Once inside the royal carriage, Princess Selene Qian suddenly poked her head out and said to Aurelian Dragon, "Come up here for a moment, I have something to tell you."
Aurelian Dragon shook his head and chuckled, "After saying so much, is there anything else I haven't said?" With that, he boarded the carriage as instructed.
With the yellow curtains drawn low, Princess Selene Qian suddenly leaned close to Aurelian Dragon's ear and whispered, "When will you come to the palace to see me?" Then, pointing to the two beautiful twin maids sitting to one side, she added, "They both miss you very much!"
Aurelian Dragon glanced at Xiaochun and Xiaoqiu. Since entering the flower hall with Princess Selene Qian, the two pretty maids, who had remained silent and hadn't exchanged a single glance with him, were now secretly looking at him with strange eyes, their pretty faces blushing slightly.
He couldn't help but feel a flutter in his heart. He smiled and nodded to the two pretty maids. Xiaochun and Xiaoqiu blushed as if their thoughts had been seen through, and quickly turned their heads away.
Aurelian Dragon chuckled, then whispered to Princess Selene Qian, "Do you miss me too?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he couldn't help but regret it, inwardly sighing at his own nature—how could he so easily utter such a flirtatious remark? After all, this beautiful young woman before him was a princess of immense wealth and status!
Before he could finish his thought, he saw Princess Selene Qian blush slightly and say coquettishly, "Who would want a man with a head full of bad ideas like you!"
Seeing Aurelian Dragon's astonished expression, Princess Selene Qian chuckled again, suddenly leaned in and kissed him on the cheek with her sweet, soft cherry lips, and quickly said, "I'm really happy with you, and I'll miss you a lot after we return to the palace!"
Aurelian Dragon touched her face, watching the royal carriage depart under the protection of a group of court knights, her thoughts swirling like a windmill.
Just then, Phoenix Vane, Lynette Quill, and Obsidia Shade returned on horseback from the other end of the avenue with the Golden Phoenix Guards.
Upon seeing Aurelian Dragon standing at the door, everyone's face lit up with joy.
As she approached him, Lynette Quill giggled, "Aurelian is so kind, he actually stood at the door to welcome us back!"
Aurelian Dragon chuckled and said, "Just saw off a little witch!" Then he looked at Phoenix Vane and asked, "Where did you all come from? How come you all went together?"
Phoenix Vane leaped off his horse, handed the reins to the servants who came to greet him, and then walked back to the Phoenix Mansion side by side with Aurelian Dragon. Before he could answer, seeing the mess in front of him, he couldn't help but shake his head and say, "It's all the work of Little Sister Dragon and Princess Selene Qian again!"
Lynette Quill followed up, saying, "I really don't know if those two were enemies in a past life, how come they start fighting as soon as they meet?"
Under Aurelion Dragon's persistent questioning, it was revealed that Lyra Draconis and Princess Selene Qian had a huge fight on their first meeting. The reason was that Princess Selene Qian came to visit him, but Lyra Draconis blocked her from entering, claiming she needed to treat Aurelion Dragon. As a result, the two inexplicably disliked each other, and after a bit of playful fighting, the two energetic girls started a full-blown brawl.
As a dragon, Lyra Draconis was naturally immune to magic, while Princess Selene Qian was a powerful sorcerer. Naturally, Lyra Draconis had the upper hand in their battle. However, the ever-unyielding Princess Selene Qian was unwilling to give up. Perhaps it was truly destined that the two were incompatible. Princess Selene Qian visited the Aurelian Dragon twice, both visits ending in conflict with Lyra Draconis. Unfortunately, the Aurelian Dragon was still unconscious at those times and did not witness the horrific scene.
Aurelian Dragon touched her nose and said, "I thought the two of them had some kind of irreconcilable feud, but it turns out it was all over such a simple little thing."
Phoenix Vane also laughed and said, "It really seems strange to others, but the two of them are having a great time fighting. Fortunately, their battle doesn't affect anyone else; it only damages some objects."
Aurelian Dragon glanced at Phoenix Vane with surprise. He sensed that Phoenix Vane's tone was very affectionate towards Lyra Draconis and Princess Selene Qian. He thought that only a great general like her could indulge the two girls, which could lead to such a scene. Could it be that Phoenix Vane had a deep relationship with both of them?
Back in the inner flower hall, Phoenix Vane happily said to Aurelian Dragon, "Aurelian, there's hope for your recovery! This time I'm going to take you to see someone who can heal your strange injuries; she's the most knowledgeable person in the world."
※ ※ ※
In the afternoon, a carriage, escorted by fifteen goddess warriors, sped out of Feifeng Mansion and headed south along the wide avenue in the city.
Aurelian Dragon glanced at Phoenix Vane sitting beside her. A faint smile graced her beautiful face, suggesting confidence in the trip, and joy shone in her phoenix eyes.
He couldn't help but ask curiously, "Phoenix, is that person really that capable, that you have such confidence in her?"
