Chapter 142: Section 143: It’s Nothing


    “Sir, I take the liberty to remind you that Chairman Zi Di’s birthday is the day after tomorrow,” said Fat Tongue.


    “Birthday?” Zhenjin raised his eyebrows, feeling surprised; he hadn’t expected Fat Tongue to bring up this matter.


    Fat Tongue, with his eyebrows drooping, sighed and said, “A long time ago, I used to follow the former Chairman on his adventures. I watched Miss Zi Di grow up from birth, learn to walk, and gradually become an adult.”


    “All along, the former Chairman treated Miss Zi Di as the apple of his eye, lavishing her with affection and indulgence. No matter the size, the Chairman always held a birthday banquet for her. In fact, as the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce grew larger and Miss Zi Di aged, her birthday banquets became increasingly grand and extravagant.”


    “I still remember when Miss Zi Di turned 11. That birthday party turned the entire Garden City into a sea of joy, and the City Lord even arrived in person to offer his blessings. That was the pinnacle of the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce’s glory.”


    “The former Chairman spent a fortune to hire a famous pastry master, who made Miss Zi Di’s birthday cake. It was 11 tiers high, full of dazzling colors, like a rainbow. The ingredients included many precious magic materials, eating it could uplift one’s mood, savoring the sweetest taste in the world. Each layer of cake had different effects; some increased magic power, some excited the spirit, and some doubled the power of one’s attacks. Even months after the birthday banquet, people still fondly talked about the Rainbow Cake.”


    ...


    Having said this, Fat Tongue’s eyes twinkled with nostalgia.


    But soon, that light faded, and his tone became heavy, “After the old Chairman had his accident, the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce fell apart, and no one remembered to celebrate the Miss’s birthday anymore.”


    “In the past year or two since Miss took over as Chairman, we have proposed many times to hold a birthday banquet for her, but she has declined each and every time.”


    “I think that might be because Miss fears being reminded of the old Chairman.”


    “But now it’s different.” Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    “Lord Zhenjin, now you are by Miss Zi Di’s side. You are a Holy Temple Knight, endowed with deep divine favor. You are the sole heir to the Hundred Needle Family and even more so, Miss Zi Di’s fiancé. With you here, everything will get better, and the future of the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce will be bright. The Miss will certainly find happiness.”


    “I think…”


    “You don’t need to say anymore.” Zhenjin took a deep breath. He walked closer to Fat Tongue, patting his shoulder, and sincerely thanked him, “Thank you for the reminder. You’re absolutely right; I understand your meaning completely. I’ll throw a birthday banquet for Zi Di and give her a surprise. She deserves for me to do this!”


    “That’s wonderful, Sir, thank you so much,” Fat Tongue hurriedly showed his gratitude, revealing his loyalty to the former Chairman and the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce.


    Watching Fat Tongue’s retreating back, Zhenjin once again fell into introspection.


    “Have I been too focused on myself recently? I seem to have been too engrossed in my own world and neglected the people around me.”


    “No matter how many troubles I have, how can I neglect the people around me?”


    “In doing so, I was indeed a little selfish.”


    Zhenjin’s thoughts were scattered by Fat Tongue’s hint and his own introspection.


    “Looking back on the journey, it was Zi Di who awakened me, willing to cover my retreat when we were attacked by the Fire Poison Bee Swarm.”


    “In the Monkey-tailed Brown Bear’s cave, I fought desperately for her, and she healed me with all her might.”


    “When Huang Zao called for help, she was the one who devised strategies for me. When Huang Zao betrayed himself and fled alone, it was she who stayed by my side to face the ferocious Blade Spiders.”


    “It was her pink potion that could mark our trail along the way, helping us find our way.”


    “We accidentally ate mutton and suffered from magic erosion; it was she who uncovered the truth and detoxified everyone. Without her contributions, we would still be stuck and unable to freely explore.”


    “She used potions to forge tunnels in sandstorms, protecting many comrades. It was also her Acid Liquid potion that held off the green lizard siege until I came to the rescue.”


    “When we were chased by a swarm of scorpions and ran out of options, she was still by my side, curled up in the face of impending death, never leaving me.”


    “Her potions drove away the bat monkey swarm, and it was her potions that dealt with the Fire Poison Bees. If those two threats remained, the Camp defense battle would have been a disastrous defeat or even annihilation for the Human Race.”


