blogombal Page 102
Page 102
Her blood-red hair stood out even more under the sunlight, as eye-catching as bright red blood. Her golden eyes shimmered with a faint light, and the slight upturn at the corners of her mouth highlighted the sharp fangs on either side, making her look both beautiful and dangerous. Kobayashi Rindou then stood in front of Baili Xiao and raised an eyebrow slightly.
Is it so hard to call me in advance?
"Sorry, sorry, I've been so busy with so many things that I haven't had time to contact you..." Baili Xiao chuckled dryly and scratched his cheek—it was true that he had been very busy lately, but it was impossible for him to be so busy that he "didn't even have time to make a phone call"... Of course, it was even more impossible for him to say something like, "Oh, I forgot, so I didn't contact you!"
"Hmph!" Kobayashi Rindou responded to Baili Xiao's excuses with an undisguised snort, then ignored him and turned his attention to Kasumigaoka Utaha beside him.
The two women were about the same height and both were stunningly beautiful. When they stood together, they created a scene that made everyone around them hold their breath.
"Are you Ms. Kasumigaoka Shiho?" Kobayashi Rindou's smile grew even wider. Kasumigaoka Shiho frowned slightly at this "person who smiles at you on the first meeting and calls you by your pen name": "Yes."
Although she had heard the name "Kobayashi Rindou" from Baili Xiao, Kasumigaoka Utaha subtly noticed how Baili Xiao addressed her—if Baili Xiao mentioned her to Kobayashi Rindou, she would call her "Kasumigaoka Utaha" instead of "Kasumigaoka Utaha"... This kind of address usually appears among readers!
as expected...
"Kasumi Shiko-sensei! I've read both '5 Centimeters Per Second' and 'Your Name,' and they're really well-written! I even have collector's editions of both of these light novels in my dorm. If you have time, I hope you could sign them for me~"
With her hands clasped together, Kobayashi Rindou's golden eyes turned into cat-like vertical pupils, and her constantly upturned lips and exposed canine teeth showed just how excited she was: "This is the first time I've realized that light novels and anime movies can be so interesting—just like cooking! It's all because of you, Kasumi Utako-sensei!"
"Uh..." Kasumigaoka Utaha gave a slightly embarrassed smile—this was the first time she had been praised to such an extent, and even someone as mature as her couldn't help but feel her cheeks burning: "It's not just my achievement. My brother gave me the inspiration, and Eriri and the others were responsible for the illustrations. If any one of them were missing, there wouldn't be such a perfect light novel and movie... Kasumigaoka Utaha, this is my name, so please don't call me Kasumigaoka Utaha-sensei."
"Hey! Utaha-chan, is that a fine way to address me?" Kobayashi Rindou said with a grin, tilting his head.
Kasumigaoka Utaha raised an eyebrow slightly—such an intimate address was indeed a bit inappropriate on their first meeting, but...: "It's fine, as long as you like it."
"Really? That's great! Shiyu-chan isn't like the description says, cold and arrogant at all!"
While waiting for the release of the second volume of "Your Name" and the movie premiere, Kobayashi Rindou got so bored that he looked up information on everyone in the studio.
What impressed her most was the description of Ms. Xia Shizi in the encyclopedia: "A cool and aloof beauty with long, straight black hair. According to sources, she is quite cunning and often speaks words that are 'ruthless' and 'sharp-witted'!"
A soft "crunch!" echoed as her teeth clenched together. Kasumigaoka Utaha maintained her stiff yet elegant smile, her lips twitching slightly. "So this is how you introduce me? Well, I must thank certain people..."
As she spoke, she glanced at Eriri beside her out of the corner of her eye—as if sensing her gaze, or perhaps sensing a "life-threatening danger," Eriri abruptly turned her face away, feigning to "admire the beautiful scenery around her," and cast her gaze into the distance...
There's no need to guess; it's obvious that the "related person" refers to Eriri, right?
"Alright." Noticing this, Baili Xiao chuckled inwardly, but his expression remained unchanged. "Kobayashi Rindou, if possible, could you lead us inside first? After all, we've been standing here for quite a while now, and the gazes of the people around us... well, you should have noticed them."
No passerby could pass by without noticing this side – there was no way around it, with a large group of beautiful women, each with a unique appearance, figure, clothing, and even temperament, standing together, it was hard not to be noticed!
"~This feeling of being watched isn't pleasant, it feels like I'm on display..." Baili Xiao shook his head with a wry smile, tightening his grip on Izumi Sagiri's right hand slightly: "It would be best to take us to a place where we can stay, like... how about a hotel run by Totsuki Resort?"
Totsuki Academy owns many affiliated businesses such as hotels and inns, and more than a dozen hotels are operated under the brand "Totsuki Resort"—and the high-end hotel closest to Totsuki Academy is one of them!
