"Here it comes! We’ve entered the maze, it’s within my grasp." The Daoist suddenly called out softly, his face filled with excitement.
The enchanting woman was also filled with excitement.
...
Qi Haoxuan was utterly confused. How did everyone disappear as soon as he turned around?
He considered himself quite familiar with this small forest, but why did it feel so unfamiliar now? Moreover, the light around him was getting darker and darker. It wasn’t even noon yet, but it felt like night was falling.
Qi Haoxuan slung the bow and arrow over his back and drew the dagger from his waist, cautiously moving forward.
The surroundings grew darker, causing some uneasiness to rise in Qi Haoxuan’s heart.
Just then, a faint light appeared in the dimness ahead.
A warm and softly glowing pale yellow light seemed to beckon him closer.
Qi Haoxuan quickened his pace towards the light.
As he drew closer, he was astonished to find it was a lamp, a Glazed Lamp.
The sight that appeared before his eyes left him utterly speechless.
A shop?
Why was there a shop in the woods of the hunting ground?
The giant golden ingot at the door, was it real?
Looking up at the entrance, he saw the pair of couplets.
Left couplet: Bills can be paid, fair trade to all.
Right couplet: Pay your bills on time or face my wrath.
Horizontal banner: Not a black shop.
How strange does this seem?
A shop appearing out of nowhere, with such peculiar couplets—oh, does this even count as couplets? They’re completely unpaired.
Are there Mountain Spirit Monsters in this world?
Qi Haoxuan stood a short distance away, hesitating to move forward.
At that moment, that laughter, which haunted his dreams, echoed in his ears.
"Since you’ve come, why not enter?" The voice chuckled gently and spoke.
In the next moment, Qi Haoxuan dashed into the shop with the vigor of a gale, almost adopting a four-legged stance as he rushed inside.
Once inside, Qi Haoxuan halted abruptly, feeling somewhat anxious, worried about whether his appearance was presentable, whether his hair was messy, or if his clothes had wrinkles.
"Guest, this way, please. The Boss is waiting for you." Dong Xiao gestured with a welcoming motion.
Qi Haoxuan stiffly nodded, then walked inside, moving awkwardly.
Then, he saw her.
Looking at her, Qi Haoxuan felt that the whole world had lost its color, only she remained vibrant.
"Hello, hello, miss, hello." Qi Haoxuan’s tongue was tying itself in knots.
"Hello, please have a seat." Tianmiao smiled and gestured for him to sit.
Qi Haoxuan sat down stiffly across from Tianmiao, not daring to move.
Kong Hou served two cups of tea, maintaining a sense of distinction. There was a cup of bland tea in front of Qi Haoxuan. However, he didn’t care at all, just staring fixedly at Tianmiao.
"Do you have any wishes?" Tianmiao asked softly.
"I want to see you every day." Qi Haoxuan blurted out without hesitation. After saying that, he quickly covered his mouth, wishing he could slap himself. How had he managed to say his true feelings out loud—what if he had startled the lady?
He looked nervously at Tianmiao, only to see her smiling gently, "Is this truly your one and only wish within your heart?"
As Qi Haoxuan looked at Tianmiao’s smile, clarity returned to his mind. He thought carefully and said, "No."
"Then, what is your wish?" Tianmiao’s voice was soft yet seemed to penetrate one’s heart, reaching one’s soul.
"My wish... I hope my elder brother and the Empress Dowager live healthy and smooth lives," Qi Haoxuan said dazedly. After speaking, he was stunned himself. Why had things turned out this way? Why had he come to this place, and why had he engaged in such a conversation with this girl? Everything felt so odd, yet somehow so natural.