it's completed, right? That, thank you for your concern!"
"Young Master Ah Jun, you're amazing!"
"Ah... thank you Uncle Li—but I feel like I didn't really do anything. How did I pass..."
"Ah, bro, you're being humble now... If that girl heard, she'd definitely explode with anger, haha—hmm? Why is this fur ball still here? Did it become your companion?"
"Oh, no way? I don't know either—perhaps, maybe because it just scared away the flock, feeling guilty so won't leave?"
"Oh, I see, haha... makes sense. Just a fur ball, and so vain. Probably can't help with anything anyway!"
"Chirp chirp chatter chatter..."
"Hmm... right..."
—Hee hee ha ha... @#¥%&
Listening to the children's laughing discussion and chatting, that fur ball was angered beyond endurance yet helpless—at such an old age arguing with a few children seemed inappropriate. Besides, there was still a huge generation gap and barrier. Who understands bird language!
—This boy is truly dull. This great one so lowered itself to help you. You're not grateful, won't even speak up for me, and you dislike me! If not for the Child of Destiny's sake, who would bother with you...
So the inwardly depressed fur ball could only try to participate in conversation, but after continuously failing and struggling several times, had to give up trying—then, had no choice but to stand there dazed, drooping eyes, gaze confused, alternately whistling and grooming feathers, looking quite leisurely indeed. The children's comments continuously entered its left ear and directly slipped out the right ear.
—This great one... can't hear! Can't hear! Can't hear!
"Young Master Ah Jun, Young Master Xi, Sacred Maiden Your Highness, let's also go to dinner—Young Master Ah Jun?"
"Ah... oh, good—Uncle Li, please just call me Xiao Jun. Otherwise it always feels strange."
"Hmm... understood. Then Xiao Jun, please..."
Fortunately, beside the children was a senior elder who'd long noticed that great one's emotions, so suddenly reminded these young ignorant children it was time to eat—this stopped those controversial topics, easing that great one's discomfort. However...
"Oh right, how could I forget such an important thing... hahaha"
—Gurgle gurgle...
"Then let's go!"
—Yes!
"I say, bro, is this fur ball following us too? But taking it away like this seems not quite appropriate..."
"Yes! I was just pondering that, but it seems to want to come with me..."
"Huh? It's just latched on like that!"
"Young Master Xi, please mind your words—just now the Sacred Empress instructed that from now on you're companions. Xiao Jun, remember to take good care of your companion!"
"Really... yes, good!"
—Hmm, that's more like it! Young man, oh my, not bad performance. I'm optimistic about you!
The fur ball felt deeply moved—finally made official. At this moment, those three originally wilted feathers atop its head suddenly rose again, its gaze filled with pride, even eye sockets brimming with tears again... Then it proudly used its wing to wipe, continuing to groom feathers.
"This... Uncle Li, are you sure Auntie didn't make a mistake—look at it like that, is it reliable?"
"Little Xi..."
Though there were still many mysteries and puzzles, hearing Uncle Li say so, Ah Jun was still very happy—one more friend, one more path. However, in little Xi's view, this must be a misunderstanding. That fur ball was definitely here to cause trouble—just look at it!
Therefore, he had to bravely question again for his brother's future, but this time everyone ignored him, except that great one—it contemptuously retorted a few sentences, then flashed and disappeared.
Uncle Li led Ning'er and Ah Jun together leaving the Vermillion Bird Hall, only little Xi still stood there muttering... However, soon this person seemed to have a memory lapse again, happily returning to the group, beginning to anticipate the food again.
"Let's go, weren't you anticipating the banquet?"
"Ya... right right right! I'm coming, wait for me—ah, my stomach is so hungry... wonder what the imperial chefs made today. I really want to eat Chef Gao's Jingbei Zhajiang Noodles!"
"Uh... Young Master Xi, didn't you call to reserve that a month ago!"
"Oh! Right..."
"Chirp chirp chatter chatter..."