《天堂旅館》長篇奇幻愛情小說

【二十四】艱钜的任務

和風清拂，仲夏的上午，琉森湖裡一葉葉小扁舟，舟上情人們的儷影成雙。其中一葉扁舟，林曉陽劃著雙槳，黃敏華頭帶藺草帽，兩人顯得很悠閒。
黃敏華說：「生活在這裡的人們，徜徉在山光水色裡，步調悠閒舒緩，真是人間仙境呢！讓我一輩子都過這種生活，我不會有怨言的。」
林曉陽說：「是啊！人生就幾十年光景，何必每天上緊發條，活得那麼用力呢！」
黃敏華微笑說：「原本完成學業後，我計畫回台灣開畫室教美術，現在看來計畫趕不上變化。」
林曉陽擠眉弄眼，一臉調皮地說：「天堂旅館需要一個老闆娘喔！妳不可以落跑。」
黃敏華燦爛地笑說：「不會啦！我答應慧君姐，要照顧妳一輩子。」
林曉陽滿意地說：「良辰美景，沒有妳在身旁，一切形同虛設。」
黃敏華調侃說：「怎麼？突然變得那麼文青？」
林曉陽說：「我的身分是旅行作家啊，作家本來就是文青嘛。」
兩人相視而笑，盡在不言中。

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天空城堡大廳裡，魯夫和龍騎士隨行在瑪莉亞公主兩側。
「龍騎士，你率領一支禁衛軍，前往西西里島，徹底掃蕩蝙蝠城，清除安德森的殘餘勢力。」
龍騎士拱手領命說：「是！公主，屬下一定除惡務盡，一個也不放過。」
公主皺眉說：「你誤會我的意思了，龍騎士，我不是要你趕盡殺絕，願意歸順的，就把他們帶回來，進行改造。」
龍騎士說：「公主，我懂了。」
魯夫說：「瑪莉亞，我想去辦一件事，跟妳報備。」
公主微笑問：「你想去找回那根太陽法杖，是不是？」
魯夫微笑說：「我的心事，瞞不過妳。」
公主說：「這世間，我是最懂你的。你去吧！有任何線索，或者需要任何援助，隨時通知我。」
魯夫拱手告辭：「那我離開囉！」魯夫隨即轉身離開大廳。
龍騎士問：「公主，魯夫…。」龍騎士欲言又止，瑪莉亞知道他的疑慮。
公主說：「你想說什麼我知道，如果我不相信魯夫，就不會帶他回來。」
龍騎士傻笑說：「是我多慮了，公主。」