Phoenix Vane smiled at him, then said in her usual gentle and pleasant voice, "You'll soon find out what she's capable of. I can say with certainty that no one on the continent has more profound knowledge than her, it's a pity..." She didn't finish her sentence, but simply shook her head slightly.
Aurelian Dragon was greatly intrigued by Phoenix Vane's words. Could someone be a god to be so highly praised by such a beautiful and talented woman? Phoenix Vane, however, wouldn't tell him the person's name, only saying that he would know when he found out, which really piqued his curiosity.
Aurelian Dragon thought for a moment, then turned to Lynette Quill, who was sitting opposite her, and asked, "Did you go out early this morning just to see this person?"
Lynette Quill nodded and said to him, "Don't ask me, I've never met her either, I've only heard my older sister mention her."
Aurelian Dragon's curiosity was piqued even more, and she quickly asked, "So what did you do this morning?"
Obsidia Shade glanced at Phoenix Vane and replied, "We'll go with our older sister to clear the way for you."
"Clear the way?" Aurelian Dragon muttered, even more puzzled.
Phoenix Vane smiled and replied, "Because to see that person, we must first pass two tests and break the protective barriers around her." She then sighed softly, "I had no choice but to disturb her. Fortunately, we arrived in time; any later, and we would never have seen her again."
At this point, Phoenix Vane looked at Lynette Quill with an approving gaze and said, "Lynette's skills have really improved a lot. I was worried at first that she might have become lax in her skills because she had been with Aurelian all this time, but I didn't expect her to have made great progress. With Obsidia Shade's all-out effort, the three of us broke those restrictions in just half a day."
Obsidia Shade quickly replied modestly, "It was my elder sister who truly devoted herself to you, young master. I was merely doing what I could."
Lynette Quill, feigning annoyance, retorted, "Big sister, what are you thinking? Even when I'm with Aurelian, I don't forget to practice my skills..."
Aurelian Dragon quickly chimed in, "Yes, he's never forgotten to practice his bedroom skills!"
Lynette Quill blushed instantly and scolded, "Aurelian, you..." Seeing her shy and bashful appearance, Phoenix Vane and Obsidia Shade both covered their mouths and laughed.
Aurelian Dragon, on the other hand, looked smug and said, "You should all know this: practicing bedroom skills with me helps improve your abilities, so the more the merrier! Hahaha!"
The three women were already aware of their beloved's ramblings, and they all rolled their eyes at him in unison. This man, with his thick skin, accepted it quite readily. Frankly, the sight of three beautiful women casting such slightly angry and coquettish glances at each other was enough to captivate any man in the world. So, for this man, it wasn't entirely without its own enjoyment.
Amidst laughter and conversation, the carriage had already entered a main road paved with bluestone slabs, shaded by evergreen pines and cypresses. At the end of the road, an imposing courtyard stood proudly. Red walls and green tiles, flying eaves and brackets, and a corner of the uniquely designed green building could be vaguely seen among the dense foliage of towering trees.
A clear spring meanders around the courtyard wall, and a suspended bridge lies across it. Mist rises like a thin veil, making the place seem like a fairyland, which is refreshing and delightful.
As the carriage crossed the flying bridge, Phoenix Vane pointed to the clear spring below and said, "This spring is actually a protective barrier for the academy. Unless one is a master with profound skills, ordinary people simply cannot fly over it."
Aurelian Dragon couldn't help but wonder, "This spring is wide, but it doesn't look deep at all. If you can't fly across, just wade across."
Phoenix Vane explained, "Don't be fooled by how shallow it is; it's actually a cold spring. Otherwise, why would there be mist rising at this time?"
"Cold Spring?" Aurelian Dragon suddenly realized. The "Cold Spring," known as the coldest place in the world, is extremely rare on the continent. The cold poison contained in the water is enough to make a person lose all mobility within moments of contact with it. If not treated in time, death is the only outcome.
The fact that this family could draw water from a "cold spring" already demonstrated their ingenuity. This somewhat eased the man's lingering doubts.
The carriage drove directly into the high courtyard gate, where several men who looked like servants came forward to greet them. Each of them possessed an extraordinary air; to have such subordinates, the owner of this house must indeed be no ordinary person. This feeling arose in the man's mind, which was filled with questions.
The middle-aged man at the head of the group appeared to be the butler of the place. Upon seeing Phoenix Vane, he greeted her very respectfully, "Miss Yu! Hello!"
Phoenix Vane nodded and replied, "Uncle Qing, I'm sorry to bother you again!"
Uncle Qing glanced at Aurelian Dragon standing next to Phoenix Vane, his eyes lit up, and he said, "This must be Lord Ye. He is indeed dignified and imposing!"
Aurelian Dragon greeted him with a beaming smile, exchanged a few polite words, and then, led by Uncle Qing, they went inside.
