Love and choices across time and space

Ever since he'd seen the apparition of Princess Changle in the ancient city, Li Yifeng's heart had been restless. That brief, dreamlike encounter had planted a seed of determination within him, and he resolved to pursue the phantom, unwilling to give up easily, even if the hope seemed slim.

Li Yifeng began exploring every corner of the ancient city, from ancient palaces to secluded alleys, from bustling markets to tranquil temples. He asked local residents if they had ever heard of the legend of the princess's apparition, but most people just shook their heads, saying they had never experienced such a thing.

He walked along the street where the apparition had appeared, step by step, carefully observing every detail around him. The ancient walls were covered with traces of time, and tender green moss grew in the cracks of the cobblestones. Li Yifeng did not miss any clue that might be related to the apparition, even a strangely shaped stone or a slightly shabby window.

During the day, he wandered the ancient city, the sunlight bathing him, but it couldn't dispel the confusion within him. At night, he wandered the quiet streets by moonlight, hoping to catch a glimpse of that mysterious aura once more. But as the days passed, his efforts seemed to be in vain, and he never found any useful clues to the phantom's whereabouts.

During his quest, Li Yifeng met a local elder named Lao Zhang. Lao Zhang, knowledgeable about the ancient city's history, was amazed and impressed by Li Yifeng's perseverance after hearing about his experiences. Lao Zhang took Li Yifeng to visit lesser-known parts of the ancient city, sharing stories forgotten by time.

They came to a deserted courtyard, which Lao Zhang said was once the residence of a Tang Dynasty official. Li Yifeng searched the courtyard with great anticipation, but found nothing except broken walls and overgrown weeds.

Old Zhang then took him to an ancient tower, said to have been used as a lookout for enemy troops. Li Yifeng climbed up the tower and gazed into the distance, hoping to find any clues related to the princess's phantom from this scenery, but still found nothing.

Despite this, Li Yifeng remained undeterred. He began to consult more historical materials, delving into the layout of the ancient city and the events that took place during the Tang Dynasty. He often spent entire days in the library, immersed in yellowed ancient books and ancient maps.

He discovered that during the Tang Dynasty, the ancient city had been an important military fortress and trade center, home to many dignitaries. He speculated that the princess's apparition might be related to a specific historical event or location.

So, following his own speculation, Li Yifeng once again embarked on a quest. He traveled through the mountains and rivers surrounding the ancient city, exploring the ancient ruins hidden in the forests. Sometimes, he got lost in the wilderness and encountered inclement weather; sometimes, he was exhausted from the long journey.

But every setback did not stop him. He firmly believed that as long as he persevered, he would be able to find the trace of the princess's phantom.

Once, Li Yifeng heard that there was an ancient temple on a mountain outside the city, where a Tang Dynasty princess once prayed for blessings. He went there with great hope. The mountain road was rugged and difficult to walk on, and he climbed up with great difficulty using his hands and feet.

When he finally arrived at the temple, he found it in ruins, with only a broken Buddha statue standing alone. He searched the temple carefully but found no clues related to the princess's phantom.

Li Yifeng's pursuit attracted the attention of some people. Some thought he was obsessed, while others were moved by his persistence and offered to help him. But no matter what the outside world said, he always walked firmly on the path he had chosen.

After a long and arduous search, Li Yifeng still couldn't find the princess's phantom. He began to reflect on his actions, wondering if he was too obsessed with this illusory goal. However, in the process, he gained a deeper understanding of the ancient city's history and culture and gained many valuable life lessons.

Although ultimately fruitless, Li Yifeng knows that this pursuit has become a part of his life. It has strengthened his love for history and culture, and has also made him understand that while some things may not have answers, the process of pursuit itself is a form of growth and gain.

On a quiet night, Li Yifeng returned to the place where he had first seen the princess's phantom. Moonlight streamed across the ancient streets, and he stood there quietly, his heart filled with emotion. Although he didn't find the answer he sought, he knew that the princess's phantom would forever remain in his memory, serving as the driving force behind his ongoing exploration and pursuit.

Back in real life, Li Yifeng incorporated this pursuit into his own creations. He used words to describe his persistence and confusion during the pursuit, hoping that through his works, more people would feel the mystery and charm of history.

Although the search for the princess's phantom was fruitless, Li Yifeng's life became richer and more meaningful because of this unique experience. He continues to travel through the long river of history, inheriting and promoting those stories and cultures buried by time in his own way.