"Huh? We're going now? The [Moon Festival] is about to start... (okay, Zhao)..." Kobayashi Rindou looked at Hyakuri Xiao with some confusion. Before he could finish speaking, he noticed the petite figure wearing a hood beside him—at first glance, he noticed the body hidden under the oversized tracksuit trembling slightly...
After all, for a qualified chef, "eyesight" is a very important indicator, and Kobayashi Rindou is far more than just "qualified"!
(Is this... Izumi Sagiri-sensei? The introduction says she rarely goes out and is the most mysterious of all the teachers in the studio...) Thinking this to himself, Kobayashi Rindou grinned even more brightly.
(It seems no one has ever received an autograph from Izumi Sagiri-sensei yet, right? That makes sense...)
"Okay! I understand, I'll take you there right away!"
Chapter 0289 The Development of Events
A harmonious land, a city of flowers. The streets are crowded with tourists, filled with exotic shops. Everywhere is beautiful scenery, and the air is filled with cheers.
The general's mansion is now hosting a grand banquet, with flowers in full bloom and oil being used for cooking, presenting a scene of extravagance.
Unlike the traditional culinary system of the Harmonious Nation, the Phoenix Palace here is magnificent, with its carved beams and painted rafters, resplendent in gold and silver. All the walls are covered in silk and satin, adorned with beautiful landscapes of the Harmonious Nation woven by skilled weavers using gold and silver threads. The ornaments and decorations are rare and precious, worthy of being listed among the heirlooms of renowned families.
On the hollow algae adorned with gold leaf and white flowers, wings are made of gold and silver silk, glass and crystal, tail feathers of armadillo and coral, and eyes of two precious amber pieces. Phoenix lanterns made of seven treasures float in the air.
On the phoenix's belly are thousands of giant wax sculptures carved into the shape of lotus flowers, made of whale fat. Under the bright lights, the phoenix seems to be reborn, spreading its wings and taking flight. The fuel consumption of these phoenix lanterns alone, running all night, costs dozens of households a year.
In the center of the room was a round cypress table, upon which the entire Flower Street Dance Troupe could play instruments and sing. Twelve concentric garden scenes, crafted by national treasure-level artisans, obstructed the separation of food and drink. Hundreds of high-ranking officials and guests sat at the table, each guest standing beside a beautiful woman to pour wine and serve food, leaving the room somewhat empty.
Before us are delicacies, dishes, and cuisines from the harmonious country. In addition, seafood from the "shipbuilding mecca," the water-rich city of the Seven Waters, cacti from the desert nation of Alabasta, and Samla, the festival food of El Pav, the world's leading superpower, are also prominently displayed on our tables.
"Hahaha, big man, don't be shy, but delicious food is right in front of you. Just as delicious as spears and yellow dumplings."
Thank you, General Snake!
After loudly congratulating the serpent, the guests drank it all in one gulp. The grand hymn that came from behind the bell, though warm, was afterwards filled with energy. The scene quickly fast-forwarded to the stage of the demonic dance at the Sea and Sky Banquet. The serpent spent a large sum of money to bring an old prostitute from the red-light district to manage to hold down the trunk. These famous courtier elders, their skirts bursting from their laughter.
In this dazzling feast, only the courtiers of the Southern Corner Nine Li sat there, pale-faced, sitting upright before everything before them.
Of the nine ministers, the one in charge of the income and expenditure of the nine villages, Tojiro was the ugliest.
The menu features turtle dishes for three meals a day, steamed abalone, fish liver mixed rice, sweet snow crab tempura, and rabbit bowls. It also gathers famous and special products from all over the country.
Upon ascending to the top, Jiro immediately noticed the water flowing meandering across the round table, with lanterns adorned with sugar patterns floating on it. Having once studied culture and etiquette under the tutelage of Wu Bai and Shimotsuki Yasuie, Jiro quickly recognized the water as a premium product of Wu Bai's renowned sake, a high-grade product from Tengu Sake. Even regulars considered it a $3 premium item. Even the adults of the Yasuie family would carefully savor it. But at the Orochi banquet, the Shogun could only serve as flowing water on his dressing table…
The cost of the food and drinks at the banquet couldn't even cover the expenses of Shiwan. Orochi was merely an acting shogun managing the shogunate during the young shogun Suki's retirement and recuperation; even misappropriating local scenic spot contribution taxes couldn't have afforded such a large banquet.
These delicacies are a given. Here, not only did cold sweat trickle down his temples, but he was also terrified. With General Suki no Shō bedridden and unable to personally manage the government, Orochi was not only appointed acting shogun but also seized control of the shogunate. Now, a group of capable experts has secretly gathered right under the noses of renowned guardians throughout the land.
