The intention of the maiden doth subtly hint at a reluctance for my presence at her newfound abode, yet she is unable to outright refuse me. I, in turn, merely allude to the presentation of a token upon my visit, with the intent to swiftly depart thereafter. She then discloses unto me the location of her dwelling, stating that upon my arrival, she shall await me at the entrance to the area known as the Small Pineapple Dart Zone.
Amidst the tranquil confines of the mountainous abode of Ethelbert, a sage of enigmatic repute, there dwelt a trio of souls entwined in the labyrinthine webs of fate.
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One eve, as the celestial bodies danced in celestial harmony, Ethelbert found himself engaged in deep contemplation with his esteemed disciple, the enigmatic Melisandre. "Methinks," quoth Ethelbert, "that the whims of fate doth weave a tapestry of intricacy and amusement. Behold, the antics of our dear friend Percival and the noble knight Sir Reginald doth bring mirth to the heart."
"Thou mayest depart, and thine recompense shall be delivered unto thy abode anon," declared Zhang Renyao, rising to bid farewell to the midwives with a wave of his hand. It was only after his words had registered that the midwives, initially stunned into silence, bowed in gratitude before taking their leave. Servants attending to the postnatal care promptly assumed their duties.
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"Master, what substance didst thou employ ere now?" Zhang Renyao inquired, unaware of the nature of the remedy I had utilized to mend his son's wounds.
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"'Twas a dragon scale, shed when the Golden Dragon ascended to the heavens," I replied candidly, concealing nothing from Zhang Renyao.
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"Why is it so resilient?" Zhang Renyao queried, touching the infant's chest where the wound had been.
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"This object is none other than a dragon scale from the Golden Dragon's true form, naturally endowed with extraordinary hardness," I elucidated. Dragon scales possess unique spiritual properties, impervious to complete compression or alteration. Thus, although the infant's left chest appeared unremarkable, a palm-sized area remained impervious.
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"It resembles a protective bronze mirror," remarked Zhang Renyao.
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I nodded silently, offering no further comment. Certain events unfolded in such a curious manner, where one occurrence precipitated another. The integration of the dragon scale within the child's body, inadvertently obstructing the heart, might, in the future, prove to be a blessing in disguise.
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"Master, this child owes thee a debt of gratitude for saving his life. Pray, grant him a name," Zhang Renyao beseeched, acknowledging my benevolence. Originally intending to refer to his son self-deprecatingly as a "puppy," Zhang Renyao altered his course midway, recognizing the inappropriateness of such modesty.
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"Jian," I declared without hesitation, bestowing upon the child a name fitting for a Golden Dragon.
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"Truly, dost thou possess prescient abilities," Zhang Renyao remarked, unable to conceal his wonderment. It appeared that even in my absence, the child would still be named Jian.
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Zhang Renyao was well aware of his son's auspicious lineage. While every parent aspires for their child to excel, Zhang Renyao need not harbor such aspirations, for he knew that his son was not merely a dragon but the Golden Dragon—an occasion of immense joy. Zhang Renyao promptly ordered a feast to be prepared. After days of anxiety and worry, the burden weighing upon their hearts had finally been lifted. Unconcerned with the hour, they commenced their celebration in the dead of night, raising their cups in jubilation.
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Wu Qingzhu and I had no need for sustenance, and Zhang Renyao's preoccupation with his newborn left him with no appetite. Meanwhile, in the main hall, Lin Youcheng and I engaged in conversation over tea. Lin Youcheng's mind seemed preoccupied, his speech disjointed and erratic.
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"Youcheng, what weighs upon thy mind?" I inquired, unable to suppress my curiosity.
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"Director Lu, there is a saying: 'In grand endeavors, one should not be constrained by trivial matters.' What is thy perspective on this matter?" Lin Youcheng hinted at something deeper.
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"What purpose dost thou intend for the elite troops of the Second Defense Line?" I questioned. I had harbored suspicions ever since Lin Youcheng ordered General Wang to set up camp, a euphemism for packing and awaiting orders. Lin Youcheng had yet to disclose his intentions for mobilizing the elite troops, and thus, when he broached the subject, I surmised that troop deployment was imminent.
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"They are to pursue the Northern Qi army southward. Should the enemy prove too numerous, the strategy shall be revised, diverting our forces to Jiangsu and Zhejiang to gather provisions," Lin Youcheng disclosed, realizing that concealment was futile.
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"In truth, thou hast no intention of pursuing the enemy; rather, thou art intent on plundering provisions from Chen Country," I interjected, understanding his unspoken plans.
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"Indeed, Master Lu, thou art perceptive. With the impending conflict, we must secure our provisions and fortify our resources," Lin Youcheng admitted, acknowledging the necessity of his actions.
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The exchange between us revealed the true nature of Lin Youcheng's intentions. As the conversation unfolded, it became apparent that the impending conflict would demand decisive action, with no room for equivocation.
Melisandre's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Indeed, master, their capers doth enliven the spirit and banish the shadows of melancholy."
