"May the flame of the holy fire illuminate your path forward."
"May the flames of the Holy Fire illuminate your path, brother."
The caravan arrived under the south gate of Questark, where the people traveling with each other parted and cherished each other.
A hand with dark skin and staggered wrinkles was stretched out from under the robe, and slowly handed it to Fang Plover. He raised his head in astonishment and looked at the deeply wrinkled face of the caravan leader. The latter was smiling slightly:
"Thank you for your help on the way, young man... This is your courtesy, but actually I'm not very familiar with..."
Fang Yu was startled for a moment, then couldn't help but smile and shook hands with the other party. "It's just a little effort."
The old man retracted his hand, turned around and looked at the towering dusty sand dunes in the distance, with a somewhat emotional look on his face:
"It is said to be a simple effort, but for those of us who make a living in this desert, the meaning is completely different. In fact, since there are more and more candidates on this road, the road has become easier and easier to walk.
, although they can no longer make huge profits like in the past, but young people can at least go home alive and reunite with their wives and children."
"Because of this connection, the desert has become closer. In my memory, before the previous king of sand, it was still a piece of loose sand."
He bent down, grabbed a handful of sand, and watched the gravel slipping from between his fingers. "Look, it's like this sand..."
The old man clapped his hands again and stood up: "But today, it has gradually become like a real kingdom, a place where people can live peacefully. Many people are opposed to the current changes, but I believe they are just temporarily deceived.
It’s just that the rapidly changing life makes people feel confused and resentful, but one day, people will cherish everything that is hard-won.”
"What agreement was signed with you, and your coming to this world has brought about the best changes to all of this. Today's King of Sand and his father are the real masters of this sea of sand.
, because they were the ones who brought this about in two generations.”
"It's the Stargate Declaration."
"Stargate Declaration." The old man repeated in a low voice.
"But I heard that some princes and nobles do not support them."
"But some people support it, isn't that enough?"
The old man turned around and said with a smile: "Holy Chosen One, isn't it? It's such a good name. So thank you, young man."
"Hey, as I get older, I feel a little emotional for a while."
Fang Yu was slightly stunned, but then he smiled.
It was a smile from the heart. Yes, the opening of the Star Gate brought about profound changes, not only changing Aitaria, but also the earth and everyone's lifestyle.
Perhaps those outstanding people who made the decision back then could have foreseen this moment today: the signing of the two Suva Statements, and the utilitarian electors in people's eyes would also bring about all the changes today. But it is just like
What some people say is just 'destroying' the traditional ecology of Aitaria?
But there are also such good changes, right? There will even be more.
Tradition does not necessarily mean correct
Istania's strict hierarchy, slave trade, rampant sand pirates, and lurking crises in the desert are also traditions. But such traditions have become outdated today. People are always yearning for a better life.
, rather than the same dross. In such matters, perhaps only the people living here have the most say.
After hearing the words of the caravan leader, Fang Yu gradually understood the true meaning behind the path he insisted on.
Although he had never thought about giving up in the past, he never thought about it carefully. He only felt that what the forerunners were pursuing were loftier ideals.
And what is that ideal?
Today, at this moment, he slightly understood:
The changes brought about by the explorers are courage, as well as people's longing and motivation for a richer life. The persistence of moving forward may be the memory rooted in people's genes. As early as hundreds of thousands of years ago, they walked out of the forest.
In a moment, it was engraved deep in the blood.
"But there are so many sand pirates."
Fang Yu remembered that when he went to Bein, he also encountered a group of sand thieves. Although the two before and after were almost a group of sand thieves, he only showed his combat structure, and the other party was already half timid at first, but there were indeed too many.
Some of them were slightly inconsistent with his impression of this peaceful and peaceful land.
The old man replied: "There have indeed been more sand pirates recently."
Fang Yu turned around and looked at the other party in surprise.
"Is there a reason?"
The leader of the caravan looked to the north and remained silent. Fang Plover looked at the other party's expression and suddenly understood.
It was the reason for the unrest in the south of Kaolin.
Perhaps on the surface, there is no relationship between the two.
But on this continent, Kaolin-Ithurian is like a huge central empire, and its influence is enough to radiate to the surrounding ancient towers, Istania, the Avenquin elves and even the Djinn Island.
The descendants of the djinn above. When the central empire declined, perhaps the signs of aging had not yet appeared in the kingdom itself, but the surrounding areas had already shown some signs.
Fang Yu was in the middle of it, but he didn't understand it. Only when the old man reminded him did he realize it.
He turned back and looked at this city with some history, and a vague thought arose in his mind that a disaster was coming, and the appearance of holy objects was a sign of troubled times to come.
"Take care of each other, young man, and may the flame of the holy fire shine on your path forward." The old man took one last look at the setting sun in the distance, which seemed to be the last afterglow on the sea of sand: "I am getting old, maybe this is
This is the last time I walk this road, and this may also be the last time I see such a scene. I just hope that one day after I die, Istania can stay peaceful like this for a long time."
