Dragon Kingdom Arc: Chapter 26 - Seeking the Dragon Spring (Part 3)

For Ye Heng, that night was serene and beautiful. In Ai Xi’s company, he found a long-lost peace and warmth, reclaiming the courage and strength within his heart.

As the first rays of dawn spilled over the horizon, Ye Heng slowly opened his eyes. He saw Ai Xi sitting quietly by his side, her gaze filled with care and anticipation.

"Thank you, Xi’er," he whispered, his voice brimming with tenderness and resolve. A faint smile graced Ai Xi’s face, and her bright eyes shimmered with happiness. She knew this was Ye Heng’s most sincere expression of gratitude and his deepest confession of love.

Ai Xi nodded with a smile, making Ye Heng feel a sense of ease and joy he had never known before. He realized that all of this was due to Ai Xi’s companionship and affection.

As the morning light grew, Ai Lu stirred and woke up in a haze. The golden sunlight fell upon her face, weaving into her chestnut hair and lending it a warm luster. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she saw Ye Heng and Ai Xi sitting together in quiet harmony. A warm current surged through her heart as she smiled. She rose gently and approached them, asking softly, "Good morning, you two. Did you sleep well?"

Ye Heng turned to Ai Lu, his eyes shining with gratitude. "Very well, thank you, Ai Lu. Having you both by my side makes me feel truly at peace."

Ai Xi nodded as well, taking Ai Lu’s hand. The three of them clasped hands tightly. "We are a family, and the closest of comrades. No matter what difficulties we encounter, we will face them together."

At that moment, Ye Heng looked at Ai Mi. "And Ai Mi, about that girl..."

Ai Mi smiled slightly and replied, "Oh, don't worry about that. I thought about it for a long time last night. Keeping someone without combat capability by my side is just a burden. Besides, I have no intention of letting her out. There are mountains and water inside; an average person could survive for fifty or sixty days, and with her strength as an S-rank Valkyrie, she can last at least two or three months."

"All right, pack your things. We head toward last night’s coordinates."

The journey through the first mountain felt like a magnificent symphony of spring. The mountains were majestic, covered in lush, emerald forests that looked like a green tapestry woven by nature. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting mottled shadows and adding a mysterious hue to the forest.

A gentle breeze carried the fresh scent of grass and earth mixed with floral notes, refreshing the soul. In the valley, a stream babbled like a melodic instrument, bringing vitality to the tranquil world.

At the summit, clouds swirled like a fairyland. Standing there, one felt as if they could overlook the entire world, sensing the grandeur and vastness of nature. For a moment, time stood still, and the spirit felt a profound sense of cleansing.

Crossing this mountain was like walking through a spring dream, leaving one intoxicated by the endless greenery and life.

Passing the second mountain, one felt the breath of summer—intense and fervent, scorching every inch of land like fire. Sunlight poured down, golden rays dancing on the peaks as if countless sprites were at play. The rocks were so hot they seemed to moan under the blazing sun.

In the valley, the stream was clear to the bottom, its surface sparkling with fragments of sunlight like a flowing golden ribbon. The trees along the banks were verdant, their leaves shimmering with vibrant life. Occasionally, a breeze would rustle the leaves, playing nature’s own music.

Above the peak, a boundless sea of clouds rolled, resembling a celestial realm. Isolated mountain tips peeked through the mist like islands in the sea. Standing at the top, the sheer scale of the world below was beyond words.

Ye Heng suddenly realized, "I understand now. These mountains must correspond to the four seasons. The first was full of life, dominated by tender buds—that was spring. The second mountain, with its fiery sun and golden earth, where sunlight danced with green leaves and flowers bloomed like brocade, was summer. Strolling through this heat, the shade cast by the trees felt like a natural umbrella, shielding us from the intensity of the summer sun."

"Then I can be certain the next mountain is autumn, and the last will be the snow-covered winter mountain."

Though surprised, the others, knowing Ye Heng’s dedication in the Valkyrie Kingdom, dismissed any doubts. The journey through the third mountain unfolded as a magnificent autumn scroll. The mountains rose and fell, the forests painted in layers of color like a palette spilled by nature. Sunlight pierced through thin clouds, warming the golden fallen leaves. In the distance, the silhouettes of the mountains stood clear against the azure sky.

The air was filled with the faint scent of pine and crisp, fallen leaves, prompting deep breaths to savor nature’s gift. The rustle of leaves underfoot combined with the distant babbling brook to form an autumn symphony.

Every step felt like entering another world. In the dense woods, birds sang joyfully, celebrating the harvest season. The mountain paths twisted and turned, inviting exploration. This journey through the third mountain stirred a profound sense of awe and love for life in their hearts.

Ye Heng laughed, "Look, the peak ahead is entirely white. The closer we get, the colder it becomes—just as I predicted."

Crossing the fourth mountain felt like stepping into a new world. Lofty peaks shimmered in the dawn, guarding this ancient, mysterious land. The mountain wind carried a sharp chill, invigorating the spirit. At the summit, snow lay thick, like a silver palace. In the sunlight, the mountain’s silhouette was etched clearly against the sky, a testament to nature’s craftsmanship. Along the path, the scenery grew more diverse—dense forests, clear streams, and strange rock formations—each detail awe-inspiring. One could almost hear the breathing of the earth.

