Like the nama chocolate other classmates could finish in one bite, Ā Jùn would treasure it home. Though he'd be laughed at by classmates, Ā Jùn didn't care. Then his family would eat it bit by bit together.
—That scene looked somewhat shabby, but in fact, their hearts were all warm.
As for that close pen pal, Ā Jùn thought about inviting her to eat at Zǐjīng's main store here sometime, and also... meet in person—well... a bit calculating? Not at all, after all for him now, he still couldn't sense these emotions, even though the two children had become close friends.
Because the power rooted in Ā Jùn's body from childhood had only been well controlled now. But the resulting talent and spiritual defects couldn't be repaired so simply!
"We're here, children—yo, old uncle, you arrived early?"
—Old uncle?
Following the Saint's steps, after a while, Ā Jùn and the others arrived at a spacious indoor training ground, the ceiling height at least 3-5 stories, truly magnificent.
At that moment, hearing a call, Ā Jùn saw the Saint greeting a not-very-old man, calling him old uncle—um, alright, this reverse aging was too exaggerated.
"Hm? Where's the horse... how's its condition?"
"Don't even mention it, don't know why, today it won't even acknowledge me, haha... Hm? He is...", the middle-aged man quickly walked over, chatted a bit, then turned his gaze toward Ā Jùn questioningly.
"Oh, hello grandpa, just call me Ā Jùn!"
As a good child, Ā Jùn naturally responded politely, but regarding the other's title, the boy cleverly borrowed the elder's phrasing—after all, even the Saint called him old uncle, I can't also call him old uncle right?
"Grandpa? Little Jùn, he's only two years older than me—do you look that old!"
"Well... isn't that because you call me that!"
"Oh, right, my mistake—come, Little Jùn, let me introduce... He's the commander here, Bó Yuè. Though he does look like an old man... ah, just kidding—you should call him Uncle Yuè..."
—So that's it, I misunderstood...
"Uncle Yuè, hello. Sorry, I misunderstood earlier!"
"Oh... no problem, child—blame him!"
"Hehe, you're still the same, like to fuss—by the way, where is it?"
—Who? Why does the Saint keep mentioning it... Sounds very important, but what does this have to do with us going home...
"Ā Jùn, Ning'er, look!"
"That's..."
"Chìtù!"
Suddenly, Xiǎo Xī's shout interrupted Ā Jùn's thoughts... He looked in that direction—not far away, a special horse was charging toward the crowd.
Tall and robust physique, skin red as charcoal, running as if light flashed from its body surface, whether from its mane's movement or unique ability effect. Anyway, looked like sparking flames, like charcoal in a basin.
—Looks like that's a Ferghana horse... but the problem is, how is Xiǎo Xī so certain? Did he forget his invisibility was already removed!
"Haha, speak of the devil—let's go to the outer field!"
"Oh... going home, let's go, Ning'er, Ā Jùn. I've never ridden this before!"
"Children, go pick specialized protective suits over there, then head there... We'll wait for you—come on, Ā Jùn!"
"Mm... huh? Okay!"
—Why did the Saint only send Xiǎo Xī and Ning'er... what about me? Huh? Oh, hello Chìtù!
"Mm... thank you, I'm fine. Let's go!"
Though air travel in the Guardian world wasn't that dangerous—after all, Tiānjiǎo Beasts weren't machines, their abilities sufficient to protect passengers' safety, plus a pilot would escort them...
Only, the sky still belonged to certain species' free space. We didn't have flight ability, not even invisible wings. So all protective measures must be taken—of course, for a few Guardians, perhaps not so troublesome. For example, Tàkōng could let you walk in the air, wonderful!
So the Saint specifically instructed the children to select their favorite suits. The royal equipment was naturally rich and varied—but oddly, there was nothing for Ā Jùn. Strange, just because of his Fate's Child identity, he didn't even need protection?
At this moment, while the boy felt confused, his cheek suddenly felt unfamiliar warmth—it was that horse from earlier, the famous Ferghana-class treasure horse, Chìtù.
—Whatever, there'll be other solutions anyway!
So Ā Jùn could only interact with the horse while self-comforting, silently following everyone to the tarmac—however, what the boy didn't know was that right now, somewhere dark in the distance, a pair of eyes brimming with red light was staring intently at him!
"Ā Jùn, how is it, not bad right!"
"Mm!"
"Ā Jùn..."
After a while, Xiǎo Xī and Ning'er had changed into their equipment and appeared before everyone—Xiǎo Xī was very excited and thrilled, because this was his first time experiencing this kind of flight. Moreover, the protective gear was like armor, feeling like being in a game, making him so happy... Though a bit tight due to his physique, looking at Xiǎo Xī now, he really was a bit comical!
Ning'er was relatively slower. She walked elegantly and slowly behind Xiǎo Xī... This ordinary azure protective suit appeared especially refined on her.
