kvmb Chapter 15 Oracle
Chapter 15 Oracle
Holding a lantern, Xu Xiaoxiao continued to stroll through the temple fair.
Night had fallen, and the lights at the temple fair shone even brighter, like stars fallen to earth.
She strolled along a path adorned with colorful lights, surrounded by children laughing and running around with candy figurines, and couples sweetly enjoying the night view together.
Not far away, an ancient bridge spans a winding river, with lotus lanterns floating on the surface, swaying gently with the waves, creating a dreamlike scene.
Attracted by the beautiful scenery, Xu Xiaoxiao slowly walked onto the ancient bridge. Leaning against the bridge railing, she gazed at the reflection of the lanterns in the water, her thoughts drifting away.
Perhaps thinking of her encounter with her master, Huang Ziqi, and the various interesting events and challenges she had experienced today, the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up.
Just then, a spectacular display of fireworks burst into the sky, illuminating the entire temple fair with their colorful light.
People stopped in their tracks, looked up at the sky, and exclaimed in amazement.
Xu Xiaoxiao was also stunned by the sudden fireworks show. Fireworks in this world are also beautiful. At the moment the fireworks burst into brilliant bloom, Xu Xiaoxiao's eyes were lit up by the colorful light. A pure amazement and joy welled up in her heart. The beauty of the fireworks was like a powerful magic, instantly dispelling all the gloom and fatigue left in her heart.
She couldn't help but recall the moments she shared with Huang Ziqi in the woods—the laughter, the novel discoveries, and the warmth of their companionship with their master.
Recalling her act of chivalry at the temple fair, from the tense confrontation with the local thugs to the touching scene of the crowd helping her, all of this gave her a deeper understanding of the bonds between people.
The matter of drawing lots also flashed through her mind. She secretly wondered if today's experience was the minor tribulation and turning point foretold in the lot.
Beneath the magnificent fireworks, she was filled with boundless hope and anticipation for the future, determined to move forward with courage and kindness, to explore more unknown wonders, and to protect the precious friendships around her. It was as if in this dazzling moment, she saw her future, full of hope and wonder, slowly unfolding beneath her feet.
As the fireworks faded, Xu Xiaoxiao walked down the ancient bridge, her heart filled with anticipation.
At this moment, she noticed an old man by the river intently releasing a Kongming lantern. The lantern was slowly lit in the old man's hand, and as it filled with steam, it slowly rose into the air.
Xu Xiaoxiao was drawn to the old man and asked him softly, "Grandpa, why are you releasing sky lanterns?"
The old man smiled and replied, "These Kongming lanterns carry our wishes. If we release them, perhaps the heavens will know our wishes and they may come true."
Xu Xiaoxiao's heart stirred; she also wanted to release a Kongming lantern.
So she bought a Kongming lantern from the old man, picked up a pen, and pondered her wish.
She thought of her master's health, Huang Ziqi's cultivation path, and her own desire to continuously grow in cultivation and knowledge.
Finally, she wrote on the lamp: "May all those I cherish be at peace, may all paths I walk be smooth, may I hold kindness in my heart, and bravely explore the world."
As Xu Xiaoxiao gently released the Kongming lantern, her eyes were firm and bright.
The Kongming lanterns flew higher and higher, blending into the other lights in the night sky.
At that moment, Xu Xiaoxiao felt as if she had a mysterious connection with the world and the future.
She took a deep breath, turned and walked towards home, her steps light and powerful, ready to greet a new day and pursue those unknown and hopeful wonders.
When Xu Xiaoxiao returned home, Li Changchun was enjoying tea in the courtyard. Upon seeing her return, he smiled and waved.
Xu Xiaoxiao skipped over to her master and excitedly began to recount her experience at the temple fair.
"Master, the temple fair was so lively! There were so many novel things. I even saw fire-breathing acrobatics and a wonderful puppet show. It's a pity you didn't go."