Looking around, the guests of the Orochi Feast (aeej) were prominent courtiers who had come to the capital with the five guardians to welcome the general. It was obvious that these usually dignified and serious warriors were completely immersed in the wine pools and meat forests created by the Orochi. It was foreseeable that these people, upon returning home, would develop a favorable impression of the Orochi and want to switch allegiance to the Orochi Gate. Where would Kuri go?
Lord Baili Xiao, I don't know where you are by the sea right now. Please return to China as soon as possible. A harmonious nation is in serious trouble!
"Ah, so you are Lord Kin'emon, the commander of the Nine Li Heroes. My youngest daughter has heard of Lord Kuju's words. I never imagined that you would not only become a world-renowned samurai, but also a handsome man like the one in the picture."
"Sect Master Jinwei, please tell me about your legend of the warriors."
Hehe, hehe, hehe, hehe, hehe
"Ah~~~ I am the real Lord Kintailmon."
Looking at the lecherous warrior buried among the women, Pajiro, as expected of Teacher Jin, instantly understood the caring heart hidden beneath that terrible exterior.
Regardless of what Orochi does, with the General ill and Lord Baili Xiao not returning from sea, I understand. Facing Orochi, who possesses the power of a acting General, we can do ten things. But that's limited. Right now, the most important thing is to stand on equal footing with Guang. Not to attract Orochi's attention, but to protect Jiuli and see what Orochi has up its sleeve.
Coming to his senses, Deng Erlang casually took the hand of the traveling woman who was about to pour him a drink, and flirted with her, mimicking Xiao Jin's gesture. She was beautiful and very talkative, and many daughters from tour groups were with her. Jin Weimen couldn't help but shout to the experts, marveling at how they had managed to get their hands on this Erlang.
Looking into Teacher Jin's eyes, Tojiro couldn't help but feel that the family crest on his body shone even brighter, and he truly understood the profound meaning behind Teacher Jin's words.
Look at me, Mr. Kim. I've grown up too.
At this moment, the giant serpent lay with its back to the painted screen that read, "Protect your name, be loyal to the Guangyue family."
His left hand rose and fell with the rhythm of the musicians' music, while his right hand held a shallow glass, sipping freely. His murky snake eyes constantly peered into the absurd and decadent life of Kang Sheng, which was constantly in turmoil.
Only when they had passed the ministers of the Nine Li did they stop, then look at the center of the field and shout:
"Hey, Warabi-hime, the dance was so much fun and so gorgeous! Let's play and dance! Tonight is going to be a sleepless night!"
After the Mid-Autumn Festival, less than half of the songs could be heard in the Phoenix Valley.
Chapter 0290 The Language of Man
The next day at noon, Baili Xiao woke up in a cold sweat again in his private residence. After resting for a while, he sent a maid to wait for him to wash his face and change his clothes. Afterward, Baili Xiao went to the south-facing study. At this time, the two old people were waiting in the room.
"Hehe, Mr. Chan and Mr. Chanmaru argued until dawn last night, and they're here so early today. We really shouldn't underestimate the energy of the elderly."
Bai Lixiao couldn't help but marvel at how energetic the elderly in this world were, even more so than the young. The average age of the Four Emperors was close to 60. The excessively red-haired young Janks lowered the average.
Otherwise, the remaining three Huangs would have an average age of a terrifying 66. The previous generation, though working or retired, were still shining at sea. "Beast" Cade had established the best training courses at sea.
Three blows made the famous Luffy become the Sea Emperor, and the strongest teacher in the world.
“Hehe Xi, our eyes were right. Viper, your grand feast is really important. I think that 80% of the local warriors have shown us that many of the remaining 20% also yearn for life in the City of Flowers. As long as Xiao Li is around, it will be convenient for their actions.”
The speaker was an old woman who, when ugly, dressed like a demon. Her name was Kurotan Musashi, and the person disguised as the biwa player behind her was Kurotan Seimaru. They were siblings, and also Baili Xiao's bloodline in this life. Once, they were destroyed by the Guangyue family and a famous entertainer in a conspiracy and rebellion, and they were one of the only remaining members of the Kurotan family.
"Hehehe, yes, Mr. Cicada. Dealing with these warriors doesn't require anything too complicated. The position of acting general is enough to make them look up to him, and letting them see the lavish life that wealth brings will make them happy."
Conversely, it is said, "It is better to be a general's dog than a daimyo's dog." After all, the general is the true master of the land of harmony, while the daimyo are merely regional warlords.
"Hehe, just like that, from the bottom up, the Kingdom of Harmony will one day be completely conquered. That despicable Kozuki family and their separation of Shimotsuki, Fuutsuki, and Ugetsuki. We, the Kurozumi clan, have been waiting in hell for a long time."
