HUFF! PUFF!
Hissing white steam billowed from the pitch-black locomotive as it thundered along the tracks.
CLANG! CLANG!
The rhythmic clatter of the connecting rods driving the wheels at high speed, their impact with the rail gaps echoing loudly.
WHOO-OO!
A piercing cry from the steam whistle cut through the air. The five-carriage train plunged into a tunnel, traversed a serene valley, and continued its journey towards the sprawling, untamed Puluo State wilderness.
Within the third carriage, a captivating woman was meticulously applying her makeup at a dressing table.
The carriage was spacious enough for her to not only adorn herself but also to dance; a luxury afforded by the fact that she was the sole occupant.
This woman was Zhuo Yuling, the esteemed second concubine and current mistress of Lu Dongliang, the patriarch of the influential Lu Family.
Indeed, this opulent train was a private conveyance, a testament to the Lu Family's prominence within Puluo State.
The first carriage was dedicated to the storage of coal, the train's lifeblood. The second carriage housed the extensive luggage and provisions necessary for their journey. The third carriage, where Zhuo Yuling was, had been cleverly divided into a central passageway and two comfortable guest rooms. The fourth carriage served as a sophisticated dining room, complete with facilities for playing cards. Finally, the fifth carriage was appointed as the master’s private bedroom.
Zhuo Yuling’s hair was fashioned into elegant finger waves. Her eyes were enhanced with striking eyeshadow and a delicate sweep of blush, making her pale cheeks contrast vibrantly with her bright red lips. She was attired in a teal, high-collared serge cheongsam, its hem falling just at the knees. Slits on either side offered tantalizing glimpses of a laced petticoat beneath. Her slender waist and subtly padded shoulders imparted a captivating aura of both seduction and opulent charm.
Despite being nearing her forties, Zhuo Yuling’s impeccable grooming and sophisticated attire made her appear no older than thirty.
CREAK~
The carriage door creaked open, and the imposing silhouette of Lu Dongliang, the Lu Family’s Head, materialized under the soft glow of the pale yellow wall lamp.
Zhuo Yuling’s reflection in the mirror curved into a gentle smile, the delicate laugh lines around her mouth lifting subtly, accentuating the beauty mark adorning its corner.
Disliking the constraint of shoes, Zhuo Yuling padded barefoot across the amber floral carpet towards Lu Dongliang, her voice laced with affection as she softly called out, "Master."
Lu Dongliang, a man past fifty, affectionately pinched Zhuo Yuling’s cheek. He had always found her as captivating as the day they first met, a reliable source of solace amidst his burdens.
Yet, it was merely solace, not fulfillment.
The visibly weary Lu Dongliang shed his suit jacket, unbuttoned his vest, loosened his tie, and sank onto the plush sofa. He retrieved a bottle of foreign liquor, poured himself a generous measure, and took a long drink.
Midway through his drink, the profound gloom that had settled in his heart began to manifest on his face, compelling him to exhale a heavy sigh.
Zhuo Yuling moved to sit beside him. She retrieved a cigarette from an ornate Iron Tobacco Box, placed it delicately between her red lips, struck a match with practiced ease, lit the cigarette, and then brought the tip to Lu Dongliang’s mouth. "Master, what weighs so heavily on your mind?"
Lu Dongliang accepted the cigarette, taking a deep, contemplative drag. "He Jiaqing returns tomorrow. I was just engaged in a game of cards with his aunt, He Yuxiu, and from her demeanor, I fear she intends to break off his engagement with Xiao Lan."
He Jiaqing was the legitimate son and heir of the formidable He Family, a power to be reckoned with in Puluo State.
Lu Xiaolan was the beloved daughter of Zhuo Yuling and Lu Dongliang.
Had it not been for the He Family's recent decline, their legitimate son would likely never have considered a marriage alliance with the daughter of a concubine from the Lu Family.
Zhuo Yuling’s smile held a hint of cool indifference. "Master, have we not already discussed this matter? Xiao Lan will ensure He Jiaqing never returns to Puluo State alive."
Lu Dongliang, his jaw tightening around the cigarette, knitted his brows. "That young scion of the He Family is remarkably gifted, and moreover, he possesses the legendary Mysterious Red Life Lotus. He is no simple adversary, and I confess, my heart harbors anxieties for Xiao Lan..."
Zhuo Yuling gently shook her head. "Master, you harbor needless worries. That young man from the He Family is, in truth, quite ordinary. He had his moment, his prime, yet instead of dedicating himself to his cultivation, he pursued studies in Huan Country. Four full years squandered. What has he truly accomplished?"
Lu Dongliang stroked his mustache thoughtfully. "Youth can be prone to flights of fancy. Should he ever ascend to lead the He Family's enterprises..."
Zhuo Yuling rose gracefully and moved towards the Phonograph. "Those incapable of tempering their youthful indiscretions are merely mediocre. And mediocre individuals who hoard precious treasures are destined to become corpses. Once he boards that train, his demise is all but assured."
The Phonograph, standing a foot taller than the nearby bedside table, was adorned with one large and two smaller golden trumpets fashioned atop it.
Zhuo Yuling retrieved an elegant iron cup and carefully poured two cupfuls of water into the smaller trumpet located on the left.
Lu Dongliang observed her actions and commented, "I've heard whispers that the Young Gang Leader of the Jiang Xiang Gang also has designs on the Red Lotus. He holds a certain standing in Huan Country and is not a trivial opponent to contend with."
