Chapter 161 – The Reverse Proposal
Jian Luo stared at the documents in front of him, lost in thought.
As he flipped through them, he gradually discovered that there were very few and vague records about the Dragon Clan’s illusions. Most likely, dragons who had experienced them were unwilling to discuss them. Another reason was that Jian Luo had just learned that each dragon’s illusion realm was unique, rendering them fundamentally incomparable.
The only certainty was that the more times one entered the illusion, the greater the danger within. However, with each journey, one would undoubtedly grow stronger, significantly so. Lu Shifeng was already on his third expedition. This time, he had no choice but to face it head-on, with no retreat.
“How could this be…”
Jian Luo had spent the whole day in the library, but it was the alert from his personal information bracelet that finally woke him. It was from Su Liang.
Su Liang said, “Luo Luo, where are you? Haven’t seen you all day.”
Jian Luo was still immersed in the documents. The more he read, the more apprehensive he became, feeling as if he were facing a formidable enemy. He hastily replied, “Mom, I’ll talk to you tonight when I get back. I’m busy right now. Please take care of the little ones.”
Su Liang asked, “What are you up to?”
Jian Luo didn’t explain further. “I’ll tell you later.”
After ending the call, Jian Luo could no longer sit still. He stood up and walked briskly outside. In the past, he was unfamiliar with the military terrain, but now he moved around as if it were his own home, navigating effortlessly.
Jian Luo walked faster and faster, as if rushing to meet someone.
The afternoon sunlight bathed him as he hurried towards the warm, summer-like temperature. Walking under the sun, his pace was swift, almost as if he might burst into flames at any moment.
“Drip.”
The door to the training camp opened.
Gasping for breath, Jian Luo stood at the entrance. Looking inside, he saw Lu Shifeng standing on the training platform. Nearby, three young trainees were at their stations, and behind them stood a group of instructors. In preparation for Lu Shifeng’s upcoming third illusion journey, the most outstanding dragon trainers had gathered. They stood beside Lu Shifeng like stars around their king.
The door closed with a slight sound, and Lu Shifeng turned around.
A drop of sweat trickled down Jian Luo’s cheek. His face was flushed, carrying an excitement that he couldn’t quite hide.
Taking a step forward, Jian Luo gasped, “I need to talk to you… with you.”
Lu Shifeng handed what he was holding to an assistant nearby and walked over. He pulled out a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the sweat from Jian Luo’s forehead, his voice deep and magnetic, “Take your time. No need to rush.”
Jian Luo took a deep breath. He held Lu Shifeng’s hand and said slowly, “Come with me.”
They walked outside to the balcony, where the view was expansive. Jian Luo stood in front of Lu Shifeng, who was more than a head taller. When they stood together, Jian Luo had to tilt his head up to look at him. The setting sun cast its glow upon them, drawing them closer together.
In Lu Shifeng’s eyes, Jian Luo’s face was filled with hesitation and conflict, as if he was pondering whether to speak up or not. Lu Shifeng suddenly became curious. Could it be because he was about to embark on the illusion journey that Jian Luo wanted to discuss something that had already been prepared?
“Jian Luo, do you want to…”
“Marry me!”
…
There was a brief silence in the air.
For a moment, Lu Shifeng doubted if he had misheard something. He repeated incredulously, “What did you say?”
Jian Luo hesitated, “What I mean is, let’s get married, with my blood as the sacrifice.”
Lu Shifeng’s blood-red eyes dimmed for a moment. He quickly understood what Jian Luo meant by those words.
A breeze blew in from the other side, gradually fading the blush on Jian Luo’s face caused by running. Leaning against the railing, he seemed to have finally spoken his mind, even feeling a bit relieved, his eyes bright and filled with excitement.
Lu Shifeng said solemnly, “Jian Luo, do you understand what you’re saying?”
“I do.”
“If I fail, you won’t have many good years left.”
“Who said that? I still have over thirty years.” Jian Luo counted on his fingers, “Thirty years is enough time for so many things. We can travel, play, watch our children grow up. You can teach them to fly. With your abilities, you can teach them how to protect themselves. We…”
As he spoke, tears suddenly streamed down his face like beads breaking loose, uncontrollable. Jian Luo wiped his face with the back of his hand, sniffing to cover his embarrassment.
Lu Shifeng reached out to wipe his tears, his voice gentle, “Without sacrificing, you would have endless life, able to stay with them longer, travel, play. I know you would protect them.”
“But not without you!”
Jian Luo looked up, his black eyes now tinged with red, his voice hoarse from crying. He threw himself into Lu Shifeng’s embrace, “I don’t want to live that long. I want to be with you.”
Lu Shifeng caught the small human unexpectedly, and for a moment, a hundred emotions surged within him.