    “Again, it was her potion that corroded metal, helping Mu Ban to create an endless supply of crossbows. At the beginning of shipbuilding, it was also her potion’s melting power that gave us a large amount of iron.”


    “Without Zi Di, I definitely wouldn’t have made it this far.”


    “Her merits are truly immense, but she never showed off. She willingly stood behind me, content to leave the center of the stage to me, letting me carry all the worship and love.”


    “She has always silently supported me; she has never opposed almost any of my decisions. The few times she did, it was out of excessive concern for my safety!”


    Zhenjin continued to reflect, recalling every moment with Zi Di, a feeling of shame rapidly sprouting in the depths of his heart.


    The young knight decided he must hold a birthday banquet to reward and comfort Zi Di.


    Zi Di was absolutely worth doing this for.


    Her achievements were enough to silence everyone.


    However, as Zhenjin began his preparations, Zi Di took notice.


    She was the current Chairman of the Purple Vine Chamber of Commerce and was very astute.


    “Do not do this, Sir. I have received your sentiment, and that is enough,”


    “Holding a birthday banquet is just not appropriate right now.”


    “We may have a Demon Beast Army lurking around us, possibly led by a mysterious and terrifying Magic Beast of Golden Level.”


    “Our food reserves have been diminishing, shipbuilding has caused people to labor intensely, and consumption can’t keep up with replenishment.”


    “And there’s alcohol. We only have a small amount of rum, not enough to support our upcoming venture to the Wilderness Continent.”


    Sailing requires alcohol.


    That’s because it’s difficult to acquire fresh water while sailing on the sea. The water stored on the ship will soon develop green patches and breed bacteria and worms due to limited preservation technology.


    This kind of fresh water is filled with a strange taste, hard to swallow, but sailors have no choice but to drink it.


    At times like this, alcohol is needed.


    Alcohol can mask the strange taste and also has some bactericidal and disinfecting effects.


    So, sometimes, it’s not odd to see sailors staggering drunk.


    Zi Di strongly opposed holding a birthday celebration, even though Zhenjin said there was a need for a reason to lift everyone’s spirits. Recently, rumors about terrifying magic beasts had spread throughout the entire valley, making everyone anxious.


    Zi Di’s refusal was very adamant, which made Zhenjin perceive her compassion, and at the same time, made him feel even more ashamed.


    A thought suddenly appeared in the young knight’s mind—”Perhaps, I made a mistake from the very beginning. I shouldn’t have concealed it from her; I should have told her about the mutation that occurred within me.”


    “I didn’t want to worry her at the time, and step by step, it led to the current situation.”


    “If it goes on like this, I will find it increasingly difficult to speak out, and the misunderstandings will only deepen!”


    “Maybe, I’m too proud.”


    “I didn’t want to worry her, and besides feeling pity, I also thought that even if I told her, it wouldn’t solve the Demon Core in my heart.”


    “Why do I think she’s not capable? Based on what?”


    “All along, Zi Di’s potions have helped me, have helped others so much.”


    “Perhaps she truly has no ability to resolve the Heart Core and the mutation. But of all the people by my side, who is the one most able to accept this truth, accept my ugliness, and forgive my sins? It has to be her.”


    “It has to be her!”


    “She is my fiancée!”


    Thinking this, Zhenjin’s gaze became brighter and brighter.


    He was like finding a glimmer of light in the darkness or like a drowning man grasping at the grass on the shore.


    The pressure in his heart was immense.


    Carrying secrets and bearing sins made it difficult for him to face those who admired and loved him.


    He wanted to speak out.


    He wanted to share his burdens.


    He longed for someone to share his burden and to gain genuine acceptance!


    “Zi Di, Zi Di…” Zhenjin gently called out in his heart.


    But he still couldn’t bring himself to say it out loud.


    “A catalyst is needed,” the young knight realized.


    The next day.


    He left the valley, crossing a distance of fifty thousand meters, to reach the edge of the controlled territory.


    A huge beehive hung high in the trees.


    It was a Fire Poison Bee beehive that Zhenjin had inadvertently discovered using ultrasonic detection.


    Before taking action, Zhenjin carefully used ultrasonic detection to ensure there was no one around before he took on the Fire Poison Bee Swarm.