Zhuo Yuling let out a soft scoff. "Are you referring to Xiao Zhenggong? That imbecile doesn't even qualify for mediocrity. He is, quite frankly, nothing more than a cockroach, a repulsive, scurrying cockroach. Were it not for his father's influence, Xiao Zhenggong would have been crushed long ago. With his pathetic schemes, how could he possibly hope to outwit Xiao Lan?"
Zhuo Yuling bent down, operating the cabinet of the Phonograph and igniting the wick within an Iron Box filled with Coagulated Cream.
WOOSH!
A faint blue flame sprung to life, and shortly after, a wispy mist began to emanate from the left trumpet.
HISS! HISS! HISS!
This was, in fact, a steam-powered Phonograph.
The Puluo State was an unusual territory. Due to the inability to store substantial fuel reserves or implement widespread electrical usage, Steam Engine technology was developed to its utmost potential.
Driven by gears and the controlled release of Steam, the Phonograph’s turntable commenced its rotation.
Zhuo Yuling retrieved a shellac record and carefully positioned it onto the Phonograph’s tray.
Lu Dongliang extinguished his cigarette and settled back onto the sofa, remarking, "It's not that I distrust Xiao Lan; I'm simply concerned..."
"Master simply doesn't trust Xiao Lan," Zhuo Yuling responded with a smile tinged with helplessness. "Ever since she was born, Master has never truly regarded her with favor."
As they conversed, Zhuo Yuling gently placed the needle onto the record.
Amidst faint static, a beautiful cello prelude began to play.
Following the prelude, a piano joined, accompanying the violin in a gentle rhythm, and then a deep, resonant voice emerged:
The moonlight~, so dim.
The earth~, veiled in night's haze.
The one I dream of, oh,
where are~ you~
"The Person in My Dreams" was a song Zhuo Yuling held dear.
Requiring neither electricity nor magnetic discs, this venerable Phonograph relied solely on the friction between the needle and the grooves of the record.
Zhuo Yuling gracefully stepped forward, drawing Lu Dongliang up from the sofa. She nestled her head against his chest, embraced him, and they moved slowly, dancing to the captivating melody.
Lu Dongliang’s arms encircled Zhuo Yuling’s delicate waist, yet his brow remained furrowed with worry. "If He Jiaqing perishes, won't the Mysterious Red Life Lotus fall into the hands of Huan Country?"
Zhuo Yuling’s expression tightened slightly. At this precise moment, she found discussing such mundane matters tiresome. "Xiao Lan has conducted her investigations. He Jiaqing has an associate named Li Banfeng; through him, we can locate the Red Lotus. Once He Jiaqing is eliminated, Xiao Lan will seek out Li Banfeng. Naturally, a method will be found to reclaim the Red Lotus."
Lu Dongliang’s hearing wasn't perfectly clear. "The associate of He Jiaqing you just mentioned, what was his name again? Li what?"
"Li Banfeng."
"Half-crazy?" Lu Dongliang sounded surprised. "What an unusual moniker."
Zhuo Yuling offered a smile. "Master, you needn't concern yourself with his name; it holds no significance. Once Xiao Lan ascertains the Red Lotus's location, this individual will cease to exist in this world."
"What sort of person is he? Another nobody?" Lu Dongliang inquired, his caution palpable, fearing any potential flaw in their meticulous scheme.
Zhuo Yuling let out a soft scoff. "He isn't even worthy of being called a nobody. He barely qualifies as a person."
Lu Dongliang gently stroked Zhuo Yuling’s hair. "So, like Xiao Zhenggong, he's merely a cockroach?"
Zhuo Yuling shook her head. "He is considered less than a cockroach."
Lu Dongliang's curiosity intensified. "Then what manner of person is he?"
"How can I describe him?" Zhuo Yuling seemed momentarily at a loss for words.
A small fleck of black ash detached itself from the Phonograph's oil tank and settled upon Lu Dongliang's collar.
The Phonograph’s filter was evidently in need of cleaning.
Zhuo Yuling used her finger to wipe the ash from Lu Dongliang's collar. Gazing at the dark residue on her fingertip, she gave a faint smile. "He is much like this particle of dust, living an existence utterly devoid of consequence. He possesses no parents, no kin; he has absolutely nothing. Raised in an orphanage, he only managed to attain higher education through arduous labor – moving bricks, hauling heavy loads, and operating street stalls. If such a person were to vanish, it would be akin to scattering this dust – a loss unnoticed by anyone."
Having spoken, Zhuo Yuling gently blew, dispersing the ash from her fingertip.
WHOO-OO!
The train swayed noticeably.
Lu Dongliang's dance steps remained remarkably steady, a testament to his foundational training as a Traveling Cultivator.
Beneath Zhuo Yuling's feet, a fine layer of fur emerged, gripping the carpet below with tenacity.
This was a unique ability stemming from Body Cultivation.
Following the train's lurch, the couple resumed their dance, held in each other's embrace.
「The following day.」
Huan Country, Yuedong Province, Yue State City, Yuezhou University, Sixth Dormitory, Room 606.
Li Banfeng was reclining on his bunk, lost in a midday slumber.
In his dream, he found himself aboard his personal yacht, surrounded by a bevy of young women, all basking in the refreshing sea breeze.
The actress who had won the best leading actress award at the previous Golden Yuan ceremony was holding Li Banfeng’s hand, guiding him toward the yacht’s private quarters...
Clasping a pillow tightly, Li Banfeng let out a clear drool, on the verge of reaching the zenith of pleasure in his dream when suddenly, he heard a voice calling out to him:
"Ban Feng, save me."