The long corridor seemed to be paved with some strange metal, as were the surrounding walls,^ and the terrifying, gaping dragon-mouth gate made one feel that once stepped through, one had fallen directly into the dragon's maw! With no return!
Even the usually carefree Xing Zhan felt a chill of apprehension and fear course through him. However, when that gate swung open, what greeted Xing Zhan’s eyes truly astonished him!
Before him was a chorus of delicate voices; at least fifty graceful women, lightly clad and brimming with coquettish charm and captivating allure! This caused Xing Zhan’s face to flush and his heart to race.
And at this moment, these women were laughing and chattering, revolving around a boy of about eleven or twelve years old like stars around the moon! What shocked Xing Zhan even more was that this little boy possessed the demeanor of a complete rake, utterly captivated and licentious, his small "Green Mountain Claws" moving as skillfully as a little fish navigating the peaks and valleys of the women’s ample bosoms.
Beside him, a little girl, bearing a striking resemblance to him, appeared utterly bored, until her eyes lit up upon seeing Xing Zhan enter, as if she had discovered a novel toy. Ah!
What in the world was this situation! Xing Zhan had conjectured countless times about the appearance of this so-called Young Master of Wolong, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined it would be such a little brat, and one so undisciplined and lecherous.
And the other little girl observed the scene with complete composure! “Hahahaha.” Only upon seeing Xing Zhan did the little rake awkwardly withdraw those "Green Mountain Claws"!
He then struck a formal pose: “Welcome, esteemed guest.” With a slight wave of his hand! The maids, previously a chorus of captivating charm, reluctantly stepped aside.
“You are Xing Zhan, right?” The little girl seemed very interested in him: “Indeed, just as Xinyue described, black hair and black smoke.” The girl scrutinized Xing Zhan from head to toe: “Hmm, decent physique, tall and lithe, all the right curves in the right places, and your looks aren't bad either.” “……………” To possess such a bearing at such a tender age truly startled Xing Zhan. Facing the instantly transformed little boy and the little girl with the strange look in her eyes, Xing Zhan was momentarily stunned.
Could these two urchins really be the Young Masters of Wolong Manor? The towering dragon throne made them appear nearly a head taller than the standing Xing Zhan, even while seated, and occupying the throne lent them an air of imperial majesty, looking down upon all beings!
Though young, the boy exuded an experienced shrewdness that made one instinctively ignore his age. But what shocked Xing Zhan even more was that this little boy and girl—just like himself!—possessed identical black hair and black eyes, and their features were so strikingly similar that they were clearly twin siblings!
Was this not just like him and his elder brother? Twins too!
Identical appearances, even down to the unbelievable coincidence of being twins! This gave Xing Zhan an inexplicable sense of familiarity and kinship.
On the Mafa Continent, people with black hair and black eyes were exceedingly rare, exclusive to the Divine Dragon Imperial Clan—with his father, aunt, himself, his brother, and the four children, they numbered only eight people in total. In his father’s words, they were "endangered species"!
Yet here, in this mysterious Wolong Manor, he found an entire lineage exactly like himself. Their delicate features and large eyes, clear as black gems, bespoke great intelligence and charm, but recalling the earlier lecherous scene, Xing Zhan felt an odd aura emanating from the two little figures.
Hmm, "young in years but old in spirit"—they seemed cut from the same cloth as his brother and himself at that age! After a long moment, Xing Zhan finally snapped back to reality: “You understand the Mafa language too?” “The Mafa language.” The little rake replied proudly: “What you call the Mafa language is merely a derivative tongue from our civilization.
Why would it be strange that this young master speaks it?” “The Wolong Civilization encompasses everything and boasts a long history,” the little girl added, looking smug: “Thirty thousand years ago, when we first appeared on the continent, your ancestors didn’t even have writing. The so-called Mafa script and Mafa language were actually gifts we gave to your ancestors.” “A derivative language.” Xing Zhan was greatly startled.
