Chapter 32
The galloping hooves stopped abruptly, and ice crystals, sharp as thorns, bloomed on the ground like exploding fireworks.
Harpas reared, his belly almost pierced by the sharp edges.
A sharp gaze fell upon the halted centaurs, the killing intent in his light-colored eyes unconcealed. Audrow’s lips curled into a smile full of arrogance and provocation.
“I’ll kill you—”
Harpas, having narrowly escaped death, steadied himself, his furious roar echoing in the empty corridor.
“Idiot, calm down!” Hecate grabbed his hair, dodging a shard of ice that grazed his cheek. A second later, and his head would have been separated from his body.
He followed Harpas’ angry gaze, a flicker of wariness in his eyes. “That’s someone from the Dimensional Management Bureau.”
“Dimensional Management Bureau? Those useless pawns of the Lord God…” Mili yelled incredulously, “Impossible, how can you be here?”
“Sufficient power and authority can bend the rules.” Audrow chuckled, the killing intent in his icy eyes intensifying.
In his, or rather, his kind’s perspective, the centaurs’ actions were a provocation, and only hot blood could quell his rising anger.
“We acknowledge your power, our hooves should have stopped here, but—” The four centaurs looked at the figure behind Audrow. “Handing over our spoils is not a wise decision.”
“Spoils?!”
At their words, an inexplicable rage ignited in Audrow’s heart, like a bowstring stretched to its limit. “Glorifying thievery is disgusting—”
“Arrogant! This is our territory!”
Icicles rained down, the chill of the ice penetrating to the bone. With a furious roar, flames erupted, countless fireballs appearing in the air, the centaurs’ chanting echoing like the gates of hell opening, ready to engulf everything in their flickering flames.
The powerful attack swept through the air, a burning red light severing a strand of Audrow’s hair, the charred, curled end falling before his eyes.
Ning Zhixia froze. He saw Audrow’s eyes light up with amusement, his lips parting slightly, a melody like a requiem flowing from him—
At that moment, an arrow flew from the end of the corridor!
The arrow, splitting the air with a whoosh, pierced through the flames and ice, landing before the startled hooves. With a loud bang, it transformed into a powerful magical barrier, blocking the onslaught of fire and ice.
“Stand down!”
Amidst the centaurs’ fear, a wave of oppressive power washed over them. They retreated to the sides, respectfully kneeling and lowering their heads.
Ning Zhixia peeked out from behind Audrow and looked around warily. The extinguished fluorite lamps rekindled one by one as someone approached.
“Noble one, spokesperson of the Lord God, please forgive these foals’ rudeness.”
An old man dressed like a pope, holding a staff, slowly approached.
He smiled kindly, raised his staff, and struck Hecate’s head, sending him reeling, golden blood spilling from his nose and mouth.
The other centaurs, who had been peeking, quickly lowered their heads obediently.
—If he hit him, he won’t hit me.
Audrow’s expression was disdainful: “Apologies on the verge of death sound rather dull.”
The Lord of the Barrenlands calmly looked at him and the young man behind him and said slowly, “Please come to my hall, esteemed guests. I should offer you proper hospitality.”
The old man turned and led the way, the centaurs hesitantly rising and following behind.
The blood moon filled the window, and Audrow’s silver-gray hair fluttered slightly. In the dim, eerie light, Ning Zhixia saw a few fan-shaped scales shimmering behind his ear.
He thought he was mistaken and reached out, but the slightly rough, cool touch made him pause.
“The Barrenlands is too dry.” Audrow said, slightly irritated, rubbing his face against Ning Zhixia’s soft palm.
Dry?
Ning Zhixia seemed to realize something and whispered in his ear, “Are you okay? Should we leave…”
Audrow shook his head: “It’s better to settle some matters once and for all.”
The Lord of the Barrenlands’ main hall was deep within the palace. The heavy golden doors closed behind Audrow and the old man.
“You think…”
Audrow traced the intricate carvings on the door, chuckling darkly, “A door with a magic spell can protect those foolish foals?”
The Lord of the Barrenlands smiled knowingly: “No, I’m just worried that your anger might frighten the human. You should know, these creatures are very fragile.”
“This doesn’t seem like a pleasant conversation.” Audrow followed him to the center of the hall, stopping and looking at the throne atop the jade steps.
A chilling frost spread with his gaze, encasing the throne in ice.
He commanded concisely, “Come down, don’t presume to look down on me.”
The old man raised an eyebrow, his sharp eyes fixed on him: “I never imagined the Lord God would choose to bestow such supreme power upon you. State your purpose.”
“I have no intention of disrupting the balance here.” Audrow said. “But the human doesn’t belong here, I’m here to take him home.”
The Lord of the Barrenlands was silent for a moment, then said, “The Barrenlands once faced destruction. It was I and the centaurs who saved this fragmented land. This place is filled with bones, the remains of fallen warriors and rebellious subjects. The price we paid was unimaginable… The Lord God granted you power, but he also granted this plane near-absolute autonomy.”
Audrow’s brow furrowed, and he soon heard the Lord of the Barrenlands’ decision: “You may leave, but the human cannot, at least not without his own consent.”