This equipment was not only safe and reliable like armor, but also made Ning'er particularly eye-catching—sky blue and cloud white perfectly combined. The moment Xiǎo Xī turned around, that goddess-like temperament dazed him completely.
However, in Ā Jùn's eyes right now, Ning'er had transformed from the previous graceful lady into a cool, handsome female general—that invincible aura, plus the surrounding crystallizing frost dance, was truly admirable...
Even the little princess was amazed by this Southern holy maiden, inevitably feeling awe, after all yesterday she'd already experienced Jièjié's power!
"Come, children, you try!"
Then, two staff members each led a Tiānjiǎo Beast over, and the Saint began calling Xiǎo Xī and Ning'er to test ride...
—Wait, this way, what about me? Oh... will they put me with Xiǎo Xī? But I don't have protective gear... could it be I don't need any?
"Hey, Ā Jùn, look—how's my horse... stylish right?"
"Mm..."
Regarding the current situation, Ā Jùn's heart was already full of doubts—his companions were all ready, but his own, not even a glimmer of hope. Could they really leave him to eat New Year's Eve dinner... Just as he faced the differential treatment, confused, Xiǎo Xī's call once again interrupted his reverie.
So Ā Jùn snapped back and looked carefully—mm! Not bad. Right now, Xiǎo Xī was mounted, greeting him... This time, the chubby boy's mount was no longer the falsely plump Little Green Bean.
It was a milk-white Tiānjiǎo Beast, tall and mighty, very large physique but very robust—those chunks of muscle, outlined under the tight vest, perfectly displayed, just like gym-trained, simply showing off!
"Cool!"
Watching his second brother's enjoyment, Ā Jùn couldn't help praising, then gave Xiǎo Xī a thumbs up—though until now he still hadn't figured out how he should get home... New Year's Eve dinner still had to be with family, otherwise what reunion dinner was it?
However, regarding the Grand Empress Dowager's invitation, Ā Jùn's heart was still warm, and a bit moved, not knowing if because of the elder's kindness or inexplicable feelings—but after all, this wasn't his home. No matter how luxurious the conditions, it wasn't his place to linger.
Next, Ā Jùn followed Xiǎo Xī's gaze, shifting attention to Ning'er—mm... her Tiānjiǎo Beast was beautiful and dignified, temperament outstanding. As a pair of purple wings spread, a touch of golden sunlight flashed from afar. When eyes awakened, looking from distance, the girl was descending in low-altitude circling flight, giving a feeling of the Mysterious Maiden of the Nine Heavens descending to earth.
—Cool!
Then Ā Jùn also gave another companion the same encouragement and praise, naturally with Xiǎo Xī joining—only, falling flowers have intentions, flowing water has none...
"Great, good, watch me!"
Seeing such a handsome scene, Xiǎo Xī couldn't hold back anymore, immediately pulling the reins, legs clamping, shouting to start the horse for takeoff—so that muscle-packed, seemingly reliable Tiānjiǎo Beast quickly flapped its exclusive wings, beginning to run...
"Wow~"
At this moment, about to welcome his first flight, the chubby boy kept shouting joyfully with the horse's gallop, packing all previous frustrations and throwing them behind, this feeling was truly refreshing!
"Xiǎo Xī, you... how did you wander back?"
Just at the next moment everyone anticipated, Ā Jùn saw with surprise that Xiǎo Xī had run back—carrying some sorrow, brought back by the panting horse, but with no flight record...
—After all, the title "joy bringer" definitely wasn't for show... Ā Jùn, like everyone else, felt ripples inside again. He had to cover his mouth, pretending calm while watching... The little princess who'd just returned was different though—that girl was again laughing with her stomach held!
"Haha... Duānmù Xī, you're still the same as before!"
Ā Jùn right now, like the little princess, deeply resonated—after all, they'd known each other quite long. Xiǎo Xī's growth could be described as "Journey of Embarrassment: Contrast Embarrassment"... If not born with a golden spoon, good family background, good mentality, good health, with his various unlucky encounters, ordinary people would've had mental breakdowns long ago!
Yet this child stubbornly converted these tragedies directly, transforming his own pain into others' joy. Thus earning the beautiful title "joy bringer," making people feel both heartache and comfort!
As for why this time turned out this way, had to view from Ā Jùn's angle—as the distance got closer, Xiǎo Xī's Tiānjiǎo Beast also showed its true form. Turns out it did train, but only trained muscles resulting in considerable weight... While the wings for flying were too miniature, so it was awkward. Because small, it couldn't even fly easily by itself, let alone now—that was overweight and overloaded!
"How am I supposed to get home?"
Right now, what troubled Xiǎo Xī most was the confusion about how to get home to eat delicacies—he kept blinking those eyes, looking so pitiful. Only those two lines still looked like sleeping, puzzling...
"Sigh!"
At this moment, the pilot responsible for the children's flight this time, a beautiful sister, suddenly came to Xiǎo Xī's side, then sighed, exchanged glances with another muscular brother, had to cooperatively add wing prosthetics to the muscular Tiānjiǎo Beast—instantly, the boy's horse had a pair of huge wings...