Humans were said to be fragile, yet sometimes terrifyingly brave—brave enough to sacrifice their lives, brave enough to surprise him. Lu Shifeng was determined to protect Jian Luo, shield him from any hardship, pave the way for him, and ensure his future life wouldn’t be so arduous.
Yet now, Jian Luo told him he also wanted to protect himself, to contribute to their relationship, even willing to endure hardship if it meant being with him.
Lu Shifeng chuckled softly as he patted the human’s head in his arms, feeling an unexpected warmth.
Jian Luo sniffled, a bit annoyed, “What are you laughing at?”
“Hmm?”
Lu Shifeng responded quietly, “Feels quite unusual.”
Jian Luo looked puzzled.
“First time being taken care of.” Lu Shifeng gently wiped away the tears on Jian Luo’s cheek, his voice both amused and solemn, “Thank you, our Luo Luo.”
Lu Shifeng, the Marshal, had never imagined that one day he would be protected by a human, healed by a human, and—fall in love with a human.
Dark stars were selfish, and dragons possessed strong territorial instincts. Undoubtedly, they were selfish beings. Before meeting Jian Luo, Lu Shifeng had never considered sharing anything with anyone. He had lived solitary in this world, akin to a machine created with a mission, destined to fade into the Dragon Valley after fulfilling that mission.
But then he met Jian Luo.
Jian Luo scratched his head awkwardly, “No need to thank me. It’s nothing. Actually, after careful consideration, I thought about it all day. I know this might be risky, but I still want to try. I’m prepared for whatever happens. I…”
“Jian Luo.”
Lu Shifeng interrupted him.
Jian Luo looked up, bewildered.
Lu Shifeng held Jian Luo as if embracing his most precious treasure. The mighty dragon lowered his head before Jian Luo, and in the twilight’s glow, gently placed a kiss on Jian Luo’s forehead, whispering softly, “Let’s get married.”
Silence enveloped them. A white bird flew across the sky, leaving a long trail in its wake. It was an ordinary day yet so extraordinary.
Spring brought renewal to all things, summer was approaching. Warm winds carried whispers as they passed the railing, brightening the world. Amidst the spring-summer transition, Jian Luo’s voice was soft yet weighty in the wind, “Yes.”
…
Next day
The Dark Star’s two sets of marriage laws were officially announced!
This was the first instance of “one country, two systems.” When the laws were publicized, the nation was shocked. Some couldn’t believe their eyes at the two sets of marriage laws. The reaction from the Dark Stars was even more pronounced:
“Who would choose the second set?”
“Even property division? I bet no one will choose.”
“Even if they choose the first set, those who want to marry will still marry. Don’t humans want to come to the Sky City?”
Some Dark Stars seemed to live in a dream, dreaming of others taking the initiative, but reality soon dealt them a harsh blow.
Hope Elementary School in Paradise was completed. Although schools in Sky City were open to humans, tuition fees were not reduced. Most families preferred to send their children to Hope Elementary, where the teachers recruited by Jian Luo were highly educated individuals from Phoenix Terrace, no less competent than those in big city schools. Moreover, Hope Elementary was tuition-free, ensuring that children would not face discrimination.
After a few shy days, many illiterate adults found new opportunities when Jian Luo established an adult vocational school. Here, they learned literacy and gained knowledge under the guidance of teachers, understanding concepts like propriety, justice, integrity, and discerning right from wrong. They came to realize that the world was not confined to just the farming settlements but extended over vast, expansive spaces.
“Why should I work as a waiter in Sky City?”
“Oh, our factory is also in the Industrial Park of Sky City.”
“Sorry, I’m focused on building my career right now. The factory needs people, and I don’t have time to chat with you.”
With their own careers and goals, humans were no longer mere dependents. They soon discovered that not all Dark Stars were as welcoming. Marrying into Sky City no longer garnered envy from the entire village. In the current Paradise, everyone had their own careers and jobs, no longer confined to their original status.
As human industry slowly developed, potato chips and fries, after passing moonlight inspections, gained widespread popularity and acclaim. They became essential snacks for home and travel, with sales skyrocketing to the point where factories needed overtime to keep up with demand.
Many Dark Stars were slow to react:
“Are we supposed to follow the second set of marriage laws if we want to date and get married?”
“The first set is completely meaningless.”
Among these discussions, one highly praised response stood out:
“Actually, maybe they don’t care about your money at all. They just want to see your sincerity. If you’re so meticulous even about marriage, not treating them like equals, how can you live together? Honestly, Peace Paradise is expanding now, and Earth is also under construction. In the future, humans will move there. Who do you think will still care about your possessions then? You might as well stay with your wealth.”
Author’s Note: When writing about Luo Luo, I suddenly thought of a line from “Big Fish & Begonia”: “What’s the use of living long if you’re not happy?”
T/N: Hope you’re having a good day! Drink water and make sure to sleep early! (>w<)/
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