Chapter One: Yearning

Where is my mother? Ade is still very filial

Public Lark: "... ... I want to scold you loudly!"

Young master! A lively maid named Chunmei jumped out from behind the door, startling Ade and thereby freeing him from his troubles

Understood, the melancholy of Ade was instantly dispelled. He suddenly grasped Chunmei's face with both hands and tugged at it forcefully, saying very earnestly, "I just like you being so talkative!" "Ah, young master, you are so bad!" Chunmei exclaimed as she ran away. Watching the beautiful silhouette of her light veil gradually disappear, Ade smiled. Chunmei had been sold here when she was very young, but in Ade's heart, the childhood friend Chunmei was different. He had secretly told himself more than once, "She is different!" Yet now, he too was perceived as different by others. Chunmei had been sold here when she was very young, but in Ade's heart, the childhood friend Chunmei was different. He had secretly told himself more than once, "She is different!" Yet now, he too was perceived as different by others.

... ... ''

Who would believe you! Aren't we supposed to go eat something?

"... ... My lord, I am going to sleep now. Please come find me when your MP value is higher!" The crystal ball flashed once more and then fell silent.

Wow! Big brother, forgive my rudeness, please spare my life! I will guard your home for you...

"Stop!" Ade felt as if he was about to faint, "I apologize... please excuse me for a moment"

Sir, your family lineage is noble, and you are naturally endowed with advanced psychic abilities, which allows you to form an alliance with spirits like myself. Your lineage has just awakened, and your psychic abilities have also been revived. Through them, you can directly comprehend the will expressed by others, engage in mental communication, and at your strongest, you can forcibly invade another's mind to read their thoughts or impose your own thoughts into someone else's consciousness to exert control

Adele said expressionlessly: "Where is my mother?"

Adé jumped down from the tree and said to Chūnméi, "If you hang a string of wind chimes under the eaves tomorrow, a lark will settle in the nearby tree, do you believe it?"

On that day, Liu the blacksmith seemed to have a lot to say, and Ade began to feel troubled by it. "What is different? Where exactly am I different from others?" Ade pondered as he walked, but his worries did not last long, as he bumped into a large tree and a book.

Understanding the call of the lark, Ade was not surprised; indeed, it was a family of fools. Were the parents not nearby? Ade looked around and saw a pair of larks on the opposite branch arguing—Mother Lark: "Why do you have to leave? There is nothing lacking here; life is abundant, isn't it?" Male Lark (with a disdainful expression towards the world): "Because I am young, I must wander... Wow, kid, what are you doing!" There is nothing lacking here; life is abundant, isn't it?" Male Lark (with a disdainful expression towards the world): "Because I am young, I must wander... Wow, kid, what are you doing!"

Two larks fluttered up and down around Adé, yet they did not dare to approach. The male lark mustered his courage and said, "Kid, if you dare to make a move, don't blame me for being rude to you!"

"In the garden receiving guests, young master," Chunmei said with a smile, "Let me tell you, young master, today's guest is quite strange. We don't even know how he got in, but his attire is truly peculiar." "Oh, in what way is it strange?" "I've never seen anything like it! They say he is a barbarian from the Western Regions, yet his demeanor and status seem quite noble! Moreover, it appears he knows the madam. You should go see for yourself, young master! They say he is a barbarian from the Western Regions, yet his demeanor and status seem quite noble! Moreover, it appears he knows the madam. You should go see for yourself, young master! But do be quiet about it!"

Ah, are you saying that person just now is my father? Hurry up and switch back!

After a long while, Ade returned to the living room. The two people inside seemed to have never moved. Ade walked straight up to Pasi and coldly said, "Take off the mask!" Pasi was not angered by his rudeness; he simply slowly removed the hood. Before Ade appeared a fair face with blonde hair and blue eyes, the high bridge of the nose seemingly emphasizing the racial difference. Ade's heart twitched; so this is what the difference looks like! If half of such racial blood flowed through my veins, it is no wonder the teachers felt strange. I merely resemble a human, yet I am actually a monster.

Young master, isn't this rather inappropriate

Ad did not want to go out and had no appetite for food. Ever since Parsi left, his body showed no signs of abnormality, but the reality was something he could not accept. He glanced at the small red wooden box on the table, which was given to him by Li Ying. "This was left by your father years ago. If you want to know more, just open it! There is no need to harbor resentment, for I have never resented him either. You must grow up quickly to face all of this. What is meant to come will come sooner or later; I know that for sure." What kind of past did his mother have? How much more was there that he did not know? Ad did not dare to ask, but he decided to confront everything and find his own future. The immature kiss from yesterday had already made Ad bid farewell to his shy youth, "I am a man!" On this point, Ad was unwavering in his belief.