There had long been rumors that Wolong Manor was the origin point of all Mafa civilization. “Just to correct you,” the little girl maintained her arrogant stance: “In our time, the so-called Mafa language was referred to as the Bangzi language.” “Bangzi language.” Xing Zhan was dumbfounded: “Is it related to Bangzi?” “Heh, nothing much,” the little rake interjected: “The so-called Bangzi language is also known as the Goryeo language, belonging to a minority ethnic group in our era.
However, the people of that tribe are all blockheads—slow on the uptake—so we called it the Bangzi language.” “The Bangzi language is simple and easy to understand, making it the most suitable medium for popularizing culture on a continent just beginning to enlighten itself thirty thousand years ago, hehe. That’s why we chose to pass this language and script on to you,” the little girl dropped a stunning piece of historical fact.
“Over time, these language and script became what you now call the Mafa script and Mafa language, which you claim as Mafa Civilization,” the little rake stated gravely. “The legend… is it true?” A tremendous wave surged in Xing Zhan’s heart.
He had always believed it to be mere exaggeration, but now it seemed all of it was likely true! But this was not the time to investigate ancient history.
Since the other party was merely a child, he seemed manageable! Thinking this, Xing Zhan decided to adopt a tougher stance!
Moreover, he didn't have time to debate cultural origins with them; Xing Zhan resolved to get straight to the point! “A supposed guest should be able to come and go freely.
What kind of hospitality is this?” “This…” The little rake looked awkward: “This Young Master sincerely apologizes for the previous rude neglect.” The little girl beside him also adopted an expression of embarrassed apology. “Enough with the pleasantries,” Xing Zhan strode confidently into the main hall: “You dragged me here and then left me hanging for five days.
What is your objective?” “You’re rather direct, aren’t you.” The little rake seemed slightly embarrassed: “Are all the girls on the Mafa Continent as unladylike as you?” “The concept of 'ladylike' depends on the recipient,” Xing Zhan retorted unhappily. “I like this personality,” the little girl grinned slyly: “Brother, I think she’s quite suitable.
Just keep her.” “Well…” The little rake chuckled awkwardly, then muttered under his breath: “Actually, actually, hehe, seeing too many ladylikes, tasting the flavor of a shrew once in a while isn’t bad either.” “……………” The two whispered and discussed amongst themselves. Though their voices were low, Xing Zhan heard every word clearly.
He felt a wave of darkness wash over him, breaking out in a cold sweat, but beneath it was growing anger: “Stop pretending you can’t hear me, and speak quickly. What exactly is your purpose?” “Purpose, fine.” The little rake seemed satisfied with his amusement and adopted a serious air: “You must have learned a lot from Xinyue already, haven’t you?” “Not much,” Xing Zhan replied: “I only know two things: first, you intend to invade the Mafa Continent; second, your objective requires my assistance to succeed.” “Clear logic, insightful vision.
You have potential,” the little girl observed with an aged solemnity: “But you are only half right.” “Half?” Xing Zhan did not understand. “‘Invade the continent’ sounds so harsh,” the little girl said unhurriedly: “You can understand it as assimilation or assistance.
After all, our civilization is far more advanced than yours. If we take charge of the Mafa Continent, it will be beneficial and harmless to you.
Furthermore, we have no intention of eradicating Mafa humans; we merely wish to secure living space on the Mafa Continent. Of course, the noble Wolong Clan will always be the absolute overlords, wherever we go.
Therefore, upon entering the Mafa Continent, we must also secure absolute sovereign rule. If you can accept this, the disaster of extermination can naturally be averted,” the little rake spoke with an arrogant, superior air, appearing utterly self-assured!
“You put it nicely, glossing over an invasion with such respectable language,” Xing Zhan sneered: “Do you think I would believe your nonsense? If you don’t want to exterminate Mafa humans, why create terrifying creatures like the Fire Dragon?” “Believe it or not,” the little rake said seriously: “This is genuinely our intention.
Creating the Fire Dragon was merely a last resort, just in case.” “Fine, even if you’re telling the truth,” Xing Zhan said: “Then what exactly do you want me to do?” “Hehe, this, this.” The little rake suddenly displayed a strangely bashful expression, appearing hesitant. “Hemming and hawing,” Xing Zhan’s temper flared for no reason: “Are you even a man?