"Haha!"
This delighted Xiǎo Xī again, rekindling interest—but fortunately, under two professional staff's watch, the boy had to obediently give up, staying aside waiting for takeoff.
"Ā Jùn, goodbye, Happy New Year!"
"Ā Jùn..."
"Mm, be careful on the road, Happy New Year—oh right, Xiǎo Xī, escort Ning'er home—remember to visit my house on the sixth!"
From 9 AM until now, the children could finally go home. New Year's, family reunion was traditional culture, deeply imprinted in everyone's hearts—Xiǎo Xī naturally so, looking forward to New Year every day. After all recently Mom was too busy to manage him, so free, eating, drinking, playing games... As for Ning'er, though accustomed to living alone, she attended New Year's Eve dinner every year!
Of course, Ā Jùn naturally also very much wanted to go home immediately, breaking through himself, working hard to travel with Xiǎo Xī and the others. But fear of heights was another shackle in his heart—though from current circumstances, long-distance high altitude shouldn't cause much reaction, but that darkness carved in his soul couldn't simply be erased.
That kind of suppression, impact, torment continuing from childhood to now... had unconsciously become a habit. Even thinking was a burden—after all, young childish hearts were fragile. Even if strong, could independently experience storms... But the hidden causes and effects wouldn't stop growing. They kept sprouting, growing, blooming, fruiting, reproducing.
Until he possessed enough courage and strength could he possibly face them correctly. And by then, perhaps they'd be deeply rooted—and that trauma must heal properly, like a wound. After cleaning, applying right medicine, temporarily protecting with a bandaid, still needed time.
Even external wound repair needed this, let alone young souls—so for Ā Jùn, hesitation and indecision were very normal. As for outsiders... what did that have to do with him!
Fortunately, this child possessed these healing conditions from childhood—becoming an orphan was perhaps the cleaning step, while his family was likely that optimal bandaid. As for medicine, should refer to life experiences... When could it heal depended on time of course. Ultimately, still depended on Ā Jùn's own will.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, I..."
At this moment, watching Xiǎo Xī and Ning'er's departing backs, Ā Jùn indeed felt gratified. But as attention gradually returned, he began realizing his own problem.
So this inwardly hesitant child suddenly inquired about his own travel plan—but was interrupted by the Saint's words. Those long-pondered heartfelt words had to immediately stop...
"Oh right, wait a moment—hey, old uncle, is yours ready... Why so slow, hurry up. The child's waiting anxiously, look what time it is! Hurry..."
Next, that Saint's phone call made the boy fall into confusion again—should he continue asking? They're preparing? What... seems related to me?
"Coming, nag nag nag... just know how to complain. You think it's so obedient! Well, isn't it smooth—didn't see you so capable before?"
—What are they saying? What's Uncle Yuè busy with... seems something's following behind? Ah, see it, it's a horse. Mine? But no wings, is that also a Tiānjiǎo Beast?
"I'm saying, you try... Really—but today was really smooth, it seemed especially willing!"
"Mm... oh, Little Jùn, come!"
"Hm? This boy, why not going home yet. Could he still want to stay for New Year, such thick skin—wait, that's... how is it here? Father actually brought it too! This, is he going to let him ride... hmph, really is—mm, huh? Ha, but I want to see what he does next!"
As Commander Bó Yuè led the horse closer, Ā Jùn gradually discovered that horse looked somewhat familiar—so he suddenly turned to look at Chìtù beside him, then turned back, comparing...
—Hm? More than that... these two look almost identical. Could it not be unique after all!
"We know you have acrophobia, so I specifically asked Bó Yuè to bring it!"
"Mm... but whether it works depends on fate!"
—We... who else? The Princess and Yǔwén Lǜ... no, couldn't possibly mean the Saint Consort... ah, scary! Oh, I know, maybe the Grand Empress Dowager... mm, the old lady is truly kind. But my promise probably can't be fulfilled...
"Fate?"
After a moment's deliberation, this confused child raised his second inner doubt. Of course, there was also time concern. After all, land and air transport speeds differed greatly—Xiǎo Xī and Ning'er should make it, but for himself, in this situation, a bit uncertain...
"Come on, stop being alarmist—no problem... try?"
—Hmph, even I can't tame this horse. Just with you, this rookie, you want to ride Chìtù... Don't end up crying for mommy!
However, regarding the newly arrived horse before them, the little princess also understood somewhat—at this moment, she pressed her right hand on her left elbow, face looking somewhat unwell, muttering to herself.
As for Ā Jùn, his mind was now full of doubts—question one, what is it? Also, can I ride it well... and, will I make it in time?
The boy's innate sensitivity and innocence had instantly filled his heart with many calculations—then, Ā Jùn maintained his dazed state, turning his neck in a daze, looking again at that horse from before, suddenly revealing a kind of ignorant foolishness...
"How are they two..."