Helpless, I can only pack my things, muster my spirits, and go out to find something to eat first

With a chuckle, Chunmei smiled, "Young Master, you have kept me busy for an hour just for the sake of eating?"

Practicing swordsmanship

At this moment, Ade was completely focused on the task at hand, shirtless, with a pair of tongs in his left hand and a hammer in his right, striking away relentlessly. The sixty-pound hammer swung effortlessly up and down, gradually shaping a sharp tool that appeared as thin as a cicada's wing. Even before it was finished, it already exhibited extraordinary quality. Many young ladies and maids surrounded the shop, and whenever sparks flew out, singeing Ade's fair chest, someone would gasp in concern. With a sound of 'zing,' the finished product emerged, and Ade wiped his sweat with a towel before putting on his shirt. The ladies could hardly wait to enter the shop to take a look. One young woman, dressed in coarse cloth but strikingly beautiful, resembling a refined young lady, held the item in her hands and examined it closely. "... Ade, this shovel is so thin, I fear..." Ade took the shovel, grabbed a chisel, and began to hammer away. "Of course it can't be used like this. Xiaoyu, you asked me to turn an old kitchen knife into such a large shovel, so it has to be thin. However, your father will have a shovel to use, won't he?" Before he could finish his sentence, some of the women exclaimed, "Wow, how lovely! I’ll buy it!" One snatched it up, tossed a large ingot of silver, and ran off, leaving the others dumbfounded in the shop. "What the heck, how shameless!" The ladies, who were slow to react, could only complain as they dispersed. As Ade bid farewell to the young ladies with a bow, he found a high-quality shovel from the side and handed it to Xiaoyu, saying, "There you go."

The blacksmith shop in the eastern part of the city

Having said that, Ade executed a swift leap, barely two feet off the ground, and then began to climb upward in a worm-like manner. "Don't, young master, come down!" However, Ade paid no heed, thinking that with the bird's nest placed so low, the lark must be foolish. In the blink of an eye, the nest was right before him, where several fledglings were huddled together. Upon seeing Ade, they all opened their little yellow beaks and began to squawk. One of them, standing in front, took on a big brother's demeanor: "What are you looking at! Kid, I'll peck you!" After saying this, it truly struck a pose as if to intimidate.

Stop talking nonsense and quickly take off your clothes... try on that outfit.

Suddenly, the image vanished, and words appeared on the crystal ball: Thank you for watching, nice to meet you, let me introduce myself, I am the great crystal ball

Upon entering the living room, there indeed sat a mysterious guest beside Li Ying, cloaked from head to toe in a black robe, with only a cross-shaped silver pendant gleaming. The astonishment in Ade's heart was indescribable as he stole a glance at his mother, who was bowing her head, seemingly lost in thought. Upon seeing Ade, she hurriedly said, "You have arrived; meet Paxi. He is your biological uncle, sent by your father to fetch you." Her voice was low, yet it resonated like thunder in the young man's heart. "Uncle? Father?" "Yes, it is about time I told you. Regarding your father, in fact, he is not dead," Li Ying paused, her mind racing with countless thoughts, unsure of how to begin. "Let me speak," the cold voice echoed directly in his mind again. Ade recognized this as the person who had just influenced him. This individual did not appear to be a hero or a celestial swordsman; there was an inexplicable mystery about him, yet he was indeed his uncle. Wasn't his father dead? In that moment, the overwhelming surprises calmed him down instead.

I understand. Ad understands, you may go back. I am also a stubborn heretic and will not follow you, nor will I abandon my mother. I do not belong to you, and your glory cannot shine here.

Thank you, Brother Xie, for taking me in! I will no longer wander. In the next life, I will still be a lark to repay you, Brother... Then follows a scene of the family joyfully reunited after a great disaster...

Adé has surrendered to his nature

"Well," Ade was quite satisfied with his title, "then what was that all about just now?"