“He has already decided to leave.” Audrow frowned, interrupting impatiently.
“No, no, no…” The Lord of the Barrenlands shook his head and smiled, his gaze sharp as a hawk. “He hasn’t been in the Barrenlands long enough to understand what the centaurs’ affection for him means, the privileges they can offer him. Can you, or his original world, offer him the same?”
A relaxed smile appeared on his face as he suggested, “How about a wager, powerful one?”
“…”
Audrow was silent for a long time, a sarcastic chuckle escaping his throat.
He narrowed his eyes and looked at the crystal chandelier hanging above, the flickering light also reflecting off soft, fluffy black hair.
“Munch, munch… munch, munch…”
His stomach empty after his run, Ning Zhixia stubbornly refused to go anywhere, sitting cross-legged beside the golden door. The servants had no choice but to set up a small table and bring him food.
Ning Zhixia ate a small cake after another, occasionally pressing his ear against the cold door, but he couldn’t hear a thing.
Why such good soundproofing, so annoying!
The four centaurs hadn’t gone far either, lying a few meters away, inching towards the human like awkward, creeping caterpillars.
Whenever his sharp gaze swept over them, they would quickly turn their heads away, their faces tense, their hooves pawing the carpet sulkily.
“Hiss… hiss…”
Hecate clutched his injured head, wincing slightly, but instead of receiving the human’s concern, he was inexplicably kicked by a few hooves.
The masked centaur was the most unlucky. He didn’t have new hooves and was forced to endure the beating, growing increasingly angry, and turned his back on his three brothers.
Just then, the door opened.
Ning Zhixia jumped up like a rabbit, squeezing his head through the narrow opening, his eyes scanning the slightly surprised Audrow.
Audrow tilted his head and asked, “Were you just squatting by the door?”
“Sitting.” Ning Zhixia picked up a strand of Audrow’s hair and lifted it, noticing the scales were gone, and nodded with relief. “Are we leaving?”
“Wait a little longer.”
Audrow chuckled, pulled him inside, and kicked the door shut again, blocking the centaurs’ curious gazes.
“He has something to say to you.”
Ning Zhixia followed his finger, confused, and saw the Lord of the Barrenlands gently touching his ice-covered throne.
Sensing the human’s gaze, the old man turned and nodded kindly at him.
Ning Zhixia asked, “Did you need something from me?”
“Yes, I feel I should formally apologize, human.”
Power was like wine laced with poppy seeds, even a small taste was enough to intoxicate.
The Lord of the Barrenlands, holding his staff, approached him confidently. “I apologize for the unpleasant experience you had in the Barrenlands. Would you consider staying a few more days and allow me to, on behalf of those brutes, properly fulfill my duties as a host…”
“No, thank you, I’m going home!” Ning Zhixia declared loudly.
What?
The Lord of the Barrenlands paused, then maintained his smile and said, “But you haven’t properly experienced the Barrenlands, I can guarantee you’ll have experiences you’ve never had before…”
Ning Zhixia shook his head: “I want to go home.”
“Re-reconsider, all the servants will attend to your every need, all the iron hooves will crush any obstacle in your path, dazzling wealth, supreme power…” The old man quickened his pace, tapping his staff on the ground, countless treasures appearing before them. “You won’t have to worry about your livelihood, you won’t have to lift a finger, all your desires will be fulfilled!”
“No, I don’t want it… perhaps it’s difficult for someone like you to understand…”
Ning Zhixia was like an unyielding rock, refusing firmly, “I have family, friends, and kittens, the pothos and plants in my courtyard need my care, I have customers waiting for my services, new comics to read, hot pot to eat… In short, my heart is small, and what I have in my world is more than enough.”
The Lord of the Barrenlands stared at the human for a long time. Just because of these things?
He was puzzled: “I don’t understand, human. Harpas said you like gems, which means you’re not immune to the allure of wealth.”
“I would fill my pockets with unclaimed gems, but the wealth of the Barrenlands belongs to you and the centaurs, so…” Ning Zhixia took out the three gems from his pocket. “Two are for my services, and one is from Mohui… uh… a down payment!”
These were his legitimate earnings, and he could accept them with a clear conscience.
The Lord of the Barrenlands smiled and said, “The centaurs can give you much more.”
“If all my wishes and goals are easily fulfilled, then my life would have no more meaning.”
Ning Zhixia sighed. “It’s like playing a game with cheats, it’s fun for a while, but I lose the desire to continue.”
The Lord of the Barrenlands frowned, circled the unusual little stone, and was about to say something when he was rudely pushed aside by the impatient merman.
“You lost, old man.” Audrow opened his mouth silently, his steps light as he took the human’s hand and led him away.
The Lord of the Barrenlands’ face darkened, and he said in a voice the human couldn’t hear, full of sarcasm, “If one day, he wants to leave you, Audrow, how long can you maintain that smug expression?”
Audrow paused, pushed Ning Zhixia out the door, turned around, and said impassively, “None of your business.”
“Bang!”
The heavy doors slammed shut again.
“Look, they’re coming out!”
The centaurs waiting at the door nervously tapped their hooves, gathering around and asking, “Human, are you leaving?”