88
天空城堡大廳裡，瑪莉亞坐在王座上，兩旁分列陳約翰、史特龍師兄弟，黃立華、威爾森、阿多諾和蘿娜、凱斯。
瑪莉亞說：「這回剿滅安德森的任務，陳約翰神父和史特龍神父出力最多，感謝兩位神父鼎力相助。」
陳約翰謙遜說：「公主以仁德統治暗黑世界，感化鬼族徒眾，東方有句話說：邪惡的一方終究敵不過正義的力量，我們師兄弟剷奸除惡，理所當然是公主的臂膀。」
瑪莉亞微笑說：「安德森在西西里島上的餘黨不足為患，我已命龍騎士率領鐵血禁衛軍前往肅清。現在有件艱钜任務，還要請兩位神父再助一臂之力。」
陳約翰問：「什麼樣的任務？請公主指示。」
威爾森面向陳約翰和史特龍說：「事情是這樣，三百多年前安德森曾率眾攻打天空城堡，取走一支鑲有耶穌頭蓋骨的太陽法杖，這法杖原是中世紀羅馬教皇賜給暗黑世界天空法王漢斯，作為統領暗黑世界的權杖。傳承三代到了公主父親湯森手上時，被湯森的弟弟安德森奪走。」
史特龍好奇問：「安德森為什麼要起來反叛，攻打自己的親哥哥呢？」
瑪莉亞嘆口氣說：「唉！還不是為了王位繼承權！我父母親只生育我，別無兄弟姊妹，我和侍衛長大衛相愛論及婚嫁，原本對王位繼承權不感興趣，但我父親身旁的幾位大臣，都認為我叔叔心術不正言行暴戾，力勸我父親打破慣例，把王位傳給我，由大衛輔佐我，並極力主張應該削弱駐紮地方的將領兵權。這消息傳到我叔叔耳中，他認為我父親違反漢斯祖父訂下的繼承法，於是結合一些不滿我父親削藩政策的將領，趁我父親病危，一起舉事進攻城堡。」
史特龍領悟說：「原來如此！可我聽師兄說，公主、大衛和魯夫三人之間別有一段恩怨情仇…」
公主接著說：「大衛是我父親的侍衛長，率領鐵血禁衛軍和魯夫的騎士軍並肩作戰，安德森的蝙蝠軍圍攻天空城堡久攻不下，詭計多端的安德森打聽到大衛和魯夫之間，因為我而產生心結，魯夫是我騎術老師的兒子，從小和我青梅竹馬，我一直當他是兄長。安德森認為有機可乘，於是派人在城裡散佈謠言，說將來大衛跟我成親後，魯夫
只是被我們夫妻差遣的一條走狗，挑撥離間魯夫和大衛，又派密使來找魯夫，說服魯夫陣前叛變刺殺大衛。果然，在兩軍對陣時，大衛慘遭陣前叛變的魯夫暗算身亡，但是掌握部隊指揮權後的魯夫，仍嚴詞拒絕讓蝙蝠軍進到城堡，也不同意把我交出去，只把那支太陽法杖交給安德森。」
史特龍說：「這樣看來，魯夫並不算是罪大惡極…」
公主說：「是啊！但是大臣們和城堡裡的子民，認為魯夫陣前叛變暗殺大衛，絕對不能原諒，禁衛軍的將領們也怨恨魯夫殺害大衛，極力想幫大衛報仇。我為了避免城裡的禁衛軍和城外的騎士軍雙方正面起衝突，就請人帶一封信給魯夫，要他離開這裡。沒想到魯夫離開後，安德森找上他，並且重用他。」
史特龍說：「那麼，這支失落的太陽法杖…」
公主說：「魯夫被我帶回城堡後，親口告訴我，那支太陽法杖三百年前就被安德森的女兒坦雅盜走，坦雅對他父親的兇狠殘暴無可奈何，於是趁機偷取法杖，帶著幾個親信和侍衛離開西西里島，從此不知去向。各位這回沒見到魯夫，魯夫已經早半個月出發，去探訪坦雅的下落，昨天他飛鴿傳書給我，說找到可靠線索。」
陳約翰不解問：「喔？既然魯夫找到可靠線索，以魯夫的高深法力，還需要我和師弟相助嗎？」
公主說：「魯夫說坦雅隱居在一處與世隔絕的山谷，當地人稱那山谷為幽冥山谷，山谷前後出入口聽說都有惡龍和絕世高手守衛，他沒把握進得去。而且，這回任務，兩位神父必須帶著大衛，喔，是林曉陽和黃敏華一起去。」
這時黃立華納悶問：「公主，你讓曉陽跟著去，我能理解，可我孫女敏華，武功法術一竅不通，她跟著去能幫上什麼忙嗎？」