‘After my death, Istania can live in peace for a long time’
Fang Yu suddenly remembered that he seemed to have heard such words somewhere.
The same solemn face of the King of Sand, Babartan, once again appeared in his memory, only for a moment, and then disappeared.
…
After saying goodbye to the old man, he entered the city alone.
As he passed through the city gate, he took off his turban and wind-proof scarf. Fang Pulver raised his head and looked around. Miss Ship Officer had said that they would come to pick him up. But before he could find anyone, he heard a voice coming from the street.
From one side came:
"Ed!"
Fang Plover looked up and found that it was Aleph, who was wearing a gray plaid robe and waving to him.
"I heard from Lavalli that you are coming back today." The other party came over and patted him hard on the shoulder: "I was too busy the past few days and couldn't leave the palace. I want Afifah to send you a message.
Yes, but it’s a pity that she said she wasn’t free.”
Fang Yu thought that the other party only had ghosts when he was free. Princess Afifa must not want to see him, but Luo Yu should have returned to Questac. He didn't know if the little princess had ever gone to see him.
.When he thought of the tit-for-tat confrontation between the other party and Tian Lan, he couldn't help but shake his head in his heart.
I hope these two people don't run into each other again.
He looked at His Highness the Prince and was a little surprised: "I thought you wouldn't be able to come out these days. I originally planned to let Miss Lavalli say goodbye to you on my behalf."
"Goodbye?"
"We are leaving this place," Fang Plover replied: "We are building a ship in Tansnir. The ship will be built soon, and then we will leave this place."
Aleph was slightly startled: "Ed, don't you really think about staying here for a while?"
"The Seven Seas Brigade has other matters," Fang Plover replied: "Next we will probably go to the Baozhang Coast to do some things." He looked at the prince and said: "Aleph, don't worry, there is
If we have the chance, we will come back. After all, Istania is the departure place of the Seven Seas Traveler, and it is like a second home for the sailors on Kukai."
"We will remember this place, it certainly has a different meaning to us"
Aleph added: "Is it because we are friends?"
Fang Yu couldn't help but laugh: "You will become the king of Istania in the future. Of course I will not forget to have such a developed friend like you."
After finishing speaking, he nodded again: "Yes, we are friends."
Aleph laughed: "I knew it."
Fang Yu also smiled and asked: "But you haven't told me yet why the King of Sand let you out. Is he very satisfied with your 'homework'?"
"That's not true," Aleph shook his head: "Under normal circumstances, of course I can't get out. But my father is going to the Garden of Fantasy, and Kaolin-Ithurian has sent an envoy, so he has no intention of doing so for the time being.
Don't worry about me, I'll have a chance to go out and wander around. But that's just for today. Once today is over, I have to go back to the palace."
At the end of the sentence, His Highness the Prince's tone was full of regret.
"Corin-Ithurion sent an envoy?"
Fang Plover looked around. No wonder he saw a lot of northern costumes on the street before. It seemed that there were a lot of Kaolin people. How many envoys did Kaolin-Ithulian send? Although Kaolin and
It is also a very common thing for Istania to send envoys to each other, but at this moment, Fang Plover couldn't help but think more.
Babartan was going to the Garden of Fantasy, which also surprised him. He then remembered that he had heard of the Garden of Fantasy from the eldest princess before. It was the royal garden of the Penelope royal family, located in an unknown place in the desert.
A known place. Is it because of his 'plan' that the King of Sand suddenly wants to go to this place now?
Suddenly, he remembered another thing. What Mai Yixier told him about the sand pirates seemed familiar to him at the time, but only now did he remember that Her Royal Highness the Princess had also mentioned it to him not long ago.
About the Sand Pirates
It was the King of Sand Pirates who had stolen a batch of Abyssal Documents from the Garden of Fantasy. At that time, Her Royal Highness the Princess also mentioned that there was a traitor in the royal family, but she didn’t know that after such a long time, the other party had
We haven't found out who this insider is.
As for the 'intelligence dealer' who was in contact with him, Mai Yishir said that he was also in contact with the Sand Bandits. Is there any connection between them?
Such thoughts flashed through his mind.
Because at this time Aleph had interrupted his train of thought:
"By the way, Ed, your friends are here too."
"friend?"
"Yes, they are right over there"
As Aleph said, he winked at him and said with some humor: "Ed, I didn't expect you to hide such a beautiful ship officer lady. No wonder you came to Ques in such a hurry."
Tucker Lavalli has already told me about you. Don’t worry, your crew members have all returned, and Count Nurman has also received them."
Fang Yu was slightly startled when he heard this. He was not too surprised that His Highness the Prince would know about Luo Hao and his party. After all, he asked Lavalli to help find someone. It is unlikely that the earl's daughter and her father would not use the royal family's help.
