The Second World in Ancient Times

The family decided to hold a grand youth festival, and the news spread like a spring breeze throughout the family and beyond. The younger generation was like birds about to be released, their excitement overwhelming. Si Qing and her friends were even more filled with anticipation, their enthusiasm seemingly igniting the very air.

Si Qing plunged into the stables and carefully selected the horses for the race. She stroked their manes, her eyes focused. "This time, it's up to you. We must be the best on the track."

Her friends weren't idle either. A-Ling and a group of other girls were practicing singing and dancing in the courtyard, their colorful skirts fluttering like blooming flowers. Beads of sweat formed on A-Ling's forehead, but her face was brimming with excitement. "This event is going to be super fun! I can't wait to shine in the singing and dancing competition!"

Si Qing smiled and replied, "Yes, we must have a great time. However, I heard that some of the disciples from other branches seem a little jealous of us always being in the spotlight, and they might do something small at the event."

Ah Ling frowned, stopped dancing, and put her hands on her hips. "Hmph, if they dare to make trouble, we won't be polite. We rely on our real ability, not their devious tricks."

Just then, Si Qing's cousin, Si Yao, swaggered over with a few followers. Si Yao was dressed in gorgeous attire, but her eyes shone with arrogance. She glanced at Si Qing and said sarcastically, "Si Qing, don't think you can still shine at this event like usual. We'll see."

Si Qing frowned slightly and looked directly into Si Yao's eyes: "Cousin, the grand event is a time for everyone to gather together happily. I hope you won't do anything to ruin the atmosphere."

Si Yao sneered: "Hmph, that's not necessarily true. You'll cry when the time comes." After saying that, she left arrogantly.

Si Qing looked at her back, feeling a little uneasy. He whispered to A Ling, "It seems this event won't be peaceful. We have to be careful." A Ling clenched her fists and said, "No matter what, we can't let these little incidents affect our good mood. We must let everyone see our style."

Finally, the day of the grand celebration arrived. The family square was festooned with lights and overflowing with people, a sea of ​​joy. Upbeat music played, and colorful flags fluttered in the breeze. The air was filled with the spirit of youth, and the lively atmosphere was like boiling water, constantly bubbling.

First came the song and dance performances. Young people from various family branches took the stage, like flowers vying for splendor. A Ling's group wore gorgeous costumes, the silk threads shimmering in the sunlight like a dreamlike painting. Their graceful movements, like fluttering butterflies, glittered across the stage, each movement imbued with rhythm and energy, earning rounds of applause. The audience was captivated, cheering relentlessly.

"Wow, A Ling and the others danced so well!" Si Qing cheered from the audience, with pride gleaming in his eyes.

However, just as everyone was immersed in joy, an accident occurred. Si Yao's team suddenly changed their dance moves during their performance and deliberately bumped into A Ling and the others. A Ling was caught off guard and fell to the ground, forcing the dance to be interrupted. Chaos ensued on stage, and the music abruptly stopped.

A Ling stood up angrily, her eyes flashing with anger: "What are you doing? You did it on purpose!" Her knee was scraped and blood seeped out, but she didn't care about the pain at the moment, her heart was full of anger.

Si Yao argued, "Hmph, the stage is so small, collisions are inevitable. Don't let yourself get carried away." She wore a smug smile, showing no remorse at all. A Ling's teammates also chided Si Yao, "You're going too far! This was clearly intentional!" The argument between the two sides raged, and the scene descended into chaos. The cheerful atmosphere was completely shattered by this sudden change.

The controversy surrounding the cabaret performance hadn't subsided, and the horse race was about to begin. Si Qing arrived at the arena atop her carefully selected steed, its coat gleaming and its slender frame akin to a warrior on the battlefield. Si Qing, clad in her riding gear, looked dashing and dashing, her gaze determined, her heart filled with anticipation for the competition, ready to showcase her prowess.

The horn blew, signaling the start of the race, and the riders rushed out like arrows from a bow. The clatter of hooves echoed across the arena like thunder, stirring up a cloud of dust. Si Qing's horse was incredibly fast, and she quickly took the lead. She leaned against the horse's back, feeling the wind whistling in her ears, and a surge of pride welled up in her heart.

But just then, she keenly sensed something was wrong with the horse's reins. The horse seemed unusually excited and difficult to control. Si Qing was startled: "Oh no! Someone's trying to harm me!" She gripped the reins tightly, trying to steady the horse, but the horse, as if possessed, broke into a frenzied gallop.

The other riders saw Si Qing's horse struggling, and some took the opportunity to speed up and try to pass her, smug smiles on their faces. One rival shouted, "Si Qing, it looks like you're going to lose this time, hahaha." Others sneered, "Huh, that's what happens when she's too pushy."

Si Qing gritted her teeth, cold sweat breaking out on her forehead, but she remained calm. With her superb riding skills, she diligently controlled the horse's direction and speed. She silently said to herself, "I can't be defeated like this. I must finish the race."

Just as Si Qing was struggling to cope, a mysterious rider suddenly galloped up from behind. He was wearing a black riding uniform, a black hat, and a black cloth covering his face, revealing only a pair of sharp eyes. He was agile and quickly approached Si Qing.

Si Qing looked at him warily. "Who are you? What do you want?" Her voice trembled in the wind, unsure whether this mysterious man was friend or foe. The mysterious rider whispered, "Miss Si Qing, I'm here to help you. Someone has applied an irritant to the horse's reins, and I'm here to help you control it." His voice was deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority. Si Qing was surprised. "Why are you helping me?" She was filled with doubts. This man's appearance at this critical moment was too sudden. The mysterious rider said, "Now is not the time for that. Let's win the race first." He approached Si Qing's horse, reached out and grabbed the reins, and together they controlled the horse.