公主說：「讓我先說一段陳年往事吧！你的孫女敏華，其實是當年我的貼身侍女愛琳，和我情同姐妹，她暗戀大衛許久，這事我隱約感覺到。在大衛被魯夫暗算那天，她看見大衛的頭顱被懸掛在城堡大門口的旗桿上，半夜裡她騎馬到城門口下，以藥酒迷昏騎士軍的守衛，取走頭顱後就消失無蹤。直到一個世紀後，白髮蒼蒼的愛琳臨終前，親自送回大衛的頭顱。她每天以手指的指血餵養大衛頭顱，當我接手大衛的頭顱時，發現大衛的頭顱臉上表情仍栩栩如生。」
黃立華這時似乎想通了一些環節說：「原來如此，所以公主刻意安排，讓兩人在這一世共結連理。」
公主說：「是的，有感於愛琳對大衛的深情厚義，我特地差龍騎士幫我轉達書信給撒旦去給撒旦，請求撒旦釋放大衛的靈魂。」
陳約翰驚訝說：「公主，妳請撒旦幫妳，撒旦一定會要妳付出代價，祂從來不做虧本生意的。」
公主幽幽說：「是啊！撒旦提出條件，要我永世不能跟大衛當夫妻。」
黃立華驚訝問：「永世不能跟大衛當夫妻，公主，妳答應了撒旦？」
公主說：「嗯！我不想大衛待在撒旦身邊受他差遣，寧可他回到陽世，這樣我還能看得見他，而且搓合他和黃敏華，也算是償還我欠愛琳的一份人情。」
陳約翰問：「公主要黃敏華一同前往，黃敏華應該有關鍵性的作用吧？」
公主說：「是的，神父。黃敏華和曉陽一同前往，有兩個作用，一個是合他們兩人之力，可解開法杖上的古老封印，讓法杖甦醒過來恢復法力，另一個是我很早以前就打聽到坦雅曾發下怨念咒，除非大衛死而復生，帶著他的妻子去找她，否則她不會現身，更不會交出法杖。」
陳約翰又問：「可黃敏華並不通武功也無法力，她真能幫忙曉陽，一起解開法杖封印嗎？」
公主說：「可以的，等黃敏華和曉陽結為夫妻，有了親密關係，曉陽身體內的純陽磁場就會獲得調和，夫妻倆心意相通，曉陽學會的那些本事，敏華很快就能領悟，跟著學會。合他們夫妻之力，還有兩位的協助，就可能制伏惡龍和守衛，進得去幽冥山谷」
陳約翰和史特龍對望一下，陳約翰語意深長說：「連大法師魯夫都沒把握的任務，的確相當艱钜。」
公主說：「兩位神父，這趟任務請帶著阿多諾和蘿娜、凱斯一道前往，他們三位在緊要關頭，應該能夠發揮作用。」
陳約翰望著三人說：「你們三位，應該都有心理準備，這趟任務可能有去無回！」
阿多諾說：「先前公主已徵詢過我們，雖然現在才知道任務內容，但是為了達成任務，
我們三人已有必死決心。」
蘿娜說：「是的！我們身上背負著許多無辜人們的冤魂，如果我們的犧牲可以換來暗黑世界的長治久安，並且讓那些冤魂赦免我們的罪孽，我們也算是如願以償了。」
黃立華說：「公主，我等回到旅館後，就按照妳的指示，安排曉陽和敏華的婚事。」
瑪莉亞揮手，兩名侍女雙手各端著一把長刀和一柄長劍，來到陳約翰和史特龍面前。
公主說：「這套雙刀劍，是近兩百年前，來自遠東清國的商人，送給拿破崙的。拿破崙兵敗後，一個收藏家轉送給我。這套雙刀劍我感覺他們一剛一柔陰陽相濟，請神父幫我轉贈給林曉陽和黃敏華，當作給他們的新婚賀禮。曉陽手刃安德森當晚，我親眼見識到曉陽神祕詭譎的東方劍法，也許在前往幽冥山谷的路途中，他們夫妻倆派得上用場。」
陳約翰和史特龍分別接手長刀和長劍，陳約翰端詳著刀身說：「這把刀，即使隔著刀鞘，我仍然感覺到刀身上強烈的血氣，應該有不少刀下冤魂吧！
公主提醒說：「那位收藏家曾叮嚀我，這套雙刀劍一旦出鞘，一定得飲人血，所以切莫錯殺無辜。」
陳約翰說：「好的，我會把公主的叮嚀，帶給曉陽。」
公主起身，走向兩位神父，從袖袋裡取出一封牛皮紙信封，遞給陳約翰：「這份是前往幽冥山谷的地圖，找回太陽法杖的任務，有勞各位費心了。我送各位一程。」
陳約翰收下信封，拱手說：「我們會全力以赴的。」
公主親自送他們一行人離開大廳。