In the largest silk shop in Hangzhou, Chunmei had already changed her clothes seven or eight times. Ade had pulled her out of the house and headed straight here. Aunt Yun from the silk shop seemed to be quite familiar with Ade, smiling as she watched the two of them. Chunmei had long since blushed, yet Ade still insisted on having her change into one outfit after another

A De walked outside, found a cool spot, and took two deep breaths, feeling his head still somewhat swollen. Chunmei happened to pass by, holding a small silk fan and waving it. "Oh, young master, your complexion doesn't look too good..." Before she could finish her sentence, A De had tightly embraced her. Startled and about to struggle, her lips were forcefully kissed by A De, nearly taking her breath away. "What are you doing! Mmm..." In a daze, she noticed tears welling up in the corners of A De's eyes, which softened her heart, and she could only let him vent as he wished. A De continued to gasp, his mind blank, knowing only to keep demanding, as if this was the only way to find relief. Unbeknownst to her, a gentle hand lovingly rested on the back of A De's neck, a cool sensation transmitted from her tongue, which helped him calm down slightly. A De slowly raised his head, meeting Chunmei's tear-filled eyes, which sparkled not with shyness or reproach, but with endless concern.

Every distant place carries a certain allure, not because of its beauty, but because of the legends associated with it

Ah? Li Ying was overjoyed. This young man was exceptionally gifted, having been taught authentic internal martial arts techniques by renowned scholars since childhood, and with the aid of medicinal substances, he had laid a solid foundation. Upon seeing in the account book that "Master De purchased a Longquan sword for 500 taels of silver," he realized that his swordsmanship had made some progress, which sparked his interest in further study. In his excitement, he hurriedly instructed his family, "Take me to have a look!" Unexpectedly, the servant immediately shouted towards the courtyard, "Prepare the carriage! The lady is going out!"

Indeed, I want to devour you!" Adé thought to himself, though he did not voice it. The two walked side by side along Lakeside Avenue. A gentle breeze swept by, and the West Lake shimmered under the slanting rays of the sun, with several fishermen moving back and forth on the lake's surface. Many literati were gesturing and discussing by the lakeside; it was beautiful, yet it was a scene that Adé was all too familiar with. Chunmei, however, was particularly cheerful, "Look, look, so many flowers! The gentle breeze caresses the West Lake, shimmering under the slanting rays of the sun, with several fishermen moving back and forth on the lake's surface. Many literati were gesturing and discussing by the lakeside; it was beautiful, yet it was a scene that Adé was all too familiar with. Chunmei, however, was particularly cheerful, "Look, look, so many flowers! And larks! How adorable!" "Don't we have any at home? You like larks, I can catch a few for you!" "No! It's their freedom that makes them adorable!" "If there are flowers to be picked, one should pick them; don't wait until there are no flowers and only empty branches to break!" "Young master, why do you have so many twisted arguments! However, it seems there is some truth to it, hmm, I didn't expect it, I didn't expect that the young master could also compose poetry!" Chunmei tilted her head, looking at him anew. Adé, full of spirit, said, "Don't look down on people; watch my special skill, bird's nest hunting!"

After speaking, Parsi nodded to Li Ying, waved his hand forward, and suddenly a blue light sphere appeared, gradually deepening from the outside in, resembling an entrance. Parsi slowly turned his head back and said, "Your way of relieving pressure truly reflects the tradition of our Norman family. May the light of God guide you!" Ade gaped, watching Parsi walk into the time portal, disappearing from sight.

Adé was nearly fainting, raising the crystal ball high as if to throw it down, when a panicked voice echoed in his mind: "Wait, wait!"

"Oh, poor crystal ball!" After several threats, the crystal ball finally got to the point, "Noble sir! I am the crystal ball that can reflect what you wish to see. I signed a blood contract with the ancestors of your family a thousand years ago to serve your lineage."

Adé issued an eviction order in an unusually calm manner

Adé placed the crystal ball down, and he saw new words reflected within it: As you can see, I am a crystal ball

No wonder I can understand the words in that storybook! I didn't expect you to be quite useful. From now on, consider yourself my little cheat sheet. Make sure to read more of the books from our area when you have time; I'll be relying on you during the imperial examination!