Why are you being so indecisive?” “Yeah, big brother, show some backbone, won’t you?” The little girl, clearly enjoying the chaos, fanned the flames with intent! “A man.” The little rake seemed like a cat whose tail had been stepped on; he sprang up immediately: “This Young Master is certainly a man!” He then realized he had lost his composure and sat back down: “You brought this upon yourself by asking, but let’s agree first: whatever this Young Master says, you cannot get angry.” “You really talk too much,” Xing Zhan sounded thoroughly impatient.
“Fine.” The little rake sighed helplessly: “What we require you to do is simple: you must become this Young Master’s Manor Mistress.” “Manor Mistress.” Xing Zhan was stunned, completely failing to grasp the meaning. “Simply put,” the little rake’s expression turned strange: “It means you must marry this Young Master.” “Marry… marry me.” Xing Zhan froze!
“That’s right.” The little girl also nodded solemnly: “In other words, you must become my sister-in-law.” “…………….” Xing Zhan stood stock-still, swaying precariously! I must be dreaming.
This half-grown little brat actually wants to marry me as his wife! After a long while, Xing Zhan finally reacted, erupting into a fit of rage, shouting furiously: “What kind of joke is this?
You little brat, you could be my son, yet you dare try to take me as your wife!” “How dare you!” The little rake clearly hadn't anticipated such a violent reaction from Xing Zhan; he was genuinely startled, but the dignity of the Young Master of the Manor forced him to stand firm: “How dare you be so disrespectful to this Young Master!” Although the words were spoken with spirit, his eyes betrayed a hint of panic, and a few glistening beads of sweat dotted his smooth little forehead. It was clear this little rake was also tense.
“Tell me the truth if you don’t want to die,” Xing Zhan ground out through clenched teeth, his tightly balled fists emitting sharp cracking sounds: “If you try to fool me again, I don’t care if you’re a Young Master or anything else, I will tear you apart.” “Hehe, very strong, very violent, but this young lady likes that kind of thing,” the little girl said with a wicked smile, like a little fox that had stolen a chick: “Now that’s personality, much better than that shrew of a girlfriend.” On the other side, the little rake’s expression shifted slightly, and he kept chuckling nervously. Especially when meeting Xing Zhan’s nearly flame-spewing, murderous gaze, he was so scared he wanted to retreat.
However, he soon realized there seemed to be no way to retreat, and he cried out: “Calm down, calm down, we can talk things over properly.” “What is there to talk about?” Xing Zhan glared viciously at the little rake, then slowly advanced: “If you don’t explain yourself clearly, I’ll tear you apart!” Although Xing Zhan’s battle energy seemed to have been sealed by some strange means, the killing intent accumulated from years of fighting and slaughter on the battlefield had not vanished. Now, in his fury, it erupted, proving truly terrifying.
The vast hall was instantly permeated by a dense, killing aura. “Don’t—don’t come closer,” the little boy exclaimed in panic: “If you come any closer, I’ll call for help.” “……” Unfortunately, Xing Zhan, consumed by rage, didn't realize his predicament and continued to press forward!
“Stop—stop!” The little boy called out urgently! The little girl and the surrounding maids tactfully stepped back a few paces, simultaneously pretending to be unconcerned and looking up at the sky—or rather, the ceiling: “The weather is quite nice today!” “Miss, if you’re bored, we can go out for a stroll,” another maid said with mock seriousness.
“Hehe, Yiyi is always so understanding,” the little girl giggled: “But maybe later.” As she spoke, she waved her hand, and the large door that had been open suddenly closed with an eerie silence, completely sealing the hall off from the outside! Xing Zhan completely ignored these figures playing the fool; she was currently pushed to the brink of fury, her mind filled only with how to tear apart this presumptuous little rake!
“Stop!” The little boy roared in exasperation, having nowhere left to retreat: “Guards! Rescue me!”