89
林曉陽和黃敏華的婚事，在天堂旅館裡舉行，黃立華代表女方家長，威爾森是樂師，史特龍神父權充司儀，由陳約翰神父主持證婚儀式。羅伯特、瑪格麗特、蘿娜和凱斯，穿起服務生制服，是典禮的接待人員，婚禮簡單隆重。
樂師威爾森以小提琴拉出結婚進行曲，黃立華心情顯得特別好，他挽著敏華走進大廳，親手把敏華交給曉陽。
黃立華說：「曉陽，敏華交給你，我知道你會善待她，給她快樂和幸福。」
林曉陽說：「我會的，老前輩，喔，應該是老…爺爺。」
曉陽的小小口誤，引來在座朋友們的一陣笑聲。
林曉陽搔頭乾笑說：「一時還不太習慣，嘿嘿，不太習慣。」
羅伯特突然放冷笑話說：「黃畫師頭髮都還沒禿，就有個孫女婿，這太欺負人了！」
台下觀禮的朋友們，又是一陣笑聲。
黃立華豪邁地說：「今晚，大夥兒暢快地飲酒跳舞，不醉不歸蛤！」

90
504號房裡，小倆口相偎坐在窗前，桌上筆電視窗開著，曉陽一手摟著敏華的腰肢，一手按著滑鼠。窗外籠罩著一層薄霧，月光透過薄霧，幾分朦朧。
「敏華，我寫的小說《相約在今生》。」
「喔？你幾時開始寫的？」
「就你回來的那天晚上。」
黃敏華故意問：「那誰是女主角啊？」
林曉陽說：「前面那段是慧君，後面那段是妳囉。」
黃敏華故作大方說：「是慧君姐，我就沒意見。」
林曉陽附耳說：「春宵一刻值千金，小說改天再給妳看，我想要…」
黃敏華腮幫子一下子升起兩抹紅暈，低頭羞赧地說：「你幫我脫衣服…」

91
次日清早，曉陽先醒來，一手撐著下巴，靜靜地看著黃敏華的睡姿。
不一會兒，敏華悠悠醒來，睜開眼睛，一張特寫的大臉。
敏華伸了個懶腰，打個長長的哈欠問：「曉陽，你醒來多久了？」
「一會兒，看妳還睡著，沒吵醒妳。」
「昨晚，做了一個好長好長的夢…。」
「妳都夢些什麼？」
敏華伸手摸摸曉陽的脖子，鬆了一口氣說：「還好，你沒事。」
「我夢見妳雙手捧著我的腦袋，對著我淚如雨下。」
敏華凝視曉陽，表情驚訝地說「原來，你做著跟我相同的夢？」
曉陽輕撫著敏華的臉頰，溫柔地說：「那些都過去了！」
敏華環抱著曉陽的脖子，激動地說：「我不許你的身體，又跑不見了！」
林曉陽輕拍著敏華的背說：「這輩子肯定不會！我要一直陪著妳，敏華。」

[Twenty-Four] The Arduous Task

A gentle breeze brushed across the lake on a midsummer morning. Small boats drifted across Lake Lucerne, with couples sitting in pairs, their figures reflected side by side. In one of the small boats, Lin Xiaoyang rowed with both oars while Huang Minhua wore a woven straw hat. The two of them appeared completely relaxed.

Huang Minhua said, “The people who live here wander among the beauty of the mountains and water, living at such a leisurely and unhurried pace. It really is a paradise on earth! If I could live this kind of life for the rest of my life, I would have no complaints.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “Yes! Life only lasts a few decades. Why keep yourself wound up every day and live as if you have to push yourself so hard?”