"Sir, I shall manifest your father as per your wish"

The small red wooden box contained not much. To be precise, there were only two items—a book and a crystal ball. Ade picked up the crystal ball and held it up to the light; the crystal was colorful and indeed genuine, but the translucent crystal ball hardly qualified as a notable piece of art. The crystal was not particularly valuable, and if it were carved into a dragon or a horse, it would have been impressive. However, what lay before him was clearly just a ball, and a ball carved by a master would not differ much from others, at best being particularly round. Nevertheless, the box provided careful protection for the small crystal ball, with a small cotton pad to prevent it from rolling around. Ade played with it for a while, unable to discern its significance, and then placed it back on the pad to begin examining the book. The red hardcover was surprisingly made of cowhide, with gold lettering, quite exquisite. Unfortunately, Ade could not understand it, and he could only sigh. Such a large book, if it were a diary, could reveal some information about his parents, but regrettably, he could not even determine if it was a diary.

"Then I shall take my leave," Parsi showed no anger, "When you have come to your senses, come to England. You will come; we Normans carry sacred blood, and God will summon His servants to fulfill their duties. Now, it is time for that blood to awaken, as a testimony to my Lord's majesty!" A beam of white light emanated from Parsi's hand, enveloping Ad. Ad was once again unable to move, and Parsi chanted: "Almighty One, God Jehovah... has spoken to proclaim to the world, from the rising of the sun to its setting, from all of Zion in America, God has shone forth..." When the chanting ceased, the white light disappeared, or rather, it merged into Ad's body. Parsi took out a chain and fastened it around Ad's neck; the chain bore a medallion intricately carved with a winged lion. "This is what your father asked me to give you; do not lose it! Remember, always head west! To the farthest point of the continent's northwest!" The white light disappeared, or rather, it merged into Ad's body. Parsi took out a chain and fastened it around Ad's neck; the chain bore a medallion intricately carved with a winged lion. "This is what your father asked me to give you; do not lose it! Remember, always head west! To the farthest point of the continent's northwest!"

Adé: "How do you intend to proceed?"

Do all those with Norman bloodline prefer to cover their faces? Uncle Percy has always been covering his head! Thinking of Percy, Ad felt quite uncomfortable; perhaps his attitude had been too brusque? Yet it seemed that every move he made was visible to him, otherwise how would he know what I did to Chunmei? Remembering Chunmei, Ad's face flushed; he missed those gentle lips and that charming, tender face... Wow, this is addictive! Ad quickly shook his head, as if trying to dispel those improper thoughts, while loudly reciting some sacred and philosophical phrases to purify his soul: The way of the university lies in moderation, a graceful and virtuous woman is sought after by a gentleman... Remembering Chunmei, Ad's face flushed; he missed those gentle lips and that charming, tender face... Wow, this is addictive! Ad quickly shook his head, as if trying to dispel those improper thoughts, while loudly reciting some sacred and philosophical phrases to purify his soul: The way of the university lies in moderation, a graceful and virtuous woman is sought after by a gentleman...

The heretic will be sentenced to burning in the country and cannot be taken with her

Hello! Wait a moment, I just had some thoughts... Why is there such fear of the imperial examination!

Young master, are you feeling better?

What is the reason that I can hear your voice

Tomorrow, build the nest on the tree next to my pigpen. The eaves of the pigpen will hang wind chimes as a marker. From now on, watch the pigs day and night, with a daily wage of a handful of rice. No slacking off!

Paxi slowly donned the hood, and a deep voice resonated in Ade's mind: "Ade, I understand your feelings. Time will help you comprehend everything. Now, swear with me to become a devout believer, and I can take you back to your father."

Where is the young master practicing swordsmanship?

Ad did not know how to explain to Chunmei, but she did not seem to intend to ask.

"Eh, what else do we need to do?" "Just come here!" Chunmei had not yet reacted when Aunt Yun pulled her into the house.

Is it true or not

By the time Chunmei reappears, her hair has been styled into an elegant double bun, with a touch of vermilion on her forehead. A pair of snow-white pearl earrings dangles from her ears, and her lips are adorned with a hint of red. Although her cheeks have not been touched with rouge, they radiate a rosy hue, reminiscent of the glow of dawn. She is dressed in a carefully selected water-green dress, presenting the image of a refined young lady, exuding an indescribable charm and allure. Yet, I fear that no other young lady, no matter how graceful, could match her cuteness when she smiles.

What if someone steals a pig

Adé turned around and drew the Longquan sword

On this day, Li Ying checked the account books and inquired of her servant, "Where is the young master?" A household servant reported, "Madam, he is forging swords"

Adé swallowed hard, finally regaining his composure, and said with a very serious expression: "Let's go eat!"

