Black Myth: The Legend of Tianpeng Seeking Demons

Sunlight filters through the dense foliage, casting dappled shadows, while the clear chirping of birds echoes through the forest, adding a touch of life to this tranquil scene.

Juckley rode his horse, humming a tune leisurely, admiring the surrounding scenery, as if he had forgotten that they were on the run.

"Little Bai, you think this Western fantasy world is pretty good?" Jukele thought to himself. "The air is fresh, the scenery is beautiful, and there are all sorts of strange creatures. It's much more interesting than those scheming harems."

"Hmph, you're just looking for a comfortable life!" Little White's voice echoed in Zhu Keli's mind, tinged with disdain. "Don't forget your mission; you're not here for sightseeing! Besides, do you think I don't know what you're up to? With your paltry skills, you think you can make a fortune in this world?"

Jukeli retorted inwardly, "Hey, hey, hey, Little White, that's not right. I, Jukeli, am a transmigrated man, how can you look down on me like that? Besides, I'm here for a mission, aren't I? Look, I even tricked Avril into coming!"

Just then, Avril seemed to sense something, turning her head coldly and staring sharply at Zhuklee. "What are you muttering about?"

Zhu Keli suddenly felt a chill and quickly waved his hands, explaining, "Nothing, nothing, I was just admiring the beautiful scenery!"

Avril scoffed. "Stop with the sweet talk. If it weren't for that wristband you have, I would have dumped you on the side of the road long ago."

Jukeli chuckled awkwardly, secretly relieved that he was still somewhat useful.

Just then, Little White spoke in his mind again: "Juckley, don't get too cocky. If it weren't for me, you wouldn't even know how to use that wristband."

"Come on," Juklee rolled his eyes inwardly. "You're just a Ringwraith, aren't you? All you do is act like a ghost, only good for scaring little kids. If it weren't for me, you'd still be gathering dust in that dilapidated temple!"

"What did you say?" Xiaobai's voice suddenly turned shrill. "If you look down on me, I'll leave you here and make sure you don't complete your mission!"

Just as Jukele and Little White were arguing in their minds, a strong chill descended from the sky. The three looked up and saw Adrian riding his frost dragon, swooping down from the sky and landing in front of them.

"Where are you going?" Adrian dismounted from his dragon, his gaze sharp as he stared at Juklee. "Hand over the Dragon Knight's heirloom, and I may let you go."

Seeing Adrian's serious expression, Juckley couldn't resist teasing him, "My lord Dragon Knight, don't be so tense! We just want to go to Dragon Lake to enjoy the scenery and admire the spectacular sight of dragons soaring through the air. We won't use our bracers recklessly. Besides, you don't look like you're any good at fighting. How about we have a little spar?"

Upon hearing this, Adrian's face immediately darkened. "Arrogant brat, do you know who you're talking to? I am Adrian, the Frost Dragon Knight, one of the most powerful dragon knights on the entire continent!"

Juckley curled his lip dismissively. "The most powerful dragon knight? Then how come you can't even find a bracer and have to steal one from us?"

Adrian was enraged by Juklee's words and was about to explode when Avril suddenly spoke up: "Enough! Juklee, if you keep talking nonsense, I'll throw you into Dragon Lake to feed the fish!"

Juckley quickly shut his mouth; he didn't want to actually be thrown into Dragon Lake. Adrian looked at Juckley and Avril, his eyes filled with suspicion. "Who exactly are you? Why are you searching for the Dragon Knight's heirloom?"

Avril paused for a moment, then said, "I need the power of the bracers to fight the dark mage and save my kingdom."

"A dark mage?" Adrian's expression changed upon hearing the name. "You...you want to fight against Augustus?"

"You know him?" Juckley asked, a sly glint in his eyes. "He wouldn't happen to be your old flame, would he?"

Adrian glared at Juklee, “Insolence! Augustus was once my teacher, but he has now fallen into darkness and become the embodiment of evil.”

“Oh? Teacher,” Juklee said meaningfully, “it seems there’s quite a story between you two. Could it be that you were dumped by him and now you want revenge?”

Adrian suddenly drew his sword, pointing it at Jukli's nose, "If you dare utter another word of nonsense, I'll cut your tongue out!"

Jukeli was so frightened that he backed away repeatedly. "No, no, no, it was just a joke, Dragon Knight, please don't be angry."

