Chapter 137

Si Ming sighed inwardly, realizing that it was indeed difficult to fool the shrewd people around him with his acting skills. Fortunately, the old hag wasn't always by his side, otherwise she would have been exposed long ago.

Although Uncle Gu saw through the clues, given his status, he would keep any secrets to himself. Speaking them out would only invite trouble. As an outsider, and a man at that, he knew the importance of self-preservation. It was better to avoid trouble than to cause it. After all, Si Ming didn't have a sarcastic face, so he wouldn't end up being an enemy of the world.

"The Si Clan is too small, and the world is so big, so I want to go out and see it."

Si Ming didn't want to bring up the old hag's behavior of guarding against him like a thief; there was no need for a girl to know about such sordid things.

"But... but you promised to celebrate my birthday with me," Si Huaruo, her eyes red.

"I can't be there for your birthday, but I've prepared a present for you, and I'm carrying it with me."

Si Ming took out a pair of armlets from his bosom, handed them to Si Huaruo, and recited. "How can I express my deep affection? With these two golden rings adorning my arms."

A bracelet, also known as an armlet, is a gold or silver band coiled into a spiral shape. The number of coils varies, generally three to eight, but can sometimes be as many as twelve or thirteen. It is worn specifically on a woman's arm.

The beauty of the armband lies in the fact that, no matter the angle from which it is viewed, it appears as several independent rings, resembling the beauty of several bracelets. Su Dongpo once wrote a poem about it, "Last night, my spring slumber was deeper than wine, weighed down by the armband of a beautiful woman."

When the disciples of the Shaman School dance, they often wear armbands as ornaments. Therefore, armbands are a common accessory for the Si Clan. Si Ming chose armbands mainly because he felt that golden curly hair was the way to go. Si Huaruo's golden hair was straight, which he felt was a bit of a regret, so he used a curly armband to satisfy his desire.

Si Huaruo accepted the gift, feeling both happy and reluctant. With her big, watery eyes, she asked, "Really, I can't stay?"

"Water Mirror Manor is a big cage. I can't spread my wings inside, and I'm very unhappy. So I've always wanted to soar into the blue sky and fly freely."

"I've raised birds before. I fed and watered them every day, and they were quite happy in their cages. At least they didn't have to worry about food or danger."

"Did you know that when a fledgling eagle matures, the parent eagle will push it off a cliff until it can fly on its own? That cruel feeling is called freedom!" Si Ming clenched his fist and said, "The pride of an eagle is something that sparrows and the like will never understand."

"So, do you really have to be an eagle?" Si Huaruo's tears fell in a steady stream, making her incredibly endearing.

Si Ming felt a pang of pity, but he still nodded firmly. Some things cannot be given up.

"Then, will you come back?"

"Yes, I will come back when I have the strength to break free of this cage and no one can hold me back."

Si Huaruo forcefully wiped away her tears, sobbing, "Then it's a promise, you must come back, okay? Pinky promise, for a hundred years, no take-backs!"

"Don't worry, I will definitely keep my promise this time," Si Ming solemnly promised.

At this moment, Yan Jinghong emerged from the dense forest, empty-handed, with a solemn expression on her face.

"Judging from your expression, could it be that that guy ran away?"

Yan Jinghong nodded with a grim expression. "I underestimated the life-extending effect of the Sin Punishment Divine Art. I didn't expect him to still be able to move under such injuries. However, there are bloodstains left on the spot, so he shouldn't have gone far. You finish speaking quickly, and we'll chase after him immediately. Even Spirit Transformation expert can't survive after his heart is damaged."

"I've finished explaining, we can set off now."

"Does he have no other attachment to his Lineage?"

"My sister is an unparalleled genius. With her by my side, there is hope for the revival of the Water Mirror Manor. This is the greatest debt I can repay to my Lineage and my mother. Now that I have repaid my debt of gratitude, I am at ease and owe no one anything."

Although the Si Clan kept him in a cage and guarded him day and night, they never mistreated him. This was the place where he was born and raised, and Si Ming did not intend to deny this kindness.

As for the ancestor's promise to fulfill any request he made, Si Ming would be out of his mind to believe that she was.

Si Ming shared the same view as Yuwen Dongliu regarding the Aristocratic Clan: in order to protect Aristocratic Clan interests, these families could break their promises and turn their backs on them at any time; all talk of benevolence and morality was utter nonsense.