    He lit a bonfire, released potions, and created Smoke Medicine.


    The Fire Poison Bee Swarm came out of the beehive, and under the effect of the smoke, they were utterly defeated. Even the Magic Beast-level Fire Poison Bees were no match for Zhenjin after his mutation.


    On the evening of Zi Di’s birthday, Zhenjin went alone to Zi Di’s residence.


    “Happy Birthday, Zi Di,” Zhenjin said with a smile, bringing out a bowl full of thick, amber-like honey from behind.


    Zi Di covered her mouth, both shocked and delighted.


    “Thank you.” She looked up at Zhenjin, her voice full of affection, and her beautiful Purple Crystal eyes shimmered with emotion.


    “Now, although there is no Rainbow Cake, I have tasted the honey and it’s very sweet,” Zhenjin said.


    Zi Di’s expression changed at once, “Lord, you ate the honey? It is poisonous!”


    “Ah? I, I don’t feel poisoned at all.”


    “It’s probably because you tasted only a little. This contains the essence of Fire Poison. If the dosage were increased, even a Golden Level might be hurt,” Zi Di quickly explained. Her face immediately showed a guilty expression, “It’s my fault! I failed to inform you about the latest research findings. I remember, there are no beehives around the valley. Lord, heading out on your own, even with Smoke Medicine, was too dangerous.”


    “I am willing to take risks for you!” Zhenjin blurted out.


    “Lord!” Zi Di gave Zhenjin a sidelong glance, her face flushed with shyness.


    “Alright, I admit I was foolish. What I did was indeed reckless. I’ll be more cautious from now on,” Zhenjin raised his hand in apology.


    In fact, he had already mutated into a Fire Poison Bee. With this mutation as the baseline, he had dared to taste the honey. Fire Poison Honey is brewed by Fire Poison Bees, and certainly harmless to them.


    Zhenjin put down the honey, helplessly.


    Zi Di walked over to Zhenjin, taking the initiative to grasp the young knight’s hand.


    Come to think of it, this was her first time being so proactive.


    She looked deeply into Zhenjin’s eyes and said softly, “Thank you.”


    Zhenjin shook his head, looking at the bowl of honey, feeling somewhat deflated.


    Zi Di’s eyes twinkled. She suddenly said, “Thank you for the cake.”


    “Cake?”


    “Yes, such a big cake, made with non-toxic honey, didn’t you see it?” Zi Di released Zhenjin’s hand and gestured with both hands in front of her chest, drawing the shape of a cake in the air.


    Zhenjin couldn’t help but smile, playing along with Zi Di’s words, “Oh, I did see it. The cake is very large, and even has several layers, kind of like a Rainbow Cake.”


    “No, it has only one layer,” Zi Di shook her head, “It doesn’t resemble a Rainbow Cake at all. It… is sweeter than a Rainbow Cake!”


    Saying this, Zi Di extended her slender index finger and gently poked the air as if dabbing a lot of cake cream on it.


    She then tenderly placed her finger into her mouth, sucking it gently, and squinted her eyes, revealing a joyous and indulgent smile, “So sweet!”


    “Won’t you have a taste?” she asked, looking at Zhenjin.


    Zhenjin chuckled and shook his head, “Thank you for your comfort…”


    His words were cut off, as Zi Di extended her index finger, poking the air again, and then inserted her finger into Zhenjin’s mouth.


    Zhenjin’s mouth was blocked, and he instinctively sucked on Zi Di’s finger.


    When Zi Di pulled her finger away, he couldn’t help but linger, murmuring, “So sweet…”


    His gaze fixed on the girl with purple eyes in front of him, his heart began to throb with acceleration.


    “Really sweet,” the young knight mimicked the gesture, dabbing at the air with his finger, sucking it a little, and then extended it, drawing an arc in the air.


    “Today is your birthday, please have some more,” Zhenjin said, offering his finger to Zi Di, as if it had a large dollop of cream on it.


    “Wow!” Zi Di reacted with a feigned ferocity, opening her small mouth wide, and suddenly enveloping Zhenjin’s fingertip.


    “It’s delicious,” Zi Di mumbled vaguely, playfully biting Zhenjin’s finger with her teeth.


    Zhenjin’s breathing grew heavier, and a deep blush rose on Zi Di’s face; the latter quickly let go, and Zhenjin gazed at her even more affectionately, stepping forward.


