Essence [Adding Fuel to the Fire 3/3] Supplement to Xiao Ji's Version of the Flying Snow Novel – Interlude (Part 2)

Did something 'accident' happen to Feixue in 'Nianxiang'? Although I'm once again 'complaining' about this part~
_____ Although my buddy watched it quietly, or even silent, I also understand: my content doesn't feature any specific cameo (role) by my buddy. Maybe for this reason, this kind of inserted story seems to be losing focus. However, it seems my buddy misunderstood—I did reserve some characters, but there really aren't many characters in my 'planning script.' After all, this is just a short story to echo Feixue's novel, and there's no need to write more. But I can tell you clearly: a character played by a buddy will appear! As for who it is, only after you've seen it will find out. _____Even though he was suddenly called out, he acted as if he hadn't heard him, leading his horse forward as if he hadn't heard him. He showed no intention of stopping at all. The two behind _____ realized he didn't care about their words at all. The one who had been explaining the intelligence earlier spoke up alone: "Ranger Xiao Ji, our ruler knows well what 'Rangers' can bring to this era. That's why he greatly admires 'rangers' and has always hoped to recruit their talents. He promises to make sure they are valued, and whatever reward or request he wants, as long as the goal is achieved, he will never refuse. If possible, he can fulfill it immediately!" "That's right! Such generous terms have never been offered before, but if it were me, I would have accepted them long ago, bowing and scraping!" Another guy chimed in, seizing the opportunity. \_____ "Huh? Are you looking for someone? Sorry, you mistook me for someone else. I'm not some 'Ranger.'" Xiao Ji slightly turned his face and smiled, "I'm just a merchant who usually passes by the market." There's really nothing noteworthy. "Although he said that, his steps didn't stop." You can't hide it—you're not a merchant, but a ranger with the power to determine the fate of a nation. Because of this thing—" The guy who had spoken earlier now brought out something.
_____ "A cricket is the best proof of your identity!" "Cricket?" Uh...... It really is the same cricket from before...... How did it end up in their hands?Xiao Ji glanced at the cricket in the hand of that person and his expression changed slightly, but he still responded with a smile, saying, “A cricket, huh? I don't usually see them, but it really has nothing to do with me. You can be on your way. Dispatching men in a neutral country to harass a merchant and even trying to kidnap him—if this gets out, it won't do your lord's esteemed reputation any good…” Xiao Ji's eyes, narrowed with a piercing brilliance, moved over the two men, his lips still wearing a smile whose meaning was hard to read… Meanwhile, the “opponents” he was facing were left speechless by his words, exchanging helpless glances.\_____“Th-this… indeed, we shouldn't disgrace our lord…” The expressions of the two men looked as if they had simultaneously run into a wall, appearing embarrassed. Xiao Ji laughed as he watched them scratch their heads in confusion, clearly their attention was no longer on him. “Hehe, Black Horse, we can continue our walk, go eat something delicious, and drink some good wine…” Upon hearing their master's words, Black Horse whinnied excitedly and started to step forward quickly. However, the reins around its neck suddenly tightened. Even though it wanted to move, the master did not. Black Horse snorted and glared at its master with a slightly resentful expression, but it seemed to quickly sense something unusual and shifted its gaze behind.\_____“So that's it, that ‘turn the tables' method was just a little trick…” Unknown to anyone, another person suddenly appeared between the two. The moment that person appeared, he snatched the cricket. The two were about to react, but seeing him, they swallowed their words. He glanced at them a few times and then said as much, outright ignoring them and walking straight toward Xiao Ji. Xiao Ji stared at the newcomer seriously, the original smile gone, replaced by slightly furrowed brows. A strong aura… also a Ranger… Seems like that king of the captivating city isn't as simple-minded as he seems… But, according to the master, there are very few Rangers left, and the remaining ones are mostly the “men of ambition” with real strength. How could one fail to see that the city of allure is an “accumulation of evil energy” and should not be approached… Who exactly is this guy? Xiao Ji squinted at the young man approaching him with a smile, pressing his lips together.\_____“Who are you?” “Senior Brother Xiao Ji? Is it really you?”"The voices of the two spoke in different tones at the same time, and both of them widened their eyes." I don't remember having any junior brothers. "Xiao Ji's answer was firm. Since he's a ranger affiliated with Qingcheng, he shouldn't be careless. "Heh, there's no need to be so wary of me, is there......" The man spread his hands and shook his head, "It's sad. I never thought that in just a few years, you'd already forgotten me." Actually, I am—Xiangxiang. We met when we were kids. "Aoxiang?" Xiao Ji shifted his gaze, recalling that when he studied under his master, the only boy he had ever met when his master visited someone about his age...... His impression of him was his lightning-fast learning ability and his smiling face. Xiao Ji shifted his gaze back to the face of the person who called himself 'Aoxiang.' Indeed...... A familiar silhouette...... "Senior Brother Xiao Ji, how did you end up like this now? Didn't your master give you the capital? Why pretend to be a businessman?" Aoxiang sized up Xiao Ji's outfit from head to toe, then glanced at the back, where the dark horse behind him was staring at him with disdain. "As a 'Ranger,' you shouldn't be such a lowly character." "That's just how I am. Besides, you and I are not of the same faction. I came from the 'Sanctuary' and studied under the moonlight, while you are a branch of the rangers...... Although Xiao Ji recognized them as old acquaintances, his tone did not loosen. "You and I are both rangers. In these chaotic times, how many people can 'change the world's direction' remain? If you do this, wouldn't that waste all your talent from the heavens to the sea? It's better to find someone practical to assist you, so you can achieve your ambitions and fulfill your duties as a ranger!" Aoxiang looked excited and placed his hand on Xiao Ji's shoulder. I forgive your behavior of 'fulfilling' the duties of a ranger. I have my own method. Rangers cannot harbor ambitions to realize their own ambitions; you should know yourself well and soar. That's it. Xiao Ji pushed away his outstretched hand, said solemnly, then turned and ignored him, walking back to the dark horse without looking back. "Flattering the powerful will only harm you. Don't forget the essence of the ranger......" The answer was a silence. _____ continued, "Only by following Qingcheng in such a world can we break the old order and usher in a new era! Because he possesses the qualities of a prince!" Suddenly, his voice grew louder."Everyone knows the strengths and weaknesses of Qingcheng's character, and tyranny cannot nurture the future! And this is your choice?" "If we don't join forces with Qingcheng, then all that's left are enemies!" The confrontation between the two abruptly ended here, and Aoxiang took action... On the path that Xiao Ji was moving along, before anyone knew how, Aoxiang's figure suddenly appeared a long distance away, and he swiftly punched toward Xiao Ji's chest. Xiao Ji seemed completely unflustered, and instead, he closed his eyes. Yet he made no move to stop the punch aimed at his chest. The fist came to just a few centimeters away from Xiao Ji's chest, but then it halted and did not move further. Because beneath him, Xiao Ji had restrained Aoxiang's 'true move'—a sweeping leg. Aoxiang was already restricted. "Aoxiang, from today on, we no longer have the bonds of our sect. That's right! We are opponents from now on... Qingcheng wants a certain place, right? There's no need for him to travel there personally; I'll make him taste defeat right here at Tancheng!" \ The two saw Aoxiang being restrained by Xiao Ji, and they shouted, wanting to come to his aid: "Bastard! Let Lord Aoxiang go quickly!" They were focused on Aoxiang, and didn't even notice a black horse appearing in front of them. Suddenly, they collided with the horse's back, stumbled, and after struggling to get up, cursed, "Where did this damn horse come from! Stop bothering us!" "I am the 'Obama' from the Western Regions!" The two couldn't believe their ears and eyes; the horse in front of them reared up on its front legs, supported itself on its hind legs, and even 'gestured with its hands' while speaking... Terrified, the two shouted and turned to flee. At that moment, the black horse changed direction and settled its rear down... Then all they could hear were their cries and the talking black horse saying again: "You can't pass, and you can't escape..." \____ Seeing that the guy who had been hiding all along saw the two being knocked down by the horse, he suddenly rushed out, heading straight for Xiao Ji and Aoxiang, shouting loudly: "Ququ, give it back to me quickly!" \_____… \ (The story is unfinished, but the 'interlude' is over.)