With the help of the mysterious rider, Si Qing successfully controlled her horse and used its speed advantage to overtake the other riders. She and the mysterious rider raced side by side towards the finish line. Finally, Si Qing's horse crossed the finish line first, and the crowd erupted in cheers.

After the race, Si Qing wanted to thank the mysterious rider, but he disappeared into the crowd. Filled with questions, Si Qing decided to investigate who was behind the incident.

After some investigation, she discovered that Si Yao and several other jealous disciples had conspired to secretly tamper with the horse's reins. A flicker of anger flashed in Si Qing's eyes. "They'd resort to any means necessary to achieve their goals. How despicable!"

The riddle-guessing session began, and the atmosphere was as heated as a blazing fire. Under the colorful lanterns, various interesting riddles were displayed, and the young people's eyes sparkled with curiosity and excitement, and they all put their brains to work, eager to show off their skills in this session.

Si Qing and her friends formed a guessing team, standing in the crowd, full of confidence. Si Qing's eyes were full of intelligence, and she smiled at the people around her, ready to take on the challenge.

"The riddle is: A winding vine climbs the trellis, strings of pearls hang from it. (Guess a fruit)" The host read out the riddle, the voice echoing throughout the square. Si Qing smiled slightly and answered without hesitation, "Grapes! So easy!" Her answer was clear and resounding, drawing a round of applause. Admiring glances filled the air, and her friends applauded.

However, Si Yao was unwilling to let Si Qing be in the spotlight again. A hint of viciousness flashed in her eyes, and she secretly bribed the person in charge of setting puzzles, asking him to come up with some extremely difficult puzzles to make things difficult for Si Qing.

A new riddle appeared: "It has a head but no neck, its body is cold, it has wings but can't fly, and it can walk without legs. (Name an animal)" Si Qing thought for a moment and confidently answered, "A fish." But Si Yao shouted, "No, that's not the answer. You got it wrong." A smug smile crossed her face, as if she had finally found an opportunity to put Si Qing down. Si Qing frowned, then said firmly, "I can't get it wrong. It's a fish. Fish have a head but no neck, live in water, have cold bodies, have fins but can't fly like birds, and can swim without legs." Si Yao sneered, "Hmph, don't be so conceited. The answer isn't a fish. You're just trying to cheat." The two sides descended into another argument, and the atmosphere grew tense. The previously cheerful guessing session was overshadowed by this sudden argument. The people around them began to whisper, some supporting Si Qing, others confused by Si Yao's words.

Just as everyone was arguing, the family elders appeared. Dressed in formal robes, they approached with solemn expressions and steady steps. Their presence brought a sudden silence to the room, and everyone's attention was fixed on them.

After the elders learned what had happened, they severely reprimanded Si Yao and those who cheated. An elder said solemnly: "This kind of unfair competition is not allowed in our family. The event is for everyone to show their youthful vitality and enhance friendship, not for sabotage. Your behavior not only violates the purpose of the event, but also damages the unity of the family." Si Yao lowered her head, not daring to look directly into the eyes of the elders. Her face turned pale, and her original arrogance disappeared without a trace. She knew that she had caused a big disaster this time, and her heart was full of regret. The elder looked at Si Qing: "Si Qing, we have all seen your performance. You are an upright, brave and wise child. This event should continue happily." Si Qing nodded slightly: "Thank you for the compliment, elder. I hope everyone can compete fairly and enjoy the event."

With the elders' verdict, the guessing game continued. Si Qing and his friends, relying on their true strength, overcame all obstacles and answered many difficult questions. Their wisdom and chemistry amazed everyone around them, and the atmosphere became cheerful once again.

At the subsequent grand event, everyone put aside their previous anxieties and thoroughly enjoyed the cheerful singing, dancing, and exciting competitive games. Si Qing and her friends' laughter echoed throughout the square. They shone brightly at the youth festival, showcasing the beauty and vigor of youth. Whether it was the swift horse races or the intriguing riddles, they became the most radiant pearls in their youthful memories. Those who attempted to disrupt the event also learned a well-deserved lesson, understanding that the stage of youth should be fair, just, and vibrant.

At the end of the event, the family announced a new challenge—a team treasure hunt. This news reignited the excitement among the young people, and they were eager to try their luck. Young people from each branch of the family formed teams and searched for hidden treasures in the mountains behind the family compound. The treasures included rare books, unique ornaments, and keepsakes of special family significance. These treasures, like a mysterious allure, captivated everyone.

Si Qing and her friends formed a team and gathered to discuss their treasure hunt strategy. Si Qing said with a determined look, "We must unite as one. We must succeed in this treasure hunt." The friends nodded, their eyes brimming with fighting spirit.

However, Si Yao was also on the other team, and her eyes revealed a hint of unwillingness, as if she was looking for an opportunity for revenge. She looked at Si Qing's team and secretly clenched her fists: "Si Qing, we must beat you this time." Si Qing responded: "Then let's compete fairly and see who can find the treasure first."

During their treasure hunt, Si Qing and his friends encountered numerous traps and puzzles. At one point, they accidentally triggered a trap, sending a barrage of arrows pelting them from all directions. The rain of arrows whistled through the air like a dense raindrop. "Everyone, be careful!" Si Qing shouted. The friends quickly dodged, coordinating with one another. Some used their shields to deflect the volleys, their shields clanging as they struck, while others searched for the trap's off button, remaining calm amidst the panic.