If she returned, there would still be a place for them to live out their remaining years on the island, but this was just his dream. The ferryman chuckled to himself.
Though Liu Liu could not see his expression clearly, she could feel his pain. That person must be the one he loved, had he been waiting for her all along?
The light boat sailed to the vicinity of Xiaoyao Island, and from afar, the island was lush and green, with a fragrant aroma wafting towards them. The surrounding waters were dotted with hidden reefs, appearing and disappearing, their shapes strange and varied.
If one did not look closely, they would not notice. It turned out that only light boats could navigate these reefs; larger ships would surely strike them and capsize.
This lake was home to many unidentifiable creatures. Their large backs would occasionally surface, then sink back into the dark water, stirring the lake into a greater frenzy.
Xiaoyao Island could be described as divinely favored. Lush trees stretched as far as the eye could see. The vast island, though not exactly a place of birdsong and fragrant flowers, resembled a true paradise.
As the ferryman's light boat stopped, Liu Liu leaped onto the shore. She turned back to greet him, but the light boat had already sailed away. A smile then curved her lips: "What a guy, always playing it cool."
Standing on the shore, Liu Liu surveyed Xiaoyao Island. It was unique, surrounded by mountains that undulated gently, adorned with strange peaks and odd rocks, yet also fraught with peril. Mist occasionally billowed and swept through the air. The outer perimeter was planted with many exotic trees, arranged in a seemingly chaotic yet well-ordered formation.
If one were to force their way in carelessly, they would likely perish within the formation. As Liu Liu was engrossed in her observation, she suddenly heard a cold shout nearby: "Who goes there?"
Upon hearing this, Liu Liu knew it was Duanmu. A mischievous thought suddenly struck her, and she turned to face Duanmu, smiling without speaking. Duanmu was stunned. Who was this young master? So handsome, damn it, was he even human?
His lips were red and his teeth white, with a feminine air about him. He was irresistibly attractive from every angle. His eyes were large and bright, and his beautiful lips were tender and red.
Duanmu found himself deeply captivated. He immediately forced himself to calm down. No, this was a man. Perhaps this person was using a honey trap?
Liu Liu saw Duanmu's expression change multiple times, before he finally spoke with a grave tone: "You have trespassed onto our Xiaoyao Island. What is your crime? Guards!"
As his shout echoed, over a dozen people suddenly emerged, all glaring menacingly at Liu Liu.
Liu Liu found it both exasperating and amusing. This guy was too funny, still not recognizing her. Fine, she wouldn't tease him anymore. There was no fun in toying with this one-track-minded fellow. Her expression suddenly turned cold, a hint of darkness flashing in her eyes, and her clear voice rang out.
"Duanmu, you fell for the honey trap just now. Next time, you need to react promptly. If I had made a move then, would you still be alive?"
A myriad of expressions flashed across Duanmu's handsome face. If his earlier ignorance was understandable, then after hearing this sentence, how could he not understand? He jumped up excitedly.
"Boss, Master, you're back! You're really back."
He rushed forward, embracing Liu Liu, and actually began to cry, looking very wronged. He had missed her terribly and had wanted to go to the palace to find her several times, but Chu Feng and Dai Mei had stopped him.
He himself was afraid of causing trouble, so he had held back. He never expected the Master to return. This was truly wonderful.
The people following Duanmu were his subordinates. Upon hearing Duanmu the steward address someone as Master, they were all stunned. Their Master was Young Master Qi Ye, so when had he become this handsome young gentleman before them?
Although the former Young Master Qi Ye was also handsome, he always seemed a bit stiff, with little change in expression on his face throughout the year. Unlike the current individual, who was rosy-lipped and fair-toothed, looking every bit the dashing rake.
A short, plump man stepped out from behind Rui and spoke quickly: "Steward Duanmu, you're mistaken. This is not our Master. This brat is a spy from who knows where. We must be careful!"