"In that case, let's go."

Yan Jinghong put the damaged Heaven-Soaring Armor back into the sword box, reached out and grabbed Si Ming, then used her lightness skill to speed away.

Si Huaruo remained where she was, watching the retreating figure disappear into the distance. Tears she had been holding back streamed down her face. She put her hand to her mouth and cried out, "Remember, you must come back! I will wait for you, I will always wait for you, even if you forget, I will still keep waiting!"

In the distance, a hearty laugh echoed—the sound of wings breaking free from their cages and returning to the blue sky.

"Waves intentionally create a thousand miles of snow, peach blossoms silently herald a procession of spring. A pot of wine, a fishing rod, how many are as carefree as I? A single oar in the spring breeze, a leaf-like boat, a silken thread, a light hook, flowers fill the islet, wine fills the cup, freedom is found amidst the vast waves!"

Master Zhai: Let me explain the timeline of the main story. The protagonist was sent away as an infant and didn't grow up in the Water Mirror Manor, but some things that were meant to happen still happened, such as the Eight Asura Sin Lord escaping to the Water Mirror Manor.

Parallel world literary giant

(When Si Ming chooses to give up attracting Yan Jinghong's attention, this future branch is activated)

Water Mirror Manor was filled with double happiness characters and lanterns, and even Weiyang Lake reflected the festive red shadows. The Si Clan members all had smiles on their faces and congratulated everyone they met. The banquet by Weiyang Lake lasted for seven days.

Those who didn't know better might think this was the day of the Si Clan's eldest son's joyous celebration.

This was actually not a wedding banquet, but an engagement banquet, and the person being engaged was not the head of the Si Clan, but the head's younger brother.

"Does he really have to dress like this? This groom's suit is so effeminate! Can't he dress more seriously?"

Si Ming tugged at the trumpet-shaped collar, feeling a little uncomfortable. He looked down at his lower body; the trousers were styled like a skirt, and the sleeves were also flared outwards in a trumpet shape. The overall style of the clothing was somewhat similar to that of medieval Europa nobles.

Si Jingyue laughed and scolded, "What are you saying? This is the traditional clothing of the Shaman School. In the past, when the Shaman School disciples were engaged, the bride and groom would dance for the guests. Now, at least this part has been omitted, otherwise you would have been embarrassed."

She reached out and smoothed out some wrinkles on her clothes, saying with emotion, "Twelve years ago, I never imagined I would have such a happy day, to witness you walk down the aisle and offer my blessings... From now on, you must be even happier. Huaruo is a good girl, just a bit competitive; you should be more accommodating to her."

"Go tell your sister that. She's the one who flirted with Huaruo. Besides, today is an engagement, not a wedding, and I'm the one getting married. Why are we acting like we're sending off a daughter to be married off?" Si Ming grumbled.

Si Jingyue's eyes revealed a gentle tenderness. Holding Si Ming's hand in one hand and patting the back of his hand with the other, she said, "These past years, I've wronged you. I know you've always wanted to leave Water Mirror Manor and see the outside world, but unfortunately, I'm too useless to help you, leaving you imprisoned in this small manor. I've seen all your efforts in finding new paths for the men of the Si Clan and subtly changing the Si Clan's atmosphere. I'm so sorry..."

"Mom, don't say that. I've always remembered your concern for me. Although I regret not being able to go out and see the world, I really like my life now. I have my childhood sweetheart who will be with me for life, my sister who cares for me and protects me, and my understanding mother. I don't dislike this kind of life."

Si Ming raised his head slightly, looked through the window adorned with the double happiness symbol at the narrow patch of sky outside, and revealed a trace of melancholy. He said, "Although I dreamed of being a great hero when I was a child, wanting to roam the martial world, wander the world, and become a chivalrous martial Grandmaster, it was ultimately just a dream. When the dream ends, one has to face reality. In life, there are nine times out of ten things that don't go as planned; how can everything go as one wishes?"

"Ming'er..." Si Jingyue was filled with guilt, feeling that she might have done something wrong.

"Mother, don't look like that. I'm living a very happy life now. I have money and leisure. When inspiration strikes, I write novels; when I don't, I practice calligraphy. I still make a fortune every day. I have a good reputation in the world of novels, calligraphy, painting, chess, music, and dance. Especially in novels, three out of ten people in this world have read my books. My pen name is more famous than any Grandmaster. With what I have achieved, what more could I ask for?"