Speaking of the Kurozumi clan's tragic story, Kurozumi Cicada's wrinkled face twisted in agony, fixated on a terrible fear and hatred. Silently rising from the corner, Kurozumi Cicada, shielding himself from the outside world, stopped manipulating the dial, his veins bulging on his hands.
Even Baili Xiao's smiling mask struggled to hold up, as he recalled the days when he led the people to XZ in their childhood, suffering from hunger and cold. In the end, even his younger siblings, whom he barely remembered, were murdered by the Guangyue Clan. The fire of hatred burning quietly in Baili Xiao's heart would never be extinguished, until the blood of the moon was burned away.
Keiji, Ryoumaru, don't worry, brother, I won't stop until I drag this filthy country into hell.
The stern-faced Li Guang was gone, and Baili Xiao's face was adorned with a faint smile as he chuckled.
"That day is not far off, Mr. Chan. But take care of yourself. There's nothing wrong with dancing like yesterday, is there? Here are some secret recipes from the stonemasons of the Guangyue family. Please carry a few with you. Let's take care of ourselves and wait for the Guangyue family's demise."
"Hehe, don't worry, Baili Xiao. My body won't stop until that day comes. It's just that I didn't expect a woman called Princess Fern to ignore the feelings of the Black Charcoal family. Not only did she speak to us lions, but she also dared to conceal the evidence that the Black Charcoal family collected intelligence through homeless girls in the red-light district. Not afraid of what I want, Little Cow leans against Shan Bi's grave, a mess. u cooking, deleting, cultivating, and then destroying the alliance. Afraid of vulgarity, against Meng Chu, against Huan Xin, heinous crimes!?"
Her smile is even more terrifying. I have absolutely no idea that she was the fern who danced in the middle of yesterday's banquet.
The real identity behind the dazzling beauty leading 300 female swimmers is this kind of old woman. I can only say that the power of this devil is truly unbelievable. If, unfortunately, the truth were to be known... Last night, thinking of her galloping warriors, I speculate that even their courage would falter.
Thinking of this, Baili Xiao couldn't hold back any longer and hurriedly changed the subject.
"That's wonderful. Mr. Chan, please take care. Ah, Mr. Kanjuro, you're here too."
Dust-covered birds fled from the corner by the window into the dark room, and the atmosphere expanded to include the birds, their mouths uttering human language:
0 ····Requesting flowers···· ·········
“Your Highness, I am truly shameful and unworthy of you. Your Highness remembers my name. This is a great favor. I am absolutely unworthy of a gentleman.”
The adorable animals could speak human language based on their shapes, their tone as fluent as a Kabuki actor reciting lines. This scene was truly fascinating. Baili Xiao couldn't help but exclaim:
"Hahaha, Mr. Kanjuro, there's no need for you to be modest. You are the backbone of our Kurozumi family. Last night, thanks to your painting, the local warriors were convinced that our wealth was just as great as our enemies', and that we were all talk and no action. We are greedy. As long as there is a hole in the heart, controlling the side of the mind is as easy as finding something."
Today, in this harmonious nation, aside from Shimotsuki, the power of the Nine Li makes me uneasy. Mr. Kanjuro, has Hikari not returned to Kuri yet?
.... ... ....
"Yes, Your Highness, it is Baili Xiao. This humble servant, Shuimo Huashou, has been monitoring Jiuli's retainers day and night, but there is no news of Guangyue Yutian. However, there are records among the retainers..."
"Heh heh heh, the Imperial Guard is worthless, but Tojiro wants to tip off Shimotsuki Yasushi's family. That's not good. As a samurai, you must be careful. I remember old Iguchi, Yubu's house last night. Old but sturdy."
Kanjuro, if there are any warriors who cannot tolerate the barbarian lands of Kuri, I would like to pledge my allegiance to the most courteous and renowned white-clad dancer. Isn't it unfair that Mr. Kyoguchi, who dedicated his life to the White Dance, has replaced the old writer?
The dust-covered birds unconsciously preened their feathers with their beaks. Hearing this, they quickly nodded and said:
"Yes, Your Highness, Baili Xiao, I understand your meaning. My 'ink painting' has already been left on notepads at the Jiuli Embassy, and the contents of the letters can be exchanged at any time. Bai Wu can only see what Your Highness wants you to see."
"That's great. Well done, Mr. Kanjuro. Mr. Chan, when Mr. Iguchi sees the Shogun tomorrow and sees Tojiro's ugly face as he rejects Kureha, I believe he will switch sides to Hakumai for glory and wealth."
"Hehe, Baili Xiao, don't worry about me and Chanmaru. These people can't unite."
"Hehe, everyone, he's really reliable."
"Hahahahaha"
凡.