Power, after all, Afifah's identity may have something to do with the King of Sand, Babartan.
As time goes by, it is normal for His Highness the Prince to know all this, not to mention that he is now gradually taking over the affairs inside and outside the palace.
But it seems that he has already met other people.
Fang Yu raised his head and looked forward, and sure enough he saw the noble lady and others not far away.
And Sylvide had obviously seen the slight smile in his eyes.
"Master Captain."
"I'm back."
Sylvester moved slightly out of the way, and Fang Yu saw Luo Yu, Luo Hao, Jita and Xiang standing over there.
Even several people from Rufu's Shield were here, not only Wu Xiaopang, zxc and others who left on the 'Daoud' that day, but also other members of Rufu's Shield who were stranded in Tansnir and Bein.
, almost all of them appeared in this place at this moment.
This was exactly the agreement he had made with Count Nurman. He brought Afifa back, and the other party also handed back the people in the Shield of Rufu. It seems that the other party really kept his promise. Not only did he release these people, he should also send someone to escort them.
They arrived at Questac. However, Fang Plover was a little bit dumbfounded. Governor Bein's move was actually a bit unnecessary.
He probably thought that the members of Rufu's Shield were also his people.
In addition to these people, Miss Afifah is also among these people.
When Fang Plover saw the other party, he was actually slightly startled. He thought Count Nurman and the Mystic would take him away, but suddenly he realized that Afifa might not be aware that she was involved in this incident.
relationship, and I don’t know how important I am to the Mystic and to the earl.
She probably thought she was just an ordinary person.
And for some unknown reason, the Governor of Bein, the mystics, and even the King of Sand, Babartan, seemed to have no intention of letting her know this.
Fang Yu suddenly remembered what Babartan, the King of Sand, had said to him not long ago. The other party seemed to have asked him to help take care of him?
It turns out that the other party really didn't just mention it casually.
"Mr. Ed," Afifah's face turned slightly red: "Thank you."
…
Achilles was slowly passing under the corridor, looking at the servants in the palace passing by him. Most of those people knew his identity, and they also knew that he would pass by here every day to meet with the imprisoned prince.
Her Royal Highness the Princess will meet or leave the palace from here.
Day after day, there was nothing unusual, except that sometimes she would leave earlier and sometimes she would leave later. The Sand King only kept the princess under house arrest in the palace, but did not restrict her contact with the outside world.
With the information from the outside world, Achilles was able to enter the palace calmly without much hindrance.
It's just that today is a little different
It's not him who is different.
But what is clearly visible in the palace is that there are more people who do not belong here. Those people coming in and out are Yankee Cowlings.
Achilles silently looked at the envoys of the Corinthians who were incompatible with the locals, and thought to himself. The appearance of these people was unplanned, but the northern kingdom often exchanged envoys with Istania.
This is not an uncommon thing either.
Even this time, there were indeed more envoys.
But what does this have to do with him?
Achilles thought about the news he had received and shook his head slightly.
While he was thinking about it, a group of Kaolin envoys were coming from the front. There were also some familiar faces among the long queue. They were the courtiers of the King of Sand. He had seen these people before, but these
People may not know him, and these upstarts who are in high demand probably look down on a little-known court alchemist like him.
Maybe he is the confidant of Her Royal Highness the Princess, but so what? Maybe one day Princess Rupert will become the next King of Sand, and then he will become famous all over the world, but now the candidate for the next King of Sand
It has almost been chosen, and it has been declared that it has no chance of meeting that princess.
As the eldest son of the king, Aleph also has some reputation among the courtiers and the people, and he is well deserved.
But all this did not even cause any fluctuations in Achilles's heart, and this was not what he was pursuing. He only raised his head slightly and looked at the long team in front of him. Apart from these Kaolin people, this team
It will appear in this place every week on this day.
Because this is the moment when the court meeting ends.
And every day, he would pass through this corridor at this time and go to the outer gate of Kashan Palace.
He soon saw those faces appearing in the crowd.
First it was Secher, the old patriarch of the Oath Keepers clan, whose eyes did not linger too much on the court alchemist, and he might not have even noticed him. Then there was Count Nuerman, who, like the former, had a straight face.
He walked through the corridor without knowing what was going on. Governor Bein looked a little unhappy.
And in the end, it was the King of Sand who had just accepted his fate, the left minister of the Kingdom of Sand.
Seineman raised his eyelids slightly and looked at him, his cloudy gaze only staying on the court warlock for a moment.
At that moment, Achilles' eyes also fell on the other person. Their eyes met for a moment, and they nodded slightly, but without stopping, they walked forward and passed each other.
After the procession passed by, Achilles stopped and looked back. The procession of courtiers had disappeared to the other end of the corridor, and until it reached the end, the left minister of the kingdom never looked back.
.
He lowered his head and pondered for a moment before continuing to walk forward thoughtfully.
…
Set a small goal first, such as remembering in 1 second: