NOVPUBChapter 921: 444 Missing_1 Chapter 921: 444 Missing_1 “A hot spring?
Ah, I remember now.
There’s a legend about one on Phoenix Mountain.
It’s said to have extraordinary therapeutic effects,”
Madam Elijah, not being a local, showed great interest upon hearing this unknown tale.
Alexa Gatten went on: “It’s said that long ago, a heavenly bird descended to Earth and was accidentally injured by a hunter.
A woman saved it.
The bird spent a month in the woman’s company, gradually falling in love with her kindness and beauty.
...
Being divine, the bird had a duty to keep the peace across all lands.
When it was time to leave, the bird transformed into a man and vowed to return to her.
Later, it fought a sea monster in Dreamy Lake.
Although victorious, the bird was gravely wounded and sunk to the sea’s depths for a prolonged slumber.
When it woke up and returned to the woman, centuries had passed, and she was long gone.
Believing in their vow, she died unbetrothed, waiting at the place they first met. 𝖓𝔬𝔳𝔭𝖚𝖇.𝔠𝔬𝖒
In her hand, she held the plum blossom he gifted her.
As seasons passed, the plum blossom was buried, nourished by her tears and body, growing into a plum tree.
When the divine bird returned, it was met with a glorious forest of blooming plum blossoms.
Devastated, it turned back into a bird, soared into the sky, and ignited itself.
Its ashes formed a mountain, and from its desire to live, despite its death, Phoenix Mountain was created.
One teardrop turned into the hot spring, its water nourishing the land at the mountain’s base.
The bird kept its promise of protection, even in death, they remained inseparable.”
Alexa Gatten, herself a broadcast journalism major, had a captivating voice.
Her speech full of rhythm and emotion, she easily drew listeners into the heart of the story.
The listeners were quite moved, “What a touching love story.”
Madam Elijah looked toward the distant Phoenix Mountain.
“He fulfilled his promise through death.”
Titi Groove sniffled, “So touching.”
Aubree glanced at Titi Groove.
Compared to Titi’s sentimentality, she was indifferent to the poignant love tale.
Unwavering love till death can only exist in stories.
Aubree thought sarcastically, ‘The divine bird knew its duties, yet toyed with the woman’s emotions.
Isn’t this a typical case of wanting to have your cake and eat it too?’
You can’t have the best of both worlds.
No such thing as a free lunch.
What a fool that woman was, waiting a lifetime for one mere promise, thinking it romantic devotion.
All along, she was merely humoring herself.
Aubree kept her thoughts to herself, fearing she would shatter the tranquil atmosphere.
There’s a limit to her audacity, too.
Surveying the reaction of the crowd, aside from her sister, all were drowned in emotion.
Aubree realized the truth of her sister’s saying; it’s impossible to describe ice to a summer bug.
And her own objectivity would only be frowned upon as cold-heartedness.
In a crowd, individuals drown in conformity.
Aubree looked at Hellena Groove, feeling like she’d learned something.
In the face of disagreement, silence was the best response.
Everyone was so engrossed in the poignant tale, only Hellena Groove remained indifferent.
Everyone present was accustomed to her indifference.
They would only find it strange if she shared their sentiments.
Aubree looked at Hellena Groove to find her gaze being returned.
Aubree smacked her lips, moving to sit beside her.
“Hellena.”
Hellena padded Aubree’s head.
Such gentle warmth hidden in her clear eyes, they resembled a sky full of twinkling stars.
At that moment, Aubree felt a lump in her throat.
Only Hellena understood her.
After such a sorrowful love story, their hearts were heavy as they wandered around in May Forest.
Alexa Gatten moved forward, soon pointing towards a plum tree beside the Brooks Bridge.
“It’s this tree.”
Everyone turned their gaze towards it.
An unusually slender tree, its eminence was reminiscent of a striking young woman, a sight hard to forget.
But what surprised everyone more lay in its blossoms.
The flowers blood-red, they appeared to be dripping blood amidst the soft pinks of the garden.
Their allure held an eerie yet spectacular beauty, shrouded in an atmosphere of mystery.
“Is this the Red Plum Blossom Tree?” Madam Elijah inquired.
Alexa Gatten shook her head.
“No, it’s the Blood Plum Blossom Tree.
So, the legend is true.”
Titi Groove, engrossed in the tale, tugged at Alexa’s sleeve, “Sister, what legend?”
Alexa Gatten stroked a scarlet petal, “The woman’s soul is said to linger on in the tree watered by her blood and tears.
The Blood Plum Blossom flowers, their red akin to blood, bloom throughout the year.
They guard May forest, watching over Phoenix Mountain.”