Wherever you go, you see lush green trees, exotic flowers and rare herbs in full bloom, vines entwining trees, strange and beautiful rocks, and winding paths leading to secluded spots. The layout is clearly the work of a master.
After turning through a courtyard gate, Uncle Qing stopped and said apologetically, "I'm so sorry, this is the only way I can take you."
Knowing the rules beforehand, Phoenix Vane didn't say much. He instructed the goddess warriors to wait there, and the four of them went straight inside.
As soon as Aurelian Dragon entered the high walled area, she immediately felt a refreshing coolness inside. Looking up, she saw purple vines intertwined and twisted high in the sky, densely packed, blocking out the dazzling sunlight. The serrated little round leaves on the vines were layered upon each other, some upright, some slanted, some straight, some curled, in a thousand different shapes, extremely beautiful. In addition, the golden rays of light that pierced through the air added a golden edge to these branches and leaves.
Aurelian Dragon couldn't help but ask Phoenix Vane, "What exactly are these vines?"
Phoenix Vane said softly, "This is a rare variety of Purple Jade Vine, which was personally cultivated by the owner of this place. It remains green all year round, providing shelter from the summer heat, protection from the wind in winter, and protection against all evil things. It can be said to have endless benefits."
Aurelian Dragon was very impressed; if her own place could be decorated like that, it would be an absolute paradise.
Before long, they arrived at the deepest part of the Purple Jade Vine Garden. Aurelian Dragon looked up and saw a small, jade-white house standing in front of him. In front of the house was a long corridor, with specks of golden light shining on the spotless floor, making the jade-like floor shimmer with an eerie light.
The small house behind it, shrouded in white, shone brightly in the sunlight, as if the entire building was constructed of white marble. It was no more than two zhang high, but its ancient and simple form and layout possessed a strange and captivating aura.
All around was quiet. Aurelian Dragon suddenly realized that she couldn't hear a sound, not even feel a breeze, standing in this place. It seemed that everything in the outside world, the grudges and grievances, the joys and sorrows, had no connection to this place. This was a sacred place completely isolated from the world.
As they were looking, the door of the jade-white cottage in front of them opened silently, and a person quietly walked out from the end of the corridor.
Aurelian Dragon looked closely and saw a beautiful girl, about thirteen or fourteen years old, dressed in a snow-white tulle skirt. She was short and stocky with narrow shoulders, round hips, and a slender waist.
Aurelian Dragon wanted to focus and take a closer look, but then he realized that he had lost all his powers. He could only walk forward with Phoenix Vane and the others. When they were almost at the end of the corridor, he could see the girl very clearly.
Her face was free of any makeup, yet it was rosy and delicate, radiating a spring-like charm. Her features were well-proportioned and pretty. Although she didn't possess the breathtaking beauty of the stunning women beside Aurelian Dragon, she was neat and elegant, with a charming, demure beauty. In particular, her large, bright eyes darted about, radiating a lively and intelligent aura that was captivating.
She wore only a pair of pure white socks, without shoes, as if she was afraid that shoes would dirty the white jade floor beneath her feet, or as if she was afraid that the sound of her footsteps would shatter the tranquil serenity that made one forget all worldly affairs.
She held a snow-white, crystal-clear jade plate in her hands, on which was a snow-white, fragrant handkerchief, exuding an elegant charm.
Upon reaching Aurelian Dragon, the elegant young woman gracefully bowed and softly said, "This servant, Rulan, greets everyone!"
Phoenix Vane asked in a low voice, "Is she awake?"
Rulan nodded gently, stood up, and offered a fragrant handkerchief.
Aurelian Dragon was so intrigued by the scene before him that he was eager to see this mysterious figure. Without thinking twice, he strode into the corridor.
But he had just taken a step when he suddenly stopped and immediately pulled his foot back. He saw that Phoenix Vane, Lynette Quill, and Obsidia Shade had all taken off their little boots.
Aurelian Dragon glanced at the brightly lit corridor before her, like a mirror, and secretly stuck out her tongue. She also took off her shoes and, like Phoenix Vane and the others, picked up the snow-white handkerchief offered by Rulan and wiped the dust off her body.
As Rulan reached the end of the corridor, the door miraculously opened on its own, and after they filed in, it closed silently again. Aurelian Dragon looked closely but saw no one else, and couldn't help but marvel.
Inside, there was a completely different world. The floor was covered with snow-white cloud carpets, and stepping on them felt like walking on clouds. The furnishings on the four walls were elegant and refined. On the screen wall in the center hung an embroidered portrait of a flying goddess with an extremely beautiful appearance, a solemn and dignified countenance with a touch of charm.
Upon seeing this, Aurelian Dragon was stunned, speechless with disbelief. The goddess before him was exactly like the two goddesses he had seen in his dream that day, only now she was even more stunning.
Just as they were wondering what was going on, Rulan led Aurelian Dragon and Phoenix Vane to the back, leaving Lynette Quill and Obsidia Shade behind.