    Now, the distance between them was only about a fist apart.


    The atmosphere in the cave became romantically charged.


    Zhenjin took a deep breath, biting his lip slightly, “Zi Di, there’s something…”


    Roar!


    The next moment, a commotion and disturbance suddenly came from outside the cave.


    “He’s gone mad!”


    “Big Fool has gone mad!!”


    “Quick, someone come, he’s about to kill!”


    Zhenjin and Zi Di’s complexions instantly changed, and they ran out of the cave.


    Zhenjin was faster, taking the lead to the small clearing inside the valley.


    He saw the big guy going mad, bellowing furiously, eyes bloodshot, holding a mast in his hands, wildly swinging it around. Some people, who hadn’t escaped in time, lay on the ground, some accumulating pools of blood beneath them, others groaning in agony.


    “Lord, come save us please!” A group of people trapped in a corner saw Zhenjin and hurriedly cried for help.


    Their cries stimulated the big guy, who smashed the broken mast in his hands viciously towards the survivors.


    But the next moment, Zong Ge arrived and knocked the mast away with a swing of his Bone Hammer.


    Zhenjin was even faster, shooting forward like an arrow, charging straight at the big guy.


    The big guy beat his chest and let out an angry roar, lunging at Zhenjin.


    Zhenjin, proficient in martial arts, simply shifted slightly and dodged the big guy’s charge, jumping onto his back.


    Zhenjin struck the back of the big guy’s neck with the palm of his hand, and the big guy’s eyes rolled back as he fell unconscious on the spot.


    “We’re saved!” The survivors cheered.


    “Kill him, kill this monster!” Soon, hatred and anger filled everyone’s hearts.


    The injured, the unscathed, all spoke unanimously.


    “No, don’t! Please, for my sake, spare him,” the shipwright pleaded desperately with a panic-stricken face.


    “Did you see? These are the ‘good deeds’ your son has done!”


    “We’ve just wasted at least a week for nothing.”


    “That’s not the point! He’s too dangerous. He’s had these fits of madness before on the ship; we’ve all been living in fear.”


    “Who knows when he’ll go mad again? It’s terrifying! He’s a ticking time bomb.”


    “Look how much he eats each day? Without him, our supplies wouldn’t be running low.”


    “Kill him!”


    “We shouldn’t kill him, after all, he was once our companion. We can exile him, banish him.”


    People argued back and forth, all wanting to deal with the big guy.


    “Enough!” Zhenjin shouted, his expression as dark as still waters, “He’s our companion! He was before, and he is now!”


    “He’s sick, we all know it. The shipwright told us long ago.”


    “Indeed, he has caused damage, but fortunately, none of us have died. He destroyed a lot of the ship’s equipment, he consumes a lot of food, but his contribution far exceeds what he takes. This is beyond doubt!”


    “Why was he able to stay on the ship and live with everyone else for so many years? This proves that coexisting with him is possible.”


    “Why can’t we?”


    “I won’t give up on anyone easily, especially not a sick man!”


    “He’s not a monster!”


    “He’s not!”


    “He’s our companion… a sick person. It’s not his intention.”


    Zhenjin’s stern tone was something he had never exhibited before.


    His words intimidated everyone, silencing the entire scene.


    Zi Di then hurried over. Only then did Zhenjin’s stern face soften. He assigned tasks to everyone to clean up the place and tally the losses, ordering some to tend to the wounded, which surely included the big guy.


    After dealing with everything, more than an hour had passed.


    Only Zhenjin and Zi Di were left, walking side by side.


    “I don’t know where to begin with the big guy’s illness,” Zi Di said worriedly. “I’m not a physician, and in fact, according to the shipwright, he always tried treating the big guy, but all physicians were at a loss. The shipwright even hired a Priest at a high price who used Divine Arts on the big guy.”


    “We must consider this risk. If the ship is nearly complete and the big guy suddenly goes mad, the damage would be unimaginable.”


    In the quiet of the night, Zhenjin remained silent.


    As they neared their lodgings, they faced parting ways.


    “By the way, Lord, what… what were you going to tell me earlier?” Zi Di asked.


    Zhenjin stopped in his tracks, then slowly turned around, a faint smile cracking at the corner of his mouth, and he spoke.


    “Nothing.”