Star of Another Day

Chapter Two: The Eccentric（3）

Longfei looked hesitant when asked to show the crystal, but Yumeng Wei quickly intervened, “Your Majesty, Longfei's amethyst is akin to the Ghost Flash of the Snow Mountain, known for its ability to captivate souls. I suggest it's best not to view it.”

The Snow King waved his hand dismissively, “No matter, I have seen the Ghost Flash in my youth and was unaffected. I believe, as Snow Zhiyun once said, I am of resolute will. Though older now, I am not outdone by the young. Hahaha…”

Longfei looked at Yumeng Wei for guidance. She nodded slightly but remained alert. Longfei opened his shirt, revealing the amethyst and filling the hall with a purple glow. Since returning from the Snow Mountain, Yumeng had returned the Ice Crystal Heart Shield to Yunbo, and Longfei’s current garment, specially made from ice silkworm silk by Yumeng, effectively blocked the amethyst’s glow. It had been half a year since Yumeng last saw Longfei's skin or the amethyst.

The Snow King’s eyes grew increasingly strange as he gazed at the amethyst, captivated much like Yumeng had been initially. Sensing something amiss, Yumeng quickly closed Longfei's shirt and called out, “Your Majesty!” The Snow King jolted back to reality, finding his forehead covered in sweat, murmuring, “Incredible! Just now, I was reminded of my youthful days of warfare and conquest!”

Trying to hide his brief lapse, the Snow King quickly regained his composure. His interest in Longfei grew, and he asked various questions about geography, culture, and other topics. Longfei answered fluently, astonishingly knowledgeable for someone who never left home. Yumeng Wei was equally surprised by his ability to absorb knowledge.

After a while, the Snow King, showing signs of fatigue, said, “I must attend to state affairs now. Keep your crystal hidden, and do not reveal it lightly. I grant you a Xuan Crystal Heart Shield, a top-grade armor. Wear it well.” He signaled for the shield to be fetched.

Longfei knelt and thanked the King, then hesitantly said, “I have a small request…”

“Oh? What is it?” The Snow King, amused by the rarity of such a request, encouraged him to speak.

“I wish to access the Taixue Pavilion. I’ve heard it has many books, and I'd like to study there.”

The Snow King laughed heartily, “Granted! It's rare for the Snow tribe to have someone so eager to learn.” He produced a red token on a string, handing it to Longfei. “This token allows you unrestricted access to the Taixue Pavilion. Engage with the scholars there, and perhaps refresh their minds too.” He then addressed Yumeng Wei, “Bring him to the annual Snow Mountain ceremony. I want to see if he has become more learned.” The King then left the throne.

Every year, the Snow tribe held a ceremony on the last day of the year, as per the continental calendar established 800 years ago. The ceremony celebrated the blessings of the Snow God. Usually, only high-ranking officials could attend, but the King’s invitation for Longfei indicated his fondness for him.

Yumeng Wei accepted the Heart Shield from a servant and left the palace with Longfei, who asked, “How did I do?” She praised him, “Very well. The King likes you, giving you the Xuan Crystal Heart Shield and the Red Snow Token, which grants access to many restricted areas. But don't misuse the token and cause trouble.”

Longfei nodded as they approached the palace gate. A tall, dark-skinned man with slender eyes passed them, nodding at Yumeng Wei but giving Longfei a peculiar smile before entering the palace.

Noticing Longfei’s puzzled look, Yumeng Wei explained, “That’s Xuenan Cheng, who rose quickly to Left Chancellor in Snow City due to his extraordinary abilities in governance and martial arts.”

Longfei remarked, “He’s hiding many secrets, his heart raced when he saw me, as if he knew I could see through him.”

Yumeng Wei, surprised, asked, “You can read minds?” Longfei clarified, “Not exactly, I can sense emotional fluctuations and states.”

Curious, Yumeng Wei asked what she was feeling. Longfei quickly said, “Warmth, peace, love.” Yumeng Wei blushed, and Longfei noticed her heartbeat quicken. Embarrassed, she hurriedly left the palace with him.

At the Taixue Pavilion, Yumeng Wei showed Longfei inside, where he immediately began devouring the books. She left him there, feeling a mix of pride and loss, like a mother watching her child grow up and away.

Longfei immersed himself in the books, while Yumeng Wei left to attend to her duties, feeling a mother's bittersweet joy at her child's independence.

Yumeng Wei walked along the central street toward Xue Qingsong's residence, pondering her special feelings for Longfei. Since returning from the Snow Mountain, they had been inseparable, and Longfei, like a big child, was making rapid progress every day, always bringing her new experiences. This was quite rare for someone from the Snow tribe.

The Snow tribe, located in the north, had little contact with other races and led a simple life. Orphaned from a young age, Yumeng Wei was intelligent and favored by the Snow King, who treated her like his late granddaughter, ensuring she never came to harm. As a result, people around her maintained a delicate distance, making it hard for her to experience sincere emotions. Fortunately, Longfei, unaware of these nuances, was very close to her. Thinking of Longfei, Yumeng Wei couldn't help but smile sweetly.

Familiar with Xue Qingsong's residence, she took him to a private room where they could discuss important matters without interruption.

In a hushed voice, Yumeng Wei said, “I took Longfei to meet the Snow King today. On our way out, we encountered Xuenan Cheng. Longfei seems to have the ability to sense people's inner thoughts. He told me he sensed turmoil in Xuenan Cheng’s mind. I've always been wary of him. He rose to power quickly and seems to have hidden motives.”

Xue Qingsong agreed, “I've had similar suspicions. His eyes occasionally betray a sinister glint. I’ve had people investigate his background, but it's like he appeared out of nowhere with no past. Curiously, that's somewhat similar to Longfei.”

Yumeng Wei laughed, “'Your' Longfei? Elder Xue, you’re joking.” Her cheeks reddened slightly.

Xue Qingsong became serious, “Regardless, we must be cautious with Xuenan Cheng. I’ve placed spies near his residence to monitor his activities and will be informed of any developments.”

“Right, the Snow Mountain Festival is approaching. We mustn’t let our guard down,” Yumeng Wei concurred, then left after discussing contact strategies with Xue Qingsong.