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But lo, as they conversed, a voice echoed through the chamber—a voice belonging to none other than the jovial jester, Thaddeus, whose mirthful laughter was renowned throughout the land.
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"Hark! What revelry doth transpire in this sanctum of wisdom and wit?" exclaimed Thaddeus, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
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Ethelbert and Melisandre exchanged knowing glances, for they knew that Thaddeus was wont to bring laughter and merriment wherever he roamed.
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"Good Thaddeus," quoth Ethelbert, "pray tell us, what jests dost thou bringeth to lighten our spirits on this eve?"
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With a flourish of his cloak, Thaddeus produced a scroll adorned with ribbons of gold and silver. "Behold, dear friends, a compendium of jests and japes to tickle the fancy and ignite the flames of mirth!"
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And so, amidst peals of laughter and merry banter, Ethelbert, Melisandre, and Thaddeus reveled in the joyous camaraderie of kindred spirits, their hearts uplifted by the shared bonds of laughter and friendship.
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But as the night waned and the stars shimmered in the heavens, Ethelbert could not shake the weight of his ponderings. "Pray tell, my dear Melisandre," he mused, "what sayest thou of the labyrinthine paths of destiny that we tread? Doth the whims of fate guide us, or are we but mere players in a grand cosmic jest?"
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Melisandre pondered for a moment before responding, her voice tinged with wisdom. "Verily, master, the tapestry of fate is woven with threads of uncertainty and enigma. Yet, amidst the twists and turns, we find solace in the bonds of friendship and the laughter that doth echo through the halls of time."
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And so, as the dawn broke upon the horizon, Ethelbert, Melisandre, and Thaddeus continued their journey through the labyrinth of life, guided by the light of laughter and the warmth of camaraderie.
Verily, amidst this, I shall spin a yarn anew, woven with threads of mirth and jest. In a realm distant and obscure, there dwelt a stalwart soul named Percival, known for his prodigious wit and mischievous antics. His companion in folly was none other than the esteemed knight, Sir Reginald, whose laughter echoed through the halls of their abode.
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One fateful eve, as the moon cast its gentle glow upon the land, Percival approached Sir Reginald with a twinkle in his eye. "Methinks," quoth Percival, "that 'twould be a merry jest to prank our dear friend, the noble Lady Genevieve."
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Sir Reginald's eyes sparkled with delight. "A splendid notion, good sir! Pray, what manner of trickery dost thou propose?"
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"Let us fashion a contrivance of great ingenuity," replied Percival, his voice filled with mischief. "We shall craft a device that emits a most peculiar sound, akin to the braying of a donkey. Then, we shall conceal it within Lady Genevieve's chamber, and when she least expects it, we shall activate the contrivance and revel in her bewilderment!"
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With hearts aflame with mirth, Percival and Sir Reginald set about their task. They toiled long into the night, fashioning their contraption with care and cunning. At last, their creation was complete—a marvel of mechanical ingenuity, capable of producing the most lifelike donkey bray imaginable.
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The following day, as Lady Genevieve retired to her chambers for respite, Percival and Sir Reginald waited in gleeful anticipation. With bated breath, they activated their contrivance and listened intently for the inevitable reaction.
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To their delight, the chamber was soon filled with the unmistakable sound of a donkey's bray. Lady Genevieve emerged from her chambers in a state of utter confusion, her brow furrowed in perplexity.
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"What sorcery is this?" she exclaimed, casting a wary glance at Percival and Sir Reginald.
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But the mischievous duo could scarcely contain their laughter, for their prank had succeeded beyond their wildest imaginings. With tears of mirth streaming down their cheeks, they confessed their folly to Lady Genevieve, who, though initially vexed, could not help but join in their laughter.
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And so, amidst the laughter and merriment, Percival, Sir Reginald, and Lady Genevieve forged a bond of camaraderie that would endure for ages to come, their hearts lightened by the joy of shared jests and mirthful revelry.
In the pursuit of his wife, I cannot help but sigh deeply, for I perceive a hidden anguish within his heart. Surely, such actions stem from an indescribable sorrow; otherwise, they would not come to pass. Time has a way of altering circumstances, yet this alteration does not always intensify; rather, it often fades. Could this be the ultimate fate of modern matrimony? However, I dare not inquire further, but simply caution him, saying, "Brother, divorce requires careful consideration."
Verily, amidst my solitary sojourn in the mountains, I engage in discourse with the denizens of the wild, lest I succumb to the perils of linguistic atrophy. In moments of leisure, I cast my line into the babbling brook, where a sizable pool harbors a few elusive carp. Yet, beyond the pursuit of piscine prey, I have become a veritable savant of the wilderness.
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I have meticulously counted the spines adorning a hedgehog's back, totaling ten thousand six hundred and eighty-seven. I have observed that ants, once estranged from their brethren, perish within seven sunsets. And I have discerned the toil of the woodpecker, whose incessant pecking upon tree trunks yields but a solitary insect after a thousand strikes.