Standing at the summit, Ye Heng stroked his chin, lost in thought. "Why does each mountain follow the cycle of the four seasons?"

His curiosity only deepened. They traversed the snow-clad peak, their footsteps leaving deep imprints on the pristine white canvas—a winding trail marking their resilience and courage.

As the altitude rose, the rhythm of the surroundings shifted. The once-silent valley now revealed immense vitality. Massive ice waterfalls cascaded down like cracks in the sky, droplets glistening in the sun to form a dazzling world of ice and snow. Each crystal sparkled like a polished gem.

As Ye Heng marveled at the view, a uniquely shaped boulder caught his eye. It stood alone like a guardian of heaven and earth, covered in ancient, weathered carvings and symbols. Though faded, they still exuded a mysterious aura.

Ye Heng’s heart raced; he felt this stone was the key to his confusion. He knelt to examine the markings, his breathing slowing until the rest of the world seemed to fade away.

Suddenly, a cold wind whipped up, carrying the bite of a storm. He looked up to see the sky darkening; a blizzard was approaching. He knew he had to find the answer quickly or risk being trapped.

Ai Mi suggested, "The wind and snow are too strong, A-Heng. Why don't we take a picture of the stone and solve the puzzle after we descend?"

Ye Heng’s heartbeat synchronized with the howling wind. His gaze grew more determined. "Trust me, Ai Mi. I can feel a power coming from this stone." He closed his eyes, sensing the rhythm of the ancient symbols. Mysterious images began to surface in his mind, inextricably linked to his questions.

As time passed, a strange connection formed between him and the stone. He felt its latent power and wisdom flowing into his soul.

Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, a beam of golden light shooting forth to illuminate the snowy plains. The light pierced through the blizzard’s mist, striking a massive rock. Under this radiance, the faded carvings became crystal clear.

The world seemed to hold its breath. Even the blizzard paused, as if awed by the light. Ye Heng’s eyes shone with excitement; he had found it—the secrets of the ancient civilization he had been pursuing.

"Taiji gives birth to the two modes, and the two modes give birth to the four symbols. The Azure Dragon of the East Palace, the Vermilion Bird of the South, the White Tiger of the West Palace, and the Black Tortoise of the North Palace. In any dwelling, flowing water to the left is the Azure Dragon; a long path to the right is the White Tiger; an open pool in front is the Vermilion Bird; and hills behind are the Black Tortoise."

Ye Heng pondered, "This speaks of the Four Divine Beasts. What do they have to do with the Longquan Treasure?"

Ai Xi replied, "A-Heng, this is very likely. Ancient texts record that the four spirits govern the seasons. The Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise are the representatives of the 'Four Symbols.' Each season is paired with an animal and a cardinal direction: the Azure Dragon belongs to Wood and the East, the White Tiger to Metal and the West, the Vermilion Bird to Fire and the South, and the Black Tortoise to Water and the North."

Ai Xi continued, "That means: Azure Dragon on the left, White Tiger on the right, Vermilion Bird in front, and Black Tortoise behind."

"The Azure Dragon governs spring, represents the East, and signifies vitality and readiness. 'Purple air coming from the East' originates from this, so the Dragon also governs joyous events. In Feng Shui, the Dragon position should be high; if subdued, it brings good fortune, signifying the help of noble mentors."

"The Vermilion Bird governs summer, represents the South, and signifies maturity and harvest. In Feng Shui, an open, flat expanse in front is auspicious, suggesting a broad mind and smooth success."

"The White Tiger governs autumn, represents the West, and signifies the harvest. Since ancient times, the right hand has been honored for funeral matters; thus, in Feng Shui, the White Tiger side should not be too high, or at least lower than the Dragon side."

"The Black Tortoise governs winter, represents the North, and signifies the storage of all things. In Feng Shui, the rear should be high and embracing, representing a solid foundation and abundance."

Ye Heng gave Ai Xi a thumbs up. "My Xi’er is truly different—as knowledgeable as I am."

Ai Xi’s cheeks flushed a faint red, like the evening glow. Her eyes shimmered with shyness and anticipation. She parted her lips, her voice playful and coy: "Get lost! I’m not even married to you yet, what’s with 'my' and 'your'?" Yet, in her heart, a voice insisted: "I will be your woman."

Ai Mi, standing to the side, watched them with a mischievous glint in her eyes. She glared at Ye Heng and teased, "Enough, enough... I’m already stuffed." Her gaze darted between them, implying much more.

Ye Heng was momentarily stunned. He looked at Ai Xi, his eyes reflecting complex emotions. He understood that while her words were playful, their significance was profound. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his heart, but the light in his eyes grew firmer than ever.

The atmosphere between the three became subtle and tense, charged with an invisible energy. Ai Xi’s shyness, Ai Mi’s teasing, and Ye Heng’s resolve intertwined, creating a scene full of anticipation and excitement.