“Yes, goodbye.”
Ning Zhixia followed behind Audrow, smiling awkwardly. “You can come to my shop next time, but please don’t bring me here again.”
“But your house is so small…” Harpas leaned closer and said pitifully, “Can’t you stay a little longer?”
“He’s leaving now, with me.” Audrow narrowed his eyes, his voice disdainful. “Step aside, or no one will bear the consequences for you.”
His arrogant, victorious demeanor angered the still-fuming centaurs. Harpas and the other two centaurs stepped forward, yelling angrily, “Fine, if you want to take the human, we’ll decide according to the rules of the Barrenlands!”
Just as the fight was about to break out, Ning Zhixia said angrily, “There’s no need for this! I really want to go home!”
However, Mili ignored him, saying dismissively, “It’ll be quick,” and tried to pick him up again.
“Let me go! Mili!”
Ning Zhixia wasn’t going to be a passive doll this time. He twisted his body and dodged, hiding behind Audrow, his movements startling the centaurs, who frantically moved their hooves, afraid of stepping on him.
Harpas, accidentally nudged by his brothers, wanted to attack the hateful Audrow and grab the human at the same time. He lost his balance in the chaotic shoving and accidentally knocked Ning Zhixia to the ground.
“Ouch! Ouch, ouch!” Ning Zhixia fell onto the carpet, rolled around, and sat up, groaning and shaking his head.
“Oh my god, human!”
“Are you alright?”
A flurry of hoofbeats followed. Ning Zhixia, dizzy, was scooped up by Audrow, who turned him around and examined him carefully.
He was about to shake his head and say he was fine when he saw the shattered pearl, as pale as the white wall, on the ground, and his expression froze.
Audrow followed his gaze, his eyebrows raising slightly, a hint of surprise in his indifferent eyes.
The little fish he had made for Ning Zhixia was broken.
Harpas glanced down and asked casually, “What’s that?”
Mili muttered softly, “It seems to have fallen out of the human’s pocket.”
“It’s nothing valuable.” Harpas nudged it with his hoof and scoffed, “Don’t be sad, human, I have…”
As the careless voice sounded, Ning Zhixia suddenly pushed Audrow away.
He ran up the stairs, grabbed a huge vase, and threw it at the red-haired head—
“Crash!”
With a loud bang, the vase shattered, and the other centaurs gasped, quickly retreating.
Harpas touched his forehead, his hand covered in golden blood.
Everyone looked at the young man standing on the stairs, their eyes wide with disbelief, only Audrow’s eyes seemed to spark with excitement. This was a Ning Zhixia he had never seen before.
The centaurs uneasily tried to approach, but more expensive vases were thrown at them like cannonballs, and they could only dodge awkwardly, their hooves stepping on the shards.
“From yesterday until now, I’ve said countless times that I want to go home, why are you still stopping me?”
Ning Zhixia’s body trembled with anger. He threw another vase, taking deep breaths to calm himself, but his hands were still shaking.
Hecate asked urgently, “Isn’t it good here?”
“No, I’m not happy!” Ning Zhixia glared at them angrily. “And I don’t feel respected!”
Mili, thinking about the time they had spent together, denied it plaintively: “That’s impossible, we like you very much…”
Ning Zhixia said loudly, “That’s what you think, not what I feel!”
His rebuttal was sincere, and Hecate stopped, his foot hovering on the step.
“We can be customers and manicurist, exchanging money for services, or we can be normal friends, not pets, not servants to be ordered around, and certainly not spoils of war.”
Ning Zhixia shook his head sadly and walked to Audrow’s side. “Unless you learn to respect me, there’s no need to see each other again.”
A thoughtful expression appeared on Audrow’s face. Only when his sleeve was tugged did he reflexively look down and take the trembling, warm hand in his.
Hecate was silent for a moment, then, without a word, turned and retreated with Mohui, their front knees bent in submission.
Harpas stood his ground, stubbornly staring at Ning Zhixia, his lips pressed together as blood blurred his right eye.
As Audrow led the human past them, Mili wanted to chase after them.
Mohui reminded him coldly, “If you want the human to completely despise you, go ahead and chase him.”
Harpas and Mili froze, staring at the receding figures, slowly lowering their raised hooves.
Meanwhile—
Ning Zhixia had calmed down and was approaching the magic mirror.
Although he had missed the plane passage opening time, with Audrow there, everything would be fine.
He looked up at the unusually quiet person beside him, feeling the awkward atmosphere, scratched his face, and asked, “Were you and the Lord of the Barrenlands betting on whether I would stay?”
Audrow admitted honestly, “Yes.”
Ning Zhixia thought for a moment, then couldn’t help but ask, “What if I hadn’t resisted the temptation and wanted to stay?”
Audrow pondered slightly and replied, “That would be a bit tricky, but I could bring the cats and Qu Banqing over to stay with you for a while, like a vacation.”
Ning Zhixia’s eyes lit up.
Audrow’s tone was casual, and as the young man praised him repeatedly, “Xiao Ao is so nice,” he thought to himself with amusement—
Just kidding, I would have turned them into shark fin soup!