Huang Minhua smiled and said, “Originally, after finishing my studies, I planned to return to Taiwan, open an art studio, and teach art. But now it seems that plans really cannot keep up with changes.”

Lin Xiaoyang made a playful face and said mischievously, “Paradise Inn needs a lady of the house! You can’t run away.”

Huang Minhua smiled brightly and said, “I won’t! I promised Sister Hui-jun that I would take care of you for the rest of your life.”

Lin Xiaoyang said with satisfaction, “Without you by my side, even the finest time and most beautiful scenery would be meaningless.”

Huang Minhua teased him, “What? How did you suddenly become so literary?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I’m a travel writer. Writers are supposed to be literary.”

The two looked at each other and smiled, understanding everything without saying another word.

**87**

In the grand hall of Sky Castle, Ruf and the Dragon Knight stood on either side of Princess Maria.

“Dragon Knight, lead a unit of the Imperial Guards to Sicily. Completely sweep through Bat Castle and eliminate the remaining forces of Anderson.”

The Dragon Knight cupped his hands and accepted the order. “Yes, Princess! I will make sure that evil is completely eradicated and not let a single one escape.”

The Princess frowned and said, “You misunderstood me, Dragon Knight. I am not asking you to kill them all. Those who are willing to surrender should be brought back here and rehabilitated.”

The Dragon Knight said, “I understand, Princess.”

Ruf said, “Maria, I want to take care of something. I came to report it to you first.”

The Princess smiled and asked, “You want to recover that Sun Staff, don’t you?”

Ruf smiled and said, “Nothing on my mind can escape you.”

The Princess said, “In this world, I understand you better than anyone. Go ahead! If you find any clues or need any assistance, notify me at any time.”

Ruf cupped his hands and said goodbye. “Then I’ll be going!” Ruf immediately turned and left the hall.

The Dragon Knight asked, “Princess, Ruf…” He hesitated, unable to finish his sentence. Maria understood his concern.

The Princess said, “I know what you want to say. If I did not trust Ruf, I would never have brought him back.”

The Dragon Knight gave a foolish smile. “I was worrying too much, Princess.”

**88**

In the grand hall of Sky Castle, Maria sat on the throne, with Father John Chen, the brothers Father Stylon and Father Renoir, Huang Lihua, Wilson, Adorno, Lorna, and Keith standing on either side of her.

Maria said, “In this operation to eliminate Anderson, Father John Chen and Father Stylon contributed the most. I thank both of you for your wholehearted assistance.”

John Chen said humbly, “The Princess rules the Dark World with benevolence and virtue and wins over the members of the ghost clans. There is a saying in the East: Evil can never ultimately overcome the power of justice. As brothers in the same order, it is only natural for us to fight evil and uphold justice as the Princess’s arms.”

Maria smiled and said, “Anderson’s remaining forces in Sicily are no longer a serious threat. I have already ordered the Dragon Knight to lead the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guards there to eliminate them. Now there is an arduous task for which I must ask the two of you priests to lend me your assistance once again.”

John Chen asked, “What kind of task is it? Please give us your instructions, Princess.”

Wilson turned toward John Chen and Father Stylon and said, “Here is what happened. More than three hundred years ago, Anderson once led his followers in an attack on Sky Castle and took away a Sun Staff inlaid with the skull of Jesus. The staff had originally been bestowed by a medieval Roman pope upon Hans, the Sky Emperor of the Dark World, as a scepter for ruling the Dark World. After being passed down through three generations, it came into the hands of the Princess’s father, Townsend, only to be taken away by Townsend’s younger brother, Anderson.”

Father Stylon asked curiously, “Why did Anderson rebel and attack his own older brother?”

Maria sighed and said, “What else could it have been for but the right of succession to the throne? My parents had only me and no other children. I was in love with my captain of the guard, David, and we were planning to marry. Originally, I had no interest in the right of succession. But several ministers around my father believed that my uncle was corrupt in character and violent in both speech and conduct. They strongly urged my father to break with tradition and pass the throne to me, with David assisting me. They also strongly advocated weakening the military power of the generals stationed in the various territories.

