Chapter 125: At the Luo River

This is a brand-new world, lush and green, brimming with vitality. Amidst the verdant trees and vibrant flowers stand primitive yet elegant structures. The air is fresh, carrying the scent of blossoms and damp earth, entirely free from the haze of smog. Recalling what my aunt once told me about time travel, I felt utterly bewildered.

Time travel—a concept once relegated to science fiction or mythology—had actually been verified by me today.

Since I am here, I must adapt. Since I have arrived early, I should face reality with courage. Yet, I do not know which dynasty this is, nor if Ziyu, the younger sister my aunt spoke of, is to be found here.

"Master, the time jump was too vast. We cannot adapt to this environment, so we must return to our original form." Just as I was at a loss, the two men in black walked up to me, flickered, and began to shrink, slowly reverting into paper dolls.

I was already anxious and fearful in this strange place, and seeing my servants reveal their true forms left me feeling profoundly lost. But regardless, there is no turning back; I can only move forward.

Ahead lies a small stream, its water crystal clear. Reeds grow lushly along the banks, blooming with white clusters of flowers, while butterflies and dragonflies dance in the breeze—a truly picturesque scene.

Laughter from a group of young women drifted over from the streamside. Looking toward the sound, I saw several girls washing clothes. They looked different from modern girls—not in their features, but in their attire. Although they wore colorful clothing, they were dressed in Hanfu, which resembled the skirts of my time.

They were laughing and playing as they scrubbed. I hurried over, hoping to ask where I was and which dynasty this might be.

Recalling scenes from historical films, I approached cautiously, cupped my hands in a salute, and called out, "Greetings, ladies. I would like to ask..."

Before I could finish, the girls looked at me, their faces paling in terror. With a sharp cry, they scrambled to their feet, abandoning their laundry and bronze basins to dash into the stream and flee to the other side.

What was happening? I am a human, not a ghost; was I really that terrifying? I glanced down and immediately understood, nearly dying of embarrassment. I was wearing only my underwear, and the front was quite conspicuous. To appear like this by a riverbank in 21st-century China would mark me as a pervert, let alone in this distant ancient era.

What now? If I try to ask for directions looking like this, I’ll be seized as a villain.

Seeing some garments in the abandoned bronze basins on the rocks, I grabbed one and wrung out the water. Ancient clothing is incredibly difficult to put on—so large and long—and it took me a great deal of effort to dress myself, though I had no idea if I had done it correctly.

Just as I was about to walk on in my damp clothes, a dozen people approached. In the lead were soldiers in armor, followed by the same girls, who were pointing at me.

Good grief! They had reported me to the authorities! I only wanted to ask for directions; my lack of clothing was not intentional.

"That's him! He tried to molest us!" one of the girls pointed at me as they drew closer.

The soldiers surrounded me in a flash. One warrior drew his bronze sword and pointed it at me, shouting, "How dare you molest common women in broad daylight! Seize him!" It seemed this youth was a minor commander.

Just then, a soldier behind him grabbed his arm, disarmed him, and whispered something in his ear. The soldier who had been threatening me turned pale, stepped forward sheepishly, and asked, "Pardon me, are... are you General Zi of the Marquis's estate?"

General Zi? Could it be Ziyi? I stole a glance at the stream. I was shaken to my core. Was this really me? Clad in a man’s Hanfu, I felt like a completely different person. If I walked down the street, even my uncle and mother wouldn't recognize me. Is this me? It didn't seem so; my nose was straighter, my frame taller, and I possessed sharp, arched brows and piercing eyes. I looked far more valiant and heroic than my 21st-century self.

Very well, since they recognize me, I shall play the role of General Ziyi. This will make it easier to find Ziyu, reclaim the Luoshui Ring, and unleash the true power of the Fengchi Divine Weapon. Everything is possible now.

"It is good that you recognize me," I said, waving my Fengchi sword. "I am naturally no villain. I have just returned from the battlefield; my clothes were in tatters, so I was forced to remove them."

As a great general of the Marquis, my weapon served as a symbol of my status.

Upon hearing this, the soldiers knelt in unison. Seeing them kneel, the girls were stunned, and after a moment of hesitation, they slowly knelt as well.

"Rise, all of you. Such formalities are unnecessary," I said with a wave.

The soldiers stole timid glances at me before standing, still looking somewhat unconvinced, while the girls behind them dared not rise.

"You two, drag them off to the dungeon! How dare they frame General Ziyi!" the soldier shouted to two other men, pointing at the kneeling girls.

"Yes!" The two soldiers moved to bind the girls.

Damn it! Do women have so little status in this era? Are they to be bound just like that? It was I who had startled them. I quickly intervened: "Stop! They have done nothing wrong. Why bind them?"

The soldier looked at me, perplexed. "The laws of the State of Ju contain such a provision. Commoners who offend the scholar-official class must be brought to justice."

"It is unnecessary," I said. "The King of Ju is wise and loves his people like his own children; the laws will be amended in the future. It was I who startled you all just now. My apologies." I bowed to the girls.

Hearing this, the girls began kowtowing to me again, which made me feel quite uncomfortable. But there was nothing I could do to stop them, so I let it be.

"General Zi, we did not know you were passing through and failed to welcome you properly. Might you grace the Luoshui Post with your presence so we may learn a thing or two from you?" the minor commander asked, bowing low with great respect.

Having just arrived, I was at a loss, so accepting his offer seemed wise. "What is your name?"

"I am Wang Liang, a first-class soldier of the Luoshui Post, in charge of thirty-six men at the thirteenth sub-post," he said, straightening his posture as he sheathed his bronze sword.

Luoshui Post? It seems this is the ancient Luoshui, the Luhe River of the 21st century. I looked around and noticed a mountain to the south, lush with vegetation. It was not very high, but it looked familiar. It appeared the stream at my feet was the Luoshui, and the mountain was Mount Luo.

"Wang Liang, I have heard there is a Luoshui Temple on Mount Luo. Is that true?"

"Reporting to General Zi, it is true. The temple is quite popular. If the General has any wishes, he may ascend the mountain to offer incense," Wang Liang replied cautiously.

"Indeed, that is my intention. You may escort me there." It was truly miraculous. I had returned to two thousand years in the past. The scene before me was familiar yet strange. In the 21st century, I had appeared in this very spot, accompanied by a beautiful female ghost, learning techniques from her. If I told these people such things, they would surely think I had lost my mind.

"General, shall we discuss the temple visit tomorrow? It is getting late. Please come to the Luoshui Post to rest. You must be tired and hungry after such a long campaign," Wang Liang suggested.

Now that he mentioned it, I was indeed hungry. I decided to follow his lead. During dinner, I could converse with them to learn about the State of Ju two thousand years ago, so I might find my sister and retrieve the Luoshui Ring.

The Luoshui Post was a station built of grey stones and bricks, part of the Great Wall of the State of Ju. Thirty-six soldiers guarded it, all looking quite spirited; it seemed the military strength of the State of Ju was not to be underestimated.

To the east of the post lay Luoshui City, a town of considerable size. Even two thousand years ago, it was not as backward as I had imagined; intricately carved buildings and grand gates were everywhere.

"General, since you are new to the Luoshui Post, would you like to meet the local gentry?" Wang Liang asked as we walked.

I shook my head immediately. "There is no need. I shall stay here for the night, visit the temple tomorrow, and then return to the Royal Capital. There are many matters I must report to the King!"