Then scold him loudly

Sir, what I want to say is this: my ability is realized through your magical power. The distance in space is so great, and achieving night vision along with deep bass consumes a significant amount of magical energy. Your magical power is nearly depleted, and I have contributed a great deal to achieve this effect

Madam

By the West Lake, a maid was breathlessly chasing after her: "Miss, wait for me..." The young lady was the one who had forcefully bought a shovel and then fled. Fortunately, the thin shovel was not heavy, and after running for a while, she was still able to lean against a willow tree and smile softly. In that moment, the spring sunlight filled the branches, and a few passersby were captivated by the scene. The young lady picked up the shovel and examined it closely, only to find that the snow-white surface was adorned with blooming peonies. The metal had been extended, resembling the texture of petals. Although the craftsmanship was rough, it was quite vivid. A steel stamp bore the inscription "Made by Richard," and several peonies bloomed fiercely under the sunlight, unknowingly blossoming in the young lady's heart.

Adé: "... ..." suddenly brought up that arrogant little fellow

I am eating! Ah, it looks so delicious! Ah! It hurts! Be gentler! Chunmei pulled Ade's ear and moved forward. Along the way, the two were innocent and carefree, childhood sweethearts, unknowingly envying many bystanders. The elders both criticized and secretly envied: "Alas, this is truly a breach of decorum! A breach of decorum!"

Adé enjoys the warmth of first love, with happiness evident in his expression, yet strange magical doors occasionally flash through his mind, the imposing presence of his father, the long sword raised high by the knight, and in the distant places, countless unheard stories, along with the skylark's bold declaration: "Because I am young, I wander..."

Alright, I want this set! Aunt Yun, it's up to you now!

Not going!

Your full name is Richard Norman, your father Robert Norman, Duke of Normandy, has become the King of England. I am Percy Norman, your uncle, and you must return to our homeland with me to accept the title of heir apparent and inherit the lands as the firstborn. Of course, you must completely abandon any impure thoughts and believe in my Lord God, I will assist you ... Of course, you must completely abandon any impure thoughts and believe in my Lord God, I will assist you ...

As one of the largest towns in the Song Dynasty, Hangzhou is not only a land of fish and rice but also a vital transportation hub, with the largest port in the country directly facing the East China Sea. The coastal nations, free from the troubles of the Silk Road, have entrusted their lives to the sea. While the Song Dynasty embraced civilization, it also brought along a variety of peculiar items, experiences, and associated troubles. However, few people arrive in Hangzhou feeling troubled, for it is a paradise that many have sought throughout their lives. Moreover, even the latest news is likely to be several months old. It is said that the Emperor of Japan was getting married, and the ambassador returned home with swift horses and carrier pigeons. The congratulatory gifts from Emperor Yingzong of the Song Dynasty only arrived in time for the Japanese prince's full moon celebration. Had it not been for someone altering the congratulatory message, there might have been a falling out at that time. It remains unclear why the ambassador decided to move his entire family to Kyoto and refused to return home. (In fact, it is simple; the crime of privately altering an imperial edict is significant, and if someone were to obstruct this... the Japanese do not understand.) Thus, the emperor had no choice but to find another guide, bringing along a return gift, and set sail towards Hangzhou with a grand procession.

What kind of guest could it be? I really want to see them right away. Adé arrived at the backyard, moving stealthily... Hmm? No one? Could it be the left garden...? Stealthily... Hmm? Still no one. Could it be the right garden? With such a large house, there’s no need to have the gardens scattered all over! That dead Chunmei doesn’t say a word, which garden could it be? Just as Adé was about to lose his temper, he suddenly felt a chill run through his body, a slight numbness, as if he were a frog being watched by a snake, unable to move. He thought to himself that this was not good. He had previously studied under a half-immortal for three months, and had made some minor progress. In this situation, it was either the sword-flying immortal casting a spell or he was being chased by a blood-soaked old woman. He wanted to turn around to see, but it was impossible. In a panic, he hurriedly circulated the three-tenths of Taiyi true energy he had practiced to protect his true essence. Just as he was about to struggle, his body returned to normal. At the same time, a voice echoed in his mind: "Adé, come to the living room!" "A transmission over a thousand miles? It must be a master!" Adé calmed his emotions and secretly told himself: "Don’t be afraid, this is your home... No, wait, don’t be afraid, this is my home!"

"Yes, madam, forging swords."

Remember to gather a handful of rice every day; even the lark is unwilling to work for nothing