“When this news reached my uncle’s ears, he believed that my father had violated the succession law established by our ancestor Hans. So he joined forces with several generals who were dissatisfied with my father’s policy of weakening the regional military commanders. While my father was critically ill, they rose in rebellion and attacked the castle.”

Father Stylon realized what had happened. “I see! But I heard from my senior brother that there was another complicated history of love and hatred among the three of you—Princess Maria, David, and Ruf…”

The Princess continued, “David was my father’s captain of the guard. He led the Iron-Blooded Imperial Guards and fought alongside Ruf’s knight army. Anderson’s Bat Army surrounded Sky Castle but could not capture it despite attacking for a long time. The cunning Anderson learned that a conflict had arisen between David and Ruf because of me.

“Ruf was the son of my riding instructor. We grew up together, and I had always regarded him as an older brother. Anderson thought he had found an opportunity. He therefore had people spread rumors throughout the castle, saying that after David and I married, Ruf would merely become a lapdog at the beck and call of the two of us. He drove a wedge between Ruf and David and then sent a secret envoy to Ruf to persuade him to betray us during the battle and assassinate David.

“Sure enough, when the two armies faced each other, David was ambushed and killed by Ruf, who betrayed him in the middle of the battle. But after taking command of the troops, Ruf still firmly refused to let the Bat Army enter the castle, and he also refused to hand me over. He gave Anderson only the Sun Staff.”

Father Stylon said, “From that perspective, Ruf cannot really be considered utterly evil…”

The Princess said, “That’s right! But the ministers and the people inside the castle believed that Ruf’s betrayal and assassination of David in the midst of battle were absolutely unforgivable. The commanders of the Imperial Guards also resented Ruf for killing David and desperately wanted to avenge him.

“To prevent the Imperial Guards inside the castle from directly clashing with the knight army outside, I had someone deliver a letter to Ruf asking him to leave. Unexpectedly, after Ruf left, Anderson sought him out and made extensive use of him.”

Father Stylon said, “Then, this lost Sun Staff…”

The Princess said, “After I brought Ruf back to the castle, he personally told me that the Sun Staff had been stolen three hundred years ago by Anderson’s daughter, Tanya. Unable to bear her father’s cruelty and brutality, Tanya took the opportunity to steal the staff, then left Sicily with several trusted followers and guards. No one knew where she went after that.

“You did not see Ruf this time because he had already set out half a month ago to search for Tanya’s whereabouts. Yesterday, he sent me a message by carrier pigeon saying that he had found a reliable clue.”

John Chen asked in confusion, “Oh? If Ruf has found a reliable clue, with his profound magical abilities, why does he still need the help of my junior brother and me?”

The Princess said, “Ruf said that Tanya is living in seclusion in an isolated valley cut off from the outside world. The locals call it the Netherworld Valley. It is said that both entrances to the valley are guarded by evil dragons and peerless masters. He is not confident that he can get inside.

“Moreover, this time the two of you priests must take David—oh, I mean Lin Xiaoyang—and Huang Minhua with you.”

At this point, Huang Lihua asked in puzzlement, “Princess, I can understand why you want Xiaoyang to go with them. But my granddaughter Minhua knows neither martial arts nor magic. What could she possibly contribute by going along?”

The Princess said, “Let me tell you about something that happened long ago. Your granddaughter Minhua was actually my personal maid, Aileen, back then. She was like a sister to me. She had secretly loved David for a long time, and I had vaguely sensed it.

“On the day David was ambushed and killed by Ruf, she saw David’s head hanging from the flagpole at the castle gate. In the middle of the night, she rode a horse to the castle gate, used medicinal wine to drug the guards of the knight army, took away David’s head, and then disappeared without a trace.

