Firefly Journey

Chapter 239 Birds and Fish Take Different Paths (14)

After the tournament ended, St. Louis gradually returned to calm, and the various participating forces left the city in batches.

Before the two churches, "Ancient Battle Arena" and "Wings of the Machines," returned, Lin Yuanran arranged to meet his friends in the town at a restaurant near St. Louis.

Of the three, Yicheng is Lin Yuanran's home turf, so all the expenses are naturally on his behalf.

Knowing his wealth, the two suggested that there was no need for special arrangements. However, what they didn't know was that while Lin Yuanran wasn't wealthy, he could easily afford to treat his friends to meals.

After all the dishes were served and it was clear that no one would disturb them, the three of them began their conversation.

Through Lin Yuanran's persistent and relentless efforts, he finally learned part of the reason for Old Du Pippen's death from Cassius.

He said seriously, "The head of the principality in the town back then is my current teacher, as you all know."

According to him, the incident was most likely carried out by the cult of the evil god. A cicada-shaped pattern was found at the time, and after investigation, it was confirmed to be the symbol of the evil god organization 'Higurashi'.

Durant listened intently, his face gradually hardening. He had recently experienced the evil god firsthand and had a clear understanding of the disasters it brought.

But what he couldn't understand was why the evil god would target his own father. Old Du Pippen was an alcoholic and gambler, a good-for-nothing in the eyes of ordinary people. What value could such a person possibly have to be exploited?

Lin Yuanran tried hard to recall the original owner's memories, and after a long sigh, he said, "If I remember correctly, Uncle Du Pippen was a diligent person when I was a child."

Durant fell silent. In fact, his earliest memory of his father was far from the rogue figure he later became.

At this point, Wendy Jupes added, "That's right, when I was a child, I accidentally fell into the River Lodz, and he was the one who pulled me out."

Not only them, but all the residents of Torreg were like that; no one expected him to turn out that way.

“I suspect that Uncle Du Pippen came into contact with the ‘Cicada’ Church a long time ago. He was either bewitched or controlled and eventually became their puppet,” Lin Yuanran boldly analyzed.

"He knew some serious secrets about the Cold Cicada, but the higher-ups didn't trust him, so they killed him. Of course, this is just my speculation, and it may not be correct."

“Your guess makes a lot of sense. In any case, there’s progress on my father’s matter. Thank you,” Dupippen said sincerely.

He used to hang out with Olek, but because of Wendy, he never really got along with Lin Yuanran.

But as it turned out, it was just a minor skirmish. After all, they came from the same place and were very decisive when it came to important matters.

Orek was the same. After learning that he did not meet the requirements to become a superhuman, he became more open-minded, focused on business, and even exchanged letters with Lin Yuanran several times.

“Then the goal is clear,” Wendy said with a smile. “Let’s investigate the ‘Higurashi’ together. I’ll help too!”

"Thank you!" Little Dupippen was deeply moved.

"Okay." Lin Yuanran agreed, then added to himself, "It's fine to investigate as a side project, but it can't interfere with my important business."

Afterwards, the three talked about their lives in different churches, shared what they had seen and heard, and marveled at the splendor of the outside world.

In the very end, they all naturally brought up Torreg, their hometown, a place they would never forget.

Even though Lin Yuanran's soul took over, Ario's memories were not erased. That dilapidated little house still held a very heavy place in Lin Yuanran's heart.

He began to miss the herbs and vegetables in front of the cottage.

Of course, there are also the townspeople who were very kind to him, such as Uncle Gawain who sold fish, the Coente family who were doctors, the giant Worstin who loved to drink, and oh, the traveling merchant Piero, all of whom are worth remembering.

Lin Yuanran raised his glass: "We should always stay in touch."

To be honest, Torreg's little house was Lin Yuanran's refuge in this strange world, and he loved everything about that place because he came from there.

"Of course!" Little Durant also raised his glass excitedly.

Wendy slowly picked up her cup and clinked it with the two of them, a warm feeling welling up inside her.

See? Ario is still the same Ario we know, the Ario of Torreg town, not the Ario of Ilham. He is different from those noble ladies in every way, so there's no way they could possibly spark any romance.

She seemed to have accepted this fact, and brought the glass to her lips, downing the fruit wine that she usually only dared to sip slowly in one gulp.

The sight of them drinking so heartily astonished their two friends.