Upon hearing the man's words, Duanmu was so enraged that his face flushed. He turned and forcefully slapped the man's head, scolding him fiercely: "This is our genuine Master! The Master wore a mask before, what do you know?"
"Ah," everyone suddenly realized. So that was the Master's mask. No wonder he rarely showed any expression. The mask was too lifelike, with no trace of artificiality. Everyone hastily shouted in unison: "Welcome back to Xiaoyao Island, Master."
"Good, everyone has worked hard," Liu Liu nodded slightly, gesturing for Duanmu to lead the way. She followed behind. Duanmu's subordinates were responsible for perimeter patrols.
They had come out just now upon hearing Duanmu's shouts. Normally, they remained hidden. Now that they had seen the Master, they dispersed automatically. Only Duanmu led Liu Liu through the headquarters of the Seven Star Tower.
Along the way, strange peaks and odd rocks were arranged in an orderly fashion, with lifelike formations, sheer cliffs, and perilous precipices. Without someone to guide them, it would be difficult to find their way in.
"Are everyone on the island well?" Liu Liu asked with concern. Duanmu's face froze for a moment, then he quickly nodded: "Everyone is well, Master, please don't worry."
Though Liu Liu stood behind Duanmu, she understood his expression perfectly. She spoke with displeasure: "When did you learn to lie? Has something happened?"
Duanmu was taken aback and stopped, turning to look at Liu Liu. The mole on Master's face was gone, and he truly wasn't accustomed to it. It always made him distracted; she was simply too beautiful, like a doll made of powdered jade. After a moment's thought, he spoke.
"The Master has only just returned. Once you meet Chu Feng, he will naturally inform the Master."
Liu Liu remained silent. It seemed they had indeed encountered trouble. What could it be? The island had many powerful people; what could possibly bring them down? However, since Duanmu was unwilling to say, she would wait to discuss it with Chu Feng and the others.
The two of them bypassed the jade stone screen and then the tree screen. From a distance, they saw a tall and magnificent building complex standing amidst the strange peaks and forests, majestic and imposing, radiating brilliance. Many bamboo trees were planted in front of the palace, swaying in the gentle breeze and rustling softly.
The words "Seven Star Tower" were written on the tall building, in a vigorous and flowing calligraphy that exuded a sense of heroism.
These characters were likely written by Chu Feng. Layer upon layer of stone steps led to the gate, with white jade railings. People were constantly coming and going, all of them former residents of Black Street.
However, everyone appeared somewhat solemn. It seemed Xiaoyao Island was indeed facing trouble. What could it be? As Liu Liu was pondering this, a sudden clap of thunder sounded overhead, and raindrops began to fall. Duanmu quickly grabbed Liu Liu's hand.
"Quick, let's go inside." The rain came down in torrents. By the time Liu Liu and Duanmu reached the shelter of the eaves and brushed the water droplets off their clothes, many people were gathered there, looking curiously at Duanmu and Liu Liu. They secretly wondered who this handsome young gentleman was, to be brought back directly by Steward Duanmu. After all, Steward Chu had repeatedly instructed that no one should be brought in casually.
Liu Liu glanced at everyone. Seeing the look of astonishment on each face, she couldn't help but smile. It was all because she had to pretend to be a man to avoid capture.
That human skin mask was still with Cui'er. Thinking of Cui'er, Liu Liu's expression turned a little sad. She had disappeared, and she wondered how heartbroken that little girl would be.
But she couldn't take her with her. If she took her, Feng Xie would know that she had orchestrated this entire charade. Then her parents would be implicated.
Wouldn't all her meticulously planned endeavors be in vain? Fine, Cui'er would surely return to the Liu Manor. She could sneakily bring her out when she returned to the capital.
Chu Feng and Dai Mei heard the commotion outside from the main hall and came out to investigate. They saw everyone gathered around Liu Liu, and their faces lit up with excitement. They quickly pushed through the crowd and walked directly to Liu Liu, speaking respectfully.
"Master, you've returned."