“Only a century later, when Aileen was white-haired and nearing the end of her life, did she personally return David’s head. She had fed David’s head every day with blood from her fingertips. When I took possession of David’s head, I discovered that the expression on his face was still incredibly lifelike.”

Huang Lihua seemed to understand several pieces of the puzzle. “I see. So that is why the Princess deliberately arranged for the two of them to become husband and wife in this lifetime.”

The Princess said, “Yes. Moved by Aileen’s deep love and loyalty toward David, I specifically asked the Dragon Knight to deliver a letter to Satan for me, requesting that Satan release David’s soul.”

John Chen said in surprise, “Princess, you asked Satan for help? Satan would certainly demand that you pay a price. He never makes a deal at a loss.”

The Princess said quietly, “Yes. Satan set a condition: I could never become husband and wife with David for all eternity.”

Huang Lihua asked in surprise, “You could never be husband and wife with David for all eternity? Princess, you agreed to Satan’s condition?”

The Princess said, “Yes. I did not want David to remain at Satan’s side and be ordered around by him. I would rather have David return to the world of the living so that I could still see him. And bringing him together with Huang Minhua could also be considered a way of repaying the debt of gratitude I owed Aileen.”

John Chen asked, “There must be a crucial reason why the Princess wants Huang Minhua to go along as well, right?”

The Princess said, “Yes, Father. Huang Minhua and Xiaoyang will serve two purposes by going together.

“First, by combining their powers, they may be able to break the ancient seal on the staff, awaken it, and restore its magical power.

“Second, I learned long ago that Tanya once cast a curse of resentment. Unless David returns from the dead and takes his wife to find her, she will not appear, much less hand over the staff.”

John Chen asked again, “But Huang Minhua knows neither martial arts nor magic. Can she really help Xiaoyang break the seal on the staff?”

The Princess said, “Yes. Once Huang Minhua and Xiaoyang become husband and wife and develop an intimate relationship, the pure yang magnetic field within Xiaoyang’s body will become harmonized. When the couple are spiritually connected, Minhua will quickly comprehend and learn the abilities Xiaoyang has mastered.

“With the combined strength of the married couple, together with the assistance of the two of you, they may be able to subdue the evil dragons and the guards and enter the Netherworld Valley.”

John Chen and Father Stylon exchanged a glance. John Chen said meaningfully, “A mission that even Grand Mage Ruf is not confident about completing is indeed extremely arduous.”

The Princess said, “Fathers, for this mission, please take Adorno, Lorna, and Keith with you as well. The three of them should be able to play an important role at critical moments.”

John Chen looked at the three of them and said, “The three of you should be mentally prepared. This mission may be a one-way journey from which you may never return.”

Adorno said, “The Princess already consulted us earlier. Although we only learned the details of the mission now, in order to accomplish it, the three of us are already prepared to die.”

Lorna said, “Yes! We carry the grievances of many innocent souls on our shoulders. If our sacrifice can bring lasting peace to the Dark World and allow those wronged souls to forgive our sins, then our wish will have been fulfilled.”

Huang Lihua said, “Princess, once we return to the hotel, I will follow your instructions and arrange the wedding of Xiaoyang and Minhua.”

Maria waved her hand, and two maidservants each carried a long saber and a long sword in both hands and came before John Chen and Father Stylon.

The Princess said, “This matching set of saber and sword was given to Napoleon by merchants from the Qing Empire in the Far East nearly two hundred years ago. After Napoleon was defeated, a collector gave the set to me.

“I have a feeling that these two weapons complement each other, one hard and one soft, like yin and yang. Please give them to Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua as my wedding gift to them.

“The night Xiaoyang killed Anderson, I personally witnessed his mysterious and unpredictable Eastern swordsmanship. Perhaps these weapons will come in handy for the couple on their journey to the Netherworld Valley.”

John Chen and Father Stylon each took one of the weapons. John Chen examined the blade and said, “Even through the scabbard, I can still sense a powerful aura of blood coming from this blade. There must be quite a few souls who died beneath it.”