……

……

Yicheng, Diplomatic Council Hall.

The seven grand dukes of the duchy gathered together, standing on either side of a long table, with the high priest Conrad, dressed in a golden robe, seated in the very center.

At the other end of the long table was the Chu delegation.

The Chu delegation consisted of only two people: Pei Xingyan, the Chancellor of the Black and White Academy, and the renowned brother-in-law of the Chu state.

"How have you considered our proposal?" Chen Qingchen acted as if he were one of the guests, picking up the wine on the table and starting to drink. The taste was really good, even better than the most precious tea in Chu.

Shortly after arriving in the Duchy of Bema, the Chu delegation submitted a request to the duchy, expressing their desire to bring the crown prince home.

The seven dukes discussed the matter and decided that it could not be agreed to, so they kept delaying until the competition ended and the Azure-Clad Sword Saint came to their door in person, forcing them to meet and negotiate.

The grand dukes, who usually exude great power in the parliament, are now looking at each other, hoping someone will step forward. Unfortunately, no one is willing to risk their lives.

After finishing his drink, Chen Qingchen, seeing that no one had given a direct answer, revealed a cold and stern expression and said:

"A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The issue of succession for our Great Chu cannot be delayed in the slightest. I must take the person with me. As for the price, as long as it is within an acceptable range, Great Chu can agree to it."

"If you insist on not releasing him, though my sword is not yet forged, I wouldn't mind having a go at the Vatican's experts."

"How dare you!" Among the seven dukes, an elderly man with white hair slammed his fist on the table and rebuked them in court.

"Difference between two countries is supposed to be about mutual compromise. What is this? A threat of force?!"

Before he could finish speaking, High Priest Conrad shouted, "Shut up! You have no right to speak here."

The white-haired old man, who was also the patriarch of the Kulen family, was taken aback, and sat down sullenly, his expression one of astonishment.

The State of Chu is the one seeking a favor from them, and you're reprimanding me? That's unreasonable!

Conrad's expression changed swiftly; after reprimanding the old man, he immediately put on what he considered a kind face.

“It’s not impossible for the State of Chu to bring the Crown Prince home, but he has been here as a hostage for many years, and his food, clothing and other expenses have cost the State a lot of money. His living expenses should be settled.”

Chen Qingchen squinted: "It's easy. You can talk to Lord Pei about the details of the money and provisions. As long as it's not too excessive, Da Chu can accept it."

Conrad said, "Well, I'm relieved with the Sword Saint's guarantee. In that case, you can take Lü Jianming away at any time."

……

Xu Hanshan emerged from the parliament with an air of nonchalance.

That old man from the Kulun family is really out of his mind, why is he causing trouble for no reason? Lu Jianming is a spoiled brat in Yicheng, causing chaos for everyone.

But he hasn't committed murder or arson, and with his status as the Crown Prince of Chu, he can't arrest people. Now that Chu wants him, it's the perfect thing. Why are you objecting?

The State of Chu is not the State of Chu of the past. Alliances no longer need to rely on sending princes; in the future, they can rely on national strength.

Since we're going to put it back anyway, getting some benefits is the most practical thing to do, and Your Excellency the High Priest is very clever.

Xu Hanshan entered his residence and headed straight for his study. A graceful young woman had been waiting at the study entrance for some time.

"Grandpa, you're back?" Xu Penglong tilted his head, his tone carrying a hint of coquetry.

Xu Hanshan's face immediately fell.

"What are your orders, Your Highness?"

Xu Penglong couldn't help but laugh out loud. After coughing, he said, "No, could you please not talk to me like that?"

Xu Hanshan said irritably, "You gave me such a big surprise, shouldn't I show you some respect?"

"I've come to say goodbye."

"When will you leave?"

"The day after tomorrow, and tomorrow I'm going to a class reunion. It was organized by Sabrina, our class monitor. You've met her before, she's the little girl from the Broan family, she's exceptionally beautiful..."

Xu Hanshan suddenly sighed: "Now, my Xu family has become a laughing stock, and our relationship with the Dimos family will also deteriorate."

Xu Penglong took two steps, came over and hugged his arm, and walked slowly with him.

"You still don't know me well enough."

Xu Hanshan suddenly blew his beard: "You are my granddaughter. If I don't understand you, I'm afraid no one else does."

To everyone's surprise, Xu Penglong immediately objected and shook his head.

"some."