Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

In the dark forest, towering ancient trees blocked out the sun, allowing sunlight to filter through the gaps in the leaves and cast dappled patterns on the ground. The air was filled with the scent of damp earth, mixed with the fragrance of unknown wildflowers, and the occasional cawing of a crow added to the mystery and tranquility.

Zhu Feifei awoke from his coma to find himself lying under a giant oak tree in unfamiliar surroundings. He rubbed his groggy head, trying to recall what had happened.

"Xiaobai, where are we?" Zhu Feifei asked in a low voice, her voice tinged with confusion.

"You idiot, you're finally awake!" A familiar voice, tinged with sarcasm, came from the jade pendant. "Welcome to the world of Western swords and magic!"

Zhu Feifei looked around. The towering ancient trees, the strangely shaped vines, and the distant roars of wild beasts made him realize that he had left the familiar Tang Dynasty and arrived in a brand new world full of unknowns and adventures.

"Swords and magic? Where is this place?" Zhu Feifei asked curiously. "How did we get here?"

"How should I know?" Xiaobai said irritably. "I'm only responsible for guiding you through the task; I have no obligation to explain all this to you!"

Zhu Feifei sighed helplessly. He stood up, dusted himself off, and began to observe his surroundings.

"No matter what, let's get out of this forest first," Zhu Feifei said, and walked deeper into the forest.

He walked for a long time and finally came to a small path. The path was lined with dense bushes, and occasionally small animals could be seen darting through the grass.

"Xiaobai, where should we go next?" Zhu Feifei asked.

"You idiot, do you think I'm omnipotent?" Little White said. "I don't know where to go either, you figure it out yourself!"

Zhu Feifei shook his head helplessly and continued walking along the path.

He hadn't walked for long when he arrived at a small town. The town was bustling with people, and the air was filled with the aroma of roasted meat and beer, which made him feel incredibly hungry.

"Xiaobai, I'm hungry!" Zhu Feifei said pitifully. "Let's find a place to eat something first!"

"All you ever do is eat! All you ever do is eat!" Xiaobai said irritably. "Can't you be a little more dignified? Don't forget your mission!"

"I know, I know," Zhu Feifei quickly replied, "but food is essential for life! I need to eat before I can have the strength to complete the mission!"

Zhu Feifei walked into a reasonably clean-looking tavern and found a corner to sit down. The tavern was bustling with noise, a cacophony of languages ​​that made it difficult to understand. Zhu Feifei couldn't understand a word they were saying and could only sit there awkwardly, watching the people around her drink and chat.

"Boss, give me one of your most special dishes, and a pot of good wine!" Zhu Feifei called out to the tavern owner, deciding to fill his stomach first.

The tavern owner was a burly, middle-aged man with a full beard. Hearing Zhu Feifei's words, he asked in a gruff voice, "Kid, where are you from? I've never seen you before."

“I…I come from a very far place,” Zhu Feifei hesitated for a moment before saying, “I am a wandering bard, traveling far and wide in search of inspiration.”

"A bard?" The tavern owner sized Zhu Feifei up. "Then you must be a good singer, right? Why don't you sing us a song as payment for the drinks?"

The surrounding customers also cheered, "Sing a song! Sing a song!"

Zhu Feifei smiled helplessly. Although he could sing, he only sang songs from the Tang Dynasty, which probably no one in this world would appreciate.

"My... my throat isn't feeling too good today," Zhu Feifei offered an excuse, "How about I play a tune for everyone?"

As he spoke, he took his lute from behind his back.

"A lute? What kind of instrument is that?" the tavern owner asked curiously.

“This is a musical instrument from the East,” Zhu Feifei explained. “It has a beautiful tone and a melodious tune; I hope everyone will like it.”

Zhu Feifei began to play, his fingertips dancing on the strings, producing beautiful melodies, sometimes light and lively, sometimes soothing and melodious.

The people in the tavern were all drawn to Zhu Feifei's music. They put down their glasses and listened quietly, their faces showing expressions of rapture.

“This…this is absolutely wonderful!” exclaimed one customer. “I have never heard such beautiful music!”

“That kid’s a genius!” another customer exclaimed. “His music sounds like it’s from another world!”

Zhu Feifei's music not only captivated the tavern's customers but also attracted the tavern owner's attention.

"Young man," the tavern owner walked up to Zhu Feifei, "you play the zither really well! Want to perform at my tavern? I guarantee you'll make a fortune!"

Zhu Feifei's heart skipped a beat. He was just worried about not being able to find a way to establish himself in this world, and the tavern owner's suggestion solved his immediate problem.

“Okay, I promise you!” Zhu Feifei said.

And so, Zhu Feifei began his life as a bard. He gave himself a Western fantasy-style name—Jukeli—and, with the help of the tavern owner, learned the language and culture of this world.

Juklee's performance quickly became a sensation in the small town, and his fame gradually spread to nearby cities.

Soon after, Juckley received an invitation from the Earl's mansion, who wanted him to attend a grand banquet and perform for his distinguished guests.

Juckley readily accepted the invitation, understanding that it was an opportunity to connect with high society and perhaps help him complete his mission more quickly.

That evening, Juckley arrived at the Earl's mansion. The mansion was magnificent and ornately decorated, exuding the luxury and grandeur of the nobility.

As Juckley entered the banquet hall, he saw it brightly lit, filled with elegantly dressed people, clinking glasses, and nobles conversing gracefully while enjoying exquisite food and wine.

Juklee was assigned to perform in a corner, but he was not dissatisfied with his position. Instead, he focused even more intently on playing his lute.

The beautiful melody echoed through the hall, attracting everyone's attention. People put down their glasses, listened intently, and wore expressions of rapture.

Just then, a woman in a long black dress slowly walked into the banquet hall. Her skin was as white as snow, her features exquisite, and her demeanor noble, like an elf in the night, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

Juckley was also attracted by the woman's beauty. He stopped playing his instrument and looked at her with great curiosity.

"Xiao Bai, who is that woman?" Zhu Keli asked in a low voice.

“She is Princess Avril,” Xiaobai’s voice echoed from the jade pendant, “Your mission objective this time.”

Juckley was startled; he hadn't expected to encounter his mission target here. He looked at Avril again, only to find her staring back at him, her eyes filled with sorrow and hatred, a stark contrast to her beautiful appearance.

A thought struck Juckley, and he decided to play a piece for Avril, hoping to soothe her wounded heart with music.

He plucked the strings again, this time playing a sad tune, its melody low and melodious, as if telling of endless sorrow and longing.

Avril listened quietly, tears welling up in her eyes, and a hint of tenderness appeared on her cold face.

When the music ended, Avril walked up to Juckley and said softly, "Thank you. Your music brought me some comfort."

“You’re welcome. I just wanted to express my respect for you through my music,” Juckley said with a smile, noticing the tears in Avril’s eyes and secretly pleased.

It seems his mission has already begun…