The Princess warned, “The collector once cautioned me that once these two weapons are drawn from their scabbards, they must drink human blood. So be very careful not to kill any innocent people by mistake.”

John Chen said, “Understood. I will pass your warning on to Xiaoyang.”

The Princess stood up and walked toward the two priests. She took a kraft-paper envelope from her sleeve and handed it to John Chen.

“This is a map to the Netherworld Valley. As for the mission to recover the Sun Staff, I will leave it in your capable hands. I will see you off.”

John Chen accepted the envelope and cupped his hands. “We will do everything in our power.”

The Princess personally accompanied their group as they left the hall.

**89**

The wedding of Lin Xiaoyang and Huang Minhua was held at Paradise Inn. Huang Lihua represented the bride’s family, Wilson was the musician, Father Stylon served as the master of ceremonies, and Father John Chen officiated the wedding ceremony.

Robert, Margaret, Lorna, and Keith put on hotel employee uniforms and served as reception staff. The wedding was simple yet dignified.

Musician Wilson played the wedding march on the violin. Huang Lihua was in an especially good mood as he escorted Minhua into the lobby and personally placed her hand in Xiaoyang’s.

Huang Lihua said, “Xiaoyang, I’m entrusting Minhua to you. I know you will treat her well and give her happiness.”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “I will, Elder—oh, I mean, Grandpa.”

Xiaoyang’s little slip of the tongue drew laughter from the friends attending the ceremony.

Lin Xiaoyang scratched his head and gave an embarrassed laugh. “I’m just not used to it yet. Hehe, I’m not used to it.”

Robert suddenly cracked a cold joke. “Painter Huang hasn’t even gone bald yet, and he already has a grandson-in-law. That’s just too unfair!”

Another round of laughter came from the friends watching the ceremony.

Huang Lihua said boldly, “Tonight, everyone drink and dance to your heart’s content! Nobody goes home sober!”

**90**

In Room 504, the newlyweds sat snuggled together by the window. A laptop was open on the table. Xiaoyang had one arm around Minhua’s waist and one hand on the mouse.

A thin mist covered the world outside the window, and the moonlight filtered through it, giving everything a hazy appearance.

“Minhua, I’ve been writing a novel called *Meeting You in This Life*.”

“Oh? When did you start writing it?”

“The night you came back.”

Huang Minhua deliberately asked, “Then who is the female lead?”

Lin Xiaoyang said, “The first part is Hui-jun, and the second part is you.”

Huang Minhua pretended to be generous. “If it’s Sister Hui-jun, I have no objection.”

Lin Xiaoyang whispered into her ear, “A night of passion is worth a thousand pieces of gold. I’ll show you the novel another day. Right now, I want to…”

Two deep blushes suddenly rose on Huang Minhua’s cheeks. She lowered her head shyly and said, “Help me take off my clothes…”

**91**

Early the next morning, Xiaoyang woke first. He rested his chin on one hand and quietly watched Huang Minhua sleeping.

Before long, Minhua slowly woke up and opened her eyes to see a large face in close-up.

Minhua stretched and gave a long yawn before asking, “Xiaoyang, how long have you been awake?”

“For a while. I saw you were still sleeping, so I didn’t wake you.”

“Last night, I had such a long, long dream…”

“What did you dream about?”

Minhua reached out and touched Xiaoyang’s neck. With a sigh of relief, she said, “Thank goodness you’re all right.”

“I dreamed that you were holding my head in both hands, with tears streaming down your face.”

Minhua gazed at Xiaoyang in astonishment. “So you had the same dream I did?”

Xiaoyang gently stroked Minhua’s cheek and said tenderly, “All of that is over now.”

Minhua wrapped her arms around Xiaoyang’s neck and said emotionally, “I won’t let your body disappear again!”

Lin Xiaoyang gently patted Minhua’s back and said, “It definitely won’t happen in this lifetime! I’ll stay by your side forever, Minhua.”