Her eyes sparkled as she gestured animatedly.
Then, she recounted in detail how she stood up for the little girl selling lanterns when she encountered local thugs bullying her, and her face beamed with pride when she talked about how everyone worked together to help.
"Later, I also released a sky lantern. Master, I wrote on it that I wish you good health, and that Ziqi and I could have our wishes fulfilled."
Xu Xiaoxiao looked at her master expectantly, "Master, do you think my wish can come true?"
Li Changchun gently patted her head and said, "You are kind-hearted, brave, and resolute; Heaven will surely favor you. In this world, cause and effect are cyclical; the good deeds you sow will naturally yield good results."
Xu Xiaoxiao nodded thoughtfully, then remembered the fortune-telling at the Yellow Emperor Temple. She told her master about the fortune slip and the various things she encountered at the temple fair that seemed to correspond to the fortune slip.
After listening, Li Changchun pondered for a moment and said, "The meaning of this divination slip may be to remind you that life's journey will not always be smooth sailing, but as long as you stay true to yourself, there will be a turning point whenever you encounter difficulties. Remember, no matter what happens, your teacher will always be by your side."
Xu Xiaoxiao felt a warmth in her heart and snuggled close to her master. The two of them, master and disciple, were in the quiet courtyard, bathed in moonlight, dreaming about the days to come.
After snuggling together for a while, Xu Xiaoxiao seemed to suddenly remember something. She let go of her master and then carefully took out a peace charm that she had obtained at the temple fair from her bosom.
The amulet was contained in a red brocade pouch, embroidered with delicate patterns, which emitted a faint glow under the moonlight.
Xu Xiaoxiao held the amulet in both hands and handed it to Li Changchun, her eyes full of sincerity: "Master, I specially got this amulet for you at the temple fair. I hope it can protect you and keep you safe and sound and stay with me forever."
Looking at the amulet and Xu Xiaoxiao's earnest expression, Li Changchun was deeply moved. He reached out and gently took it, saying, "Xiaoxiao, you're a thoughtful child. Your master will cherish it."
Xu Xiaoxiao watched as her master accepted the amulet, a happy smile spreading across her face. She then began to enthusiastically talk about the various local delicacies she had seen at the temple fair, saying that she would definitely take her master to try them next time.
Li Changchun smiled and nodded in agreement. The laughter of the master and apprentice echoed in the courtyard, as if time itself stood still for this warm and beautiful friendship.
A few days later, Xu Xiaoxiao heard that Huang Ziqi was coming to visit and give her New Year's gifts.
She got up early and carefully took out the amulet she had asked for for Huang Ziqi and put it in her bag.
When Huang Ziqi stepped into the courtyard, Xu Xiaoxiao couldn't wait to greet him.
She excitedly shared with Huang Ziqi the various interesting things that had happened to her at the temple fair in the past few days. Huang Ziqi listened with great interest, her eyes sparkling with curiosity and longing.
Then, Xu Xiaoxiao took out the brocade pouch containing the amulet and generously handed it to Huang Ziqi: "Ziqi, this is the amulet I got for you at the temple fair. As my first friend, I hope it can protect you and bring you peace and good fortune, whether you are cultivating or in your daily life."
Huang Ziqi was slightly taken aback, then a look of mixed emotion and joy appeared on his face. He solemnly accepted the brocade pouch with both hands: "Sister Xiaoxiao, thank you. I will definitely treasure it. It's a pity I didn't have time to go with you that day..."
Xu Xiaoxiao pulled Huang Ziqi to sit down on a stone bench in the courtyard and began to ask him about his recent progress in cultivation.
Huang Ziqi slowly recounted the flute playing techniques and cultivation methods he had learned from Elder Daoguang. Xu Xiaoxiao listened intently, occasionally offering her own insights and questions. The two chatted happily in the courtyard, the sunlight shining on them, creating a warm and cozy scene.