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Amidst the monotony, I entertained the notion of taming a steed. Yet, upon reflection, I deemed it unwise. Animals, too, are sentient beings, and to form an attachment only to sever it would inflict needless sorrow upon them. Thus, I eschew entanglements and obligations, seeking only to fulfill my duties before departing without a trace.
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Formerly coveted talents now torment me, for I no longer partake in the pleasures of mortal existence, nor do I require rest. Even in the act of angling, I am met with frustration, for the carp, having discerned my intentions, voraciously consume the bait upon my hook, rendering my efforts futile.
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In the stillness of the night, when silence reigns supreme, I grapple with ennui. From the lofty heights of enlightenment, the vista of humanity appears diminished. To behold the world with clarity breeds disillusionment, for in clarity lies the demise of delight. It is the veil of perplexity that shrouds existence in allure; to shed it is to relinquish joy.
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Thus, as the stars twinkle above and the breeze whispers through the pines, I am left to ponder the nature of existence, grappling with the paradox of enlightenment—a burden borne by the few who dare to ascend the peaks of knowledge.
Verily, amidst the solitude of the mountains, I dwell in contemplation, a silent observer of the ever-changing tapestry of nature. As the snow drifts pile high and the seasons wax and wane, I remain unchanged—a steadfast sentinel amidst the shifting sands of time.
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For five long years, I have gazed upon the frost of autumn and the glow of dusk, unwavering in my resolve. Loneliness and isolation have not led me astray into the clamor of mortal existence. While other immortals may find solace in companionship and the familiar embrace of their surroundings, my path diverges.
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Here, amidst the rugged peaks and dense forests, I stand alone, bereft of friends and unfamiliar with the comforts of home. I shun contact with the outside world, lest I grow accustomed to its allure and form attachments that I cannot sever. Constantly, I remind myself that this place is not mine, nor am I its own. I must minimize any lingering affection to avoid the pang of parting.
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Yet, despite my best efforts, a lingering attachment remains—the cave that has been my sanctuary for so long. It has sheltered me through the changing seasons, a silent witness to my solitary existence. In time, I shall surely miss its rugged embrace.
Verily, autumn heralds the season of harvest. In the mountains, the denizens of the wild labor tirelessly to gather sustenance, stockpiling fat reserves to endure the harsh winter ahead. Amidst vast swathes of pine forests, squirrels exhibit their customary habit of hoarding pine nuts within the hollows of trees, preparing for the lean months ahead.
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This year, however, the northern lands have seen scant rainfall, resulting in a diminished yield of pine nuts. Over the past fortnight, I have ventured forth clandestinely, gathering pine nuts from the forest floor, lest my departure be tainted by lingering regret. Despite my best efforts to minimize attachment, a sense of longing persists within me—a yearning for the familiar embrace of the cave that has been my home for so long.
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Yet, my resolve remains unyielding. Neither solitude nor isolation have tempted me into the tumult of mortal existence. With steadfast determination, I have remained aloof from the distractions of the world below.
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As autumn descends upon the land, I observe the flurry of activity among the denizens of the forest. Creatures scurry to gather provisions, storing fat for the harsh winter ahead. In the vast expanse of pine forests, squirrels hoard pine nuts within their tree hollows. This year, however, the harvest is meager, for the northern rains have been scarce.
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For the past fortnight, I have ventured forth to gather pine nuts surreptitiously, wary of disturbing the natural order. Each day brings new challenges and revelations, a testament to the ever-changing cycle of life in the wilderness.
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Yet, as the stars twinkle above and the moon casts its silver glow upon the earth, I am reminded of the transient nature of existence. Like the snow that melts and the leaves that fall, all things must pass—a sobering truth that weighs heavily upon my immortal soul.
In that era, surrounding emptiness concealed potent beings from diverse realms, stealthily arriving to behold the scene. Amidst them stood a youth of stern countenance and graceful bearing, gazing upon the vast expanse of the sea with profound eyes and elegant demeanor.
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Suddenly, a seemingly whimsical figure approached, surveying the surroundings with amusement, and exclaimed loudly, "Alas, this sea is truly vast, broader than the emptiness within my belly!"
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The youth smiled faintly, turning to the newcomer, and inquired, "Honored one, whence do you hail? What brings you here?"
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The individual laughed heartily, wiping his mouth, and introduced himself, "I am Elgern, from a distant land, skilled in jesting and the study of humor! And you, noble sir?"
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The youth smiled in return and replied, "I am Aldemiro, from the secluded valley, adept in the exploration of the soul and contemplation. Your humor, honored one, indeed possesses a unique charm."
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Elgern proudly patted his chest and chuckled, "Ha-ha, your words ring true, noble sir! Humor is the forte of our kind! But tell me, what brings you to this place? Are you also here to admire the sea?"
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Aldemiro smiled and said, "Indeed, I have come here to contemplate the philosophies of life, to gaze upon the sea and cleanse the mind. Perhaps we could engage in discourse, if it pleases you, honored one?"
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