Avril couldn't stand it any longer and said coldly, "Juckley, if you utter another word of nonsense, I'll hand you over to Adrian."

Juklee immediately fell silent, obediently shutting his mouth.

Adrian sheathed his sword, took a deep breath to calm himself, and then asked, "Why are you fighting against Augustus? What grudge do you have against the dark mage?"

Avril was silent for a moment, then told Adrian about her background and experiences, as well as how the dark mage Augustus killed her parents and usurped her throne.

After listening, Adrian was filled with sympathy and anger. He looked at Avril and said firmly, "Avril, I understand how you feel, but revenge won't solve anything; it will only plunge you into endless pain and darkness. You should let go of your hatred and seek new hope."

“Hope?” Avril sneered. “My hope was destroyed by Augustus long ago! I can only… can only…” Her voice choked with emotion.

Seeing Avril's pain, Juckley felt a pang of pity.

He walked over to Avril, gently patted her shoulder, and said, "Avril, you still have us. We'll help you. Even though I might seem unreliable at times, I'll never let you down when it counts!"

“That’s right, Avril,” Juckley said to Little White in his mind. “Although I often bicker with this guy, we’re both on your side. You’re not fighting alone.”

Adrian approached Avril. "Avril," he said, "I'm willing to help you reclaim the throne, but please promise me you'll abandon your desire for revenge. Don't let hatred blind you. I too have walked this path of vengeance, and in the end, I only lost myself."

Avril looked at the two men in front of her. They both expressed genuine concern and help for her, which made her feel a long-lost warmth in her heart.

“I…I don’t know…” Avril said softly, her mind still in turmoil.

“I know this is a difficult decision for you,” Adrian said, “but don’t rush into it. I’ll stay by your side until you find the answer.”

Juckley added, "Yes, Avril, we'll all be with you. Whatever decision you make, we'll support you. Even if you asked me to take on Augustus one-on-one, I... uh... I'd consider it!"

Little White couldn't help but complain in Jukely's mind, "Come on, if you went to fight Augustus one-on-one, you probably wouldn't even be able to get through the gate before being sent back."

Jukeli retorted inwardly, "Hey, Little White, you're really underestimating me! I'm the protagonist with the protagonist's halo, how could I be defeated so easily?"

"Protagonist halo?" Adrian asked疑惑地, "What's that?"

Just as Juckley was about to explain, Avril interrupted their conversation. Looking at her two companions, each with their own agendas yet both willing to help her, a warm feeling welled up inside her.

“Thank you,” Avril said softly, tears welling in her eyes. “I...I will seriously consider your suggestions.”

Seeing this, Zhu Keli quickly changed the subject: "Since we share the same goal, let's hit the road together! I know the way to Longhu, we can talk as we go. Who knows, we might even encounter some interesting things along the way!"

Avril and Adrian had no objections, and the three reached an agreement to cooperate temporarily and travel to Longhu together.

“Oh, right,” Jukley suddenly remembered something and turned to Adrian, “don’t you have an ice dragon? Why don’t we just ride it and fly there? Wouldn’t that be faster?”

Adrian shook his head. "There's a powerful magical barrier around Dragon Lake; ordinary flying mounts can't get close. We'll have to go on foot."

"Huh? That's so boring," Juklee muttered to himself, pursing his lips.

Little White's voice echoed in his mind, "Juckley, stop dreaming. With your skills, you couldn't even ride a donkey, let alone a dragon."

"Hey, Little White, can't you wish me well for once?" Jukeli thought to himself, dissatisfied. "I'm your master, can't you give me any face?"

"Hmph, you think you're worthy of being my master?" Little White sneered. "If it weren't for that damned contract, I wouldn't be following a piece of trash like you!"

Jukele and Little White started another round of banter in their minds, while to outsiders he simply rode his horse thoughtfully, occasionally flashing a strange expression. Adrian and Avril noticed Jukele's unusual behavior but didn't ask any questions, focusing instead on the journey ahead.

And so, this strange group embarked on their journey to Longhu.

As the sun set, their shadows stretched exceptionally long. The road ahead was filled with unknowns and challenges, but in their hearts, they each held a glimmer of hope—a hope to overcome the darkness and usher in the light.

Unseen by them, a pair of cold, sinister eyes watched all of this unfold. The dark mage Augustus stood atop his tower, a sinister smile playing on his lips.

“Come, my pieces,” he murmured, “let’s play a fun game.”